multiplying miracles

This past Thursday, I was the monthly guest speaker for Our Lady's Guild Luncheon at Our Lady of Victory Church. My topic was Intuitive Writing, Research, and Miracles. One of the members, Marilyn, turned out to be a woman I knew from my youth—a friend of my parents. This is the newsletter Marilyn wrote the next day. My gratitude knows no bounds … #kindredspirit

"Dear Friends,

Yesterday I was at the monthly meeting of Our Lady's Guild at Our Lady of Victory. The speaker was author Kathy Aspden, who thoroughly engaged her audience with her stories about her writing career. She had her books available for sale and of course I had to buy them. I feel about books the same way I feel about fabric - you can never have enough! I was anxious to talk to her about writing because everyone tells me that I should write a book and I wanted to pick her brain a bit. This particular novel really intrigued me because it deals with how a mysterious Mala Bead necklace connects the lives of 36 people who each need a miracle. I am a firm believer that life is filled with small miracles when you are able to open your eyes and experience them. I have seen it in action so many times when working with disenfranchised folk who need help. I actually saw it yesterday when one of the members said she had a bag of brand new shoes in her car and did I know anyone who could use them? Of course my car was pretty fully already with donations for Youth StreetReach but I can always squeeze in another bag. They will be appreciated by our guests at our March breakfast. Things like that happen all the time, but sometimes it is easy to not take the time to realize that it is a "God-incidence."

The most fascinating little miracle happened when I handed Kathy my card and she immediately said, " Oh my heavens - I'm Kathy Bragg - you were friends with my parents." Her dad had passed away many years ago and

I had lost contact with her Mom. We had all been involved with the Jaycees and have many memories of all sorts of family events. We had worked on a party for her Dad when we knew that his cancer was terminal and the community wanted to help support the family through that difficult time. We had actually looked at each other and thought we had a connection when she was speaking. It brought me back to so many memories of probably over 50 years ago. There are so many stories about those days that kept bubbling up in my mind. I remembered that so many Jaycee families took in "Fresh Air Fund" children from New York City. We had a young man named Melvin for three summers from ages 10-12. I can remember being at parties with all the families and their guests from New York. The Jaycees were all about community service and the last line of the Jaycee Creed actually says "Service to humanity is the best work of life." I don't think that any of us thought that what we were doing was "work." It was simply what we were all called to do. Our kids all grew up with that concept of helping others whenever we could.

So I can't wait to read the book. But I already understand and believe in the concept. We are all connected by some power greater than ourselves. It is all about taking the time to stop and celebrate the gift of the small miracles that are all around us. Who knows - maybe I will be inspired to actually write a book. But in the meantime, I will be watching for all those special incidences of God's grace in my life.

So if you want to check out Kathy's books www.kathyaspden.com. She is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter and lives right here on Cape Cod. I am so glad that I took the time to talk to her and I have a feeling we will continue to connect.

Watch out for the miracles in your life today- maybe even take the time to write them down- but definitely celebrate them!

Heavenly Father, Thank You for answering my prayers and performing miracles in my life every day. Just the fact that I woke up this morning and can take a breath is a gift from You. Help me to never take my health and loved ones for granted. Help me to always stand in faith and keep my focus on You when unexpected circumstances arise. Amen. ~

Leah DiPascal, Proverbs 31 Ministries

Have a blessed day

Peace,

Marilyn"