Everything Counts Saturday, Jun 25 2016 

Everyday Life and Family and Health and Leadership and Perspective , , , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 12:54 pm

Back in the 1980s I wrote a newspaper feature article on a cancer wellness center. One of the survivors said something that made so much sense, it stuck with me. She said that there wasn’t one reason why she developed cancer and so there wasn’t one practice needed to cure her. In addition to traditional surgery and chemotherapy, she also improved her diet, reduced stress, prayed more, and increased exercise, among other things.

After recently viewing the nine episodes of The Truth About Cancer, I was reminded of this interview. I believe the words of wisdom I was told 30 years ago still holds true and can be applied to most situations.

Whether we look at our financial state, level of crime in a city, world hunger, political unrest, obesity, or just about any health condition, most likely several issues contributed toward it, and therefore, more than one remedy is needed for a complete solution. One dollar won’t get us out of debt. But every dollar earned and saved eventually does. From the afternoon drive-through coffee to vacations beyond our budget, we can cut back and/or work an extra part-time job.

There’s always something we can do to participate in solving even the most dire situation. If we break it down, and honestly consider how we contributed toward the decline, as well as how we can bring about improvement, things do change.

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Hans Christian Andersen Illuminated by The Message Friday, Oct 2 2015 

Books and Culture and Everyday Life and Family , , , Mary K. Doyle 6:16 pm

 

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Have you ever had fun reading a prayer book? Well, you will now. My newest book, Hans Christian Andersen Illuminated by The Message, pairs passages from some of our favorite fairy tales (Emperor’s New Clothes, Ugly Duckling, The Snow Queen, and The Steadfast Tin Soldier) with Scripture. It’s an unusual way to pray but one that will get you thinking.

Fifty passages are taken from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales and paired with 50 passages from The Message, a version of the Bible that uses contemporary language. For example, an excerpt from The Ugly Duckling is on the left hand page and a verse from the biblical Book of Job is on the right. The Message literally illuminates the literary passage.

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Hans Christian Andersen was one of my favorite childhood authors. My mother read his stories to us from her own childhood book dating back to 1936. The pages were so well-worn and old, they disintegrated in my hands as I compiled this new prayer book.

The credit for the ingenious concept of raising spirituality through literature in this way goes to publisher, Greg Pierce, at ACTA Publications. Hans Christian Andersen Illuminated by The Message is one in a series called Literary Portals to Prayer that also includes, Elizabeth Gaskel (North and South, Wives and Daughters), William Shakespeare (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth), and Herman Melville (Moby Dick, Typee, Billy Budd). Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austin also will be out soon.

Books are available in a standard paperback size and also an Enhanced-Size with large print for public readings and display.

You won’t want to put these books down before reading cover-to-cover, and you’ll go back to them again and again, finding new inspiration each time. Literary Portals to Prayer are excellent choices for Christmas gifts and to snuggle up with on chilly nights.

You can order Hans Christian Andersen Illuminated by The Message, or the other titles in the series, through ACTA Publications, Amazon, or your local bookstore.

©2015, Mary K. Doyle

 

Winning Prayers Thursday, Feb 12 2015 

Everyday Life and Perspective , , , , Mary K. Doyle 11:30 am

My Korean friends, Agnes and John, and I share animated conversations. It’s always a pleasure speaking with them when I drop off or pick up laundry at their local dry cleaners. Agnes and John are fairly fluent in English but we often get stuck due to my not understanding any Korean and English being their second language. So we fill in with a lot of lively hand gestures and laughter.

Last night we talked about the lottery drawing and its 564 million dollar jackpot. The sum was the third largest Powerball and the fifth largest lottery prize ever in the U.S.

Agnes made the insightful comment that spending a few dollars on a ticket is good for our mental health. “We are winners when we have that ticket in our hands,” she explained while waving her imaginary tickets. “Until the drawing, we are happy and dream of how we will spend our riches.”

John added another profound dimension to the conversation. “Prayer is like that. We have great hope when we send out our prayers.” What’s more, he said, “that makes us all winners.” John knows that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way we expect but always in our best interest, even if we do not understand.

So what’s your preference—spending $2 on a lottery ticket or 2 minutes on a prayer? Or perhaps you were one of the many last night who prayed right over their lottery ticket.

©2015, Mary K. Doyle

 

Peace in 2015 Sunday, Dec 28 2014 

Culture and Everyday Life and Family and Health and Recreation , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 3:35 pm

DSCN0916As 2014 fades away, we look to the new year with optimism and anticipation. Whatever was good about the past, we hope it continues. Whatever was difficult, we pray is left behind.

Some of this is in our control, which is why we make New Year’s resolutions. The custom of assessing our financial, emotional, and physical health at the onset of a new year, and making plans to improve them, is our opportunity to begin anew. Some say there is no reason to make promises that will not be kept. But however long we follow our resolutions, at least we turn things around for a few months. We lose a few of our holiday pounds on our new diet, get a little stronger with an exercise program, and spend a little less money, slightly easing the credit card gift charges we made over the holidays.

In addition to the typical resolutions, perhaps in 2015 we might consider ones that promote a kinder, more peaceful world. We don’t have to do much to make a difference. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Volunteer at a homeless shelter or food kitchen
  • Donate gently or never used items
  • Avoid all books, movies, and online activities that include violence, cruelty, or profanity
  • Visit museums
  • Attend cultural events
  • Surround ourselves with gentle, loving people
  • Attend church services
  • Don’t participate in gossip in the workplace
  • Give thanks daily for what we do have
  • Clean the clutter out of our home
  • Smile at strangers
  • Think positively
  • Treat others respectfully
  • Check on elderly neighbors
  • Read inspirational books
  • Pray for peace
  • Try to be more patient
  • Avoid worrying about things that are not in our control

©2014 Mary K. Doyle

 

Angels On Board Saturday, Dec 6 2014 

Culture and Everyday Life and Nature , , , , Mary K. Doyle 3:16 pm

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Angels are among us. Who hasn’t heard a story of someone being saved or comforted by a presence that appeared in the nick of time and then vanished before their eyes? Plenty of saints, and countless regular folk, tell stories about angels. They are referred to in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, as well as in the Quran. Revelation 5:11 says angels numbered, “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.” Whether we see them or not, they are everywhere.

Symbols of peace and love, angels are depicted on cards, posters, figurines, jewelry, and clothing. Culturally, fascination surrounds these spirits. Who are they? Where is my angel? And, do angels really have wings?

We refer to good people and loved ones who have passed away as angels, but in fact angels never were human. They were created as pure spirit and always will be that. They also have unique characteristics and are intelligent, holy, and here to assist us as God’s messengers, warriors, and guides.

Angels offer our own spiritual support group right here, right now, ready and waiting to help.

©2014, Mary K. Doyle

 

 

Expressing Sympathy Tuesday, Aug 5 2014 

Everyday Life and Family and How To and Writing Tips , , , , Mary K. Doyle 1:31 pm

“We have no words to express our sorrow.” Really? There are at least a quarter of a million words in the English language. Did you actually run out of all of them? After a death, we wish to express our sadness and offer a bit of comfort to their close friends and family. We say some silly things because we just don’t know what to say. We don’t know how to make things better. One of the most common sentences in sympathy cards is, “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” If you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, you probably received a stack of notes with this sentence. These, and other common expressions such as, “I’m sorry for your loss” or “I’m sorry for your troubles,” are fine to start with, but you might stop and think for just a moment. Begin by thinking about the person you are writing to and the one who passed away:

  • Can you say something kind about your friend or their deceased loved one?
  • Perhaps you have a fond memory of them that you can share.
  • Can you remark on their outstanding reputation, personality, or generosity?
  • Did the deceased suffer a long illness or die suddenly?
  • Was your friend involved in their care?
  • Can you identify with your friend’s loss?
  • Do you know of a Bible verse, prayer, or poem that is appropriate?

Expressing a thought imperfectly is better than not saying anything at all. Go ahead and use those common phrases if you can’t come up with anything else. But taking one more minute to think before writing or speaking truly can offer a moment of comfort to someone who is grieving.

©2014, Mary K. Doyle

 

Young in the Spirit Thursday, Jun 13 2013 

Everyday Life and Health and Perspective , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 10:26 am

Young in Sprit cover 4-22-2013 - Copy

Research shows a list of factors that contribute toward longevity and vitality. Genetics, a strong social network, balanced nutrition, exercise, limited stress, optimism, and a sense of humor all contribute.

A solid spiritual foundation also is of key importance. Studies confirm that people with a strong faith can indeed live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Spirituality promotes not only longer living but better living as well, because when the spirit is strong, the mind and body are strengthened as well. We can get through the challenges of aging and caregiving easier when we ride on the wings of faith.

My newest book, Young in the Spirit. Spiritual Strengthening for Seniors and Caregivers, was just released. The book explores some of the ways in which we can build on our faith, especially in our senior years or while caregiving. Topics include, making personal prayers and devotions part of our daily routine, participating in a faith community, serving and caring for seniors, reaching for the Lord in our suffering and loss, and sharing our spiritual story.

I wrote Young in the Spirit because I found books for the general reader on the combination of faith and aging, as well as such a resource for caregivers, to be limited.  The book is short and easy-to-read at only 125 pages but contains a lot to contemplate. It is written from a Christian, specifically Catholic, viewpoint as a caregiver and one who is fast approaching the senior years.

Copies can be ordered from:

©Mary K. Doyle

 

Longing to Love Monday, May 13 2013 

Everyday Life , , , Mary K. Doyle 3:21 pm

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Holidays are opportunities to celebrate life with friends and family. They are occasions for us to mark the years with fond memories that help us get through tough days in the future.

Mother’s Day is such an occasion. My children, children-in-law, and grandchildren shower me with love and care, not only on Mother’s Day but always. I can’t imagine my life without them.

But I realize this also is a day that is painful for many. For the women who long for a child and are unable to conceive and carry a baby full term or adopt one, and those who lost a child along the way, Mother’s Day is a sore reminder of unrealized dreams. It’s also difficult for those who those who do not have a loving mother, or who’s recently passed away.

If you are one of those who found the day difficult, I am so sorry for your pain. I prayed a special pray for you on Mother’s Day. Perhaps God knows only you can use that longing to love in other ways the world so desperately needs.

©2013, Mary K. Doyle

 

Double Blessing Thursday, Feb 21 2013 

Everyday Life , , , , Mary K. Doyle 9:04 pm

Last week I challenged you to a double adjective elimination. The goal was to see how long we could go without using the words amazing or awesome. How well did you do?

I didn’t last 24 hours.

On Friday, February 15, 2013 my first grandchild was born. Daniel John entered this world at 8 lbs 9 ozs, 21.5 inches long. He is a beautiful boy with a full head of dark hair. The first word I said when I saw him was, “Amazing!”

Daniel John

Daniel John

Only three days later, on Monday, February 18, 2013 my second grandson was born. Tyler Matthew weighed 8 lbs and measured 20 inches long. He has the sweetest little round face and brown hair.

Tyler Matthew

Tyler Matthew

We knew there was a chance our angels would arrive around the same time. My oldest daughter was due on the 8th and my younger daughter was due on the 21st ; but we didn’t expect them to be so close in delivering.

Nor did we know the genders, so when the proud fathers entered the waiting room and announced what they were, we screamed with excitement. It didn’t matter if the babies were boys or girls, yet we were surprised and delighted.

My faith is strong but watching my daughters in labor and waiting to know how those thousands of prayers would be answered–that hopefully all would be well with them and their babies–was very stressful. To experience that twice in such a short time has left me emotional, joyful, and so very grateful.

Holding those babies in my arms is the greatest gift. They are perfect reflections of God’s love. I am so blessed to have incredible children, married to supportive and loving spouses, who together have given me two grandsons in three days.

If that isn’t amazingly awesome, what is?

©2013 Mary K. Doyle

 

Kindness Needed Monday, Dec 17 2012 

Everyday Life and Perspective , , , Mary K. Doyle 9:24 am

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Needed: Smiles, Gentle Words, Acts of Kindness, Hugs, and Prayers.

There was another mass shooting last week. This time was particularly heinous as the gunman took so many young lives. We can’t help but ask why. What is happening? We can speculate, but no one really knows the reason.

What we can do is counter the heartache and evil with acts and thoughts of love. One drop of poison contaminates an entire pond and all who drink from it. The only way to diminish the poison is by dilution. The more water that is added, the less effect the poison will have.

It is the same with evil. One act contaminates the lives of many. The bigger the attack, the greater the ripple. We all feel it, don’t we?

Love dilutes evil. The extent of harm that was inflicted in recent events requires mass doses of love to counter it. The formula varies from 2 to 10 positives times one negative, but one thing is for sure, we need many more positives to counter that negative.

During this hectic time of year we must display more patience, kindness, and forgiveness. We must hold our tempers when cut off in traffic or in the check-out line, smile at the grumpy sales person, show a moment of kindness to strangers, and even more difficult, forgive the insensitivity of a loved one. Trying to get them to understand our daily struggles may never happen. Sometimes we just have to let it go.

These little things need to be done repeatedly each day by all of us to offset the damage done by a few. And it is in our best interest to do so. Our future depends on it.

©Mary K. Doyle

 

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