During the current holiday season, many people will be confronted with the holiday blues, the Christmas blues, whatever you want to title the condition.  Usually this is because people are alone during the holidays, or perhaps down on their luck with no revenue to spend on presents.  Maybe they are even homeless.  There are an astounding number of families who are homeless in our country.  Whatever the cause, people become blue, sad, unhappy, and at the worst, depressed at Christmas time.
      I always have compassion for people who are sad during this season where we are expected to be joyous and filled with love for everyone.  But you know, the expectations placed on all of us are quite high.  Not only do we have our regular jobs to perform, we now are burdened with additional shopping, which means additional expenses.  Have you checked the price of toys lately?  How about the cost of electronic games, etc.?  The bill for one shopping spree could definitely place one in a blue mood.
      Oddly enough, I am feeling a bit blue myself.  I'm not alone, I'm not homeless, I'm not broke or down on my luck, but I am experiencing a touch of the blues.  The reason is, I miss my family.  Both my parents are gone, my grandmothers are gone (I never knew my grandfathers), all my aunts and uncles have passed, and I find myself being the elder.  I have no syblings or children, except for my furchildren.  While I have my wonderful cousin and her family, they are in Virginia.  And I miss them a lot.
      I think the reason I am blue is because I recently returned from a visit, so the experience is fresh.  Hence, I miss my family.  I have decorated the house, but I don't have anyone to show it to.  So I send pictures to my cousin and post on Facebook...Yes, I am having a pity party!  So, I am reminding myself about how much worse my life could be.  Hey, I'm not homeless!  My two brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law are coming for Christmas dinner and the unwrapping of presents.  What do I have to complain about?  What reason do I have to be blue?  I don't have a decent reason...
      This year I will be more compassionate toward those who are sad.  I will give extra to the guy clanging that noisy bell for the Salvation Army.  I will be generous to the charities that solicit my funds, and do something special for a random stranger.  I can give my time to someone or something that will be of benefit to others.  I can get off this silly pitty party merry-go-round!
      The message here is:  get over myself and celebrate the reason for the season.  Love others as we want to be loved.  Be kind.  Be generous.  Seek joy in giving.  Praise God for all of my blessings, and pray for those in need.  I can do that!
                                                           HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON!!

     I have had several mentors in my life who taught me how to develop my psychic and mediumistic abilities. When we are seeking knowledge and when we are learning a talent, often it is necessary and wise to acquire a mentor. We don't graduate from college without mentors, do we? Upon entering the world of Christianity, I have had one mentor:  my cousin, who I will refer to as Linda.
     When Linda and I were children. we would visit during the summer at each other's home. Linda was a Baptist with a clear understanding of her faith. Her father frequently would attempt to save me, which caused me some nightmares. Leaping forward to 2017, I know her dad would be so pleased that his daughter led me to Christianity in May of that year when I visited her in Richmond, VA. I regularly fly up to visit her now. 
     Linda had prayed prior to my first visit that she be led regarding what to say during our visit. She wanted to understand me, learn about my beliefs, and answer whatever questions properly I may ask . She was afraid to offend me or cause me to reject her or what she said. None of that happened. On that fateful visit, we learned about each other, understood each other, and loved each other. It was a turning point in my life.
     During the summer months that followed, I read books like crazy. When I was confused or needed clarity, I would message her with my question(s). She mentored me to an understanding about what it meant to be a Christian. Linda helped me to accept something I had been rebelling against all of my life. And she loved me through that process.
     A few days ago I returned from a week-long visit with Linda and her family. Her husband is tolerant of our adult bonding, and even teases me and calls me Sue. That's another story... Her adult children and grandchildren have all embraced me more fully than before. And through it all, she keeps mentoring me. Her demonstrations of behavior are exemplary. No one I know loves with the capacity she does. Linda was definitely cut from the fabric of a fine Christian woman. I could not have found a more perfect mentor.
     I went to church this morning feeling joy. I can appreciate the words I heard in that sermon now because I have been mentored. Every Sunday, I simply can't wait to get there! I love to learn, and I learn at every service. I have missed so much, I feel I am catching up in my endeavor to grow at every service and every class I attend. Thank you, Jesus, for sending me a mentor. Thank You for being there even when I didn't know you were present, protecting me, guiding me.
     Love to ALL!!
       
     

   Every day we are given the opportunity to begin again. I think that is truly a blessing. We don't have to stay hooked into the past, we can choose to begin all over and start fresh. Yes, that does sound simple and easy. However, some people don't realize life can be different until someone says, start over! When I wasn't feeling spiritually fulfilled, I started seeking nourishment elsewhere. I didn't stay with what was familiar, I looked beyond what I could see and searched for more. I walked out of my confort zone and took a risk.
     Sometimes we have to take risks in order to find something more. When I say risk, I'm not talking about sky diving, I just mean doing something that's different and challenging for our normal day. A year and a half ago I went on a shopping trip--and it wasn't for shoes! I was seeking another church, one that spoke to my heart. It took numerous attempts to find the one that was right for me. Of all things, it was a Methodist church! I was raised a Methodist and had chosen to ignore their teachings and follow a New Age view point. I did that for well over 35 years. And here I was, sitting in a Methodist church in a folding chair at the contemporary service. And I loved it!
     Now, to be honest, it took some conditioning to get past a few words that bothered me. I hadn't been a practicing Christian for many years, so some of those words were uncomfortable to hear. But I was committed to being open and learning. I was determined to see what there was here to learn and potentially grow from that knowledge. I took a risk. 
     Every week that I attended church, I heard music that moved my soul. And my feet and hands! I swayed with the music, I clapped, and I sang out. I had fun at church! I don't remember having fun at church before, but with a new frame of mind, I was actually having fun! From the first time I attended services there, I was moved by the music. It touched my soul, it stirred my emotions, it made me happy. The sermon that followed guided me in ways I needed every week. The pastor was speaking to me. He was communicating a message that my heart and soul needed to hear. I hung on his words. Every Sunday. I looked forward to attending church every Sunday.  All because I took a risk in order to find something more.
     I decided to attend a women's Bible study class. Little me, walking into a room with seasoned Christian women. Would they accept me? Would they judge me for my past? Would they think I asked silly questions? This was a big risk. Huge. But my eagerness to learn propelled me to take a risk at all costs. And I can tell you, I am delighted I took that risk. Not only did I learn about the Bible, I made new friends. No one judged me. Everyone accepted me. And all enjoyed my enthusiasm to learn. No one thought I asked silly questions, either. I took a risk, and the outcome was very worthwhile.
     Stick your neck out there; take a risk. Learn something new. Make a detour to an unfamiliar area to discover something great. Listen to your heart instead of your friends. Be all you can be! You've got this!
     PS:  I am traveling next week, so there will not be a blog post.  Until I return, Love To All.