Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A Weekend Full of Wisdom.

That’s what I will call visiting with my grandparents these last four days. These four people are excellent role models in leading lives of hope and faith.

First I visited with my mom’s parents in Duluth, Minnesota, where my grandpa has recently undergone open heart surgery. His sense of peace going into the operation was a testament to the life of faith he leads. He said the only things that mattered to him in the moments before surgery were his God and his relationships with family and friends. This comes from a man who has worked hard to build a successful and comfortable life for himself and his family. Which proves that relationships are what life is truly about. Sitting with him the hospital, visiting with my grandmother, making phone calls to family and friends regarding his progress, taking the time to make connections and foster loving relationships makes hope and faith possible.

I also cherished the one on one time I had with my grandma. She and I have grown to have a very open and confident friendship. With my grandmother I can share my doubts, concerns, joys, and accomplishments. I can tell her how in love I feel and the challenges I face in my daily journey. She is a wonderful listener and enthusiastic conversationalist. In turn, she shares with me her thoughts, stories from the past, and lessons she has learned over her lifetime of adventure with my grandfather. I treasure every moment of these exchanges, hoping to emulate her spirit that is open to learning and full of love.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Only together we can.

"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time; but if you are here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. "
Lilla Watson

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Welcome.

Welcome to my journey.

In the present moment, life is revealing to me alot about the meanings of hope and faith.  I thank my family and friends for being teachers, listeners, advocates, and supporters as I grow and change. Here I plan to share my personal experiences along with snippets from others that inspire me. I invite readers to share their own stories and inspirations for leading a life of hope and faith, despite the adversities we may face.

With peace.
Amanda