The Ladybug

Tag: Spiritual

  • The ‘Ber Months: Enjoying my Favorite Time of Year, Grateful to be Alive!

    Thank you so much to my readers of The Ladybug Blog! I thought that the last time I wrote an entry would be the beginning of a comeback. However, life got lifey! There were other events that the universe had in mind for me. As a result, I stopped writing for a couple of months. Let’s catch up!  

    I would like to begin by saying that even though my life throughout the last two months has looked difficult to outsiders, I truly feel incredibly grateful. First, I am alive! I was not sure I was going to be able to say that recently. I’ve had two stays on hospital medical floors, and a stint in physical therapy/occupational therapy rehab between the two hospitalizations. Thankfully, I am now typing to you from my home apartment again. I have been placed on strict bedrest by my team of medical doctors, and my friends and family are reinforcing the importance of the rest. 

    So, with these difficulties, why am I feeling blessed instead of worn down? I truly feel that my life is a gift. Yes, I live with multiple chronic illnesses which have recently been in flares. But I realized how fleeting life can be as I lay in a hospital bed hooked up to heart monitors, oxygen, liquids, breathing treatments, and various IV medications. All I could think about was that I did not want to die. I have so much more to accomplish in this life, and I would never want to leave my family and friends. Life is such a precious gift!! 

    Perhaps I sound a bit stereotypical! The hospital patient faced with death who comes around to loving life even more. However, that is truly how I feel. God is Good, and I will praise Him for every moment left that I have on this earth. I savor my family and friends who have supported me so lovingly throughout these past months. Thank you! Also, thank you to my incredible professional support team, both medical doctors and mental health practitioners. In addition, I’ve had some truly wonderful hospital staff and PT/OT rehab staff. And my church family that has been concerned about my wellbeing are incredible. I feel held in prayer in a way that I have never experienced before in my life. There has not been a single moment that I have felt alone. I must also state that I firmly believe that God sent some of my “Team” from beyond. These are loved ones that have already passed and remain my guardian angels. It has taken a village to keep me surviving, and I do not take it for granted. Thank you to all, I am the luckiest girl ever!

    Now to the title of this piece, the ‘ber months as they are often called on social media memes. September has flown by for me with the events I just described. But this is my favorite time of year, and I am determined to enjoy it. Perhaps it will look different in 2026, as I will be mostly convalescing in bed. I have my bed facing two windows in my apartment, and I love watching the leaves fall to the ground. The colors of the trees as they begin their journey towards winter always make me happy. In addition, the alternating crisp cool sunny days and windy rainy afternoons makes New England weather interesting. I have discovered a new seasonal Starbucks iced latte that I truly think is my favorite coffee drink ever! And let’s not forget that my birthday is October 25, making me both a Halloween baby and a Scorpio. What could be better? Well, maybe Christmas. The holiday with family traditions I look forward to the most.

    I am blessed that even as life is getting harder all over the world, I still live a completely luxurious existence. I have good food, wonderful warm shelter, nice clothes, electricity, enough money to get by, and most of all a loving community around me. Yes, recently life has thrown me multiple curved balls. I will admit that there have been a few tears and desperate prayers. But I refuse to feel sorry for myself or let my struggles get me down. Again, God is Good, and I want to stay alive long enough to serve Him and thank Him.  

    Dear readers, please be patient with me as I re-enter my writing world while recovering from my health difficulties. I have a BIG announcement planned for the next blog entry, The Ladybug #50, so please keep your eyes alert for that soon!  And remember, even in the scariest and darkest of times, there is always always a light. Keep your heart open, and God will Bless you. 

    With Love, G. 

  • God’s Presence During Hardships

    How does one cope when times are overwhelming?  Recently, I have been feeling stressed for both societal and personal reasons.  The USA is in a difficult spot politically, with a constant stream of bad news.  In my own life, I am facing uncertainties medically, and am in a wait-and-see period.  However, I can honestly say that despite these set-backs, I am feeling grateful and blessed.  You may wonder if I am crazy and how this is possible…well, let me share my secrets.

                My faith in God is the core of my life.  I believe that I am never alone in the struggles I face.  There is a greater force in the universe that guides my path.  As a progressive Christian, this season of lent has been a time to draw closer to God and His promises for my life.  God never promises that life will be easy or pain free.  Instead, He assures us that we never travel this bumpy life alone.  We have a loving companion in Jesus Christ, who comforts our hearts and holds us while we shed tears.  There is a song that was written on the walls of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II by an anonymous author with the words, “I believe in God, even when He is silent.”  The incredible faith of the author amazes me.  During our tough times, God never disappears or walks away from us.  Even when we can not sense Him as strongly, He is right there with His loving arms wrapped around us. 

                You may be asking yourself; how do I connect to God if I can not feel Him?  My first answer is always the same: PRAY!  Prayer is a great communication tool that God has gifted to us.  Your prayer does not have to be perfect, pretty, or even make sense.  Just start talking.  Say what you need.  A simple prayer of HELP is always a good start.  Remember, God already knows what is going on in your life and what your needs are.  He’s waiting to establish a loving dialogue with you.  Another useful way to pray is to have a mantra, a word to repeat until you feel calm, such as “Abba” or “Father” or “Jesus.”  The idea of prayer is to create a bond between you and the spirit of God; therefore, the technicalities and perfections of your words do not matter, only that you try.  God is waiting to hear you!

                Another great way to connect with God and feel God’s peace is to appreciate the beauties of the natural world.  Depending on your circumstances and health, this may look like sitting in your back yard watching the birds, taking a walk in the woods, or even hiking a mountain trail.  I have always found something incredibly soothing about nature and enjoying God’s creation.  Meditation comes easily to me when I am alone with trees and flowers.  The noise of man-made vehicles and busy streets blocks me from relaxation.  However, if I can escape to a small moment of being “one with the universe” through observing nature, I feel I am at home.  Nothing can rattle me as I feel God gently whisper, “If I can care for all of this, how much more do I love you, dear one?”  When you feel like life is just too much to bear, find time to touch your palm to a tree trunk or flower petal, and know how much God loves you.

                Finally, take time to read God’s Word.  We are all very busy in American society, and taking time to read the Bible seems impossible at times.  It may also seem intimidating to read a book like the Bible, with so many stories you may wonder where to start.  I suggest finding a guided devotion that you enjoy to help your journey of the Word.  I use The Upper Room and The Bible App.  (Neither of these are sponsored) They are tools that help me to stay focused during my devotion time.  In addition, I find several of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) books and meditation materials to be helpful in creating a spiritual reading program.  AA guidebooks are great if you are unsure of where to begin with the Bible.  Again, the purpose of studying written Word about God is not about trying to achieve perfection.  Rather, the purpose is to connect you with the loving presence of the Spirit, in hopes that your stress and loneliness melts away.  God is here, waiting for you to reach out!

                To return to the stressors I mentioned at the beginning of this post, both national news and personal medical concerns, I find everything easier to handle and digest when I have armed myself with a close and personal relationship with God.  I will say again, my faith is my rock, and it sees me through the difficulties of life.  I urge you to seek out God through the channels I have mentioned, or through your own creative pathways.  Connecting to a higher power is a chance to find freedom from your stress, and to let go of your burdens for a few hours and rest under God’s wings.  You do not have to face challenges by yourself.  There is a strength greater than human strength, and you can tap into that power for peace at any time, all you need do is ask.

                With Love, G.