Dear Reader:

Didn’t most of us grow up with at least one ” crazy” great-aunt who talked to herself? In my family it was Aunt Nora. If I was ever left alone with her for any amount of time ( which was rare) I would soon hear her busily bustling around the house doing chores ( while I played with Polly-my doll).

It was only a matter of time before I heard her talking. Initially I assumed someone else had come in and was too self-absorbed playing dolls to pick up on anything unusual. ( After all I was talking to my dolls too!)

When mother would pick me up she always asked if I had a good time and asked about Aunt Nora. I would nod ” yes” I did and mention that Aunt Nora talked to someone a lot when I was there but I never met her. Mother would just smile, knowingly, and hug me.

Then one day I went into Aunt Nora’s bedroom to ask if I could get a cookie. The door was shut but I could hear Aunt Nora talking. When I opened the door Aunt Nora looked startled and I asked her who she was talking to. ” God” she replied immediately.

Excitedly I walked farther into the room so I could finally meet God-but to my disappointment I saw no one. ” Where is He?”I asked Aunt Nora. Is He gone?”

” Oh no” … He’s right here… and pointed to her heart. As a small child… it all made sense to me and from that time on when mother asked what Aunt Nora was doing… (when she picked me up) …I promptly replied ” Talking to God.”

These days I find myself making oral lists as reminders to pick up items I need at certain locations. And yes, Aunt Nora was right… When I really need God’s advice I have discovered that praying aloud brings God’s Presence more fully into my being. The power of prayer is enhanced when spoken aloud.

So until tomorrow… When we hear our own prayers , in our own ears, as well as, our own hearts…our ” hidden wholeness” is revealed-and our prayers start defining ourselves, our futures, and dreams.

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Love grasping my ” Holding Cross” when praying aloud

Eva Cate had her first tennis lesson Tuesday-was disappointed she couldn’t wear her new tennis skirt since it was pretty chilly-at 11 looking the part is just as important as ” performing.” 🤣 * Regardless she had a great start and loves her instructors.