Inspiration from Within

Hello . . . Hello . . . Hello . . . 2012

2011-12-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

Do you remember saying good bye to an old friend who was moving away? I do. My friend and her family were moving from Alberta to Ontario. They were originally from Ontario and they thought it was time to go back. I remember feeling so sad. My minister at the time said "Don't be sad and feel that you are loosing your friend, look at the opportunity to make a new friend."

Well I have made many new friends and so has she. As we move into yet another year and say good bye to 2011, look over the past few years or even a decade and see how much you have changed. Think about what you are letting go of and what you are welcoming in your life.

As I look over the last decade I see a huge change in who I am.

I'm saying good bye . . . good bye . . . good bye . . . to depression. It no longer has a hold on me! Depression clouds your perception of what is going on around you. As I recall my many 'poor me' (false perception) stories and realize who that kept me from being. The me that God created, I am so grateful for giving myself permission to look at myself and my communication skills rather than blaming someone else for who I was. I am grateful also for the tools that God showed me to help myself and be accountable for my own behavior. The bible being the first tool, prayer being the second, letting go of control being the third.

I'm saying hello . . . hello . . . hello . . . to contentment. I am now able to be content with my life just as it is, accepting what is at any moment knowing God is in control and has allowed the circumstance in my life to help me grow closer to Him. When I am closer to God, through His son Jesus Christ I am able to be still and trust that all will work out to the glory of God.

As God delves into 2012 in your life, may your prayer of surrender and tears of letting go bring you to an awareness that you are a whole and complete person just as you are, knowing how much God loves you. May your spirit be open to His teaching as you begin to trust Him. As your trust grows you will see the truth shine forth as God reveals to you how you have been deceived from the corruption in the world.

Something to think about: Who would you be if you were not known by your job, your address, your name, your nationality?

May you have a blessed, prosperous, joy filled, abundant, healthy life by spending more time alone with God and less time involved in what the world offers.

The following programs have helped me.

bsfinternational.org
ReviveOurHearts.com
GriefRecoveryProgram.com

With Love & Encouragement,
Happy New Year
Dorothy Sessa

Happy Birthday Jesus

2011-12-25T12:46:00.001-08:00

That's the BIG DEAL about Christmas, it's a celebration remembering the birth of the baby Jesus, who was born of the virgin Mary. The baby whose parents were both visited by an angel with a very important message. They both accepted the message of the angel because they knew their God.

The baby that was born in a stable. The baby whose parents were instructed to leave Bethlehem because King Herod ordered the killing of all baby boys because of hearing about the birth of the baby Jesus.

The baby whose life and death was a GIFT from God. His son Jesus became the man who died on the cross as a Savior for the World. This cross became our hope. Our joy is now complete . . .

For God so loved you that he gave you the gift of eternal life. God is talking to you, the gift is for you. Are you ready to open the gift? With all the world's deception and make believe I pray that you will believe that God can be trusted. Study His holy word in the Bible. Get to know the God who has given you the breath of life, the God who is alive in you.

Merry Christmas

With Love & Encouragement
Dorothy Sessa

You Can Develop a Contented Heart

2011-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

You Can Develop a Contented Heart

Where were you?

2011-11-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

On November 11, 2011 at 11:11 am or pm?

I was at the Calgary airport. Just arrived back from Victoria. I spent 11 wonderful days enjoying the sights and sounds of being near the ocean. I love Victoria. Fell in love with Vancouver Island many years ago. We used to take our children camping in Lantzville when they were younger . . . and so were we! Those were good days. I managed to talk my husband into taking a week off from work. It took a lot of encouraging to get him to do that. He was so focused on his job. He turned his work van into a camping van for the week and off we went, leaving Calgary at 4am. We loved driving there. Point A to point B with only 2 stops. One for gas the other for breakfast. It was a 12 hour drive. The kids had so much fun getting ready to go. I remember them singing so many songs combining a few verses out of each song. We all got along so well when it was time for vacation. Now I enjoy being alone as I walk through Butchart Gardens giving thanks to God for creation and thanks to Mrs. Jennie Butchart for sharing her dream with us, which has now served the public for just over 100 years.

What about you and I? How are we doing at creating and living our dream?

With Love & Encouragement,
Dorothy Sessa

For more information about special calendar dates, visit www.timeanddate.com/date/special-dates.html

For more information about Butchart Gardens visit www.butchartgardens.com

Being Thankful

2011-10-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ever had an emotional explosion, larger than circumstances called for?

I can recall a few . . .
1. I knocked out part of a wall in the bathroom shower behind another bathroom shower to provide light into the bathroom without a window! It was after getting angry with my husband.
2. I took the car for an oil change and it cost my husband $1000.00. I gave the mechanic permission to fix what he said needed fixing without calling my husband, because I was mad at him for ignoring me and working so much.
3. I changed my flight home a week earlier from our holiday because I didn't like the way my husband talked to me.

You might be thinking . . . that's terrible, I'd never do such a thing. Maybe you wouldn't do those things but I'm sure you could come up with a few of your own that make you look like the bad guy/girl. As I recall those events, I can remember how I felt. They were all from being angry, thinking I'm better than he is. If he didn't pay attention to me before he sure did after the actions I took.

Those that know me, would be quite shocked that I would do such things because I look calm, cool and collected on the exterior. But on the inside, things are always stirring up a storm and I never know when it is going to come out.

As I begin to grow up and take responsibility for my thoughts, feelings and actions I have come across a grief recovery book written by John W. James and Russell Friedman. I am half way through it and have chosen my husband to be my partner in working through my recovery. In doing so I am choosing to be thankful for the love he shares with me and his taking a stand for our marriage, even though I at times do not show my love for him.

When I'm not happy being married I know I wouldn't be happy being single and I don't even want to go there. I just tell him how I honestly feel and he just lets me talk. That doesn't happen very much. I'm the listener and need to be encouraged to stand up and speak up. That's why these explosions happen, from all the bottled up feelings especially from the losses in my life.

If you take a look at your life and the losses you've experienced such as the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, friendships etc. can you start to see clearly that when you exploded it was because of all the stuffed down feelings coming to the surface? That's what has become clear to me as I recall the emotional explosions I mentioned. For me it was the loss of being me and voicing my feelings or opinions in my marriage. I was the silent partner.

As we participate in the season of Thanksgiving, I am turning my emotions heaven ward as I give thanks that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves me and most importantly loves me unconditionally. As I learn to walk and talk with Him, He encourages me to let go of my way and to trust Him as He teaches me how to be more like Him.

To learn more about Jesus, read the book of John in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. The words of Jesus will be written in red text. May you be blessed for knowing who you are, why you're here and where you'll be when you're not here.

To God be the Glory for teaching me that I am more than my emotions.

With love and encouragement,
Dorothy Sessa/Mamma D
403.473.2940

Father's Day

2011-06-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Inspiration from Within
2011 Father’s Day

Bible Verse - Zephaniah Chapter 3 Verse 17 – The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

As I think about my heavenly father and how He has set me free from ‘poor me’. I am GLAD that I have learned how to open myself up to His richness and His love as I get to know the ‘rich me’. My heart has been softened, my spirit soars like an eagle, my mind is renewed and I appreciate my breath of life.
With this renewed life I find I am more aware of what's going on around me and realize, at times, how entangled I still am when something upsets me. As I learn about letting go, I learn about whom I truly am and the choices I make in life (without blaming anyone else).

What about you? Where does your stand take you?

With this awareness I keep hearing God’s name used in vain. Immediately I know I must take a stand. With each situation it is different. Sometimes I say nothing and regret it, thinking about what I could have said. When I do take a stand and say something about not appreciating the comment, I get different responses . . . here are a few of my experiences.

1. The first time I had the courage to take a stand was in the bathroom at a Boston Pizza in Victoria BC - the girl in the stall ran out of toilet paper using His name in vain. I said "No need to bring Him into it, here is some toilet paper, God loves you and died for you" Her response, "He might have died for you, but he didn't die for me!” I didn't know how to respond to that one so I washed my hands and made a quick exit back to the restaurant. That way I wouldn't have to face her, we would only recognize each other if we looked at our feet anyway!

2. First time I didn't take a stand was at the Home show at the stampede grounds in Calgary. It was very crowded, there was a lady walking towards me rushing through the crowd upset that there were so many people. She needed to get somewhere and fast! She swore as she passed me, I heard it loud and clear. I could have said something to acknowledge to God that I was taking a stand but I didn't. The lady who swore wouldn't have heard me, someone near me would have. I was afraid of not knowing how to respond to their response so I just kept my mouth shut, but God knew what was going on!

3. New Year’s eve, we were invited to a party. The host was a business friend of my husband's. One of his guests who also knew us well said a bad joke using the Lord's name and swore twice . . . 3 strikes . . . you're OUT. I said nothing during the dinner but I did open my mouth after we all went out for an Italian Gelato. He gave me a hug good bye and I said, "It was a lovely evening except for your dirty joke and using Jesus name in vain. His response, "I'm sorry I didn't realize I offended you." I was about to continue but my husband rescued his friend with his humour, "Yes, my wife gets touchy about that; you can use my name or Henry’s name but not the name Jesus." He smiled and we all went our separate ways.

4. Going for a walk. We just went outside to go for a walk. Someone we know drives up and stopped. So we stop to chat. I find the wind chilly so I go inside to get a scarf. She commented about my scarf color matching my coat, using the Lords name in vain. She had been at my book launch. If she read my book, she knows how much I love Jesus. I looked at her and said, "You are testing me aren't you? There is no reason to be bringing Christ into this . . . I didn't even get to finish what I wanted to say, she grabbed me, hugged me and started laughing. I could write a chapter in a book about how I'm feeling!!!! But I will pray, cry and let go!

When there is something in our life that is bothering us, it is good to pray, cry and let go! It will all work out in the end. Claim the promise from Zephaniah 3:17. God is with us. He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in us. He will quiet us (and our fears) with His love. He rejoices over us with singing.

5. Taking a stand with my dad. Last spring, I took a risk in opening up a conversation about what I was learning about how much Jesus loved us. My dad kept everything to himself and never wanted to talk about anything serious. We talked about the weather and sports. So believe me it was a risk when I opened up the conversation. It didn’t go very well, my dad got upset when I offered to leave a pamphlet for him to read. He said, “You keep your religion, I’ll keep mine!” I was shocked by his response saying, “You know what dad, one of these days one of us won’t be sitting at this table, it could be me, we don’t know.” Emotions arose within each of us. I kept myself together then when I got to the car only a couple of minutes later I fell apart, I cried all the way home. My mind’s desire was to stay away. My heart’s desire was to forgive. I stayed away for 2 weeks. He didn’t call me and I didn’t call him. I prayed, cried and let go, accepting what was then continued with our weekly visits. On the next visit when I left he said, “Sometimes its better I don’t say anything because it comes out wrong.” I said “I know how you feel dad.” I gave him a hug and left.

A few months later my dad chose to fight for his life after the Dr. told him he had 2 days to 2 weeks to live (he lived 24 hours). I said to him that day in Sept 2010 – “Dad, that’s tough news to take. All you can do is fight, pray and trust God.” His response was, “Yes everybody has to trust God.” As he struggled to breathe I told him it was ok to let go. He said, “I’m trying.” A few hours later he took his last breath.

This is my first father’s day without my dad. I do miss our visits and often think about what it will be like when I meet God face to face.

May memories of loved ones long or recently gone bring joy to your heart knowing that a place has been prepared for them and for us all.

Prayer: Father forgive us for not trusting you, for not looking to you for our answers, for not acknowledging what you have done for us, for not thinking we are worth being loved. Help us to accept your love so that we can love you, ourselves and others unconditionally. Inspire us to let go of complaining as we learn to give thanks in all things. Fill our spirit with the freedom to praise you in song that your name is above all names. You know where we are to stand and what we are to stand for. May our lives be full of courage and strength as we give thanks for our breath of life even though we must carry on without our loved ones.

Suggested readings from the Bible: John Chapters 14-16, Philippians Chapter 2,
Colossians Chapters 1-4

With Love & Encouragement

A u t h o r D o r o t h y S e s s a
Thank You MLM – Are You Ready?
Not sold in stores call 403.473.2940

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"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened . . . "

2011-05-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Is Your health challenging you? Do you feel burdened with your struggles? For me living with Type 2 Diabetes is a challenge and sometimes I feel burdened when I'm not able to fit in with the routine with a group of people when traveling; even if it's only my husband and I.

It's been 10 years since having a check up. Hard to find a family Dr. never mind a female family Dr. Well I did locate one on the suggestion of my husband; the man who never went to see a Dr until 2002. On my search I was happy to get in within a week for my first appointment called 'meet and greet'! She said she was willing to take me on as a new patient. Great, now I had to come back in two weeks for my physical. Now I remember why I didn't like going to the Dr. Made it through the check up went for my routine blood work, bone density exam, and still trying to find a friendly way of doing a mammogram. As that is the only thing I said I would not go for, a mammogram. The Dr said if I did have the more friendly way of getting it done to let her know. I called the Spa where I heard about this friendly mammogram, it is called a Thermography. The cost to me personally is $262.50. My appointment is in one month when the clinic will be in my city.

As I was waiting I got a call from my new family Dr. She asked me to come to the office to go over my results. Another reminder of a painful memory . . . wondering what the results are!! Well I did go to the Dr. two days later. Everything was normal . . . except for my cholesterol, the number for the good was too low and the number for the bad was too high! Now what? As a Type 2 diabetic the final number was too high as it put me in high risk for heart complications. For someone who didn't have diabetes there was no issue, but seeing I do I had better pay attention.

The new family (young,slim,blond) Dr. said "I don't see you loosing 50 lbs, do you?" My response, "Probably not!" "Well then, we'll put you on medication because diet and exercise can not lower your reading by 40%." I was surprised by her comment. I was not impressed by her thinking I couldn't do something on my own about my health. My goodness she didn't know ANYTHING about ME! If there is any one out there who took total responsibility for her health, it's me!!!! My friends can testify. I had controlled my type 2 for 12 years without any medication, just diet and exercise. I've let go of eating the normal white sugar, white flour, white rice, white pasta for years. Being married to an Italian it was a challenge to let go of eating past and still making it for my family.

So it was evident my struggle in life has always been my weight, always loosing the same 25 lbs over and over again. Trying this program and that program, loosing and gaining back every couple of years. I told the Dr. I didn't like the idea of going on medication so I would try by myself. She said she would not be able to help me with my complications if I did not follow her plan. So I took the Rx. As I went to the pharmacy to fill the Rx. I asked the pharmacist (at the pharmacy where they sell natural products as well and are educated in them too) what were some of the natural choices for me. She helped me pick out a high grade Omega 3 oil, CoQ10 and Col-Sterol (plant sterol). These products help with the removal of plaque on your arteries. I'm also looking into macrobiotic foods. I chose to say NO to the Rx.

The other thing I did was start a simple exercise program. I was at my favorite run away place the day I began my exercise program,on Mother's Day. What a great thing to do for myself. It's been almost a week. I'm feeling better already! I'm reviewing the do's and dont's of previous programs and taking responsibility once again. As I take inventory of my thought process I am also considering talking to my self about how I feel. My body, mind and soul feel like all is well as I thank the Lord for my new family Dr. who has encouraged me to lower my cholesterol by 40%. I can hardly wait to go see her in 3 months.

Just as Jesus was tempted for forty days in the wilderness without food, responding to the devil with the power of the Spirit that "Man does not live on bread alone", I too can over come with the power of the Spirit when I am tempted; which brings to mind that when I am pressed to make a choice, it's totally up to me to choose to follow God's way (out) or my way and face the consequence. After only 7 days, I was faced with a choice. I chose my way, now I have to face the consequence . . . working so hard all week then falling into temptation for an Italian gelato of all things. (one of my favorites) So when I am burdened (having just come across this bible verse), I will go to the one who will give me rest. I will take my yoke upon Him and learn from Him (Jesus) for He is gentle and humble in heart, and I will find rest for my soul. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Matthew 11:28

May you too find rest for your soul or your burden as you look to God for direction in your life. Can you guess where my favorite run away spot is?

With Love & Encouragement
Dorothy/Mamma D

Celebrating Mother's Day

2011-05-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

Being Canadian means many things to many people. Many people dream of coming to Canada. Some may be here and wish they were not here because they miss their family. Others wish they could be somewhere else during our long winters and still others are so happy to be here. What about you, which category are you in?

I'm very happy to be living in Calgary, Canada. It's a bit cold here but that's just the way it is here. Canadians speak French and English . . . well some of us do. As for me I speak English and my second language is Italian, not French!!

The month of May, in many countries, we are celebrating an important day called Mother's Day Festa della Mamma Fête des Mères

I was born and bred in Calgary, Canada. I learned a bit of French as a child but that was it. I ended up marrying an Italian from Naples and began to learn a Southern Italian dialect, Neapolitan.

My grandmother Bessie Wilson, who I called Nana came from Sault Ste Marie Ontario (born on St. Joe's Island) headed West to Calgary in 1921. She was my best friend. When she met my Italian boyfriend back in 1975 she suggested I not marry him because he was raised differently. She grew to love him and he became my husband. I poured myself into his culture and boy was he happy and so was I for a long time until depression began its journey in me.

Eventually I thought I'm too Canadian to be Italian, yet I'm too Italian to be Canadian! As I learned to open up and share my feelings with my Nana, she would pour me a cup of tea and share her home made cookies. I'd usually be complaining about my husband - he said or did or didn't say or do something that brought me to tears. Then she would encourage me and remind me about his qualities and I would leave with a smile on my face once again as she wiped away my tears. My Nana passed away in 1985. She was the one who encouraged me with books and suggested I watch TV programs about Jesus. Thanks to her prayers and her continued encouragement, I became a believer and have been on my journey with Jesus since 1978. I've been blessed with three children, two grandchildren and finally understand the freedom that Jesus represents since finishing my second book, 'Are You Ready?'

I am free to love and be loved.

Out there somewhere is a mom, grandma, great grandma who would really be happy to tell you her story. Are we ready to let go of our agenda and spend a day with her? What can we do to bring some joy into her life? May be our mom needs to hear us say "I'm sorry, I forgive you, or I love you."

Out there somewhere in our neighborhood there is a single mom, widowed grandma who could use some encouragement. Shall we ask God who we could encourage today? We will all be blessed when we do. Could be our child/children need(s) an apology.

God will give us the courage to say what needs to be said. Let's just do it and not hold back.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers, may you enjoy your special day and to those who are not Mothers, may you lend a hand to a special woman today.

Thanks be to God for our Mothers, Grandmothers and Friends.

With Love & Encouragement
Dorothy Sessa

Royal Wedding Breakfast - April 29, 2011

2011-04-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

When I heard that there was going to be a get together to watch the Royal Wedding, I called the phone number to buy tickets for the 'Royal Breakfast'. It was held downtown Calgary at the Palliser Hotel which they called the Buckingham Palliser for the day. It was so much fun. I attended with my cousin.

There were so many cool hats. A few young ladies got a table of 8 together and made their own hats. They even got interviewed by local news reporters. It was a lovely morning. I must say that we looked good even at 7am!

Later that day I ended up taking my husband to the hospital after enduring a few trips to the hospital in pain over the past few months. Finally they got down to the bottom of the problem. He had stones causing much pain in his gall bladder, ending up with surgery that night. It was a very eventful day! I've been nursing him back to health. Glad to still have him around even though he took NO interest in the Royal Wedding, feeling sick or feeling well!

The Whole Easter Story.

2011-04-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

If you're not sure about the Christian Easter Celebration I'd like to explain it a bit. This is taken from our church service on Easter Sunday. My prayer is that it will help you to better understand why it is so important to Christians and why it would be wonderful for you to ask yourself at the end, what your part in the story is?

At the end I will share the healing details of my life from believing in the whole Easter story.

Once upon a time - a long time ago - in the beginning - it was a dark night - God created the heaven and earth and filled them with wonders. All was beautiful to look at - it was good - eyes, mouth and mind were wide open looking at this physical beauty.

God is about love & relationships. Welcome the characters to the story. God created Adam & Eve in a perfect garden - Eden where there was no shame. They walked and talked with God who was their friend.

Then enters the Spiritual Society - the angels - one became a villain - Lucifer, whose #1 goal is to destroy the characters - Adam & Eve.

Lucifer - (the enemy) the fallen angel realized that God was bigger than him. He thought #1 You can't trust God's love #2 He's holding out on us #3 I can be bigger than God (my letting go of my shackles)

There began a war - Lucifer attacked God's most precious creation - Love & Relationships, Freedom to choose = love/hate, obey/disobey etc. etc.

God chose to love us and give us freedom to choose. Darkness took over - Lucifer tricked Eve with his deceptions (#1,#2,#3) then took a bite from the apple off the tree of life. The one tree Adam & Eve were not to eat from. Adam & Eve went from holy to unholy - perfect to imperfect.

Read: Romans 3 - all have sinned, Romans 6 - wages of sin is death, Colossians 2 - you were dead in your sins.

Then there was a hero - Jesus Christ. Who is this hero? A carpenter's son, born in Galilee, being the very nature of God, Immanuel-God with us, born of the Virgin Mary = God's son. He put on the garment of flesh and walked among us. He was tempted in every way.

Read: 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

This hero, Jesus Christ; God's son was crucified by His own people yet on the third day He rose from the dead. All other god's are dead. Jesus Christ is the only God who is ALIVE living in believers. (That is the amazing miracle of the Christian Easter story)

The battle is done. God with us - gave us the free gift of God - eternal life. Where o death is your victory? When we die to self and believe in God's love through the death of His son Jesus Christ - it is then that death is victorious.

This is the final act - the final chapter - He cares for us, standing at the door and knocks - when the enemy whispers #1, #2, #3 - do not listen! There is a battle for your heart. Your life is the perfect life full of mercy, grace & love.

God has so many choices, why should God let us in heaven?

Ideal ending - they lived happily ever after.

Read Revelation - the old order of things will change - the Alpha and the Omega will come again (Jesus Christ) - to take his children (Believers) home. Are you ready?
What is your part in the story?

That is the end of the Easter Sermon.

With love & encouragement,
Author
Dorothy Sessa

Now to share my story . . . The two Crosses were created for my book, 'Are You Ready?', Taking a stand for freedom. I was born in the city of Calgary-hence Calgary vs Calvary's cross. Calgary's cross represents the death of self. Calvary's cross represents the death of Jesus. My story in, 'Are You Ready?' encourages you to find a way out of the mess you're in . . . to find a salve that heals your wounds . . . to know that someone hears your cries . . . to take off the masks you think you hide behind . . . to be freed to be the woman God created you to be by releasing the 'little girl within'.

Pain built upon pain from childhood onwards leaves you crying inside. And while you think you're hiding it all behind a mask, there is One who knows exactly how you feel.

'Are You Ready?' follows me through my years of hiding behind masks to hungering so much for truth and freedom that I finally turned to the One whose love never fails. My journey of healing inspires women to open their spirit to the unconditional love of God - and to learn how to love yourself and others.

Only God can turn the 'poor me' little girl within who believes lies to a 'rich me' woman who walks in the freedom of truth. Are you ready to let go? Are you ready to live a full and vibrant life? You can! As I learned to feed my hunger with truth and quench my thirst with living water, so can you. Are you ready to free the little girl within to be a happy, revitalized woman who actually has fun in life? Are you ready?

Good Easter/Buona Pasqua/Bonne Pâques

2011-04-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

I live in Calgary, Canada, our language is bilingual. English and French. I don't remember much French after 8 years of learning in Elementary & Jr. High School. At 22 years of age I married an Italian Immigrant . . . so my language has been English and Italian!

I have been blessed knowing two cultures. It takes a lot of patience being around people who speak a language you don't understand. Many times I would just sit at the table and knit while my husband and our friends were laughing and having fun. Many times I would ask questions. Many times I would ask for them to say what they were saying in English. Then there came a time when we didn't entertain as much, so I wasn't around Italians. I worked out of the home for a short period of six years, around English speaking people. I lost a lot of what I learned. Then one time when we were traveling with two other Italian couples who were speaking Italian most of the time I became resentful. I removed myself from having fun and didn't communicate at all. Holding in my anger and resentment.

When we got home I called them and told them I don't understand Italian. When you are around me please speak English. They were shocked. Shocked that I didn't understand after listening for so many years, 30 to be exact. As I shared my story with others about being upset, some said they should speak English esp. if they know how. Some said, I should learn Italian. Anyway, it took courage to speak the truth. Now they know. They still chuckle because when I know what they are talking about and join in they say, "See you do understand." When they have a visitor from Italy they always ask me to say something in Italian. Then they chuckle at my cute accent!

Sometimes I blame, complain, defend and justify my behavior. One day I will stand before God when I will be questioned on my choices in life and God will ask me . . . Did you feed the hungry? Did you help the poor? Did you look after my children? It is then that blaming complaining, defending and justifying will not help.

My Italian friends are Catholic. I am not. At Easter they do a lot of things to remember Jesus. Even though I'm not Italian or Catholic, I do love Jesus, He is my best friend. My faith is very strong. Jesus has set me free to love myself and others just as they are and are not.

Where do you stand today? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you understand His language of love? Are you celebrating the fact that He has risen from the dead . . . being happy that we have the freedom to celebrate this in Canada?

Today as I went to google to translate, I learned that the phrase they use to greet you at Easter time does not mean Happy Easter, it means Good Easter. I always greet them with Happy Easter and Buona Pasqua. Now I know the difference! For me to say Good Easter sounds funny. So I will continue saying Happy Easter to all my friends and Buona Pasqua to my Italian friends! Happy Easter to you all. Peace be with you.

Tutto alla tabella, a mangiare, everyone to the table lets eat.

With Love and Encouragement,
Dorothy Sessa
403.473.2940

Dance of Freedom

2011-04-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

Remember being overwhelmed by the amount of reading you had to do when you were in High School or University? Books cost a lot of money! You finish reading, studying, doing exams then what do you do with all that knowledge?

Someday, somehow somewhere you'll put all that you've learned into practice as you follow the desire of your heart. My desire was to be free to just be me!!!

I didn't go to university, but I did go to the Alberta Vocational Center now known as Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary. I got paid to go there, if you can imagine that! My desire was to be a secretary.

As a child, I hated school with a passion. The only book I managed to read was Charlotte's Web. I still love that book and movie. As I got away from school my passion to serve the public came alive as a young waitress at an Italian restaurant. I eventually married an Italian then became passionate about serving my family. Turns out Italians are passionate about food so most of my time was spent in the kitchen. My husband was very happy, and so was I for a long time as I hid behind the mask of 'perfect wife/mother'. Eventually I put all that book knowledge into practice as my husband's secretary for his painting business and hid behind the mask of 'humble servant'.

By the time my youngest was in grade 3 I started looking for a way out of the kitchen. As I began looking into what other women who worked out of the home were doing, turns out not much got done at home, but I sure had fun learning about who I was and what I liked to do!

I ended up writing a book about my business experience in 2007. Writing the book Thank You MLM, helped me to see that God was answering my prayer. My prayer request was to be healed from depression.

As I came to the end of the book, turns out God wanted me to write another book, Are You Ready?

On April 3, 2011 I celebrated the launch of that book. It was a blast. We had so much fun. I sure enjoyed seeing everyone laugh and enjoy themselves with their masks or funky sunglasses on.

For a little girl that hated school, who was mad at the whole world, who felt unloved, who hid behind a mask so no one would know who she was or what she was up to, it's pretty amazing how God turned a 'poor me' worthless little girl into a 'rich me' priceless woman who has found her voice and is ready to give God the glory for the great things he has done in her life.

Where are you in your life? Have you had an encounter with God? He wants you to share how He is working in your life.

I never thought I'd be writing books nor did I think I'd have the courage to use my voice to talk about how great God is. Never say never . . .

Are you ready to be set free? From the womb to the tomb you've always & forever been loved. www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Possibly like me, you're wondering what's next in your life? Give to God the desire of you heart, pray, cry, let go and see your spirit soar, as mine does now!

Trust in His Power to free you!

With Love & Encouragement,
Dorothy Sessa

Let the Spirit Come!

2011-04-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

I remember clearly setting up a time to meet with my children one on one in January 2010. I have 3 children, 2 daughters and 1 son. They are all adults now and I have 2 grandson's too. What I wanted to talk to my children about, was my mid life crisis. This crisis happened in 1997. It came out in the writing of a book I was working on, 'Are You Ready?' As I met with each one of them, one on one - tears came to my eyes and my voice started shaking as I shared my truth with them. I confessed that at one time, when they were teenagers I faced a huge crisis in my life.

They didn't know what to say or what to do. One in particular couldn't believe what I had just said and left in tears. One was compassionate. One was angry that I would want to put it in my book. As we discussed the feelings that arose within each one of us, my crisis turned into an awareness.

I became aware that my communication skills had changed and I was looking at my life without the 'poor me' little girl within perception of life. I had been set free to just be me, the 'rich me' woman I was created to be; and as I continued to get ready to publish my book the healing began.

As I took my stand for freedom I knew that it was God who had stirred up our lives to make our paths straight, so we could see clearly what He was up to and how He would reveal truth into our lives, because the little boy or little girl within seems to tell lies!!!

My husband and children supported me 110% at the book launch on April 3, 2011 as we laughed and shared our joy with our family and friends at DancEnergy in Calgary. If you were there and got a book, I hope you enjoy reading the book and see how much God loves you and realizing what He is up to in your life too. If you don't have a copy of the book call me at 403.473.2940 to get one today.

With Love & Encouragement,
Dorothy Sessa

International Women's Day 1911 - 2011

2011-03-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

I've been in Canada my whole life and knew nothing about International Women's day . . . until last year my Italian friend Anna told me about it.

International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries of the world. In Italy it’s known as the “Festa della Donna.” It falls on March 8th every year, and the most conspicuous form of recognition of the holiday throughout Italy is the mimosa (the flower, not the drink!).

Leading up to the Festa della Donna every year, you’ll notice all the sidewalk flower vendors have bunches and bunches of the bright yellow bouquets – and then you’ll see people walking around with newly-purchased mimosa sprigs, on their way to deliver the flowers to a special woman in their lives. It’s not just about men giving flowers to women, either – women give mimosas to their mothers, sisters, friends, and other women who are important to them.

International Women's Day began as an event to draw attention to the plight of working women. However, in many countries, including Canada, it has become an opportunity to reflect on women's progress in all fields of endeavour. International Women's Day is supported by communities, organizations, labour unions and governments at all levels. While March 8 is a day to commemorate the past, it also provides opportunities to celebrate achievements and to look forward and reaffirm a commitment to continued progress.

I feel blessed having been raised in Canada. Double blessed knowing the Italian culture as well. Sometimes I think I'm too Italian to be Canadian and too Canadian to be Italian. I have the freedom to choose who I am each and every day. I choose to just be me! The old me wished I could be like . . . . Michelle, who is comfortable speaking in public . . . like Annette who's excellent in the kitchen . . . like Concetta, Sandra or Tina who lovingly serve their family . . . like my husband who has a great sense of humor. Now that I've let go of wanting to be like someone else I'm quite content getting to know who I am in Christ. My passion is getting to know how the spirit of God works through me . . . and as I learn I will be sharing with you.

What ever you do to celebrate being a woman I hope you celebrate each and every day as you give thanks to God for your breath of life.

With Love & Encouragement,
Dorothy

Love & Forgiveness

2011-02-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

Have you ever asked “Why me?”

It was spring 2008; our daughter would soon be getting married. It was time to write down the names for the invitation list. There were too many so we had to take some off. It was tough to do but it had to be done. My daughter had just mailed the invitations the day before I bumped into a couple at the grocery store. I knew there name had been taken off the list.

Internally I’m thinking, not me, oh no, why me God, why not my husband?
I hadn’t seen them for quite a while. Usually we met each other at weddings and funerals. They had heard about our daughter’s wedding. She said, “I hope we’re invited because I’m going to Italy after the wedding and I’d like to tell them how much fun we had.” Gulp!!!! I said, “Well actually our son in law has a big family and we won’t be able to invite as many people as we did to our other daughter’s wedding.” A bit more conversation happened. I tried to gently inform them that they would not be coming, without actually having to say those words. She said “I understand, you have to do what you have to do, but I hope you won’t disappoint us!” I could tell the husband was UPSET.

The next week we had an unexpected visitor. He knew the couple that I had bumped into at the grocery store. By then the couple would have known their name was taken off the list because they didn’t get an invitation. He proceeded to tell us the unkind words that were being expressed by the couple who were not invited.

Oh well, what can you do? You can’t please everybody!

It was a year after our daughter’s big and wonderful day.

This time we were at our friend’s daughter’s wedding when my husband and I bumped into the lady who wasn’t invited to our daughter’s wedding. Without even saying hello she proceeded to say to my husband (in Italian) “Man of s.h.i.t. I still love you!” I understood what she said and I stood there waiting to see what my husband would say. His response, “It’s been a year, isn’t it time to let go!” Then she looked at me and I smiled and said, “I still love you too!” Then we gave each other a hug! Wondering about the husband? He still won’t talk to us!

I hope you bump into someone who could use a hug with a gesture of Love & Forgiveness this Valentine’s season and may you feel the courage to fully love and express (espresso!) yourself.

With Love & Encouragement
Dorothy Sessa

Pray Cry Let Go

2011-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

It took the birth of my grandson 5 years ago to realize I was given the breath of life; it was then that I let go of depression and started showing some gratitude for that breath I was given.

It took the death of my father (on my grandson's fifth birthday) to become aware of my purpose in life; to give glory to God for the great things he has done in my life.

So I prayed, I cried and I let go of my struggle of fighting to just be me. It was when I let go I realized that my struggle no longer existed.

All my pushing and shoving - trying to be a somebody was no longer necessary. I could just have fun and be spontaneous at any moment. (like in my photo-believe me it was a spontaneous moment!)

God was telling me "Now is the time to close the door on your business. I'm going to open the window on your next book, 'Are You Ready?'. Just be still and trust me."

That is what I did. I shut down my business. I'm finishing my book and trusting God to provide the way to get it out there.

Wow what an amazing decade it's been being part of the World Wide Web.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being of service to you.
I know that your questions will soon be answered.
Your search will soon be over.
It is inevitable that the truth will be revealed to those who search for it.

As I gain perspective of the Majesty of God
I trust His Holy Spirit; letting go of pleasing and serving self.
Today I encourage you to take a stand for your freedom too!

Pray * Cry * Let Go
With Love & Encouragement
Dorothy Sessa
Author of Thank You MLM
April 2011 my next book: Are You Ready?
(Not sold in stores)

Dorothy Sessa on Choosing Happiness

2010-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

MLM ~ Multi Level Money ~ MLM

2010-03-16T05:59:00.001-07:00

It's all coming back to me now! The first time my husband said, "No more money honey!" It was 2004, I remember as if it was yesterday. The MLM business I was in with Excel Telecommunications had closed the doors on us independent representatives. I was lost again. I didn't want to be home alone again! I thought what am I going to do with the rest of my life. The six years I spent learning about me while doing this business had to have come to some conclusion, I thought. I was mad it all fell apart. It took three and a half years of going to meetings, talking to people before I started seeing the money. I had $2700 a month coming in from other people coming into the business. It was nothing that I did other than show up and sign up in the beginning. Not many people joined under me. But lots of people joined under some other people that wanted to start their own business that were in my down line.

My husband never liked this way of doing business. We were arguing a lot. I said he could retire soon. He responded with, "No way, I don't want to retire!" Then why was I doing this business, I wondered. Then one day he said, once you make $3000 a month I'll consider slowing down at work. Only $300 more to go and the company closed it's doors. I WAS MAD. I WAS SAD. I WAS LOST AGAIN. "What am I going to do with the rest of my life, I thought?" Well I could be a speaker. I started dreaming again as I kept going to those meetings. I started looking into things that made me happy. It was my turn now! The day my husband said no more money honey I got an email invitation to go to a seminar in the USA. It was teaching you how to be a speaker. Now what could I do. My fun money was all gone. No more would be coming in. I got anxious. I paced up and down, up and down, up and down. The little girl in me said I can't take this anymore. My poor me story was racing in my head. Poor me, nobody loves me, poor me nobody cares, poor me, poor me, poor me. If I had a gun I would have used it. It is ridiculously ridiculous but that is what I would have done. I remember it vividly. That was my way out.

But I remembered to do something I had just learned from a seminar at Landmark Education. (I highly recommend that program) I asked myself two questions. I went outside for a walk after calling my seminar leader who was busy. I needed help. I asked myself, Dorothy what are you feeling? I feel cornered! Dorothy when did you first feel like this. I was but a child having to testify in court against my parents who were getting a divorce. I had been crying when I left the house. After realizing the truth I started laughing. I didn't have to end my life. Those feelings I felt were from my past, I didn't have to carry that into my future. I was set free. I could now be who God created me to be!

Suicide sucks! Who did I think I was to snuff out the breath of life that God gave me. He is in charge. He knows the day and the hour of my death. I am not afraid. It is only my body that will die. My spirit will go to be with God and his son Jesus in heaven because I believe! Now I am free to live. My dream of being a speaker has come true. I am building a REAL business now. Those espresso coffee cups represent some of the feelings that were going on in my life while I was building that MLM business. I lived to tell my story in my first book, Thank You MLM. It is a story of COURAGE. Now I know how to be still with God and trust in him not in my feelings. Thanks to Patricia Morgan (a speaker in Calgary) for her encouragement to write a book about my MLM experience. As I wrote that story God encouraged me to find something to be thankful for. I became thankful that I was no longer a door mat. It was written to encourage you. As well, she said nobody would read a story about, free to be me, my first idea because I was an unknown person.

Calgary, things have changed around here. Calgary, are you ready for my next book? Are You Ready? It's about the little girl within being ready to be the woman God called her to be ( a speaker). A book that proves there is a God with a heart, are you ready to give him yours? Now my husband and I are on the same page. Married 34 years. Now that's what I call a miracle. I can hardly wait to tell the story of God in action.

Trusting God

2010-03-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

That's what I'm doing. Trusting God. Man can not be trusted. We let each other down all the time. As I learn to trust God everyday I'm learning about letting go of my stuff. My stuff is what keeps me in the way of success. As I become aware of what's holding me back I let go of my opinions and just be me. If you've never had that experience I would encourage you to step back, take a breath, ask God what he wants you to do in that situation and just be still. Amazing things will happen when you do.

Here I am Lord, Use Me, I'm Ready!!

2010-02-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

As I look back over the last four months I can see how much God has shown me about me. I see that my priorities have changed and that has brought changes in my marriage. I am grateful that God sent me the perfect man 34 years ago! The man who would love me and teach me how to communicate. I used to be shy, quiet, fearful and always reacting to what was going on around me. I've learned that to get what I wanted I'd have to learn how to take a stand. It has to be so important to me that I'm willing to do what ever it takes to get it. Well that's what seems to be happening with how I'm communicating now. God has given me the opportunity to express myself within my marriage. My dream is to be a speaker as I totally let go of my fear of expressing myself. Within letting go I am amble to dig deep into my emotions and see that what I see expressed by others has nothing to do with me. It's what's going on within them at that moment when I'm expressing my desire.

As I share what I'm doing and how I'm doing it in building this dream of being a speaker I'm getting opposition with those I love. I feel I'm being attacked from all sides. It's like God asking me how important is this to you and what are you willing to do to achieve it? In so creating everything for a purpose I am standing tall. I'm able to listen to my loved ones not so nice comments because they don't understand why there seems to be so much struggle in achieving my dream. Questions are being asked like, Why didn't you do this when you were 30? Why do you have to do this now? Why are there so many arguments in your marriage if you think this is your calling? It should be smooth sailing, if it's from God! How do you know this is your calling? Who is going to pay you for speaking? I don't understand what the heck you've got to speak about? What are you doing speaking to men if your going to be speaking to women's groups? And the questions just keep coming?

As I listen to their frustrations, tears, loud voice, I try my best to stay calm and just say what ever comes up. I walk away from some conversations filling my spirit with doubt. Just last week I went to bed and said, "God, if this is all about my ego please take me home to be with you while I sleep tonight!" In the morning I woke up in my bed. OK this is not about me it's about God. So I will continue. The next day after listening to some other comments about what I'm doing I go home in tears wondering why is this so painful if it's from God. I arrive home get ready for an evening of visiting then check my phone messages. The message says, Thanks for the lovely card Dorothy, sorry I won't be able to be there tomorrow to listen to you speak. Listen to me speak!!! What? I'm speaking? I checked my day timer nothing on for tomorrow. I check the two groups I belong to, nothing. I knew I missed one speaking opportunity because I was going out of town. The next one, which would be tomorrow I had written in my day timer for the next week to have a coffee after the meeting with the leader. I sat down at the computer to clear out my emails, then I was going straight to bed. As I cleared them out the last message was from that leader who said sorry for the short notice, just wanted to confirm you're speaking tomorrow. Let me know if it's still OK.

I prayed, read some scripture from the bible. Didn't feel inspired. I was emotionally exhausted from listening to the doubters in my life. I went to bed and prayed God if you want me to speak at this meeting, you're going to have to inspire me and wake me up to prepare a speech. He woke me up at 1:30am. I laid there for 2 hours thinking. I got up at 3:30 prepared my speech for an hour. Practiced and touched it up for the next hour then got ready for the 7am meeting. I was alive. I was awake. I WAS READY! This would be my first intro speech since starting my business on Nov. 2, 2009. I was calm. I had all my thoughts collected. I had prayed. God reminded my about my mirror, my 6' banner, my notes and I was off. Deep down inside I knew God was up to something. He wanted me to know it had nothing to do with my efforts but it was all in His timing and He would be the one that would give the speech. I continued building upon that speech through the week as I prepared to have my speech edited for a women's group before they would invite me to speak at their meeting. It was coming along just great. As I went to have coffee with the leader of the group where I had given my intro speech she asked me to be a speaker with a group of women in the near future. She liked what God had to say the week before and we openly shared our walk with God and how God is empowering women to be used for a new purpose in the world. Praise God that we are ready to answer the call.

It's not about the money!

2010-02-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

As I continued calling people I realized it was going to take a lot self discipline to keep going. I began to have an appreciation for women who worked full time and still kept things going at home. With my desire to actually begin a business I soon found myself running out of energy from working so hard. My house was not getting cleaned. The laundry was piling up. The fridge was not full and I was beginning to resent my husband not having any energy to help me with getting dinner ready. Within a short time my husband was beginning to resent my busyness as well.

As I began to spend time and money to promote me being a speaker I soon realized that there would not be enough money to complete my other passion of publishing my second book. That pushed me into full speed ahead. I was making more phone calls and started following up with suggestions of joining networking events. That kept me crazy busy. I wanted to work harder so people would get to know who I was and what I do so that I could begin to create an income and show my husband I could do it.

It became obvious that even though I thought it was about money, it was not about the money! It was about communication skills. It was about being still with God and trusting him for the connections. It really had nothing to do with me. I was beginning to open up to the bigger picture of what was really going on.

Little Girl Within!!

2010-02-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

After having a conversation with the little girl within I began calling organizations from my city that helped women I realized that I would not be able to remember all the conversations. It didn't take long for me to think 'I can't do this'. I was half way through day 2, when I (or was it that little girl?)went upstairs crying, totally in despair as to how I was going to pull this off. I thought it would be easier to pop in a movie and pop me some of my favorite popcorn! But how could I? I had just made an agreement with myself and my coach. We came up with a schedule that I promised I would keep.As that thought went through my head I picked up the phone to call a friend. My friend was good at talking and would help pass the time. As I dialed her number I remembered she wasn't here anymore. They had moved to Lebanon. My friend who I shared my daily trials with wouldn't be there to take the call. So I had a little cry then said a prayer and went back down stairs to my office. I wanted to be a speaker and that's the business I would build. With each conversation I was just myself. What I was talking about were things I had gone through. I didn't need a script. I really didn't know what I would do if someone asked me what I would speak about. I just shared from the heart. As each day went by and I figured out why I was doing what I was doing with each conversation it became clear. The women that I would talk to would be women in transition; women going through mid-life crisis. As that became clear it helped me gain direction as to the organizations I would call as well. Somehow the little girl in me was beginning to grow up.

No more money, honey!

2010-01-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

I've been a kept woman for 30+ years. I have transitioned from stay at home mom, to business woman.

When my generous husband gave me my last lump sum of money for the year to put towards my hobby (creating a website full of messages for healing and personal growth) and said, when it's gone it's gone, I'm not giving you anymore. I stood up and paid attention. That was exactly what I needed to hear as he took the first step in preparing for his retirement!

I said that's OK honey, I'll make my own money. I said a prayer, looked in the mirror and said OK little girl within, Are You READY? It's time to let go of your FEAR . . . I hired a business coach, got some business cards made for the occasion, created an advertising budget, got my cards set up at the hotels in Calgary (with MiniatureMenus.com) and started calling people.

As I started making 'cold calls' (calling people I didn't know) my courage and purpose slowly emerged. The woman who once had a dream, came alive again! Day one began November 1, 2009. Stay tuned for the juicy updates of the little girl within.