4-18-2023 8:26pm

Faith

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - FAITH

Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith is also a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. Faith can carry us through difficult times including heartbreak, a death, a break-up, or losing our direction in life. Faith can help us find our way back.

For many years, I suffered a serious depression and anxiety disorder that lasted through most of my 20's. It seemed to come out of nowhere. I remember the night it began. For eight long years, I journeyed into healing. I was aware enough and knew that I was not well. That something happened to my mind, but I would not let it define me. I was lucky. I had enough self-awareness (I talk about this often) to know that this was an illness, and I had to seek treatment. I had a loving mother who immediately got me help. With the assistance of our medical doctor, we were referred to a therapist. I was unfamiliar with this aspect of healthcare, but I started weekly sessions. My episodes of panic attacks were terrifying. They eventually developed into phobias, and I was unable to drive or fly for many years. Oddly enough, I began working in New York City in the thick of this. I was strong enough to fight through each morning of getting ready and taking the early train into the big city. This was my dream, and I was not going to let anything stop me. There were days that were difficult, but I was confident enough that I could handle it. I started working for a renowned graphic designer who re-designed the NASA logo. This was a very exciting job, and I loved my new life. I found a good therapist in the city, and he helped me unravel my thoughts that were complex and disturbing at times. Over time, I began to get better. At the core of my pain, I had deep faith that one day, I would be healed.

One night while I was lying in bed, I felt a presence. I sprung up and said outloud, "you're here." In that moment, I knew Jesus Christ paid me a visit and that my plight was taking a turn for the better. I eventually felt strong enough to move into the city and found a beautiful apartment in Forest Hills, Queens, met a man, and fell in love. We were together for many years and by the time I turned 28, our love affair was over. Heartbroken, I moved on and eventually my happiness returned. It was stolen through some very tender years. I soon met someone new who was going through a bitter divorce, and we helped heal each other. We were only together for a year, but the love and companionship was just what the doctor ordered.

This is a very condensed version of my story during these vulnerable years, but I wanted to share some of my experiences in hopes that maybe it can help you believe that you can find your way again through faith. What we focus on expands. If we focus on faith, we can conquer almost anything. For me, it was a deep belief in myself and faith in God that helped me beat the odds of this terrible disease that takes so many lives. I was not going to let that happen to me. So, if you find yourself feeling sad, lost, or filled with despair, have no fear, faith is here. And so am I.

Mantenete la fede. Keep the faith.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, our faith can grow as we do. Please feel free to email me at christineskylark@aol.com if you have any inquiries or questions or if you just want to share what you're going through. I can help you.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - THE TULIP FESTIVAL

Have faith in mother nature. There's a Tulip Festival on Long Island. Waterdrinker Family Farm and Garden has millions of tulips on display. You can tiptoe through the tulips, play a round of mini golf or visit the barnyard animals. There's something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your camera for unforgettable photos. On the weekends, there will be live music and food trucks.

$20 per person/children 2 & under are free. You can pick your own tulips for $1.00 per stem.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10-6

Friday: 10-7:30

Saturday: 9-7:30

Sunday: 9-6

Waterdrinker is located at 663 Wading River Road, Manorville, NY 11949

For more information, visit www.water-drinker.com.

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - MY SWEET LORD by GEORGE HARRISON

Lyrics

My sweet Lord
My Lord
Mmm, my Lord
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord
My sweet Lord
My Lord
My Lord
I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you, Lord
But it won't take long, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
My Lord (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
Really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, Lord
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my lord (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
My Lord (Hallelujah)
My Lord (Hallelujah)
I really want to know you (Hallelujah)
Really want to go with you (Hallelujah)
Really want to show you, Lord (Ah, ah)
But it won't take long, my Lord (Ah, ah, hallelujah)
Mm, mm, mm (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my Lord (Hallelujah)
Mm, mm, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
Oh, oh my sweet Lord (Krishna Krishna)
Ooh, ooh, ooh (Hare Hare)
Now, I really want to see you (Hare Rama)
Really want to be with you (Hare Rama)
Really want to see you, Lord (Ah, ah)
But it takes so long, my Lord (Ah, ah, hallelujah)
Mm, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna Krishna)
My lord (Hare Hare)
Mm, mm (Gurur Brahma)
Mm, mm (Gurur Vishnu)
Mm, mm (Gurur Devo)
Mm, mm (Maheshwarah)
My sweet Lord (Guru Sakshata)
My sweet Lord (Parabrahma)
My, my, my Lord (Tasmayi Shree)
My, my, my, my Lord (Guruve namah)
My sweet Lord (Hare Rama)
(Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna Krishna)
My lord (Hare Hare)

Hello and welcome to my weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, representing Bay Shore and towns beyond. My articles are about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been. There is also a calendar of upcoming events. Please consider becoming a subscriber. There are several levels, and it’s easy to do. Just open the newsletter and the subscribe button is there. As a subscriber, you will receive a copy of my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. You can do it yourself or email me to discuss this at christineskylark@aol.com. You can also PM me. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

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Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo!