The Whisper Within

" Believing that God powers strange coincidences and the journey that lies ahead."

Author Archives: Lisa A. Riehm


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A Full life. A Full heart.

I’m sitting at O’Hare Airport, waiting for my flight back to Santa Barbara.

As I sip on my mint tea, images like Polaroids flutter through my mind.

I take out my phone and tap my photo app and scroll through the smiles of my high school friends. My dimples raise as I recall the fun night we had as we got together for an impromptu high school reunion.

Hinsdale South class of 1985
“The gang”

I keep scrolling through my photos and I see other smiles, smiles of my sorority sisters, and a fun Sunday gathering. A smirk crosses my face as I recall giggling like schoolgirls as we retold goofy stories of our college adventures.

My sorority sisters.

I put down my phone, lean back in the airport chair and close my eyes. Thoughts of walking in my old neighborhood this past week, flutter through my mind. As I walk down memory lane, I reminisce of boys that I kissed, friends that I had, and backyard tent-outs with the group that I called “the gang.”

It is like I’m sixteen years old again, and just had my first kiss. I’m feeling nothing but butterflies. The innocence of youth.

I hear the flight attendant announce, “We will be boarding shortly flight 742 to Santa Barbara…” I sit up and take another sip of tea and can’t help but thank God for all the lives that have made an impression on my life.

Some were my first loves. Some allowed me to be silly and goofy. Some are my forever friends. They all have touched my life and impacted me to become who I am today.

I look out the window at the plane that I’m ready to board and think, I am pretty lucky. I have lived a good life. I have had a lot of wonderful friends and still have a lot of wonderful friends.

The flight attendant announces,”We are now ready to board flight 742 to Santa Barbara.” I stand up and grab my carry-on and wheel it towards the gate.

I get in line and a quiet smile covers my face, as I see families and couples getting in line around me. I receive a text from a Santa Barbara friend offering to pick me up from the airport.

I smile and think ,I may be single but I am not alone. I am loved. I am cared for. I am blessed.

I pull my rollaboard forward and head toward the plane.

“…a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9


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Today was a perfect day. One thing I miss about living in California is the hot summer days of Chicago.

My dad turned 89 over the weekend but oh boy, does he still love the heat.

Today was no exception. He wanted to sit directly in the sun but I guess my blood has thinned. I asked him if we could drag the chairs and sit in the shade under the Maple tree.

As the wind blew through the Maple leaves, I decided to play some of my dad’s favorite music.

We both got loss in the moment singing along to Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

( play video below)

Dad & I singing Summer Wind

We played a few more Sinatra’s songs, singing what lyrics we remembered.
The music stopped but the wind continued to blow, cooling us off.

I took the moment to study my father; his full head of white hair, his wrinkled face, and his hands that are weathered from a life, well-lived.

I glanced away and thought,I leave tomorrow for California.

I will miss today and yes, the Summer Wind.


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Today has been a relaxing Sunday. Church. Grocery shopping and then Kipper and I took a stroll through the neighborhood. As Kipper and I wait to cross the street I think, This fits.

But then I recall what I scribbled in my journal last week as my plane was departing New York City.

The plane tilts. The plane straightens. I am on a flight back from New York, headed home to Santa Barbara.

My thoughts wander just as I did this past weekend through the streets of NYC. I look out the oval plane window and recall my kids and I, enjoying the city.

– Three sets of eyes gazing into the fog peering for a glimpse of The Statue of Liberty

– Jake & I having a New York minute.

– Three pairs of somber eyes looking down into the everlasting waterfall of the 911 memorial.

So much to do! So little time to do it! The weekend was packed with excitement just like a sold out show at Madison Square Garden.

I think, I love the city! I miss the city!

A big grin covers my face as I recall what my kids said to me as I skipped through Central Park, “Mom, you are like a character out of movie! So silly!”

Jake, Tarah, and I enjoying a picnic

As I recall that observation I think, I am! My mouth twitches as I remember what the main character Melanie from Sweet Home Alabama says near the end of the movie. She says, “My life in New York works, Jake. But then I come down here… and this fits too.”

My eyes shut. My eyes open. Yes, the beach fits but so does the city.

I look out the window and my thoughts are lost in the clouds. What do you want God? Where do I belong ?

I see snow-capped mountains out my window. Wow! Beautiful!

I gaze closer at the mountain range Who knows where I belong ? I don’t . But I know to whom I belong.

Maybe just maybe I will live part time in Chicago and part-time in Santa Barbara. Who knows?

I shut my eyes and dream of all the possibilities.

So the blog I wrote a week ago isn’t about me trying to figure out where to live, the beach or the city. It is about something bigger.

I have heard from many friends and clients who are trying to plan and figure out “The what’s next ?” We are stuck in the day to day but want to know what the next month, year, or even ten years may bring. Will I marry ? Will I move?

So why am I sharing this? Because through my life journey I know we have a real and personal Jesus, who loves us, listens to us, and wants to guide us. We just need to be open, listen, and believe in THE WHISPER WITHIN.

As for me, I plan to be surprised.

“We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands.” Proverbs 16:1


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This weekend my daughter, Tarah graduated Pace University in New York City.

As I’m sitting here at Denver Airport waiting for my flight back to Santa Barbara a feeling of overwhelming GUSH, passes over me, tears pour out of me, and the ugly crying begins.

I think,why am I crying?, I just don’t know why.

One moment, I am so proud as I recall moments from this weekend, my grown daughter graduating, crossing a stage,seeing her as a woman this weekend who is strong and independent, intergrating her life, into the BIG APPLE, but moments later my emotions are just like the many subways I traveled on this weekend. I have changed stations . I already miss her.

I pull up a video that I saved on my phone . It is of my little girl, dancing on a chair impersonating Britney Spears but with her own style, screaming the lyrics like the front person of a metal band. ( click video below)

My tears have turned to giggles as I think, she was always unique, always creative, always funny, always childlike, always silly. She always had her own style.

The video clip stops and hit play again.

God made her distinct . She was destined to be an actress. 

As I am waiting to board my flight to California, a quiet smile covers my face as I think,THANK you GOD for Tarah ! You made her brave enough to carve out her own original path and take the path less traveled .

I watch the video one more time and remember that time in my life, too. Tarah was just a child.

I shake my head and my lips seal as I think of the crooked path that led to here. 

Twenty years ago, I was newly divorced, my ex had just become a paraplegic. I was broke and didn’t think I would survive as a single mom without financial support, let alone see both my kids graduate college. At times, I could only save 25/ month but I did it.

WE did it ! SHE DID IT! And yes without any college debt.

Tarah, me, and Jake. It has always been…just us.

I look up at the ceiling and think,THANK you GOD! You made Tarah unique for a reason.

I look outside at the clouds passing by and think of my daughter,God had the plan and you were brave enough to live it. You are living an authentic life.

I hear the flight attendant say, “Now boarding to Santa Barbara…”

I think, I miss my girl but I am so so proud of my baby.


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My eyes flickered as a gentle light filtered through my sheer curtains. Monday morning. Time to get up .

Mondays typically have a nice rhythm; work, swim, and then Kipper and I head to the beach. After swimming at the Y, I pulled on my shorts and threw on a t-shirt and hat, and jumped in my Jeep.

As I headed, down the road, I quietly asked God, “Why am I here? Why Santa Barbara? How do you wanna use me?

I waited but heard nothing.

As an elementary school just let out for the day, my thoughts wandered to my own kids. Jake is in Chicago. Tarah is in New York. Why am I here?

Wanting a response I yelled, “Come on! I wanna know why here ? Why Santa Barbara?”

I saw a VON’s sign approaching and thought Bananas . I’m out. I pulled in the parking lot, got out, and within a few minutes my grocery cart was filled and I was checking out.

As my groceries, made their way down the conveyor belt, the girl bagging my groceries said, “I love your purse. It is so cute just like you.” A warm smile covered my face. “Aww thanks! It was a birthday gift.”

We start talking like old friends. As she loaded my groceries in my cart, she leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Thanks for being so nice to me. Right before you came to check out, I said to myself, I need hope. I need to see that someone sees me.”

I looked at her name tag and said, “Karen, can I hug you?” She nodded. I hugged her tight like a favorite teddy bear and whispered into her ear, “I see you. God sees you. You gave me purpose today. I will see you again Karen.”

I pushed my shopping cart out the door and tipped my hat to the sky and thought,You do see me ! You do hear me!

Wanting to remember this moment, I quickly waved a man down in the parking lot and asked him to take a picture of the purse that started it all.

I got in the car, giggled, and threw a smirk at the sky and said, “You do see me God! And you saw Karen too. Once again you never surprise me!”

I pulled out of the parking space and silently thought, I do belong here.

As I made way home, I looked through my windshield up at the clouds floating by, You give me purpose, God.

How does God want to use you ? Are you willing ?

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13


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About a week ago I received a sweet card that stated :

May you receive abundant blessings in return for the special way you expressed His love.

It was from my dear friend Kris, thanking me for time she and her beautiful daughter Jenna spent at my house over spring break. She enclosed a picture collage of our few days together.

Kris, Jenna, and me

I reread the personalized message she wrote and then notice this Bible verse.

I was welled with tears of joy. I recalled what one of my Santa Barbara friends said to me when I questioned, “Why here? Why Santa Barbara?”

Her response was, “Because everyone who comes to your house, you will bless and tell them about how God has blessed you. I am renaming your house THE BLESSINGS HOUSE.”

As I pondered this further, I sat on the ground with legs crossed, looked up at the sky and asked, “Is this it God? You bless me so I can bless others?”

Waiting for God to answer, I remembered sitting unknowingly next to a pastor on a plane ride and he stated, “You know Santa Barbara is one of the most unchurched places in America… I think that’s why you are here.”

I whispered Is it God ? You bless me so I can bless others?

So, this blog is not about God blessing me with a cottage by the beach, even though I am grateful for that, it is about a much bigger blessing and purpose.

The purpose is share the love and joy of Jesus…And there is not a better time than now, with Easter around the corner.

Who can you bless? Who can you invite to Easter service? Who needs to know the why your heart is filled with joy, stuffed like a plastic Easter egg with chocolate?

It is not too late. Share the blessing.

“ I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2


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This morning I received a text from my brother, Roger, with a cute meme . It had me giggling before breakfast.

I quickly texted back. Aww you made me giggle. I am seeing the beauty of my EASY life.

Moments later, I decided to post the meme on Facebook. The giggle was too good not to share.

Feeling a nudge, I added these words, “My brother sent me this today. It made me giggle. Don’t get me wrong I will someday remarry but for now, I am enjoying my singleness. To all my single friends, may you find the EASY JOY, everyday !

Moments later, Kipper and I were off on our walk, and I had a little extra bounce in my step. Who am I kidding ? I felt giddy and skipped and danced my way through the the streets and parks of Santa Barbara.

On my walk, I asked God , “What is my plan? What is my purpose? I thought I heard a quiet whisper …I have blessed you with joy. Your purpose is to share it.

I skipped my way home feeling a little lighter.

I worked, played Pickleball, made dinner, and then read some of the Facebook responses to my earlier post. Many had me giggling like a schoolgirl but one stood out from the crowd.

We messaged back and forth, just light, easy conversation but then one of her responses welled me up with tears.

“It’s funny. I didn’t know, back in the day, that you would be the “sister” that made me remember what it was all about. You are the glue that keeps stragglers like me on the periphery. We aren’t quite gone because of people like you.”

I had a lump in my throat. I felt it. The nudge. The whisper. This is your purpose. This is why I bless you with joy, to share it with others.

I have to admit, this is not the joy I thought I wanted, the joy of enjoying singleness. But today, I feel happy. I feel content. I feel a new sense of purpose, to share the joy that can only be explained as the Joy of Jesus.

So for today, I am enjoying the season of singleness with purpose. Who knows what tomorrow may bring ?

May this season, whatever season you are in, may you be surprised with unexpected JOY !

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”


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Sit down and pour yourself a cold glass of lemonade or your drink of choice, because this one is worth a little indulging and sipping slowly.

I have to admit, a few weeks ago the thought of turning fifty-five did not sit pretty with me. One night, while laying in bed, I looked at the ceiling and yelled, “Come on God. Fifty-five and single. It’s been twenty years. How much longer?”

I waited for an answer but heard nothing . I bit my bottom lip and then lowered my head in defeat, “Well, if you’re not gonna bring me the husband, can you at least restore my joy because I gotta admit THIS HURTS ?”

I turned off the light and went to bed.

The next day, as I took in the smell of my lemon and oranges trees in my backyard, I lowered my eyes, shook my head, and thought why do you yell at God, when he has blessed you so much ? Get over yourself Lisa !

I picked a lemon and then a basketful.

As I sat the basket down on my kitchen table, I thought of the old saying, “ If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

I decided to make some lemonade. With a quick Evite, a guest list, a “lemon-squeezy, easy-peasy” birthday celebration on the calendar, I felt like a little girl with pigtails, skipping through the rest of my day.

As the lemon-themed birthday party drew closer, I thought more and more about the whole, lemon to lemonade theme in my life.

For those of you who don’t know my story here’s the quick sour lemon recap: twenty years ago, I went through a divorce, months later my ex became a paraplegic from a snowmobile accident, his second wife sued me for their accident, I was a broke single mom with no child support, our home with burglarized, and years later I suffered with Lyme disease.

Who would think that would be the easy part of my story? The last several years, in ways I am not ready yet to disclose, life handed me a brand new fresh bag of lemons.

Yes! More sour ! I have to admit I am so grateful for this extra helping of sour lemons. Why? Because through it, God drew me closer to him, rid me of my self-reliance, humbled me , and lowered my pride. Yes, I have retired my sassy pants!

I don’t move until God tells me to move. But when God moves, HE REALLY MOVES!

Remember, I wrote that I yelled at God to restore my joy? Boy! Oh boy ! Did he ever !!

Not only , did I have a fabulous birthday party surrounded by friends who love me…

My lemon-squeezy /easy peasy birthday party !

but received a email from the bakery uptown that I won the princess cake.

God is good ! God is great! He is at work all the time, even through our hard seasons of sour lemons.

Life may be sour but I know this to be true, God has blessed me with good friends and no sugar is needed. Friends make life sweet.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For you know, the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


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This story has a few head-fakes and “meet-cutes”, almost like a silly Rom-Com I USED to love. STAY-TUNED! It is worth a good commercial.

I haven’t blogged in awhile because I haven’t heard God, The Whisper Within, for some time. Probably my fault, because you can’t hear someone if you are not spending time with them. Just like a friend, if you are not spending time in person or otherwise, how do you know what’s going on in their life? Simply put, I know God speaks to me through reading his word but over the last month or so, I’ve been out of touch.

This past week, I am back reading the Bible and listening, and funny, God orchestrated his usual, funny circumstance.

On New Year’s Eve, as me and my friend were walking up the steps from the beach, a man yelled, “Hey Chicago.” Forgetting I was wearing a Cub’s hat, I turned and said, “Oh Hey.” We quickly exchanged information that we both were from Chicago but now live here, we both have an eighty-eight year old parent living back in Chicago, and definitely don’t miss the snow.

I quipped, “Ya, today Chicago is getting snow and that’s probably why I can’t get a hold of my dad. He’s probably out there snow blowing.”

The man remarked, “Your dad is eighty-eight and snow blowing?” My friend retorted, “You don’t know her dad. He’s amazing. He seriously is a cat and has nine lives.” My friend went on to explain that a year ago my dad was hit by a speeding car while he was walking and broke no bones, survived cancer, fell off a ladder, still gardens and donated like a hundred pounds or more to the food bank…”

The man stated, “You know the secret to living a good life is to have a life with purpose. Your dad has purpose.”

The man asked, “Where does your dad live?” I said, “Darien.” He said, “Wow. I grew up in Westmont. Small world.” I giggled and said, ” I grew up in Westmont, too.” He called his mom and asked, “Mom, what was our address in Westmont?” He turned to me and said, “I grew up on Cass Avenue and 56th Street.” I shook my head and said,” I grew up on Cass Avenue by 63rd Street.” I overheard him say to his mom, “I’m talking to this lady, she grew up down the street from us. What was grade school did we go to, mom?”

He looked at me and said, “Did you go to Maercker grade school?… Ah, I probably would not have know you, I’m fifty five and you are younger than me.” I said, “I went Zion Lutheran in Hinsdale and I’ll be fifty five next month.”

As the man continued to talk with his mom on the phone, the wheels in my brain were turning. Same age. We grew up just blocks apart. We both live here. Is this my perfect Rom- Com “meet cute”?

He hung up the phone with his mom and said, “I would love to hear more about your dad, actually MY WIFE, is a journalist and she probably would love to write a story about him. Yep, wife. My Rom- Com perfect ending was over. But I did hear God whisper, ” It will be that easy for you, Lisa. Trust me.”

Here’s the head-fake. This blog is not about me but something bigger.

Last night, I was looking at my daughter’s website and saw a picture that she took of my dad.

I couldn’t help but think of what the man from the beach said about living a good life.

What is a “Good Life?”

Is it having the spouse? friends? relationships? right job? enough money or things?

My Bible devotion today was about relationships. It stated the foundation of our relationship should be with God because sooner or later, our relationship with a spouse, our children, our friends, may break down. I know I have painfully experienced this.

So what is the “Good Life” ?

I looked at the picture of my father and smiled knowing that he exemplifies the “Good Life”, living a life with purpose, for the glory of God.

” …Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” Corinthians 10:13


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I wrote this four years ago but the lessons still hold true.

Tonight, I stroll on the beach, with my straw hat pulled over my brow hoping to get some relief from the triple digits. But not a breeze in sight as sweat drips from my forehead and pours out of my armpits, soaking me like I was fresh out of a shower. I can’t help but wish for a little ice cream or gelato to cool me off.

Ironically, this weekend was Gelato Festival in my new home town but as I passed by the tables, I did not allow for creamy colors of the rainbows to lure me in.

Why? Because I was too busy doing what adults do: being adults, prioritizing life over fun.

With each step I took on the mushy shore, I contemplated this. Why did I lose my fun nature for the routine of responsibility?

My mind drifted like the waves and pulled me back and found a simpler me, sitting on the stone wall of a little Italian town.

I recalled laughing with my mouth wide open, indulging on lavender and blackberry gelato stuck to my teeth. My daughter, thinking it was hilarious,made it part of her Snapchat story.

 

 

Seeing the video, I giggled too; embracing the image of spontaneous silliness.  Later that night, sitting on an a cobblestone street in San Gimignano, I replayed the video and laughed at the seeing the fifty year old me, feeling like I was sixteen; messy and all.

Messy is good. What was my “messy”?

Fifteen years ago I went through a divorce and months later my ex became a paraplegic. As a single mom,I could not afford a McDonald’s twisty cone for my kids let alone a trip to Italy indulging in the World’s Best gelato.

In the last fifteen years here’s seven things I learned:

1) Be real. Your family, your colleagues, your clients, don’t need and don’t want perfect – they want real.  Share your shortcoming. Be vulnerable to show your “ugly food stuck-in-your -teeth” smile.

2) Timing is everything. When the kids were little, I saved for their college, even sometimes as small as 25/ month and our fun was free concerts at the park with a McDonalds twisty cone for a treat. Only now, after years of sacrifice and knowing that their college is paid for, did I finally indulge in the big treat; Italy.

3) Admit your faults. I love food, but I am a messy eater. I don’t do pretty. But it’s funny, my friends know this and are willing to offer me a napkin and help me clean-up. Yours may too but you have to be willing to accept the help, from co-workers, friends, and family.

5)Smile a lot . Hard to be mad or disappointed when someone offers you a smile or a gelato cone.

5)Laughing is contagious; enthusiasm is too. On a hot Summer night, ice cream lines are long and get longer because of the excitement of eating together. Not as much fun, eating alone a big bowl of delight, is it?

6) Embrace the ugly. Life is not perfect. Sometimes you may need a napkin to prevent the dripping, but the next sweet taste could be around the corner. Take the bite

7) Do life like you mean it. Italians eat because they enjoy it! Kids eat ice cream with their full mouth. No tiny licks.

Are you really enjoying your life? Your work? Your relationships?

I remember my first boss at Van Kampen Investments now Invesco said I me some thirty years ago, “Don’t burn out. Find the little victories and celebrate.” My celebrations always included ice cream. Heck, my first boyfriend worked at Baskin Robbins. Back then, I would choose my cone based on the prettiest color in the case. My favorite was Daiquiri Ice – kind of like gelato. I guess the girl really hasn’t changed much except to switch from ice cream to gelato.

So tonight, as I strolled on the mushy shore of Butterfly Beach, I tipped my straw hat and thought, I am the sixteen-year-old girl trapped in a fifty-year old body. I am the best Lisa; silly, messy, and needing a friend who can offer me a napkin.

Choose with your eyes. Commit with your heart. Life, work, and relationships are messy. Embrace the messy and the kid in you; buried in an ice cream cone or gelato. The choice is yours. Let’s have the contagious joy that children have just like Jesus intended .

 

 ” Let the children come to me… ” Matthew 19:14

 

 

 


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Tonight I sat on my front porch, talking with my Chicago friend, Chris.We talked about being “empty-nesters.” Her last son left for college this week and my kids have been out of the nest for awhile. She questioned , “We raised the kids. They gave us purpose but what is next?”

We bantered for awhile,laughing about filling our days with work, pickleball, yoga, swimming, bible study groups, etc. She then said,“ Lis, I’ve read a book about when people had near death experiences, the stories are similar about Jesus telling them to love his people.” She continued, “so maybe our purpose is everyday to get up and ask God to show us how to do that.”

I quickly agreed saying, “Yes, during Covid, before I got out of bed, I would say, “ Show me what you want me to do God and I’ll do it .”

Chris and I made a pact, to ask God every morning that question and then tell each other how God uses us during the week.

So I’m taking this further ….

What if more people did this? What if YOU, asked God,“Tell me how you want to use me today ? Show me how you want to use me God?”

-Maybe it’s just smiling at someone at the grocery store.

-Being kinder to the difficult co-worker.

-Listening to a friend

I do believe, if we ask God to show us, to open our heart, open our ears to REALLY listen, to open our eyes to REALLY see others; He WILL use us to REALLY LOVE others!

I would like to challenge YOU, YES YOU, to be the “WHAT IF” in your community.

I would love to,next week, hear how God used YOU!

Open your heart. Open your eyes. Open your ears and listen to what God whispers to you. The Whisper Within.

Psalm 119:13 “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.” TLB


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It has been over a year and half since I traveled by plane. I am sure many of us feel the time lost. I close my eyes and rest my head on the headrest and a soft smile covers my face. I can’t wait to see my children. My family. My dad. I’m going home.

My mouth twitches Is Chicago home?

My lips seal like an envelope. Home?

Quickly images of my Fourth of July backyard party fill my head. I recall giving a toast to my friends, all gathered around my table. In the toast, I reference the movie Under the Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane as Francis.In the movie, she gets divorced, buys a run-down house in Tuscany, and in moment of weakness, confesses to the realtor that she is sad but wants a wedding and family at this new house; that she was tired of being alone.

I quietly smile recalling telling my friends how at the end of movie, the realtor tells Francis, “I think you got wish.” She smiles, “ You’re right. I got my wish.”

My heart is full as I recalled telling my friends that having my table filled on the Fourth of July brought me so much joy that I feel like Francis from the movie. I got my wish! I continued to say that I had been praying for twenty years for a husband but if I met my husband in Chicago I would not be here and through all the trials and tribulations, God orchestrated a life better than I could possibly imagine and that it was only possible through him.

The evening went on, we prayed.We ate. We danced with sparklers like little kids, and yes, we watched fireworks. The night was magical.

Near the end of the night, my friend’s husband, John, gave me some parting advice, “ When you go back to Chicago, keep your eyes down. We don’t want you finding your husband in Chicago, unless he is willing to move to Santa Barbara.” I remember smirking.

I hear over the intercom, “Please prepare the cabin for takeoff.” I look out the small oval window and see palm trees kissing the blue sky and think Thank you God for unanswered prayers. You knew me better than I knew myself.

Are you willing to wait on God and trust him to provide for you ?

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4


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I have to admit that yesterday was pretty magical. I met my small bible study group for outing at beach. We played a few games of spike ball and then the real fun began.

We ran in the water, swam, and some started boogie boarding. Being a Chicago native, I was curious, I watched, and then my curiosity got the best of me. A friend loaned me hers, and with just the first ride, I was hooked. ( click on video arrow )

I giggled so hard bringing me back to my childhood.

Later that night, I was on a group text chat with my fellow boogie boarders. That was so much fun. I think I will buy myself one.

One my friends responded,Maybe Santa will bring you one .

The next morning, I opened the front door to let Kipper my dog outside and she instantly was barking. I stepped outside to find a surprise on my front porch.

I walked back in the house bent over, grabbed my stomach and start giggling . I walked outside, and noticed not one but TWO boogie boards and the sticky note read From Santa.

I texted the group right away and none of them initially fessed up but then I figured it was a young man in the group. He said, “You have always encouraged me and been like a mom to me. Because of your example, I will wait on God for Him to bring the right woman in my life. Heck if you can wait for as long as you have, I can too.” I smiled and told him thanks. He then added, “ I can’t wait to dance at your wedding.”

I ended the call, looked up at the sky and thought You do see me God.

So let’s giggle more like kids!

Love more like kids! And believe like kids not in Santa Claus but in a God that sees us and loves us !

“Let the little children come to me, do not stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.” Matthew 19:14


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This week I was in the attic and found a box full of random pictures of the last twenty or thirty years.

As I scattered the pictures across my kitchen table I recognize most of the people in the pictures and thought, How lucky am I that I’m still am friends with a lot of the people in the pictures?

I grabbed my iPhone took a few pictures and sent it to those in the photos with a text saying something to the effect of, “Those were happy days. Good memories of you.”

The responses varied from sweet to silly. Some reciprocated by sending photos back to me. One in particular warmed my heart as she responded, “Thanks for the walk down memory lane.”

She then reciprocated and send a picture of her own to me.I was stunned It was like opening a time capsule.

Chrisy and I at John & Karen’s wedding. November 2002

I quickly texted back, “Love, love, love this photo. It was John Guido’s wedding. I sat with my ex at that wedding even though we were already three months divorced.”

I looked closer at the photo remembering that I was recently divorced and I asked myself Why did I look so happy? I think I was at peace and I was hopeful for the future. I believed God had good things for me.

I remembered that wedding and celebrating the wonderful couple that now been married eighteen and half years. It was a joyous occasion. I was glad that I could sit next to my ex and feel fine.

I looked closer at the photo and thought Wow! I was only 35 and now I’m 54. Never thought I’d be single almost 20 years!

Within moments a small smile covered my face. Thank God I did not remarry back then. What I wanted in my 30s is definitely not what I need in my 50s. Back then I may have had a faith in God but I wasn’t looking for a strong Christian man, let alone a warm body to sit next to me on the pew.

God was in the delay. He has been working on my heart and my desires; to be with a man who not only adores me but adores God. So today, as I got ready for church, I looked in the mirror and felt hopeful again. God knows what he’s doing.

I stepped outside and snapped a selfie and thought,I am happy. I am healthy. I am hopeful.

So today, for those of you who are single and wondering what’s taking God so long? Don’t give up hope! Believe that God has good things in store for you ! Maybe just maybe, like me, he is changing you for good. I believe the wait will be worth it !

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, in his word I put my hope.”Psalm 130:5


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Two weeks ago, on Easter, I gave a testimony of my faith. I debated on whether to share it or not. Last night, while tucked in bed, reading the Bible,I got my answer.

“But how shall they ask him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ” Romans 10:14

I took my pen and wrote in my journal ,”Why would I keep this a secret?”

My mind quickly jumped to the second grade song I used to sing, “Hide it under a bushel? NO! I’m gonna let it shine! ” This song is about telling people about Jesus.

So in my second grade spirit… here’s my five minute testimony of how God has made a difference in my life. My testimony starts around the eight minute mark. May you discover the JOY of Jesus.


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I gotta admit, I have become a wimp. It’s raining here in Santa Barbara.I’m not used to rain and either is my dog Kipper. Neither of us want to go outside. To my Chicago friends, please don’t hate me!

After work today I did what most people do on a rainy day, clean house. I pulled down the attic ladder and within minutes start digging through old boxes.

Why did I haul so much crap from Chicago?

As I dug through the boxes, I came across an old photo of myself from high school taken after a football game and a Hornet’s win.

I didn’t think about being happy back then. I just was.

As I climbed down the attic ladder, I smiled contently and thought how much healthier and stronger I am than five years ago when I moved from Chicago and was first diagnosed with Lyme disease.

God is healing me !

I don’t think about Lyme disease everyday like I used to. I don’t wake up feeling like the flu, burning like a match, and experiencing shocks like I am plugged into an electric socket. I am laughing more, being silly, and feeling joyful.

I am feeling like the seventeen year old girl in the photo, just happy.

God is restoring my joy !

” A joyful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22




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Today started out like a normal workday making calls and following up with clients but then my normal routine took a turn.

I called a client who I knew was alone. She recently lost her son and her mother. We exchanged greetings and then I told her,”Merry Christmas. I know that it has been tough year but I want you to know that you are loved. ” She started crying and that’s what it occurred to me that there is probably many more who feel this sadness and loneliness this year with Covid that need to hear they are loved.

Here’s some of the list from my calls today:

– A client who was isolated in a nursing home

– a lonely widow

– a client suffering with cancer

One client in particular made an impact on me. I knew he recently had lost his wife of sixty years . I told him I’m sorry again for your loss and Merry Christmas. He said it meant a lot and wanted to share a quick story. He said not only was his wife the love his life but she was the only girl he ever kissed. They dated since they were fifteen. This teared me up.

His story blessed me.

So am telling you, it’s not too late! Who can you call and make a difference and share the true joy of Christmas? You have two full days. Can you make them count? Can you cheer somebody up?

” Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? …”Philippians 2:1




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I got admit this happened last week but I’ve been so swamped with work, in a good way, that I haven’t had time to write. But maybe God was in the delay because the eve before Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for. But what happened last week was a great reminder that God has ways to bring us joy, happiness,and the unexpected coincidences. So here’s what happened last week…

Today The Dow Jones industrial hit an all time high. As a CFP, this is pretty exciting stuff.

I got admit I love the majority my clients and really enjoy working with them but sometimes there’s a bad apple and that’s just part of life. It’s still isn’t fun.

After work, I shut off my computer, changed into a swimsuit, and after a ten minute ride in my Jeep,Kipper and I were at the beach. This beach is an off leash beach for dogs.  I took Kipper’s leash off and within seconds she was sprinting down the beach and trouncing in the water.

I couldn’t keep up. I wouldn’t dare try. I walked by three young girls and they asked,”Is that your dog?”

I nodded and one of them said,”I’d like to have half the amount of energy. Your dog is just so happy here.”

I smirked,”Ya, me too. I wish I had that kind of energy. And yes, the beach is her happy place.”

I said goodbye, walked away, found a spot down the beach, dropped my towel, drop my shorts, took off my t-shirt, ran into the water,and submerged my body under a wave.

When I came up for air, I couldn’t help but let out a happy scream. The water was freezing. Someone said today it was only 56° in the water.

After about thirty minutes at the beach, it was time for Kipper and I to go home. As we we’re leaving I walked by the girls again and waved goodbye.

One of the girls said,”You look like a little kid out there dunking yourself in the water.” I said,”I’m not a little kid I have adult kids probably around your ages. They are twenty-three and twenty-four.”

They shook their heads and said,”No way.” We all laughed, they told me their ages and their names and yes,they were between the ages of 24 and 25 right around my kid’s ages.

They asked about my kids and they said they must be full of joy to have you as a mother . My heart sunk,”I can’t tell you how much that means to me . Today was a very rough day. Someone was trying to steal my joy. It hurt. But hearing you say that I am filled with joy makes me happy. We need to really love each other and be happy . You all did that for me today .Meeting you today was just what I needed. It is a good coincidence.”

Diana said,” I don’t believe in coincidences.I believe God orchestrates these kind of meetings.”

I quietly smiled,”Me too.”

“You are a gift to me today,”Julia said “I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.”
I asked to take their picture so I could remember them and and how these three beautiful strangers change my mood,changed my perspective, and help to restore my joy. They were a gift to me and because of their easy and open conversation, and loving hearts, my joy was restored.
Kipper and I walked down the beach and I waved goodbye.
I looked up at the sky and silently whispered, “Thank you God for Julia, Diana, and Cherith.” I looked down at my furry friend,”and yes, thanks for Kipper.”
So the eve before Thanksgiving, in a strange year of missing family and friends, can you really love,show extra kindness, and share happiness to those who may be strangers but may need it more than ever ?
Can you love like Kipper?
“You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:19








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Today I called one of my clients to review her accounts. “Hello, Bea! How are you?” After we exchange a few pleasantries, and reviewed the business at hand, Bea and I discussed how COVID was affecting each of us.

Bea explained, “I don’t like being quarantined but I have had opportunities to help others in this independent and assisted living facility.”

She explained that there was a sixty-nine year old lady who is legally blind and the staff is having difficulty administering her eyedrops . They asked Bea whether she would be willing to help out because they have heard that she is a kind soul. Bea further explained,”Do you know for the last nine years the lady has lived here without leaving her room and that she has had no friends? But all that has changed, she’s not only let me administer the eyedrops but now we walk almost everyday together. I guess that’s why at eighty-seven years old, why I’m still here. I still have a purpose. My purpose and the bottom line is to show love and care for others. And that’s what you do, Lisa. You care for me.”

I hung up the phone and later on in the afternoon, went for a walk uptown and thought about the earlier conversation. It occurred to me that last night I wrote in my journal, What is my purpose? What is your will God, for me?

As I passed a church, I saw a sign that read this :

YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD

AND ITS NOT TOO LATE

I took a picture and then smiled at the sky. Yes, that’s the purpose ! To love and serve others. Bea has it right !

It IS all about love! How are you loving and helping others ?

“It is God himself who has made us… and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.”

Ephesians 2:10 TLB


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This morning Kipper and I were on a morning walk when I saw a piece of paper laying on the sidewalk. I bent down and read the note.

( click to enlarge & see full note )

It read: Tom- I love you with all I am or will ever be. You are my protector, lover, best friend, and so much more, and I am so happy that I am truly able to be your wife now too!! I am so happy to have found my soul completion. Love you forever!

Love and peace

Leah

Reading this notes filled me with so much hope. I thought Love does exist.

I quickly took a picture of the note and texted it to some of my single friends with these words, Saw this on my morning walk. Praying this perfect love for you. Feeling hopeful!

The text responses from my four of friends varied from:

Heart and peace sign! I hope Tom feels the same and he accidentally dropped it? I would keep a note like that.

But why was it not saved in a safe place by Tom?

Aww!How sweet! LOL, maybe he didn’t feel the same and threw it out his car window!

Awww.Tom needs to learn how to hold on to things like this. LOL. Leah is like, “You lost my love note?” Tom’s like oh crap! I lost her note!

My response :

LOL! He probably kept it tight in his pocket at all times but it fell out while he was walking and now he is distraught wandering the neighborhood trying to find it.YEP! I’m A HOPELESS ROMANTIC!

I looked down at the note and thought, I hope Tom finds his lost note. 

Kipper and I continued on our walk.

I threw a smirk up at the sky and silently thanked God for the sign and thought, True love does exist.

Love, Peace and Hope IS just a step away. IT IS COMING !

Can you believe God has good things for you ?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11


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Today Facebook reminded me of this key date.

Five years ago, I arrived in California. It was a dream- No! It was a prayer answered. Most days,I can’t believe that I really live here.

Last night, I watched the movie, The War Room. It is about asking God to fight our battles through prayers. The beach was just a want not a need. God answered that want. I am humbled by this. It got me thinking of all the prayers he has answered. Here’s some of highlights.

-Eighteen years ago, I went through a divorce, I worried and prayed,”Let my kids be happy.”

– A few months after a divorce, my ex became a paraplegic in a snowmobile accident, as a single mom, with my financial planning business in its infancy, I struggled financially. I know I prayed endless nights just to have enough money to get by and pay for groceries.

-As a single mom, I wanted my kids to go college but didn’t think I would ever have the finances for them to do so.

-Six years ago I became unexplainable sick. I lost about twenty pounds and didn’t know the battle I was fighting was Lyme disease and mold toxicity.

-Five years ago, I wanted a better quality of life to live life with a chronic disease and to be near my daughter who was going to be attending college in California.

– For the last eighteen years, I prayed for a husband, a companion.

So how did God answer?

He answered in HUGE ways!

Today Jake is an engineer in Chicago and Tarah is finishing college in New York.For the most part, both are happy.

Financially, we survived as a family, even though the year of the accident, I only made roughly ten thousand dollars. God provided for me and my children, day by day, just like manna from the sky for the Israelites.

He provided the dream and moved me to the beach so even with a chronic illness, I can walk everyday . For that I am so grateful. I may not completed healed from Lyme disease but am stronger, healthier, and enjoying swimming, yoga and playing pickleball. Heck, I’m even get some of my sassy pants personality back.

And about the husband… I finally have met someone …. PSYCHE!

NOT YET ! It IS coming !

God is not tired yet of me asking for the husband! He likes hearing from me and YOU!

God knows my heart and desires and I believe he will answer the small and BIG PRAYERS !

Can you trust God with the HUGE desires of your heart?

What prayers has he answered for you? I would love to hear. Comment below.

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4


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Today, Facebook reminded me of a post that I wrote ten years ago today. It read:

Headed to South Haven, MI today. Once again makes me wonder,why do I live in Chicago? I am a beach girl.

When Facebook reminded me of that memory, I smiled and quietly thanked God. He moved me to the beach.

As I waited, for my Keurig to dispense my morning coffee, I thought about this further.Moving to the beach was something I desired. It was just something I wanted. It was not a need.

As I sat at my desk, sipping my coffee, I thought, If God took care of this want, he has the big stuff.Truthfully I needed this reminder. I think through my sickness,I haven’t forgotten or doubted this. God has my needs.

He has your needs too.

What do you need?

Ask God. He never gets tired of hearing from us.

“And my God will supply all your needs…” Philippians 4:19


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This past Friday, a friend and I connected through text. Because of the Chicago rains,her house had flood damage. Ugh! The May rains! Not fun!

We texted back and forth for the next several minutes and then she said something that struck me, “…you are a joy giver but don’t forget to let others bring you joy.”

Am I joy giver? Do I not allow others to bring me joy ?

The next day I received an expected card in the mail with the simple words Thinking of you . A soft smile came across my face .

Monday, I received a text from my dear college friend, Wendy, who I haven’t heard from in over a year. Just seeing her name across my screen, warmed my heart. I felt loved.

Today, I received a voicemail from a widowed client, saying she was enjoying reading a bible verse booklet I gave her years ago and wanted to let me know she was grateful to have it in the lockdown. Hearing her voice, I closed my eyes and was filled with gratitude and thought God is with me.

Kipper and I went for a walk and thought about joy .Three times in the last few days I was showered with JOY ! I am a lucky girl !

Can you despite this season of rain bring joy to others ?

Can you bring the joy to maybe one person this week? Or maybe two ?

Please share your ideas on how you bring the joy to others.

“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Nehemiah 8:10


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I am sitting on a bench on my front deck and even though I am outside, I still feel contained. Don‘t we all?

As I take a bite of my cereal, my mind starts wondering and the flood gates open.
When will I be fully- healed?
When will I get married?
When will the lockdown be over?
I’m sure you have a WHEN.
I’ll be happy WHEN this happens…
I feel with the lockdown in place many of my friends and family feel we are all stuck in the hallway without the lights on, looking for the front door to open. We are stuck in the waiting.

I take another bite-full of cereal and it occurs to me that I have to stop thinking about the waiting and just be happy today. Maybe God is teaching me patience in the waiting ? Maybe he is preparing something better for me on the other side of the doorway as I wait.

Right now, we are all waiting for the lockdown to end, but what is God teaching us in this time of waiting?

Maybe patience ?

Maybe to trust him even though the hallway is dark ?

What is he teaching you ?

For me, I know he is saying,” I got you, Lisa. Just wait.”

God has you too. Trust the day to day, even when it is hard and yes, sometimes boring.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10


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This blog is deeply personal and from the heart. You  have been warned.

Today is my mom’s first birthday in heaven. I woke up and felt the heaviness of the day. I called my father and cried. I miss my mom.

I went for walk and remembered all the good things about her, especially all  the things she did for the Easter holiday. Even though we did not grow up with a lot, my mom made sure on Easter that me and my sister had a new Easter dress and my brothers had a new shirt or tie. It was more than the things she did but how she made us feel.

I will always remember her huge smile when she welcomed me with my own children into her and my dad’s home.

I loved watching her say with pride, ” I made pastichio .” as she overlooked a dining room table adorned in white linen and china, set perfectly for Easter. I loved seeing her face light up as she passed out homemade Easter baskets that she made for her eleven grandchildren. I loved watching her hug them as they said goodbye.

I walk up near the Mission cross, I miss my mom. IMG_0131

I look up to the sky and cry. Happy birthday, Mom!

I feel like I  can almost see her.  I imagine her looking down on me, smiling. Healthy. No longer in pain. I cried a little more thinking You’re with Jesus, mom. Lucky girl!IMG_0146

I look at the cross and reflect on the meaning. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection. we all have a chance to go to heaven. We just have to believe.

I walked away thinking of the crazy world we live in today with shelter- in-place. Ugh, this would not have been good for mom.   I walk down the street and think Thank God there is a heaven.  Thank God you are there and not here. I miss you mom. Happy Birthday!

Today I am thankful for the Cross. Oh! that wonderful Cross.

 

 


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So as I write this from my front porch, attempting to feel connected with the outside world, the phrase that keeps replaying in my brain like a rollercoaster loop is “Day by Day.” This is torture.  I don’t know about you, but initially I woke up happy. I went for a run, showered, and cleaned house. All the normal routines of a normal Saturday but then the weight of reality set in. I’m sheltering-in-place. What can I do today?

I haven’t blogged in a while; not much to say, I guess. But today, I do have something to say. As I pound on my keyboard, I see a FedEx truck start unloading packages, mostly bearing the famous Amazon symbol and I think to myself, This is hard.

Being an extrovert, I miss people. I miss social gatherings. I miss going to yoga class. I miss swimming at the Y. I miss hiking or walking with friends. I miss a simple dinner out with a neighbor. I miss THE EASY!

I know for a lot of us, this is HARD! I think the hardest part is not knowing when it will end. If you love the torture of a rollercoaster, you know eventually the ride will be over. I am remembering my own kid’s births. Yes, the delivery was painful but I knew eventually it would be over and I would have a bundle of joy placed on my chest. So how do we not lose the joy?

This morning, while still tucked under the covers, I started rattling off to God a list.

Thank you for SLEEP! Thank you for sunny days. Thank you that Tarah is here. Thank you I can still go for walks.

It is so easy with the constant barrage of news, viral feeds, and endless Facebook posts, for our thoughts to go negative. Believe me, I have had my moments of THIS SUCKS! Sitting in my wicker chair I thought I would share some of my joys and things I’m thankful for instead:

~My daughter,Tarah, is here from New York. Thankful she is not THERE but HERE.  Her sense of humor gives me hard belly laughs, plus she likes to dance so most afternoons we throw on the music and have a “dance party” on the deck. And as you will see, as I am writing this post, Tarah’s silly antics of dancing on the deck, once again has me in stiches.IMG_0065

~I am thankful for my single ladies in my neighborhood who daily we text each other or walk by each other’s house and ask to visit with each other from the sidewalk to the front porch.

~I am thankful for puzzles, endless “movie nights”, feeling the sun on my face as I walk Kipper, and pulling weeds until my hand aches.

~I am thankful for this time to Zoom with college sorority sisters, Chicago friends, and my women’s bible study group. Seeing smiles of people I love never felt so good.( I do miss hugging, though.)

I take a sip of tea, and a couple walks by my house, stop, say hello, and introduce themselves. We exchange small talk and agree that the best thing about this social distancing is that people are becoming friendlier, kinder. We all agree that we should continue this long after the social distancing ends.

Day by day, I am hopeful this will end and we will get to the other side of this mess but in the meantime how do you not lose the joy?  Please share ideas, recipes, activities, things that you are thankful for. I would love to hear how you are coping… day by day. Hoping you find some easy joy!

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Today as the light filtered through my sheers, I sent a text to a friend .

Praying your week goes easy. Love you my beautiful friend.

Within seconds I received a text back .Thank you!!! Your prayers helped me last week so keep them coming .

A soft smile covered my face as I thought, God you do hear me .

Then I silently sent my own requests. Let the stock market go up,at least let it not be crushed today, give me wisdom to guide my clients, and protect the world from the spread of the coronavirus.

I started the workday, logged on my computer,and saw on Bloomberg, that stocks were opening up positive. Most market indexes were up. I sighed a sign of relief after last week’s steep market sell-off.

Before I called my first client I prayed, God let my words be your words .Give me wisdom .

And he did .

The day went on and when I watched the ringing of the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, I couldn’t contain my excitement as the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed with a record gain, up 1294 points, a five percent market gain. YES!

Now, I don’t believe that God should be played like a magic eight ball and that we should keep shaking and praying until we get the right answers. I do believe; however,today that God wanted to show me that he hears me, he listens, and he is in charge. He gave me some hope and the hope was started with a text from a friend saying that her prayer was answered.

That’s the power of prayer.

What if we all took a moment to pray over our friends and see the power of prayers answered? Are you willing to see the proof of the power of prayers ?

Try it this week .Will you ?

“Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” written by Edward Mote.