As 2017 comes to a close, I’ve summarized some highlights of my year.

On September 9th, I experienced a miracle at my late mother-in-laws Church, St. Charles Borromeo. I’ve struggled with having a punishing God for most of my life, and during Mass on that Saturday afternoon, when I looked up at Jesus on the cross, I saw a loving and merciful God. I saw Him AND I felt His love. It was like he covered me in a blanket of love. Additionally, when I went to Communion, the Lord released a huge resentment from my heart and I felt forgiveness and peace. What a miracle.

The following month, on October 14th, I experienced another spiritual awakening. My husband and I were visiting the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia in Nashville. Again, while awaiting Communion, I felt the Lord lift another resentment from my heart and giving me peace, comfort & assurance. What a feeling!!!

During the course of my newfound LOVING relationship with God, I trusted Him completely while he took me on an unexpected journey. It can be quite exciting, and of course a little scary, when you ride completely on faith and trust. The end result is wisdom and a newfound intimacy with the Lord.

More highlights include my trip to Antigua – compliments of Aveda Pure Privilege; my daughter’s engagement; BOTH my son AND daughter earning their college degree and walking across stage one week apart from each other; going to New York City for the first time and absolutely loving it; going to many concerts with my husband: Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul Tour, Journey, James Taylor/Bonnie Raitt, and U2.

During the year, I’ve also learned that self-care is important for personal growth; planning ahead & organizing for upcoming events allowed me to be present and savor  the moment; the importance of keeping commitments to myself; open to self-discovery; open minded in all areas of life; and FAITH over fear,

One of my biggest disappointments was learning that I was shellfish intolerant. How could this happen at my age??? I absolutely LOVE shrimp, crab, crawfish – all of the good stuff!!! Now, if I do choose to eat it, there will be painful consequences. It is NOT worth it. Just not a fun realization.

Moving forward in to 2018, I will continue to focus on my health/nutrition/fitness, practice stepping out of my comfort zone, seek gratitude daily, be present, and be more open minded. I would like to look for new ways to challenge and improve my fitness. I also want to get creative in the kitchen again by cooking new and different things!!! And of course, I cannot accomplish any of these without keeping my sobriety my priority.

In 2017, I brought Life With Lisa to life, and in 2018 I plan to continue to grow it!!! Cheers to a happy, health and prosperous 2018. To Thine Own Self Be True.

Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might

Lisa