tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22575816099835275562024-03-18T22:18:30.215-05:00Life is an open book testA lifelong journeyChristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-30757342717700664402016-09-10T00:32:00.000-05:002016-09-10T00:32:03.293-05:00Scripture Reference #1 from SCRC 2016<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 12: 1-2 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The New Life in Christ</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-005d5fb9-1291-493d-ac17-95d3957e8a5f"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">12 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Do not be conformed to this world</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-63457820748917013492016-01-03T18:23:00.000-06:002016-01-03T18:23:26.845-06:00Totally diggin' this song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-56664000652330244772015-11-08T22:52:00.003-06:002015-11-08T22:52:50.511-06:00Wake up with JOY<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I invite all of us to examine our consciences, repent and ask forgiveness for our sins from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, taking comfort in His Forgiveness and Love for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's wake up in the morning, clothed in His Love for us, fresh, anew, pure and clean. We have been forgiven our sins, from our baptism from Original Sin, and venial sins forgiven through His Graces and Sacraments. I love Reconciliation/Confession, which is needed for forgiveness of mortal sins, and is wonderful for venial sins as well. But our venial sins are forgiven in other ways as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so easy to feel that we are stained with sin, but let us remember that we are pure and clothed in His Mercy and Forgiveness. Remember this, not our own selves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us wake up with JOY, filled with His Love, and bask in the warmth of knowing of all He has for us. Today, let us not go about our ways as if we are nothing more than sinners; for while we sin and are sinners, more importantly, we are His, God's Children. He created us, He knows us from our weaknesses and sins, to our joys and triumphs. Let His Gifts REIGN all over us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin each day draped in His Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, knowing that while you sin, ultimately, you are God's Creation, and He loves no one more than He loves you. He wants us to be happy, succeed in His Plan for us and be with Him in Heaven when our time here is done.</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-80622081881406672312015-07-13T11:40:00.000-05:002015-07-13T11:40:48.738-05:00Thank you Papa, for Your Grace<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><b>Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Yesterday, I was just having a bur or two under my saddle. I overslept and missed the Latin Mass we had planned to go to; one thing led to another, and we were on track for 8 PM Mass at the Cathedral across town. It's a beautiful building, but there are some human things inside that really distract from its beauty, and underwhelm the Mass as well. (We like the priest; it isn't him.)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Anyway, the bur under my saddle was just rubbing me the wrong way, but I was managing not to let it get to me. That is, until we got to the Church. Then it went wrong. No parking, no parking assistance, and it's not an area I'm that familiar with. They will tow you if you are parked in the wrong spot. The security guard did his best to annoy me, both when I asked him where to park, and when we finally were making our way to the Church, and it was like he was trying to argue with me about his directions (which were not good). I didn't initiate the conversation, but kept on going, as now we were late for Mass. ARGH. I much prefer being early, and we had arrived in plenty of time essentially. It was hot inside, I was cranky, Mass was starting, people were talking all through Mass, being disrespectful, the acoustics were impossible..........oh how I could go on!! (I promise not to go on, so read more after the break!!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">But I kept trying. Through my frustration, through the burs under my saddle, through my distraction, no matter how hard I tried...... Not that long ago, I'd have turned tail long before I made it into Mass, too angry and/or frustrated to be there.... It's easier just to give up. But I kept trying, instead. I asked God's forgiveness for my anger and frustration, for my distraction</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">(I had a letter written to the parish in my head already about the parking situation!!!)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">, and just tried to get out of there without combusting internally. It's easier to participate in Mass when you're in a happy or content place. For me, it's very difficult to get through Mass in that mood and feeling, and being distracted. All I did was keep trying, and asking Him for Grace. Did the frustration ease? I don't think so. My dear sweet husband had to listen to me trying to vent peacefully for quite awhile, too long!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">As we left, we encountered two visitors to our city and the parish; we had a very nice conversation with them. They were in town for a group meeting that I do not support, and actively dislike and disapprove of. I have great disdain for this organization as a whole and what they do, and I personally think it's detrimental to their own cause, and to the cause of unification of all races in this country. Given my feelings about this organization, many would have been surprised at how nice and welcoming I truly felt for these two ladies who had attended Mass with us. They were a blessing to me as well.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">As we left the downtown loop, two people asking for money/help were on the side of the on-ramp. Without even thinking, I grabbed the money in my car, gave it to one of them, blessed him, and kept on going. Kept on driving and kept on venting.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Last night, before falling asleep, I was perusing my Facebook, and Christian quotes pops up with: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><b>Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. </b> Although I follow their page, I rarely see their posts (Facebook algorithms, ugh!).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">But that was a perfect quote for me, at the perfect time. I really felt God speaking to my heart, telling me he was proud of me for trying, to continuing to do what was right in the midst of my own inner frustration and turmoil. That I shared my gifts from Him, spiritually and monetarily, with others because it was the right thing to do. That my true heart, my giving heart, my generous heart, my loving heart, my Godly soul and spirit....it still shone through and did what was right. I didn't take it out on others, not even my husband.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">I'm not sharing this to brag about how nice I was, or giving I was. For if anything, it was God that was in me doing those things. My human nature was being quite cranky!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">We're not perfect. Our Mass participation, our mood, isn't always going to be perfect, or easy. But I really feel like God was telling me that He noticed, and that He appreciated what I was doing, just to be there and that I was trying to be the best 'me' I could be at this celebration. It's easier to participate and sing joyfully and give thanks when everything is going right. But praising Him in our storms (yes, I realize that this was a small one, compared to many) is even more important.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Thank you, Papa, for living through me, and guiding my heart and hands even when I don't realize I'm listening. Thank you, Papa, for giving me a sign so that I would know and remember it was You who has changed my heart. I'm so far from perfect as a person, my Lord, thank you for making me whole. Thank you for the consolation of that Scripture verse, at the perfect time. Help me to honor You in all ways at all times. Bless these ears and mind, that I may always hear you, even when I don't realize I'm listening. Thank you, my Lord, for the gifts you have given to me, and the ability to share them with others. Thank you, Papa, for being able to see You in all moments, in all things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-10965203304435710992015-05-19T00:13:00.000-05:002015-05-19T00:13:00.691-05:00Little consolations are BIG in my heart and soulI posted <a href="http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/2014/03/stained-glass.html" target="_blank">this</a> a year ago, regarding stained glass windows: <b>"When you let the sun shine through, it becomes more stunning.</b><br />
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<b>When you let the Son shine through you, you become more brilliant. When His Light shines, you are even more beautiful, starting from the inside out. Your face becomes a beacon for His Love; your joy is in the warm glow of His Love."</b><br />
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So, I recently visited Denver and attended Mass at the <a href="http://www.denvercathedral.org/" target="_blank">Cathedral</a> at Logan and Colfax. During my conversation <a href="http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/2015/05/evangelizing-in-church-before-mass-with.html" target="_blank">I posted about earlier this week</a>, I spent a LOT of time gazing upon a certain stained glass window. I mentioned it in the earlier post.<br />
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I've been away from my page more than I would have liked this past year, but I'm working on that. I know even if no one else is listening, God is, and this blog is a prayer, an honor, to Him, for Him.<br />
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So, I was reflecting on some of my posts of the past year, and came upon <a href="http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/2014/03/stained-glass.html" target="_blank">this post,</a> with these three stained glass pictures; the one on the top looked familiar. I realized suddenly that it was the same one that I gazed upon, and prayed with Mary in it, during Saturday afternoon. I don't remember knowing it was from the Denver Cathedral. The above quote is written, by me, right next to the picture I'd never seen before. <br />
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A few days ago, I let His Light shine through me; I obeyed Him from His Command from a year ago, and I was rewarded with putting all this together; I didn't ask for a reward or consolation for doing what He placed in my heart. I thanked Him for it, for the opportunity to share His Love for us, and the blessing that the young man was to me, but I never expected I would be touched even deeper by anything else regarding it, especially a sign of His Love for me.<br />
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It's so amazing that I posted that in the last year or so, when there are literally tens of thousands stained glass windows, plus pictures on the internet. Thank you, Papa, for knowing long before I did what I would need before I needed it.<br />
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He is looking out for us, even when we don't know what is coming. Trust and believe in Him at all times. He is showing Himself to you, through all your senses, and beyond, deep in your soul. Thank you, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for showing me your love today, one year ago, and every second of my life.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-8654725159933352272015-05-17T21:55:00.000-05:002015-05-17T21:55:04.811-05:00Evangelizing in the Church before Mass with a strangerI've had need to go to Confession, and had some time on my business trip to do so, and attend Mass afterwards. Preface: apparently, I was attending Mass in one of the areas that a large part of the homeless gather, the doors in the bathrooms at McDonald's are locked, and there was little to no parking. (Denver-ites....the Cathedral) I wondered why I was meant to be there that day, and just chalked it up to God would let me know if He wanted me to know, if it was more than doing as I was expected (Confession and Mass). (I have to do that a lot.) I did it just over a week ago as well.<br />
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Anyway, after encountering more than a few people asking for help or money, and even being approached directly while eating, along with a few more adventures, I decided to see if the Church was open an hour before Confession and 2 before Mass. It was. YAY! I didn't have to sit in my car surrounded by strangers! (Not really afraid, but not completely comfortable either, given what I'd seen.) I was one of the first to get in line after praying, and confessed my sins. I then went to the 'side' near Mary's statues and pictures to pray.<br />
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I sat down shortly thereafter, and turned to face the main part of the Church, to enjoy the beauty and artwork, especially the stained glass of Mary (at Assumption?). I felt someone's eyes on me, and turned to look. A young man smiled shyly at me, and I smiled back. This happened a couple times, and he then asked me if he could ask me a question. I said of course, and moved back a few pews to him. (He didn't seem to be homeless, but I could be wrong. Doesn't matter; was just giving background on the area I was in.)<br />
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He asked: "What is faith, to you?" The only thing I could think of to respond was, "A gift from God, to believe in Him and to return to Him." He was apparently satisfied with this answer. He continued on with other questions, and somehow, God shut my mouth and opened my ears to hear both the young man and God. For some reason, he reminded me of David from the Old Testament. Not really sure why, but I shared this with him. When things come to me like that at these times, God seems to let me know when to share and trust in Him and His Plan. It's easier than arguing with God in my head; He always wins in these cases... ;) Sometimes His 'win' is to let me win, which is pretty cool when it happens, but I know that was His Plan for me to get me way, as long as I give in to His Will.<br />
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I also had on, as always, my silver chain with a number of blessed medals on it. I took it off, and for the first time (that I can remember, anyway), gave one of these medals to him. I've given away extras, but never off my own chain. It was my blessed Holy Spirit medal, which I love, but can be easily replaced. We had kind of a deep discussion about God, whether or not God is 'He' or 'She', meditation versus praying, fear, and many other things. He isn't sure if he believes in God, and seemed very tortured. I think he was afraid of giving in to that push from the Holy Spirit. I fought it hard when I was away from the Church too. He wanted to know how we knew Jesus was real. He wanted to talk about Heaven and Hell. He claimed he wasn't religious, just spiritual, but I believe he'll be coming Home to the Faith soon. He asked how we could know who we are; he was worried about his life and direction. He was carrying a wooden Rosary in a pristine white cloth. He said he didn't know why.<br />
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I asked "David" (his real name might have been Lawrence....) what brought him to Church that day, he told me didn't really know. He just ended up there. I smiled on the inside, because I knew that wasn't true........even if he didn't. God brought him there, just as he brought me there, just as He has done many times before for me; He puts me where I can do His Work, when I turn my decision and acquiescence over to Him.<br />
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I really didn't expect to evangelize for over an hour before Mass (he did not stay). It was a good experience, and a reminder to carry extra medals and nice rosaries, along with booklets. We did talk about using the Rosary to pray "Jesus, I love you." or something of the sort, while moving along the beads.<br />
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Please pray for "David", and all young men and women, especially those away from God, and the Faith. He was a blessing to me, and I hope we meet again, and that his life gets better.<br />
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PS: How awesome is it, Denver, that y'all had 3 priests hearing Confessions, and it still went an hour, at least? :) Sooooo awesome!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-25072445994299109872015-02-15T00:13:00.000-06:002015-02-15T00:13:33.795-06:00Angel watching over meI was recently driving home late one night, and was fairly tired, although in no danger of falling asleep.<br />
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Just as I started on the last leg a few minutes from home (it was only a 30 minute drive in all), for some reason, I thought "If I were to 'go' right now, I couldn't be any more content or happy, and I would accept that it would be God's Will for me." I then proceeded to make the Sign of the Cross. I also had Christian music on the radio (like K-Love or Air1).<br />
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I had barely finished my prayer, when a box appeared before me on the road, and right or wrong, I pulled hard to the right to avoid it (at 70 MPH), but was able to turn back quickly.It all happened so quickly. Had I gone off the road at that point, there was a good chance it would have been tragic, either in severe injury or fatality.<br />
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I truly believe in the powers of God, and that He allows us to see as much as He wants us to, and the more we believe, the more we see Him in everything. I have no doubt that I was saved, either through God's direct touch, or by my Guardian Angel.<br />
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My favorite perfume/designer is Angel/Thierry Mugler. At that moment, I was wearing my Angel necklace, watch, lotion and perfume, plus earrings and a bracelet styled similarly. That was the first and only time I've had that much 'Angel' stuff on, and I didn't even think of it until the next day.<br />
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I truly feel that I was saved by God, or His Servant, that night, literally. It isn't the first time that I've escaped dying or injury when there was more than a 50% chance I shouldn't have made it out either nearly unscathed, or the incident was averted completely. It brings me joy, but it also brings me.............a bit of concern!! What is it that is going to happen in my future that I need to be here for? I may never know what it is, though, and that's okay. But I think our God has great plans for me, and for each of us!! Open yourself to His Will, accept His Will as yours.<br />
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Of course, He might have been telling me that I still needed some more time to repent, as well, and to clean up my act before I perished on both Earth and the after life.<br />
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Either way, praise God for my answered (immediately!) prayer!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-75121932966185989382014-08-22T21:43:00.003-05:002014-08-22T21:43:33.809-05:00Make a change.........<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Ask yourself today: do I want to be the same person that I was yesterday, or is there a way, even in a small way, I can improve and be better? Smile that extra smile at a stranger, pray one more prayer, clean just a little longer, meditate a bit more, walk one block or parking spot more, hold the door open for one more person, thank Him for one more thing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">And then add that to your daily routine</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline !important; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">. Improve every day, somehow, someway. Add in a weekly note or call to different people to keep in touch, to check in. Keep notes, or keep track, and then in one week, one month, one year, look back and see how far you've come, when it will probably feel like you were standing still. The 'constant' will be you. The change will be within. <i class="_4-k1 img sp_EEtFn_ubaA6 sx_12593f" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yi/r/ln7mZgK583Q.png); background-position: 0px -7910px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i> Peace.</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-86498605494479560852014-06-19T14:41:00.003-05:002014-06-26T02:02:39.055-05:00But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Cor 12:9<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2012&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 12</a><br />
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I recently attended a Healing/Charismatic Mass in our diocese. It's the 4th or 5th one I've attended, the first being last November. I could write about this Mass, and how different it is than the parish Masses I attend during the week, and on Sundays. I will, later on. But I will instead share with you, the best I can with the talents God has given me, what happened at the end of this Mass, that showed me again how the Holy Spirit touches us and makes Himself known to us. <i>(click to read more)</i><br />
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I realize that for some who haven't experienced this, or had a loved one they trust experience it, it's hard to believe in it. Let me be that loved one you can trust, for this moment.<br />
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At the end of Mass, we were asked, invited, to share with the others experiences we've received through the healing and Charismatic Mass. So, I'm sitting there, thinking of the healing I received in November; how I went to Mass, suffering greatly from depression, unable or unwilling to take the meds, because they made me feel ill. (Sometimes the remedy feels worse than the illness.) So I'd received the anointing for healing, asking for relief and healing from this depression that has plagued my life for 25+ years. It runs in my birthfamily. While I wasn't debilitated by this depression at that moment, it had at times in my life caused me as well as my friends and family who loved me, great suffering, almost to the point of death.<br />
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I received this anointing from the priest, and prayed. I went to sleep that night, not knowing the gift I'd received. When I woke up the next day, I knew I'd been healed. It was like one day you have an open oozing wound, and the next day, it was completely gone, like it hadn't existed the day before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumdoux1IdfXVLlbHbb88xW-K1TD6nThT0FuzIyqFgls2Jgj00Zcn0NzhUxrqsnipBCtYgK6-35tVjYvWstMvwMOVfQeC-qJ5R3zDgTyb-5nxp3cVvASpaycK39h6r62zRzJmgnA6sF3Y/s1600/holy-spirit-best-best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumdoux1IdfXVLlbHbb88xW-K1TD6nThT0FuzIyqFgls2Jgj00Zcn0NzhUxrqsnipBCtYgK6-35tVjYvWstMvwMOVfQeC-qJ5R3zDgTyb-5nxp3cVvASpaycK39h6r62zRzJmgnA6sF3Y/s1600/holy-spirit-best-best.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a>So, at this Mass last week, we were asked to share. I usually am never at a loss for words. I tend towards socialness most of the time. In my heart, I could feel the pull to share my healing; I stayed seated. I knew I could not share without becoming so emotional. Again, I felt it in my heart to share; I hesitated and remained seated. Finally, I couldn't stay seated any longer. I stood up, and shared. It wasn't easy. It wasn't planned. I just did it, and I knew that's what God wanted from me. I think that part of why God wanted me to share my story was because of my reluctance, my humbleness, in wanting to share it. He knew that I didn't want to bring attention to myself, but by sharing, it would bring Glory to Him. I didn't want to the attention to be on me, but on God and His Amazing Grace. I didn't make it without becoming emotional, without crying. Afterwards, many people came up to me and thanked me, blessed me. I gave the Glory to God, for all I did was be His humble servant and receive His Gift and Calling, both to receive the healing and to share my experience.<br />
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Afterwards, I was sitting with a few ladies whom I hadn't met. One woman's first name was the same as my maiden name (let's go with Blackie). Blackie was sweet and kind. I mentioned to her that Blackie was my maiden name. Another woman joined us; a friend of Blackie's, named Mary. Mary had shared some very spiritual insights, guided by the Holy Spirit, at the end of Mass as well. During the Mass, she was sitting on the other side of the room, towards the front. She couldn't have even seen me. She sat down, and visited; she asked Blackie why she didn't get up and share what was on her mind. Blackie responded that she didn't have anything to share. Mary asked Blackie again, 'What was it that you were feeling called to share?' Blackie insisted she had nothing to share that evening. Mary said to her, 'But during the last moments of the Mass, when sharing was going on, I felt it in my heart, and felt called to pray: "Blackie, get up and share. Blackie, get up and share. Blackie, get up and share!" <br />
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My jaw dropped. She hadn't been praying for Blackie, her friend. She had been praying for Blackie, me! I turned to her and told her that my last name growing up was Blackie, and I was still called that by some friends. It was very clear that she was praying for me, a stranger, someone she hadn't met yet, let alone to know that was my maiden name. What a great moment in the Holy Spirit!! I'm amazed that some people call moments like this 'coincidence'. With God, nothing good is coincidence. It's a God-incidence. It's true. It's Holy. It's <b><u>Grace</u></b>.<br />
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What great blessings by our Lord, by the Holy Spirit. Even when there is doubt, not because you doubt the greatness of God's love, but because you doubt your ability to receive any gifts from God, He will show you the way. When you are open to God's Graces, God's Mercy, God's Love, amazing things can and will happen. <b> Every good thing!!</b><br />
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As I finished this post, this song came to mind: Your Grace is enough! Enjoy.<br />
At the end of this song/lyrics video, comes a scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 12:9. So I turned to my online Bible source to read more of the scripture surrounding it. The entire chapter is so amazing, and truly describes my recent experience in so many ways. It's linked at the top of the page. Please, read it. Thank you Father, for leading me to that scripture.<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-43715831229482987342014-06-03T16:12:00.000-05:002014-06-03T16:12:27.188-05:00SPOILER alert! Choose the light!That's a phrase we see or hear nowadays, when people are about to allude to something that gives away the ending. There have been a *few* times when I was reading a book that I was struggling to get into, and I did skip to the end to see if the ending was worth it, worth sludging through the rest of the book.<br />
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Well, I've got a great spoiler alert for you............<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>God wins!</u></span></b> No matter how bad things are going personally, or in the world as a whole, the ending will be spectacular. We have the choice to be part of the glorious ending, or we can choose the one that ends in darkness. I'm choosing the LIGHT!<br />
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I look around and see the demise of our communities, cities, countries, and the world. The seemingly smaller things are like small arrows, wounding but not killing the Body of Christ, of which we are members. It's easy to despair about the state of our world, with so many attacks against God, against the Faith, against all Christians, attacks both small and large, obvious or <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insidious" target="_blank">insidious</a> (I think there are more that are this way). The attacks on religious freedoms, on marriage, on families. Society is trying to force us to accept and drink the poison it considers normal. There are so many things, I can't even begin to detail them here. I hope one day we'll be able to look back and while seeing the horrors that were the norms during this time, that we are able to rejoice that the world was set right.<br />
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I used to worry more about things; I still do worry about my sons. But knowing the ending helps a lot. As long as I stay in a state of Grace, remain right with the Lord, I know what my ending will be. Troubles will still come along, but knowing that my loved ones are basking in the Glory of God's Love helps me a lot when losing a loved one. I know it will get harder. It might be sooner rather than later. I pray that I remain confident in God's ending no matter when it happens. But when I returned to God and the Faith a year and a half ago, I quit being scared to die. I don't *want* to die; I think I have a lot left to do for Him.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-59155033066988650482014-05-29T14:56:00.001-05:002014-05-29T14:56:20.666-05:00I'm back!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlthKCbYOyh3uxLl1KtdB1O_soePoh4hIZaiCI7rLCFQ_OvmX1eMbmF3CgvTs0AmC2ZHQZwFHTLDoRBDXrzXv7jGzRxBuGtkFjThP2pP_KCpquOPn3Hcbn89TuQsQLkvjn1QeO25z2bn4/s1600/20140521_164629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlthKCbYOyh3uxLl1KtdB1O_soePoh4hIZaiCI7rLCFQ_OvmX1eMbmF3CgvTs0AmC2ZHQZwFHTLDoRBDXrzXv7jGzRxBuGtkFjThP2pP_KCpquOPn3Hcbn89TuQsQLkvjn1QeO25z2bn4/s1600/20140521_164629.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Hey y'all!<br />
I'll be back to posting on a more regular basis now that I've returned from our family vacation in the South. We had just an amazing, joy filled time. I'm so thankful to God for His Blessings, especially of my amazing husband and kids, the safe travels for all of us and those who were also traveling to and from the same events we attended (ACRAs). God's Love and Graces are so amazing, wondrous<br />
and abundant. God is SO great and awesome! Thank you Lord!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-17382076796906368212014-05-20T16:27:00.001-05:002014-05-20T16:28:13.571-05:00Prayer for travelers over the holidayFather,<br />
Please hear our prayers for all those traveling during this busy holiday weekend in the United States. We send up all our prayers to You for safety for all those traveling, especially those with families. We ask St. Christopher to pray for us, and bring our petitions to You, oh God Almighty Father. You are Amazing and Powerful, and we know You hear our prayers. We pray for those that have accidents, that You keep them healthy and safe. Lord, we also pray for those that are injured this coming weekend, that You may guide them to health. Please, oh Consoler, be with those who will be in need of such consolation this weekend, that Your Spirit ease their hearts, and fill them with Your Love. May they know Your Mercy and Love.<br />
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Oh God, our beloved and perfect Creator, I offer up to you any and all graces that I receive from attending Mass this week, for those travelers in need of Your Mercy and Love, whether by their own neglect, or their deaths or injuries during travel. Surround them with others who will share Your Love and Mercy. Thank you, O Great One, for the freedom that we have to travel where we need or want to go this weekend. We thank you for keeping us safe, for You are Love beyond all things. We praise You, God, our only need. We love You; we want to glorify You in all things, great and small.<br />
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Amen, Alleluia, Amen!<br />
(cmg 5-20-14)<br />
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<a href="http://www.toweringpines.com/stchristopher.html" target="_blank">Prayer to Saint Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers, for</a><br />
<a href="http://www.toweringpines.com/stchristopher.html" target="_blank">St. Christopher's Protection</a><br />
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Dear Saint Christopher,<br />
protect me today<br />
in all my travels<br />
along the road's way.<br />
Give your warning sign<br />
if danger is near<br />
so that I may stop<br />
while the path is clear.<br />
Be at my window<br />
and direct me through<br />
when the vision blurs<br />
From out of the blue.<br />
Carry me safely<br />
to my destined place,<br />
like you carried Christ<br />
in your close embrace.<br />
Amen.<br />
http://www.toweringpines.com/stchristopher.html<br />
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-50516521079060194382014-05-17T21:48:00.000-05:002014-05-17T21:48:19.870-05:00I AMI was so honored and pleased to be able to attend Mass on the feast day of my Confirmation Saint, St. Dymphna, this week. I was blessed to be able to attend at one of the most memorable parishes of my youth, and my maternal grandmother's parish when she was alive. My mom grew up across the street from this parish. Just walking in, the incense smell took me back to my youth, even though as a youth I didn't appreciate the early morning Mass or rosaries. (Still not a morning person!)<br />
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Thursday's Gospel reading was:<br />
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<b>Gospel John 13:16-20</b></div>
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<b>When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them:</b></div>
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<b>“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master</b></div>
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<b>nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.</b></div>
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<b>If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.</b></div>
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<b>I am not speaking of all of you.</b></div>
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<b>I know those whom I have chosen.</b></div>
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<b>But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,</b></div>
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<b>The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.</b></div>
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<b>From now on I am telling you before it happens,</b></div>
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<b>so that when it happens you may believe that <u>I AM</u>. </b></div>
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<b>Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send</b></div>
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<b>receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”</b></div>
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The brief homily by Father Nick emphasized an important point. Jesus said that "I AM." After the short weekday Mass, I returned across the street to my car in the parking lot, and began to make my way back to my mom's house for lunch. (I was visiting her another city a few hours away from my home.) The radio was playing as I started the car, and guess what song it was?</div>
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<b><u>"I AM"!</u></b>! WOW! I love how these God-incidences (not coincidences) happen and give me such peace and joy.</div>
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Here is another of my favorite 'I Am' songs as well:</div>
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Amen, amen, amen! All joys and praises to our God, our Savior!</div>
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-52966683191191578712014-05-12T14:55:00.001-05:002014-05-13T15:29:04.111-05:00Be our protection against the wickedness and snares......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>UPDATE</b>!! The event was CANCELED! It was not only removed from campus, it was not held at all. Claims are that they held it at a restaurant, but a report from a restaurant employee said that they were only sitting at the bar drinking. AMEN!!!! <i>Original post:</i> Tonight, a student group will be hosting a 'black mass' by a satanic group. They are claiming it is an informational event, but it is truly a persecution not only of Catholics, but of all Christians everywhere. They are being allowed not only to mock, but desecrate all that we believe and hold in our hearts. This would not be allowed if the religion was Islam, Buddhist or others. The Church is specifically being persecuted. I have many other thoughts on this, but for now, I ask for you to pray, especially with the greatest Angel above, St. Michael. Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-8577329447410127972014-05-08T13:45:00.000-05:002014-05-08T13:47:10.749-05:00Expect amazing!Many times, especially in the throes of a bad day, bad week, bad month, do we struggle to see tomorrow? Sometimes, we even struggle to see <i>today</i>!<br />
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I've had some bad days in my life, a few in the past year. Getting older is complicated! :) Sometimes, just living is complicated. I can't see today, and I surely can't see tomorrow. It's like a black curtain is pulled over my eyes, over my heart, and the pain of the darkness is unbearable. I don't know how to get through it. I had one of those nights recently. It was hard. It was painful. It was darkness...not just for me, but for my husband who helped see me through it. It was bad. But even when I was hurting, I was praying inside...please God, help me, help my husband. I didn't give up, even though it might have seemed like it on the outside. This was a difficult time for me, and it was, sadly but now gladly, the first time I've really prayed deeply in the middle of the raging storm. I know how easy it would have been to slip, to give in, to the pain and the darkness. I've lived through it before, not because of my own weakness, but because it's an illness I've struggled with my entire life. I knew this wasn't the illness like it has been before, but it reminded me so much of it. I only survived before because of the Grace and Hand of God, even though I didn't know Him at the time like I do now. (continued............) <br />
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Tomorrow came. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't yesterday, either. The next tomorrow came. And the day dawned brightly. Even in the storm, I tried to praise Him and thank Him. Sometimes, I think we find it easier to 'accept' the darkness, the bad times, than to accept the light and the good times. But God knows that! He knows all parts of us. He created us, and knows our weaknesses and shortcomings even better than we do. But He also knows our hearts, our intentions, our desires, better than we do. Combine the two, and you have us: God created, God chosen, human beings. He created perfection, we succumb to weakness. But His Love for us never changes. Ever.</div>
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<b><u>I've found that the more I expect amazing things, the more I receive them.</u></b> Maybe those amazing things were going to be there all along, and always have been, and my eyes weren't open to them like they should be. God takes such good care of me; while some gifts I receive may not be important to God, or anyone else, they enhance my life, big things or small things; if it matters to me, it matters to Him. Nothing happens in this world that He isn't aware of. All good things come from God, be it the sunshine on your face, the chocolate dessert that you've been dreaming of (and it's free!), the parking spot next to the front door of the store, the phone call from a friend, a stranger holding open a door. <a href="http://youtu.be/FY2ycrpbOlw" target="_blank">Every good thing!</a> Sometimes, the graces of the smaller blessings I receive are just an 'intro' to great blessings that will come later! There is a reason behind each one, even if I'm not privy to it. I'm so thankful when I'm able to share these gifts with others; I'm not turning down the gift, but re-gifting it to someone else who needs it. I appreciate and love the gift from God so much, that I have to give it someone else, even if they may not realize why, or even what, the gift is. Perhaps someone else out there is praying for something only I can give to her, and by God's Grace, I do. <b><u><span style="color: #c27ba0;">GLORIA</span></u></b>! This week has been an abundance of glory in small earthly things. God may not be concerned about my entertainment or social activities. But thanks be to Him who is concerned about my happiness, and has blessed me with an abundance of gifts. <b>Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! </b></div>
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<i>The more I expect 'amazing' and appreciate the amazing in every day things, the more He gives me.</i> When I let go of the worry and hand it to Him, that which He had under control anyway, the more He graces me. It's all already in God's Hands. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul. I sin, I make mistakes, and think that I don't deserve His Graces; I reject them before He even gives them to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-rkkX7uH-RhPQvsIj6jCKNlZX5JpQ1n8hREYXBz8t8tLIokXdaAFNGiO9OgsvUwKWh_weIUvmxGjtULW2QZCmv3hQ6B4sUQHxaXy84we5PnDFgGQC62kjt-pBzr82QkL6QaU_ndEjGs/s1600/Good+things+are+coming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-rkkX7uH-RhPQvsIj6jCKNlZX5JpQ1n8hREYXBz8t8tLIokXdaAFNGiO9OgsvUwKWh_weIUvmxGjtULW2QZCmv3hQ6B4sUQHxaXy84we5PnDFgGQC62kjt-pBzr82QkL6QaU_ndEjGs/s1600/Good+things+are+coming.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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(This picture was posted on Facebook just as I finished writing this post........whose timing is this? His, of course! Amen!)</div>
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Father, thank You for all the Blessings You give us, big and small. Help us to remember to appreciate the good in all things, even when it's the neighbor mowing underneath my window, because I have the gift of hearing, and the blessing of being in a beautiful climate. Help us to share these blessings with others, and make it known to them that it was You who from all Goodness comes. Thank you, oh my Lord, for getting me through the recent storm of my heart and soul, and making Yourself visible in my heart when I couldn't see anything but darkness. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Proverbs 3:5-6</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> and do not rely on your own insight.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">6 In all your ways acknowledge him,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> and he will make straight your paths.</span></b></div>
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-72086428428338199862014-05-02T01:58:00.000-05:002014-05-02T01:58:11.977-05:00May: Novenas and Litanies in honor of Mary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6UVJlXpXhitqb8K99cP9IhcnObPeaUI2Dkaq_SEymbphdYmc0HdricJx4PZAUnMwq06JnDs802mLkrAOv0ihyphenhyphenxyuzUb1Wgov7VV5AGTCVSEWPoHmfcUtYQhPoiGkRIBHEhEx_kXK2ro/s1600/Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6UVJlXpXhitqb8K99cP9IhcnObPeaUI2Dkaq_SEymbphdYmc0HdricJx4PZAUnMwq06JnDs802mLkrAOv0ihyphenhyphenxyuzUb1Wgov7VV5AGTCVSEWPoHmfcUtYQhPoiGkRIBHEhEx_kXK2ro/s1600/Mary.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></div>
I've added a new <a href="http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/p/may-novena-to-mary.html" target="_blank">tab</a> for May, in honor of Mary. I love you, Mama.<br />
http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/p/may-novena-to-mary.htmlChristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-83827051929176399372014-04-30T22:36:00.000-05:002014-04-30T22:36:20.147-05:00Happy May!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ3-BXL5D5Dx5zsZ6ebbqHBcn9dNxd0wiDH1JBwnw5xlCxrwAVl3tAjBeAVZbNIQTT_u4ybWsqouHeKGQ-KorjNvrgv_U9YhWdfEsWIkhz9is1MMML0u3ZqvWqWXXoO_rkfTgYjWD_GE/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+Mary+Lady+of+Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ3-BXL5D5Dx5zsZ6ebbqHBcn9dNxd0wiDH1JBwnw5xlCxrwAVl3tAjBeAVZbNIQTT_u4ybWsqouHeKGQ-KorjNvrgv_U9YhWdfEsWIkhz9is1MMML0u3ZqvWqWXXoO_rkfTgYjWD_GE/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+Mary+Lady+of+Hope.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a><br />
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Oh what a great month that May is! Spring might actually decide to stick, for one thing. But I love this month for many other reasons as well.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RSgRxevpMsMKp82yIPOXZAkyEFwmG55Xr9WlNciVmocOf53BVChuXmde9BvvovNtw0CqAu8AOeNU9DElWVH65ud1uHyqv_ntNzS7OQ4h-yCG7C1NDizRkQRIEW5-XRJq-hbqkSSQRco/s1600/mary-with-white-rosary-beads-denise-daffara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RSgRxevpMsMKp82yIPOXZAkyEFwmG55Xr9WlNciVmocOf53BVChuXmde9BvvovNtw0CqAu8AOeNU9DElWVH65ud1uHyqv_ntNzS7OQ4h-yCG7C1NDizRkQRIEW5-XRJq-hbqkSSQRco/s1600/mary-with-white-rosary-beads-denise-daffara.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
It's my birthday month. (YAY!)<br />
My confirmation saint has her feast day this month.<br />
<br />
And it's MARY month! The most beautiful woman ever born, the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Catholics do not worship Mary, despite allegations of non-Catholics. We simply ask for her assistance, and honor her as the mother of Jesus, the woman chosen to give birth to Him and raise Him. We honor and respect our friends' mothers, and our own mothers; why wouldn't we honor Mary on an even higher level than that?<br />
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I plan to honor her with special devotions this month. If you need a jumpstart (beyond the Rosary), here's some info to get you started:<br />
http://www.salvemariaregina.info/Prayers/May.html<br />
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/prayers/devotions/to-the-blessed-virgin-mary/month-of-mary-may-devotions/<br />
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/05_1.cfm<br />
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-40365566962239711382014-04-30T11:34:00.002-05:002014-04-30T11:35:59.921-05:00For my new friend<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYAHzH_wKo9xfW85uDfMXQA_WMPnq0E0OCTdEDJ4ZHtdKzFoMe9Gwnk2Y96PocZKmcyYQUfcRPXT1fdgR4lzRTdKD-8PCy9IZHCLs3ZQm9cShR9w9oR-MyKnWUIXSwaEEv7KNWQ5-xG8/s1600/daisy-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYAHzH_wKo9xfW85uDfMXQA_WMPnq0E0OCTdEDJ4ZHtdKzFoMe9Gwnk2Y96PocZKmcyYQUfcRPXT1fdgR4lzRTdKD-8PCy9IZHCLs3ZQm9cShR9w9oR-MyKnWUIXSwaEEv7KNWQ5-xG8/s1600/daisy-heart.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a>A new acquaintance is going through some things, and I'd like to share the following thoughts with her (don't cry through this one! :) :) :) ) : <i>(let me know when you've seen this and I'll take it down if you like)</i><br />
<br />
Thanks for your email last night!<br />
Congrats on doing such a great job for your health! That's amazing, and shows what a strong person you truly are. I know it isn't easy.<br />
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You can call any rectory and meet with any priest. You don't have to go to the parish where you attend Mass. You can attend Mass, even, at any parish, not just your neighborhood/local one, so don't worry about 'belonging'. Do your <b><i>very </i></b>best to get to Confession, and remember that God knows your heart and limitations. I'd sincerely recommend using your time at Confession or the rectory to visit with the priest about your life as a whole, along with your confession. Do you visit the doctor for your follow up? They can also provide some information about other services that you might need.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsFsDgdKx4R9knWD7uF5ywvvVR8C6HuGsHlOnJUZ2d-lnAtVO7TUmCpk3q-3IryHpE6xMrzNC8Gdok4A_6f2FM2XYpc6lJ6tcfAgxx9Fs9lpvANRF11S3VutoFp3FYrrq63lxrKWQMfs/s1600/daisy-with-heart-center1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsFsDgdKx4R9knWD7uF5ywvvVR8C6HuGsHlOnJUZ2d-lnAtVO7TUmCpk3q-3IryHpE6xMrzNC8Gdok4A_6f2FM2XYpc6lJ6tcfAgxx9Fs9lpvANRF11S3VutoFp3FYrrq63lxrKWQMfs/s1600/daisy-with-heart-center1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>I have met Jesus Christ in the Confessional many times. I urge you to do the same. He is there, waiting for you, but remember, He is ALWAYS with you.<br />
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God bless and keep you. I will keep you in my prayers, and ask others to do the same.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2041&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Isaiah 41:10</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">do not fear, for I am with you,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> do not be afraid, for I am your God;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I will strengthen you, I will help you,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.</span></b></div>
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-78931041489764066782014-04-29T10:34:00.000-05:002014-04-29T10:34:00.199-05:00Jesus is looking for youI read this recently and wanted to share it:<br />
<a href="http://www.nwcatholic.org/columns/archbishop/609-jesus-is-looking-for-you">http://www.nwcatholic.org/columns/archbishop/609-jesus-is-looking-for-you</a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-9348524852690626792014-04-27T03:05:00.000-05:002014-04-27T03:05:00.424-05:00Divine Mercy Sunday-quick thoughts<b>Hallelujah and Amen!</b><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu7D2mT2CRiKtWuauP2L7ZCcTJvKi-hbi0L7vw9IGKtrXNSvlMQOZ0434KtIAPRJ5uuG_NhXg_FLQgjnNEmzl3oHYFS4jagUjxdIPqX2DGyQtHVacZX9-rldthdxaEWxZt7zgYdhMbtk/s1600/divinemercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu7D2mT2CRiKtWuauP2L7ZCcTJvKi-hbi0L7vw9IGKtrXNSvlMQOZ0434KtIAPRJ5uuG_NhXg_FLQgjnNEmzl3oHYFS4jagUjxdIPqX2DGyQtHVacZX9-rldthdxaEWxZt7zgYdhMbtk/s1600/divinemercy.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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What a wonderful amazing day today will be, with the Canonization of two Popes, including the first one I really remember as a child, Pope John Paul II! It is also <a href="http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/p/praying-divine-mercy-chaplet.html" target="_blank">Divine Mercy</a> Sunday. Christ's Mercy and Compassion for us sinners is boundless.</div>
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May God bless you and rain down all His Mercies on your soul today!</div>
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St. Faustina, pray for us!</div>
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St. John Paul II, pray for us!</div>
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-46824723289137408922014-04-24T13:44:00.000-05:002014-04-24T13:44:00.618-05:00Live your faith out loud!We often assume that others are just like us, that they think like us, that they act like us. Whether we pray every day, or never, we think others are doing likewise.<br />
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However, since returning a year ago, I'm finding that isn't true. Seriously, all along many friends and family had their faith practices under that bushel basket. <br />
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We don't want to worship on the street corner like the Pharisee, for his reward is on earth, and is for his own glory, not God's. But we can't hide our faith under a basket! Let your light SHINE! Better yet, let HIS light shine!<br />
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For example, suppose I knew of a glorious banquet, filled with all the best food and drink, and it was available for everyone. If I didn't tell you about it, wouldn't you be hurt? Especially if you found out some of your friends and family were going, but they also didn't tell you? Heaven is neither a feast, nor a banquet; words cannot describe Heaven, nor can any comparisons even come close. So, if you can, imagine missing the most perfect feast on earth, full of the richest foods (with no calories!), delicious drink, mesmerizing desserts, and perfect entertainment (and no, don't even suggest Miley or Biebs). Your family, friends and acquaintances have been attending the banquet for years, but never told you about it. Maybe you'd seen a flyer for it, and mentioned it to someone....and that person said, "Oh yes! It's wonderful! I've enjoyed it for some time and go every day!"<br />
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Share the joy. Be an example. Live your faith, talk about your faith. If you can talk about how great your favorite player on your favorite team, or your favorite singer, or TV show, or book.....why can't you talk about your great Savior?<br />
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It might be in small ways, but we can do great things in small ways. Compliment (and mean it!) someone's cross or crucifix necklace. I did this just last week, and it turns out the young lady isn't even baptized, but she IS searching. If I hadn't opened myself first up to God, then up to her, I wouldn't have known gotten to have a great conversation with her; I pray that I helped her in even a small way.<br />
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I see an acquaintance who attends my parish around time sometimes. Do I surreptitiously ask how he liked the homily on Sunday? Or, if I missed it, what I missed? No! I'll ask right in front of everyone else; why not? It's a conversation. It also holds me accountable for who I am, and whose I am.<br />
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I think we need to see regular, ordinary people talking about their faith in conversation. Don't be ashamed. You never know when it will touch someone, or open up the floor for questions.<br />
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Pray the Rosary while waiting in line, or on the plane, or subway. Wear your medals, your crucifix. It's a fine line, but you can find it. If God and Faith are part of your every day, every moment, life, then there won't be that distinction between where your Christianity ends and you begin. It becomes one.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-13252472029504310792014-04-22T12:17:00.000-05:002014-04-22T12:17:53.914-05:00Remember, the devil isn't just working on 'us'Sometimes, we do all the things we should do<br />
Pray all the prayers we are supposed to pray.<br />
Honor God in all His Glory<br />
Love others with the heart He has given us.<br />
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And we get slapped in the face.<br />
Kicked in the side.<br />
Spit on the head.<br />
Tripped down the stairs of emotion.<br />
<br />
Why? Why? Why?<br />
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If the devil can't get to you<br />
Through you...<br />
If you've resisted his lies<br />
Resisted his temptations.<br />
<br />
He will work on the ones<br />
Next to you<br />
In front of you<br />
Behind you.<br />
<br />
He will try to get to you<br />
through them<br />
They might tempt you<br />
or hurt you in your weakest spot.<br />
<br />
Maybe they can't resist<br />
the chance to put you down,<br />
To be mean or hateful<br />
They don't know how to be strong.<br />
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It's hard. It hurts.<br />
Pray for them.<br />
<br />
It's sad and it's difficult.<br />
For you.<br />
But more difficult and sad for them.<br />
Pray for them.<br />
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You've not always held your tongue.<br />
You've not always been kind.<br />
Now you've welcomed the Lord into your heart.<br />
He gives you strength<br />
<br />
The actions or words that have hurt you<br />
may have been their one mistake of the week.<br />
Their moment of weakness is directed at you<br />Because you can bear it.<br />
<br />
Another person, one who is weak,<br />
One who doesn't know the love of Christ<br />
And His Sacrifice<br />
might crumble under the assault or temptation.<br />
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Pray for them.<br />
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Rejoice in the challenge that you<br />
have been given<br />
for with Him, you can do<br />
All things.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-35491942823322264782014-04-18T21:59:00.000-05:002014-04-18T21:59:02.630-05:00Good FridayWhat a truly Good Friday it was! I'm kind of still processing the scriptures and events of the last few days. But I want to share with you the 'life' part of it.<br />
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Last night, we attended Holy Thursday Mass at my 'weekday' parish, and today, Good Friday again at that same parish. It's a traditional Catholic Church setting/architecture, and is so beautiful. We are so blessed in my diocese to have such amazing priests at so many parishes. I have rarely encountered one that wasn't wonderful. But these two priests at this parish; Monsignor is elderly, but sharp as a razor. He just needs help with the steps. His heart must be made of gold. He reminds me so much of my paternal Grandpa, who was a huge influence on my spiritual life. The other priest is younger (yet older than I am), but inspires me so much in his homilies and confession. I also attended the Stations of the Cross, as well as praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the first day of the Novena, with the parish. I also had a word with Monsignor afterwards, which is always a delight. It was also delightful to see a hundred people waiting for confessions today, especially since this parish has them daily.<br />
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A few fun things happened today, as well.<br />
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After the service, I walked with my husband outside as he went back to work. While there, a gentleman was kind of lingering around the bottom of the 10 or so steps out front, looking around. No one spoke to him, until I called to him, asking if I could help him. He slowly walked up the steps to me, and asked if there was a priest....well, 'grunted' would be closer to accurate. I told him about confessions, but that the priests would be there all day. He said that he went to confession 24/7.....but he was clearly wanted a Catholic priest. I said that Father XXXX and Monsignor XXXX would be glad to hear his confession. He recognized Monsignor's name, and said he'd talked to him before. I of course complimented Monsignor. I then asked if I could help him with anything, and he said no. He then kept saying he went to confession anytime, any place; I did not clarify it with him. It wasn't the time. We spoke for another moment or two, and he started to leave. He continued speaking as he walked away, but I don't think he was unhappy with my response to him. You see, this parish has many homeless people around, as well as a nearby 'entertainment' district, and is in the heart of the city. This man had a mohawk with long hair (hard to explain), a leather vest, dark sunglasses, perhaps he was a biker, or had been...basically the opposite of everyone who had just walked out of the church. My point is this: don't judge. People are people. We all have the same basic needs. This man enriched my life for having been in it just for a few minutes. Please pray for him. Let's call him Frank.<br />
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As I got in my car, I pondered how if your heart was open to God, He placed you in circumstances, wherever you are. I still ask Him what He wants me to do, but I leave my heart open to Him and His Desires, for the Spirit to move me where He wants me. <br />
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Shortly, I decided to take a somewhat different route home, just for a change of pace, for a few blocks. I had decided to do this before I even made the two turns towards the intersection where my route would begin to differ. For the first time ever, I saw a young man with a sign asking for money at that corner. I've been through that corner 50 times (or more) in the past year, and not once has there been someone asking for money. But this time, the time I would need to be in that left turn lane, a young man was there. Well, I'm listening, God! I got a dollar out for him, and decided to do more. I wasn't going just to hand it to him; I knew I'd be at the light for a few minutes since I had missed the turn signal due to the traffic line, and would be there for a few minutes. I asked his name (CJ), and his plans. He told me he had a job waiting for him half a country away, but needed to get there. I asked how I could pray for him; he was caught off guard, and happy to answer that he was needing to get a job and get to his job. I then asked him to pray for me. I don't know that I was there just to give him some monetary help, but perhaps the spiritual support he needed. I knew I should have gotten some more rosaries yesterday, but I guess I wasn't listening very well! Once again, though, people are people. They aren't just homeless or beggars or rough characters........<br />
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(PS: I also offered a man and woman a ride the other evening after I had eaten at a chain restaurant; they were walking out of the parking lot, but had been eating in the restaurant. My husband was glad that they declined when I told him this! However, that's the first time in 10+ years I've offered strangers a ride, and do NOT recommend it 99.999% of the time. But perhaps God just wanted me to ask. Yes, God.)Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-63607526119344535222014-04-14T12:12:00.004-05:002014-04-14T12:12:40.234-05:00Lenten reflection, as we finish Lent 2014The end of Lent is approaching, and it's a good time to take a look at what I've done this Lent, right or wrong, good or bad, to honor the Lord and this season.<br />
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I gave up chocolate. I didn't think that through! I was thinking Reeses, M&Ms, that sort of thing....but did y'all know that there is chocolate in hot cocoa? ;) It didn't occur to ME until the 3rd sip.... And in EVERY DESSERT THAT IS MADE during Lent? ;) I slipped one time, with a sip of hot cocoa on a freezing morning while out of town on business (I don't drink coffee often, but when I do it's with chocolate creamer. Guess what else I ended up giving up for Lent? Yep, coffee!). I somehow managed to make it through Lent without once having meat on Friday. That's a bit more difficult while on the road with limited choices in restaurants, but I made it. Didn't hurt me to go a bit hungry. This might be my first year without 'slipping' on the meat abstinence. We went to a big pre-game party that included FREE burgers, brats and hot dogs on the local MLB team home opener.....it was on a Friday. Boy did that smell good! I went again a few days later, and was able to have a dog at the game. It didn't taste near as good as I was imagining it on the previous Friday.(Much like sins, don't you think? They aren't near as rewarding as we think they will be, even for the moment.....) <i> (more after the break)-----------------></i><br />
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I attended Mass each weekend, which is required unless illness. There were times I didn't feel like going, but I did. I attended additional weekday Masses, as well as Reconciliation and Adoration, but at about the same rate I usually go...except Reconciliation. I've went more to that. My parish offered additional activities (Stations, talks) that I wasn't able to attend, unfortunately. I plan on those for next year.<br />
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I didn't hide my light or my faith under a bushel, but nor did I 'pharisee' my faith and pray for my own glory on street corners. When asked why I wasn't having meat, I would say I can't eat it, because it's Lent and I'm Catholic. If they wanted more info, I offered it. Otherwise, I kept to myself. I imposed a self-penance for a struggle I"m having, and it actually helped. I don't think I once denied the Lord when offered the opportunity to share the Lord instead. It's easy to turn that voice in your head 'off' and ignore it, most of the time. But God has a way of getting through to me; in the past, it's usually the THIRD time He tells me to share Him and the Faith before I give in. But I'm answering the first or second time instead, and sometimes, even when He hasn't asked me to share; He still gives me the blessing and knowledge that I need in the situation though. I have acquaintances who are actually coming *to* me to ask questions about Catholicism.<br />
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I prayed more, and in some ways, prayed less. I've sinned more, and in some ways, I've sinned less. I'm thankful for His Forgiveness and His Sacrifice.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2018&version=RSVCE;DRA" target="_blank">Ezekial (<i>click for full book)</i> </a>18:26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die for it; for the iniquity which he has committed he shall die. 27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is lawful and right, he shall save his life. 28 Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions which he had committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. </b></span></div>
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257581609983527556.post-86625049340101071772014-04-08T16:06:00.001-05:002014-04-08T16:06:43.348-05:00Feeling still in the LordThanks for sticking with me! I haven't felt very literary, not even 'internet literary' lately. My thoughts have been contained mostly to a few words on a Facebook status or two. I've even been silent on my favorite Catholic forum.<br />
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I haven't been suffering from a dryness, but more quietness, stillness. I've still had thoughts during my prayer and Faith life, but I haven't put them to paper. Perhaps it's the Lenten season.<br />
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In the past year (14 months actually), I've had moments of being overwhelmed by all the Graces and Blessings I was receiving from God. Other times, it's been more quiet. <br />
<a name='more'></a> We need to remember that whether we are being God-struck, or still, that we need to keep praying, moving forward, sharing the Good News. It's easy to pray and worship when we are getting consolations, signs, joys, graces and blessings. We should definitely rejoice! But I've learned it's important to stay the course, to keep going, even without them. <b>Faith is a choice, not a feeling.</b> When we choose to pray, to attend Mass and Adoration, go to Confession, when we don't 'feel' like it, that actually deepens our Faith in God, our relationship with Him. Sometimes, during these still moments of Faith, the surface may seem peaceful, but there is a lot going on underneath, or around the bend. He is preparing the way for us. I love the way He sometimes will give me a sign; if your eyes are open to Him, you will see the signs. ALL good things are from God! Every good thing, He's the reason for! Give thanks to God for all good things.<br />
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God, thank you for all You have given us, your humble servants. Help us to remember that You are there even when we are feeling still. Thank you for the signs and consolations You give us, and grant us the Grace to see them. AMEN!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847831842237586577noreply@blogger.com0