Love to All

DEEP THOUGHTS!

July 9, 2005

The Trouble Tree

I hired a carpenter to help me restore an old farmhouse. He had just finished a rough first day on the job; a flat tire made him lose and hour of work, the electric saw quit working, and now his pickup refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me to meet his family.

As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing is for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again."

"Funny thing is, " he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

~Author Unknown

May 23, 2005

Click Here to Read May Deep Thoughts

~Previous~

September 16, 2004

What would happen if:

For one day only, we choose to speak solely when necessary?

For one day only, we speak not ONE word to another ABOUT what another person said, did, thought or acted like? (In short, we do not speak about others unless it is to communicate something positive and wonderful?)

For one day only, we turn off the car radio and cell phone and instead, offer sincere prayer for anyone we pass on the street?

For one day only, we projected all the love we have in our lives to somewhere else, say, the Middle East?

For one day only, we keep our secrets between ourselves and God?

For one day only, we choose to follow, rather than to lead?

For one day only, we were quiet enough to hear God's voice inside us?

What would it say?

With love,

Alexis

Sometimes in life, things happen and we don't know WHY or HOW they happened. It seems at times we just WAKE up in the middle of our lives and we are baffled as to how we arrived at the place we happen to be. Sometimes its a good thing, sometimes not, but I'd be willing to bet it happens to all of us at some point in time.

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and
two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs
gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the
pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would
never get out.

Yesterday I woke up the same person as I always am. I was groggy and headed straight for the kitchen to turn the kettle on for tea. I checked my email while I was awaiting the pot to boil, I yelled at the dogs for being too loud, I shuffled my daughter into her room to pick out her clothes for the day. I read the paper. I listened to Casey tell me about what would be happening today at the barn and what time she would need to be there. I rattled off a list of things we needed to accomplish before we left the house. I avoided a phone call. I went back to my email to answer some letters. I yelled at the dogs again, for being too loud.

Very often when we least expect it, God sends us a profound message reminding us that at any given time in our lives, we are being watched, listened to and very much loved. The following is one of the true stories from my own past experience. I hope it speaks to you.

You may not think lighting one single candle on September 11th will make a difference. You are wrong. The ritual of candle lighting makes a big impact in the worlds of those we have lost and those who have lost. They see our candles glowing and they know what's attached to each flame. They know the lights of their spirits have not been extinguished and in turn, we are reminded that we are all connected. We are all one; each spirit ignited by the same eternal flame. It makes a difference to every day people; my neighbors, your neighbors, those who may be driving down the road and happen to see your candles. They will know why you have them lit and their hearts will be touched and there will be a ripple effect. Hopefully, in turn, they will go home to place their candles out as well.

What happens when disaster strikes? In light of the events of September 11th, 2001, have you asked yourself this question? Have you stopped to marvel at the beautiful things that have occurred as a result of this tragedy? Have you asked yourself why it had to take something of this magnitude to cause people to come to their senses? Have you wondered why in light of disaster there are so many heart-warming stories coming to light?

It's been a long time between "Deep Thoughts" segments, not that I haven't HAD any deep thoughts lately...its just that the thought I've been having isn't something one posts on a website for all the world to read. Tonight I decide to turn to you, my friends and loved ones, to ask for your input. I hope you will post your thoughts on the message board because it's important and may be of help to countless others, (most especially in light of what is currently happening in the Catholic World).

In the fall of 1997, I had occasion to make a business trip to the well known city of Waco, Texas, where I would stay for Part One of a two week training seminar. I remember feeling put out that I'd be in such a small town, knowing only a few colleagues and having no means of transportation, other than pre-arranged rides to and from class. What would I do in between time? I didn't like the idea of being away from my daughter for this long, nor did I relish the thought of being the only woman in a group of strangers. I decided to make the trip a mini retreat. The plan was to attend class in the day time and spend the evenings alone, trying to get back to my Rosary Beads and to my heart-to-hearts with God. I'd let a busy schedule and a troubled relationship get between us and I wanted to get back on track. What better time would there be?

If you know me, you know I live and die and swear by signs. I don't discriminate. Signs can come from the Blessed Mother, they can come from Arch Angels, from Guardian angels, saints, departed loved ones, karma and even God, Himself. Make no mistake dear ones; signs are very real and they come to us every day and in every form imaginable.

So much controversy in the world lately, even in our own country. Should we go to war? Should we stay home? Republicans fighting Democrats, Left wing vs. Right wing (who ARE they anyway?) War advocates vs. peace advocates, etc.

I had a piece ready for this spot but decided instead, to list a few of my favorite quotes in the hopes they will speak to you for a long time. I hope you read them and then understand how they weave together to make a statement about today's world. (Feel free to copy any of them and paste them where you will.) ~ with love, Alexis

It’s Saturday. This morning I woke up and lounged in bed until I felt ready to get up. Around 7, I ventured out, turned on my coffee pot and dialed up my mother. After a good chat, I leashed up my puppy, Ace, and headed out for a Saturday morning stroll. The sun shone down for the fist time in weeks and everyone I passed was smiling.

Have you ever interrupted your life for a brief moment, smacked yourself on the forehead and said, "so THAT is why this keeps happening to me!" It's the minute you suddenly realize the answer to something you have always wondered about. For instance, why is it that every other person in your entire world of friends and family is able to balance a checkbook to the cent, but you are 100% always out of balance.

The following is a copy of the interview I just had with a wonderful lady from the WOSIB.ORG website. I was honored to be chosen for the "Member Spotlight of the Month"

Remember when we were all worried about what would happen when the year 2000 hit? I didn't do much to prepare actually, even though I should have since I'm a single mother. If I remember correctly, I bought two cases of bottled water and that was it. Then I sat glued to the TV, watching each country ring in the new year. I wasn't scared. I loved every minute of it.

How many of us have lost touch with people we were once "best friends" with, only to see an announcement in the paper saying his/her father or mother has died?

Shortly before Christmas, my family experienced the tragedy of losing our matriarch, my Aunt Bobbie. (She was my mother's sister and I am her namesake.) Her passing was hard on the family for the usual reasons; We loved her. We would miss her and we weren't ready to let her go.