Miracle Healing Ministry ®

Greetings and good morning from the beautiful Bitterroot Valley!  It is Thanksgiving morning.  In the background, I have the Thanksgiving Parade on and my granddaughter is watching it for the very first time.  As a youth, watching on our old fashion black and white TV, it was exciting.  I can remember the smell in the home of mom preparing our meal for later.  The fine China was being set on the table and my two older siblings and I were randomly called away from the television to assist mom with chores we were capable of doing.  Dad would be called upon to say Grace before we began eating and I believe he was onery on purpose.  He would say “GRACE, LET’S EAT!”  Mom would give her usual look of disapproval and start passing the food.

            Mom had three “built-in dishwashers.”  I usually got stuck standing on a chair to reach the counter and washed, Vicki rinsed, and Terry dried and put them away.  Feeding the masses took so much prep to cook and clean-up was always on us kids.  Terry, the eldest, was put in position for “Quality Control.”  If I didn’t get it clean enough – back again into my dish water to start again.

            China put back into the cupboard, table and counters washed down, trash emptied, floor swept . . . out came the decks of cards and chips.  Everyone regathered around the table and we spent the rest of the day playing “21,” my mom’s favorite card game.  Being raised by a compulsive gambler taught us kids early how to count (and oftentimes, how to win!)

            The sun went down and out came the leftovers to feed the family and guests a turkey sandwich on homemade dinner rolls, the salads, and another piece of pumpkin or pecan pie.  Time to assume your positions again Gloria, back to the stool to reach the dish water because we didn’t use paper plates in those days.  Repeat the steps of washing down the kitchen, sweeping, and emptying the trash.  It was the least we could do after Dad had brought in the supply to purchase the food and mom had spent her time so lovingly to cook it for all of us.  Us kids might have secretly griped about dishpan hands and slaving so young, but it taught us early how to be servants for others in the grander scheme of things.

            I married at age 18 and my first holiday meal I was cooking was an eye opener.  The eyes opened very wide at the grocery store to see the expense of buying all the food to allow my mother’s tradition to be carried on.  Being organized and having some common sense of the order things should be accomplished to “make it all look effortless” had to be given as a gift from God.  My guests were pleasantly surprised that I could, indeed, step into my mother’s shoes and pull it off.

            Over the last 51 years, I have never failed at a holiday meal, beginning on Thanksgiving – and weeks later doing it again for Christmas – and a few days later, doing it again for New Year’s Eve and New Years Day.  These holiday meals were as memorable and delicious as my youthful years.  I have often asked why I continue this tradition, why I work so hard with a single meal when it could be done so much easier.    Surely, a day of gratitude doesn’t have to take so many hours and days to do and could be enjoyed just as much.  But everyone looks forward to the feast and I enjoy putting loving time in for them to eat that food made with loving hands and heart.  It continues my family traditions and heritage, to re-experience my parent’s love, and to remind me of the good things in life that brings families close together, to keep us united.

            When Covid arrived and all the crazy stuff induced by fear hit – I can’t tell you how many times I heard people say, “I just want things to go back to normal.”  “Normal” for some people wasn’t a very heartwarming place to be.  Those who had enjoyed the good things in life now found themselves in the moccasins of the less fortunate.

            Sixteen years ago, when Kirk died, my four kids had gone on with their lives and I was left alone to try and figure out how to go forward with my life without them – and without Kirk.  I had no more “routine” left to rely upon.  With two step-daughters states away and my two blood-born children enlisted in the Army and Air Force and unavailable for holidays, I had to improvise.  I gathered loners who had nowhere else to go or people to be with.  I invited them to my table to provide a grand family gathering and eat delicious recipes made with loving hands.

            This year, my daughter Danielle offered to have the holiday meal in her home.  Her mother-in-law and myself are helping her to pull it all off, effortlessly and easily.  However, last Saturday – a week early while I had my monthly Connecting Consciousness meeting – I heralded a meal of Thanksgiving for nine people at my table.  For those who would have nowhere to go or be today.  They were stunned that I would go out of my way to do this for them, when in reality, it is just my nature to do so.

            That spiritual nature within me is the first thing I want to give thanks for today.  Without making that Direct Connection before I ever get out of bed . . . I am sure that my life would look much like those who feel “lost” right now.  I acknowledge that Presence and Power within me, I acknowledge the Kingdom of Heaven within me that Jesus taught in “red letter words” in the Bible.  I dedicate my consciousness daily to God, denying Self Will for Thy Will, so He can use me to show His Grace in every word I speak and every action I take.

            “Gloria” is the one who is thanked and as quickly as possible, I hand the credit for the goodness to God (where the gratitude truly rests.)  It isn’t that I have more hours in a day than most people to accomplish so many things . . . it is because I have made a Direct Communication with the Infinite Invisible and allow Him to place people/chores/events in the correct order and the energy to pull it all off.

            If you had followed in my footsteps this past month, which began with November 1^st and went directly to Thanksgiving Day (or so it seemed because it flew by so quickly,) you would be exhausted in just reading it.

            I am going to condense it in description and you will have to read between the lines or this month’s column would be overwhelming to a human mind.

            Three weeks ago, a friend texted and asked me to take her sister to Urgent Care or the E.R.  She had a meeting she could not miss, and her sister was short of breath.  I dressed and headed straight to Missoula.  Urgent Care couldn’t help her and E.R. admitted her.  Tests were taken.  She received a diagnosis for liver cancer, a surgery scheduled in Spokane and everyone could live “happily-ever-after” (because the liver can regrow itself.)  The doctor decided instead to do more tests for a colonoscopy to see if perchance it had spread.  Results from all tests taken described a rare incurable liver disease that had infected every organ and the diagnosis: “terminal…you have seven days to live.”

            We certainly “didn’t see that coming!”  Leslie and I got her sister Nancy discharged and by the time we were pulling into their driveway, Hospice was there to meet us.  Everything seemed so accelerated and surreal.  Daily for three weeks, I have made countless trips to Missoula to be of service.  Driving incoming family to and from the airport, sweeping the floor, vacuuming, folding laundry, buying groceries and making food, doing dishes, waiting on Leslie and Nancy hand and foot, bringing light-hearted humor and endless lovelight and peace into the household.  If it would have been possible, I would have traded places with Nancy and selflessly given my life to save hers.

            Nancy passed away at 2:45 a.m. on November 20^th.  One of the sweetest hearts I have ever met passed from the visible to the invisible.  Starting a fundraiser for Leslie to help with funeral expenses, along with future needs without her “second half of a paycheck” to pay bills – my service has not ended.  Leslie’s first Thanksgiving without her best friend/sister will be difficult (I speak from experience) as well as the upcoming holidays and every day, as well, begins a new and challenging time.

            In Leslie’s sympathy card, enclosed with the first donations available, I wrote, “I haven’t even allowed myself to cry yet for the loss of Nancy.  I fear if I begin…I will never stop” because the loss is so tremendous for me.  As a healer, I have a human aspect wondering why He didn’t use me to change the outcome.  Miracles happen all the time though me, why couldn’t this woman be the recipient of one of them?  Her human personality wanted to stay; her Soul decision said her mission was complete.  We humans are left to wonder………  We can’t even wrap the Mind of God around our little pea-brain sized human constructs to understand.  All we are left with is to accept, go through our human anger and confusion, experience the steps of grief, and g(r)o(w) on.

            In many columns, I write “chop wood/carry wood/don’t be an asshole.”  My youthful training taught me to serve.  With my spiritual training, it expands in every circumstance.  If it is put on my doorstep, my telephone, or in front of me – my awareness of what needs to be done gets done.

            It’s Thanksgiving – back to gratitude!  I am grateful that I got a “kiss on the forehead from God” to even meet Nancy and have her as one of my local best friends!  I am so grateful that we passed through one another’s lives, if even it was for two brief short years together.  I am grateful for the memories of her warm loving genuine heart (and hugs!  They were the BEST!)

            I am grateful for this day that I could wake up in a comfortable bed with cozy covers and jammies.  I am grateful I have indoor plumbing, wood for my stove, hot coffee, an abundance of food to share and enjoy.  I am grateful to have all but one of my grandchildren today, and my two blood-born children in my presence.  (My son normally has to work on holidays, so this is a very special treat for me today!)

            I am grateful that the roads aren’t snow-packed and icy today for travelers.  I am grateful that on this day, usually where others are overwhelmed to just get a big meal on the table, that I am able to sit at the computer and spend time with YOU.

            During this sad time, our friend Patti flew in from Minnesota.   With her medical background, she was of great service to Nancy, Leslie, incoming family, and me and no words can express my deep gratitude.  Because she was staying in their home, I had peace of mind when I left at night, that they were in capable, loving hands.  Patti is the “servant” in her family to purchase and cook the Thanksgiving meal herself (because other family had other obligations) and like me, she has her Direct Connection to fulfill those things that need to be accomplished.  But my point being, is she listened selflessly to her heart, purchased an expensive airfare, and flew to be of service to others…. without blinking an eye.  Which leads me once again, back to YOU.

            I GIVE MY THANKS TO YOU, THE READER!  Although we have never met with skin on and may not even pass through one another’s life – I KNOW YOU ARE OUT THERE, DOING THE SAME THING THAT PATTI AND I ARE DOING FOR OTHERS.

            This world is a better place because of YOU.  You doubt that I know you when I see you in passing?  I bet you recognize “one of us” in your day-to-day walk, too!

            Two days ago, I stopped at a business that was gifting me with an apple pie to share with my family.  I entered the business.  A small child ran from across the room and hugged my legs.  I had never seen her before in my life.  I knelt down to be at her eye level and she threw her arms around me and hugged me so lovingly.  More than a little stunned, the business owner said, “Say Happy Thanksgiving to Miss Gloria.”  She parroted his words, “Happy Thanksgiving Miss Golria!”

            I asked her how old she was and she held up four fingers and said, “Four!”  I responded, “I am 69” and in question form, she shouted in amazement and disbelief, “69?!”   I expressed my appreciation to Mike and as I walked to the door to leave, this child walked with me.  I turned as I left the building and this sweet child’s face was glowing with a smile, waving goodbye and throwing kisses to me.

            She saw my light. She may have even sensed my heartache.  This child knew a love-heart when she saw one and showed her loving appreciation to me, which entirely brightened my day.

            We, who have eyes to see, SEE IT IN ONE ANOTHER.  We hear it audibly in one another.  Love never fails….even with the loss of my dear friend….this child reminded me how many more I have to touch “with loving hands, hugs, and heart/my mission of service.”

            Happy Thanksgiving!  Until next month, take care . . . I care . . .

Always,

“Golria” D. Benish, Ph.D.

Alias:  Dr. Glo-bug – Just here “to lighten things up”