The midlife crisis. It’s definitely not for sissies. I am in a transition from 37 years of teaching into a new career at age 59. And no, I’m not returning to college. First, I could never afford it. And second, it already took me 8 years –3 majors and 2 colleges – to finally earn my degree, back in the day. My dream job is to be a successful writer. I’m grateful to be writing for multiple publications, but no... Read more
In honor of National Parents As Teachers Day, November 8th, I’d like to share some of my most important life lessons. Thanks Mom and Dad! 1. Don’t announce your resume. 2. Never wear out your welcome. 3. Never forget thank-you notes! 4. Always go above and beyond the call of duty. 5. Always read and listen to both liberal and conservative newspapers and radio shows. 6. Conquer hatred with love. 1. Don’t Announce Your Resume My mother always told me... Read more
I can’t stop my wracking sobs. We all loved Matthew Perry. He left us way too soon, October 28th, 2023, age 54. Friends was one of the most iconic sitcoms ever, in the history of T.V. Matthew’s memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing (2022) perfectly describes the devastating disease from which this spectacularly talented actor/screenwriter suffered. Alcoholism and Addiction are cunning and baffling. As we grieve, we can all be grateful for 3 things this brilliant and complex man taught us: Persistence,... Read more
Halloween has been accused of “celebrating demons” by some Christian groups. I can totally understand why they feel that way; after all, some ghoulish costumes seem to do just that! Personally, I believe Halloween is one gigantic, innocent masquerade party for kids and adults. We all know that good is stronger than evil; God will defeat Satan in the end; but it’s still paramount to respect the power of evil as we go through life. Demonic possession gains a foothold... Read more
If asked, I’d advise a new bride to remember to: Put aside your own wishes at times. Downs are normal and plentiful! Be honest and firm, but gentle. Love is a decision. Laugh as much as you can. Put Aside Your Own Wishes At Times In some moments, it’s not about you at all. If your husband wants to have a good friend stay a few nights, and you don’t even know the person, by all means, help hubby prepare... Read more
In honor of World Mental Health Day, October 10th, I’d like to talk about my own struggles, in hopes of helping someone else. Anxiety, Depression and OCD affect millions of Americans. We all use tools to help, be they Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medication and/or natural remedies. With these strategies in a box, with God’s peace as the lid, relief can be found. Anxiety My very first panic attack occurred my junior year of high school. Racing heart, queasy stomach and... Read more
There are three strategies which help us wait on the Lord. 1. Stop suggesting to God, 2. Ask for strength/peace, 3. Accept God’s outcome. If we practice these three skills, we will have a much less stressful life! “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.” Psalm 130:5 Stop Suggesting! My husband likes to tease me about being God’s Consultant. He says my business card reads, Theresa Siller, God Advisor. Boy am I... Read more
Today, October 2nd, is the Feast Day of the Guardian Angels. They help us navigate this sometimes-perilous Earth in three major ways: 1. Assisting us in avoiding temptation, 2. Protecting us physically, and 3. Helping us grow closer to God. St. Padre Pio said, “Invoke your guardian angels, that they will illuminate you and will guide you. God has given them to you for a reason. Therefore, use them!” In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 336, it states:... Read more
There are three powerful ways we can witness God’s grace on this Earth. 1. An unexpected break. 2. A good fluke. 3. Dodging catastrophe. An Unexpected Break One day as I was lamenting that our family had WAY more month than money, I pulled out yet another bill from the mailbox. Or so I thought! It was not a bill, it was a CHECK! Apparently we had “overpaid” a prior payment, and this was a “refund”. I don’t believe that... Read more
When life delivers unexpected suffering, try these 3 tips to overcome self-pity: 1. Think of someone worse off than you. 2. Expect nothing and appreciate everything. 3. Know that all pain has a purpose. It Always Could Be Worse! I have a new doctor who is very thorough. She gave me a list of vaccines and screening procedures to get. I’ve been working through all her recommendations, but last week my Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis shot threw me for a loop. The resulting... Read more
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