Frantic shopping, crazy consumerism, going into debt trying to create the perfect Christmas, all-the-while feeling the angst of trying to make everyone happy has never been jolly for me. Always, I intend to live in the peaceful spirit of Christmas but then, old fears nattering at me, “You haven’t done enough,” threaten to turn my peace into pressure.

Yet ironically, the long, full day I was at “Shop-o-rama,” held in our city’s recreation center with hundreds of vendors, Christmas visited our booth. I was helping my neighbour friend at her book signing booth for her book "Silent Terror," which tells the story of her escape from communist Hungary, tragic life and unshakable faith. A beautiful nativity scene was the central display at her booth. With a sense of deep soul work being done this day, I marvelled as people came by to share stories, hugs and tears with this courageous Hungarian immigrant.

One woman told us, as a child growing up in Canada; she often listened to her grandmother’s stories of her early life in occupied Hungary. Her grandma spoke of the miraculous meeting wherein she was reunited with her husband (whom she’d thought to be dead) just moments before her planned escape from Hungary. Proudly, this granddaughter standing before us said, “Grandma told us, ‘We don’t call those happenings co-incidents. In our family we know they are God Incidents.’”

My friend and I lovingly latched onto the term, ‘God Incidents’ as our day filled with them. There was the angelic baby, Elizabeth, given to my friend by a stranger to hold. That sweet cherub wrapped her chubby arms around my elderly friend’s neck, clung for endless minutes and then, parted with kisses of starlight.

The next God Incident unfolded with a woman, deeply moved by my friend’s story and wanting to buy her book instead, being unkindly brushed away by her own husband. After he escorted his wife away, my friend and I spoke of this man’s insensitivity and how tough life must be for his wife. Then, a short while later he returned saying, “Quick. I’ve sidetracked my wife. I want to surprise her with your book for Christmas.” Humbly, we thanked God for reminding us yet again of how little we really know of the Great Tapestry and how we have no right to judge.

During a conversation between my friend and me, she told me she was joining Toastmasters and that I should come. Having worked as a workshop leader for over fifteen years and, years ago, having attended Toastmasters it seemed - on the surface - I didn’t need this experience. Yet, I had a feeling God was working overtime guiding me.

Just this morning getting ready for “Shop-o-rama” I’d felt very nervous about going to ‘work’ in the big world after ‘hiding out’ the past six months. (More truthfully ‘hiding out’ has been about taking time for me during huge life changes.) In my nervousness this morning I wondered how I used to walk into crowded rooms and lead people through experiences for a week. Recalling that thought, I KNEW my friend’s Toastmaster idea would be a great exercise for me. Bravely I answered with a definite ‘Uh, maybe I’ll come.’

Apparently God figured I wasn’t getting the message clearly enough. Before the day was done a Toastmaster executive member for all of western Canada; and then, later that same day the chair of the local club came by our table. I was introduced to both of these people and was enthusiastically encouraged by both to attend Toastmasters the coming Wednesday with my friend. When God Incidents pile high I definitely follow my guidance (and yes, I went to Toastmasters on Wednesday).

Our last customer at the end of our Shop-o-rama day was a woman on fire with ideas and a passion for writing. Only one small problem. With work, a special needs child and life - she had no time to write. As she queried my friend about book publishing, I interjected at every possible moment with, “Write. Write now. Write everyday. Write for twenty minutes in the morning. Write one minute. But you MUST write.” I am hopeful we were a God Incident for her.

As we left our booth late that night, walking past all the other booths filled with toys, jewellery, baking, make-up, clothing – all manner of things – I couldn’t help wondering. Had my friend and I really worked in a ‘Shop-o-rama’ booth all day or were we away in a manger?

So my friend, I wonder what God Incidents have appeared in your life lately? It seems the more I look for, and then follow my God Incidents (Higher Power, Source or God as you understand Him/Her) the more I see God’s handiwork and guidance in my life.

Here is wishing you heartfelt love, peace, prosperity and many God Incidents this Christmas season and the years to come.

Heartfelt Blessings to you all,

Love Your Life and Work!

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The purpose of my mentoring program is to help you return to your True Self - your Inner Guidance - so as to live from that place. Only when we are connected to our True Self (God, Higher Power, Inner Guidance, or however you choose to define this) can we live our life authentically and fully express our gifts.

I cannot supply your answers, (no one can) nor can I give you spiritual connection. What I can do is share practices with you that have brought me closer to my True Self, my mission and my passion. I have found that most of us simply need someone who can reflect our “holy music” back to us and encourage us to follow our True Self. It is so easy to overlook our own ‘God-ness.’

I reflect your inner wisdom back to you which in turn, helps you to hear, define, believe in, and follow your Inner Guidance. The more we listen to and follow our inner guidance the more clearly we hear the voice of our True, Authentic Self.

Click here if you would like to know more about my Teresa's Mentoring Sessions.

If you would like to make an appointment with, or have further questions please email me at
Teresa@yourlifework.com.

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Remember: Be gentle with yourself. Listen to your guidance. Navigate through life and work with more peace and acceptance.

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© Copyright 2007 by Teresa Proudlove of Your Lifework Enterprises • yourlifework.com