Inspirational Story of the Month - July, 2008: THE TANGLED NECKLACE

I work hard to keep balance in my life. Juggling a small business, a new part-time job, family and my spiritual life can be challenging. Saturday morning finds me at my desk ready to tackle the paper work that was piled high. I sat down with cup of coffee in hand as I listened to the birds chirping and felt the early morning sun coming through the window.

As I had many times, I noticed my tangled cross necklace sitting on my desk. It had been sitting there for weeks because I didn't have the time to detangle it. But, I wanted to wear my cross to church the next day. "It will only take a few minutes to detangle it," I thought to myself. Plus everyone is sleeping, this is the perfect time to get this done. But, the more I tried to fix it, the more frustrated I became. Everytime I thought I was making progress, I quickly realized I was getting nowhere. Twenty minutes later, I wanted to scream. Instead, I looked up and noticed the scripture passage over my desk.

Jeremiah 29 11-15 "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you and I will change your lot."

I read the passage not once, but twice, really letting the word sink in. I also took a deep breath, grateful that I had taken time to connect with the Lord. I prayed for a brief moment, then went back to my task. Within a minute, the necklace began to untangle and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Within about 3 minutes, my beautiful necklace was completely free of knots. I chuckled to myself that the events of that morning were such a metaphor for my life.

When I ask for help, God makes the way easy. How often do I try to do things my way and tangle up my life? Help me to always remember that when I walk through this life with you, my journey always goes smoother. Let us always stop and ask for help.

~ Donna Mac

Inspirational Testimony of the Month: TRUST YOUR GUT AND GOD WILL GUIDE YOU

When Jim and I moved to Albuquerque, it seemed like a great place to live, cultural diversity, a vibrant city and less expensive than Denver. Jim got a promotion which meant I could stay home with our two young girls.

The stress of Jim's job started to build. Along with the stress came fatigue, headaches, viruses and many days out of work. After two years, we decided that being close to family seemed to be the most important thing for us. Our respective families were spread out along the east coast and we didn't get to see them very often.

After discussing the pros and cons of moving back east, it seemed like a good idea. As we started dreaming about the ideal place to live, Providence kept cropping up in everything we read, watched on television, even in conversations. It would be close to our families and the city seemed vibrant and affordable.

With much excitement about these new and unforeseen possibilities, we started internet job searching in Rhode Island. Jim's job progressively got worse and one day he just quit! "You did what?" I nervously asked. This gave more fuel and expediency to our job search.

A couple of rather tense weeks went by. Jim was offered a job in Boston. We decided to consider it, but something kept telling us to hold off for Providence.

I now believe that the "something" was faith. If you trust in faith-faith helps guide to you the right choices. Boston would have accomplished our goals, but the little voice inside said "trust your intuition-and God will guide you." As soon as we made the leap of faith and our decision was made-things began to fall into place. We sold our house and within 2 months we had rented a house. Within a week of moving into our rental, Jim had a job offer in Providence.

We have not yet looked back. This move proved to be a wonderful choice for us full of opportunities, much less stress and the best part is we get to see our families whenever we want.

~ JoAnne Hanrahan

Monthly Inspirational Message From Pat: LET MIRACLES FIND YOU

I have an angel hanging next to my bed that says "Let miracles find you." For most of my life, I thought I had to make things happen. It was all up to me and I worked hard to get what I wanted. There's nothing wrong with working hard. I went back to college in my forties, held a full time job and raised a family. Walking across the stage with diploma in hand was exhilarating and the result of perseverance and hard work.

"Letting the miracles find me" is practicing a new way of life and being. It's living in the present moment and trusting that when "I show up, God shows up and the HOW shows up" in the perfect time and perfect way. It's giving up control and trying to make things happen the way I think they should go. This way of living is more peaceful and it's fun watching the miracles happen. I listen to my intuition, gut feeling and act from a peaceful place within. I still take action and work hard, but I know that a Power greater than myself is guiding my life and providing for everything I need.

My intention is to be on the Oprah Show. I have a picture of Oprah on my bedroom and dining room wall. My friend Lynn is working on a promotional DVD to send to Oprah.

I recently met an author who told me she also intended to be on the Oprah Show. Her agent had pitched her book to Harpo Productions and she was waiting for an answer.

After speaking with her, I felt a little discouraged and wondered how I would get my book in Oprah's hands since I didn't have an agent.

Two days later, my friend Mary invited me to a party at her house. Mary introduced me to her niece Sue who was visiting for the weekend from Chicago. "Pat just wrote a book", my friend said. Sue and I engaged in conversation about my book. She said, "You should go on the Oprah show." "Yes, that's my intention." To my utter amazement, she said, "I work next door to the Oprah Show and see her everyday." My mouth dropped and all I could say was "You what!" I gave her my book as a gift. When we were leaving, she said, "I think I will just leave the book in a place where Oprah can't miss it."

It is in God's hands (and I hope in Oprah's.) I let Spirit have it's way. I am detached from the outcome.

Unfortunately, not all things manifest that quickly. Often I have to wait and be patient. It is in the times of waiting that I learn to trust God's plan and perfect timing. And when it does manifest, I understand why I had to wait.

~ God Bless, Pat