"60 Seconds of Terror!"

This morning a most horrific attack occurred in Columbus, Ohio on the campus of The Ohio State University when an assault occurred injuring nine. The suspect was killed. 

In this month of November, gratitude is often spoken of.  There is much to be grateful for in this situation on campus: first responders, campus police, the Columbus police, FBI, staff of OSU and others in their quick response to the call within a minute. Their actions, according to the Ohio governor, will "be a lesson to campuses all across America!"

Let us share a moment of prayer of gratitude, along with prayers for those injured, their families and friends. The suspect, his family and all those troubled with intentions of harming others also need our prayers, that they find God's peace in troubled times. 

Please share this post with your family and friends. Perhaps each one of us can help one other person with our prayers. When others know we are praying for them, I do know how that lifts them up, giving them strength and hope to not give up in their own struggles.  Prayers are very powerful; we are not helpless! 

 (OSU) Buckeyes

Fighting the dark forces can be accomplished in ways we may be surprised at if we would give our persistent effort!  Thank you! And God bless the students, families, friends and staff involved at The Ohio State University today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lake out There!

A friend and I were visiting over a cup of coffee, when I noticed something outside, through the brush and trees.  It was the little lake on the neighbors' property out back, glittering with the sunlight bouncing off it. I excitedly pointed it out to her when she said, "I didn't know there was a lake back there." 

She had to scoot over on the couch to get the same vantage point I had in order to see it, at first not able to see the reflection; then she saw it. This little pond of water, probably only a refuge for water foul, has offered me this view since the trees and brush have been stripped bare this fall. It easily could be missed!

This shimmering little lake makes me smile! It reminds of situations in our life that we can't see, those times when we need someone else to point details out as well as needing to "scoot over" on the couch of life to get a better view.  If I hadn't pointed this scene out, had not taken the time nor had the patience, this moment would have been lost. My friend would still not realize there's a lake out there. 

How many times do each one of us miss the "lake out there?" Sometimes we might prefer the beauty of springtime or the full foliage of summer however, how many of us have the patience and willingness to look through all the "trees and brush" of a person's life who are different from us: political views, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, skin color, etc. etc.? Can you just imagine what an exciting day it could offer if each one of us took the time to ask that person to share their viewpoint, and then really take it all in?  Wonder how rich that visit would be?  

(Feel free to share these posts with friends!)

I am a spiritual director, taking new clients. I am able to see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. To make an appointment or discuss spiritual direction call 920.793.3530. To subscribe to my blog, see MollyLaFond.com

It's a Miracle!

Have you ever met someone who was an absolute delight to be around: a warm smile, a gleam in the eye, as if their whole insides were filled with inner magnets? Just being around them made your day. Have you ever felt this way yourself? Have you ever wondered what they do to have such a demeanor? 

I have had the blessed opportunity to watch individuals over a period of time coming for spiritual direction. Folks come and talk about a myriad of things; no two are the same. It's as if a miracle is occurring in their spirit. And then they share something to the tune that life is going quite well, and even when there might be curve balls in their day, they are living a very peace filled life.  

Their are times when I'd like to pat myself on the back and smile to myself (you know, maybe taking a little credit), until I think back over time and then I realize that I did nothing but allow the spirit (I call the Holy Spirit) space to make a difference in the seeker's life. 

There are many different ways of working a spiritual program. One in particular is the 12 Step Program but even if a person is in a 12 Step program spiritual direction is a great gift! 

There is one similarity between the two: both allow the participant time to speak with no advise giving!  And like a miracle, walking out of either meeting, a person feels like a balloon filled with helium; so much lighter than before! Hard to explain but amazing to experience! If this is something you might consider for yourself, why not give me a call! 


If any of my posts have inspired you, I invite you to share them with your friends!

I am a spiritual director and have offices in both Two Rivers and Crivitz, Wi. I am taking new appointment at this time.  If you would like to make an appointment for spiritual direction, call 920.793.3530.  To subscribe to my blog see: MollyLaFond.com