Dreams Do Come True
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Ten years ago I had a dream. It was a BIG dream, which would rigorously change the lives of my five kids, my husband, and me literally overnight. My Soul told me we were going to leave Holland. Imagine waking up tomorrow with a knowing that you had to leave the country you live in? Everybody said we were crazy.
To make the move, our whole family-plus Buddha, our dog-had to be in agreement with my plan. Next, we flew to America and toured around in a nine-sleeper in search of our new destiny in this huge country. The Universe must have loved my plan; our house found us!
Our kids truly believed that you could just leave everything behind, pack up your suitcase, and hop on a plane. And in all honesty, that is exactly what we did. We left our beloved life behind and jumped on a plane with suitcases in hand.
Upon arrival we faced many challenges: not speaking the language, no contacts, no jobs, hardly any money, an empty house, our luggage floating on the ocean for two months, and more. Where do you start?
However, we are still here, and within ten years we’ve literally gone from surviving to thriving.Yesterday we celebrated that extraordinary choices not only give us extraordinary challenges but extraordinary results, and that DREAMS COME TRUE!
Saskia Roelle, Author of a Suitcase Full of Faith
The Power of Radical forgiveness
A few months ago my friend Sandra, who was in the middle of a painful divorce asked me to teach her how to pray. A few weeks later, she invited me to go on vacation and stay with her at her time share in Datona Beach, Florida- all expenses paid. Since it was the week before going to Hawaii for a month, I didn’t see how I could swing it. But as I prayed about it, the peace came and I knew it was God’s plan for the both of us. I felt excited to share my prayer life with her and how to connect more deeply with the Divine within. In return for her generosity, I offered her an intensive retreat and spiritual coaching sessions with me.
Before we even started the vacation, God was at work in Sandra’s life and preparing her to uncover some beliefs that were blocking her from the love and peace she was seeking. Something happened that brought up a lot of anger and she felt like a victim. Sandra slept at my house the night before the flight and before going to bed, she found a book to read from my book shelf. Several years ago, this book literally found me and transformed my life from the inside out. It’s called Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping. Radical Forgiveness goes beyond the forgiveness I was taught growing up. What I learned from the book is that we attract everything into our lives for our highest good and to see the perfection in all that is happening in our lives. When we blame or judge someone who has hurt us, we live in victim land.
Each morning Sandra and I prayed together and she learned step by step how to pray and release resentments and anger from her past. Sandra was like a sponge, open and willing to receive all that God wanted to give her. She was shedding the old for new life to come. Sandra told me she never felt so cared for and loved.
We had an amazing vacation together. Not only did we pray, but we played, swam, shopped, walked, hugged, cried and laughed together. God was present and provided for all of our needs. Not only did Sandra make a commitment to a daily prayer life to connect more deeply with the Divine, but she is now looking for a spiritual community to enhance her new found spirituality.
Sandra’s last divorce settlement meeting was 3 days after our intensive retreat. She said, “I prayed each day and filled my thoughts with love and light. I made it through the meeting with peace, ease and grace as Pat and I had visualized. When it was over, with a very shaky voice, I said to my now ex- husband -thank you for what you were able to share in our marriage and I wish you well. An entity of forgiveness entered my body and filled the whole room. After I spoke, his attorney put her hands in the prayer position over her heart and bowed from the waist to me with the acknowledgment of, “I see the light in you.” Only she and I knew what her gesture meant. My ex. and my lawyer just stared with open mouths.
I feel so blessed watching Sandra’s transformation right before my eyes. As a Spiritual Life Coach, I am humbled and grateful to walk this journey with women. Do you want to learn how to pray and have a deeper connection with the Divine? I can help you. I am excited to share that the “Travel Coach” has been born. I will go away with you for a day, weekend or a week and help you transform your life and connect more deeply with the Divine.
Letting Go and Letting Others Help
I’ll admit it, I’ve always been a “glass half full” person, but this summer was a test for me!
At the end of June I tripped, sailed through the air, and landed badly. I ended up in the ER with two broken arms, three cuts on my hand/wrist needing stitches, and a cut on my head. I had two useless arms and hands. Apparently my husband saw this more clearly than I did in the beginning because he snuck out to call an adult daughter to ask “but how is she going to go to the bathroom????”
Everyone says it was a tragedy; single women especially project themselves into that scenario and show fear on their faces. I understand where they all are coming from – I felt scared the first few days, totally unable to care for myself.
But for five days, my husband never left my side. He fed, showered and dressed me, and yes, helped me in the bathroom. My eldest daughter, who is an occupational therapist, was out of work with a hurt back so we convalesced together while she taught us the tricks of her trade to help me feel some independence. My youngest daughter arrived with a juicer and big can of protein powder. She made me a large assortment of fruit-based and vegetable-based protein shakes, that I could hold between my casted hands, and filled my refrigerator and freezer. My middle daughter helped organize my home to make it more accessible for me and reduce my stress.
Friends helped take care of my dog and two cats, brought casseroles that my husband could heat up for dinner, visited and phoned to help my days go by faster, even delivered a big bag of Spiritual Cinema films. My instructor allowed me to take my class via speaker phone so I felt included, and Visiting Nurse Services sent nurses, a PT, an OT, and CNAs to help with showers and dressing.
Because of all this, I refer to this summer as my Six Weeks of Inconvenience. I understand from the doctors that I was fortunate not to have lost consciousness nor have a concussion; I also had a cut on my wrist that just missed a vein. I am very fortunate to have a loving family and caring friends. God reminded me that I am truly blessed. I have learned great humility being fed, cleaned and showered. I have learned patience letting go and allowing others to do things on their own timetable and using their methods. And I have really worked my gratitude muscles!
Eileen Santos
I am a Believer
I met Pat Hastings a couple of years ago after a series of God-incidences. I literally heard of her in the morning and was sitting in her living room that evening with a bunch of wonderful women sharing their stories and intentions. Pat spoke about how we should pray to God for ourselves, something that I hadn’t done before. She shared her spiritual journey and how it led her to write her book and start a new career as a Spiritual Coach and Inspirational Speaker.
I purchased her book that evening. It was Friday night and I usually go yard sailing on Saturdays. Before I went to bed, I read the first chapter of her book about her yard sale forays. As I read her words, it was as if I had written them myself. So many things resonated with me except for one thing. She prayed for the things she wanted. Hmm, I thought. I have been looking for a small food processor and juicer all summer. I never thought of praying for God to provide it for me. I decided to give it a whirl. I prayed and asked God for a food processor and a little juicer. Although I’d never done it before, it didn’t seem all that weird, it felt very right. I went to bed feeling comforted that God was aligning the stars so that my treasures would show up in my travels the next day.
Sure enough, not only did I find the food processor, for two bucks, but I found the juicer, also two bucks. I was on a roll and decided to ask God for a book that I wanted. As we were driving around I said out loud, “God, I know this is last minute, but I would really like that book as well.” A half hour later, I walked into a yard sale and on a blanket on the ground was one book…the one I had asked for and the best part was that it was a quarter. Sold! I couldn’t believe it, but I became a believer.
Since this happened, I feel God’s presence more than I ever have. I feel like I’m not in this alone. I talk to Him like I never have before and I feel like He is listening. It seems strange that such a little thing could make that much of a difference, but it has. I felt heard and my prayers were answered. I look forward to working with Pat and having more God-incidences in my life, but more importantly developing a true relationship with God.
Paula Labossiere
“GODincidence”
I woke up feeling very depressed about the current events in my life, past and present. A painful divorce, two surgeries and no money in the bank were weighing heavenly on my mind. I went to the beach to ask God a few tough questions. I was screaming inside. PLEASE help me. I walked on the beach and heard a faint voice within -”Keep walking.” I was trying so hard to trust God and understand what was going on.
I noticed the Jerry and Esther Hicks book sitting on the beach chair as I kept walking. I wondered who was reading the book because I had just finished reading a book by the same authors. Curiosity made me wait around until the person came back who was reading the book. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman with a long purple coat coming toward me. She smiled and we said hello to one another. I immediately asked her about the book and the conversation began and lasted for 4 hours. Pat invited me to lunch and by the time we left, I knew everything would be alright. That was my introduction to Pat Hastings, Simply a Woman of Faith. She was the answer to my prayers. She spoke with me as though she knew my score. She shared her experiences and I shared mine. It was so easy to open up to her as she listened intently to my story. She seemed to really care. In our conversation, Pat shared that she was an author and had written a book and released a new CD. I was really taken aback when she offered to give me a copy of her book as a gift “knowing that I didn’t have any money.” She said her book would give me hope.
I thanked her and told her I would read the book by the weekend and get back to her. I started the book that night and couldn’t put it down. I loved it and finished it in one sitting. Her message of faith, hope and Godincidences came through every page. I knew if she could get through the things that she did, so could I. The following week I went off my prescribed pain medication. I didn’t know how scary and painful this withdrawal would be. And I didn’t know if and when it would ever end. I remembered Pat was also an alcohol and drug counselor. I immediately called her for help. Her soothing voice of love and compassion lead me through the process. She prayed with me on the phone and her prayer’s were reassuring and helped me relax. I know that I have a new friend and that God is working in my life. Pat was clearly my guiding light. I am so grateful for her and our “GODincidence” that beautiful day on the beach.
Derek
THERE IS SOMEONE NEEDING YOU
One of my treasures is a poem that my grandmother gave me at least 45 years ago. She glued this little poem on a piece of cardboard for me. The poem sits in front of a picture she gave me on my dresser. It may sound strange, but I couldn’t remember when I read it last or even what the poem said. Here is the poem.
If you’re feeling low and worthless,
There seems nothing you can do
Just take courage and remember
There is someone needing you
Someone needs your faith and courage
Someone needs your love and prayer
Someone needs your inspiration, thus to help their cross to bear
Do not think your work is ended; there is much that you can do
And as long as you’re on earth, There is someone needing you.
You may wonder why I am sharing this poem with you. This little poem touched my soul deeply and I felt my grandmother’s presence when I needed it the most. As I laid on my bed with tears rolling down my cheeks, I looked up and the poem was literally “calling me.” I jumped out of bed and read the poem. Wow, I couldn’t believe the words that went straight to my heart.
Right before reading the poem, I asked God for guidance regarding my work. I was being called to let go of control and surrender my business to my Higher Power. Several things had happened that week and I felt discouraged and low; one of them being a women’s retreat I had been leading for 11 years that was cancelled due to low attendance. I wondered if I was to continue doing what I was doing.
Between allowing the words of the poem to heal and wash over me and letting go and surrendering the direction of my business, things shifted inside of me on a very deep level. And then the miracles began to happen.
A few days later, I gave a presentation called “Transforming Fear through a Power Greater Than Yourself” at the What Woman Want series in Fall River, MA. It was a powerful and inspirational night for all of the women. One of the women commented to my friend as she walked out, “Pat’s faith and love has changed my life.” I have been invited back to give another presentation in two weeks. Three days later, I gave a women’s retreat in my home, that was equally powerful and inspirational. The love the women shared with one another blew me away. I saw God in action. In the inspirational story that follows, you will read about Sandy and the love she experienced when she found herself at What Women Want and the retreat at my home.
If I can inspire and change one person’s life by sharing my story, it is worth it. I know now, more than ever there is someone needing me and my work is not ended. If you are feeling low and discouraged, there is someone needing your faith and inspiration today. Your work is not done.
GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
The last couple of months have been extremely difficult for me. I cannot believe the situation I find myself in with no job, money, a pending divorce and a place to call home. I have cried, worried and despaired over my situation until finally a couple of weeks ago I surrendered to God. I cried out “I can’t do this alone, I’m going to put my faith in you and do your will.” With the help of my friend inviting me to her church, I have been guided into God’s arms and have been embraced with so much love that it truly has been miraculous.
Last Wednesday Denise (who I just met that afternoon) invited me to Water Street Cafe to hear Pat Hastings speak. Pat shared about an upcoming retreat on “Finding Your Purpose” that coming Saturday at her home. Denise turned to me and said “I want you to go to the retreat and I will pay for it.” I started to say no, but she said, “just say thank you and accept my gift.”
After Pat’s presentation, she raised her arms to send out positive energy and asked all of us to do the same for one another. I felt blessed by the Holy Spirit and it became very clear what my purpose was. Pat’s love and faith was so beautiful and powerful for me. My family died when I was sixteen and I always wondered why I was left behind and what my purpose was. People told me I was left behind for a reason but those comments never resonated with me….until I heard Pat speak that night. For the first time, I heard it in my soul that I am alive for a reason and not to try to figure it out. God loves me and I am here to do good, to trust God and believe all my needs are being taken care of. I am still in awe of the bountiful display of God’s love that night.
As soon as I walked into Pat’s home on Saturday, I felt so peaceful. The connection and ease with the other women enabled me to feel safe to open my heart and share my pain and faith. The forgiveness exercise Pat led us in helped me release anger and resentment that I carried for many years. What a relief that I have finally been able to let go and forgive. I feel lighter and happier.
God works in mysterious ways and I am so grateful for the out-pouring of love that I experienced at the retreat. One of the women anonymously offered to pay for spiritual coaching for me with Pat. Several of the women signed up to be with Pat on a holistic cruise to the Mayan Country in January. I was shocked to hear that this same woman wanted to pay for me to go on the cruise. I felt undeserving at first and it was hard to accept these gifts. But I know that it is God’s way of taking care of me and pouring out His love. To think that someone thinks I am worthy…….whomever you are, you will never know how much you have validated my mere existence and I will always thank you in my prayers for your unselfish gift and love. Thank you God and thank you Pat for sharing your faith and love with us.
Sandra Caron
ASK & YOU SHALL RECEIVE
Before my girlfriend picked me up for lunch, I decided to clean out my purse with all of the grocery receipts from the day before. My purse was sitting on the chair at the doorway of my office. As I emptied my purse on the desk, I noticed my wallet was not there. I went back to the chair and searched all around the chair. I lifted up whatever was on the chair to see if the wallet had fallen out somehow. My wallet was gone.
Then it hit me, I must have left my wallet in Wal-Mart when I was there the day before shopping. As my girlfriend and I were driving to lunch, I called Wal-Mart and was informed that my wallet had not been found. They suggested I could check the security film, but I needed to give them the register number and the time I was there. This information was on the receipt, which was home on my desk. I decided to enjoy my lunch and call when I got home. After all, it had already been over 24 hours since I was at Wal-Mart.
When I got home, I called Wal-Mart and gave them the information to check the security film. When I hung up the phone, I made the sign of the cross, looked upwards and asked for help to find my wallet. I immediately stood up, turned around and walked right to the tall plant that was in a basket adjacent to the chair where my purse was placed. I reached deep inside the basket and pulled out my wallet. I couldn’t believe it.
I really cannot explain what this felt like, as it has happened to me on prior occasions, but I did this all without thought. I was devoid of thought for that few seconds of going from my chair to the basket to retrieve my wallet, without an awareness of why I was doing what I was doing. Plus, I had already looked in that area earlier and never would have looked in the basket as it didn’t seem possible that the wallet could have fallen into it. When I picked up my wallet, all I did was look up to the sky and said, “Thank you.” This is confirmation that there is truth in the Bible verse “Ask and you shall receive.”
Claudia Fitzsimmons
THE POWER OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
While vacationing with my son in Florida last week, I visited with my friend June. We had a lively conversation about spirituality, prayer, faith and forgiveness. We wondered why some prayers are answered almost immediately and other times we have to wait for our prayers to be answered. Neither one of us had the answer. We both agreed it’s about trust and God’s perfect plan and timing.
She shared a powerful story with me that happened to her many years ago. She remembers exactly where she stood in her dining room when she prayed to God. “God, I need $5,000 and this is what I need it for. My 2 daughters need this money and I want to help them.”
That night, she went to her weekly bingo game. When she arrived, she went to the rest room, only to find it was closed for repairs. Right next to the bingo hall was a casino. She decided to walk into the casino and find the restroom. She was drawn to a dollar slot machine and decided to play $10.
“I was shocked when all the whistles and lights went off and I won $5,000. When I went to cash in for my money, the teller shared that what happened was very unusual. The person right before me had just gotten up from that machine and had also won $5,000. She said that never happened before.”
I remember another time in my life that God provided. I was down to my last dollar. I went to the mailbox and found an envelope with a $600 check in it from Walgreens. No letter or explanation –just the check. I thought it must be a mistake and called Walgreens to inquire about it. They couldn’t explain what it was for, but it was legal. They thought perhaps it was a rebate for medications I had purchased over the year. I asked if that ever happened and they said no. The check was mine to spend. Of course, I thanked God for how he provided for me. We must be clear about what we want and ask for. We must trust God will answer the prayer in the perfect and right time – and the perfect way!
June Barrow
PRAY OVER YOUR TROUBLES
My husband and I are finally moving in the right direction financially, but we are really trying to be smart with our finances in order to “catch up.” My husband has driven a wreck of a car for the last 6 years because we just couldn’t afford a newer one. He’s been such a sport about it, to the point where he began to believe his car was fantastic! Suddenly, this week his car (which has had barely any trouble at all) was barely working.
Our original plan was to get him a new car at the end of summer or fall. I started thinking the time has come and we began the search, but he wasn’t able to find what he was looking for and he began getting disappointed. But he stayed faithful and pictured what he wanted in our driveway (what he wanted was way out of our price range.) I began getting concerned that now wasn’t the right time. Pat, I’ve heard you mention recently that you pray over what is concerning you so I put it into practice for myself. I prayed two consecutive days for God to point us in the right direction and show us the path that is right for us.
The next day exactly the car my husband was looking for came available and we negotiated a fantastic deal on it! He is picking it up tonight and he is so happy. He works SO hard so this is such a wonderful thing for him and for our family. I have spent all day today feeling so grateful. To most people, having two decent cars is just their necessity…to us it is such a luxury and we are over the top with excitement! Thank you for your inspiration to pray over my troubles.
Tricia Gillmore
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