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!