Inspirational Story of the Month - April, 2008

My husband John was diagnosed with cancer in April, 1998. Ten months later, after a painful struggle and many ups and downs, he past away at home on February 18th surrounded by his loving family. John was a prominent physician and had a strong conviction in his faith. From the time he was diagnosed until he died, he never questioned his faith, but embraced it and looked forward to his next journey.

The morning of John's death, as he took his last breath, his brother Pat said, "Fall into his arms" as I whispered "I love you." With that he left this earth. As we waited for the funeral home to pick up his body, we went into the living room and I prayed that God would give us a sign that John was okay. My daughter reached for the spiritual calendar and changed the date to the 18th. The reading was "I have fought the good fight and I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." (2Timothy 4:7) I thanked God for the sign.

Later that day, the priest came to our home to plan the readings for the funeral. Of course, the above reading was #1. My step-daughter asked if she could do the second reading. She chose a passage from the bible John 14:2. "My father has a place with many rooms, if that were not true, would I have told you that I am preparing a place for you?" After the funeral, at the reception, the priest handed me a small picture frame with the second reading in it. He explained to me that in his haste to come to our home after John died, he forgot to change the date to the 18th on his spiritual calendar and when he returned home and changed the date it read "My father has a house with many rooms. I stood there and wept knowing these readings came to us through God to let us know that John was on to the next journey.

~ Mary Brady

Inspirational Testimony - April, 2008

My mom put Pat's book, Simply a Woman of Faith in front of me and said, "Read this." My mother is a very spiritual person and we have had many conversations about faith. It made sense that she would be interested in your book and she knew I would be too. At the time of receiving your book, I was in a positive growth period (not one of those oh god I have to learn this lesson now with a lot of tears and exhaustion.) I read your book immediately and couldn't put it down until I was finished. It was incredible how your experiences affirmed my belief in a loving God. Not only did it reaffirm that many others are living a life of faith, but that truly miraculous events can unfold. I felt, a part of, grateful for this life to pursue, anxious to grow and live even more of the miracle.

What I loved about the book was how Pat shared her personal stories and tangible real life examples like praying for what she needs at yard sales. Pat's honesty about her life and what she's been through helped me to know I'm not alone. It affirmed that I was on the right path in my own life and if she could live the life of her dreams, so could I.

I reconnected with God when I started a 12 step recovery program 3 years ago. Your book introduced me to the angels. I bought a deck of angel cards shortly after reading the book. I had only a few minutes before I picked up my youngest from preschool. I was tearing the cellophane off the deck and simultaneously thinking about what to ask the angels about. At the same time I was conscious of laundry, what to cook for supper, homework, and how to accomplish all this and still have a loving manner. I opened the box and 1 card fell right out. It was...... balance!!!!! I laughed out loud and knew this was going to be a part of my life. And it is. Angels have been showing up everywhere. It has become another form of God given support which I need and am grateful for.

I shared your book with many of my AA friends and they loved the book too. My plan is to re-read your book because I know I will continue to gain wisdom. Thank you Pat

~ Beth Worster

Monthly Inspirational Message From Pat - "Happy Spring" - April, 2008

Spring - a time of new growth, new life and rebirth. How exciting to watch the crocus peek through the ground and the yellow daffodils blowing so pretty in the wind.

For new growth, the old has to be cut away. Maybe it's old thoughts of inadequacy or not being good enough. The old "victim identity - poor me" must be cut away, for the new growth to take place. This is a time of transition.

Tama Kieves, author ofThis time I Dance in her newsletter writes, "This is a time to heal and strengthen, to let go of the self-attacking beliefs from your past, commit to your true desires and try on the bold apparel of a magnificent future self that is emerging. You can't to go into the big territory of a new life with the mindset of the past identity. Your old identity must be celebrated and laid to rest. Someone new, yet familiar as your breath, is emerging on the scene."

Times of transition and growth, although exciting and new can be scary for many of us. The old, which we have been so familiar with and comfortable with is still lingering and the new hasn't quite taken hold yet. I liken it to being in the hallway. One door has been shut or is about to be shut, but the other door hasn't been opened yet. This is a time of trusting and waiting on God. The new door will open in God's time, not mine. I am safe in the hallway and don't have to bang on the door for it to open. I can even rest and don't have to make things happen.

During these in-between times, I struggle with "am I doing enough?" All my life, I've pushed myself because I didn't think I was good enough. Now, I trust the spirit, I know that I am being led and I'm exactly where I need to be on my path. When I'm ready to do something different, I will know what to do and will do it. When I show up each morning in prayer, God shows up and the HOW shows up in perfect timing. Let us welcome and celebrate our new emerging selves as new doors open for us.