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WHERE THE TROPICS BEGIN
An Introduction
Excerpts from Forever Vero: 1880-2020
BOOK BY RODY JOHNSON
We continue our journey through Vero’s past with Rody Johnson’s book.
Long before modern life in Vero Beach, our coastline was home to some of North America’s earliest people. The Vero Man discovery reveals Ice Age inhabitants living alongside nowextinct animals. The Ais Indians were well-established along the length of the Indian River and encountered Jonathan Dickinson after his 1696 shipwreck. The Seminole Indians formed here in the 1700s from tribes in Alabama and Georgia. Many escaped attempts by the government to remove them to Indian Territory. Chief Tom Tiger’s tribe spent part of the year southwest of Vero at Tiger Hammock in the early 1900’s.
— Barbara
Vero’s rich prehistoric time dates back to the Ice Age that is well documented from archaeological excavations. The first humans arrived in the Vero Beach area 12,000 to 14,000 years ago. A mile-high glacier blanketing the upper North American continent had absorbed water from the oceans and lowered the sea level.
Geographically, Vero was prairie with a shoreline that was 30 miles further east than it is today due to the Ice Age glacier. When the glacier melted, thus raising the sea level, the Indian River area including what would be Vero, changed dramatically from a prairie to a vast marsh inland with a coastline consisting of an ancient sand ridge, a lagoon, and a barrier island fronting the ocean.
Small groups of humans, hunters and gatherers, thought to have originated in Siberia, crossed the once Bering Strait land bridge and, over hundreds of years, meandered south across North America. Ice Age mammals— mammoths, mastodons, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths—roamed the land.
What archaeologists called the Old Vero Site, where a canal was dredged in 1914 for drainage, human remains were discovered along with the bones of the Ice Age mammals. This caused controversy. Were these Ice Age humans or some later indigenous people?
A hundred years later, in 2017, during a four-year archaeological excavation of the site, archaeologists concluded that human remains had probably been buried there 8,000 years ago. In fact, at Titusville, 60 miles north of Vero, burials from that time period were also found, an early sign of perhaps an indigenous population. However, that did not mean that people weren’t here during the Ice Age. A farmer cleaning a ditch west of town found a stone projectile point archaeologists attributed to the Ice Age.
that was then called the River of Ais. The tribe established a series of villages along the lagoon, living off what the surrounding waters could provide. Their language was distinct, unlike that of the Timucua tribe in the northern part of the state or the Calusa in South Florida.
In Fort Pierce, the Ais had a huge burial mound presumed to be 500 to 1,000 years old. Were the burial remains found in the canal in Vero possibly the distant ancestors of the Ais?
Jonathan Dickinson, shipwrecked in 1696, described in his journal the Ais’ main village in the town of Jece that “stood about a mile inland from the seashore within the land of the sound, being surrounded with swamp in which white mangrove trees hid the town from the sea.”
When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, they faced a fearsome group of Indians from the Ais tribe that lived along the Indian River
Speculation was that the location described was either Vero’s Riomar or Sebastian to the north, though the latter seemed more likely. When settlers reached Sebastian in the late 1800s, they found a huge midden as high “as the palm trees” and called it Barker’s Bluff, made from discarded shells from shellfish that the Ais consumed over the years. Smaller middens were found at other Ais village sites throughout the area.
The material from the middens was used for the construction of early roads built by the settlers.
The Ais Indians raided the Spanish shipwrecks along the coast. Spanish artifacts were found by archaeologists in the remains of their villages. In 1715, the 11-ship Spanish treasure fleet was wrecked by a hurricane, spreading gold coins and other precious treasures along the beach from Fort Pierce
LEFT: Excavation on the south bank at the Main Relief Canal in 1916 where the skull was first discovered in 1915 by farmer Frank Ayers.
Photo credit: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory
INSET: Cast from original human skull fragments found in place with mega-fauna fossils at the Vero Man Site.
Photo credit: Taken by Vera Zimmerman (1996) at the Smithsonian Institution Paleontology Archives in Washington, DC
BELOW: Ais Cacique, oil on canvas, by Theodore Morris. The chief is preparing for a ceremonial dance as described by Jonathan Dickinson in 1696.
to Sebastian. This would forever be named The Treasure Coast. In attempts to salvage the treasure, the Spaniards forced “native Indian divers,” many of whom died in the process, to help recover the gold. Were these divers the last of the Ais?
By the late 1800s, with the arrival of the first settlers along the Indian River, the Ais were not present. They had disappeared in the 1700s, primarily due to disease from the Spanish.
What was present in Vero was a small group of Seminole Indians. As a child, I remember my Saturday mornings in downtown Vero seeing Seminole women in their brightly striped clothing shopping for their supplies. They may have lived in Tiger Hammock southwest of Vero.
In a 2019 excavation, pottery shards and discarded turtle shells were found, indicating thousand-year-old evidence of an indigenous presence. Seminoles, as owners, used the site seasonally and sold the property to Vero’s Waldo Sexton in the early 20th century. It still remains in the Sexton family. What tribes that may have used the property in an earlier era was not determined.
The Seminoles, a name meaning “outcast” or “runaway” entered Florida in the 1700s to escape from other Creek tribes in Georgia and Alabama and forged their own identity. In the 1800s, with settlers beginning to enter the state, the Indians were subjected to what has been named the Seminole Wars as the U.S. government were removing the Seminoles from their land. Some were transported to Okalahoma, but others hid in the swamps
of South Florida. Some still remain, successfully running casinos in South Florida. By the late 1800s Native American presence had diminished. Pioneers like Henry Gifford arrived and established what would be Vero Beach, attracting generations of families, including my own, to forge our own history.
Knowing this history is key to Vero’s future.
“The Florida Indians Capture the Shipwrecked Company," copper-engraved plate from Pieter van der Aa (1707) Source: floridamemory.com
Seminole women trading huckleberries.
Osceola Holding Informal Council with His Chiefs, by Lucille Blanch (1895-1981), Source Commons.wikimedia.org
PHOTOS FROM TOP:
Photo credit: Historical Society of Indian River County
Quick
There’s something to be said for a surprise. Especially when it involves a packed bag, a full tank of gas, and zero clues. For our four-year anniversary, I told my girlfriend Charise to just get in the car and trust me. A little over two hours later, we found ourselves stepping into what felt less like a Florida town and more like the set of a cozy holiday movie: Mount Dora. The locals joke that they’re 2,208 inches above sea level (the equivalent of 184 feet), and they sell it on T-shirts and souvenirs.
Perched along the shores of Lake Dora, this charming little town has a way of slowing you down the moment you arrive. Brick-lined streets, locally-owned shops, and historic buildings give it a personality that feels both nostalgic and alive. Founded in the late 1800s, Mount Dora quickly became a popular winter retreat for Northerners escaping the cold. That legacy still lingers in its preserved architecture and welcoming, small-town feel.
We started our morning wandering through the downtown district. We didn’t have any kind of plan, other than following whatever caught our eye. Antique stores, cafés, and little art galleries seem to appear around every corner. Eventually, we hopped on a golf cart tour, which turned out to be one of the best
decisions of the trip. Cruising through quiet neighborhoods and oak-canopied streets, we got a deeper look into the town’s past. We learned how Mount Dora grew alongside the railroad boom, becoming a hub for commerce and tourism, and how many of the homes we passed date back over a century.
After exploring, we checked into the historic Lakeside Inn. If there’s one place that truly captures the spirit of Mount Dora, it’s this one. Established in 1883, it’s the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into another era. The wide verandas, creaky wooden floors, and vintage décor all tell stories of a time when guests arrived by steamboat. Over the years, it’s hosted notable visitors, including presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. It’s not polished in a modern luxury sense, but that’s exactly its charm. It feels authentic.
As the sun began to dip, we made our way to Pisces Rising for dinner. Sitting out on the deck overlooking the lake, we watched the sky turn shades of orange and pink while enjoying one of the most tender, flavorful steaks I’ve had in a long time. Between the food and the view, it was one of those meals you don’t rush.
The Mount Dora Lighthouse, the city's most iconic landmark, sits on Grantham Point and is the only inland freshwater lighthouse in Florida today.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little local flavor… literally. We stopped by Maw’s Mountain Moonshine for a tasting, sampling a variety of unique blends before picking out a few mason jars to bring home. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of the fun.
That night, we leaned into Mount Dora’s spookier side with a ghost tour. Between dimly lit streets and hushed storytelling, we heard tales tied to the Lakeside Inn and the nearby former train depot, now repurposed as an event venue. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories added a whole new layer to the town’s already rich history.
The next morning was simple and perfect: a relaxed breakfast, one last stroll, and then back on the road. It may have only been a quick day-cation, but Mount Dora left its mark. We’re already planning a return trip; next time, for the town’s famous Mount Dora Blueberry Festival. Because if one thing’s certain, it’s that this little lakeside town isn’t a one-visit kind of place.
PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM:
• Historic Lakeside Inn, established 1883
• Evening stroll on the Lakeside Inn dock
• Directional sign to dining and shopping
• Bricklined streets add a nostalgic charm
Why Retirement Feels More Complicated Than It Used To
by Danny Howes, EA, RFC
For previous generations, retirement often followed a simple formula: work for decades, collect a pension, claim Social Security, and enjoy your later years. Today, that model is largely gone, and many people are left wondering why retirement feels more stressful and uncertain than they expected.
EAST COAST TAX AND FINANCIAL
The truth is, retirement has changed, and not because people are doing anything wrong. Longer lifespans, shifting tax rules, and unpredictable markets have added layers of complexity that didn’t exist before. Understanding these changes is the first step toward creating clarity and confidence moving forward.
PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER
One of the biggest shifts is longevity. Many retirees today may spend 20, 30, or even 35 years in retirement. That means your savings and income strategies must stretch much further than they did for past generations.
Longer lifespans increase the importance of planning for rising healthcare costs, inflation, and income sustainability. It’s no longer just about “having enough to retire,” but about having a plan that adapts over time. This is where thoughtful Retirement Planning becomes essential, not just before retirement, but throughout it.
TAXES DON’T STOP WHEN WORK STOPS
Another surprise for many retirees is how much taxes still matter after they leave the workforce. Withdrawals from retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, required minimum distributions, and even investment income can all be taxed differently.
Without a coordinated approach, retirees may unintentionally increase their tax burden year after year. Strategic Financial Planning helps align income sources with tax considerations so decisions made today don’t create unnecessary challenges later.
MARKET SWINGS FEEL DIFFERENT IN RETIREMENT
Market volatility has always existed, but it feels different once you’re no longer earning a paycheck. During working years, market downturns can be frustrating, but contributions and time often help smooth things out. In retirement, withdrawals during down markets can have a greater impact on long-term outcomes.
This is why investment decisions in retirement aren’t just about growth; they’re about timing, risk management, and income coordination. A well-structured Retirement Planning strategy considers how market movements interact with income needs, rather than treating investments in isolation.
MORE DECISIONS, LESS ROOM FOR ERROR
Retirees today face more choices than ever: when to claim Social Security, how to draw income, which accounts to tap first, and how to balance growth with protection. Each decision affects the others, and small missteps can compound over time.
That’s why many people feel overwhelmed; not because retirement is failing them, but because it requires a more integrated approach than it once did. Financial Planning today is less about single products or one-time decisions and more about coordination.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
The good news is that complexity doesn’t have to mean confusion. A coordinated plan brings clarity by aligning income, investments, and taxes into a single strategy that evolves as life changes.
Rather than focusing on one piece at a time, effective Retirement Planning looks at the full picture, helping retirees understand how their decisions work together rather than against each other.
Retirement may be more complicated than it used to be, but with the right planning approach, it can also be more intentional, flexible, and resilient than ever before.
READY TO BRING THE PIECES TOGETHER?
Retirement planning today often involves more moving parts than people expect: income, investments, taxes, and long-term decisions that need to work in harmony. For many, it helps to have a conversation with professionals who understand how these pieces connect.
At East Coast Tax and Financial, we work with individuals and couples to review their current situation, answer questions, and help bring clarity to retirement decisions. Our approach focuses on coordination, so financial planning, retirement planning, and tax considerations are looked at together, not in isolation.
If retirement feels more complicated than it used to, a conversation may be a helpful next step. You don’t need to have everything figured out, just a willingness to start.
To learn more or schedule a conversation, contact East Coast Tax and Financial to explore your retirement planning options.
DANNY HOWES, EA, RFC
WED, MAY 6 - 11AM
The Promenade
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Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963
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Vero Beach of 20 years ago – a quiet citrus style. Susie and Annie
90’s Emo style! Liz Corsets and passion! Tia
60’s little Chanel-style dresses.
Jamie
90’s – heck yeah! Mullets and mustaches!
Josh
80’s crimped hair! Kasey
Bathing suit style – relaxing without getting into the water.
Sally and Robert
Classic music artists style –like Led Zepplin, The Doors, The Beatles, and Elvis!
Alvin
50’s style – with their beautiful dresses and men well-dressed.
Bre
Long-hair bands style, like AC/DC and ZZ Top. Deon
The Great Awakening
RATED PG-13
As we stand on the precipice of our nation’s 250th birthday, the movie
A Great Awakening is the perfect historical drama to celebrate with. For those who are unsure whether our nation was founded on God and prayer, this historically-accurate film is must-see. Not to mention the believable acting, beautiful music, and time-period scenery.
had something to offer the other: Whitefield, the truth and liberty of the gospel proclaimed through print; and Franklin, who owned a print shop and could print his sermons and reap the benefits. Though they did not agree theologically, Franklin knew religion sells papers.
Franklin rejected his childhood religion, but Whitefield continued to speak to Franklin about his need to acknowledge Christ as Lord.
A Great Awakening tells the story of two completely different men who God providentially brought together to proclaim His Word to all. First, George Whitefield (Jonathan Blair), who, when he personally encountered a spiritual awakening of the freedom found in Jesus Christ, was compelled to preach the message to all. And Benjamin Franklin (John Paul Sneed), one of our Founding Fathers and one of the most influential intellectuals of his time.
The opening scene sets the stage with many of our forefathers at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Franklin begins to reminisce about his long-time friendship with George Whitefield.
It all started when Franklin received news that the well-known London evangelist, George Whitefield, the man who reached thousands with the sound of his voice, was coming to Philadelphia. As enormous crowds gathered from the nearby colonies, Franklin not only heard Whitefield speak, but also recognized the electrifying sound of his voice which he determined could reach a crowd of 30,000.
During their first meeting, both realized they
Whitefield had almost died, which led him wholeheartedly to understand he could not work for his salvation, that it is a free gift for all that was paid in full by the death of Jesus. Our freedom and liberty lie in what Christ did on the cross and not on any merit of our own doing.
Whitfield became so strong in his conviction of the message, the church in England banned him from preaching there. His response: “If I cannot preach in the pulpit inside, I will preach outside and send them in.”
This let the lion out of the cage, and he did just that! He crafted a traveling pulpit, attached it to his horse, and rode through the cities and even in the coal mines to preach the message of liberty to all.
As the Constitutional Convention continued after months of deliberation, Benjamin Franklin, the oldest in the room, slowly stood up. With a stirring in his heart, resulting from his relationship with Whitfield and from his recognition of the role prayer had played in our nation, Franklin reminded them that, in all their
months of deliberation, they had not prayed. With that, he proposed that they pray at the beginning of each meeting.
If we have ever needed prayer and awakening in our country, it is now. Although we are seeing pockets of it at many colleges and universities, the movie A Great Awakening shows that there must be a revelation before the revolution.
That is exactly what George Whitefield did. Once he got the revelation, he ignited what is known as the First Great Awakening. Let us all remember and respond to his famous words, based on Ephesians 5:14: “Arise, o sleeper, awaken!”
5 STARS
QUICK FACTS:
• Whitefield had the measles as a child, which left one eye crossed, so when he preached, no matter where he looked, people felt he was looking right at them.
• In real life, he drove thousands of miles and preached three times a day.
• Benjamin Franklin is the only Founding Father to have signed all four of the key documents establishing the U.S.: the Declaration of Independence (1776); the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778); the Treaty of Paris establishing peace with Great Britain (1783); and the U.S. Constitution (1787).
Del Bates and Penny Cooke are both award-winning authors and co-host the “Seeds of Hope” Podcast Wednesdays on Vero's Voice Facebook page.
The White Dress Edit
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Pichi 2 Dress
$328
Trina Turk nordstrom.com
Emerson Puff Sleeve
Lace-Trim Midi Dress
$160 Abercrombie & Fitch abercrombie.com
White Yvette Mini Dress
$148 Tuckernuck tnuck.com
Lace-trim pintuck midi dress in cotton dobby
$188 J.Crew jcrew.com
Sweets for the Sweetest Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day calls for something a little more thoughtful than the everyday sweet. Celebrate with two light elegant treats that capture the essence of spring.
LEMON PANNA COTTA WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE
One of my favorite desserts (that’s not chocolate!). Another beautifully tart and creamy spring dessert, and it’s no bake.
Makes 4
Ingredients
For the panna cotta
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
• 1/2 cup whole milk, cold
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 3/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For the raspberry sauce
• One 12-ounce package frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh raspberries, for garnish
Instructions
Make the panna cotta
1. Place four 4-ounce (3 1/2-inch) ramekins onto a plate or small tray.
2. Add the cream, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest and juice to a saucepan (off the heat). Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface and whisk gently. The cold liquid allows the gelatin to “bloom,” which ensures a smooth, lump-free texture. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes, place the pan over low heat and stir in the sugar. Warm gently, stirring frequently until the sugar and gelatin have completely dissolved. Do not let it boil, as high heat can destroy the gelatin’s ability to thicken.
4. Divide the cream mixture evenly between the ramekins and allow to cool. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Make the raspberry sauce
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, water and cornstarch.
6. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently mash the berries with a spoon as the sauce cooks. Cook 10-12 minutes, or until the berries have broken down and sauce looks shiny.
7. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and stir to combine. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour your cooked sauce into the sieve, using a rubber spatula to gently press the sauce through the sieve. You should be left with a paste of mostly seeds to discard. Refrigerate until chilled.
To serve
8. To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of each ramekin in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 seconds to loosen the edges and carefully run a small thin knife around the inside rim. Invert the panna cotta onto a dessert plate. Serve chilled, topped with raspberry sauce and fresh berries.
STRAWBERRY CAKE ROLL
A light vanilla sponge jelly roll cake with homemade strawberry cream filling. A beautiful and delicious spring dessert for Mother’s Day. You’ll need a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan to get the proper cake thickness.
Ingredients
For the cake
• 1 cup (118g) cake flour* (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
• 2 Tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract confectioners’ sugar, for dusting towel
For the filling
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries**
• 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 and 1/2 cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 10×15-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or grease with butter. Place parchment paper on top and spray or grease that parchment, too, to ensure cake won’t stick to the pan.
2. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat the 4 egg whites and 1/4 cup of the sugar on high speed for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Transfer to another bowl.
4. Using the same mixing bowl you just had the egg whites in (no need to clean), add the 4 egg yolks, remaining sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat together on high speed for 3-4 minutes, until light in color.
5. Add half of the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Beat on low speed for 10 seconds. Repeat with remaining egg whites and beat on low for 10 seconds. Finally, add the flour mixture and beat on low until the batter is completely combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan all the way to the edges.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when you touch it with a finger. As the cake bakes, lay a thin kitchen towel flat on the counter. Dust well with confectioners’ sugar.
8. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting with the narrow end, slowly and gently roll the cake up with the towel. The cake will still be warm.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely rolled up in the towel. You can place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to speed it up.
10. Remove the cake roll from the refrigerator and allow to sit on the counter for a few minutes to warm up as you prepare the filling.
Make the filling
11. Using a blender or food processor, process the freeze-dried strawberries into a powdery crumb. You should have 1/2 cup. Set aside.
12. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Beat in the butter until combined. Add the confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, and vanilla and beat on medium-high speed until combined and creamy. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
13. Gently and slowly unroll the cake. Flatten it out and spread frosting evenly on top, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the cake. Gently and slowly roll the cake back up, without the towel this time. Make sure to roll it tightly. (It’s okay for some frosting to spill out the sides.) Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with more confectioners’ sugar and garnish with sliced strawberries, if desired.
Note 1: Cake flour produces a noticeably lighter softer cake than all-purpose.
Note 2: You can find freeze-dried strawberries locally at Walmart, Target, or CVS.
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What is a saying your mother had that you’ve caught
It’s not the ups and downs in life – it’s the jerks!
Bernadette
Jesus,
Self Sabotage
BY BETH WALSH STEWART
I’m in an abusive relationship … with myself. Self-sabotage can be so subtle because it masquerades as comfort. Do you struggle with an extreme in your life? Looking for “comfort” when feelings are intense, you overeat, drink too much, spend money, or look to a relationship to change the way you feel.
The list of numbing agents is long, but each one of them has the same motivation: when you are powerless to change the circumstances of the situation in which you find yourself, you want to feel powerful about something else. To this end, your powerlessness in one arena is covered up by choosing excess in another. You know the excess isn’t good for you, but the desire to change how you feel is in the driver’s seat. You know that long-term change takes time, but the feisty three-year-old in your head demands attention right now, and you give her what she wants to shut her up.
Self-sabotage is often the result of requiring immediate gratification no matter what the cost. Often, that’s how addiction starts. You start out seeking to quiet heavy emotions, but before long you don’t feel any emotions at all. What was once a want has become a need. What was once an idea has become an obsession. This incessant yearning has begun to make choices for you. Robbed of your ability to choose a healthier way, you fall in step with compulsive demands beyond your control.
Self-sabotage sneaks in wearing the costume of comfort. Don’t be fooled. Its ways are cunning, and it speaks in your own voice. If you’re wondering if you’ve fallen prey to its demands, there’s a question that will give you the answer.
What are you hiding?
Self-sabotaging behaviors like the shadows. They whisper lies, like “if no one knows, it didn’t happen,” and “you’re not hurting anyone.” Sadly, someone does know. Sadly, someone is getting hurt. Self-sabotaging behaviors are hurting you, and if you take an honest look at your lifestyle, you will see you have lost control. What can you do if this is your lot? The first step in overcoming self-sabotage is to remove the “self” from the issue. Tell someone you trust about the excess. Bring the issue to the light. Help is possible when you stop hiding in the shadows. You can come to know the true comfort that stems from positive self-care coupled with communal support. You are not alone, and the problem you’ve developed does not have to be handled alone. Change is possible, if only you ask for help.
Consider looking for a 12 Step Program that confronts the excess with which you deal. AA.org; OA.org; CODA.org
Beth Walsh Stewart, MTh, is the Creator of BethWe, the nonprofit that was the impetus for this work. Dedicated to rescuing the stragglers lost in the shadows of the road of life, Beth is bestknown for her Good Seed Podcasts, 12-Step seminars, weekly blogs, g.o.d. speaks books, and uplifting workshops. Beth lives by this motto: I have been called to help my brother find his authentic self and his God, and I best accomplish this end by sharing my pursuit of the same.
A Mother’s Love
BY FR HUGH DUFFY
Mothers! What you are doing today is largely invisible. But one day, people will marvel, not only at the life you have brought into the world, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of your love.
This realization started for a young mother one day as she was walking her five-year-old son Jake to school.
“I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard asked him, ‘Who is that with you?’
“Nobody,” he shrugged.
“The crossing guard and I laughed.
“My son is only five. But as we crossed the street I thought, oh, my goodness - nobody?? I’m invisible! Some days I’m only a pair of hands, nothing more. ‘Can you fix this? Can you tie that? Can you open this?’ Some days I’m not even a pair of hands, I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask: ‘What time is it?’ I’m a TV remote to answer: ‘What number is the Disney Channel on?’
“At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not an affliction, it is not a disease erasing my life; it is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my stubborn self will. It gives me the right perspective to see myself as one of the people who shows up at a job I’ll never see finished, to work on something greater than all the gold in the world.
It is like the sighing of the wind, echoing everywhere the love of the one who gave us birth.
Rev’s Verses
BY PASTOR RICH IENUSO
“When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My mom gets up at four in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.’
That would mean I built a monument to myself. But it’s not about me. I just want my son to want to come home. And then, if there’s anything more to say to his friend, to add, ‘You’re gonna love it!’
“For home is where the heart is.”
Words fail to capture the unique beauty of a Mothers’ love. The hidden and heroic sacrifices, the subtle joys and unexpected thrills and aches of motherhood cannot be adequately described. It is like the sighing of the wind, echoing everywhere the love of the one who gave us birth. It is the way of God’s providence to create again and again a mother for each child to be protected with a singular blanket of love.
Mothers, you may not live to see the full fruits of your labors. But the world will marvel, not only at what you have nurtured, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the invisible sacrifices of your love.
Happy Mothers Day!
Eve = Mother of all living (GENESIS 3:20)
Sarah = Mother of the Promised Child (GENESIS 21:6)
Hannah = Dedicated Mother (1 SAMUEL 1:22)
Elizabeth = Godly Mother (LUKE 1:41)
Mary = Obedient Mother (LUKE 1:46)
Eunice = Faithful Mother (2 TIMOTHY 1:5)
You = _______ Mother
Have a Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day! Pastor Rich
“Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.”
Church God’s Way makes it clear that the Church is NOT THE PHYSICAL BUILDING BUT THE PEOPLE. It exposes the lies and deceptions of the devil through the Biblical Truths of the Word of God.
• Comprehensive Eye Care
• Cataract Surgery
• Cornea
• Glaucoma
• Oculofacial Plastic Surgery
• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Eye Care
• LASIK
• Optical Center
• Contact Lenses
• Aesthetics
Kathleen Hollop is a healing evangelist who has experienced the miracles of God today. She has made 23 trips to Africa, Venezuela, and Columbia and also several trips to Maine.
