1/18/21, Peace I leave you with…
Hello Everyone,
I hope that all is well with you in these turbulent times. In many ways, in the US, we seem to be in the eye of the storm, both in the numbers in the pandemic, and political unrest within the country. None of us could have foreseen a year ago all that is happening now. A year ago right now, I was in Paris, going to a Haute Couture fashion show, and preparing to fly to California to attend my son’s wedding. It was an exciting time, the holidays with them in California had been wonderful with an already festive feeling, with the wedding near at hand. We were planning a big, fun rehearsal dinner at the baseball stadium, and the biggest decision I had to make was which shoes to wear to the rehearsal dinner of the wedding. There was an aura of happiness around us, as our big family, and the bride’s, prepared to fly in, hers from all over the country, and ours from all over the world. Both events came off without a hitch, the wedding was gorgeous, and the rehearsal dinner a lot of fun, and the bridal couple were elated, as we all were to share their big moment with them. They left on their honeymoon, the next day, and I flew back to Paris two days after the wedding. We all left on a cloud of the joy we shared, and little did I know that the wedding would be the last time I would see my children for eleven months. Less than a week after the bridal couple returned from their honeymoon, the roof caved in on the entire world with Covid 19. And within days after that, I was in lockdown for three months in Paris, and remained there after that, waiting for things to get better in the States, which never happened. Instead, it got steadily worse over the months, and was safer in France.
It’s been a roller coaster ride for everyone in the world ever since. Jobs have been lost, businesses have folded, economies have suffered, and more importantly people have died the world over. More than three hundred thousand people have died in the US alone. We’re living with lockdowns and curfews everywhere, wearing masks, fearing for our lives, and our loved ones. Our lives have shrunk to next to nothing, in our struggles to stay alive, not catch the virus, or transmit it unknowingly to anyone. Young people can’t go to college, people can’t go to offices, hospitals are overflowing. It has been a very rough year for everyone, although some people have been lucky, haven’t caught the virus, or did and have recovered well. Now the vaccines are offering a glimmer of hope, but the dark days aren’t over yet. After the ill-judged excesses of people gathering and traveling over the holidays, the number of new cases daily has never been higher, over 300,000 new cases a day last week, and a constant death toll around the world. Some countries have fared better than others, but every country has been affected, and for now the numbers are the worst in the US. We all long for the day when contagion, masks, and overcrowded intensive care units are a thing of the past, and will recede into memory. We’re not even close to that yet, or to lives that bear any resemblance to what we knew as ‘normal’. Just having lunch or dinner at a restaurant with a friend would be a gift. And visiting my children, or having them visit me, the greatest gift of all. For now, around the globe, we’re all in the same mess. We’re holding up, but it’s far from easy. And we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still running rampant among us, and we’re all trying not to get sick.
And on the political front in the US, we have seen unrest and dissent that has never been seen before. Demonstrations, protests, riots, racial issues have exploded, nerves are raw, political battles are raging, crime has risen in many countries, with people out of work and desperate for money. People are suffering, depression is constant, anxiety is common, every age group has been affected mentally and physically, by the pandemic, and political unrest has exploded in the US. It’s a lot for anyone to cope with. And the best any of us can do is live it day by day, hang on, and get from one day to the next. It won’t last forever, but right now it’s hard.
I was reminded today of something a priest told me, when I was facing major challenges in my own life, a divorce, and the death of my son. I often say that bad things come in bunches, like grapes. And right now, we are dealing with a life-threatening pandemic and all its fallout, we’re worn out after a year of it, and now the country appears to be shaky politically. People are traumatized, fuses are short, and tempers are running high. Some people are isolated because of the pandemic, and desperately lonely.
When I was coping with a lot in my own life, the priest I mentioned said that sometimes we have a mess in our closet, and the only way to deal with it, is pull everything out of the closet to straighten it out. And to make things neat again, we make an even bigger mess getting everything out of the closet, to sort it all out, throw things away, and put what’s left back neatly. I think that’s where we are now collectively. We’re pulling everything out of the closet and dealing with the mess all around us, the virus, the politics, all the explosive issues, and we will get the closet put back together neatly, but right now we’re at the messiest part, with heaps of ‘stuff’ all around us, while trying to do triage and restore order. And we’ll just have to wade through the mess until we sort it all out and wind up with a neat closet in the end. And this is the messy part. Life is messy sometimes, and this is. It reassured me when the priest said that to me, and I thought of it today. We are standing up to our knees, or waist, or neck in messes, which in time will get sorted out. But right now, everywhere we turn, it looks like a mess. And even more frustrating, we didn’t make the mess, it’s not our fault, none of it. It happened to us, like a bolt of lightning from the sky.
We each have to find our own way to cope with it, how to relax, how to breathe, how to hang on, how to believe and know that things will go back into good order eventually, and we have to make the best of it until then. Whatever works for you, as long as it’s legal and safe and doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, is fair. Exercise, meditation, spending time with a loved one, or alone, listening to music, doing a painting, reading a book (yes, please!!), watching something on TV, helping someone in worse shape than you are, praying, going for a walk. Getting a glimpse of beauty, or finding something to laugh at. There is an expression in French for these situations: “Raise the Hearts”, which applies here. We have to raise our hearts, even if we feel like our hearts are dragging, even if we’re scared or anxious or angry that any of this is happening. We will come through it, we HAVE to hang onto hope. There is no other choice. And gratitude helps too, no matter how small what we are grateful for.
At times like this, I turn to spiritual inspiration to find balance and strength. For others, it’s exercise, or other things. The love and comfort of the people I love gives me strength too. But sometimes, we don’t even have that, and we have to find courage and strength on our own. In my darkest hours, after my son’s death, working on the streets with the homeless gave my life purpose and brought me back to life again. I would lose myself among them, working to serve them and bring them supplies and comfort, dangerously and sometimes even foolishly brave because I didn’t care what happened to me, but all those kind people I supposedly helped, actually helped heal my broken heart. And today, we don’t have the same freedoms, since we need to be careful of Covid, we can’t hug a stranger or touch a hand, and have to use caution, but there are ways to help others even now, without putting yourself at risk. Whatever works for you, and is safe.
I found a passage in the Bible today that brought me comfort, and I share it with you. Even if that’s not your form of comfort, I share it with you, in case it helps. From John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Have a peaceful week. We’ll get the mess sorted out, and the closet of our lives sorted out neatly again.
I send you love and comfort, and a hug, Danielle
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
Thank you for your comforting words.
Love that messy closet analogy! So encouraging; thanks, Danielle. 🙂
” In my darkest hours, after my son’s death, working on the streets with the homeless gave my life purpose and brought me back to life again. I would lose myself among them, working to serve them and bring them supplies and comfort, dangerously and sometimes even foolishly brave because I didn’t care what happened to me, but all those kind people I supposedly helped, actually helped heal my broken heart.”
Amen.
I get it, Danielle.
Loved your book; “A Gift of Hope, Helping the Homeless.”
In my darkest hour, after losing my home, giving away all my material possessions, and over whelmed with hardships, it was my students in Mexico who pulled me out of depression and healed my broken heart. I just wanted them to have good lives and to never give up. We read inspiring material and their homework was to come to class and tell everyone something they were grateful for. Most shared gratitude for family and God. You could have heard a pin drop it was so sacred and beautiful as they spoke and shared.
For me, the second part of your blog post brought me comfort, peace, and hope.
The Bible passage from John is one I know well. There is a stillness around it that brought me peace as I write this.
“Raise the Hearts”.
Amen!
Sending love and comfort, and a hug right back at you.
May God Bless Us All,
Rob Scott
ABQ, NM
Oh my what a wonderful encouraging BLOG !!! Thank you for leading us through the maze or `mess,` as you continue to `Raise the Hearts`.
Next week I receive the covid vaccine with much anticipation and joy!
Thank you for being a wonderful example of answering God`s call to minister to the homeless. Your book `A Gift of Hope` will inspire a call to action, whether it be the homeless or another needy cause. Our family worked at food banks and at `Feed the Hungry.`We weren`t as adventurous as you, Danielle.
`Now the God of peace be with you` Romans 15:33
much love, Bonnie
PS Hope that you chose the comfortable shoes for Maxx`s rehearsal dinner.
I love reading your books. Many are family relationships and hit home or at least makes you think about your own life.
I was wondering how many hours a day do you spend writing?
I’m an avid quilter and spend several hours in my sewing room a day. I stop at 3:00pm and read a couple of hours before dinner.
( my husband cooks) we don’t watch much TV but we enjoy the same authors. We are retired and also like spending time with ore 3 children and 10 grandchildren.
Dear Danielle,
Our collective closets are a hot mess, aren’t they? And here we have always prided ourselves on being pretty well organized. But the truth of it is that sometimes messes aren’t of our own making, yet we find ourselves having to clean them up anyway. Before the pandemic, we always worked together physically, especially in the aftermath of large scale tragedies like Hurricane Katrina or the wildfires in California. But now working together means staying apart, and it goes against our nature, because as a species we tend to congregate and draw strength from one another, even as we bolster one another up. We think that is what is most difficult this time around, and yet it is vital.
A musician friend of ours posted a story today on Facebook about a wedding party of 400 guests that was broken up by the authorities in the UK. Our friend was outraged, and rightfully so, by the selfishness of the people who all came together for the celebration. And while we all understand the need and desire for life to carry on as usual, it simply isn’t smart or feasible to do so right now. Weddings and parties and, sadly, even funerals, have all turned into virtual events out of necessity. It’s not the way most of us would prefer to attend such events, and yet it is imperative that we do so if we are ever to stamp out this virus, or at the very least, reign it in so thousands more don’t have to senselessly lose their lives.
Incoming U.S. President Joe Biden says this is a time for healing and compassion. We don’t disagree. This is a time to protect ourselves and our families, but also our communities and ultimately our world. The Bible speaks about having tender compassion and love for one another. Staying home, social distancing, wearing our masks, and getting vaccinated when we have the opportunity are the ways all of us can demonstrate those qualities right now. Sure, it’s not the hug we would love to give, the laugh we would like to share, or the smile we would like to see. But we can use our words, and ultimately our actions, to show we care, something you have always done so well.
Thanks so much for your sweet, encouraging note. We send our hugs to you as well, and keep you and your family, and all your millions of readers in our thoughts in the days ahead. We wish you all health and moments of joy to buoy you through.
With love,
Jathan & Heather
I have been playing Konami slots on my phone for years, I want to know how to get more reward points every couple of hours. I’ve gotton the same points for years and I would li would like more points sent to my e mail. since I’ve updated things have not been the same to get the extra rewards. I will quit playing if I dont get back what I had before or more. I play this constantly. Playing slot machines for free is not considered a violation of the law, like playing real money slot machines. However, in many countries where gambling is prohibited, even this service is deemed illegal, so before you start playing slot machines, it is worth checking if this would be an offence in the country. Whether you’re looking for new slot machines, the most popular Konami slots, or you’re after big progressive jackpots – you will find something great to play on this list of the best slots developed by Konami Gaming.
https://darshanjkrathod.radardoworks.co.in/index.php/2025/05/26/switching-between-dark-and-light-mode-in-mines-an-in-depth-review/
Stinkin’ Rich: Skunks Gone Wild is not just a slot game; it’s a wild escapade into the heart of unpredictability. Get ready to spin, win, and revel in the richness of this unique and entertaining slot experience! Is there a trick to winning at online slots? LOOKING FOR A SLOT TO RATE? Well, Stinkin’ Rich is surely a simple-to-play online slot and comes with multiple useful features. One can enjoy high payouts as wellIf you are playing a slot game for the first time, then give it a try. Similar to any top Starburst casino in NJ, you’ll find PlayStar provides you with two great ways to enjoy Stinkin Rich – Slingo Stinkin Rich or the original casino title. I’ve already touched on what you can expect from Stinkin Rich, but what about the Slingo alternative? Similar to any top Starburst casino in NJ, you’ll find PlayStar provides you with two great ways to enjoy Stinkin Rich – Slingo Stinkin Rich or the original casino title. I’ve already touched on what you can expect from Stinkin Rich, but what about the Slingo alternative?
Pin Up onlayn kazinolarının çeşidi seçimlərin zənginliyi ilə seçilir. Siz “Aviator game”-i yerli əsas paneldə asanlıqla tapa bilərsiniz. Bu qədər çeşidlər arasında Aviator game slot maşını oyun portalının kataloqunda öz layiqli yerini tutur. Bu innovativ oyun provayder Smartsoft Gaming komandası tərəfindən hazırlanmışdır. Content Digər 1win Bonusları Və Kampaniyaları In Apk Ile Ne Kastedilmektedir? “gamble Nadir – Azərbaycanda Bukmeker Kontoru In Azerbaycan Yukle: The Ultimate Guide For Online Betting In Azerbaijan Android Və Ya Iphone ötrü 1vin Seyrək Proqramını Hardan Yükləmək Lazımdır? Bet Mobil Android Uygulaması Nasıl Indirilir? Aviatorun Sirrini Tapdıq!!! 3000 Manat Xeyir Aviator Taktikaları Neden 1win Aviator Oyunu, oyunculara basit ama etkili bir kullanıcı deneyimi sunar. Oyunun temel özelliklerini şu şekilde sıralayabiliriz:
https://www.nextgenerationconstructionltd.com/2025/05/26/aviator-oyununda-emosional-tarazligi-nec%c9%99-qorumaq-olar/
Don’t let typical Aviator app glitches ruin your gaming – a few basic troubleshooting tips can get you back on cruise control. With just a few simple checks and tweaks, you can work around installation hiccups, performance problems, and pesky notifications. We’ll show you how rebooting devices, clearing caches, or re-installing the app can quickly return blue skies so you enjoy uninterrupted play. Once you’re signed in, you can start playing the Aviator game on your iOS device. The best Aviator game app offers a thrilling experience right at your fingertips. Aviator empowers pilots by providing a dependable solution for critical calculations, enhancing operational efficiency and simplifying time management. Download Aviator today to experience the convenience of streamlined flight time calculations at your fingertips.
Puedes acceder a Penalty Shootout, el popular penalti shooter online, a través de cualquiera de los siguientes casinos en línea: La tanda de penaltis es un emocionante juego de apuestas instantáneo en el que tu objetivo es ser más astuto que el portero, ejecutar con éxito un tiro de penalti y reclamar tu recompensa. La jugabilidad es sencilla, lo que la hace accesible para todos. Comience eligiendo un país para representar, haga su apuesta y comience. Tienes la opción de apuntar a un lugar particular dentro de la portería o dejarlo al azar, con el objetivo de conseguir bonificaciones en el camino. Cada tiro exitoso te recompensa con una bonificación y, si completas toda la serie de penales, obtienes una mega bonificación. Also with the help of our algorithm, we provide very strong tips for today games (safe bet tip) → Over 1.5 , accordingly with the game risk percentage (25% – Low) for more accuracy (Accurate football predictions), which we highly recommend, to avoid any surprising results.
https://viphostnow.com/2025/06/03/duracion-promedio-y-analisis-del-juego-balloon-de-smartsoft-para-jugadores-argentinos/
En Lucky Jet, verás a Lucky Joe con su mochila propulsora listo para despegar. Mantén un ojo en el multiplicador mientras aumenta y decide cuándo retirar tu apuesta antes de que Lucky Joe se lance. 1. Descargue GameLoop desde el sitio web oficial, luego ejecute el archivo exe para instalar GameLoop. Ahora sigue estos trucos para ganar en 1win Lucky Jet: Hace poco me topé con este juego súper entretenido llamado Lucky Jet, y tenía que compartir mi experiencia positiva con todos vosotros. El juego está desarrollado por la casa de apuestas 1WIN, lo que significa que puedes jugar con dinero real y retirar tus ganancias desde cualquier parte del mundo. Los efectos visuales son realmente fantásticos, sobre todo cuando Lucky Joe despega con su jetpack y cuanto más tiempo permanece en el aire, ¡más aumentan mis ganancias!
We are proud to be certified as a Great place to work this year. This is testimony to our philosophy that ‘Happy and Healthy employees is Happy and Healthy Pidilite’. BOSSE (Board of Open Schooling & Education), Sikkim is an open School Board to cater to the varied academic needs of divergent groups of students up to pre degree level. AxiTrader Limited is a member of The Financial Commission, an international organization engaged in the resolution of disputes within the financial services industry in the Forex market. Why settle for less when 7 Tiranga Game offers the best? Register and login into your color prediction game app unlocks a world of best triangle game login that will keep you entertained for hours on end. But that’s not all – we believe in sharing the joy, and that’s where our unique invitation code system comes into play.
https://fitners.click/chicken-road-game-banking-security-features-and-encryption-methods-explained-for-nz-players/
Dragon Vs Tiger predict GPT tool offers a variety of features for supporting users such as: View an ad to download for free It is another Dragon Tiger prediction tool that aims to assist players in making decisions during the game. The app promises to provide percentage-based predictions for Dragon or Tiger outcomes, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a data-driven approach. Users are required to input the results of the last 10 sessions, after which the system calculates and displays the winning probabilities for both sides. Players are advised to choose the side with the higher percentage. Claim special offers like 50 Bonus Dragon vs Tiger and Rummy Dragon vs Tiger 51 Bonus to boost your gameplay. Download Dragon Tiger Predict GPT Casino app and experience completely FREE today.
Não existe um aplicativo JetX específico. Mas você pode baixar os apps dos sites de apostas e, dessa forma, jogar JetX no celular. O JetX é um jogo cada vez mais popular, o que faz com que esteja disponível em diversas plataformas. Não existe um aplicativo JetX específico. Mas você pode baixar os apps dos sites de apostas e, dessa forma, jogar JetX no celular. A Estrela Bet é uma das plataformas de mais destaque no Brasil atualmente, e na nossa opinião, é a melhor para que o público possa jogar JetX. Assim, terá certeza de que irá receber seus ganhos acumulados no JetX e de que encontrará uma plataforma segura para se divertir. Não existe um aplicativo JetX específico. Mas você pode baixar os apps dos sites de apostas e, dessa forma, jogar JetX no celular. Não existe um aplicativo JetX específico. Mas você pode baixar os apps dos sites de apostas e, dessa forma, jogar JetX no celular.
https://larkins315.com/sweet-bonanza-slot-experimente-a-jogabilidade-completa-sem-gastar-nada/
La función que te permite decidir cuándo saltar del avión te permite controlar el valor de tu apuesta. Esta característica dinámica diferencia a Jet Lucky 2 de otros juegos del género Crash como JetX y Spaceman. El juego fomenta varias estrategias de apuesta y tiene una curva de aprendizaje relativamente pequeña en comparación con otros juegos similares. Capa da revista São Paulo na TV, de 1965, Albert Pavão e sua irmã Meire Pavão: Já é assinante? Faça login. Em abril de 2004, quando apresentou sua tese no Curso de Jornalismo e escreveu a monografia focalizando a participação de Antonio Aguillar, uma das pessoas mais importantes na divulgação do “rock” nacional e internacional e também, para o lançamento de artistas que começavam a surgir no final dos anos 50 e início dos anos 60, Débora Aguillar não sabia ainda que estava deixando para a posteridade, uma das maiores contribuições para estudiosos da música popular brasileira, o livro “Histórias sobre a Jovem Guarda”!
Aviator by Spribe oferuje świeże i ekscytujące podejście do gier online. Dzięki łatwym do zrozumienia zasadom i szybkiej rozgrywce jest to gra, która utrzyma cię na krawędzi fotela. Jeśli szukasz kasyna online z niskim minimalnym depozytem, aby rozpocząć przygodę z Aviatorem, odwiedź naszą stronę kasyn z niskim minimalnym depozytem. Pamiętaj, zawsze graj odpowiedzialnie. Jeśli potrzebujesz wsparcia w zakresie swoich nawyków hazardowych, możesz znaleźć więcej informacji na stronie rgf.org.mt. Jeśli lubisz prostotę, zarówno jeśli chodzi o grafikę i dźwięk, jak i samą rozgrywkę, to gra Aviator jest właśnie dla Ciebie. W naszych recenzjach skupiamy się na opisaniu najważniejszych elementów danej gry. Oto na co wzięliśmy pod lupę przygotowując przegląd tej gry typu crash gambling, jaką jest Aviator:
https://www.weddingbee.com/members/naszastronainte
Aviator demo slot z ekscytującą fabułą i wysokimi szansami na wygraną. Zarejestruj się na stronie gry, zasil swoje konto i spróbuj szczęścia w tym ekscytującym automacie. We provide our players with quality games and a thrilling online gambling experience, always bringing you closer to the action. We’re all for the love of the game and if you love the real excitement of live casino betting then Betway is for you. Với cam kết đổi mới và chất lượng, Công ty TNHH Dịch vụ và Giải pháp ANT không chỉ là một địa chỉ đáng tin cậy cho các doanh nghiệp, mà còn là biểu tượng của sự đổi mới và sáng tạo trong ngành công nghiệp công nghệ. Możesz postawić mhh zwycięzcę — in order to się nazywa moneylines, a ten jest zdecydowanie najbardziej ulubiony. Innym sposobem mhh zarobienie pieniędzy jest próba odgadnięcia, która drużyna wyjdzie na prowadzenie lub poniesie porażkę o określoną liczbę punktów, co znane jest veoma zakład spread. Obstawianie zakładów eSportowych to prawdopodobnie najfajniejsza rzecz, jaką można zrobić w GG Gamble.
APKPure Lite – Sklep z aplikacjami na Androida oferujący proste, ale wydajne przeglądanie stron. Odkrywaj aplikacje, których szukasz łatwiej, szybciej i bezpieczniej. Offline Mode: Ready to take a break from online connectivity? Aviator APK offers an offline mode where you can practice your skills or simply enjoy the game without an internet connection. – Amazing selections of the slot machine games that offer real Las Vegas casino game experience Offline Mode: Ready to take a break from online connectivity? Aviator APK offers an offline mode where you can practice your skills or simply enjoy the game without an internet connection. Copyright © 2014-2025 APKPure. Wszelkie prawa zastrzeżone. zacznij od konserwatywnych zakładów w Aviator i stopniowo zwiększaj stawki, gdy będziesz coraz bezpieczniejszy dzięki dynamice gry. wykorzystaj luźną charakterystykę gry, aby poznać ten sport, zanim zaczniesz grać w zakłady na prawdziwe pieniądze.
https://lirocknipi1987.raidersfanteamshop.com/pelican-casino-bonus
Looking to deposit your balance in the Aviator game? • Are there any strategies or tips to potentially speed up the time it takes for intramuscular testosterone to take effect? Gifts and gags for aviation enthusiasts, Aviation Christmas Cards and aircraft photography. Everything funny for pilots from pilots! Check out our new look BLACK SEO LINKS, BACKLINKS, SOFTWARE FOR MASS BACKLINKING – TELEGRAM @SEO_LINKK Also visit my web blog … 1win aviator app Basically to follow up on the up-date of this matter on your web site and would really want to let you know how much I appreciated the time you took to put together this valuable post. In the post, you actually spoke on how to definitely handle this challenge with all ease. It would be my pleasure to get some more strategies from your blog and come up to offer people what I discovered from you. I appreciate your usual good effort.
История дня istoriamashin.ru .
Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so
I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my
followers! Terrific blog and brilliant style and design.