Again

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve.  I sit watching the news as the NY stabbing in a home at a Jewish rabbi during Hanukkah  is described only to hear of another hate crime in a church against in Texas. Will it ever stop!! Heinous crimes like these, and others that have occurred this past year, have just been more than a person can bear. Some days I can hardly stand to watch the news.

I agree with the news reporter that these incidents are not only about the individuals who committed the crime but the corruption that spreads and spreads, like a fire being fanned. More and more individuals think harming others by word or action is acceptable. This must stop.

I don't have an answer, in fact I don't think there is any simple answer.  I do believe, though, that if each of us worked on becoming the best person we could, the world might be a kinder, gentler, more loving and respectful world. There are so many ways to do it but each of us must figure out what that means for us individually.

Our language has gotten outright aggressive toward others beginning at the very top of society.  Yes, I mean our very president!  What a horrible example! Changing how we speak to one another might be a very good beginning. 

Finding and funding treatment for drug and mental health issues might offer help for those who desperately need it. Deepening one's spirituality: one's relationship with self, others and God/the divine also brings wonders. 

To live in a community, to be a person of a particular color, creed, sexuality, etc. etc. and to fear for your life and safety...no one should have to experience this!  The song, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me" comes to me as I write this.  How can each of us be an instrument of peace in this new year? 

Yes, it's very easy to say, "Happy New Year" but seriously, how about really doing something concrete each day to make that happen...will it begin with you and me? Consider it, do it.  Don't just say it. 

A Phone Call

Have you ever been in a situation and wondered why in the world was it happening to you and what good could come of it?  Well, today is Christmas Eve day and I called a friend of mine only to hear him say his wife was being transferred to a rehab facility this afternoon.  The rest of the details don't matter for this short space but all of a sudden I realized the journey that has transpired in my life lately was offering a "gift" to my friend now.

In fact, that gift to him will also enrich my days ahead, also. Amazingly so, this transpires on a day when we welcome a newborn baby, Jesus, born in a stable and was laid in a manger. He was poor, amidst barn animals...not even among other family or friends.

My friends too, today, are not among any family or friends as they transition from acute care to assisted living. They are going to a strange place, have no comforts of home, are fearful and uncertain of the thoughts of a new environment. Yet, my phone call to them came as he was to drive north to the hospital to meet her.  I was able to offer words of comfort hopefully.  Will meet up with them later today at the facility.

Courtesy of Pixabay

I connect the dots from the birth of that little infant Jesus, helpless and needing to be cared for by his parents.  Even his parents, the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, needed to trust in God's guidance and care. Today, thinking back to this scene gives me hope that there is nothing going on in my/our world that those parents and their child do not understand.

And here we are, each of us, able to offer strength and hope to others, often because of our own struggles, helping others to be comforted in their own journey.  It brings me to such a sense of gratitude first of all for that first Christmas, secondly for the gift of my faith, and thirdly, for family and friends. 

I don't have to sit in a pity pot bemoaning things I don't have, but to be grateful for the gifts that I do have.  Oh, no, not the Christmas gifts under a tree but true gifts of being able to think of a friend, call up and wish Merry Christmas and have a door open that really offers something consoling to the person on the other end of the line. 

This is the real Christmas to me, knowing I have gifts and even though often not able to realize them at first, listen to God's guidance in a day and follow that star that leads me right where I'm supposed to be!  How about you?  Where does that star lead you? A phone call? To the biggest gift you could ever ask for? 

A blessed Christmas to each of you! Feel free to share this post with those you love, and those who love you. It may be a wonderful gift for them, too!

Calloused Knees

Yes, in less than a week Christmas will be here.  Friends and family alike seem to have the same refrain of, "Are you ready?" Some are ready, some not...some like me are still in the process! This has begged a bigger consideration for some, as well as for me, since this time is also Advent.  Christians prepare for the coming of Christ, which Christmas is all about. 

When Advent began I had lofty plans of getting "callouses" on my knees but for reasons beyond my control, I "flunked" Advent the first day!  My expectations were on the religious side and as simple as it seemed to me, didn't work! 

Then  I saw something that tripped my trigger.  It was a daily calendar of small, yet significant things I could do each day.  These suggestions caught my attention because the word "Awake" is a word that is found in music and liturgy at this time of year.  I could do small things like holding the door for someone, letting a person go ahead of me in the grocery line, or even being aware of smiling kindly at someone.  Being conscious, or "awake" and aware is giving Advent a new energy for me this year. I no longer feel like I have flunked Advent!

So, I know this little perspective may have been more useful to some of my readers a few weeks ago but it's never too late to "prepare ye the way" for this wonderful day next week.  It's not so much about just God taking the form of man as a newborn but how do each of us prepare for God to be born in us, for that new life to come alive in us.

Courtesy of Pixabay

It's amazing that the thought of "calloused knees" no longer gets my attention these days.  Consciously offering to hold the door open and being generous and complimentary to the waitress takes on new meaning.  Now I truly can say, "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!"

A Benefit

It's amazing how many have not discovered the benefit of spiritual direction for themselves.  It is no big secret that many folks, and many of them whom you would not imagine, resist the idea of meeting with a spiritual director on a regular basis. 

I have had good friends in religious life who have sneered at spiritual direction saying in all their years they never went.  To a trained  director it becomes obvious how life could have been richer for that person if they had sought out spiritual direction  in earlier years. A real transformation occurs which is gentle but profound.

Sitting with clients over the years has given me a first hand view and experience of the benefits a person gets from these sessions.  To me is is like watching a flower bloom, specifically a peony bush.  One thing I know about peonies is that they need ants to  help them bloom.  Spiritual direction is sort of like that with such a gently, welcoming atmosphere that invites a safe and trusting place to talk.

To have a person journey with us in spiritual direction  has often been described by Margaret Guenther, a well-known spiritual director, as like a mid-wife.  A mid-wife simply assists the birthing process...just letting nature take its course.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Through many challenges of my own over the years I know personally that with spiritual direction I have become a better, introspective, more compassionate individual. Without it I simply reacted to life and became a victim in it. Now, I see a gift in most of life with gratitude being a main focus.  Life is much brighter and enjoyable because of spiritual direction.  

If you would like to try spiritual direction for yourself, I can be reached at 920.793.3530 for an appointment.   

Boogy Man

Several of you have mentioned missing my posts lately. Yes, the summer was sparse hearing from me on my official posts from Third Chair Spiritual Direction.  You might say I took the summer off from posting anything official.   I shared about our new member of the family, Carmel, a mackeral design ginger kitty.  She is a love and draped across my arm as I write this. Opening my computer, however, seemed like a big, bad boogy man to do the posts. 

These months have given me pause as life continued to happen around me.  Lots of family stuff, lots of funerals for friends and acquaintances who died, and there is the daily "dust" that never goes away.  I was just saying to my husband that bills are "like dust...they just keep coming back month after month!" 

Lately I have pulled out of our bank that we have been members of for over forty years.  Nothing is a straight line...return visits, checking monthly statements and making sure the new accounts have the money in them before writing bills. Some days bring a real headache with lots of energy. 

At first dealing with lots of details all seemed very overwhelming but reflecting back and using my mantra, "One day at a time," these tasks weren't as bad as I was afraid they would be.  Isn't life like that all the way around? 

Thoughts in our mind can make mountains out of molehills just like a halloween boogy man. When we bring situations to light with a contemplative pause, assistance from others and even prayer, life isn't as scary as we sometimes make it!  

Courtesy of Pixabay

Summer is over!   Now is a wonderful time to treat yourself to a session or more of spiritual direction.  I am taking appointments at this time.  Contact me at: 920.793.3530.

Workshop

Courtesy of Pixabay

The other week I had lunch with a friend and was telling her my concerns about eventually trying to clean our workshop, which now my husband was not able to do because of limitations.  In my mind it was a monster and I was completely overwhelmed, as if it was something that had to be done today, or yesterday, if possible.

She had had her own situation of needing to organize and clean their workshop so she had a lot of good suggestions, including having a sale rather than pitching lots of stuff into a rented dumpster.  Thinking there are folks who would take broken items just for the parts was something I had not even thought about. 

Having fresh ideas and relief of mind has happened to me several times lately when I have been willing to talk with a trusted friend and shared some anxieties and concerns.  It is amazing how limited our horizon can be, unbeknownst to us, until the experience and wisdom of friends surfaces on a topic.  It can be anything. 

The other day, my trusted friend was God.  I absolutely did not know which way to turn after making several calls looking for a particular resource. Out of the blue an idea popped into my head and that was the beginning of something that hopefully will be very helpful over time.

So, whether it's being overwhelmed wondering how to begin cleaning a workshop or looking for a resource, a friend over lunch or a divine friend in prayer can open doors we never could imagine!  This also can happen in spiritual direction, a contemplative atmosphere, that allows us to listen to that still, small voice within each of us. 

I am a spiritual director and if you would like to make an appointment in order to help you figure out how to "clean out your workshop" I can be reached at: 920.793.3530. 

A Chair

This morning when I put on my religious medal I said a little prayer: "Dear God, I put my hand and will in yours today to do with me as you wilt." My day proceeded to be pretty interesting, especially since there was a village wide rummage sale. A chair was waiting for me; maybe it was a co-incidence. 

I haven't been to a rummage sale for quite awhile so I turned into the first driveway I saw, just to say I had stopped!  It was fun, especially enjoying the camaraderie of the two neighbors, one trying to out-sell the other, all in good jest. I was just cruising, looking at nothing in particular.  I found a pair of shoes, though, and the price was right.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Then the lady at the first house asked if I needed a lift chair, citing her buying and selling price, the age of the chair, which was practically new and not used but minimally. I was thinking about my husband, thinking he could use a new chair, and one that will be easier to maneuver. I had absolutely no idea of looking for a chair but here it was; the opportunity jumped in my lap, I couldn't resist. They even offered to deliver it! 

You know, there are days and situations that can completely confound us, wondering how in the world things will all work out. Some days we might even wonder if there are options, feeling completely boxed in with no where to turn. Then again, have you ever talked with God, went about your day and it went much better than you could have imagined? This day was one of them.

Buying a chair when I least expected was an answer to future concerns. I hope the next time I'm in a quandary with how to deal with a concern I remember this day at the rummage sale.  I hope I can stay out of panic mode, and not fret too far ahead and know that somehow all will work out.  Someone much better than I seems to understand all the day to day concerns that I have. Remembering a great rummage sale might help me to know I'm not alone!  To me finding this chair was not a co-incidence but God's way of remaining anonymous!

If you would like to share how God has remained anonymous in your life, I have openings for Spiritual Direction. I can be reached at: 920.793.3530 for an appointment.

"Sunshine"

A very surprising encounter occurred today as I was about to celebrate a funeral for a long-time friend of my husband and me. A lady approached me, expecting me to remember her from school in 1967. This was a challenge because she was two years behind me and I was only there a semester. She remembered me calling her "Sunshine!"  Imagine, one word that lifted her up, recalling it to this day!

This simply blows my mind but confirms once more how powerful our actions and words are.  They can lift a person up or tear a person down. I do not believe, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me!"  Words can hurt so badly...words like "dumb," "bossy," and "you don't matter."  These negative words are etched into our memories sometimes for a lifetime chipping away at one's self esteem.

Mark Twain said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." It must be true because this person who talked with me has lived a lifetime with my one word compliment, "Sunshine." I was so glad to know I had been such a positive influence for her.  There are times when I fall short. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Can you imagine what this world would be like if each of us extended ourselves in such a simple way to express kind, uplifting words to others, not bitter, caustic or demeaning words?  Sometimes fruits of our actions don't reap their rewards for some decades but there are always fruits.  I was just blessed today being told I had called a person, "Sunshine!"  Two blessings:  once for her in 1967, now for me in 2019!  Full circle!  Just imagine what a little "sunshine" does!

Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and can be reached at: 920.793.3530. I can offer appointments in Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI if you would like to do spiritual direction with me to discuss sunshine in your own life!

May 12, 2019

This weekend is a very special time for me.  Two things take place: May 11, Saturday is my birthday and Sunday is Mother's day. Now, my birthday is not the big deal but over the years the dates falling together always were special because I would always stop and call mom from a phone booth, usually as we were on a fishing weekend. 

After mom died in 1984, I was lost when Mother's day came around.  I know so many folks miss their moms horribly, which I can understand thoroughly.  I longed and pined for her for years but that has all changed. I'll tell you why.

Some of my friends, who are no longer spring chickens, are now dealing with very elderly parents. It's a double edged-sword with personal health concerns as well as concerns with their parents' needs. Their parents struggle with hearing loss, immobility, inability to care for themselves and financial concerns. And what about the individuals who have no family to care for them? I can't imagine.  

I know it's hard to not get into a deep state of sadness, tears and depression but there is no gain to get into that mode for me.  It drains me; it is not life giving. Gratitude at the time I did have with mom, and all those memories, is what makes me smile.

I don't wish her back; she was spared the many challenges that can come with infirmities of old age. Even though cancer took her at too young an age of 67 years old I could wish things were different wanting my mom back. Instead, I am so thankful for the memories and time I did have with her. 

So, happy Mother's Day, mom! Thank you for the legacy you left me beginning that first May 11!  I am a better person for being your daughter!  And to all mom's out there, happy Mother's Day to you, too! 

Courtesy: Unknown

If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction, I can be reached at: 920.793.3530.

Dots

Today I had a most pleasant experience when I had an appointment with an attorney. We had never officially met but I knew his mom and he recognized me from somewhere. Well, many dots connected and sure enough, our paths had crossed recently which just made me smile at the end of the day! As I sit here writing this post it warms the cockles of my heart at how small the world is!

That brings me to another thought of how each one of us carry ourselves in a day. When I do an examen of my day and week, taking  stock of my behaviors, attitudes and actions there are times when I am pleased and sometimes  less than proud.  

Recently, I was at a social gathering and was very conscious of someone's comment about something was a little sharp, a bit demeaning.  I thought to myself, "that could have been me saying that." Now, I have resolved to think twice when saying something, knowing how my words, attitude and actions are being observed by others. 

Others may not always make a comment about their perception of what has transpired but we always make an impression.  It takes a little effort to put our best face forward some days but it really is a small, small world and we never know how the dots will connect bringing us to a place that lets us know that someone really does know us...somehow! 

I am a spiritual director and am able to see clients in either Two Rivers or the Crivitz area, WI. If you would like to discuss how different dots have connected in your life I would love to hear from you.  I can be reached at: 920.793.3530. 

Something Great!

My husband and I were going to Crivitz this past week and even though Spring is here, there is not much that is evident that spring really is here!  Fields are still barren, no  foliage on anything; nothing is green.  It is a long journey here in Wisconsin and yet many of us are preparing for new life, flowers and all that goes with it. 

It was real easy to see structures deep in the woods, squirrel nests high in trees, as well as standing ponds in the fields from the snow and rain. Yet, slowly, temps are creeping warmer and warmer, birds are beginning to come back for their nesting places, bears are coming out of hibernation. Garden centers are opening up. The anticipation is great; something great is coming!

Easter is also only a couple of weeks away but it's not here yet. Lent is still here and this time has given us pause to prepare ourselves spiritually for this great event, Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. It has been a time for us to reflect on our shortcomings, to repent of our sins and to deepen our prayer life and relationship with God. 

It takes some energy to be conscious of one's spiritual side; easier to be oblivious and act as if all is great, perfect and without blemish. But, Easter will come soon, this Lenten journey will give way to the greatest day in Christianity beginning with Holy Week and the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday and finally, Easter Sunday. 

Have you ever taken a journey, looked at clutter on the hillsides and woods then thought to yourself that your own life has its own clutter that needs attention? Now, though, before the full bloom of spring hits, may be a perfect time to resolve to "clean up" those things that are usually hidden...those character defects that we can do something about. 

That is what Lent is all about for many of us. Lent is a forty day opportunity to take stock of inner defects, to clean up the environment of our souls and to prepare ourselves for that great day that will be upon us very shortly...Easter, the greatest Christian day of the year!   Yes, something great is coming!

If you would like a spiritual companion along the way to share your lenten journey with, or any journey for that matter, I can be reached at 920.793.3530. I offer appointments in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. 

Family Reunions

Small reunion with Molly's niece and husband.

There was a blip on Facebook not too long ago mentioning that there seems to be less and less "family reunions" but more and more family reunions and meeting old friends at funeral gatherings.  Well, I must agree because I was notified of five deaths just this week and all the friends I ran into today at the visitation reminded me of the Facebook entry.

I really didn't want to go; I mulled over reasons, that I wished were valid, to explain my absence, if someone asked. There were errands to do, groceries to get and pharmacies to stop at. The drive, too, wasn't exactly a ten minute jaunt.

My sister has been a bug in my side telling me once that perhaps doing something may not necessarily be advantageous for me but by my action or presence others may be lifted up!  Ever think of how our actions, however big or small, can make another person's day!?

Well, the long and short of it is, I went to the visitation and wasn't alone in the line. I ran into a work acquaintance in the parking lot; at the end she thanked me for being her "date" during our time inside. I echoed the same sentiment!

It wasn't necessary that I knew the family, only the spouse. Looking around the church, one couldn't help but notice the line that was beginning to grow as more came in from outside. There were lots and more and more were coming.

So, at a family reunion it seems one and all come to celebrate life, love and laughter, with everyone bringing dishes to pass at the meal.  A funeral and visitation isn't much different, with the reality of tears and sadness mixed in.  Instead of dishes to pass we simply bring ourselves as we give our hugs, share tears and memories and mingle with family and friends. 

Sometimes it's hard to know what dish to bring for a family reunion, never giving conversation a second thought. At a funeral, however, lots of folks get all squirrely, not knowing what to say to the survivors. Doug Manning, a grief author, puts it pretty simply in his book, "Don't Take My Grief Away," with the "3 H's...Hug 'em, Hang Around and Hush."

So, anytime I find myself agonizing, I just remember the 3 H's when I meet family in a funeral line: hug 'em, just be there, and forget the fancy words. They will remember we were there and they'll know we cared enough to suit up and show up!  It works! That's it. 

If losses, of any sort, have challenged your spirit, spiritual direction may be just the refreshing hour that may help.  I can be reached at: 920.793.3530. I can see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. 

Web Page Update

Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, AZ

This is an update for all who access my spiritual direction web page, "Molly's Third Chair," and have communicated with me through that site on MollyLaFond @MollyLaFond.com. It is no longer an active website nor email. After much consideration and realizing that most of my audience access my posts through Facebook, I have decided to use only Facebook for my spiritual direction posts. 

My posts will continue to be on Facebook:Third Chair Spiritual Direction and I can be reached at a new email address: ThirdChairSpiritualDirection@gmail.com.  Phone access is still the same: 920.793.3530.

I always appreciate your comments, as well as your phone calls for appointments for spiritual direction. I can see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. My rates continue to be $40/hr. however if this challenges your means, I will work within your budget. I don't want to deprive anyone of such a gift as spiritual direction! 

Thank you for your patience in this transition! 

Prejudice

As I sit here watching the world news, especially the massacre of Muslims in New Zealand, I can't help but wonder how anyone can have such hate in their heart. Where does all this prejudice come from?   To see the rise in white Supremacist shootings/deaths over the years it just makes me sick. There are groups all over the world that express hate and I guess there always have been but how does this touch you and me?

Have you ever experienced an incident where you needed to go to a neighbor's house and had to ask for help but couldn't get it?  It could be for any reason.  I have.  Neighbors down the road were home but would not open the door. At first I was angry, not understanding how someone would not open the door. This stance was my viewpoint because of an incident a few years ago...that is,  until a friend stopped by and immediately told me this neighbor operates out of fear. That helped me to see a different perspective! 

Our feelings are there but spurred by our thoughts. I needed a neighbor to simply share his thoughts to me. How often do various groups hang on to their thoughts with no willingness to get to know others, or get to know another person. 

Prejudice surrounds so much: people of color, religious differences, sexual/gender differences, even different heritages.  Too often our minds are made up and that's that! Then we end up acting out of these inner thoughts and feelings which are absolutely not accurate. These actions bring great harm to others and ourselves.

How can we open ourselves to a willingness to communicate and get to know others for who they are, not to operate out of preconceived notions? How can we see the similarities in others, not the differences?  How can we live in the solution, not the problem? 

Courtesy of Pixabay

The answer I come up with for myself is "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!" I need others, though, to keep challenging me with other perspectives when my own is not accurate.

My deepest condolences go to all those affected in New Zealand! Let us operate out of love, not hate. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.  It's a small, small world and all of us are affected by such horrendous acts.  Let peace begin with each of us.  God bless you! 

I am a spiritual director and have openings at this time in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  If various world events are something that you would like an appointment to discuss can be reached at 920.793.3530. Spiritual direction is a wonderful arena in which to discuss every day happenings. 

Our Ears

A while back my sister, Deb, had talked to me about how so many folks think they could never become a "saint." She then explained how each of us can become saints, which was very interesting to me.  You would have thought this was a new idea but hearing it specifically, breaking it down into easy, every day actions really made sense. 

Now that we are just 2 days from Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent, we are reminded of the 40 days that Jesus withdrew into the desert before his crucifixion and finally Resurrection. Since my spiritual direction training, in the desert of Tucson, and remembering a saying in the chapel there, I have been pondering my own journey this lent. 

Getting back to what my sister said.  It is the small, everyday acts, one at a time, that make each of us holy. Holiness becomes accumulative for each of us. So, little by little, this is what I plan to do: Fast from hurting words, pessimism, bitterness, anger and selfishness. I will need to sit and ponder those times this has corrupted my day so I can figure out changes.  I want to be prayerful, fill my heart with joy and be silent so I can listen. A bit more time for mass, daily prayers and the rosary will help me to pause and reflect. 

Finally, to be conscious that:  "The desert will lead you to your heart where I will speak." This quote from Hosea meets all who enter the chapel at the Redemptorist Renewal Center and in the contemplative weeks I spent there God did speak to me.  Each Lent we each have that opportunity. How will each of us let the ears of our heart hear God these next 40 days?  Ash Wednesday this week invites you to begin that journey

Fiords

Watching TV this am, there was a program showing an area of fiords in New Zealand.  One guest asked, "what is a fiord?" It is the aftermath of years and years of glaciers moving down the mountains, leaving deep cuts, and beautiful scenery as a result. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

I think of the many "glaciers" that rip and tear at each of us over the years.  Many times it is such a slow process we hardly notice.  Then again, the process is wrenching. I think of a woman, years ago, whose husband died, quite dependent on him in good health, but some time later, cheerfully said, "I'm a new person," liking the new person she had become. 

Yes, I even remember running into an acquaintance I hadn't seen for many, many years and when she asked what I was doing now, shared that I was now a spiritual director.  She laughed and said, "You!"  Yes, it is amazing!  I even marvel to think of my 18 years as an RN, then 23 years as a hospital chaplain, and now a spiritual director.  My mom, if she were alive today, would also say, "you?!!"

There are changes, growth and beauty within each of us that, in the present, may be hard to envision.  Life is a process.  All we need do is look at the fiords of New Zealand to see the beauty of that landscape to know we have a beauty within us as beautiful! 

If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction, it is a wonderful environment to discuss a deeper beauty in your life.  I have offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI and can be reached at 920.793.3530.  

88 days

 Have you been glued to the t.v. as news has been shared regarding Jayme Closs's safe return?  I sure have. I am amazed at how many folks kept faith for her safe return in Barron, Wi.  This very horrific double murder of her parents and this young girls' abduction, had the entire community helping find her. Photos were shared, Facebook posts were made, 2000 plus volunteers combed woods and fields, and so, so many prayed and kept praying.

Law enforcement from local departments as well as FBI and other officers sorted through all the tips that came in. Many feared the worst but the small community kept hope alive. The FBI offered generous rewards. Days 4, 12 and more marched on.  Her parents were buried.  "Why...why?"  Cold reality set in, no suspect.  The operation was scaled back; the story slipped from the headlines. 

Day77... local groups asked the "Spirit of Christmas" to bring Jayme home and their prayers would soon be answered. Many of us have had huge causes that we wanted positive answers for; it is heart wrenching.  One thing I heard over and over regarding Jayme's supporters and family: they never stopped praying and they  never gave up hope.

Yes, this ordeal could have ended in huge tragedy. I don't know what conclusion to come up with in this situation but I do know that hope and prayer are very strong aspects of a person of faith's make-up.  I also must add that having a community, friends and those who reach out to us also help as well as even strangers who offer uplifting words...none of this can be minimized. 

Thank you God, for wrapping your arms around this community's horrible ordeal, for helping Jayme stay strong and finally leave her prison of horror, and for all those who untiringly worked to bring her home. 88 days! Yes, with God all things are possible! Please  continue prayers for strength for Jayme, family and friends in their recovery with all they have gone through and will continue to go through.  

If you would like to process challenging times that you have gone through with a Spiritual Director, I can be reached at MollyLaFond.com , or 920.793.3530. 

Interesting!

This past week I posted a little reflection using the new growth on my holiday cactus as an analogy for our spiritual growth.  I didn't write it on my blog here but via my phone. I just noticed something very interesting! I have been keeping track of how many read my posts and a big "thank you" to all of you, the numbers soared! 

However, this is not what is so interesting.  Many readers, identifying so strongly with that little plant's sometimes refusal to bloom got into their own plant's characteristics, shortcomings and triumphs!  It has been so neat communicating with you who replied about your plants!

Several took it to heart the deeper message and insight that I presented, which is our own spiritual growth. It is very interesting to me, especially during trials of life of any kind, that we get focused on the trials, hardships, challenges and struggles, wishing they would pass. Isn't that only normal? Yup, it certainly is!I In the present moment it's real easy to focus on why that cactus hasn't bloomed, does it need to be repotted, etc., etc. 

This is where, with regular spiritual direction, the deeper meaning, peace and joy has come for me.  Just having a companion that sits with  me, listens to my journey and yes, sometimes asks a question that helps me go deeper, with the grace of God, helps me find that holy thread in everyday life.  I've tried it with good friends, who are like gold indeed, but it's not the same as a person trained in the art of spiritual direction.

Molly's Third Chair

Remember in earlier posts that I said that spiritual direction is the best kept secret? Sometimes getting my cactus to bloom makes me ask others what they did to get theirs so beautiful. Well, I'm sharing a secret on what an hour can do for each of us on a regular basis, much deeper than fertilizer or repotting!  Very interesting, I would say!! 

Another year and another new start! If you are interested in sharing my posts there is a button just at the bottom on this web page to share your reactions and comments.   At the bottom of this page in my webpage, there is a "Follow by Email" area to insert your email address. There is a "Contact Me" page also at:MollyLaFond.com. If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction, contact me at: 920.793.3530. And as always, thanks and please continue to "like" and "share" on Facebook!  Hope this helps you...it sure helps me!