Finally!

It's been a weird, warm winter. Christmas came and went with no snow. When we have had such long winters other years, it is nice to know it won't be as long this year but still, the economy depends on winter activities: skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. Not to be disappointed! We sit and watch TV, hunkered inside, as the news says the first winter snow is raging outside, expecting to bring 8-12" of snow! It's even thundering, thunder snow!

The only thing that thrills me is looking forward to using our snow blower tomorrow simply to make sure it works OK, to keep it running. You know...use it or lose it! It has been really nice to act like it was still fall with no need to wear boots or cuddle duds for warmth. I would rather be mowing grass but, it still is winter in Wisconsin. 

Isn't it funny that with every season the conversation changes for what's happening.  Last week it was Christmas, this coming week it's New Year's, today it's a snow storm.  Yesterday it was a Packer's Game! Sometimes these situations can get our goat, frustrate us, worry us...perhaps enough to really get us down. Can't do a thing about any of them!

How can some individuals be happy, contented, peaceful and serene in most situations?  Blessed Mother Teresa said for her it was her prayer life, silencing herself, that helped her cope with what was going on around her.  As she quieted the clutter inside and outside of herself she was able to listen to what God wanted to speak to her. Maybe this is a wonderful consideration for a New Year's resolution, to take time to quiet ourselves in order to listen to God. 

When I listen to God in the depth of my heart I can then really enjoy the snowstorm, the wind, and the beauty going on outside.  I don't have to fret about what might happen if wind gusts knock over trees or power lines. For right now it's a winter wonderland. After all, we've been looking forward to this snow for quite a while and it's finally here! Let's enjoy it!

Merry Christmas!

The Miracle

"Stick around long enough to enjoy the miracle!"  Yes, but that entails a wait. Waiting?  Wait for what? Well, what don't we wait for? We are waiting for Christmas to come, for the days to be longer with more light, for spring, then summer...many things. For many just beginning a recovery program with addictions it is quite a wait to  feel a sense of peace and joy. The "miracle" takes quite some time.  

For those who suffer, sometimes it is hard to not get caught up in impatience, bitterness and dread. Some come through the  other side of suffering like pure silver, much more beautiful because of it. For those who don't, though, they find they are irritable, and rather than being a better person with more understanding and compassion, their emotions are cold and unresponsive with little ability to respond to others, unable to love anymore.  They actually shrink from those who really do care for them.  

Even in nature: flowers, trees, and animals need a period of gestation, the waiting-time everything needs in order to bear fruit in life. As we wait for Christmas, Advent is a season of gestastion, a spiritual preparation for Christmas.  

What do each of us do, with whatever suffering we may be encountering,  with this time before Christmas, this time of Advent? Our waiting during Advent can certainly be a time of growth as well as hiding and darkness. Each of us must be patient, not only with the days to come but in due time all the tensions of this season can give way to a splendid peace. For Christians, of course, this is the time of the birth of the Christ child but each one of us is called to "stick around long enough to enjoy the miracle". We wait, we prepare, we anticipate!   May God's peace be with each of us. 

Peace on Earth

https://youtu.be/fH2FekyDKdw

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.  This song brings me to tears, so much so I am sharing this link for you to listen to yourself. I hope you can open it up. If not, perhaps go to the site as typed above. 

When I reflect on  how peace can begin with a single  person I am very grateful for those in my life who have modeled kindness, compassion, tolerance and a peaceful attitude rather than one of aggression, hatefulness and exclusion. 

Can you just imagine if each one of us did that, very consciously, how that behavior could be the one flame that could ignite the world into peace? One by one, how each of us could make a difference in a huge way...imagine the ripple effect...in our homes, cities and the world. This should be the season of peace although, every day should be a season of peace!

Yes, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me...with each and every one of us!





Molly LaFond is a spiritual director in Two Rivers, WI. She can be reached for an appointment at: 920.793.3530 or mollylafond.com

Decorating

Christmas boxes are coming out, trees are coming inside, lights in and out are lighting up...'tis the season, transforming our homes for this Christmas season once again. For many however, this also is a season of transforming our hearts. 

We can transform our homes but it becomes difficult to transform our hearts alone. In some church readings we are encouraged to turn to the Source of all life. The image of an old stump with a new shoot coming from it is used giving hope to a despondent people. 

It is true, our hearts can become heavy-hearted from daily situations, daily worries and world concerns. These events can be so much in the headlines that we may miss all the ways that God comes into our lives, bringing us peace.

Let us ask God to strengthen our hearts, hoping our ability to love more fully becomes evident this wonderful season. God can bring us new life in ways we might not imagine, even if perhaps our hearts have grown colder with life. How can each one of us awaken to the true meaning of this Christmas season?  Where would each of us like a true transformation? 

As We Prepare

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving

“We give thanks to our Heavenly Father, who, through so many friends and through so many means and channels, has allowed us to construct this wonderful edifice of the spirit in which we are now dwelling—this cathedral whose foundations already rest upon the corners of the earth.”  From: “As Bill Sees It” pg. 155

From Third Chair Spiritual Direction and Molly LaFond, we wish you blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Molly LaFond is a spiritual direction and is now taking new clients. She can be reached at 920.793.3530. For more information see: mollylafond.com

A Full And Thankful Heart

A Full And Thankful Heart

             

“One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my blessings and then for a right acceptance of the many gifts that are mine—both temporal and spiritual.  Here I try to achieve a state of joyful gratitude.  When such a brand of gratitude is repeatedly affirmed and pondered, it can finally displace the natural tendency to congratulate myself on whatever progress I may have been enabled to make in some areas of living.

I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits.  When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever know.”   From: “As Bill Sees It” pg. 37


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and can be reached for an appointment at 920.793.3530. For more information also see: mollylafond.com

Experiences of Prayer

"One of the experiences of prayer is that it seems that nothing happens. But when you stay with it and look back over a long period of prayer, you suddenly realize that something has happened." Henry Nouwen, THE GENESEE DIARY

Let Us Pray!

Dear God,

We lift up in prayer all those affected by the horrific Paris situation, for all killed, injured, their families/friends, for those in government, the military as well as for the nation and world. We pray, too, for the attackers, for those still planning attacks, for a conversion of their hearts, that they will be guided by God's grace and not by the evil one. 

 Amen

So much...

So much to see and just as much time to see it in! It's been a wonderful morning, even it it is only 2 am at night. I decided to do some things in the kitchen and happened to look out the window.  I saw a deer just leaving the yard.  I finished the cooking and dishes and decided to go to the porch to just sit and watch the "outdoor channel."  

Pepper, my cat, crawled up on my lap for a long zen moment and within minutes three flying squirrels glided to the oak trees. One

From Sialis.org

began playing "ring around the rosy" on a suet holder and finally clung on for dear life as he ate the suet.  As small as the spaces were between the wires on it, I couldn't figure out how that little rascal could get anything out of it because it really is for the birds, not the squirrels!

Then, one by one, five deer walked in to feed. I had corn out. Two of the deer were momma does and both had young ones from spring with them.  They stayed the longest time, lingering, eating, and many times perking up to listen and look.  Winds were very, very strong; my wind chimes were really playing. It had poured cats and dogs earlier. A cold front was coming into the area. The weather channel was certainly correct with the predictions of when the wind, rain and cool down would occur. 

I got to thinking that many times watching for deer, squirrels or anything remotely exciting outdoors is like watching, waiting and experiencing God's presence.  Have you ever experienced this at all? Sometimes it just feels like dry bones or a dry desert time in life; no matter what prayers or talking to God I do, I come up empty. 

Thank goodness those times don't last forever.  Rather than fretting and getting bent out of shape and upset I just sit here, watching the outdoors, then bingo...characters of creation come to life:  flying squirrels, deer, wind, falling leaves, swaying trees, and the wonderful sounds that go with it! The strongest rainstorm preceded all of this about an hour ago, pelting the roof and windows. 

Have you discovered that when you just sit with the present with no expectations, but with full awareness of surroundings and "life," that the world opens up in magnificent ways?  This night the more "present" I was with the present, the outdoor channel came alive with all of God's creation! Now I think I'll go back to bed and see if there is anything on the "dream channel." Thank you, God, for a wonderful display of your love and beauty and presence! 

Nite John Boy...Nite Mary Ellen! 

Old Dogs

Have you ever needed a new "set of eyes" for a situation in order to give you renewed energy and optimism?  I have.  This past week I just met with a person who has good experience in social media situations.  I explained some things to her in my world which she validated but then explained and showed me some new considerations. It was exciting but then even though I shake my head "yes" that I understand it all, I can walk away and not be able to explain a thing of it! 

Simon

I think of the saying, "like trying to teach an old dog new tricks!" However, once this old dog learns the new stuff, I do have it! Electronics and social media are not the only things that sometimes baffle me; sewing ranked right up there, too, for quite a while. 

Then I experienced the word "patience". There really are people willing to take the time to sit with us as we ask our questions and are vulnerable with what we don't know.  Not everyone is as impatient as me but trusting there are others out there to help us is another thing. This is where I must "listen" to other folks who might refer me to a source but on a deeper scale, sometimes it is actually listening to God speaking through others.  The more I am open to that "small, still voice" of God, the more it amazes me how it is right there for each of us. 

This journey is not always a straight line.  It is more like a sail boat on open water with winds that get us off course but with persistence we "tack our sails" and keep going in the right direction.  I guess it's true, "life is a journey, not a destination!"


For a spiritual direction appointment with Molly, call 920 793.3530. For more information, see mollylafond.com

Old Markers

National Road Marker

While returning from a trip a few weeks ago I took old Route 40, which runs parallel to Interstate 70 between Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio. Route 40 was an east-west road known as the National Road, crossing a total of 12 states. In Ohio this road stretched from Wheeling, West Virginia, to Maysville, Ohio. Some of the old mile markers can still be seen along the sides of the road there. I grew up seeing these markers along the National Road. 

This old sign brought back many memories of travel on Route 40 as well as the cars my parents traveled in. Travel was slower, mostly single lanes and often bumpy. There was no cruise control, no air conditioning and no frequent waysides along the way.  We didn't know any better. We had heard of horse and buggy travel so this was great...then. 

The old road has been replaced by faster, wider and easier roads to drive.  The signage is much different, easier to read and often with electronic capability to alert drivers for increased safety. I would much rather travel on this kind of highway. 

How often do we compare our behaviors and situations with then and now, often judging ourselves from today's perspectives? Do we beat ourselves up, saying we "should have" done something differently or do we embrace the past and know how it has helped shape the present? Often we can help reshape the present in very wonderful, positive ways. On a personal level, ways and events of the past can influence us in the  present in order to live life differently, more lovingly and compassionately than our past might have been. 

Choices to upgrade the National Road making travel much easier and comfortable were not without resistances,  challenges and frustrations. However, on a personal level, there are times when we would like to hang on to behaviors of the past. What kind of a person do we want to be and what must be done to become that person?  What "markers" are we following now compared to yesterday. There is no need to regret the past nor shut the door on it but each day is a new day for spiritual progress for each of us!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and is now taking new clients. She is able to offer appointments in either location of Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. She can be reached at 920 793-3530. For more information also see:mollylafond.com

Daylight Savings Time

It seems like yesterday when the sun was rising very, very early, maybe 4 am or a bit later. Yesterday I headed off for a destination at  6 am and the crack of dawn was only becoming obvious. Daylight Savings Time ends at the end of this month but that will wreck havoc with daylight at the end of the day!  I hate that thought!

More importantly though, how do we deal with light and dark in our own lives? Do we realize that we actually have the ability to change and transform darkness into light? It depends the light within us that we are able to shed on that darkness that makes the difference. We have known this all along, that our thoughts make or break us in situations. 

Think of being outside in an area where there are absolutely no building or street lights around.  We can scare ourselves to death thinking wild animals are lurking behind the trees or look up to the stars and think of the wonder of creation, seeing the Big Dipper and if lucky, maybe even the Aurora Borealis!  

We actually need the darkness, as well as the light.  It is intertwined. Figuratively, how do each of us light up our path of life each day with our thoughts and activities? We can surround our selves with others to talk things out with when we're afraid, we can prepare for those dark times in ways that give us more confidence. By choosing our path, perhaps taking another path, light will come, rather than darkness. Imagining a scenario that sheds light on a situation may help. There are so many options each one of us can personalize for ourselves. 

So, when we're cranky because of the short days we can say that no sooner than the day seems so short and dark, before we know it, each day will begin to get longer and lighter!  This happens every year, whether we like it or not. What choice will we make this day? Choose to shed light in those otherwise dark areas with optimistic thoughts? Maybe these next couple of months won't seem so long after all.  The days will begin to get longer and lighter December 22.  At least they did last year and the year before that...and that!! 

Buffalo "Wallows"

Black Hills Bison

While in the Black Hills recently for the Buffalo Round Up, buffalo "wallowing" caught my attention. The only thing I ever associated "wallowing" with was if someone was "wallowing in a pity pot" but it is really a good thing for buffalo and other animals. 

Buffalo wallow in order to keep cool, avoid biting insects, for sun protection and grooming or sometimes just to have fun! As they wallow a depression in the soil is made and that depression helps create a water source when it rains, as well as altering the soil. 

I was pondering just how our own "wallowing" is beneficial to us and others. This comes on the heels of just spending some wonderful time with a long time friend who will be 90 years old in a week. We lingered over lunch last week for over two hours sharing and reminiscing! This time was delightful. 

Animal wallows are all different, depending on the animal. Ours are too. What one person considers to be a "wallow", (perhaps quilting or painting), another person would find completely of no interest. What is that for each of us...something that fills our spirit as we spend time experiencing an interest, savoring or delighting in?  It's amazing how a marvelous animal such as a Black Hills buffalo can be so inspiring!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and is now accepting new clients.  She offers appointments our of either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. For more information see: mollylafond.com

Ocean of Love

This past week I celebrated "Sibs' Week" with my four siblings, a tradition we started after our oldest sister died. As we were in the middle of celebrating the first "siblings' week" our sister, Susie, had fractured her arm as a result of a rapid cancer and was hospitalized. We spent that time together but most of the time in the hospital. 

Ocean

This year, while in the Outer Banks of N.C, my sister, Sheri, shared how the ocean gives her inspiration and recounted several thoughts: how the ocean and waves were always there, just like God's love,  the salty water allows us to float easily and relax just like the hand of God steadying us, knowing He has our back. 

Further thoughts: the sea provides food and water,similar to God providing nourishment for our soul. The tides coming and going, something we can count on. 

The salt water is healing and even clears sinuses!! The waves are fun to play in or just ride on top of providing a one-with-nature kind of mindfulness. That's where she feels closest to God.

Some days the waves are big enough to knock us down and we sputter trying to catch our breath along with firm footing.  Some days the waves are calm and the water is clear blue.  That's how our lives are. Sometimes we are shaken up and it takes awhile to make sense of everything.  That's when she remembers that God's hand is steadying her and helping her to float. 

God is providing what she needs even though it may not be what she "thought" she needed or wanted.  She was able to look back and see that the hard crashing waves made her not only stronger but closer to God. 

Where do you feel closest to God?  Siblings' week brought us more than just being together.  It brought us the sights and sounds of the ocean and one another.  More than that, though, I think we also renewed our awareness that with God, we have an ocean of love every day, not just during siblings' week. 

Home Before the Storm

Bee Hive

My brother, Dan, who is a beekeeper, just came in the house and told me about two bee hives outside.  All the bees, about 80,000 of them, were returning to the hives much earlier because of a storm that is approaching. Otherwise, they don't return to the hive until dark.  It is only 5pm. 

It was so amazing to watch...like planes in the sky coming in to land. All the bees were coming in, none going out from the hives.  You could see them quite easily coming in, circling, even bumping in to me, as they then landed and went into the hives.  

Dan then explained how he had shared this information with the new members of the bee club. They were completely oblivious of this phenomenon, not ever having heard this information before.  I hadn't either. 

On a bigger scale, how many of us see signs and wonders around us on a spiritual level. The bees  certainly have some instinct to tell them the weather is getting bad, enough to head home.  How many of us listen to the quiet whisper of God, or a Higher Power, encouraging us to be a better person? To do the right things, like forgiving others, helping others, to let others know what God has done for us.

When dark clouds of storms threaten our day, our life and our very serenity, where do we go to find safe shelter, to go "home"? Where is our "home" before and during the storms of our life? It is there for each of us, but we each must fly that route ourselves. 

Tie Up Your Camel!

Have you ever had something happen that made you wonder if God was watching out for you? Like your car "dying" in the middle of driving? I really mean "die"...where the steering went out, the motor died and even after you luckily were able to coast into a parking spot, found yourself locked in the car and not one thing worked, including being unable to unlock the doors to get out...in 80 degree heat, all windows up?  

Well, it happened to me!  Honest!!!! I was at the edge of a hospital parking lot with no traffic around and no visibility for anyone to see me. Want to see a panic attack happen fast?  I thought with very little humor, "what a wonderful way to die: right here with the highway over there, plenty of cars back there in the lot, and my cell phone at home!!" I tried everything: considered somehow getting into the trunk to see if the release would pull but the trunk was filled, packed for a trip.  I tried kicking out the window but they are not kick able! 

Then I prayed: "God help!!"  Yea, I can hear it, "why didn't you pray first?" Well, if you've ever had a panic attack, it over rides just about everything...and it did. I was beyond scared!  At least I prayed what I could. But then the amazing thing happened.  I crawled into the back seat in case someone drove by. I could at least wave to try and get their attention. Within a minute a car drove by, me waving frantically, the driver waving back, until he detected something not right.

Thank goodness, thank God, he had a cell phone, called 911, who told him where the manual release is on the inside of the door.  That did the trick, I got out.  Some may say, "wow, what a coincidence!"  I also told Matt, my knight in shining armor, that he came immediately after I had said a prayer. Luck?  Coincidence? It's not what I think! 

My faith says it was God's way of remaining anonymous. Faith is fine but believe me, I am going to check for manual releases in the next cars I get it!  Anthony DeMello, a wonderful spiritual speaker of the past has said, "In God we trust, but still tie up your camel!!" 

"Life's Lessons"

There are times in one's life when all the world seems to turn against us.  Our motives are misunderstood, our words misconstrued, an unkind word reveals to us the unfriendly feelings of others.

The fact is, that it is rare when injustice, or slights, patiently born, do not leave the heart at the close of the day filled with a marvelous sense of peace--perhaps not at once--but after you've had a chance to reflect a bit.  It is a seed God has sown, springing up and bearing fruit.

We learn, as the years roll onward and we leave the past behind, that much we had counted sorrow, but proved that God is kind; that many a flower we'd longed for had hidden a thorn of pain, and many a rugged by-path led to fields of ripened grain.

The clouds that cover the sunshine, they cannot banish the sun.  And the earth shines out the brighter when the weary rain is done.  We must stand in the deepest shadow to see the clearest light, and often through Wrong's own darkness comes the welcome strength of Right.

                                                                Ella Wheeler Wilcox


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director, accepting new clients at this time.  She is able to offer appointments in either of two locations: Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. She can be reached at 920.793.3530. For more information see: mollylafond.com

Labor Day Weekend

Plaster Handprint

May the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!








Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and is able to offer appointments in one of two locations: Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. She is accepting new clients at this time. Call 920 793.3530 or see mollylafond.com for more information. 

The Weather Channel

"30% Chance of Rain"

Every day I check the weather. This particular day it said today would be a good day, no rain, nothing to worry about, so my husband and I went out on the lake fishing. At 0530 the lake was like glass, no wind, not a cloud in the sky. As the morning wore on, ripples began.  Way off in the distance the most beautiful cloud formations began coming our way. Then things really started to change: more wind, more waves, dark clouds.  The anchors hardly held. The "30% chance of rain" looked more like 85%!

How often, I thought, has life been like this morning...good for awhile, then sour: infirmities of old age, health, financial challenges, tragedies...you name it. We all know the ups and downs, failures and successes, first hand. What channel should we REALLY be listening to? Sometimes we may watch and listen to too much TV, news and weather reports.  How much time do we take to sit and listen to the HP, G, or HS (Higher Power, God, Holy Spirit) channel? 

Life is much larger than how the weather will be on the lake. Do we ask ourselves, "how is the weather in my life?" Ten minutes tuning in to these channels will certainly help us navigate the "lakes of life" no matter what. When we listen to God, we learn to put our faith in Him. This listening helps us get through those hard times.  As we listen to God in the depths of our being, being anchored to God, those storms are less apt to shake us. These channels will help us in all kinds of weather!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. She is accepting new clients and can be reached at 920 793-3530. For more information see: mollylafond.com

A Wonderful Car

2003 Park Avenue

Have you ever tried selling a car on your own? Well, I'm in the middle of that process and some days life does not move too fast. There is nothing wrong with the old car, it's just that it does not fit the bill for many in need of another car.  And of course, they really would like it for little or nothing.  I could have gotten that amount on a trade in. 

I sometimes can get into my fear with scarey thoughts.  Thinking I will never be able to sell it.  Then words of encouragement come from folks who stop, simply to talk about the car, appreciating the make, model and to share how their car, just like it, gave them such pleasure!  What a delight. 

Today, a great friend helped me put it on Craigslist, showed me how to add pictures and to update it.  I had fears I shared with her but after this time together all my scarey thoughts are gone; confidence is back once again. 

Life can be like this on a bigger front, too. I believe friends are in our lives in order to "be there" for us...and for us to "be there" for them. When it may be easy for some folks, it may be major for others.  We each have gifts we can share with one another, not even realizing how that gift edified the other.  What gift of friendship do each of us have to offer?  Gift of our talent, our time, our financial support...it can be endless. 

So, now that my car is on Craigslist, I pray to be confident someone would like a wonderful car that has been like a good friend in the family...someone to love it and cherish it like I have! 


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director, accepting new clients at this time. She can be reached at 920 793-3530 or for more information see: mollylafond.com

A Paint Job

Last week I tackled a long put-off job of painting the basement steps and walls.  It needed some attention because of cracks that leaked water after a rain. I thought I could just paint it and be done with it but no such thing. 

First, I spent an entire day outside with the air compressor cleaning out the space between the house and foundation, then filling that space up with a filler and caulk. Of course, before that I spent lots of time figuring out those supplies and what caulk to get!!

The next days were spent inside caulking cracks, waiting for the caulk to harden, priming the steps and walls...then I was ready for a nap!!! Finally, I could paint but that wasn't the end of it.  Because of oil based paint, letting it dry 24 hrs. for each coat, that took a couple of days also! What a process! 

Well, what does this have to do with anything, you may ask?  Has it ever dawned on you that life is like this paint job especially when it comes to huge situations that call for forgiveness or acceptance or transitions of life?  It takes time to work through these things. Sometimes it entails much time and many conversations, maybe even some pondering time...maybe a nap!!  Each of us could tell our own stories. 

Painting the basement steps taught me something, though. It taught me patience, persistence, endurance, perseverance and hope.  What do I hope for?  I hope, for sure, that the walls don't leak the next time it rains!! What do you hope for in your life?  Trust the process!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices out of Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. She is taking new clients and can be reached at 920 793-3530. For more information see her website: mollylafond.com

A Thousand Pounds

Many years ago while on an inclusive women's retreat something miraculous happened.  I didn't realize what a thousand pounds felt like until afterward. There must have been about 35 women from all faith backgrounds, and it didn't matter what the backgrounds were.  This time together focused on spiritual matters, not religious.

The days over the weekend spiraled deeper and deeper into self. During one of the sessions I wrote pages and pages of resentments: years of resentments toward people, places, things and institutions. I never imagined what would be asked of us next. "When you are ready, just stand up and say, 'I forgive'." Try it some time; you'll see the challenge!

A miracle afterward...like a thousand pound weight had been lifted from me. R. Scott Hurd's book, "Forgiveness" may describe it better. "When we forgive, we shine the light of Christ's love into a darkened world and we bear witness to the truth that love is stronger than hate."

A thousand pounds!

Now I try to deal with my resentments in a timely manner with forgiveness. It's an inside job that only requires my willingness to do so. Nope, not easy. Life may not have been fair, and I may not have forgotten the deed done, but by forgiving, I can let the issue go, putting it behind me.  Try it, you'll like it! I wonder what our world would look like if everyone practiced forgiveness?  It's also a wonderful way to lose weight!!   


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in two cities: Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  She is taking new clients and can be reached at 920 793-3530. For more information see her website: mollylafond.com   

Three O'Clock in the Mornin'

Baby bear and momma

It was three o'clock in the mornin' and Simon, my friend's dog, began barking furiously at something outside.  I came running to the porch, where Simon's mom was sleeping, to look outside. All we saw was the momma bear at the base of the tree, but she eventually went to the back of the property.  

So, we waited and waited and soon the babies began crying, then hollering for their mom. You could have heard them a country mile away, they were so loud. One by one, they came down and ran for their life to get to their mom...all but one. 

This one didn't know whether to go back up or come down, repeating this behavior several times, until the momma bear came and consoled and prompted him (I'm sure it was a "him"...scaredy cat!). Then mom and baby took off "for the hills"!!

How often do we repeat behaviors not knowing which way to go, hollering and crying for help?  How often do we trust that "momma" or dad is there to help us?  Actually, when mom or dad is NOT there to help us how many of us realize there still is someone to help us...God, Abba, our Higher Power...whoever that divine entity is in our life who can guide, direct and encourage us.  All we must do is cry out for help and we will  be more confident in coming down the tree and running for the hills!!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in two locations: Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  She can be reached at 920.793.3530. For more information see: mollylafond.com

Snapping Turtles

A friend of mine came to the cabin for several days a few weeks ago. A few days before she had come, I had come across four or five snapping turtles in the process of digging their nests to lay eggs. This was right where we parked to fish from shore, so I showed her the nests.  

Snapping Turtle

There was nothing too obvious if I hadn't known ahead of time. Over time, I continued to check these nests.  Eventually I could tell the eggs had hatched; the details in the sand and gravel had changed.  It was all so subtle but very interesting.


This got me to pondering.  Times when we have issues with others, perhaps with relatives, friends or others that become explosive and we scratch our heads wondering what was going on with that other person,have you ever considered that underneath it all,perhaps many years in the past,something occurred that we simply could not see nor understand. In ourselves and others, our past is a treasure-trove of situations that linger in our beings, like snapping turtles' eggs waiting to be hatched. 

If you've ever dealt with real snapping turtles, which I have, you understand their behavior, strength and bite all too well. However, there is also the delicacy of the meat that makes a wonderful stew. How many times do we ask ourselves, "what's underneath it all?" when dealing with frustrating situations?  Yes, we still need to be careful but a bit more insight helps us understand potential areas of concern but at the same time be able to enjoy "delicacies" of the relationship. 


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in two locations:  Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  She can be reached at 920.793.3530 or for more information see: mollylafond.com

Right Side of the Door

Pepper, Lemon and Chipmunk

Look at this picture.  What do you see?  Yes, my two fur balls, Lemon and Pepper, at the threshold on this side of the porch door staring down a local chipmunk! I thought to myself, "What a sight!"  It was such a fun time observing them patiently but very attentively watching that little chippy.  It was obvious if they had had free reign, if they could have gotten beyond that door, they would have wrecked havoc of some sort! 

Then it struck me; I saw something even more obvious than two cats wanting to tear into a chippy.  I saw the barrier, the plexiglas of the door, which was the "conscience" keeping their behavior in check. What a thought to ponder.

What mechanisms are in our own life that keep us on the "right side of the door"?  Each one of us encounters temptations every single day that we'd like to have "free reign" over.  That could be nearly anything from keeping our mouth shut when we'd like to spout off, immoral behavior...you name it. 

Each one of us has an invisible barrier that helps us stay on the "right side".  How do we keep that barrier strong, protecting us from behaviors that might harm others as well as ourselves.  I can't imagine what might have happened with my four-legged kids if they had gotten out...or the chippy!  Us too--what might the repercussions be if we get on the wrong side? Something to think about!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in two locations: Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  To make an appointment, call 920.793.3530. For more information see:mollylafond.com

God Bless America!

God Bless America!

With the news and concerns for the safety of our country this week of Independence Day, let us pause and ask God to wrap his arms of protection around all of us. May you have a wonderful week, nice weather, safe travel, good health and a safe July 4th!  

Our Energy

"We have put as much energy into ending racism as the white supremacist put into their hateful activities.  There is a saying among spiritual directors: Energy goes where attention flows.  Our attention has to flow away from white privilege and toward love, justice and respect for people of all races and background? " 
                                        Teresa  Blythe Facebook post June 18, 2015

Charleston Shootings

A facebook post came to me from Teresa Blythe, director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction, Tucson, AZ, where I was trained. I would like to share it with you in its entirety, in light of the horrendous tragedy in Charleston this past week. Please pause if you would to read this and offer a quiet prayer.  

"Waltrina N. Middleton the lovely person who is National Minister for Youth Advocacy and Leadership in the United Church of Christ lost her cousin in the Charleston shootings.  In an open letter to people of  my denomination she wrote:

Let us put our faith to action and be more than empty drums that have lost their melodies or arrangements.  Let us remove our instruments from the poplar trees and call the people, the public officials, and yes, the church to action to address the festering sores of racism, classism and militarism--as they intersect this culture of  violence.  How can we begin to eradicate this evil without acknowledging the realities of racialized policing, hate crimes, and the disproportionate acts of violence against Black and Brown bodies?"

Let us continue to pray for Waltrina, her family and all who are so intimately touched by this act of terrorism. 

Seeds of friendship

"Plant seeds of friendship and life will be filled with bouquets of happiness." (Author unknown)


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. For more information see mollylafond.com or contact her at 1.920.793.3530.

Sinking boat!

The "saga" continues! Hope you read the post on "busted hoses"! After the "smaller hose" was fixed, with an assurance that the larger one was "ok" my husband and I, once again, went fishing. Nothing had improved, so back the boat went to Fred, our repairman.  He discovered the larger hose needed to be replaced, so that was repaired. Out again we went...more water in the boat. We were just very glad the bilge pump worked. 

Oh,  I forgot to tell you...prior to starting the motor, my husband noticed LOTS of water was coming in the back of the boat.Fred did not put the plug back in. LOTS of water comes in without a plug and I needed to nearly swim to get the plug in!! Thank God for a good bilge pump. However, problems continued.

Again, we took the boat back to Fred.  Having had a keel guard on, and two hoses repaired, this time he wondered if it wasn't the rivets. I told Fred that we were just scared he would not want to talk to us again, bringing the boat back so many times and not being able to find the real problem. He assured me he would be able to fix the rivets, assuming that was now the problem. Who am I to question what might be wrong with a boat but I gently asked if one of the hoses could have come loose.

Well, a phone call from Fred the next day to pick up the boat...ONE OF THE HOSES HAD COME LOOSE!!!  A friend, upon hearing this saga, asked if it wasn't a hassle to keep hauling the boat back and forth to the repairman...I simply said the biggest headache was wondering if the boat could be fixed, being that it is over 25 yrs. old.

How many times in our own lives do things happen, one thing after another, that situations keep occurring and it feels like a merry-go-round that we just can't get off. Many of us have our own stories. Who and what resources do we each have that helps us keep our heads above water, to help keep going, to not throw in the towel? What helps us when our own spirit is challenged beyond belief?  Some have very healthy "repairmen" who assure us they are there for us (God, prayer, spiritual director, meditation practices, etc.). Some are not so helpful (substances, irresponsible behavior, hopelessness, suicide, etc. ). Of course, I needed a neighbor to point Fred out to us.  We're certainly glad he did. Now, we are not alone with a sinking boat!!


Molly LaFond is a Certified Spiritual Director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. For an appointment, call 920 793-3530 or see her webpage at: mollylafond.com

Knocked silly

About 4:30 pm today a beautiful bird was knocked silly after hitting a window here at our place.  It was quite a whack; he was dazed as he sat on the deck. It was several minutes that he just sat there, not wanting to fly. 

When these occurances present opportunity I will pick up the bird; and sometimes my nursing background rears its head as I check for injuries. I patiently and tenderly held this bird until his wits returned.  I then put him back down and in several minutes he flew away. He was OK. 

How many times in life, or a week or day have we been "knocked silly" with a good "whack"?  What do we do to keep our spiritual balance when that happens? I remember when I was called home in 1984 because my dad had a major heart attack.  I needed to talk with someone with whom I thought could listen to me and at that time it was a local priest whom I knew.  It really helped to talk about what was going on in my life, especially since I was five weeks from college graduation. 

This would have been a great time, if there had been one around, to meet with a spiritual director. Times talking with a spiritual director don't have to be about major traumatic situations; we can talk about anything that is important to us.  It is just wonderful to have a "soul-companion" or "spiritual guide" who will receive whatever conversation we bring to that hour's session. To top it off, there are really three entities present in a spiritual direction session, and the process trusts that the divine is really present who really is the spiritual director!

Fishing boats and busted hoses

Geyser!!

Fishing season is upon us, believe it or not!  It's been a long time coming in Wisconsin. The first time out with the boat was a bit harrowing for my husband and me the other day.  We encountered a "leak" in a hose and didn't realize it until we were very far from the boat landing, ready to anchor at our "spot"...when a "geyser" from a ruptured hose threatened to sink us if we didn't high-tail it back to the landing, which we did. 

Luckily, we found someone to repair it and took the boat there the next day. I have been backing trailers since I was eleven years old so it comes quite easily for me. However, when the repairman saw that I was going to do the backing he wasn't quite sure of it all and changed his mind as to where he wanted me to park it. Afterward I commented to him that I didn't think he "trusted" me to know what I was doing.

Trust is one of those words I have been hearing lately in my daily meditation book, especially "trusting God" when my life seems to be going in a direction different than what I think it should be going. There are words of reassurance that God really does know what is going on in my life, with encouragement to "trust God" in all that I do...to stop trying to control it all.  Hmmmm! Isn't that interesting??!! 

I see myself in my boat repair man.  I see my own lack of trust.  I see my own fears, hesitations and insecurities.  How do each of us deal with these very same things?  Is trust a big issue and how do each of us find a way to connect and find peace in knowing someone bigger than each of us can assist us with our daily details...not just when the boat needs to have a leaking hose repaired!? Who is that someone in your life?



Molly LaFond is a certified spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. She can be contacted at 920 793-3530 or for more information see: mollylafond.com 

Momma bear and three babies

Momma bear with baby

The other night the neatest thing happened. My husband hollered from the porch to tell me a mother bear and her three cubs were outside. The three cubs were up the oak tree, momma a short distance away. As I tapped lightly on the window the little ones climbed higher into the tree. It was an obvious reaction to an "intrusion".

The momma left the yard, walked a short distance then came into the back of the property, by the woods...she was out of site but within sight and earshot of her babies.  They were so small, I bet only about 10-15 lbs.  They were talking and making baby sounds for sure...well, baby bear sounds! 

We watched all of this for fifteen minutes.  Then, all of a sudden, as if on cue, all three scurried down the tree and ran at full tilt to the back of the property where momma was. It was obvious that they understood what she was communicating to them, for sure. 

My  husband explained that the momma probably called them and when they heard her, they ran to her. I got to pondering all this. What do we do when there is an "intrusion" in our life...sickness, death, legal matters, financial issues, ramifications from addictions...it could be anything?  Do we run up "trees" or do we have a "voice" of something bigger than us who can guide and direct us into safety, support and a better direction? 

For many of us it is a divine entity: God, Jesus, a Higher Power, even living in a "good orderly direction". How do each of us deal with the "intrusions" of life that naturally come to us? Does that "voice" bring comfort, light and peace in spite of it all? Each of us have a choice as to who we will listen to. Some days when it is difficult to find that "voice" it helps to not go it alone, like the baby bears.  Perhaps a phone call to talk to someone may help, meeting with a spiritual director, praying or going to a 12 Step meeting may help. Each one of us can decide for ourselves but that "still, small voice" is there for each of us to listen to.    


Molly LaFond is a certified spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz Wi. She can be reached at 920 793-3530 for an appointment or see mollylafond.com for more details.

Listening

"Listening is that most human and most divine apostalate of the ear, tiring but which does such good."   Pope Francis



Molly Lafond is a certified spiritual director and can be reached for an appointment at 920 793-3530. She has offices in Two Rivers, WI and Crivitz, WI. For more info see: mollylafond.com

Remember

I am noticing more and more the word "remember".  My husband and I had company the other night and we watched a movie where one of the characters, facing his own death, wondered if he would be remembered after he died. Another one of my friends recently asked me that after she dies, if I would remember and pray for her two sons, who give her cause for concern with their spiritual life. 

Each of us is called to be God-like and maybe our remembering another might also lift them up...perhaps even save them: from pessimism, from worry, discouragement, maybe even self harm. Just knowing someone is remembering them could be the light they need at that time!

What phone call might you make? What note of encouragement or support could you send? How can each of us be more like God, being conscious of ways to remember others through gratitude and praise, letting that other person know we are thinking of them and what they mean to us?

Like the weather

Ever feel like the weather? Some days warm, others chilly? Today it was 27 degrees; week before last in the seventies. Some days my thoughts come freely, other times I'm in quagmire. I am preparing for a presentation May 1 and it feels as if I am going in circles trying to figure out how to say what I want to present. One of my friends, after a recent talk  I gave and knowing how well it went said, "see, it didn't do any good to fret about it!"

I might be fretting but more than that I am trying to simply do a good job, being clear with information I will be sharing. For me, it is different than simply giving information, like I did while working in healthcare assisting patients with advance directives.  Now, I must listen to a quiet, still voice inside of me, that I look to for guidance.  I ask God to assist me in saying something that will be received by my listeners.  Hopefully, what I share will help others in some way, something that might nurture their own spirit. 

Some days it helps to get my hands dirty in the soil, "play in the dirt", rake leaves as I listen and wait. Today, though, I need a jacket on...it's still cold out but I know it will warm up!! I hope soon...May 1 is coming! 

Molly can be reached for spiritual direction at 920 793.3530. She has offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI  For more information go to: mollylafond.com