HOW CAN FAITH INSPIRE US? Share your faith journey today!!

“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.” – Mother Teresa The smell of incense surrounded me at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church located in Central New York. In close proximity was Jeanne’s lifeless body situated in a black casket that seemed to be too large for her corpse given the slender weight of one hundred fifteen pounds. All her worldly belongings were now absent in this moment, to include the silver polished serving cart and simple porcelain china cups which she held in high esteem. Instead, the spirit of an angelic woman was present who far surpassed material possessions accumulated during her lifetime. Jeanne was the host of a spiritual renewal group for past six weeks prior to her death. Jeanne’s stern pride to worship God and encourage others to act out their religious convictions was evident at our last renewal meeting, as she said “You mean out of all the things you do on the weekend, you cannot give up one hour for the praise of the Lord and attend mass”. Her journey of faith was not an easy road. God stripped Jeanne of a good leg which she cherished as a former tennis all state champion and as a result she was wobbly in the legs; therefore, utilized a walking device. God acquired her husband many years prior and she was forced to live alone in a one bedroom small apartment on a modest budget. God situated her daughter with a severe handicap child that presented multiple emotional challenges. Also, her grandson was deployed for another military term overseas in a dangerous area. Jeanne had every right to question faith but instead she was persistent in the desire to accept challenges set forth in life and prayed even harder for God’s love. Jeannie taught me and I now pass on this advice: - Life is precious so make the most of your time on earth. In a matter of moments, you can be called to leave this planet and stand in the awesome presence of the Lord. - A kind person in small ways can affect others greatly –Demonstrate Random Acts of Kindness. Remember, Jeanne was not a saint, a doctor, or a preacher but a woman who had the ability to show acts of kindness to others. At present, Jeanne serves as an angel from heaven blowing whispers in our ears to be faithful and live out our faith. Laura Ponticello pens real life stories and publishes, Laura’s List: Books for Women. Share your faith filled stories with Laura at www.askamydaily.com and laurasbooklist@aol.com

God is Bigger Than Elvis - What Do You Think?

“When I met Elvis, I met a very sweet and very courteous young man who jumped to his feet and said ‘Hello,’ and ‘How do you do, Miss Dolores?’ I was very touched by his courtesy and honesty, and I thought immediately I would like this fellow.” - Dolores Hart I recently stumbled upon a You Tube Video about Reverend Mother Dolores Hart. My intention was to search for an inspirational You Tube video to inspire my next article. Immediately, the first thing that popped up on my computer screen was the link for God is Bigger Than Elvis. The idea of Elvis Presley brought a smile to my face. In my childhood days, my parents would insert the eight track tapes into the tape player and the loud music of Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley would blast out of the tape recorder while we performed our family ritual of spaghetti dinner on Sunday nights. Then our television would play the hip smacking dance moves of Elvis. Therefore, I had to know more about God is Bigger Than Elvis, a spiritual documentary movie about Dolores Hart. As a former Hollywood actress who kissed Elvis Presley in a movie, Dolores now lived as Benedictine nun in a cloistered monastery and the documentary was her life story.

Dolores Hart was a Hollywood scarlet deemed as a Grace Kelly lookalike with both parents in the Hollywood business. She was the first to kiss Elvis Presley in a movie and acquired superstar success in the movie business. With an unexpected turn of events, Dolores went to the countryside in Connecticut during a recess from the movie business and fell in love with the grounds of a monastery. Over the course of three years while continuing her movie superstardom, she would return to the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Connecticut. There she found that spirituality called her to a religious vocation. Dolores abandoned Hollywood parties, statue, movie contracts and engagement to famous Hollywood jet setter Don Robinson for a simple way of life at the monastery. Mother Dolores on the Red Carpet at the Oscars in 2012 for the spiritual documentary, God is Bigger Than Elvis Her story inspires me to share: 1. God calls us to follow what’s in our hearts. In spite of the opposition, Reverend Mother Dolores followed her passion and became a Nun. 2. Share the gift of inspiration. Reverend Mother Dolores told her spiritual journey to inspire others to lean on their faith and follow God’s will for her life.

Creating a National Buzz about Your Business

Join us Tuesday, February 7th for this inspiring Luncheon.
Women TIES Mohawk Valley Luncheon: "Creating a National Buzz about Your Business" sponsored by the Women's Business Center of NYS being held at Chesterfield's Restaurant, Bleeker Street, Utica. CEO Tracy Higginbotham of Women Ties shares "I know Laura Ponticello, Founder of Laura's List: Books for Women and Big Bridge Connections as well as PR agent for nationally syndicated columnist Amy Dickinson will inspire you to create a larger national buzz for your company."

Here is a reminder of the event schedule:

* Strategic networking with promotional display tables run from 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Remember to bring your business cards and promotional materials.

* If you have not paid for the event online yet, please bring cash or a check made payable to Women TIES for $28. Please note we cannot accept credit or debit cards at registration.

* At 12:15 p.m., the luncheon program will begin with a welcome, distribution of the sales contact list, attendee introductions, lunch and the program.

* The event will end at 2 p.m.

It looks like the weather should cooperate but please be aware of our cancellation policy:


A special thank you to our network of regional volunteers including: Eileen Kent, Stories of a Lifetime; Julie Darling, Alzheimer’s Association; Linda Fake,Uniquely Yours; Mary Yoder, Chiropractic Family Care & Shaklee; Michelle Shauger, Primerica; Michaela Rosenberger, Romantic Weddings by Michaela; Sharon St. John, Small Business Development Center; Tracy Black, Pampered Chef and Veronika Freeman, dotcalm. I hope your remember them when you need products or services.