I don't understand....

Dear God,  I am so sorry for being mad at You right now. Literally THOUSANDS of prayer warriors have spent the last 3 weeks asking, seeking, knocking, imploring for Your intercession in the life of Regina Sweeney. We kept our faith, we were vigilant, kept positive, and trusted You for a miracle. Please forgive us for not understanding. We wanted so desparately  for this child to be healed. We NEEDED her to be healed. Mostly, we wanted a miracle for her family, but there was a part of us that wanted to prove to the unbelievers that You are still with us.
Please forgive and be patient with us as we try to comprehend....and please bless the Sweeney family in some great way. As You sacrificed Your Son, You know what it is like to lose a child. Surely You will love and comfort them in the coming days, months, years....
Amen

I admit I am under the influence....

For the past 4 years I have fasted on Thursdays during lent.  This is, perhaps, the first year that I have totally ENJOYED it.  This year is somehow different.... I ENJOY the discomfort. I ENJOY the struggle. In part because I am more cognizant of the pain that Jesus bore on the cross.  Being hungry for a day in no way compares to the pain the He went through. This year, each time I feel a hunger pang, I knock on something. It reminds me to pray and be thankful for what He did for us. Our sins are forgiven! Unbelievable....He can wash away the stuff that I HAVE done?? Yes!
I drink only water and green tea.......and a glass of wine in the evening for communion. Yes, it's a very large glass of wine! (I am far from perfect!!) But somehow, on my empty stomach, with my large glass of wine, and meditation, everything is put into perspective. I feel nothing but love...such a meager word for how I feel...everything is more focused and energized toward living fully and loving completely. So much so, that I may continue my fasting ritual after Easter......if it makes me feel this good for 40 days, I can only imagine where I'll be by this time next year. Please know that you are loved.

People amaze me!

I just want to tell people how awesome I think they are! I know, I know....every day the news is all about what's WRONG with people, and how the world is falling apart.  But there is a remnant!!! That core group of people who go out of their way to do or say something that just makes your day. For instance, today.....at work I have cans set up around the office for patients who may want to donate to my 3-day, 60 mile walk in September. I watched as a very frail little old man with a cane made his way to the check-out area. As SOON as he saw that can, a trembling hand searched for his wallet and he struggled to fold a bill and get it into the can. My heart melted! Dressed in a tattered coat, I knew that he gave from a good heart. I went up and hugged him and said, "I saw what you did, and I know you will be blessed ten-fold in return."  All he could manage to get out of his mouth was, "I had a friend that......." he choked up and couldn't finish his sentence, but he sure hugged me back. God bless him, please.   And may your good experiences always outweigh the bad.

A few words to all the people in my life who have shut windows on my fingers as I reached out to you, to all the ones who have slammed doors in my face.......I just want you to know that the door does not latch on my side. The hardware has been removed, there is no lock, there are no hinges. I'm still right there on the other side of your door,  and it is safe to push the door back open if and/or when you should ever want to do so.  To all the ones who have turned their back on me.....if you look around, I am still facing you, smiling a warm smile, waiting to be your friend again.  I have not been simply waiting,  I have been out in the world making new friends, but there will always be room for you. I built no walls, my heart has not hardened. You are welcome here any time. ....Just so you know.