Melting Pot

There is an advertisement on TV that encourages us to buy their services in order to check one's heritage.  It always amuses me as I sit there thinking about my own heritage. I said to my husband the other day that if I did that test I'm sure I would find that I am German, French, British, English and "hick"! We both laughed because my sister often tells others that "hick" is written right across my forehead! 

In light of all that is going on in our government regarding keeping the country safe, travel bans, Muslims, etc. there are plenty of us who look back in our own history with pictures in our picture boxes, that tell a family journey from foreign lands to the USA. Many of us have deep concern for those trying to escape horrible, repressive homelands. 

Our own little town of Two Rivers, WI would not be on the map were it not for those French Cree individuals who traveled down from French Canada, settling and developing the fishing heritage of this wonderful city. Many of you have similar stories in your own families. 

So, this July 4, 2017, let us be thankful for the freedoms we have enjoyed and continue to enjoy living in our melting pot of these great United States. Let us pray that we may continue to enjoy those freedoms of free speech, religious liberty and other things. Pray for individuals whose hearts are riddled with prejudice that they be touched and melted by God's love and grace!  

Enjoy the holiday with safe travels and good times with family and friends. May God bless each of you and God Bless America!  

I am a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. If you would like to make an appointment with me, contact me at 920.793.3530. 

Teddy Bears

The other night I was sitting with someone from church as we discussed some things related to the services there. It was nearly dark when I looked up and saw a bear walk past the porch outside.  It was a young one from last year. 

The next night my husband and I were wondering if we would see a bear again but nothing was happening so I went to get ready for bed. In a few minutes he came in excitedly saying I had "missed it,"  that a momma bear had walked through the yard with 4 babies following her.

When he told me those little babies were so small they looked like "teddy bears" it just warmed the cockles of my heart! The very next day our neighbor posted pictures of that same momma bear with her babies that had come into their yard!  I got to see them after all!  It was a good second best to see them on a picture, rather than in real life. 

Have you ever been disappointed that life wasn't what you wished it had been on first inspection, no matter what that detail was, but in the end, the alternative was just fine? Life is like that with its disappointments, twists and turns but when we accept life on life's terms we come to an acceptance beyond understanding some days! So, when we miss the real bears walking by, it's not too late to enjoy the view in a picture... four little "teddy bears" with their momma!

If you would like a spiritual director to share life's disappointments with and a spiritual companion as you come to accept life on life's terms contact me at 920.793.3530 or go to my web: mollylafond.com to email me. 

Rest Notes

Lemon and Muffin

These past three weeks have been quite trying with a situation that I have dreaded since day one and that was losing my wonderful, sixteen-year old furry companion, Lemon, our cat. Lemon had developed thyroid issues and now moderate kidney issues. To make a very long story short, he went to "kitty heaven" June 8, 2017. His brother, litter mate, Muffin, died 4 years ago.  Both were such a part of our lives and only pet owners understand how they are "family members";the loss is some times gut-wrenching. 

Have you ever experienced something huge in your own life that just about sucked all the energy out of your body and spirit? I have often used an analogy of the rest beats in a score of music in referring to our lives at times.  Too often we can get caught up in the actual music notes but don't think much about the rest beats in it.

Often there is not a note for each beat, so what happens then in that music score? We take a rest!!  There are signs in music that show us how long to hold the rest note. Some folks live their lives thinking "doing" is the most important thing, with incessant activity from morning to night, because they "don't want to miss anything!"  

Have you ever found yourself, even in a house of prayer, a religious service or trying to pray certain prayers only to wander off, not concentrate and be a thousand miles away thinking about other things?  You're not alone! Even in one's prayer life it is possible to not have any "energy" for words, concentration,actions or even specific conversation with God.

These are the times when simply "being with" God, sitting quietly or offering those times and day are sufficient. Our intention of offering all our daily struggles, merits, etc. is a wonderful way of being with God. I do think of Jesus hanging on that cross...and then it's easier to forgive myself when I want to beat myself up for "failing" for what I do not "do" in my prayer life. 

Well, when the body stops, eating stops, talking stops, chores stop, prayer falters, feelings and emotions must be honored. It's amazing what happens when we are willing to be honest with our insides.  Yes, when raw emotions come up, having someone who will simply "be with" us and allow us those pauses when we must rest until we can speak, move or talk again, is a gem of a friend. 

http://www.musicnotes.com/blog/2014/04/11/
how-to-read-sheet-music

So, when circumstances have us in a spot that is challenging let us remember the "rest notes" in our symphony of life.  If we honor those rest notes our day will offer us a unique melody we won't forget!

If you would like a spiritual companion to journey with you in the "rest notes" of your life, call me to make an appointment.  I am a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  920.793.3530