Category Archives: Faith

April Showers

Along with the flowers the showers of April bring, the month of April also brings the taxman. For many, thoughts of “the taxman cometh” also brings upon a great deal of stress. Lately, the collective stress level is rising, be it due to the tax man or our current state of affairs. And while many of us welcome good stress, eustress, that which has a positive impact on us, challenges the brain and body and helps us to do our very best; we simply become unraveled when we find ourselves overwhelmed with a case of bad stress, distress, that negative stress, which, over time can lead to ill health. We all know what that feels like, we have all experienced it at one time or another, can’t find your car keys and you’re already late, not prepared for a meeting and the boss is waiting, can’t stand your job, but you must go to work, dealing with a divorce, or illness in the family … what’s a person to do?

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(If Only) In My Dreams

“There’s no place like home for the holidays and no matter how far away you roam, if you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.”

I love that sentiment. Come to think of it – who will you be hosting this holiday season? Will your table include a place setting for your dearly departed loved ones? If that thought has not yet crossed your mind please allow me to share with you…

Our ancestors and loved ones in spirit enjoy the festivities and the warm and loving feelings which are amplified during this season of peace, love and joy. They take great pleasure in sitting by the fireside, keeping company with their loved ones and rejoicing in the simple pleasures of family, togetherness and happiness.

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My Own Worst Enemy

There are songs written and movies produced which revolve around us being our own worst enemy, but what does that mean, exactly?

What would cause that perception to be created or that point to be driven home?  What sets one up to be one’s own worst enemy? Just think about that phrase for a moment, “I am my own worst enemy.”

Is being your own worst enemy a problem, or an opportunity?  What would you do if you knew there was a way for you to be your own best friend instead? Read More

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Love Lives On

Three little sisters appeared upon our front porch 17 years ago. Their momma, Yin, was attentive, loving and managed to keep them together and safe. Their papa, Scruffy, was a “cat-about-the- hood” yet stayed close by his family and was extremely protective.

Shortly after appearing in our lives their momma was struck and killed by a car at the end of our driveway. My own mother, Leah, also died by automobile. I had an immediate, visceral connection with these motherless kittens.

Since Scruffy was not the least bit interested in giving up his cat-abouting-the-hood-adventures and becoming an indoor cat, he granted us permission to take in his children to care for them. And care for them we did. Read More

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All Good Dogs…

Have you noticed lately, more and more of our animal companions are being called back home, leaving this earth plane and crossing over the rainbow bridge?

While it is comforting to know our loved ones, who are restored to perfect health, will be waiting for us on the grassy meadow, it can be heartbreaking and grief inducing, for those of us who are left behind.

I have found it comforting to take time to reflect on a life well lived, a friendship, nay, a love, which has been cultivated and cherished. It does both souls good to remember your loved one(s) in a written eulogy. This cathartic act of expression helps to ground me as I slog through my period of grief. Read More

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Wave of Awakenings

Now is the time for all good women to step up, step forward, carry the lanterns of light and initiate change.

We are a collective of women from past generations who have bound together to bring forth the light.

We are gathering en masse to assist through this dark period.

It is NOT as dark as the darkness of past – and it holds great possibility and hope but we must march – we are marching and we know we will make a difference –

The question is – will you? Read More

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What’s In Your Bag?

As the holiday season rapidly approaches you may find yourself wondering what sort of mixed bag you’ll be receiving.

Can you guess what I am referring to when I say “mixed bag?”

Many are bracing themselves, others are waiting with open arms while others have no thoughts whatsoever on the matter.

The contents of the bags which I refer to may dictate how your holidays pan out. Will they be a delight or a disaster? Read More

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Lessons My Father Taught Me

I hope you will enjoy a Free Bird Times news article I wrote about my Dad, ‘Woody’ in June of 2007.
Although he passed in 2018, he continues to impart his wisdom.
May your Dad, wherever he may be, continue to inspire, support and love you.

 

It’s no coincidence June 17th is not only Father’s Day, but Eat Your Vegetables Day as well. If it weren’t for fathers, or mothers, for that matter, telling us we could not leave the table until we ate our vegetables, imagine all the bushels and bunches of vegetables that may have gone to waste.

It might surprise those who know me to hear me say I do not intend to expound upon the healthy benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, despite that being one of the lessons my father taught me’. What I prefer to touch upon is something my father has been teaching me my entire life, and the one which has impacted me on the deepest level … the lesson of positive thinking and living. Read More

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Cross That Bridge

Levels of stress, anxiety, worry, sadness and anger among women worldwide are at a 10-year high, according to a new report.

In one of the largest studies on women’s well-being, analytics firm Gallup and medical tech company Hologic, Inc. teamed up to survey over 66,000 women in 122 countries around the world.

Study authors found 43% of respondents said they experienced worry in 2021, 41% reported feeling stress, 32% reported feeling sadness, and 26% reported feeling anger.*

Can you relate to the results of that study? Do you find your levels of stress have increased over the past couple of years and if so, do you find your levels of worry have also increased? An increase of stress or worry certainly increases your chances of feeling sad or angry. These feelings can manifest into depression, rage and even physical ailments.

What’s a woman (or person) to do?

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