From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he had to go to Jerusalem, and he told them what would happen to him there. He would suffer at the hands of the leaders and the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, and he would be raised on the third day.

But Peter took him aside and corrected him. "Heaven forbid, Lord," he said. "This will never happen to you!"

Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from God's."                

                                                                                                                 Matthew 16: 21-23

 

TRUSTING GOD

Suffering just doesn’t make sense. 

How would we react if someone pulled us aside and said our seven-year-old would suffer and die from cancer?  Our brother would struggle with mental illness, leaving him abandoned and unemployed?  Who would endorse the suffering of a child born with severe handicaps?  Or the collapse of an energetic, young coach? 

 Who wouldn’t react like Peter?

 In the greatest trials of my life, this passage reminds me of who I am and of who God is. 

Like Peter, my reaction to my brother’s sufferings and death was one of fury.  But through this scripture passage, Christ urged me to let my sorrow go.  He suggested that my distorted worldly view concealed God’s greater plan.  He called me to trust in ways I never had to before.

When I finally discarded my desires and accepted the situation, I began to appreciate Christ’s holy presence in my life.  Peace, comfort, and joy replaced fear, anger and resentment.

God doesn’t desire suffering any more than we do.  Sin nailed Christ to the cross, not God.  God delivered the resurrection.

When we trust that God’s view differs from our worldly stance, we receive supernatural strength in disconcerting times.  We live in the light of hope and stand on the rock of our salvation.

 And we will not be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Resemblance

 

Parking downtown to go to an early morning church service, I had just gotten out of my vehicle to put quarters in the parking meter when I heard a voice calling to me.  

“Will you help us?” he pleaded.  When I looked, I saw two homeless people, a man and a woman, standing nearby. 

“Will you please help?” she asked. 

“What do you need?” I replied, stopping to listen.  

“We’re hungry.  Could you spare something so we could eat?” 

“We could get pancakes for $2.00 around the corner,” she added hopefully.

I’m well aware of the probability of this money being used for other reasons.  I know that giving cash to the homeless is not always the best thing for them.  But I concluded that the chance that they really needed to eat was more important than turning my back on them.  I went over to my car to get a few dollars.

 When I did, a couple of pedestrians scoffed me for wanting to help the untidy pair.  “You shouldn’t do that,” they said, disgustedly.  “They won’t use that for food…” They hurried past us, appalled.  Their disregard for the needy was grounded in the belief that the indigents would misuse the gift I was about to give them.

 In the confusion, I paused to let them pass.  Then, for just a moment, our gaze connected.  Me and the homeless man.  As I looked into his eyes, I could see his poverty.  He knew he was powerless over what I would do next; he knew that I may possibly change my mind and decide not to help them.  He realized the bystanders were right.  He understood he was a helpless, lost soul, who deserved nothing.  I saw it all in one private look.

Most of us do not identify with the likes of the homeless couple.  In the eyes of the world, we are doing everything right.  But perhaps many of us closely resemble them.

God freely gives us the gift of speech—how often have we squandered this for moments of unkindness? God freely gives us talents and abilities.  Eager to succeed in life, we glorify ourselves with our possessions and pride, often forgetting the very source of our aptitude.  We have been given a heart to love ourselves and others.  Yet many of us fall far short of loving either entity.  Should God stop giving these gifts because we may exploit them?

Not that indigents are right in their lifestyle.  But we’re not so perfect in ours either.  We all need the grace of God to get by.  And once we realize our own powerlessness, our own need for God’s great gifts and grace, we feel His strength in us.  We recognize the outpouring of love freely given us each day.  We know we are not worthy of it, any more than the needy couple.  But we pray, as they did, that in spite of our own unworthiness, He doesn’t scoff our requests, but rather, gives generously and unconditionally.

Slowly, deliberately, I approached the shabby twosome.  Without a second thought, I handed over the money.  It was just enough to get a couple of servings of pancakes.  But perhaps enough to change a few souls—theirs and mine.

 

 

 

The Heavens are telling the glory of God...

The heavens are telling the glory of God...and all creation is shouting for joy!

Is Jesus really present in the Blessed Sacrament? What's your vote?

With a recent Pew Research survey indicating many Catholics don’t believe the church’s core teaching of the Eucharist, I’ve got a story to tell.

Years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. My medical team suggested we ‘watch and wait’, delaying treatment until absolutely necessary.

“

We have one bullet to shoot this with,” my oncologist said. “We don’t want to use it too soon. If we do, when the cancer returns, as it always does, there’s nothing we can do for you.”

Months later, my health weakened. My bones ached. My head hurt. Fatigue reigned. My medical team watched closely.

Back then, our oldest daughter was graduating from eighth grade at our parish school. The registration deadline for the Catholic high school, our school of choice, was fast approaching. However, the fear of cancer raised doubts.

What if medical bills consumed our finances? What if I was too sick to function? What if I was too weak to drive her to school?   

So, one particular weekday, struggling with those uncertainties, a nagging inner voice insisted I attend Mass. I resisted, but finally grabbed the car keys.

Why am I doing this?  A strange force seemed to propel me. By the time I get there, I will have missed my (then) favorite part, the homily.

Finally, arriving at church, I parked my car and raced inside.  The click of the heavy door closing behind me was the only audible sound in the hushed sanctuary.

I stood in the back, somewhat removed from the tiny congregation. Yep, I missed the sermon. The priest was on the altar. I watched in silence as he washed his hands, whispered prayers, and elevated the host.

Then it happened. 

A mysterious presence surrounded me. Someone was there, beside me. I sensed it, just like, even with your eyes closed, you can feel someone hovering close to you. It was a definitive energy; a distinct presence.

Almost instinctively, I placed my burdens into the hands of my unseen Visitor.

Later, I left Mass humming and with a spring in my step. I didn’t tell anyone about the encounter because it sounded too crazy.

Days later, at another Mass, the last line of the Gospel made my head spin: “All who saw Him were healed.” 

What? Had I seen Him?  Was I healed?

It took a leap of faith, but we enrolled our daughter in the Catholic high school. Inexplicably, my health improved. I drove her to classes, attended the games she cheered, celebrated her graduation, and sent her to college. Later, she married and started a family.  I didn’t miss one moment of her life—or my own. 

In August, 2015, twenty years after diagnosis, the cancer roared. Chemotherapy worked, and now researchers have developed ongoing treatments that keep the cancer at bay. 

Healed? I’d say so.

Had I seen him? I’d say so.

That experience during the consecration remains vivid. I’ve tried to imitate, duplicate, or re-create it, but nothing comes close to what happened to me that day.

Is Jesus really present in the Blessed Sacrament?  

From the core of my being, I cast my vote.

Yes.

It's here !!! Welcome to My Emmaus Walk through Stormy Waters!!!

Announcing the arrival of my newest book!!!!

My Emmaus Walk through Stormy Waters 

will uplift you 

in the midst of whatever squall you're weathering.

The stories show how faith helped navigate two big storms in my life...grief and cancer...
and it'll help illuminate your way too.

Read it.  

Be blessed. 

Be inspired. 

Be encouraged. 

About Me

Welcome! If you're looking for inspiration, you're in the right place! 

I'm Debra Tomaselli and I'm convinced God makes his presence known in subtle, but very real ways. God is always with us, providing strength, comfort and hope. We can trust in God.

Faith makes a difference in my life. You'll see. It can make a difference in yours, too.

Come, discover the extraordinary presence of God in the ordinary events of our days. 

A new beginning!

"Look at you!" my neighbor said as he pulled into his driveway. "You've got a spring in your step! My wife and I saw you from a distance! You must be feeling good!"

I am! Yes, I am! 

I initiated a discussion with the oncologist recently in which we decided not to continue the  ongoing cancer treatments, skipping those scheduled for May. I believe the side effects were too debilitating and no longer worth the risk. After a short discussion, the oncologist agreed, and I'm back on 'watch and wait.' 

Surely, I grew healthier. And stronger!  This week, I started running again!  

Well, it's a short course, but it's a start..And it represents a new chapter....

Hooray!!!  

I feel good!!  I haven't felt this good in years!  I'm bursting with happiness!

May every breath of my soul be meaningful to you, O Lord. Thank you for this time, for this limited timed we have on earth. May everything we do glorify you, and may we...just do it!


The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?    Psalm 27:1

Here's a song for your enjoyment.

Oh Happy Day!!!

How you feel when your oncologist agrees that it's time to 'take a break' from cancer treatments!!! 

Praise be to God! Now, Lord, how can I use this time for you? 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.    Psalm 19:14

Be strong! Be courageous! For the Lord your God...is on your side!

Early this morning I'm outside, sipping coffee, and praying. It's chilly, the skies are grey and so is my mood, Today I'll attend the funeral Mass for a friend's husband who lost his battle with cancer.

I feel sad. I feel lonely...but God won't leave me there...

My phone dings.

A text pops up.

It's welcoming words from a dear friend. A holy friend. A just-what-I -needed friend! 

My heart jumps. A smile spreads across my face as I realize it's another 

gentle reminder: We may feel alone, but we are never alone.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9.

Making the Most of Now...

Just before Thanksgiving, I completed the latest rounds of ongoing cancer treatments.There were some rough days, but soon afterwards, things got better again. 

The best way to describe my health is to say it feels like an unpredictable wild animal lives inside me. On the worst of days, it's attacking; debilitating. On better days, it's simply crouched nearby, growling. At best...it's lying in the corner....quietly making its presence known...it's there...it's always there...ready to pounce...

I've learned to listen to its cues. I've learned to modify my life. I've learned what's important and what's not.

And I've got a dream. As crazy as it sounds, my book, My Emmaus Walk; True Stories of Faith, Hope and Inspiration, is calling me back into life. 

Recently, (with exceptions) I've been able to make a simple plan and that simple plan has been to speak to groups about the book's message...the glorious reality of the presence and the love of God in our everyday lives...because He's here, you know. .the good Lord is with us...here and now. ..always and everywhere...

Isn't that something worth shouting about? 

It's my passion. It's my life. It's my reason for being.

So, dear Larann Wilson, Steward for Children and Family Ministries at St. Mary Magdalen parish - a heartfelt "thank you" for the opportunity to speak to parents of the religious education classes earlier this month! What amazing work you're doing! What an engaging group they are! What a joy it was!

And to Oakmonte Village Assisted Living Facility in Lake Mary, for allowing me the privilege of reading excerpts from my book to a group of residents who gathered for the stories...thank you! thank you! How wonderful was that?!

And to the woman who bought a book for her daughter who was having a 'hard time' and she thought the book would encourage her. Aren't you thoughtful? 

And to the nurses in the infusion lab at the Cancer Institute who wanted copies of my book...what a blessing! Thank you! You are instruments in the hands of God in more ways than one. I pray the words in those pages bless all who read it.

I'm thankful for so much...for this stage of life, and for all it took to get me here. I'm thankful for my dear husband, Joe, and his unshakable support. I'm thankful for my daughters and my sons-in-law. I'm thankful for my grandchildren. I'm thankful for the blessing of my extended family. I'm thankful for my faith. I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for my coworkers (yes, I still consider you that!) I'm thankful for the good times and even the struggles. 

And today, as I inch forward, I'm thankful for the dreams planted deep within. So, Josie, I look forward to speaking to your group next week. 

May God bless us all, as we fix our gaze on him.


And the God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.   1 Peter 5:10

More cancer treatments and an unexpected remedy (not the crackers)

Sandra, my cleaning lady, is richer than me. 

And I don't mean monetarily.

As these latest rounds of cancer treatments take their toll, I am debilitated once again. Except this time, I'm frustrated. I expected to be feeling better than this.

Sandra could see it in my countenance. Her advice? 

"Read your bible," Sandra said. She leaned on her mop.

"Your spirit will lead the body...

Body, mind, spirit...Live in the spirit."

So, frustrated with my aching body, I took her advice. Lying on the sofa, I randomly flipped open my Bible...My gaze fell onto a page, and I began reading:

• For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down, when we die and leave these bodies,  we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore..(In my suffering, this was actually a freeing thought!)

• How weary we grow of our present bodies. (Yep, I felt weary!) That is why we look eagerly to the day when we shall have heavenly bodies which we shall put on like new clothes. ..(Please, can I do that now?)

• These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh (no kidding - was the Gospel writer living in my home? Could he hear?) but we wouldn't want to think of dying and having no bodies at all.  

• We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life. (In my agony, this actually was a hopeful thought!) 

• This is what God has prepared for us, and, as a guarantee, he has given us his Holy Spirit.  (Is that what made me open my bible to this particular passage?)  (Cor 5:1-5)

Sandra was right. Reading my bible sent my spirit soaring above my aching body. 

Frustration departs. Hope prevails.

The picture above is my view in the infusion lab. Cheez Its are my favorite snack to ward off nausea. And there's always a little light reading.

This song is my gift to you today.  Click here for I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin. It says it all.