Sabbath Moment by the Seashore

Let your grace be a sun that never sets. (from Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer, Wednesday, Week II, intercessions)

I tried to be more aware of opportunities for more Sabbath moments this week. I am finding that these moments really give me much needed rest, and close moments with God, even if the moment is only 15 minutes! I spent some time in the chapel during my workdays. And there was, of course, the beach. (I know, I know, another beach story.) Going to the water seems to quench my thirst and nourish my soul.

I only live a 5 minute drive from the beach. So one evening, an hour before sunset, I decided to go to the beach and watch the sunset and just 'be.'
While I sat on the beach waiting, I watched families with children walking and playing and laughing. I saw couples of all ages, walking hand in hand along the shoreline. I watched seagulls flying overhead and pelicans dive into the water trying to catch their dinner. I felt relaxed. I felt rested. I felt at peace.
The sunset itself was a disappointment. It was too cloudy near the horizon and except for a little peachy color on the edges of the clouds, there was no visible evidence of a sunset. But I knew it was still there, still happening, even though I could not see it.
And I knew God was there, too. In the people and the nature. In the silence and the peace. And in my own heart.
So I sat there for a little while longer, watching the daylight fading away, resting with the Lord in the midst of His creation.

Today is the day for sharing our Sabbath Moments! If this is your first visit, you can read more here about this meme. If you would like to share your Sabbath moment(s), please copy my Sabbath Moments button into your post. Then come back here and sign into Mr. Linky below. Hope you will join us!

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The Savior's Gentle Touch

My God Moment? Honestly I don't have a real "wow" God moment. As I prayed about what to write this week, it came to me that Jesus probably knew I couldn't handle any BIG moments. Just gentle ones.
Just gentle touches.
There was the hug from a friend, just when I needed it the most.
There was my meeting with my pastor that helped me let go of some of my worries.
There was the card that my hubby and I received, from a couple we know at church, letting us know they had offered up their hour of Adoration for our intentions.
There was my own hour of Adoration that brought me such joy.
Gentle touches from the Savior.

You can participate or read about other God moments by visiting Karinann at Blessings for the Day. Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this meme that helps me be more aware of God's presence in my life.

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Small Successes - July 9

I tend to take more notice of my mistakes than what I do right. So this Small Successes meme is a great way of reversing that attitude. Here are my Small Successes for this week:
1. I went to bed at 11 pm one night. (That is early for me.)
2. I disagreed with someone but did not insist on having the last word. I wanted to argue my point but resisted and just let it go. (It must have been grace.)
3. Last Sunday I was able to stay away from blogging until after sundown so I could observe the Lord's day. I just posted a picture and a prayer. (got the idea from Karinann at Daughter of the King.)

To participate in this meme or to read other posts, visit Danielle Bean at Faith & Family.

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Thankful for So Many Blessings

I have so many blessings to be thankful for. Here are just a few:

1. I am thankful for my husband whose love and support keep me going no matter what.
2. I am thankful for books, which I love to read and rarely get the time. I made time the 4th of July weekend!
3. I am thankful for the time to rest and to pray and Sabbath moments!
4. I am thankful for laughter which is always healing.
5. I am thankful for the Eucharist, Jesus' gift of Himself to us.

Thanks to Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings for hosting this meme! Please visit her blog to check out more postings and participate as well!

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Are You With Me, Jesus?

I was sitting in the chapel today. I was breathing in and out slowly, praying the word 'Jesus' over and over. I was staring at the tabernacle and in between my deep breaths in and out, I was complaining. Whining really.
Do you hear me, Jesus? Are you with me, Lord?
I looked up at the stained glass window of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was looking right at me. Of course, it was just a picture and Jesus in that picture is always looking right at whoever is looking at him. Which is quite perfect, really, if you think about it.
We gaze upon Jesus as He gazes upon us.
As soon as that thought entered my mind, tears started rolling down my cheeks. Yup. Jesus is with me.

image source

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Hear the Music

I found these words last week (in Terry Hershey's newsletter) by Robert Capon about how "we live like ill-taught piano students. So concerned with playing the right notes, we never hear the music."
I know I am often like that. I get so intent on being the perfect wife and mother and secretary and Catholic and writer, I miss living. I miss the joy and the beauty and the music.
I forget that God loves me just the way I am. I forget that God made me and so God knows who I am and what I am and how imperfect I am.
I think that it probably bothers God more when we miss His gifts. The gifts of life and love and sunsets and, well, music.
When I used to watch my sons trying to play the piano when they were little, I never thought about the mistakes they were making. I was thinking more about how much fun they were having.
When Adam and Eve realized they were naked and hid themselves from God, He asked them, "Who told you that you were naked?" (Genesis 3:11) God wanted to walk with them in the garden, but they thought they weren't good enough and so they went into hiding.
I need to stop worrying about being perfect. I need to stop worrying about playing the right notes. I just need to remember to live each moment.
I need to stop hiding, walk with my God and be sure to hear His music.
from Prayerful Morsels
image source

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Fixing My Eyes on the Lord

I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven. (Psalm 123:1)

O Lord, may I keep my eyes fixed on you always,
Help me to see you everywhere and in everyone.
Help me see as you see, help me love as you love.
Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings. Amen.

image source

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A Sabbath Moment in the Morning

I slept in yesterday morning. When I woke up, I heard the TV on in the living room. I didn't feel like being around noise. I wanted to be in silence. In fact, I wanted to just "be."
So I sat up in bed, comfy pillows behind me, my favorite quilt covering my legs, and a pile of books next to me. I meditated on the readings of the day. I read some pages in one of my books about a woman's experience of silent prayer. Then I sat in the silence and stillness and quiet. I relaxed with the Lord. It was a great start to my day. I felt better. Refreshed. I could just feel myself being filled up with peace. Truly a Sabbath Moment.

Today is the day for sharing our Sabbath Moments! If this is your first visit, you can read more here about this meme. If you would like to share your Sabbath moment(s), please copy my Sabbath Moments button on the sidebar into your post. Then come back here and sign into Mr. Linky below. Thanks for joining us!

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The Savior Gives Me Rest

After spending the past 2 weeks dealing with a family crisis about the childhood abuse I suffered, I am feeling pretty tired. In fact, downright exhausted.
This weekend, I had planned on doing a little marketing work on my book, which is about how God is helping me heal from the abuse. For some reason, I can't imagine why (sarcasm), the idea of dealing with that book and its subject matter did not sound like a great idea. Not this weekend.
Into the office comes a man I know who has just read my book and he is singing its praises to me. Then he says he wants to take a few of my books and bring them to a bookstore in our area, to see if they will sell them. This bookstore is just the one I had thought of visiting this weekend! It was as if Jesus himself came and said, I know you are really tired. Let me send you someone to help you.
He relieved my burden and He gave me rest. Thank you, Jesus.

You can participate or read about other God moments by visiting Karinann's blog. Just click on the graphic on my sidebar. Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this great Friday meme!

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Thankful for the Blessings of Freedom

This week I am doing this meme a little differently. It may seem a little strange but my life is a little strange right now.
I have been undergoing a personal crisis this past week or so and instead of just listing the blessings I am thankful for, I want to say a great big thank you to all my blogging friends and family and friends who have all been supporting me and giving me affirmation and hugs. Not to mention lots of good advice and prayers.
So I am thankful for all of you and for the blessings of such support.
On this, the Tuesday before the 4th of July, please go to my other blog to see what I have been up to and read my Declaration of Independence! Thank you and God bless!

Thanks to Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings for hosting this meme! Please visit her blog to check out more postings and participate as well!
Another blessing! Judy also interviewed me on her Daily Blessings site.

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