Holy Angels Online Community

Back in the Saddle

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 23:18:00 +0000

It is so important to get back to a normal schedule again! After weeks of slogging boxes, dealing with illness and feeling stressed about any number of things, it is really time to hold the internet broadcasts again. Offering a place to pray for folks all over the world is one of our most sacred ministries.

So, June 6th at 11 a.m., I'll be back on blogtalk. Deacon Jean is still recuperating and won't be with us for a few weeks yet, so we'll hold her in prayer. The power of prayer in our lives is like breath - we need it! So, please join me and let's hold one another before our loving God. You'll find the link to the "bulletin" for Sunday here.

Peace,
+Bishop Deb

Coming out of the wilderness

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:19:00 +0000

I can't recall a more challenging time in life in recent years. It has been an epic 8 weeks and only now, does it feel like things are returning to an even keel again.

The move caught us off guard, but with the mold issues in the house and the need for extra room with both sons now living at home, it was an answer to prayer. This new house is nice and has room for all, but it does need a fair bit of TLC to bump up its "cute factor" for weddings and business.

What was unexpected too was Jean getting very ill again. The move to this house was very difficult for her with her mobility issues, but once here, she loved her desk space near the fron picture window. I guess weeks of exhaustion, the death of our beloved Xena and ongoing stress just caught up with her and she became very ill again. She is still recovering and your prayers are most welcome.

So, here it is May 26. I am hoping to do online Church this Sunday. Podcasts will come again in a few weeks, once I get the office unpacked and set everything up again.

The thing that I have learned in all of this is that we do receive the strength and the support we need even when all seems overwhelming. And, all things really do work together for good. This house has lovely grounds and gives the feeling of being in a rural area. Jean says this is a healing place and I beleive that. So, as we get back to normal, we'll be more present here and on facebook etc. We remember you in our prayers every day.

Peace,

Deborah

Making lemonade...

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:13:00 +0000

Sometimes I wonder about this journey I am on. I guess that is true for each of us. We hit a rough patch in the road or are met with an obstacle and we stand there for a while and scratch our heads and wonder how we'll ever get through.

It's been that kind of place for me lately. Our little business has been having problems in this economy, which has meant a time of financial strain. Our little house had a flood near Christmas and ever since, we have been suffering with the after-effects of mold and mildew.

The landlord came forward with a plan. He had another house coming available, but it meant a move in six weeks. This has created all kinds of unexpected turmoil as we have prepared to move the family, the business and Holy Angels to the new location on less than a shoestring... maybe a thread would be more descriptive. :)

In the midst of all this chaos and stress, there have been times when I have thought about returning to the worldly work force and giving up our dreams. We have tried so hard to create something that we believe is meaningful and helpful to people. Our mission has been to serve Divine Love and help people rediscover their joy and purpose in life. I believe in our work. I believe that Creator will not let us fall or falter. And so, I must look to the lesson in this for my personal growth.

The thing about faith is that sometimes we are called to move forward and trust even when we don't see the path for rocks and tree branches - even when we may feel that it is all a huge waste of time and effort. The rocks can seem way too heavy to budge and the branches may appear to be a hopeless tangle.

When we feel in a place of wilderness in our lives, the best thing to do is to take action, even half-heartedly. When we are in the midst of the crisis, all we can see are the big scary blocks. But, if we move even a little and try to see a positive aspect or a more hopeful thought, then we often get a new perspective. We receive insights and solutions. Sometimes a good plan of action is to reevaluate and see if there isn't another path that may be smoother. I find recommitment is a valuable exercise too.

And, as we move from good thought to good thought, we find that someone comes to assist, that a way is made, our energy shifts, we start feeling better and, soon, we find ourselves standing on a smoother place on the road once more.

Perhaps you are in a place of wilderness, sorting through your life, picking your way over the rocks. The thing to remember is that taking that little step to the positive makes a huge difference. Calling on Divine help, asking others to pray for you, picking up the phone and calling a friend, making an action that signals your wish to move forward will bring an answer and a helping hand of some kind.

Even as I have been writing this, I received a call from the landlord wondering how Jean is doing and offering us all the time we need to move from this house to the next. For me, that is Grace in action.

Peace,
+Deborah