I gotta tell you. The last six months of 2015 was rough. A friend of mine said that it was right around the time that all of the planets aligned and with it, brings a crazy type of energy that makes everything happen all at the same time. Whatever it was, it brought a case of the shingles on the left side of my face and head, surgery, roof damage, Mom’s spinal stenosis confirmation, new Lupus joint pain, and a robbery right before Thanksgiving (yea, the burglar was STILL in the house when we came home). I ended the year quietly at home taking care of Mom and having a beautiful meal accompanied by a glass of red wine. I watched Ryan Seacrest’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve for a bit, then passed out. Earlier in the day, I smudged the entire house with a brand new bundle of White Sage.

Only a few weeks into 2016, I can tell you that the lessons of 2015 remain. They are reminders to be better prepared and strengthen the muscles so that you can weather the storms. Many say that God only gives you what you can handle, so I’m guessing that he must have an enormous amount of faith in me to give me so much in such a short amount of time. That’s where my church comes in. Anchor Church (formerly known as Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay) has been my beacon of hope and Sunday school, if you will. I am re-learning my spiritual side and learning to have faith in all that life throws at you. I am so thankful for the loving staff and team, and especially Pastor Carl, Pastor Tom, and Pastor Tami, who somehow find the right message to share with me at the right time.

Still with everything that’s happened, I won’t back down. I wake up each day and try again. Many who have their ups and downs like me do the same. So whatever path life has you on whether smooth or somewhat rocky, still get out there. Take each day as it comes and just do your best. I’m cheering you on, as I know you would for me. Let’s make 2016 a healthy, happy, and prosperous one.

“…May this new year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us,

A time of welcoming your graces and gifts,

A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally,

A time for growing in virtue and goodness….”