You were, you really were created to shine! Sometimes we forget that we were created to shine, and we start listening to our own inner critic, we compare ourselves to others, and we listen to what other people say about us. We need to remember: "Any critical thoughts about myself are like mud covering a brilliant gem." (Daily Word, Unity, August 13, 2015) Each person is unique. We sometimes forget that, too. We try to be like other people in whatever way we think would make u

Do you see yourself as a creator? Not THE Creator, but a creator or a co-creator with the Infinite, with God. If we pause and think for a few minutes, we must acknowledge that each one of us is a creator. We create stories, adventures, baked goods, friendships, a home, lesson plans, artwork, creative centers, youth hostels, sanctuaries for animals, medicine, music, plays, communication, quilts, clothing, all walks of employment are a form of creation, games, "the quad jump,"

What's love got to do with it? Everything! It's amazing the Herculean efforts a woman will go through if Love is involved, especially love of others. A mother's love of her child. A grandmother's love of her grandchildren. A daughter's love of her parents. A woman's love of special family members. A woman's love of friends. A woman's love of her spouse or partner. A woman's love of nature and the Earth. A woman's love of all children. A woman's commitment to humanity. A woman

As someone who has more life behind me than ahead of me, people sometimes ask me why, after 42 years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I'm now working as a Transformational Life Coach. The truth is I love working with people, and I've been interested in coaching for about 15 years. And I figured since I was still alive, God wasn't done with me yet. I was being called to coach. So, I listened and took action. I made that switch (obtained training and certification i

Are you feeling a stirring inside, a yearning to do or to try something new or different? It can be something big or small. We are always called for more. We are being given the opportunity to grow and change. Are you listening to what is calling you? This kind of listening requires you to listen with your heart, which is easier said than done. Are you being called to be more patient, kind, caring, forgiving, or creative? Perhaps you're being called to volunteer, and share yo

Have you ever found yourself imagining living in a different time period? You know, like during the time of Pride and Prejudice, Narnia, Bridgerton, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars? Have you ever imagined yourself: *as one of the lead characters in a novel? *being a great artist or pianist or ballet dancer? *being an Olympic athlete? *finding a cure for a particular disease? *writing and publishing a book? *being a teacher? *as a chef? *being ca

You are one of a kind. Even if there is someone who looks like you, they don't have your particular thoughts or ideas or dreams or goals. You are unique, and that is just how God meant it to be. It would be pretty boring if we were all the same. You have your own gifts, skills, and talents. You are extraordinary. You see things in your own unique way. This makes your ideas, dreams and goals unique, also. You march to the beat of your own drummer. And sometimes you may feel li

"We are spiritual beings having a human experience." (Teilhard de Chardin) Many of us have forgotten we are spiritual beings. That's actually easy to do. The world, and all of its activities and all of our responsibilities, pulls us off course on a daily basis. But we need to remember that we are spiritual beings. Each and everyone of us is created in God's image. At least that's what "The Good Book" says. It's also easy to think and believe that people who look different fro

Desmond Tutu : " If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." Elie Wiesel : " Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." Howard Zinn : "You can't be neutral on a moving train." MLK Jr. or Dante Alighieri: "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict..." Pastor Martin Niemoller: a Holocaust poem "First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was

If you stop and think about it, each one of us has all kinds of life dreams. Some of our dreams are very small, and some are very big. And each one is important. What are your dreams? Our age, our gender, our family, where we live, money, health, life experiences, and other forces, such as war and peace, can influence our dreams. What are your dreams? The small ones and the big ones? Think about it: Your dreams are different than a child living in a war zone, or a parent tryi

About 40 years ago a friend gave me a can with these words on the label: When You Can't.... God Can.* The can has a little slit on the top, like a piggy bank. You're able to put little slips of paper with your prayer requests, challenges, hopes, dreams, doubts, worries, or whatever you choose to write through that opening in the can. In essence, you are giving "it" to God. I've used that can many times over the years. But for too many years, the God Can was sitting on a shelf

We're at the start of a new year, which equals new beginnings for so many of us. So, the answer to, "What brings meaning to your life?" changes as each person's life changes. And we are at a point of change. For example: When a child is 8 years old, what brings meaning might be building forts out of sheets, coloring, watching bugs, playing with friends, cuddling with Mom, baking cookies with Grandma, or riding her bike. But if you are the parent of that 8 year old, what bring

I say good-bye to 2025. And, I look forward with hope to 2026. I am aware of all the pain, hurt, suffering, and hate in our world. But I choose Love. I choose respect of and dignity for all human beings. I choose respect and caring for all of God's creation. I pray for peace on earth. I pray for peace within each person's mind and heart. I pray, Let this peace begin with me. And may I share this peace with others that it may spread throughout the world. And may God Bless us,

Did 2025 go by fast, or is it just me? Are you ready to ring-in the New Year? Are you ready and willing to make 2026 your best year ever? What are your plans, goals, dreams, and on you bucket list for 2026? Say to yourself, "I am ready to gain clarity on my dreams. I am ready to recognize my courage! I am courageous! I now release all that is holding me back: self-doubt, limiting beliefs, past history, current circumstances. I am ready to pursue my dreams! I stretch outside m

What do you notice This Time of Year? I notice the cold crispness in the air. The smells in the morning. The fog hanging overhead. The busy-ness of the season. The decorations. The hot chocolate. Mulled cider. The muffins. Soups. I love this time of year! What do you hear This Time of Year? I hear Holiday music. Laughter. Sighs while waiting in line. Children's excitement. Voices of family many miles away. What do you watch on TV This Time of Year? We watch all of our favori

so is Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day! Are you ready? Most people won't be celebrating all of those holidays--that depends on your family and friends, your culture, and your beliefs. But each one of those days is special for those who celebrate it. May you enjoy time with your family, friends, and future friends. Or if you are on your own, for whatever reason, may this season enfold you in love. May we all reach out in kindness to other

Happy Thanksgiving

Two babies, two precious human beings, have arrived in our family. They are darling. So cute. And so precious. We are all so thankful they have joined us. They represent the hope of humanity for a future filled with peace and joy. They have certainly brought a lot of joy to their parents, grandparents, and extended families. My prayer for them, and for all children, is: May your life be filled with love and many blessings. May you know you are held in God's love now and forev

The Holidays can stir up a mix of memories and emotions. That is especially true if you have had a family member or friend pass away during this or a previous Holiday Season. If you've found yourself struggling to feel joy, you're not alone. For me, my sister died of cancer at age 36, just a few days before Thanksgiving. She was a single mom, raising two young teenage sons. My dad passed away, after a long struggle with cancer, one week before Christmas. So, though they are a