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REACHING BACK

6/2/2016

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Reaching back, because I must. 

I realized today I have been super remiss. I finally took a moment to look at my blog, I was surprised to see that I have not posted since the death of my dear friend, Olivia, our family dog. The fact that it's been so long tells me how deeply the event impacted my life. It also speaks to how very busy I have been.

So much has happened since our beloved companion passed. I have not stopped missing her and I know now, if I had been this busy and she had been struggling as she was toward the end... she would have suffered greatly during this time and those left at home would have suffered too. As difficult as it was, I am certain now it was the right time for her to go. I feel peace.

So... here comes a stroll down recent memory lane and a back log of blogging.

I think this is gonna be fun!

- Julie
Scripturally Speaking:
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
NASB
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OUR CONSTANT COMPANION

3/4/2016

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Each long day missing
Turning 'round I call her name
Silence answers loud


It was as though she always knew we needed her more than she needed us.

Born without enough cartilage to make her ears stand up, she came at a discount. Poor dog, wasn’t show worthy, so she was relegated to living her life with our family. For that, I am thankful.
Lesson learned: Never bring your checkbook or your children to look at a cute litter of puppies for sale. 

In 2003 a beautiful, pure-bread, Skye Terrier joined our family; Olivia Marie Hoy, Livvie, Tubs, Chubs, Squishy, Poopy Butt, Pretty Pretty Princess. Whatever we called her, she was a member of our family, a constant and faithful companion. Even if the doors were left wide open, she would never leave.

I didn’t realize until she was gone just how much time we spent together each day. Because I work out of our home she was always there. Wherever I sat to do my work, she was not far from my feet.
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Livvie was fed half a cup of food twice a day. In between those feedings, we ate my meals together. She waited patiently for a treats. She knew I’d take care of her and begging for food would have been beneath her. She was never an in your face kind of dog. It was as though she always knew we needed her more than she needed us.

Weighing in at about thirty-four pounds, she only stood twelve inches off the ground. She was long and stout; with a people sized head and people like hair. Unfortunately for her, I was her groomer. I knew that responsibility had to be mine after watching in horror as she snapped incessantly at three people trying to trim her up for the first time. Even as a puppy, she hated having her hair cut. It seemed to hurt. I think she knew she was supposed to be beautiful, not practical. I figured I was doing her a favor by keeping it short. She hated to be brushed just as much as being trimmed and would have needed brushing daily if I hadn’t kept her hair manageable. Like Sampson in the Bible, we joked that she thought her strength would be lost at the slightest snip.

Apparently, Skye Terriers were originally bred in Scotland for the purpose of hunting rats under castles. Fortunately we never needed her to hunt rats. We did, however, allow her to chase the cats and ferrets now and then.

Olivia’s passing brought me to a depth in my heart I hadn’t reached in years. Every day without her I realize more and more how much she was always there for me.

She greeted us when we came in the door, as though it was the first time, every time. Until the end, she always stood to say goodbye as we left. I don’t think she wanted to go anywhere. I think she just didn’t want us to leave. She loved walking to the mailbox and chasing the neighbor dogs and pedestrians as they passed by the front of the house.

Everything is so quiet now. Six baby gates down now and the dog toys tucked away. Candy Paws, the cat, has taken to sleeping on Livvie’s bed… so we’ll keep that for now. I wake several times a night and reach out to her. She’s not there. Without fail, she raised her head to look at me as I passed by on my way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It was as though she was saying, “I’m here. You okay?” I miss her.

Maybe there are people who just have animals and don’t fall in love with them. We are not those kind of people. Olivia was a member of our family. She cared about us just as much as we cared about her. Maddie and Alex were eight and ten years old when she came to live with us. Thirteen years and so much living later... she has gone to that big beautiful kennel in the sky. We can't thank her enough for all the love and joy she brought to our family. She was truly our constant companion.

On a side note; Olivia had a serious thing for chocolate. I hope she gets all the chocolate she wants in Heaven.

Some might say, "She was just a dog." My heart says different.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
NASB


Click to view Olivia's life with us.
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My CHANGING LIFE

1/19/2016

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The day after my fiftieth birthday I found myself surrounded by death. In our circle of friends and family, three great people had passed within a week. I was having difficulty being everywhere for everyone but I knew I just needed to have faith and keep moving forward, one responsibility at a time.

I was experiencing what I thought to be double vision at the time. I  made the mistake of searching the internet for a cause. My search ended with enough information to believe I was having a stroke. A blood pressure reading of 185/100 at my local clinic earned me a fancy ambulance ride to the hospital. It was a difficult moment which changed my life for the better.

Life is forever changing. If you're anything like me, there are times when you wish it wouldn't. I wish life could run smoothly day after day but it won't. I wish the good times could always outweigh the bad but sometimes they just don't. That's life, forever changing; for the better, for the worse.

I wish the people we love didn't have to die... but they do. I wish age didn't bring limitations... but it does. How we choose to live makes a difference as to how we live and how we die. If we have the power to change how we live in order to positively impact the living and dying parts, I think we should. It just might be; life changing. It certainly has been for me.

I turned fifty in September, 2015. Six months prior, I had made a visit to my primary care doctor. The words he said impacted me quite negatively at first but in the long run I found them to be an inspiration.

"You know, my doctor said, your blood pressure has been high the last few times I've seen you. I think it's time to think about blood pressure medication. I'd like you to monitor your blood pressure daily for the next six weeks and then come back in for a re-check."

I tried to make good on his orders but couldn't. I found checking my blood pressure stressful. My numbers just kept going higher and higher. I cancelled my appointment six weeks later and every six weeks until until November when I felt I was ready to return.

I knew I hadn't done a dang thing as far as diet and exercise were concerned. I wanted to do something to help myself before I returned to his office. I also knew I didn't want begin a regiment of  high blood pressure medication. I would do anything to change myself before taking a pill that would change my situation for me. I thought to myself, If I have high blood pressure, it’s my own fault. I've always eaten whatever I wanted to eat. Salted whatever needed salting and not since high school, had I participated in any form of physical activity with regularity. My stress level was high and my effort to help myself feel better was non existent.

As I made the ambulance ride to the hospital on the first day of my fiftieth year, I overheard the EMT announce to the dispatcher that he had “a fifty year old female on board,” with this vital sign and that. It was weird to hear my name with that age. I was sure to let him know that I had only been fifty for about a day and that it seemed like he was having an awful lot of fun announcing it. Upon arrival in the Emergency Room, I received no special testing. I needed no special attention or drastic measures. After many hours of waiting and plenty of time to consider every terrifying possibility, a very nice doctor returned to my room and informed me, to my surprise, that after his assessment he did not think I had high blood pressure but rather a vision problem. He wanted me to make an appointment with an eye doctor and that was all. I was encouraged and relieved.

I had just picked up a new pair of glasses two weeks prior to that time so I headed straight to Costco to have my prescription verified. Turned out my prescription was fine but my lenses were not sitting straight. Apparently, with an astigmatism as severe as mine, twisted lenses can cause your eyes to pull to the point of crossing. Once my lenses were straightened out, my vision problems were gone. One major problem solved. Another issue yet to be confronted, more change was necessary. I just needed to figure out how to do the changing.

In the days which followed my ER visit, I had a regularly scheduled appointment with my hairdresser. There really is nothing like a great cut and color to make a girl feel young and beautiful. It was certainly an appointment I was not afraid to keep.

If your hairdresser or barber is anything like mine, your time spent together is as much about great conversation and laughter, as it is about your hair. I’ve been seeing Pam since our girls were in pre-school together. So, for about seventeen years we have come together over a chair, a bowl, scissors and a blow dryer to discuss the worlds problems, including a few of our own. Our conversation that day was more than chatter, it was absolutely life changing.

Pam listened to the latest story of my heart and as she often does with clients said what she thought might help. She dared me to join her for a fitness class which started the following Monday. Titled; 28 Days to Sexy Slim and Strong, it would cost $137.00 and would include 3-4 days of workout a week, regular weigh ins and a meal plan. I discussed the idea with my husband when he got home that evening. He said, “With everything you’ve been through lately, I think the class would be well worth it.”

I’d never been a part of a work out group. Heck, I’d never been inside a fitness center. So, I did the only thing I could, what any good green horn would do, I begged my daughter for help in finding something appropriate to wear.

I had to miss the weigh in on Sunday. Because that detail seemed to go unnoticed, I decided for myself I would not take on the meal plan aspect of the class. I committed to watching what I ate and when I ate it. I gave up drinks other than water and committed to making work outs 3-4 times a week.

The class kicked off the following Monday and kicked my butt for 28 days. I found muscle groups which had long been forgotten. I didn’t realize how set in my physical ways I had become. The class awakened a consciousness I did not know I had. I made a fool of myself more than once. Not knowing how to do a proper squat or lunge saw to that. Most of the people there had taken the class before. My inexperience was obvious but my will to continue on was far greater. It helped that Pam was there to cheer me on. The fast pace and circuit nature of the training really woke up my thinker; another gift I didn’t see coming.

Near the end of my 28 days, knowing I could not afford to take the class again, I began to take a look around the room. I wanted to take away every possible bit of knowledge and inspiration for my effort. I took note of the different shapes and sizes of the people, as well as the differing levels of skill and commitment. Because I’m not a large person people often assume I am healthy. It had been said to me before that I can’t possibly understand what it’s like to be overweight. It’s true. I did not have a great deal of weight to lose… but the distance between being unhealthy and doing something about it is really the same for everyone... no matter what your size.

Out of all I learned in those 28 days, that one thought was by far my greatest take away. Our issues may vary, but no matter what the circumstance, the distance between doing nothing and doing something about that which faces us is the same. Turns out… I’m much stronger than I thought.

The class ended but my commitment to better health continues. I met the holiday season with a new way of thinking. I did not abstain from my favorite things to eat but for the first time in my life, I thought about what I was eating and how many times I visited the hors d’oeuvre and dessert counter. Water is still my favorite drink of choice and moving the boxes of paper work from the treadmill gave me a place to get my heart rate up each day. Our son left enough free weights around after high school that I can keep up my reps and the yoga mat I got for Christmas years ago now gets a work out of it’s own.

I finally visited my primary care doctor in November. The threat of high blood pressure medication was lifted. I admitted I had been avoiding him because I knew I needed to change my way of living in order to find out what my body could do without medication. “Well,” he said.”You’ve done it.”

To think, a potential diagnosis was all I needed to change my life. Sure it took months to get started as well as the encouragement and accountability between friends but the outcome has been wonderfully satisfying, inspiring and life changing.

It's taken me a while to get to the point of sharing my personal journey publicly. I write all of this with a thankful heart.

Pamela Marthaller, Cosmos Deja Vu
Mah- Ann's Pro Fitness

SCRIPTURALLY SPEAKING:
Hebrews 12:12
12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,
NASB


1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
NASB

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REDEFINING PHILANTHROPY

11/3/2015

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Redefining Philanthropy - Two Stories

By definition: philanthropy (Merriam-Webster)
noun phi·lan·thro·py \fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē\
: the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people

Story One:
Refreshingly Different


An acquaintance of mine threw a party which cost $10,000.00 to throw. There was plenty of shrimp for the five-hundred or so wealthy guests. Making money for herself was not the goal. For her there was no financial return. 

Usual fund raising fashion would dictate; artists are invited to donate their work, wealthy folks are invited to a party and auction to bid on the donated items. In contrast, this hostess invited the artists to come to her gallery and display their creations. The wealthy were invited to peruse the gallery and purchase what they wanted. The only cost to the artists was a requirement to donate 15% of their earnings from sales to the charity chosen for the night. 

In an artists world it’s tough to make a living. Fundraisers usually require creative and talented people to donate their work, therefore giving away more of themselves for free. So, the starving artist gets to starve more. In contrast, this event gave artists the opportunity to sell their work and be philanthropists for a change. The wealthy guests were confused. Not only by the fact that they couldn’t bid for items but the concept that the woman who paid for the evening did it at her own expense was nearly impossible to comprehend. People just don’t do it that way.

Phone calls and emails are still coming in. Guests want to know what was in it for the hostess; It was an event which valued the artist and the artwork. It also afforded guests the opportunity to make a purchase which ultimately benefitted the charity. $50,000.00 was raised. How refreshing!
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Someone once asked if I consider myself a philanthropist. 

My initial response was, “No. I don’t have enough money.” Then it occurred to me, philanthropy is really not all about the money. More so, it is about giving of what you have, no matter the amount. 

As in Luke, Chapter 21:1-4. The amount of her gift was relative to what she had to give and truly a sacrifice.

The Widow’s Gift

21 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. 3 And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4 for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.” (NASB)

As I reflect, I wonder. How many of us are giving but don’t count it as such?
I’m going to tell you a story I never thought I would share publicly. Until now, it’s been my little  secret. I’m only publishing it because I think we all do more than other people know. We don’t get big thank you notes, plaques on a wall or tax receipts at the end of the year. Still, it is all worth doing.

Story Two: 
​Philanthropy In A Sandwich Shop

There is a young lady I have come to know. She works at a sandwich shop here in town. I first encountered her a few years ago. I noticed she seemed sad and struck up a cheerful conversation. Over time and many visits I learned she’d had a pretty rough go of it. I didn’t ask for details but it was obvious she had survived some pretty hard times. After seeing her there for well over a year, she shared one day how excited she was when she found out her driver’s license could be re-instated. I got the impression she had been without it for at least a couple of years. She said it would take her a few months to raise the money she needed for the Department of Motor Vehicles fees and an official copy of her birth certificate. I felt inspired to do a little something to help her out. So, from that moment on, every time I went in, I paid for my sandwich and gave her five additional dollars, sometimes a little more, toward her goal. Once she was able to get her license… she set out to buy a car. That took a while too. She wasn’t looking for anything fancy, just something to get her to work and home again. She probably paid a few hundred bucks for the car. Frankly, as it sits in the parking lot, it looks a little like it’s been abandoned. I saw her the other day and asked her how the car was running. She said, “Real Good.”She also said it took her a while to learn how to drive it. She said, “Like, the handle for the windshield wipers is broken off but I figured out if I put my finger in the hole and push real hard, I can turn them on.” She smiled and laughed with pride. I smiled back. “Good for you, I said, sounds like a great solution.” If I could afford to buy her a car I would. Instead, my small sacrifice of giving continues and is now going toward gas money.

Does that one little thing I do make me a philanthropist? I think so. So too, does the amount of time I spend thinking of that young woman and praying for her. She has no idea.
So we give as we can give. God knows who needs what and when. He also knows what we are all capable of giving and doing. I pray I always do my best. I seek to serve. I pray for discernment in giving while trusting that God will provide, for me too. 

Philanthropy is just a word. We have the power to give it our own definition.
Thank you for reading this. Blessings on your journey.

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FLORIDA MIRACLES UNFOLD - PART Seven

9/21/2015

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FISHING BETWEEN THE MASSES

What started out as one assignment unfolded as a series of miracles. I can truly attest to the fact that you get out of life what you put into it.

Before leaving town, one of my remaining divine appointments, for this trip anyway, was singing for four Sunday Masses at St. Anastasia in Fort Pierce. I offered the song Holy Spirit Come To Me as a meditation song after Communion. Sweet Jennie Capezza and her family attended the 9:30 service. Her two girls, twins, Abby and Kate, sang with the choir for that Mass and it was breathtaking. Seven beautiful girls sang together like a choir of angels. (CLICK HERE to watch a video recording of this performance on YouTube.)

After the 9:30 Mass, Jennie's adorable son Luke asked, "Mrs. Hoy, my dad and I are going fishing today. Would you like to come with us?" It took all of two seconds for me to say, "Yes!" Then I remembered I had to be back to sing for the 5:00 service.

"But Luke," I said. "I have to be back to sing for the 5:00." I looked to his dad, and asked, "Can you get me back in time, Louis?" "Sure." He said with a sweet smile. Just meet us at the marina after the 11:00, jump on the boat and we'll go. We'll have you back to the dock by 4:15 or so."

It was a beautiful Florida day and our trip was a huge success. The guys limited out on Snapper and we were also able to catch and release seven other species that day; Black Drum, Puffer Fish, Sheeps Head, Lady Fish, Sting Ray and Blue Fish. Louis said he hadn't seen some of those kind of fish since he was a kid. One of my favorite moments was being there for the biggest catch of Luke's life. I got all choked up and felt so blessed to be there as father and son high-fived in the moment. Hanging out in a Manatee Zone, watching dolphins, countless birds and fellow fisher people was a huge blessing. It didn't even matter that my hair was a wind-blown mess as I ran to my car and quickly drove back to the church. I pulled my dress on in the parking lot and didn't bother to change from my flip-flops to heels. Thank God for hairspray. With a sun-kissed face and the smell of fish on my hands, I took my place with choir. Out of courtesy, I turned to the choir director and whispered, "Kristin, if you smell bait, it's me."

I could have flown home early because it made the most financial sense but I chose to wait on God. Trusting Him as I booked my flight. Not knowing if anything would happen after the retreat for John Carroll. I listened and I heard right. God did have more for me to do. As a result, all that you have read and many miraculous moments I have not written about... happened. Fishing between the Masses was such a gift.
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I left Jennie's house that day with a full heart and hugs on board. I will never forget her or the many blessings her willingness to reach across the country granted to so many, myself included. I headed for Melbourne, one more night in a hotel and one last morning Mass the next day with Sisters Immaculata and Joseph at Ascension.
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I am overwhelmed by the generosity, humility, faith and joy of Sisters Joseph and Immaculata. They came here to Melbourne from Ireland in 1961, with no money and orders to start a school. These two amazing foundresses were beyond successful in their mission. They still have offices on campus at Ascension Catholic School. Sr. Immaculata, the more vocal of the two, taught Kindergarten there for 54 years until, as she puts it, she was, "recycled." She now handles all matters regarding pastoral care; by serving the sick, the dying, the home bound and the incarcerated. Sr. Joseph is Development Director for the school and was busy preparing for their Casino Night fund raiser while I was there.  http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=2477
So, this story of miracles ends as it began at the airport in Melbourne, Florida.
If you read my earlier posts, you may remember, The Luggage Lady. Well, wouldn't you know it, Sister Immaculata followed me to the airport to see me off and The Luggage Lady (Michelle) was there at the ticket counter. God certainly was not going to let Michelle miss the opportunity to meet the nun who ran past her at the airport on the day of my arrival.
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    If we try, it's really not that hard to find God. I think sometimes we don't want to hear what He has to say or to see what He has to offer. I believe with my whole heart that if we look at everything as opportunity we will find joy in seeking His presence, in each other and the gifts we have been given to share. He is everywhere, in everything, just waiting to be seen and loved by us. I know this much for sure, the more I seek Him... the more I find Him. I pray, as long as there is breath in me, may I never stop making the most of every moment. The Joy of the Lord is my strength.
SCRIPTURALLY SPEAKING:
Psalm 16:11
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (NASB)
By the way, this series of seven blog posts aren't even the half of it. Miracles upon miracles, blessings upon blessings unfolded on this trip. Here is a list:
 
  • Meeting Tanner Johnson on the flight to Melbourne. He was on his way to the Florida Institute of Technology to begin as a first year student. I'm still praying for him, his mom, Laura and his dad, Mark.
  • Mass with John Carroll High School Faculty and Staff
  • Morning Mass at St. Anastasia with Fr. James Bowman
  • Sudden opportunity (a divine appointment) with St. Anastasia Faculty and staff
  • Meeting Kristen Jones, “That’s me!”
  • Cutting Out The Middle Man
  • Presenting for Ascension Catholic School Classes with Elizabeth Bump
  • Lunch at Applebee’s
  • Photo op with Betsy and Shelly
  • Rick and Mary Blucker
  • Singing at Sonata
  • Bev and Al, you are still in my heart and prayers.
  • Paul and Emily Kubica, Laserchrome, amazing stuff!
  • Back to the Sister’s house for Prayer and Jeopardy
  • Sr. Joseph and the Tournament of Champions
  • Wine and Gold Fish crackers, tea and scones too.
  • Daily Mass at Ascension, Prayer at 7:30 prayer
  • Dear Sharlene...
  • Dinner with Elizabeth Bump, Wayne, Suzie and Maryann and their dogs, forever in my heart.
  • Sister Blessed me with Holy Oil of The Little Flower
  • Friday night at the Hilton; The Crime Scene
  • Saturday, check out and back to Kennedy Space Center for freeze dried ice cream.
  • Off to Fort Pierce To the Beach with Jennie, Louis, Kate, Abby and Luke
  • Bullheads and Bait and men swimming in their underwear
  • To the fruit stand! Al’s Family Farms was closed.
  • Found the best souvenir shop in the land! Boudrais Groves
  • Saturday night at the Capezza’s, Playing Guitar, Lot’s of Ribs and Chicken
  • Two Fathers, Father Richard E. George II and Fr. James Bowman
  • Fr. Bowman and Celtic Thunder
  • Fr. Richard E. George II, thank You for the opportunity to serve.
  • Jennie’s Dad and Mom, special prayers for you two, always.
  • Photo Op with Betsy and Shelly, The Wall of Fame,
  • To The Morning Muffin Bunch, you remain in my prayers.
  • Laura Dodson, Writer CNS Thanks for a great visit! So many stories to tell.
  • Sister Joseph and her meeting Muriel, the Volunteer
  • God brings just the right people at just the right time.
  • Sr. Immaculata gave me a copy of the Shorter Christian Prayer Book
  • What Luke Said first day of school...
  • Membership is Up!
  • No Sad Goodbyes, I will be back.
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FLORIDA MIRACLES UNFOLD - PART SIX

9/11/2015

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SEA BEANS AND A STORM

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With an afternoon to spare, I hurried to the nearest Wal-Mart for supplies. A bamboo mat, sunscreen and a beach towel were the only things on my list. With very little planning, other than my beach time shopping spree, I was off to enjoy the Florida Atlantic Coast.

Of course, traveling on faith, I failed to check the weather report. As I waited for construction traffic on the bridge over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, it became obvious that the lightning, thunder and rain would arrive at the beach before I did.

By the time I reached the State Park at the coast, the storm was fully involved. Incessant, rumbling thunder shook my little rental car as well as my heart. Lightning flashes were all around. They were impossible to predict, because everything was happening so fast. I tried to capture a picture of a lightning flash but worried my phone would act as a rod and I might be killed. The fact that I was the only person in the parking lot made me question my "good judgment” in being there, so I played it safe and stopped trying. I didn’t want my stupidity to make me a candidate for the evening news; 

"Amateur storm chaser dies while posing for a selfie in a storm. She was found naked and afraid clutching her iPhone, a bamboo beach mat, sunscreen and a towel." 

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It took about an hour-and-a-half for the storm to pass and move out to sea. I did walk the beach for a bit after. The air smelled fresh and clean but the no-see-ums were thick. Within ten minutes I was covered with bites. I quickly returned to the safety of my car and left.

Making my way back toward the mainland, I decided to try one more stop. At the entrance to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, the ranger collected my four dollars and as dusk began to settle I found myself at the inlet side of the park. 

As before, I was all alone. It felt like I was doing something wrong again by being there by myself. I figured, either I was stupid, dead, or the luckiest person in the whole world.

I parked right up front and made the short walk to the beach. 

All alone in that beautiful place I began to walk and pray. I prayed spontaneously for a while, then took the rosary from my shorts pocket and began the Joyful Mysteries.
I like to pray the Rosary when I’m out of ideas or when my ideas are too many to bear. When I feel like God wants more time with me, I meditate on the Mysteries and let God work. For me, the Rosary is a good way to get lost in the presence of God. 
Being a natural born beachcomber, with my head down and my eyes wide open, I walked the shoreline as I prayed. In the grass which had washed up after the storm, I found a few rocks and shells I liked and then a funny little gray thing that looked like a rock but could have just as easily been some leftover picnic garbage. 

A decade of the Rosary later, I found another, and then another. Wow, I thought, if only I could find a fourth, then I would have one for each member of our little family. It wasn’t until I began the last decade that I found the fourth little nubbin. 
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Completely satisfied, I headed out of the park after sunset and stopped at the Ranger Station. Holding one of the little balls in the palm of my left hand I asked, “Do you know what this is?”

“Oh wow!” the ranger said. “You found a Sea Bean. You must be very lucky. Those are hard to find. They come, sometimes, from as far as Africa. They travel for months on the ocean. I’ve never seen a gray one.” Hang on tight to that treasure! You are very lucky."

Reaching into a file cabinet next to her desk the ranger then pulled out a copy of a Sea Bean information sheet. I thanked her and drove away happy. She was so excited about the one… I didn’t have the heart to tell her I had found four.
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It was a good day at the beach. It wasn't what I thought it would be. It was better. I witnessed the majesty of God in a mighty storm, I served as a buffet for hungry no-see-ums and left the Inlet with a lucky handful of Sea Beans. The sunscreen and bamboo mat were gifted to my Florida friends. I took the beach towel home as a souvenir for my daughter. I swear… If I had known the gifts I was to receive that day, I might have planned myself out of greatness. I want God’s itinerary for my life. Without fail, what I experience while traveling on faith becomes something far greater than I could ever dream. God is so good!
Scripturally Speaking:

Ephesians 3:20
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (NASB)

Psalm 23:1-6
23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NASB)
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Florida Miracles UNFOLD - Part FIVE

9/1/2015

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HUMBLED AND INSPIRED

At the mere suggestion of making a visit to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, Sister Immaculata took her NASA pin from her lapel and pinned it to my shirt pocket. Patting it she said, “You should go.”

Selected to become a Teacher in Space in 1986, Sister did not make the trip. She has, however, jumped out of a plane strapped to a Special Forces Marine and hopes to do so again in celebration of her eightieth birthday this month.

While I have no desire to jump out of a plane or travel into space, I am known for being willing to go the extra mile, in my own way, when necessary. If it means doing something for God or seeing something I have not seen before, if there is the slightest possibility that I will never get that way again, I will go. With so much to experience less than an hour away, I awoke early the next morning and set out.

I find it fascinating that human beings are actually smart enough to have found their way into space. Orville and Wilbur Wright figured out how to get off the ground and that incredible moment opened wide the door of endless possibilities. Reaching into space has brought a better understanding of how small we are and where we sit in relation to so much more. Being reminded of how small we are gives us the opportunity to be humbled and inspired.

According to my computer’s dictionary:
The universe is believed to be at least 10 billion light years in diameter and contains a vast number of galaxies; it has been expanding since its creation in the Big Bang about 13 billion years ago.

So really, we are all just tiny dots in the cosmos. Though each of us is small in relation to the whole, every one of us is critical to the plan, God's plan, that is. God’s plan is bigger than we can dream. Eternity, which is promised, reaches far beyond light years. Whether or not we can visit there is left to some speculation, though I believe it has happened for a blessed few.

I say we keep reaching, beyond what is humanly possible, because with God, the possibilities are endless. We know there are consequences to every action no matter how far we go or what we do. We also know that Mother Nature has the power to wipe us out in an instant. I say dream big but don’t forget to love deeply that which is right in front of you. I know I don’t want to miss a single opportunity to live and learn.

As I entered the Kennedy Space Center Museum that day, heavy on my heart were the two space shuttle disasters; Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. While these tragic events brought great loss, it was wonderful to see the memory and contributions of each fallen astronaut acknowledged and recognized. NASA has had many more successes than failures. Throughout the park the following motto can be found; "Failure is not an option.” It is obvious that even through loss, knowledge has been gained.

I bought my own NASA pin at the gift shop. I will never regret going the extra miles to experience the wonder of our space program. The glory of space exploration is a big part of our past. I have a feeling there is much more to be discovered in the future.

Scripturally Speaking:

2 Peter 3:13
13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. (NASB)


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The Sky Above Cape Canaveral
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Sr. Immaculata and Me
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Florida Miracles Unfold - Part Four

8/26/2015

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FULL BENEFITS

    Being given the opportunity to sing for four Masses, one Sunday, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Fort Pierce, Florida turned out to be a blessing... and not just for me. Upon returning home, after a week of pure goodness and joy, the ripples of faith continued to go out. Linda Schildwachter, a woman I have never met, sent me the following message through Facebook. Only God could do something like this.
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Working for God comes with full benefits.
(I strongly recommend it.)

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    Working for God does come with full benefits. I am cared for, loved, completely entertained and humbled by watching His work through mine. I am Thankful for the way God brings us together at just the right time. Who knew, when my friend Jim asked me to write a song for his granddaughter... that God would use that song down the road to bless another? It is obvious again that everything we do is for something. Sometimes we have the privilege of finding out what that something is. I am thankful and inspired to keep answering God's call. As I frequently say to myself, "Just shut up and do the work. God knows the reasons why."
Scripturally Speaking:
Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
NASB

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Florida Miracles UNFOLD - Part THREE

8/24/2015

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A HEARTFELT LEAP

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"Sit on it and I'll take your picture." She said.
"You go first." I replied. What I didn't realize was that she knew better
than to actually sit on the blistering reptile.

    I sat on the old boy like I knew what I was doing. I did not. Scorched my wrist, my ankle and my pretty, white pants. So much for new found friendship. I suppose, if I hadn't acted like I knew what I was doing she might have tried to help.

    That's Jennie Capezza, the smart one on the left; a native Floridian who knew what would happen to a metal alligator in the piping hot sun. She attended my class in April 2015 at the National Catholic Educational Association Conference in Orlando (NCEA). Honestly, I don't remember meeting her back then but I will never forget the day that she contacted me the following  June.

Jennie wrote:

Hello Julie,
 
    My name is Jennie Capezza. I am the Director of Campus Ministry at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce, FL. I attended one of your dynamic sessions at the recent NCEA conference in Orlando. I love listening to your CD as I drive around town! I am inquiring about the possibility of you leading our faculty retreat on Tuesday, August 11 in Fort Pierce, FL. I would love to share your message with our faculty prior to returning to school in the Fall. Please respond with your availability and monetary cost.  Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

 
It didn't take long to feel God's leading in this opportunity. It was actually more like a heart felt leap. I responded with my "Yes" and Jennie replied:


    I’m thrilled to hear that you are available. I am in the process of communicating with my administrator about budget and expectations for that day and will be able to confirm with you at the beginning of next week. Can you tentatively hold that date for me until I get approval?

Her story continued:

    I would like to share a little bit about myself and the great impact you had on my life at the NCEA conference.

    During my first day at the NCEA conference in Orlando, I attended a couple High School/English sessions and felt like a fish out of water. I was disappointed and had an overwhelming feeling like I had been misplaced. But I held on to my faith in God’s plan; His timing and placement has always been perfect in my life. Well, God delivered once again when He guided me to your session. As soon as I walked in, I felt at home as you were passing out doughnuts and welcoming everyone. I didn’t talk very much, but I took it ALL in. I felt connected to your beautiful, simple message of God’s love and plan for us. The Holy Spirit was stirring in me, and I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to communicate my feelings of inadequacy as a high school English teacher with my administrator. Well, I communicated that I could no longer to be an English teacher. I felt lost for a couple weeks, not knowing if I would return to elementary school or just work at Starbuck’s for a couple years. Luckily, I was offered the  Director of Campus Ministry position last week, and I am thrilled. But, I honestly feel like I would not have had the courage to say something if I wouldn’t have experienced God’s message through you. So… thank you! Just wanted to bear witness to the fruits of your labor!!

God bless you,
Jennie Capezza

Jennie started her new job in June. She emailed me on June 4th. The stories of faith and inspiration which were to follow would not have come to be if it hadn't been for Jennie's willingness to reach out and share. She had no fear. She felt led to my class where God was truly the one waiting for her. She risked her career by telling her boss she could no longer continue in her current position. When offered her new role she did not hesitate and when she started her new job, the first thing she did was reach out, kitty corner, all the way across the country to ask if I might consider leading their faculty retreat.

I am humbled by my role in any of this. It is by God's grace that I have found the ability to share the gifts He has given me. No one could have predicted the outcome of Jennie's faithfulness and she is just getting started. I am a willing participant and an awestruck witness to God's work. He knows I'll go anywhere and I will do anything for Him... even if it means unwittingly sitting on a metal alligator in the hot Florida sun.

John Carroll Catholic High School Faculty Retreat, August 11, 2015.
You will be forever in my heart.

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Scripturally Speaking:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (NASB)
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Florida Miracles UNFOLD - Part TWO

8/11/2015

2 Comments

 

FINDING SISTER IMMACULATA

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Wow! God is really good. My flight to Melbourne was on time today. My bag, however, decided to spend a little more time in Atlanta. When the luggage lady gave me the news, I told her I'd just get my rental car and wait at the airport.

l took the opportunity to familiarize myself with the car and load all my addresses into the GPS. I also tuned in for Sr. Immaculata's radio interview. As it turned out, her station number had changed so I spent an hour listening to Catholic Radio discussing a topic which wasn't particularly interesting to me. I missed her interview entirely.

Three hours after my original arrival I retrieved my bag, only a little irritated when, after all that, it was nearly the last one off the belt. On very little sleep overnight and nothing to eat... I finally hit the road.

My hotel was to be an hour drive from the airport. I decided to find my way to Sr. Immaculata's church in order to further familiarize myself with the car and practice driving in Florida. I found the church and sat for a few minutes at the far end of the parking lot. Feeling a little lost... I looked at a map to orient myself with the area and entered my hotel as the next destination. I glanced up just in time to see a white mini van pass before me, left to right. I was shocked to recognize Sr. Immaculata as the passenger. I quickly dropped my navigation tools and set out in hot pursuit. I followed that van for over five miles. Through neighborhoods and busy streets, I worked the scene like I was a cop in an episode of The First 48. Feeling like a stalker, I called my sister for advice. "Is this wrong? I asked. I'm not even sure it's her!" "You've gone this far, she said. It's gotta be a God thing. See it through and let me know what happens."

The van entered a shopping center parking lot. The driver parked, left the car running and went into the store, I cautiously approached the van and gave a happy wave to the passenger. It was her alright, sweet, hilarious, Sr. Immaculata.

We were both shocked and thrilled to have found each other since we had no plan to do so until later in the week. She told me she had come to the airport in an attempt to welcome me but could not find me. Her story explained though why the luggage lady mentioned seeing a nun rush through the area shortly before my original luggage-less arrival. We visited for a good fifteen minutes. It was wonderful.

I asked, "Do you drink wine, Sister?" "Well, yes dear, I do." "Good, I said, I brought you a bottle all the way from Oregon." Wine in hand she said, "God's provision is wonderful. Like manna in the desert, He does provide." To which I replied, "Like manna in the desert there is wine at the beach!" We held hands as we talked and exchanged I love yous as we said goodbye. Not so hard to believe, actually, that when you live life by the heart and let God lead... beautiful things happen. Serendipities abound. More about us when we meet again this Thursday.

Scripturally Speaking:
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
(NASB)


2 Comments
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