Does anybody read these?

TGIF (for real, this time!!!!)

OK, this is going to be a much more positive post, although I really wish I were down in Cabo sipping Waboritas and looking for the Red Rocker right now. I'll put that on the list for later. Who knows? I might just get there. And it's not like I couldn't make the Waboritas before then...(Rosalie, are you reading? Put it on the list!)

I forgot that the other night when I was having fun I figured out how to make my blog play videos. So, it creeped me out a little when my computer started playing "Jesus Take the Wheel" when I added the new comments a few minutes ago. But, since I don't believe in coincidences, the point was not wasted. I heard you loud and clear, Big Man.

So last night, as I was wrapping up the awful day that I had my dear friend Toma bopped online, and after another bit of a tailspin of breakdown, she calmed me down as best she could and gave me a task. I was to turn off the computer, go to bed and pray. She would pray for me, and I would pray for her. For at least five minutes. And then I needed to get some rest. Can do, buccaroo.

I turned off the laptop and headed upstairs. As I walked past the coffee table, I saw the prayer card that I had bought for my mom when I went to the the San Buenaventura Mission when I was at Gretchen's. A few days ago, I told you about Our Lady of Guadalupe and the miracle we believe we witnessed because of her intercession. This card, which I spotted last night, had the words that the Blessed Mother said to Juan Diego when she appeared to him on that Mexican hillside centuries ago.

Those words were:
"Listen my son to what I tell you now. Do not be troubled or disturbed by anything; do not fear illness or any other occurence or pain. Am I not your Mother? Am I not life and health? Have I not placed you on my lap and made you my responsibility? Do you need anything else?"

I thought about what I told all of you the other day about how when you pray to Mary she talks to Jesus for you. And what child, especially one who loved His mother as much as Jesus did, isn't going to do what His mother asks? So, I thought, you know what I need to talk to Mary tonight and give her my prayers. I re-read what Mary said to Juan Diego. Then I sat down with my rosary beads and had a chat with the Holy Mother. I prayed for Toma and asked her to remember my normal intentions that are in my heart. And I asked her to help me find peace, to help me do God's will and live his plan for me. I won't lie, I was still pretty sad/angry/confused/depressed/etc. when I started praying. But I prayed for peace, healing and clarity. And about halfway into the second decade of prayers, a peaceful calm filled my body. I finished up my prayers and slept peacefully. I never heard my alarm and I slept until my body was rested.

And this morning when I woke up? My mom was watching the SuperBowl coverage from Detroit and Aaron Neville (who's singing the National Anthem with Aretha and Dr. Hook on Sunday) was talking on TV. And guess what he was wearing?

A tan t-shirt with our Lady of Guadalupe on it.

Thank you, God, Jesus and Mary. I hear you loud and clear.

I sat down and started dealing with some of the issues I've been having. What I found out:

My unemployment should be here soon, and it'd only be $30 extra a week if I get it from Michigan. And it'll set me back another month to go that route. I don't think I'll be on it that long, so I am not going to wait 4 more weeks to get that money. I'm just gonna work my ass off to find a job instead.

The student loan mess is all taken care of too. Great news. One less thing to worry about.

My biggest issue right now? Figuring out how I am not going to freeze to death cleaning out an apartment in 20-30 degree weather next week. I guess I'll keep praying about that.

I know I am on God's path. I know I'm going to be OK. Sometimes you just have to freak out. I'm one of those odd folks who doesn't think that reading your horoscope is against Christianity. Now living and dying by those kinds of things and forgetting who ultimately runs your life is a different story. But for me, I believe that daily e-mail I get is just one more way God reminds me that he's got my back. Nothing else explains how they seem to speak to me, especially when you don't believe in coincidences.

Well, this is what it had to say today:

Laura,
You are continuing your search into the intensity of your shadows -- the uncomfortable places within your mind. Given the choice, you often steer clear of the darkness, yet now there is a powerful attraction. Courage is the key as you will be changed by what you discover; facing the unknown can transform your fear into love.

See, it's all gonna work out.

posted by Laura at 3:22 PM