“Our search for enlightenment & fulfillment, noble as it may seem, might actually come down to one thing – self-centeredness. It’s all well and good to seek spiritual truths, but many are looking in the wrong places. Do we know someone who could use a helping hand? Is a friend in trouble? Are we doing something to brighten someone’s day? -- Our faith is empty if we put concern for our own soul before the needs of another. When we overlook what we can do for our fellow travelers, we are missing the whole point. If we are busy being helpful, we don’t need to worry about searching for God.”
Very interesting indeed! Any thoughts? --ok, now on to updates from last week:
Aunt Cathie: My sweet Aunt Cathie Ramirez passed away last week. She was about to celebrate her 90th birthday. I spent many Christmas’ at her home in Madison, WI, as well as summer vacations at her cabin in upper Wisconsin. She was a big part of my life as a young girl and definitely made a huge impact in my life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the trip to Oklahoma for her funeral, but my birth mother, Valorie got to attend and used her I-PHONE to record the beautiful ceremony so I could hear it! Isn’t technology amazing! She also texted me pictures while she was there so I could be a part of the ceremony from miles away! Thanks Mom! To read my precious Aunt Cathie’s online obituary, go here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oklahoman/obituary.aspx?n=mary-ramirez&pid=148348071&fhid=4441 She was an amazing lady and will be missed by all who knew her!
Robert Plant and Band of Joy: WOW! Got to see this amazing show last Wed. night at War Memorial auditorium in Nashville. This band consists of Marco Giovino, Bryron House, Buddy Miller, Darrell Scott and Patty Griffin. If this band comes to your area, do yourself a FAVOR and GO!!
Michelle’s Angels Foundation: I was honored to be a small part of a benefit for the Michelle’s Angels’ Foundation at the Bluebird Café this past Thursday night. Those people are truly doing some great work with their organization, helping so many who are battling cancer. You can check out their website at: http://www.michellesangels.com
Crosspoint India: A group of good folks with servant’s hearts from my church are over in India with Pastor Pete Wilson right now. They are doing amazing things over there to help spread the word of Jesus and make a difference in the lives of so many who have so little. Check out Pete’s blog for updates on them: www.withoutwax.tv And please join me in praying for them while they are there. They have so many obstacles to overcome, yet they are determined to be a light to those who need it! So proud of them!!
Who’s ready for spring??? ME! … and that says A LOT considering I’m a “winter” girl!
Have a great week friends!
M
I'm so sorry about your Aunt Cathie, Marcia! Sounds like you have so many great memories of her.
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Thanks Sandi.. she was a special woman!
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia. I'm blessed by this post...I loved the quote about finding God. I am of the opinion that we are too inwardly focused....working to make our personal lives better in every aspect - that we fail mostly to serve others...and that is where life truly gets good. So - I love the quote.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your aunt Cathie.
I had NO idea Patty Griffin was in that band. Was she featured much? She is my very favorite of all time.
I'm praying for Pastor Pete and the whole team too. Very excited and hopeful about the difference they are making in the unreached village. I'm so inspired!
Love you friend.....muchly.
Melissa... That's what I took away from that quote too. NOT that we shouldn't continue to work on our own spiritual lives, but that sometimes we get that out of balance with something even MORE important, and that is helping others.
ReplyDeleteYES! Patty Griffin is featured ALOT... you should check out some videos of that band on youtube.. unreal.
Love you TOO!... Have you thought of any lyrics for our BFGO theme song? I've been working on it a bit. We need to get together soon and talk about it.