storage units

Someone I know found God in his storage unit.

 He is a quiet man and when I first met him he said he went through life with blinders on. Concerned with himself and his possessions. He tells me that he tried his best to live a "hermit" lifestyle , as much as one can in the modern day. But since we met and talked often, he is becoming more aware of the world around him.

He went to his storage unit to check on flood damage. The facility lies close to a river and was under a foot of water and some of his prized possessions had been damaged. As he cleaned out and tossed what could not be salvaged, he saw an elderly woman placing boxes in another unit not far away. He went over and offered to help her. She was very grateful for the help.

 God showed himself that day. The woman's prayers were answered when she received the help loading heavy boxes to her unit., and The man was given the gift of giving, filling his soul with delight at helping another person.

To "give" does not always require reaching in your pockets. To give does require you to reach into your soul.
God gives us the gift to give. To receive is a good thing ,but to give is a God thing. I encourage everyone to give aid to anyone in need. See the need, fill the need. Whether it is opening a door for someone with their hands full, letting someone go ahead of you in line at the store, allowing a car to pass you on the highway, whatever the opportunity is, give.

Be blessed with the gift of giving.

two for one

   A wonderful woman that I know and love shared this most recent story of faith in the everyday life that she wanted me to pass along.
   A long time ago, maybe decades ,a woman owned a cross on a chain. It was beautiful and elaborate with a black stone in the center. Intricate designs on the cross made it something she was proud to wear. She always thought that "bearing her cross" showed her faith to the world with simplicity yet strength.
   Over the years and many moves later the cross that she, at one time held dear, had become lost. She searched but could not find it. ( I think her oldest daughter has it, just a hunch)
   One day while thinking about this cross she prayed. She prayed to God that she was sorry she could no longer "bear her cross" and could no longer show the world her faith in this understated way. She prayed that she could find another one that would catch her eye and touch her soul the way the old one did.
   She searched in shops, on the internet,in magazines anywhere that she thought would have something that would capture her soul like the original.
   After a week of searching and continued prayer she received in the mail a Golden Cross. She was so excited that God had answered her prayers when she opened the mail. As she continued opening her mail she discovered a Silver Cross had also arrived that day in the mail.
  She had asked God for one to replace the one she lost and had received two!

God saw her love was genuine and blessed her twofold. May God bless you who read this twofold.
Be double Blessed
Cathy

The Lunch Lady

The "lunch lady" at the school my children go to happens to be a close friend and neighbor. This weekend she told me that she believes God has put her in her job for the sake of the children.That whenever she sees one of the kids from our neighborhood and connects with them she sees them smile and believes this is her purpose in life. To add a light in a child's otherwise dark day.

I think this is true of all of us. We are placed in our jobs by God to shine Christs love to all those with whom we come in contact. Even if our job seems menial and tedious we are there for a reason. We have a higher purpose and are called to our current occupations for the passing of Christs peace. Even if we are in a organization that frowns on religious speech we can still pass the love of God on by our actions.

I've heard it said that people don't always remember what you say but they remember how you made them feel. Today try to make everyone you come in contact with ; coworkers, clients, customers,employers, employees, or whoever it may be, make them feel God's love by how you treat them.
Be Blessed
Cathy A Hayes

Old Friends

What constitutes an "Old Friend"? Do you need to be old to have an "Old Friend"?

 My daughter was writing a hand written letter the other day and I asked her who she was writing. She said she was writing to an "Old Friend". I laughed at first because she is not yet 14 and to me she is not old enough to have an "Old Friend". She explained that she had know this person for about 10 yrs and therefore they were "Old Friends" They shared a history of secrets and stories so they were good friends but I had never thought of them as "Old Friends" before.

I have many friends that I have known for the better part of 40 yrs and I consider us "Old Friends". I don't like to think of myself as "Old" ( I don't think anyone really does want to be known as old) but we also share a history and that makes us good friends that have know each other a long time.

I have newer friends that I have known for less than 5 yrs but they have quickly become close friends. They are the same age as me but I don't think we are yet at "Old Friends" status. Maybe we are. We share memories, history ( albeit brief) and trust.

 Trust is the most important thing. If you trust someone with your deepest secrets and the painful memories not just the joys and happy memories then they are truly "Old Friends".

I believe that "Old Friends" are not classified by how long you've know the person, how old you are, how old they are, or even how often you see them. I believe "Old Friends" are classified by how much you trust them with your "Old" wounds and new ones.

Groceries

My trip to the Grocery Store

I drove myself to the grocery store the other day .After walking around and picking up some food for my kids ,I was stuck behind a woman that wanted to pay ½ with food stamps, ½ with cash, needed a new carton of eggs, and price check on the bacon. My thought as I was standing behind her “LOVE IT”

why?, you may ask.

Here is the story, I will list the blessing as I counted them and explain in detail later.

I got out of my house (1)and got in my car (2) and drove(3) to the grocery store (4). I walked (5)around the store picking up food for my kids (6). Each of my children has different likes and dislikes so I got them each their personal favorites. I was standing (7) in line ready to pay (8) for the food (9) I just picked up.

1. okay, it's not my house. I pay rent. I do ,however, have a roof over my head and a comfortable place to lay my head at night. I figure this alone makes me a very blessed person.
2. I haven't had this car very long and it is mine. It's the first time my name was alone on the title of a vehicle. I don't owe any one any money for it. I lived many years without a vehicle and feel this one was a gift from God. (another story for another time)
3. I drove. For 15 yrs I could not drive because of anxiety attacks behind the wheel. ( another story for another time) Let's just say I pray a prayer of thanksgiving each time I make my destination safely,
4. I have a local grocer I enjoy. Everyone there is kind and I often meet people I know. Two of my children worked for the store and the employees treat me as if I'm a “rock star”.
5. A lot of my nearest and dearest friends do not have the mobility to walk. Have you ever seen anyone in the store on those shopping scooters? Do you think “ what a lazy bum” or do you think “There, but for the Grace of God ,go I”? for me it's the latter.
6. I have been blessed ½ dozen times. The most beautiful, intelligent, witty, kind, caring people on the planet at one time fell asleep in my arms and allowed me to feel their heat beat and watch them breath.
7. I can stand for 10 minutes at a time. That is usually my limit. Some days not even that long and have to rethink shower vs. bath. This particular day I was strong and could stand the entire time it took. Longer if necessary. For that I am grateful.
8. I can pay for my groceries. Not always but sometimes and when I do I feel blessed. My children will not go hungry that day. Praise God. Not all mothers , even in the US, can say that with certainty.
9. Food. What more can one say. We are blessed to have such an abundance of food on this planet. So much so that it often goes stale before it can be eaten. I know organizations try to donate to the poor but lets face it folks. If you could take all the stuff out of the landfill and recycle it into edible food there would be a lot fewer hungry children out there. I am blessed by God to have enough food to eat.

Next time someone in front of you makes you wait a few minutes, think. Think about all that you have to be grateful for, count your blessings. Maybe you will even want to thank them for giving you the chance to slow down and Thank God.

Be Blessed.

Chief Red Eagle

‎"Angry people want you to see how powerful they are...loving people want you to see how powerful You are." - Chief Red Eagle


I saw this on face book and wanted to share it.


I always said there was a difference between being tough and being strong. I always thought that the "tough" "angry" "violent" people had a weakness they were trying to hide, while the strong people knew their weakness and have come to terms with that weakness. Sometimes our weakness is what makes us strong. 
When a person is so aggressive in proving their power they are hiding a deeper feeling of inadequacy.When a person is showing someone else how powerful and strong the other person is that feeling of inadequacy becomes a feeling of joy for the other person and their accomplishments. 
I guess it is a question of where your ego lies. If you are comfortable with who you are you can praise another person for who they are without trying to fight for power.

Be Grateful

My brother lives with me, his parenting weekends and mine coincide so his youngest son plays with my two youngest.

The two boys are drawing at the table while my brother watched. I was reading and my daughter was at the computer working on her novel. My nephew nudges my son and says "Chance, I want to go to BurgerKing, NOW!" Chance looks at him, Raven says "how rude".  My nephew says "I'm hungry".My brother asked, " Is that how it's done where you live? Just demand something and you get it?" I said "let me try that," I held my hands out like I was going to catch something out of mid air and said " I'm hungry", hmmm, didn't work" Chance puts down his pencil and sighs heavy and says " Mom, would you please make us some sandwiches?" I said " sure" and listed all the different sandwich makings available and took orders from everyone. Raven helped make sandwiches. When they were done she brought hers out of the kitchen and said "Thanks Mom" ( even though she helped) she handed Chance his and he said "Thanks Mom, Thanks Rave". I handed my brother his and he said "Thanks ladies". I handed my nephew his and he tried to snatch the plate out of my hands. I held tight and asked him" What do you say?" he just looked at me. "Say thank you",I said. "thanks" he said in a grouchy voice.

After reading the weeks scripture I wondered :

Did Chance and Moses had the same thoughts. " why ask me, I can't fix your problem."  "Ask with love to the one who can fix it."

Is this what God was trying to teach the Isrealies? Ask with a loving spirit for your needs to be met, don't demand with a selfish ego for your wants. Be grateful for what you are given and for whom it is that gave. ( even if you help fill the need, be grateful)

a stitch in time

 Yesterday a little girl that I'd been teaching to crochet came over with a project she wanted to do for her mother.

She spent 6 hrs working on it. The entire time she talked about how much she loved her mom and that she needed to get it done before her mom got off work. Her stitches were tight and she struggled to work the hook into each row. I watched her as her little hands shook and pressed on, the whole time she talked about how much her mother meant to her and all the struggle her mother had in her life and how her mother handled it all with strength and grace. Each time the work would get difficult and the handle of the hook left indents on her little fingers she would say " I love my mommy so much" " I have to get this done for her" "it has to be perfect, because I love her so much". When I would offer to take over for her she would say "I want to do it for my mom to show her how much I love her" and she would continue. When I suggested a short break to rest her hands she would say" I can rest when it's done".  After it was completed it was truly beautiful. Each stitch perfect. When I praised her on her work she didn't take pride in it herself. She was too excited to give it away.

 I think this is how God wants all of us to be. Work hard with Love in our hearts, push on through the toughest challenge and then Give with Love. This little girl truly left me inspired. I hope her story does the same for you.

Be Blessed my friends. ( yesterday I was)

Cathy A Hayes

My M.S.

 My M.S.

There is a country song the lyrics go something like: “ I'm in a hurry to get things  done. I rush and rush until life's no fun, All I have to do is live and die, I'm in a hurry and don't  know why”. This was my theme song most of my adult life.

Then one day God said “Sit”. I said “no, I don't have time”. I was 30, pregnant with my

 3rd child,working two jobs. The doctor said I was suffering from exhaustion. He said 

to take it easy. I was to tough for that.

Then one day God said “Sit”. Again I said “no” ( I'm stubborn like that). I ignored the 

problems that crept up now and again. I didn't have time. “ I don't have time for this”. “I 

have places to go, people to see and things to do”. “ I'll rest when I'm dead”. “ Just let 

me finish this one last thing”. The excuses went on like that for years.

Then one day God said “SIT” and took the use of my right arm and leg. Doctors said 

M.S.

“Okay, God” and I sat. “now what”.

God said, “Sit and know that I am God”. (I read that in a book once.)

He gave me back my arm and leg, but only if I Sit and know that he is God. If I forget 

and try to rush, it goes away. Sometimes it's my eyesight, sometimes my hearing, and 

even sometimes my hands.

But when I sit, I notice how God is in the little things. I was in to much of a rush before 

to notice.  Don't get me wrong, there is pain and plenty of it to go around. But to quote 

another song "I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all". You see, for me if it doesn't hurt, 

it doesn't feel anything, and doesn't work. So I am grateful for what hurts because that 

means it still moves. I am grateful for the time I now have to spend with loved ones. 

Mostly, I am grateful for the peace that comes from knowing God is in charge and all 

things from God are good.

Be blessed ( I am)

Cathy A Hayes

My Morning Cup

My Morning Cup

Isaiah 64:8 “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hands”

thoughts as I drink my morning cup of coffee.

We all are given a cup at birth. Some are fancy and gilded, Some are plain, some are large, some are small. They are all filled each day with the Love of God. Refills free for the asking.

Through the years our cups are damaged. No one is exempt. A small chip here, a small chip there. Some of the damage we did, other damage, others did. We see people with their cups and don't think they have chips in them, but they do. Some are on the back side that no one else sees. Some are cracked inside where only Gods Love can see. Sometimes the handle is deceiving, If you hold from the handle you might get hurt on a long forgotten chip.

Gods Love in the cup

Just as we each like our coffee different. God's Love for each of us is different. Some of us like it sweet, lots of sugar. Some of us like it smooth and creamy. I like my bold and strong, nothing fancy just straight up and hearty. God gives us Love tailored to our own special lives and needs.

Do you throw away your cup because it has a crack in it? Did you throw it away and later dig it out of the trash?

My cup has many chips in it, so many that I forgot who was responsible for which, It doesn't matter anymore. I lost the handle a long time ago. I don't even remember when. I dumped my cup out once. Threw out Gods Love, put my cup on a shelf to be forgotten. I picked it back up and asked for a refill. I gave my cup away to someone else to do with what they pleased. ( probably why it has that big crack in it) But I took my cup back. Asked for a refill.

I still have my cup. I hold on with both hands and have to be careful from where I drink, but

I still have my cup. I will never again try to throw it away. It is still full of Gods Love.

Some people look at my cup and wonder why I don't just throw it away for good. They think it is no good anymore. They say “no one should have to have a cup like that”. But my answer to them........FREE REFILLS! 

Who I am

Who,What, When, Where and Why

I suppose I should start out by telling you who I am.

This would be a good place to list all my accomplishments, accolades, designations, job experience,life experience and so on. But that would tell you what I've done not who I am.

I could list my geographic location, State, City, Country, favorite sports team, political affiliation, religious association, etc. But that would tell you where I am not who I am.

I am. I am a spiritual being housed in a physical form. Just like the people who are reading this are also spiritual beings. I am connected to my spirit and hence connected to the Great Creator, I will refer to as God. I am peaceful. I am loving. I am caring. I am patient. I am understanding. I am learning how to follow my path.

I read a lot and will quote from the books I read. I can not always remember which book and which author said what. When I sit and think about how amazing God is, things come to my memory and I restate them.

I will post as often as the spirit moves me.

I will post because the calling to share God's love is strong in me.

That is who I am.

Cathy A Hayes