Rear-View Mirror Christianity

What. A. Weekend.

Well, I’m currently crammed in a middle seat on an airplane. I’ve got a neck-pillow, mouth-breather on my left and a tuna sandwich-eater on my right. And despite my current state of being sensorily accosted, I’m in a sheer state of bliss.

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I just had one of the best weekends ever.

I took a “mental health weekend” back in New York City. I was supposed to be there for a shoot, but after it got postponed, (and I had already bought my plane ticket), I decided to go anyways. See my friends. See my city. And just take a couple days to come up for air.

Not that I don’t love being home and helping my mom recover from her stroke…truly…But I abruptly left my life in NYC when I came home without even saying goodbye 2 1/2 months ago. It was good to just go back and reconnect.

Lemme tell ya, there’s nothing like a 3 1/2 hour brunch with your two best friends that really fills your spirit and makes you feel affirmed and so loved.

But the meals together were great. The parties were wonderful. Even just walking the city and taking in the sights and smells — all so healing for my soul.


But there was another unexpected moment that really moved my heart.

It was with…my Uber driver.

It was Sunday morning, and I was meeting my two friends uptown for brunch after church. It was about a 25/30 minute cab ride, and being the chatty midwestern gal I am, I struck up a conversation. Which, if you know anything about NYC-ettique is frankly, unheard of.

But he had a beautiful rosary hanging from the rear-view mirror. And so, I asked him about it. Because…why the heck not?

“So, you Catholic?”

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I don’t know if he was more startled that someone was actually engaging him in conversation instead being buried in their phone, or the fact that I had the balls to ask him about religion, but this guy lit up.

He told me about how he’s newly married. Grew up in the Dominican Republic milking cows on his grandfather’s farm at 6am every morning since the age of 7. Moved to the US at 12, and goes to church every Sunday. And he’s driving Uber as a second job because he’s trying to buy a house for he and his wife.

And the convo then took a very interesting turn after I told him about how I moved home for the last 3 months to help my mom recover from her stroke.

Without skipping a beat, he goes, “Oh God’s gonna reward that. If you obey him, God is gonna bless you on the other side.” 

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Well, okay then. I know I had a few drinks the night before, but there was no doubt in my mind that I was supposed to be in that exact Uber, talking to this gem of a human being.

He continued to urge me to take every single opportunity that comes my way. That God is always working, and that every single door has the possibility of leading to blessings. But that if I don’t open the door, I’m going to miss out.
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Writing that out, it sounds so simple and almost…elementary trite. But my goodness, the way this guy spoke, it was as though I was about to take the field at the Super Bowl or something. I left that cab thinking I could conquer the world.

I spent a lot of time this weekend reflecting. I had turned my cable and Internet off back in January when I decided to stay in Ohio for a while. So I learned really quickly how much I rely on those fabulous fiber-optics on the reg. So there were a lot of moments spent just, thinking. Which, I’m seeing now, was another disguised blessing given to my by our gracious Father.

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But this cabbie, he was right on. And spoke what I needed to hear. God is not going to abandon me. He’s not going to leave me high and dry. I’m doing what I believe He is calling me to do right now. And so I need to allow Him to bless me…and the only way to do that is to seize every opportunity that comes my way, in whatever form it comes.

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I’ve gotten a lot of acting opportunities since being home. I’ve been concocting some exciting plans with my mom for a bible-study book. Not to mention the wonderful bonding opportunities I’ve had with my family.

I need to realize that these are all orchestrating together. And I’ve got to capitalize on each and every one.

My brother told me the other day over dinner, that life is what happens when you’re making other plans.

Who knows, maybe that’s more true than I’d like to believe. Maybe I need to see what God’s putting in front of me right now. Right this very minute.

Take that cabbie’s advice and trust that God’s got me where He wants me, and is already pouring out His blessings. I said “yes” to Him, and He’s not going to leave me high and dry. But I’ve gotta meet Him halfway and seize every opportunity.

So that’s my Uber lesson of the day.

Once again, proving that you just never know when God is going to show up. Even in an Uber on the Upper East Side when you’re hungover.

Go figure.

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244 responses to “Rear-View Mirror Christianity”

  1. God works in the funniest ways sometimes 😂 I’m glad you had that experience, it sounds like you really needed it. It’s super important to take care of your mental health 😊

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    • Thanks girlie! Yeah, me too! I was so glad that was the Uber I got in! haha And so true – taking care of our mental health is just as important as physical health. Balance is key! Hope you’re having a great start to the week! big hugs to you xox

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  2. until recently I spent the past 8 years as Sunday school mistress. I started up under duress … and as a one time thing and ended up simply loving it for years.

    every Sunday after the good mornings and hugs and giggles … my first question… did you see God this week.

    in the beginning and when new ones arrived they thought me bonkers … then I would tell them how I saw God.

    it’s using your eyes to nudge your brain to open your heart … we see only your telephones now … we have stopped walking down streets and have stopped looking.

    I would say … yes I saw God. I saw a a weed growing in a crack on a busy pavement – i saw a grandfather hold his grandson’S hand and I watched him smile at the tiny child. I saw a man in a shop rush out and run after a women with things she had left behind.

    God is in a smile, a kind deed, a simple living weed.

    God was in your taxi …. I love your words x thank you.

    p.s. I am no longer a Sunday school teacher as we have a new priest – it is hard for me to see God in this man.

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  4. We sometimes feel frustrated waiting for God to call out to us and respond to prayer when in fact it can smack us right in the face by hearing the right thing at the right time. Maybe that’s our challenge in discipleship to open up and share our faith – we may touch or inspire someone just like Mr Uber! Have a great week God Bless Rob

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    • Hi Rob, thank you for this thoughtful response. you’re right – patience and waiting on God can feel arduous, but it is in the waiting that we are transformed. Thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

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  5. Perhaps you met a messenger angel? “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb 13:2) 😀

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  6. I Hope and Pray too our ONE True GOD the Father who art in Heaven Above and His Son Jesus ( Yeshua ) Christ Helps You and Your Mother!! We Are NEVER alone when He Jesus ( Yeshua ) is with us!!

    May our ONE True GOD the FATHER who art in Heaven Above Bless All my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus ( Yeshua ) and Your Families and Friends!!

    Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ) Everyone, YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

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  8. How great that you had such a weekend! The shoot is postponed, so you have more time with your friends. I doubt you would have met your Uber driver if the shoot happened. And to start it off, you could’ve re-scheduled your ticket (even though there’d be a charge!).

    Despite your behavior not being up to NYC standards, the fact that he lit up so brightly tells us all just how much people really want to connect. Like at your pedicure, right?

    “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Revelation 20:12

    Not that we do good works expecting quid pro quo from God, but as our loving response to Him and to share His love with others.

    Still…nothing wrong with a little gravy!

    So you have your auto-biography to write, a bible study book to do with your mom, and a growing acting career…in Ohio of all places!

    Go figure!

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    • Thanks for sharing your wonderful insight, Jeff. You’re right! People DO want to connect! God has shown me that not once but TWICE this week! That really speaks volumes. Wow, nothing like getting a truth bomb from God’s word, eh? Thanks for this awesome encouragement 🙂 hope you’re having a great day! I’m home safe and sound now — got out just in time before the snow!! 🙂 hahah go figure 🙂 hehe I am so grateful for you, Jeff 🙂 big hugs to you and Julie! xoxo

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  11. I love your blogs so much.. really I do but I have a question. Being so beautiful and using your image in most posts seems like a huge advantage to promote your blog and causes. I do not have any looks by which to add value for the consumer.

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  13. Divine appointments are such a blessing. 🙂

    I recently finished reading through the archives of your blog. Wow, you are such an amazing young woman and so inspiring! You’ve been in my prayers since I started reading your blog, and even more so in the last few months as you’ve been helping your mom. I write my own blog once a week showcasing a greeting card I’ve made, and I was wondering if you’d mind if I used your blog/story as inspiration for a card in the next week or two. I’d certainly link people back to your blog in the post. It would be an honor to introduce my readers to you and your story.

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    • Those appointments are SUCH a blessing! Wow, I am so touched that you would have read my archives! Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words and support. And Yes! I would be absolutely honored if you were to use my blog. I can’t wait to read it! big hugs xox

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  16. So awesome, you’re a great writer and this was soooo encouraging for the season I’m walking through right now. Yes, we have to let God into the nitty gritty of our lives so He can bless us.
    Beautiful post! <3

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    • Thank you so much Grace! Gosh, what kind thing to say. I’m glad this was an encouragement. Whatever you’re going through, hang in there, and know that you’re in my prayers 🙂 big hugs to you xox

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  18. Caregiving is rewarding and exhausting work. I felt that. You must have really needed, both time with your peeps and the miracle in the cab. Bless you and thank you!

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  19. This was good to read after the hellish week I’ve had with mom. Sunday, was Psalm 121 and some encouraging words on them. Thank you for reminding me once more. As I start to get sick, I wonder…..

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    • Hi Kris, oh I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a tough week. Oh gosh, I hope you feel better this week. Know that you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. hang in there:) Big hugs to you xox

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      • This week, I’m sick. Or appear to be! Tomorrow will be hard. Mom’s oncologist is about the only one who believes mom will be well be summer. Other health care professionals are not so optimistic. 30 years is a long time to fight cancers.

  21. You’re a beautiful woman, but it’s your heart and mind I speak of. Thank you for letting our Father shine through you. SImply wow. That uber driver is spot on.

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  23. Uber lesson in more ways than one. Thanks for sharing this important reminder that God can bless us whenever He chooses through whomever He chooses. Thanks be to God!

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  24. Oh my gosh, that last line about the Uber lesson thing was so funny, because my mom drives for Uber, and she’s had two separate encounters with people that turned out to be a God-thing just in the past week. God turns anything into a ministry, which I think sums up you whole post, doesn’t it? I related to this one a lot since I’m gong through a similar experience. I love the quote with the mountains because it fit so well. sometimes a mountain is a tough obstacle to get over, but some things can only be found up in that alpine air. Anyway, it’s an allegory thing.

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    • Oh wow, that’s so true – God CAN turn anything into a ministry. How cool is that! And amen to that — up in that alpine air 😉 Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

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  26. Great post. Great insight. I have learned to understand over time that God has gone before me, therefore I pray He place my feet in His footprints. Or at least I try too. 🙂 I’d say you are in a prime space my friend. Cheering you on from the west coast. PS. What an awesome weekend for you. I miss the big city. Peace!

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    • Thank you so much Gunnar. I love that – God goes before us – that’s really a comforting thought. Thanks for passing that along. yeah, it was a wonderful weekend! big hugs xox

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  27. Yeah I know, I want to do things for my life but need to find out what God wants from me, and not what I want from myself, but right now is to be with my Grandma, and she decided to be in a nursing home, because of her kenneis and her poor health, that me and my sister thinks is best for her. So she can get more help and better help, that she needs.

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    • Hi Michael, thank you for sharing this. Oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that about your grandmother. I will definitely keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers. big hugs xox

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  28. This was a beautiful story and I’m going to think I was meant to read it 🙂. It was really speaking to me as I struggle to know what to do next. Thank you for sharing.

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    • Aw, thanks, that’s so kind of you say:) I’m glad this hit home with you. And I hope that everything with you is going okay. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. hugs xox

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  31. The Lord taught us, commanded us to “be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
    Then He reminded us that “What is impossible for man(woman) is possible for God.”
    It’s all His work. We become His workmanship. Who is truly ready to surrender our lives to Him? To daily be drawn closer to Him in Spirit and in Truth. In the little things and in the big things. Today, tomorrow and forever.
    Someday we will stand before His Throne in perfection.

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  32. God is so amazing how He puts us right where He needs us. Glad you got back to NYC before the nor’easter – I grew up in PA – love NYC. Happy for you you had a refreshing, refueling weekend

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  33. “Because why the heck not?” “And, well okay then.” You are so precious! I am glad you had the opportunity to be in NYC and with friends. A blessing you took hold of. Blogging your journey is another blessing. I love that you and your mom are cooking up a Bible study! One of my passions as well.

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    • haha thanks Terese! I’m glad you “get” my lingo! Yes! New York was so wonderful and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go. Yes! It’s definitely still in the early planning stages, but it’s a good project to work on together 🙂 big hugs to you xox

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  34. I think God guided you to that Uber. Then, the Holy Spirit nudged you. I am sure you made the drivers day as much as he made yours. Whenever you let the Spirit lead you, you are rewarded with His joy.

    I agree with your brother, life is what happens while you are making other plans… if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. But remember, God is wherever you go. Our plans often fall apart but God uses our failed plans to the good. An example might be a young woman caring for her mother who has had a stroke. The young woman is supposed to go to New York to work; but, she really needs a break and a recharging. The work falls through but God comes through with a break and a recharging. Humm… sound familiar? God is good, all the time, God is good.

    God Bless, thanks for sharing your journey.

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    • I think you’re right! It was a God-appointed Uber 🙂 hehe That’s such a powerful thought though – you’re right, joy is the reward. Yeah, I love that saying about God laughing when we tell Him our plans. It’s so true – and such a comforting/slightly terrifying truth to know that He has it all planned out for us already..and in a good way. All we have to do is trust. God is wherever we go—remmebering that tonight 🙂 Thanks again. And yes, sounds very familiar 🙂 hehe hugs xox

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  37. I love God-winks like that. God-appointed moments, glimpses through the veil. They sustain me. I blogged about one in my own life just recently.

    You know what struck me as I read your post? This encouragement-bomb from the Dominican Republic was awesome, but…we could ALL be that. We could all be a 10-inch syringe of encouragement straight to each other’s bloodstreams. We just don’t do it. We hold back, don’t risk saying something, don’t risk looking vulnerable. May we all become the gift that this Uber driver was to you.

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    • Hey Brandon! Me too! Glimpses through the veil…I like that 🙂 Gosh, that’s such a powerful thought. You’re so right – we all have that opportunity every day — even if it’s just a genuine smile at the checkout person. Vulnerability is truly powerful and meaningful and has the ability to alter someones’ day for the better 🙂 Glad you stopped by! hugs xox

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  40. A very pleasant read, so much positivity. That was a good blessings to you and through you. I am sure God has great deals for you as you deal for His glory.

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  41. Caralyn, I like how you said, “allow Him to bless me.” Because that is how it is – sometimes we need to get out of the way and let the Lord bless us. I find that people sometimes put too many conditions on God and His blessings. They trip themselves up without even recognizing that they are doing it. I’ve been guilty of that on so many occasions.

    Good for you – having a trip to NYC and being able to spend some cool time with your friends. Maybe you could work that into your schedule again. So happy for you, Caralyn. May you have many more days and weekends like this. 🙂

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    • Hi Eric, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. You’re so right! I need to just get out of the way and let Him do His work! Thanks for that powerful reminder. I think you’re right – working that into my schedule again soon I think would be good on a lot of levels. especially when the airfare is so dang cheap! Only ~$50-75 round trip!! SO CHEAP! 🙂 Big hugs to you xox

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  42. Dear friend,

    If we remember God in our daily life, starting not to forget him, even not for a minute – the grace and colour of God will pour on you and the more you practise this in your life the more you adopt this kind of perfume of God with you – so whereever you go whereever you will be – then you will spread this divine perfume too… The cabbie has given you some perfume…

    All good wishes
    Didi

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  43. First, I think I have to apologise that I’m just reading your posts now….I’ve been missing a LOT because your words are truly gems..Thank you for sharing your experiences…I’m just new to blogging and feel inspired to blog more after reading your posts.

    ‘You just never know when God is going to show up’

    Wow!!! Just what I needed right now. Thank you and God Bless You more..:) 🙂 🙂

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    • You’re on a reading roll! Thank you so much Lili 🙂 What a kind thing to say. I’m glad this resonated with you. And welcome to the wonderful world of blogging! I look forward to reading your stuff! Hope you have a great day! big hugs xox

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  44. Although I may not believe in God in the same sense that you do, I do believe that if you put good in then you get good out and I think that it is similar in a way. I’m glad that you had a wonderful break 🙂

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    • Put good in, get good out…I like that 🙂 Thanks for the kind words! yeah, it was a really wonderful weekend with friends and time to breathe! 🙂 hugs to you xox

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  47. beautiful story! It really got me inspired. A similar thing happened to me. Just goes to show that someone is always there to listen and help, we are never alone.

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  48. It’s so cool to read again how those opportunities seem to come to you, in a cab or in an elevator – then I thought, God brings those opportunities to us all the time, we just need to dial in and see them as the opportunities they are – ps I would love for you to include one of your funny pics to depict that scene on the plane with tuna person on one side and allergy person on the other – 😳🤔✈️

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    • haha, thanks! Yeah, I think for the first time in my life I’m actually recognizing those and not just missing those moments. Just goes to show that we see what we look for 🙂 hahah yeah, it was quite the plane ride! thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

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  50. I love God’s orchestrated moments, that the world deems meaningless or superfluous, but which are Divine touches of God. Blessings to you and your family. Prayers for our Heavenly Father to guide and direct you in this dance of life…

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    • Thanns for this! Me too! They’re little reminders that He is in control! And that He is nudging us with encouragement. Thanks for the prayers. They mean a lot. Big hugs to you xox

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    • Thanks for this reflection, Brian. Yeah my bro is a pretty smart dude 🙂 And same here – sometimes I’ve gotta just stop and appreciate the here and now. big hugs xox

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  54. I love it when the divine reminds us of grace through the words of strangers. As a displaced chatty Midwesterner myself, I’m glad you struck up a conversation with that Uber driver, and even happier you told us about it. God is everywhere.
    Xo

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    • Hi Iridecea, thank you so much for this response. Me too! I love when God gives us a little wink through a conversation or “coincidence” 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

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  57. I met a lot of Dominicans in New York. I wouldn’t agree that their Spanish is actually Spanish, though. I think it’ som’un el’. It’s still beautiful, though. Sometimes I prefer it over the Castillians’… Wait, were you talking in Spanish or English to this cabbie of yours…

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  58. This is wonderful! God really does reward us when we pay attention to him, even when it’s through people he puts in our lives. 🙂

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  63. I love this, sometimes things like these happen and people don’t see that they were in the situation at that moment for a reason. So glad you were able to realize this!

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  64. That sounds so great being in NYC (from a former NewYawker as they tell me now). Must have been a bit cold though! And I hear you about being in that Uber – I think sometimes you just KNOW that you are where you are SUPPOSED to be! May your next trip back be ever warmer and nicer – enjoy the shoot when it happens. God Bless!

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  66. The line that really caught me is this: “you just never know when God is going to show up”, for that is really true. When he does speak to us, in any other way, we should feel blessed that we heard His wisdom. Also, the bible verse saying, “He will come like a thief in the night”, suddenly comes to mind.

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  67. Your blog post Always remind me to get back on my feet or keep going. Wow this was powerful. God has anyone to speak to us. He will not leave high and dry indeed. Love & kisses ❤️

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  70. Fabulous time for pondering – if you just stop and listen – you will hear what God has to say. and yes it is true – life happens when you are making other plans!!!!!

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  72. I am glad you got some time away!! I was thinking to myself that “this girl needs a break and exercise some different emotions!” haha!

    I myself have been blessed and challenged by my uber drivers as well. Plus having close friends who are uber drivers gives me bonus perspective. I love how God uses the unexpected strangers.

    Looks like this trip to New York allowed refreshment and closure. I pray you get more of that. However, the sacrifices you have made are not in vain.

    -JV

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    • Thanks JV! Yeah it was a really great weekend. I had a lot of fun with my friends. haha you’re right!! And yeah! that is a bonus perspective. thanks for the continued prayers and encouragement! hugs xo

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  74. This is honestly true. God will always reward you for following his instruction even when you cannot see the blessing in disguise. Thank you for sharing this. x

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  75. I’m so excited for you! I can’t imagine how challenging these last months have been – spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The tone of this post is so positive, hopeful, and excited, that I can’t help but be excited right along with you. God sends us consolations when we need them, and he sends us into the desert, too, but everything he does is for our benefit, our growth, and our ultimate salvation. At every moment, in every situation, he is pouring out exactly the measure of grace that you need. He is always caring for you, and everything that happens now is preparation for what is coming – we just can’t see it. But God sees everything. I’ve been trying to remember my “mountain top moments” during my more trying times, although it’s hard to remember without trying to cling, grasp, or tell myself, “It *should* be different.” I haven’t counted, but it seems like as many times as the Bible says, “Be not afraid,” it also says, “Remember.” I’ve been trying to remind myself of all of his blessings and of all the wonders he already worked in my life, so that I can have confidence in what’s coming. Well, this was a really rambling comment, but my heart is full of joy for you upon reading this, and as always, you are in my prayers! xoxo

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    • Thank you so much for this beautiful note of encouragement, Lulu. I absolutely love that: yes! He IS pouring out that grace, and I am feeling that more and more every day. And you’re right — He *does* see everything. That’s such great advice – remember. Not rambly at all!! It has filled me with so much joy!! 🙂 big big hugs to you friend xox

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  76. When the world closes a door, the multiverse opens a window. You just have to contort your body and make sure you come up whole on the other side. 🙂 😀 <3

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  77. Awesome. Absolutely great cab ride (even better than Cash Cab) All too often we don’t bother counting our blessings until after they’re gone. You’re driver was no doubt a spokesperson for God! And… YOU gave him such a great opportunity and a great listen. Terrific story.

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    • Thank you so much Clayton! haha yes! much better than cash cab! 🙂 I think you’re right – He was definitely put in my life that day for a reason! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

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  78. How wonderful! Yes, blessings are certainly mounting for you!! God’s gifts are there for all of us, if we keep trying our best to attain them. You are blest in everything you do and you bless all whose company you partake of. I do hope you have also been blest to be safe in this storm that rolled up the east coast. We got almost 2 feet up here LOL! I am sure God granted you warmth and safety. I hope you are able to keep getting shoot opportunities (what particular ones have you had btw?). I want to share this with you. One of my actions of Lent is to find as many days as I can (can’t do all) to say The Rosary. I always dedicate the last decat to my friends everywhere and all their needs. You and all you have done for your mother have been a major part of that dedication this year! God Bless with hugs, love, and a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

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    • Two feet! oh my gosh! yowza!! I’m glad you’re safe and okay! And gosh, Migueltio, thank you so much for sharing that. I am so touched that you would remember me and my family in your prayers. that is beautiful thing to do for Lent. Thank you for bringing my heart so much joy tonight, friend. big hugs xx

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  80. Loved the Super Bowl metaphor – I don’t know why but this really struck in my mind with our call to be saints, not just Sunday league players.

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  82. I love reading your posts. I struggle so much lately. I wouldn’t think it is an issue considering after my Cancer battle. But it seems that I keep falling down and taking steps backward. My writing feels like I reach no one. I haven’t written anything lately. I started last year, thinking it was what I suppose to do. I felt like I was being told to do this. Nothing has come from it. It’s so discouraging. I become dry in writing and thoughts. I struggle with trying to figure things out. Sometimes I wonder why I keep getting attacked. As I sit here and listen to a marriage conference online. Talking about Satan has a plan for everyone also. It feels like I fail too easily to those attacks.

    Ive followed you for a few years. Glad everything is working out for you and you had a good weekend.

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    • Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so sorry you’re feeling that way recently. I have definitely had spells where I’ve just felt the writing “wasn’t there.” I had to just remind myself why I was writing in the first place…becuase I love it. becuase it’s healing. because it gives me a chance to process. and because it’s fun! 🙂 Maybe some of that resonates with you 🙂 but as soon as i forgot about people reading or not reading, and got back to writing for me and for God, the words seemed to come a little more easily. but hang in there. You’ve had such a victory, God is going to use that! I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers 🙂 I look forward to reading your next piece 🙂 Big hugs xox

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  83. I”m glad you got home and got to reconnect some there….I mean glad you got to NYC 🙂 I have a slight idea of what it must be like.
    Yes, I definitely think you had what I’d a Divine Serendipity there with Uber. I’m glad you listened to the voice that urged you to say something, even more pleased the driver was listening the still small voice of God in his head.
    Relish the thoughts and enjoy that time. I hope things get better with your mother. At some point, you know that you’ll either have to decide to move back to Ohio, or decide your mother has plateaued and you should return to NYC.
    Keep praying and paying attention 🙂
    xoxo

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    • Thanks so much Jef! Yeah it was really lovely to get back there and see my friends and check in. Haha maybe God likes that channel to work, after all, every Uber experience is a “chance” interaction where you have at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time. thanks for stopping by and for your continued prayers. means the world. hugs xox

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  85. Hello, I have really enjoyed your blog and reading about your path. You are a strong woman and precious to God. You are making a difference to others and don’t stop. I’m so glad you have your Catholic Faith. Make it strong and don’t ever waiver. May God bless you and your family, especially your mom. Thanks, Di

    On Mon, Mar 13, 2017 at 6:06 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “What. A. Weekend. Well, I’m currently crammed > in a middle seat on an airplane. I’ve got a neck-pillow, mouth-breather on > my left and a tuna sandwich-eater on my right. And despite my current state > of being sensorily accosted, I’m in a sheer state of blis” >

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  87. The image above with ‘guy removing glasses’ cause’ he just heard/saw something profound…. Hahahahahaha! I felt that way concerning the quote your brother shared with you. ‘Life is what happens when you are making other plans…’…. Keep writing… stay encouraged…Christ First

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  88. A pastor and a NYC taxi driver were standing at the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter gave a welcoming hug to the pastor, but to the cab driver he presented a beautiful crown and robe.

    This did not go unnoticed by the pastor who said, ” He was a taxi driver and you gave him a crown and robe. I was a preacher, and all I got was a handshake.”

    “Yes,” answered Peter, “because people fell asleep when you preached, but they prayed when he drove!”

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      • [I tried to post the following comment on your article, Coachella Culture (April 18, 2016), but it didn’t work.]

        ***

        I see YouTube deleted the Stones video I posted in the comments last year. Anyway, the Coachella festival is right around the corner. The big act for 2017 is probably Lady Gaga.

        But what I wanted to ask you was about the abruptness of how New Yorkers speak compared to the shallow way Californians talk.

        The trends in California — like starting every sentence with “actually”, or “so” — are annoying!

        The new thing is to end every sentence with an upward inflection — as if you are asking a question. It’s very passive compared to New York speak which is bold and self-assured.

        Know what I mean?

        For instance, you might ask me if I’m going to Coachella this year, and I’ll respond like this:

        “So, I’ve been thinking of going? I haven’t really decided? Actually, I’d like to see Lady gaga? Her performance at the Super Bowl was … amazing?”

        I’ve been wanting to post an article on my blog about this, but I’m kinda unsure? I did find this funny clip that shows what I mean.

        Take care, sister.

      • Oh gosh I had no idea that was a thing in LA! Gosh, that’s definitely funny. In New York, everything is about efficiency, so people say things in the most direct, straightforward way possible. No bs. No fluff. To the point 🙂

  90. Loved reading this, the point where the driver just says God’s going to reward you for that on the other side, just amazing that God would encourage us when we least expect it. Hope you’re well, and hope your mum is recovering 🙂

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  91. You definitely find God everywhere when your heart and eyes are open. Great story 🙂 We need more optimism and encouragers in the world.

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  92. Thanks for sharing. The part that touched me is that you are taking care of your mom. I lost my mom when I was 12 yrs. old to massive heart attack. It was not easily and if it hadn’t been for my Sis I would have faded away. Unfortunately years later I lost her to breast cancer. But, In my walk with the Lord He has shown me it was actually Him holding me up and close to His heart those trying times and has brought to now. It was because of Him I survived many a hard trials in life and live to serve Him. God bless.

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  93. I love this post. Granted, I am still working on my feelings with God and will likely be doing that for a long time but I love the message that everyone is put into our life for a reason, even uber drivers. We just need to be open to what we all have to teach each other.

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  94. “Life is what happens when we are making other plans”. How beautiful is that. God is always aware of His children. That I am learning everyday.

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  95. Ever time we have an opportunity to “serve,” it’s really just God reaching out to us, and when we except (whatever He has called us to,) it is grace He gives us in return. Hugs & Blessings to you for saying yes & being willing to receive His grace.

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  96. I was re-reading this blog (yes they are worth reading twice) andI saw this:

    “I’ve gotten a lot of acting opportunities since being home. I’ve been concocting some exciting plans with my mom for a bible-study book. Not to mention the wonderful bonding opportunities I’ve had with my family.”

    Just want to encourage you to move forward with the Bible Study book. You have a way with words and self expression that is evident from your blogs and I think that you would write a great book. You might even want to build it around your mothers stroke and recovery using pictures of you and your family to dress it up. I suggest this because from your blogs it is clear that you have a talent for illustrating your thoughts and emotions with pictures and video clips (I suspect that is the actress/artist coming through!) and I think you understand how the “visuals” can deepen the meaning of the words.

    Pray about it and see what God tells you to do.

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    • Oh my gosh, I cannot tell you how much this means to me, and how it is coming at the absolute right time in my life right now. Meaning, conversations had last night and this morning, and how this is just the encouragement i needed this morning. thank you with all my heart, my friend. you seriously are such a blessing to me. big hugs xox

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  97. For me there are two main types of people. Hothouse flowers and wildflowers. The one grows within a church. The other just is… anywhere. I tend to like the latter better!

    Reply

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