Struggles

Impact of Illness

Today I read a post that a friend shared about her young son. He has been struggling for months and recently was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I knew from first hand experience what that is like. I reflected on my own past as I pondered how to respond to her. These are the thoughts […]

The Baby Walker

Recently I have been helping a friend as she downsizes her house. I collected a load of snow boots, coats, warm clothes, and blankets from her house and mine to take to a particular organization that gives items to people in need. My friend also had a baby walker that she wasn’t using any more […]

Best in Years

Some friends and I got together for a potluck tonight. Everyone brought something yummy. We all ate and enjoyed conversation and laughter. I talked with a friend’s elderly mom who had a really rough time of it a couple years ago with cancer and other medical issues. She said she felt better now than she […]

Close to the Broken hearted

Today I watched a video by Dallas Jenkins who is the creator of the Chosen series. He was talking about the apocalyptic fires in Los Angeles and the big question, “Where is God in all this?” I thought he made some good points that gave me pause to ponder. Time and time again in the […]

Mountain Climbing

This morning I listened to a reflection by Matt Maher on the Hallow app. He brought up the fact that, “There is a tension between the joy of the Christmas season and the difficulties that so many of us continue to experience.” He introduced his song based upon the folk song, “Go Tell It On […]

Good Friendships

A friend of mine has been struggling with her health and work and life in general. She used to come out when a group of us got together, but she has been unable to for quite some time. But she has stayed in the group chat and always has funny things to share. I was happy […]

God’s Present

I have been trying to stay in a positive mindset over the past couple days even as I seem to be very emotional. I have decided to just let the tears flow and perhaps at some point they will go dry. I have been listening to Advent music while I make yummy treats. The lyrics […]

Brain Health

A beautiful friend Shannon Desilets posted this. When I read it, I realized that it explains what was happening to my poor body and brain during the past several years caring for my parents, especially as it became more and more difficult. I literally thought I was losing my mind. Even though I was praying, […]

Crying Day

Today was very emotional for me for many reasons. When I wake up early in the mornings, I start my prayers. This morning that included listening to an Advent podcast on the Hallow app. Over the past few weeks the focus has been on a book called, “A Severe Mercy”, by Sheldon Vanauken. It is […]

Padre Pio Docudrama

Tonight as I was cooking dinner, I clicked on the TV. It was on the EWTN channel. They were playing the docudrama “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina – Man of Hope and Healing” Padre Pio has always fascinated me and I wanted to know more about him, so I watched. The movie included first hand accounts […]