Author Archives: Mona

About Mona

I am a wife and mother, a once-Catholic now UCC Christian, with a degree in Theology, a Masters in Religious Education, 27 years of theology teaching experience -- mainly High School, some College. I am now working as a Hospital Chaplain and feeling humbled and privileged every day. I love my family and I love to write; writing helps keep me sane. Published writing: • From Hurt To Healing, Publish America 2004, ebook on Amazon, 2011; •"Forgive and Forget," America Magazine, September 16, 2002; •"From Victim to Victimizer," Human Development Magazine, Summer 2005; • It's Just Not Fair, Introducing The Fairly-Good Mother, ebook at Amazon, 2011; • Traces of Hope: Surviving Grief and Loss, March 2015, St. Johann Press http://www.amazon.com/Traces-Hope-Surviving-Grief-Loss/dp/1937943275

Resources to deal with Stress

Posted on January 27, 2020

As a chaplain I am constantly looking for, creating, and editing resources for staff, and patients and their families. I created a Holiday Blues resource for the Christmas/New Year Holiday season, and then I adapted it to be a more … Continue reading →

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Attitude is key

Posted on October 2, 2019

“Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.”  Unknown  

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Anger and Humor – can God take it?

Posted on August 18, 2019

“In the musical The Book of Mormon there is a song that is both beautifully poetic and rhythmic. It just grabs you. It is sung by the inhabitants of a small Ugandan village who then translate the words and, well, suffice … Continue reading →

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FAITH

Posted on July 23, 2019

When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand … Continue reading →

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Grace

Posted on June 4, 2019

M. Villarrubia      

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The nature of HOPE in an ICU

Posted on November 16, 2018

I am a staff chaplain in a hospital with four critical care floors and a cancer unit, and naturally I spend a lot of my time on those critical care floors.  My time is spent with patients and families who … Continue reading →

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Storms

Posted on May 25, 2018

Subtropical Storm Alberto, May 26, 2018 An actual picture. Storm Ending BY JEAN TOOMER           Thunder blossoms gorgeously above our heads,           Great, hollow, bell-like flowers,           Rumbling in … Continue reading →

Posted in grace, gratefulness, grief, Hope, loss, love, meaning, poetry, Prayer, spirituality, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

God?

Posted on May 23, 2018

So I just read my last blog post again and realized how theistic it sounds. God – the Great “I Am.”   As a Christian one would assume I am a theist. But I find myself in the post-Christian camp, more of … Continue reading →

Posted in atheism, doubt, Faith, God, grief, religion, spirituality, theology, Truth | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Still and Know

Posted on May 16, 2018

When I was teaching and leading retreats I learnt a beautiful way to pray the breath prayer or centering prayer. Using the phrase  “Be still and know that I am God”  start with the whole phrase, breathing in slowly and … Continue reading →

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The anxiety of loss; the loss of anxiety, Part II

Posted on May 15, 2018

This article has some excellent advice. Tips For Taking Care of Yourself During Stressful Times From the NIU Employee Assistance Program Stop, breathe, and tell yourself:  “This is hard and I will get through this 1 step at a time.”   During … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, depression, grief, happiness, Healing, Hope, loss, meaning, mindfulness, Nature, spirituality, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment