The Iron Horse Trail on a Foggy Night

In the area where I live, there is a somewhat deserted walking area called The Iron Horse Trail. A friend of mine told the story of coming home from an event late one foggy evening to her home which is somewhat secluded. All of a sudden, a lone woman walked out into the street near my friend's car and then turned around and disappeared into the fog. My friend Jan was concerned and got out of her car and asked if anyone was there and needed help. The woman replied and then emerged again. Jan asked her if she could give her a ride somewhere and the woman was overcome with gratitude. It turns out that her car had broken down at the bart station and her cell phone's battery died Her only option was to walk for several miles to get closer to her destination. She couldn't believe that someone would stop to help her. My friend mentioned that God had directed their paths and that she was happy to help. She asked the woman how on earth she had the boldness to walk in the fog at night, not knowing where she was going. The woman said that she knew the path was straight and that if she just kept putting one foot in front of the other, she hoped she would come out on the other side. That is how it is when we walk the Christian path. It is often frightening and unsure, yet if we believe He has promised sucess, we can be confident in Him. God's Word is always true and He promises He will be with us whatever we do and wherever we go.

Peppermint oil

All my life I have been plagued with various ailments. You name it.. Stomach trouble, varicose veins, sleep issues, hormone problems, ulcers, weight issues. After researching and finding out natural cures to most of these ailments I can branch out and help others with some of their problems.....I have discovered that the products that have helped me the most are things that have been around for hundreds of years. I have taken garlic capsules for several years now and I know that they have really improved my immune system. I also use lots of peppermint oil...especially for relief of headaches and stomache issues. I put peppermint drops in my water. I have also discovered that clove oil is very helpful to the immune system and can keep you healthy and heal toothaches and gum problems. Oregano oil is good for shingles, eucalyptus oil and Roman chamomile are great for relieving breathing problems. Cinnamon is great in helping one to metabolize sugar and it is also great for diabetes. Ginger helps the joints and stomach and salmon oil is great for joint pain as is calcium. For help with sleep, valerian root is helpful as is tryptophan. Melatonin is also helpful. I just want you all to know that I am writing this article to help others overcome some of the same ailments I have struggled with.

Rain in New York City

Last June my two daughters and I traveled to New York City. It was a wonderful trip. We saw shows and landmarks we had heard about all our lives It was a wonderful trip. I can remember the day we chose to visit Central Park. It was pouring down rain and I bought three umbrellas for us....Off we walked in the rain towards Central Park. I can remember thinking.....Here I am in New York with my girls for the first time....I'll cherish this moment always. I can describe to you everything I saw that day....The horse and carriage on the side of the street....The lovely green lawn and massive trees...the playground....the high rise buildings on the streets...Patsy's Restaurant looking so elegant and inviting. But most of all I knew I was offering my girls a chance to experience something they will never forget.

Words

We have all heard the saying..."Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurts me." We also know how untrue that is. Words do hurt..Even if words are nice, they can be delivered with a cutting edge in a tone of voice that may cause injury. God helps us to heal from these words hurled at us that hurt us. I was in a large fifth grade class room last week and a girl raised her hand and said, "My friend said you look like a man with a wig on." I thought quickly and told her what is really important is how someone looks like on the inside. I could tell she felt a little bad about saying it. Next, I felt myself asking me..."Do you really look like a man with a wig on?" When I got home, I told my husband and he said, "Why didn't you just tell her..."I am a man?" That got me to laughing hysterically and I was so thankful that when we start taking ourselves too seriously, God sends laughter. God's Word speaks what is true about God and about us. I thank Him for His constant love and assurance. I also thank Him for his encouraging words.

Chased by a car

Sometimes I get so annoyed with myself that I am so skeptical and judgemental of other people's motives. I really struggle with analyzing what someone says or what I say to someone else instead of just being joyful. God knows I don't like this about myself and I keep finding ways to change. He mentions to me that I need to be this way to teach autistic children. The other night I was coming home from a gathering and a car decided to chase me because I got too close to his car. I tried to avoid him and all of a sudden I found him stopping in front of me on the road and trying to chase me again. I prayed and thought fast and avoided him. The Lord showed me that He has given me a cautious questioning mind for a reason. Praise God for His protection.

Dear Colleen....

I have a group of wonderful, supportive friends who are always there to listen after I have had a tempestuous day teaching....One of them is Colleen and here is the letter I wrote to her recently...Colleen, Hi my dear...I had a most interesting day teaching Art. It started out well...Then when I got to the classes with 30 fifth graders, it was tough. At the beginning of the class, A timid girl raised her hand and said, " My friend over there said that you look like a man wearing a wig!" It was dead silent and I thought, "Now what do I say?" I just said how what is important is what people look like on the inside. I was tempted to have a pity party, then started laughing hysterically and thought it was funny. I came home and Kev said, "Why didn't you just say....I am a man!" Can you imagine the reaction their teacher would have? Time to send this one to the funny farm!!!It's a zoo in those huge middle school classes....hormones flying off the walls. You gotta laugh....Can't cry all the time. Love ya lots my friend. Patsy

Mariella

Over the holidays, my adrenaline was way too high....Between practicing for a large production at a large church, substitute teaching and family gatherings, I found myself running a red light before I even realized what I had done. I breathed a sigh of relief that not a single person was around when I did it. About two weeks later, I got an electronic ticket in the mail with the request to pay 440 dollars or go to traffic court. So on a very cold December morning at 5am, I waited in line for three hours for traffic court. Once I got there, I waited two more hours to get my 32 hours of community service, traffic school and some fines assigned to me. I began working off my community service hours at a church thrift store and was frustrated when no one could decide what they wanted me to do. I did what I could for a few days, but my attitude needed some adjustment. The next day, I met Mariella, a young mother from Argentina and in three hours she transformed the linen section to an area of beauty. What she said I will always remember...."God wants us to do whatever job He gives us for His glory. It doesn't matter what the job is, we are to do it with excellence, and that is what I am here to do today." She did and I will never forget the beautiful young girl who inspired me to be all I can be for God's glory.