That little phrase only came together in the spring, summer and fall of 1991. Over the last thirty-two years, I have shared that card with thousands of people. With each card I tried to give the person who received it a short explanation of how living that truth could make a difference in their life.
In addition to being blessed with a wonderful wife, who shared my life for over fifty-eight and a half years, three great sons, four beautiful grandchildren, wonderful parents and my Catholic Faith, the discovery of that phrase and the true meaning behind it has made the most difference in my life.
The upgrade to this site which occurred in 2016 was brought about by something that happened one morning, in the spring of 2016, as I was praying in the chapel after Mass at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Altoona, PA. I looked up at the Crucifix behind the altar which had a picture of the Blessed Mother on one side and a picture of Jesus blessing His people on the other. The thought occurred to me that the Crucifix in the middle, with our Blessed Mother on one side and Jesus on the other would be a good start for a revised website.
AS you heard in the Yellow Rose trailer, NOW, with the encouragement of my spiritual directors and a number of friends who wanted to know how that little phrase came about and what it really means, I have completed the book, the picture of which, you just clicked on, and which should bring it all into "focus".
The growth of the story was spurred on by the fact the I received so many affirmations of the phrase on my little card and the title of my book from those who accepted my card or read my book, followed by a confirmation from seven people whom I deeply respect.
They included Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR., founder of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Fr. Silvan Rouse, CP., who was my Spiritual Director from 1995 until about a year before his death, on October 25, 2014, and three others who served as my spiritual director for a short time.
Those confirmations also came from Deacon Michael Russo, Obl. S.B., M.A., Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, and Mother John of the Cross, O.C.D., Prioress of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns at the convent of Carmel of Saint Therese of Lisieux, Loretto, PA.
They all agreed that focus on the moment and TRUST in GOD'S LOVE is a message of Abandonment to Divine Providence, in simple words, which they wanted me to share with everyone. I am trying to heed their advice to the best of my ability.
This site is another step in that direction.
To learn more about what it took for me to get here, click
My Personal Journey
© 2004- 2023 Gene P. Neral