Our Obsession with Predictions Keeps Us From Living in the Moment

Groundhog Day 2013

Humans love predictions. Just look at how Americans wait for a groundhog, of all the crazy animals in the world, to predict when spring will arrive. It’s a national holiday. Groundhog Day. Really? In fact, our obsession with predictions really just keeps us from living in the moment and doing what is necessary to create [...]

Do You Believe In Miracles?

Menorah or chanukiah with candles glowing.

“Tis the season of miracles–if you are Jewish. And I am. Last night we lit the first Chanukah candles. As they flickered and shone, I thought about the miracles in my life and how miracles are created. The story of Chanukah is about miracles…large army defeated by a small one, small jug of oil that [...]

What’s the Definition of a “Mistake”?

mistake oops

Are mistakes possible? We often say, “I made a mistake.” Yet, most Judeo-Christian religions believe God makes no mistakes. If there are no mistakes, can we even define the word “mistake”? What would the definition be? If God makes no mistakes that means your child with a heart defect was not a mistake, hurricane Sandy [...]

Think Good Thoughts, Do Good Deeds, Create Good Things

When we reach for God, God reaches down to us.

We are often told to watch our thoughts or to change our thoughts so we can create what we want in life. I’ve often written here on this blog that I do, indeed, believe our thoughts are creative. I’ve also said that we can’t just think our way to manifesting what we want. Yes, occasionally, [...]

Are You Too Busy to Fulfill Your Potential?

Yesterday I watched an past episode of Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. It featured Bishop T.D. Jakes speaking about how to use our time effectively. I found myself pondering something I often think about: How much could I do that truly fulfills my purpose here on earth if I just gave up all the things I [...]

Finding Your Way Back Home

Sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions. We find ourselves walking paths we didn’t plan. We find ourselves far from home–both physically and spiritually. Over the last few years, I’ve been led away from my spiritual path by the business of my life. My organized religious life fell away as I focused on my children, [...]

Your Purpose Always Shines Through

I’m always amazed that no matter where I go people talk to me about their book ideas. But I shouldn’t be amazed. Part of my purpose here on Earth involves helping people tell their stories, helping them create lives as writers and authors, helping them produce books. I was at a Jewish renewal conference a [...]

Do You See the Signs?

More often than not when we wonder what we should do or what decision we should make, we receive signs that help us make these decisions. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t looking for them and, therefore, we don’t see them. I know I’m at fault of not opening my eyes and noticing them. That’s why [...]

What Happens When the Harvest Moon, Sukkot and Autumn Equinox Fall on the Same Day?

Harvest_moon_0

For Jews, fall always arrives with the High Holidays—sometimes early in September, like this year, sometimes as late as mid October. For most other people it comes with the autumn equinox. This year, they came at the same time. Interestingly enough, this year’s autumn equinox corresponded with the beginning of Sukkot, the fall harvest festival. [...]

The Sorrow of Ending and Excitement of Beginning

As my daughter prepares to leave for college, she wavers between excitement about the new life she is starting and the old one she is ending—in particular the romantic relationship coming to a close. Smart enough to know better than to pursue a four month-old relationship bi-coastally as they both enter their freshman years in [...]