Dear Reader:

I think all of us have struggled within some kind of mental conflict -between divine pre-destination and free will. Like Madeleine L’Engle stated…

“I can not believe that terrible afflictions are purposefully handed out to each of us personally. Everything is me rebels against that concept. I cannot live in a world where everything is supposedly predetermined, an ant world in which there is no element of choice. I do believe that we all have a share in the writing of our own story. We do get to make choices and decisions at our life’s crossroads.”

What got me started thinking along these difficult ‘big questions in life’ was a Thanksgiving greeting to breast cancer thrivers that popped up on my email.

Underneath the picture was a quote that read:

“I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”

I think this is what Madeleine L’Engle meant when she said… we do have a choice to make at the crosssroads in life as how we handle what befalls us. Here are some examples she gave.

Milton could have retreated into passive blindness and self-pity instead of trying the patience of his three dutiful daughters and any visiting friend by insisting that they write down what he dictated.

Beethoven could have remained in the gloom of silence instead of forging the glorious sounds which he could never hear except in his artist’s imagination.

Sometimes the very impetus of overcoming obstacles results in a surge of creativity. It is in our responses that we are given the gift of helping God write our story.  (Walking on Water– L’Engle)

I started writing this blog post August 7, 2010…less than two weeks after I first visited St. Jude’s Chapel of Hope in Trust, North Carolina in late July. (Can you believe it Honey that this July will mark the 10th anniversary since my epiphany at the little chapel in the woods?)

Many a day as I start a post with one idea in mind I find my fingers  typing something completely different than what I initially planned. I realize now that it isn’t always something that I personally needed to address but that there was someone out there who was waiting to hear what was written in the blog. God helps me each and every day with my blog…He is, undeniably, my permanent co-author.

*Ambika was such an example…she was living in Dubai at the time she inadvertently discovered my blog. She was at a crossroads in her life (professionally and personally)…She googled the term HOPE and my Chapelofhopestories.com popped up.

It just so happened that this particular post that day addressed her conflicting feelings she was undergoing at the time. Isn’t God amazing as He “works in mysterious ways?” (Love you Ambika!!!)

If you would like read more about Ambika’s story- you can pull it on…(***The Chapel’s Gift of Hope- Ambika’s Story-March 24, 2016)

So until tomorrow…”The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

I woke up to the morning sun turning Vickie’s Maple tree a fiery golden color…I texted her to say I thought it was the ‘burning bush’ for a moment. 🙂

 ***A hope and a prayer for Eva Cate and John this morning for a successful finish…Eva Cate has participated in a Girls on the Run after school program –

It is a great program as each child runs with a different ‘buddy’ throughout the practice semester…getting to know students they would not have otherwise. (And certainly a great form of exercise after school)

For the finale this morning Eva Cate will be running with dad in the 5K (3 mile run)…John I hope you have your magic running shoes on…Eva Cate is fast! Good luck Terrific Turner Team!