You are making a difference Nadia, by being vulnerable and empathetic to others, while being challenged physically and grieving. God is more present now than ever, even though it feels like the world is going to spontaneously combust any minute. Your conversation on Kate’s podcast recently was so wonderful, you sharing about how life has changed for you, scaled back and quiet. This is where God does His BEST work. When we’re still and present in the small things. Your life has impacted many others, me included, and I pray for rest and peace for you Nadia.💛
St. Teresa said “We can’t all do great things, but we can all do small things with love.” Each small act of love makes this world a better place - so let’s commence to making things better!
Thank you for this. I just received an email from our son, who has been struggling with drugs and alcohol and lack of self-love. We don't hear from him often and miss him terribly. I shared today's post with him. I'm pretty sure it will hit home. I'm just trying to be present and grateful these days, when I'm not overcome with anxiety. The antics of our new kitty playing with the dog are a great source of pleasure. I read, watch series and films, and cut myself a lot of slack. Without posts and videos from you, Diana Butler Bass, Kate Bowler, and others I'd be lost. Now I'm off for my annual CT scan which hopefully will be my last after five years. Sending prayers...
I hear you, Nadia...I'm currently enjoying Britbox more than I could imagine...I know it's still TV but it is so refreshing listening to people call each other love and pet as a common conversation!
The show that locked me into Britbox was Vera. Then crime shows like Shetland and Grace. My newest one is Death Valley with a sharp, dry witted soul named John Chapel played by Timothy Spall
I love the old series of detective George Gently on PBS. So many relevant issues that they bring up yet set in 1969. And lots of pet and loves too! You’ll fall for sweet George.
DC Banks & Grace. All of these have been a life saver for me. For an hour or so I enjoy the story, the acting, & the beautiful scenery& forget about the news.
It’s not on britbox but Love on the Spectrum puts a smile on my face (and a few beautiful tears in my eyes) from beginning to end. Who would have thought that beautiful autistic individuals would help me believe in the good of humanity?
The accents alone do it for me. My mother blessherheart introduced me to an Englishman she worked with. She quoted me to him saying, "My daughter just wanted to hear you talk." He paused with a twinkle in his eye and asked, "And what would you like me to say?"
We’re all right here with you, Nadia. I think we all have noticed the brokenness in our communities lately. And there’s times when it’s hard to stay hopeful, that anything will change for the better. Now I might sound like a broken record, but I have to thank you for being who you are. I read your writings and I watch your videos on YouTube. I’m sure I’m not the only one that you’re helping, but sometimes it feels like you’re speaking to me. I think it’s obvious that HE knows your strengths and you are acting on those by sharing your heart. I’m just one of hundreds of your subscribers, but I know that I am glad that I am. I had 41 years before I relapsed. I’ve been clean now for just over 90 days. You have been an inspiration to me personally. Please keep doing what you’re doing. You are making a difference. I hope things are easing on you after losing your dad. The grieving process can be long and tiresome. I hope that some of your subscribers lift you up. That the people around you and your family and your friends give you all more reason to continue what you’re doing. Keep writing, keep loving, keep giving, and everything will be OK. We all love you very much. Another grateful addict. We’re all on the same page. Blessed by HIM. Let’s keep walking HIS path for us. We will all be together one day, and there’s no need to rush it. If we all try to be our best versions of ourselves one day at a time, as HE has already planned, we will all be just fine. I wish you peace and happiness. I love you.
Oh Steve. Thank you for taking the care to send me this message. Some days I struggle to find anything to say. On those days I do actually recall comments like these and I relax until the words come.
Congrats on making it back. That feels like it would be hard to do. But as you know - each of us just have THIS day to be sober in. Together, Nadia
OMGosh Steve!! Thank YOU for the courage & humility to share, "I had 41 years before I relapsed". I am sooo glad you made it back!! I have been entertaining the thought of picking up with 35+yrs. I know I have a 'give up' in me...
Mari! It’s good to be back. My life is awesome today because people like Nadia, yourself and our fellowship. 🙏🏼 Satan plays hard. I’m so happy you have a grip. Just for today sister!
Thank you. Certainly one thing you're doing to help it be less shitty is offering these honest prayers. (I'm guessing this is more like what St Francis really said but somebody cleaned it up and made it poetic.)
“You are not meant to do this alone.” This was my sustaining prayer during BC treatment and since. I pray that you will feel the care for you that is offered by your friends, known and unknown. In the current chaos, I keep reminding myself that our generation is not unique in these experiences. I meditate on and pray about what it is that God wants us to notice and do in these struggles. I have felt myself led to the small stuff that seems to be my task right now. I pray you will have peace today, Nadia, that will heal you physically and spiritually.
Somehow I cannot recall ever receiving a memo that read (in effect) « YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING EVERY PROBLEM IN THIS WORLD! ACT NOW OR BURN IN HELL FOREVER! » I think I might have, if I did — but if I did, or felt like I should have — I've trashed it, along with the announcements of the « Free Vacation Cruises » I've won, and the fortune that awaits me in some bank in Nigeria. There are almost countless scams out there, but this one is possibly the oldest and most persistent one. And even though IT IS A LIE, somehow we seem to « wish there is some truth in it », it remains a lie no matter how much lipstick, how much sugar coating is applied to it. TV, Instagram (anti) social media are not really all that new, but they seem to be far more invasive and more addictive than the previous « Scarborough Fairs » we've attended. I don't pretend to have a « cure » (and I strongly urge you to not believe anything you read anywhere without a second opinion) but merely suggest for an antidote that we look into the eyes of those around us: if we see pain, do what we can to relieve it; if we see despair, offer hope; if we see anger, offer kindess; if we see intolerance or indifference, offer understanding; if we see joy, share it. Life is short, barely the briefest of moments in our entire world, past, present, and future, the tiniest of specks in the universe.
We like MASH and West Wing, except it’s also super depressing to see a functional Executive branch that actually has the best interests of the country in mind. Oh also … Ted Lasso
You are making a difference Nadia, by being vulnerable and empathetic to others, while being challenged physically and grieving. God is more present now than ever, even though it feels like the world is going to spontaneously combust any minute. Your conversation on Kate’s podcast recently was so wonderful, you sharing about how life has changed for you, scaled back and quiet. This is where God does His BEST work. When we’re still and present in the small things. Your life has impacted many others, me included, and I pray for rest and peace for you Nadia.💛
St. Teresa said “We can’t all do great things, but we can all do small things with love.” Each small act of love makes this world a better place - so let’s commence to making things better!
Each small act of love, what a line thank you for this!
Thank you for this. I just received an email from our son, who has been struggling with drugs and alcohol and lack of self-love. We don't hear from him often and miss him terribly. I shared today's post with him. I'm pretty sure it will hit home. I'm just trying to be present and grateful these days, when I'm not overcome with anxiety. The antics of our new kitty playing with the dog are a great source of pleasure. I read, watch series and films, and cut myself a lot of slack. Without posts and videos from you, Diana Butler Bass, Kate Bowler, and others I'd be lost. Now I'm off for my annual CT scan which hopefully will be my last after five years. Sending prayers...
I hear you, Nadia...I'm currently enjoying Britbox more than I could imagine...I know it's still TV but it is so refreshing listening to people call each other love and pet as a common conversation!
Tell me what’s good!
Vera and Shetland ! Lots of others. Also slow horses on Apple TV
And another thing. Find a favorite song. Play it LOUD!
Yes!
The show that locked me into Britbox was Vera. Then crime shows like Shetland and Grace. My newest one is Death Valley with a sharp, dry witted soul named John Chapel played by Timothy Spall
I love the old series of detective George Gently on PBS. So many relevant issues that they bring up yet set in 1969. And lots of pet and loves too! You’ll fall for sweet George.
Also good on Britbox::
Silent Witness (there are like 26 season so you can watch for years; the early ones are wacky with their 90s clothes, glasses, and computers)
Father Brown
Doc Martin
Inspector Morse
The Coroner (very lightweight)
Grace
Honestly that's what comes to mind in 2 minutes.
Oh and Midsommer Murders.
DC Banks & Grace. All of these have been a life saver for me. For an hour or so I enjoy the story, the acting, & the beautiful scenery& forget about the news.
I've scheduled to watch The Other Bennet sister on Britbox beginning May 6thand I hear nothing but GOOD things about it! I can't wait! I'm giddy!
It’s not on britbox but Love on the Spectrum puts a smile on my face (and a few beautiful tears in my eyes) from beginning to end. Who would have thought that beautiful autistic individuals would help me believe in the good of humanity?
Be well.
The accents alone do it for me. My mother blessherheart introduced me to an Englishman she worked with. She quoted me to him saying, "My daughter just wanted to hear you talk." He paused with a twinkle in his eye and asked, "And what would you like me to say?"
I was mortified. . . again.
Yes! Me too! Britbox has just about saved my sanity!
Little things that help:
When walking:
pick up a piece of trash
move a stick or rock out of the path so someone else won't trip
pick up dog poop regardless of whose dog left it
When driving:
leave the best parking place for someone else
pull over and let someone who wants to drive faster than you pass
keep a few dollar bills accessible in your car to give to someone asking for help at a stop light
When someone drives erratically say out loud "be safe, my friend". Someone shared this with me, can't remember who. Maybe it was Nadia
We’re all right here with you, Nadia. I think we all have noticed the brokenness in our communities lately. And there’s times when it’s hard to stay hopeful, that anything will change for the better. Now I might sound like a broken record, but I have to thank you for being who you are. I read your writings and I watch your videos on YouTube. I’m sure I’m not the only one that you’re helping, but sometimes it feels like you’re speaking to me. I think it’s obvious that HE knows your strengths and you are acting on those by sharing your heart. I’m just one of hundreds of your subscribers, but I know that I am glad that I am. I had 41 years before I relapsed. I’ve been clean now for just over 90 days. You have been an inspiration to me personally. Please keep doing what you’re doing. You are making a difference. I hope things are easing on you after losing your dad. The grieving process can be long and tiresome. I hope that some of your subscribers lift you up. That the people around you and your family and your friends give you all more reason to continue what you’re doing. Keep writing, keep loving, keep giving, and everything will be OK. We all love you very much. Another grateful addict. We’re all on the same page. Blessed by HIM. Let’s keep walking HIS path for us. We will all be together one day, and there’s no need to rush it. If we all try to be our best versions of ourselves one day at a time, as HE has already planned, we will all be just fine. I wish you peace and happiness. I love you.
Oh Steve. Thank you for taking the care to send me this message. Some days I struggle to find anything to say. On those days I do actually recall comments like these and I relax until the words come.
Congrats on making it back. That feels like it would be hard to do. But as you know - each of us just have THIS day to be sober in. Together, Nadia
OMGosh Steve!! Thank YOU for the courage & humility to share, "I had 41 years before I relapsed". I am sooo glad you made it back!! I have been entertaining the thought of picking up with 35+yrs. I know I have a 'give up' in me...
Not today, Satan! Not effin' today.
Mari! It’s good to be back. My life is awesome today because people like Nadia, yourself and our fellowship. 🙏🏼 Satan plays hard. I’m so happy you have a grip. Just for today sister!
Thank you. Certainly one thing you're doing to help it be less shitty is offering these honest prayers. (I'm guessing this is more like what St Francis really said but somebody cleaned it up and made it poetic.)
Nadia-A person like me whose life has been turned inside out' with cancer, divorce & death, needs exactly this type of reminder-I AM NOT ALONE.
Every message I read or hear from you reminds me of just that. Thank you×1000.
Thank YOU!
YES!
Yes and amen.
Thank you Nadia
I sometimes wonder if God ever gets impatient waiting for us to understand that God needs us to make things better on our Earth
“You are not meant to do this alone.” This was my sustaining prayer during BC treatment and since. I pray that you will feel the care for you that is offered by your friends, known and unknown. In the current chaos, I keep reminding myself that our generation is not unique in these experiences. I meditate on and pray about what it is that God wants us to notice and do in these struggles. I have felt myself led to the small stuff that seems to be my task right now. I pray you will have peace today, Nadia, that will heal you physically and spiritually.
Thank you…. I needed this today🤍
Omg I needed this shitty little prayer! Love you Nadia🩷🙏🏽
Somehow I cannot recall ever receiving a memo that read (in effect) « YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING EVERY PROBLEM IN THIS WORLD! ACT NOW OR BURN IN HELL FOREVER! » I think I might have, if I did — but if I did, or felt like I should have — I've trashed it, along with the announcements of the « Free Vacation Cruises » I've won, and the fortune that awaits me in some bank in Nigeria. There are almost countless scams out there, but this one is possibly the oldest and most persistent one. And even though IT IS A LIE, somehow we seem to « wish there is some truth in it », it remains a lie no matter how much lipstick, how much sugar coating is applied to it. TV, Instagram (anti) social media are not really all that new, but they seem to be far more invasive and more addictive than the previous « Scarborough Fairs » we've attended. I don't pretend to have a « cure » (and I strongly urge you to not believe anything you read anywhere without a second opinion) but merely suggest for an antidote that we look into the eyes of those around us: if we see pain, do what we can to relieve it; if we see despair, offer hope; if we see anger, offer kindess; if we see intolerance or indifference, offer understanding; if we see joy, share it. Life is short, barely the briefest of moments in our entire world, past, present, and future, the tiniest of specks in the universe.
Thank you for this prayer. My solace has been Gilmore Girls and Call the Midwife.
We like MASH and West Wing, except it’s also super depressing to see a functional Executive branch that actually has the best interests of the country in mind. Oh also … Ted Lasso
Ha ha! Just finished West Wing! It is fabulous! So good to see a President with integrity!!
Thank you Nadia. Spot on!