It's the Small Stuff....

In life big bang moments come quickly, and the fireworks fade fast from the profound happenings and events that occur in life. But, the everyday small stuff adds to so much more. Big vacations, graduations, and weddings are events that take up the many pages of our photo albums. But, true everlasting joy often comes from the little everyday occurrences that we often take for granted.

We give and receive joy everyday in so many ways that we probably aren't even aware of. Such as reading or coloring with a small child. Sharing a cup of tea with a friend. Watching a movie with an Aunt. Going to church as a family. Helping a friend through a difficult time. Our neighbor dropping off tomatoes from their garden. A surprise note sent with words of encouragement. Snuggling with a sick child. Going for a walk with someone we love. Playing cards with family and friends. Long drives in the fall to see the autumn leaves and stopping to get cider doughnuts. Mom's chicken soup made just for you. Sitting at the kitchen table and sharing a meal with loved ones. Just listening to someone close to you.

We all have special memories that live within our heart and mind. They feed our soul. Although, they aren't captured in photographs, they are the cozy reminders of what is truly important in life. It's the small stuff.

Let's Not Forget Homebase

We have all been succumbed to the tragic circumstances that have hit Haiti. Before we even turned on the television that very day Haiti was living in a state of turmoil, due to the political upheaval and onset of hurricanes that have devastated one of the poorest and least developed countries. The United States of America offered its aid, and rightfully so, and because of us they will probably in the aftermath become more resourceful as a nation.

It is very hard to compare our nation's poor to Haiti's poor. Our poor still have hope....foodstamps, medicaid, etc. While Haiti's lack of government intervention have left them with no direction, and squalor conditions.

It was wonderful to see the incredible support that all of us Americans have shown toward Haiti. It proved that among our wealth we can still reach out to the less fortunate, even when they are way beyond our reach. It was great to see our very famous come out and ask for support for this troubled nation. Our very best, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aquilera and many more sang their hearts out, while images of suffering Haitians flashed across the screen. The phones rang and millions have been raised.

My only hope was that they could of taken a few minutes and shown images of the poor tent communities that are popping up all across our fine country. We still have so many suffering here, with 47 million Americans still lacking healthcare. Would it of been an absurd thought to take pledges for just a few minutes for our own brothers and sisters? Have we forgotten what is happening in our own backyard?

What If God Says, "Yes"

All of us at some point in our lives have prayed for a "yes" as an answer to many of our concerns and prayers. Sometimes the wait seems life forever. As I grow in my faith, I realize the concerns of my heart already rest in the Lord's hands. Whether it be a "yes", "no" or continue waiting. As I wait in faith for what I expect to be a "yes" I have come to realize the battle has only begun.

Whether your vice is food, money issues, restoring a relationship, beating an addiction, marital problems, or striving desperately to achieve a goal, etc. It's what is after the answered prayer that seems to be the hardest...it's when the real work begins. Maintaining the gift that was given is most often forgotten. Such as, a relationship that has been restored... giving one's time to the other is the priority that most often gets overlooked. Beating an addiction is a challenge that one faces one day at a time....stepping away from the bad influences, and focusing on other constructive alternatives may seem to be a lot less entertaining over time. Losing the spare tire is wonderful....keeping the exercise schedule and the hands out of the cookie jar gets somewhat laxed after the weight is achieved.

I have found in my own life that I have to resist being lackadaisical after an answered prayer. I have to continue to pray for God's guidance in helping me maintain what has been granted to me, and for strength to resist the negative. It's the continuous dialogue with Him that gives me the aftercare I so desperately need and keeps my answered prayer a "yes".

Blessed with Boys

Just recently my mother cleaned out her basement and found two boxes filled with porcelain dolls and carousels, which I collected as a young girl. I had completely forgotten about those beautiful collections, although there was a time when they where so precious to me. Finding them brought back so many memories.....I remember packing them ever so gently because they would be saved for my beautiful daughter, who of course would cherish them as much as me.

Growing up I was a "Barbie" girl, I had every Barbie imaginable and each one had a name, and even her own personality as I would recreate scenarios between them. When the "Cabbage Patch Doll" craze came out it was my mother's mission to find me one. After several futile attempts she could only get a boy, "Nicolas Ross". I could not help hide my disappointment. Although, I proudly displayed him on the bed, in my heart I truly longed for a girl doll with pigtails and a pretty dress.


As a mother of two beautiful sons, without any plans of having more children I accept that my dream of having a girl is not going to be realized. I am surprised by the absence of longing in my heart for the beautiful daughter that I once so wanted. I love having sons, and would of chosen these two angels out of a pumpkin patch. Dance lessons have been replaced with Karate and Baseball. Tea Parties have been replaced with out of control wrestling on the bed. God did not grant me my childhood dream, but he gave me far more than I could ever imagine. As for the boxes of porcelain dolls and carousels, I have them put aside for my future granddaughter.

Facebook Friends???

After swearing that I would never join a networking site I joined Facebook in August. I must admit I love it and it's my guilty pleasure...It satisfies my passion for writing. I usually write a post everyday, and I must admit I'm a people watcher.

When I signed on to Facebook it was like entering Munchkinland, where everyone is welcomed by just a click of a button. After signing on I was amazed by how many people from highschool wanted to be my Facebook "Friend"...Yet, 20 years ago wouldn't even look in my direction. Of course, I obliged I was just as curious about their life as they were of mine. Since signing on I have yet to get a comment or posting from any of them...

Then, there are what I call the "Voyeurs" of Facebook. They are the "forgotten" Facebook friends, they write no postings, or comments that you could see. Although, if you happen to run into them they could recite your posts verbatim . These "Voyeurs" eat up everyone else's posts like chocolate-cream pie, without ever giving a glimpse into their own thoughts and lives.

Overall, Facebook has been great I have reconnected with some beautiful friends, and it is a great way to share everyday frustrations. Who knows maybe someday I will get a posting or comment from my FaceBook friend I didn't know 20 years ago, and still don't know anything about today. I guess I'll have to go check Facebook...

The True Colors of Christian Woman

As a Christian Woman I must admit the behavior of many other Christian Woman makes me cringe. I am a Christian Woman who happens to lead a Christian Ministry/BookClub. I am not your typical Christian leader. I am not soft-spoken and love to dress sexy. "Nip/Tuck" is my favorite show and my family loves the, "Simpsons". My boys love wrestling, and they play "Call of Duty" on their X-box. My children's little ears have heard the F-bombs many of times, and I would never, ever dream of home-schooling them. I am not a perfect person, nor do I want the rest of the world to see me that way. I would hope that when people see me they see a women who walks with confidence knowing that she is a child of God. I know in my heart that God's Love is a beautiful gift...that could change anyone's life, if they are willing to accept it.

It saddens me that many Christian Women are like eagles who swoop up vulnerable new Christians whom they love to refer to as "Baby Christians", a term I detest, and treat them like long-lost family; and then drop them when they no longer attend their church, or their behavior or actions no longer fit their Christian facade. I personally have been a victim to this, and sadly have seen it done to many others, even my perpetrators when they don't comply with any changes to their church.

Experiencing this first-hand has made me realize that the Lord is truly my Rock in times of need. My prayer for any woman joining a Christian group is that she walk with caution, and keep her eyes steadily aimed high.

Thankfully, and it is truly a blessing that my ministry group is made up of "Real Woman" who welcome other woman to come just as they are.

I believe Christian Woman need to take their head out of the sand, and actually become acquainted with a world outside their zip code. They need to become a walking example, a "listener" and to leave the judging to God.

My Italian Christmas

Some of my greatest childhood memories were of the Christmas Eve celebrations at my parent's home. Christmas Eve was special because it was one of the few times of the year that my mother's big Italian side of the family would gather together. It was also special because it was my father's birthday.

Every year around 50 people filled my parent's little ranch home. Neighbors and friends were also welcomed, whom otherwise had no place to go that evening. On that day they became, "family."

In the wee hours of the morning, my mom would begin her preparations. The kitchen was her domain. I remember awakening to the crisp sound of olive oil hitting the pans that draped her stove, and the aroma of smelts fumigating the air.

My mother did all of the cooking. Her spaghetti with clam sauce, lasagna, chicken parm. and antipasta where her staple items. And, of course, baskets were lined with loaves of my Uncle Carmen's famous Italian bread.

The party would take place in my parent's basement; which my mom decorated with red tablecloths and tattered Christmas ornaments. Nothing fancy, but it felt warm and inviting.

Before the party, (and for all of us to get out of my mom's hair), we attended the evening mass at our church, Blessed Sacrament. The place was always packed, with the twice a year Christmas, and Easter churchgoers. Our weekly seat was always occupied by an unforeseen family. Dad always did manage to find us a seat, even if we were all crushed together like sardines. None of us seemed to mind, we were just glad to have a seat. I can still smell the frankincense that was lavished upon all of us by the priests as they made their way to the altar, and the beautiful sounds of the choir that echoed in our old church.

When we returned home, mom had everything done with the help of my Grandma Prinzo. I truly remember the excitement as each person arrived. Everyone was greeted with a hug and kiss. Italians are so affectionate. Still to this day, I would never think of greeting or leaving a family or friend without a hug or kiss. I am so thankful for this trait that they passed along to me. Everyone who entered our home was made to feel as if they were the most important person in the room upon their arrival.

My greatest moments of the evening were shared with my Grandma Prinzo, the family matriarch. Anyone who had ever met her knew that they were in the presence of an angel. She was a stout woman, who always wore a dress. She radiated love to everyone around her. Today, I would give anything to have one more minute embraced in her warm loving arms.

Christmas Eve is much different now...Filled with new and beautiful memorable traditions. Most of my cousins have families of their own now. Sadly, many of my aunts and uncles have passed on, but our times together on Christmas Eve will always hold a special place in my heart.

My mom still puts on a huge Italian feast every Christmas Eve, but it has scaled down a bit, to just her own children and grandchildren. One thing I do notice is how my two son's eyes sparkle when they talk about going to Grandma's and Grandpa's for an Italian Christmas.