Letters

Have you ever been in a circumstance that sometimes you just didn't have words and were unable to verbalize and explain what it was all about? I have.  I think of many times, when asked a question, I really couldn't explain and give a good explanation...like a bunch of letters, not yet words.  

Let me touch a bit on spiritual direction.  The more I sit with clients/directees, who come for spiritual direction the more I am in awe of the miracle I see happening in their lives as they share various experiences, challenges and awarenesses.  It's not a fast process nor a "fixing" atmosphere. However, I marvel at how, over time, a "new life" often emerges, which is a miracle to watch!

I think of how another spiritual director, now deceased, Margaret Guenther, often likened the spiritual director as that of a mid-wife...simply assisting and being present as the birth occurred.  That's pretty accurate in my eyes. Spiritual direction is often like that pregnancy and gestation, and over time, what's inside grows, develops and something beautiful comes of it! 

Those letters have transformed into words for this process from others: "it's my safe place," "when you asked that question, it helped me to get to something deeper inside me," and "I look forward to coming." So, maybe spiritual direction isn't something you've ever thought of for yourself, but it could be.  

Courtesy of Pixabay

It's nothing that you have to have words for, nor understand.  It just might be something to consider. Trusting that process may be a good thing! Over time, all the letters may come together!  What have you got to lose?  

If you would like to try spiritual direction for yourself, but you don't have words to explain what it is, you're in good hands.  Consider calling for an appointment at: 920.793.3530.  To see my website, go to: MollyLaFond.com or to subscribe to my posts, scroll all the way down and insert your email.  

Robins...URGENT!

THIS WAS ON FACEBOOK AND BECAUSE OF THE URGENCY I AM POSTING THIS.  IF YOU CLICK ON THE DATE, IT WILL DIRECT YOU TO THE ENTIRE SITE.  WHILE SHOPPING FOR BIRD FOOD TODAY ONE LADY TOLD ME SHE HAD 3 ROBINS THAT WERE DEAD IN HER YARD.  WE NEED TO HELP OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS.  THANK YOU. 

April 17, 2018/ Teresa Sprecher

Last night, into early morning, I took over fifty phone calls, texts and Facebook messages. Most were about weak and dying warblers, robins and woodcocks. Please understand this is an extraordinary situation. More snow and cold temperatures are predicted for Wednesday and Thursday. The birds require your help. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are in desperate need of volunteer drivers for this event specifically. Please call 715-623-4015 or leave a message on Facebook if you can help us. Birds are coming from Marshfield, Stevens Point, Pittsville, Adams Friendship, Wausau, Shawano, Marion and all of the surrounding areas.
This is not a normal spring. The birds can deal with some snow and cold, but not deep snow (30 plus inches) and sustained cold. They have slipped into hypothermia, unable to maintain their own body temperature or keep themselves warm any longer. Birds that eat insects cannot find natural food. They are starving.
If you see a bird that you can pick up, PLEASE do so. Put it in a cardboard box, not a cage or a carrier. Put a towel in the bottom of the box and bring them into a warm area. Put a heating pad on low under part of the box. Cover the box to create an "incubator" of sorts. You are looking for a temperature of about 80 degrees. Put food in the box. Live or dried mealworms and live waxworms work. (obtain from Wildbirds Unlimited ,Gas station/Fleet Farm/Walmart anywhere that sells fishing bait) Keep bird/box away from family pets. Transport the bird as soon as you can to our facility or your local avian wildlife rehabilitation center. 715-623-4015
If you cannot transport the bird, we will try to find a volunteer transporter. If weather again becomes hazardous call for more instructions. Keep the bird warm, well fed, a small non-tip dish of water in the box in the meantime. Do not release while weather conditions remain challenging.
AGAIN: Please keep your bird feeders full. Robins can eat cut-up raisins, dried mealworms, shelled sunflower-seed pieces, frozen blueberries, crumbled suet blocks. Put food on the ground where you see the birds. Robins congregate along rural roads, near stands of pine,spruce or other conifers. You can also feed them in those locations, Make sure the food you put down is off the roadway. If you see a bird in need, PLEASE pick it up and put it in cardboard box with a towel in the bottom. Bring it into a warmed area. Birds are dying of malnutrition and hypothermia and need assistance to get through this horrific weather. Call REGI at 715-623-4015 or your local avian rehabilitator for guidance. We continue to operate without full staff due to weather conditions.
Thank you for your help. Our thanks to the Marshfield Police Dept. for their help last night and to Antigo Police Departments own Officer Bruce Brown for taking the time to help REGI staffer, Ashley, when she got stuck in the deep snow.

April 17, 2018/ Teresa Sprecher

Teresa Sprecher

Beautiful Sight!

Ever sit in your chair and daydream?  Well, in the middle of the snowstorm that's raging outside, its a wonderful time to visit memories in my mind.  I think of these gorgeous flowers and setting that I can't wait to get to!  What a beautiful sight, huh!?

You know, when we're in a pickle during times of being "stuck" in an environment, whether in the house because of a snowstorm, or anything else, it doesn't pay to complain about it. I remember the book, "Acres of Diamonds" of how there are "diamonds" in our own back yard, whatever that means for each of us.  

So, I took it to heart this morning.  I began shuffling and cleaning the shelves in my pantry, organizing and making more room.  Such a menial task, granted, but one I have put off for greater things!  What a better time to do it than today! 

I have to chuckle...what else can I do right here at home?  Oops, don't like that question because now I think of two pair of long pants that need an iron to press some wrinkles out!  Days like this could really get me into trouble, finding more to do than what I gambled for! 

Well, maybe I'll just keep sipping my coffee, watch MORE snow fall out our beautiful picture window and think of more beautiful sights that I long to be near soon.  Of course, it's all relative, when there's more snow on the ground mid April than what we've practically had all winter. Amazing, how thoughts in our mind can keep us content for a while when in reality there's no way of changing circumstances.  What a beautiful sight!!

Ever dream of having someone to share your "beautiful sights" with?  Call me to set an appointment for spiritual direction. This is a gift that may surprise you. I can be reached at: 920.793.3530. To see my website, go to: MollyLaFond.com

Nothing Much!

Ever get a phone call with the caller asking, "whatcha doing?"  Only to reply, "nothing much." Well, that's what the day brought after weather reports shared that a mid-April snowstorm was going to be the main topic of interest for the whole weekend.  So, my husband and I are not doing much!  I love "snow days," "pajama days" or any other lazy reason to do "nothing much."  

It's amazing how I need permission to not leave the house, to just catch up on things here and even write this post.  Life can sort of make a person crazy with all the chasing around that every day life calls us to. Of course, it all seems legitimate when we have errands, shopping, sick calls and various invites. 

It seems that we Americans value a pace of living that de-energizes us so badly.  I am at fault no differently than the next person.  A day like today gives me pause to slow down a little bit, to let go of some guilt for taking personal time, and even to pause to pray and meditate a bit more consciously, rather than at the last hour of the day. 

It's the middle of April and snowstorm Evelyn is blowing through but maybe that's a wonderful thing. 4-12 more inches are expected yet as her second round continues a bit later on.  I know Sunday is a day of rest but there's nothing wrong with beginning with Saturday!  It's great doing "nothing much" once in awhile and on a regular basis!  Thank you, Evelyn!

I am a spiritual direction and am taking new clients at this time.  If you would like to do spiritual direction with me, or have questions, call: 920.793.3530. If you would like to subscribe to my blog just scroll all the way down and put your email address in.  My website is: MollyLaFond.com