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Volume 5, Issue 2 |  February 2016
 

We've been hearing so much how this is a year of BIG changes for people. Certainly, it's been that for me as I acclimate to working a job (versus being self-employed), living in a city of 8 million souls (versus a rural town of 10,000), etc., in essence, building a new life.

Well, for my dear friend Samara Christy, who I've known for about 25 years, this is without a doubt a year of HUGE change, a life turned upside down - and not something she planned. Earlier this month, Samara suffered a stroke, which left her unable to speak, and the right side of her body, numb.

Samara & Joyce in Hawaii (2003)
Samara is like an older sister to me - so loving and giving - and a blessing to others who've crossed her path, both on a personal level and in her professional life. I met her in NYC in the '90s, shortly after I got on a conscious spiritual path. Being in her presence and having someone to talk to about metaphysics was such a delight, helped fill my starved soul, and open my heart. When she relocated to New Mexico several years later, I soon followed, and we became neighbors but more importantly, family. She eventually moved to Hawaii,
Gil, Moi, & Samara (2015 in FL)
then joined me when I moved to Phoenix (the first time back in 2003). She was a frequent visitor to Sedona, where I eventually relocated to and resided in until just a few months ago. These days, Samara lives in Florida with her honey, Gil. We saw one another last June for the first time in about 7 years - what an extra special 60th birthday it was for me!

Last week I was blessed to receive a phone call from her now that she has the ability to speak. Her recovery is progressing quickly, but it is still expected to take about 6 months before she can get back to a full life, including bringing in income (she is the primary breadwinner in her household).

A GoFundMe campaign has been created so she and Gil can focus on her recovery, and not concern themselves with medical bills and other expenses. If you can help with ANY amount, I'd be so grateful. Yeah, this is personal, personal about people helping people, especially those who've given so much to others and the world. Of course, prayers are welcomed too.

You can get more info and make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/samarachristy If you make a donation, please leave a comment that you heard about Samara's situation through me; she wants to be able to thank everyone. Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart.

May you be blessed in all areas of your life beyond measure.

Joyce's signature

 
Inspiration and Contemplation

"Here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; What is essential is invisible to the eye."

- Antoine de Saint Exupery
Spiritual

I'm such a hopeful romantic and I so yearn for community. The following is an excerpt from the October 8, 2015 Daily Guideposts by Brigitte Weeks, which spoke to my heart on both matters.

    "We have everything we need," she told me. "We don't need more stuff!"
    The cash-strapped young couple kept the wedding as simple as they could but still had no funds left for a honeymoon. Someone had the answer to their dilemma: a honeymoon registry!
    They wanted to go to Italy, so the registry broke down everything for them into gifts, from the costly to the most economical: $125 for a night in a hotel in Florence; $20 for an admission ticket to the Coliseum. Family and friends were delighted to help fulfill their dream.
    Their story reminded me of the often quoted "when two or three are gathered together" (Matthew 18:20). Jesus was telling us that there is power in community.

Yes, indeed!
 
 
People Helping People

Here's a story that brought tears to my eyes and split open my heart. It's not about just one person helping another, but others getting involved to provide additional support. And, it's a wonderful demonstration of familial love. I dare you to tell me it doesn't tug at your heart strings!


Thank heaven this year was a leap year - it gave me an extra day to get my February newsletter out and still be within the time frame!

Take good care.

Namast� - 
The Divine in me acknowledges the Divine in you.

Joyce's signature  
 
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