Wait for the Lord

"Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)
I have always had a hard time waiting. Especially when waiting for the Lord to guide me or to answer my prayer.
One time I was complaining to my spiritual director about it and he gave me the verse I wrote above - "Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." Over the years, this became a favorite verse for us. Either for me to whine about or for him to remind me about or both of us to laugh about.
Laugh, you say? Sure, why not? What else am I going to do? Let's face it, waiting is a major part of our spiritual journey. It is what we Christians seem to do a lot of. We wait.
But the thing is, it is not an empty waiting. It is an active waiting. Like waiting for a baby to be born. So much going on in the mother's womb that we cannot see.
And there is also that inbetween time of waiting. Tomb time. Good Friday has happened but Easter Sunday isn't here yet. A lot is going on in that tomb that we cannot see.
Some of the waiting is agonizing. Some is dry and boring. Some of it is what I like to call the "edge of the seat" kind of waiting, that sense of anticipation of what God may have in store.
But we needn't worry about this. We just need to trust. After all, what does verse 13 say, that line before the one on waiting?
"I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness in the land of the living."
Ah, yes. Sometimes I forget that part. But when I remember it, then all is well.
God is in control.
All I have to do is wait.
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Music Monday - Receive the Power

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the Music Monday image in my sidebar.
Did you hear the song at the World Youth Day 2008? I just love it and have been listening to it again recently. This song is about receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to be the light unto the world, and to love and worship God. The song is powerful and this video I found on YouTube is moving. Hope you enjoy!

Every Perfect Gift Is From Above

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All good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights ... (James 1:17)

Lord, You know me.
You know that for years I have tried to be perfect at everything I do.
Perfect wife. Perfect mother. Perfect Christian.
But I am learning not to think I need to be perfect.
You, Lord, are Perfect. And You are all I need.
Thank you for being my Light. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival Aug 30

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This That and The Other Thing and check out others participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

Dear Jesus

Sabbath Moments All the Way to Heaven

Hope you enjoy. I also look forward to reading the posts you decide share with us!

Sabbath Moments All the Way to Heaven

Sabbath Moments are those moments or hours or days that we take to honor God, to rest in God, and to put God first on our list. No agenda needed. A time to Just Be.
1. One day this week it started raining. I was in the office, feeling a bit overwhelmed with my to-do list and the noise. I did not like feeling annoyed, so I went into the conference room, pulled up a chair to the window and watched the rain. I listened for God, I thought about God, but did not speak. I was only there for 5 minutes but it was truly a Sabbath Moment that I needed. A time to Just Be. (What is it about rain anyway?)
2. I took time after dinner every weekday evening for about an hour in order to spend some quiet time with the Lord. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I listen to music. No agenda.
3.One of my favorite quotes is from St. Catherine of Siena - "All the way to heaven is heaven." It has been on my mind all week long! So when I thought of it, I would stop what I was doing and say a short little prayer.
The quote reminds me to live in the present moment and not worry about where I am on the spiritual journey. So I try to take a Sabbath moment whenever I can, and enjoy the journey.
4. My hubby is away today. I will have some alone time I do not get very often! So I plan on keeping the Sabbath this afternoon. Maybe ALL afternoon.

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. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us! God bless.

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - August 28

Sometimes we can miss the daily little nudges from God. That is one of the reasons I love this meme!
* I was feeling sad after my mother left to return to her home. One day my hubby came home with a bouquet of beautiful flowers. From sadness to love and beauty in one moment!
* Driving home from work one day in a severe thunderstorm, I saw ahead of me an opening in the clouds and the sun's rays shining down on a small area, almost like a gigantic spotlight. The area? My neighborhood! It was as if I was driving into a safe harbor of some kind.
* I kept reading in different meditations about the need to be who I am meant to be. I often think I need to be someone else. These reminders were encouraging to me to just accept myself as I am. This is a quote from Thomas Merton - "What we have to be is what we are."
Karinann hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This meme helps me to be more aware of how and where and when I experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at Blessings For the Day.

Small Successes - August 27

I love this meme! Helps me to think positively about myself, rather than look for the negative!
1. I crossed M&M's off of the grocery list! My mom and I were eating them during her visit because she loves them too! But now she has gone back home and I do not want to get into this habit. They need to just remain a treat once in awhile.
2. Since going back to work, I have been taking some prayer time for myself after dinner again. It is a nice habit that I wanted to get back into after my recent vacation where all schedules go out the window.
3. I am going to the dentist this am to have a crown done. Yikes! I am not obsessing over it and worrying like crazy. I am a bit nervous, but I am letting it go. It has to be done - so be it! (And you can be sure I will be praying for that whole hour!)

This meme really helps me pay attention to the things I do right! Very good for the self-esteem. To participate in this meme or to read other submissions, visit Danielle Bean at Faith & Family.

Thankful for God's Gifts

I love having an attitude of gratitude! This meme helps me to remember what I have to be thankful for and so, I am thankful for this meme!! Thanks to Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings for hosting! Please visit her blog to check out more postings and participate as well!
Here is my list for this week of those things I am most thankful for:
1. I am thankful for the gift of laughter - it is one of my favorite gifts! My husband can always make me laugh, no matter what is going on. I love to laugh.
2. I am thankful for the gift of writing. Writing has brought me to this blogging world and new friends. Writing has allowed me to break the silence and tell my story of healing and God's love, and continues to help me on my journey to wholeness.
3. I am thankful for the gift of faith. My belief and trust in God's unconditional love and mercy has changed my life so much, especially in the last 20 years since becoming Catholic.
4. I am thankful for the gift of love. I am filled up with the love of my God and my friends and my family, and especially my hubby who is also my best friend.
5. I am thankful for the gift of music which lifts my spirit. Music is also another way to give praise and worship to the Lord. Songs often give words to the feelings I have and cannot describe on my own!

Dear Jesus

Dear Jesus,
I went to Eucharistic Adoration the other night to visit you. I haven't been to adoration for a few weeks and I have missed my time of praying before your Real Presence.
I was only there a short time when I started to cry. I really had no clue as to where those tears came from. I know that I felt a letdown after all the excitement of the wedding and vacation and my mother's visit. I wanted to pray but couldn't find the words for some reason. So I cried instead.
Then I offered my tears to you. First of all, because they were all I had. And also, because I knew you would know what they meant. Even if I didn't.
Today's Psalm is one of my favorites: You have probed me, you know me...Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all. (Psalm 139:1,4)
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for your love and your peace and for your constant presence. And for knowing what I need, even when I don't know.
I love you.

Bloodmoney

Thanks to David Marciniak, I saw this trailer on the documentary about abortion - Bloodmoney.
Pass the word!

Music Monday - Cinderella

I am joining in the Music Monday meme hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the Music Monday image in my sidebar.
Last week I went to a Women of Faith event and Steven Curtis Chapman sang quite a few songs. What a treat! One of the songs was Cinderella, which is a song about his daughters growing up and how he needs to enjoy every minute with them before they leave the nest! Considering that my son just got married, this song hit home with me. And it is a beautiful reminder to live in the present moment, because that is where we find God.

We Will Serve the Lord

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Something about this scripture verse always moves me. I cannot quite put my finger on it. One of those mysteries of grace I would guess. Or just a reminder to me what being a Christian means. Or what being Church means.

Lord, thank you for all the graces you give me, and

for the reminders that I am your's - that I belong to you.
Help me to serve you and love you
with all my heart and soul and mind.
And help me to be a good role model for my family. Amen.

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Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival August 23

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This That and The Other Thing and check out others participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

I have been on vacation and celebrating my son's wedding for past two weeks! So guess what my blog posts this week were?

Here are my posts from last week:

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Bride and Groom

Sabbath Moments on Friday

Some Wedding Pictures!

Sabbath Moments on Friday

Friday was a day of many Sabbath moments.
First I had my Remicade infusion (for rheumatoid arthritis) which usually takes 2 to 3 hours. I decided to devote some of that time to God. I watched a video of Anthony DeMello and did my morning prayer and read a few reflections.
Usually I am tired after the infusion, so came home and put away my to-do list and spent some more time reading and resting. I felt no need to accomplish anything. There was no agenda to worry about.
Then early this morning I had the 2 am hour of Adoration at my church. An hour of silence to spend with the Lord, centered on Him, adoring Him.
My vacation reminded me of the need to balance times of rest and work. And this meme also reminds me of the need to take moments of R & R with the Lord, focused on His presence in my life, attentive to the present moment - a Sabbath moment dedicated to God.
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. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us! God bless.

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Bride & Groom

I experienced the touch of the Savior's hand is so many ways during my vacation and the wedding day, etc. This one I knew I needed to share with you the minute it happened. I am cheating a little because it was a couple of weeks ago but it continues to move me to tears.
I was reading Grace for the Moment, Volume I, by Max Lucado - he writes daily inspirational thoughts, like a devotional. On August 4, (4 days before my son's wedding), he writes about how the groom looks at his bride during the wedding and how he knows he cannot bear to live without her. I have always thought that the minute the groom sees the bride is one of the most moving moments of a wedding.
I had a good view of my son when he saw his bride for the first time as she rounded the corner around the back pew and came down the aisle toward him. I saw the look in his eyes and the look in hers and I could hardly hold it together!
Max Lucado goes on to say that Jesus looks at us like the groom looks at his bride. For we belong to Jesus. Each one of us is His bride.
I do not think I will ever forget that.
Karinann hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This meme helps me to be more aware of how I experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at Blessings For the Day.

A Beautiful Award

Thank you to Judy at Benmakesten and Karinann at Daughter of the King for their kind award to me for being Loyal Friend and Visitor.
I wish to pass it on to all my loyal friends and followers of both my blogs. Feel free to copy this award onto your blog and pass it on to your loyal followers! Because I am afraid of missing someone, if you follow me or comment frequently, please accept this award!
Thanks to all of you who follow and visit my blogs!

Some Wedding Pictures!

The Vows

The Dance

The Proud Mom

Bride & Groom with Groom's Dad, Mom & Grandmother

The Two Families

Thankful for Vacations & Weddings

This meme helps us to remember what we have to be thankful for and so, I am thankful for this meme!! Thanks to Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings for hosting! Please visit her blog to check out more postings and participate as well!
Here is my list for this week of those things I am most thankful for:
1. The Wedding - the wedding went so well. Such a beautiful day. My son and his bride were so happy, they just glowed! I felt very blessed to see my deacon hubby witnessing the wedding. My son twirled me around the dance floor, making me laugh! My older son hosted a bunch of us in his house and my stepson hosted a bunch more - another blessing! What a great family time. (Watch this blog in the near future for pictures.)
2. Women of Faith event - what an uplifting couple of days! My mom came with me for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Over 10,000 women were there. The music was awesome - Sandi Patty, Mandisa and Steven Curtis Chapman PLUS the Women of Faith singers who were great. Speakers included Patsy Clairmont and Marilyn Neburg and Lisa Whelchel (remember Facts of Life?) and others. There were tears and laughter and prayer and witnessing and singing. Quite a time of praising and loving God! And always thanking God for our blessings!
3. Mom's visit - My mom stayed with me for 2 1/2 weeks and we totally enjoyed the time together. We live more than 1600 miles apart and we do not often get to spend this amount of time together. So we were sure to appreciate each minute.
4. Vacation - I so needed some R & R. Wedding week was not very restful but it was a good family time and then the weeks after have been a good mix of fun and rest.
5. Friends & Family - Blogging friends, nonblogging friends, family who could not be at the wedding - I felt the prayers and support and blessings from all. Thank you, Lord, for this celebration of love.

Keeping God Close

1st posted 9/26/08

God is closer to me than any of my problems.
Someone said that to me yesterday. I was immediately touched by it, so I am feeling the need to ponder it a little. Excuse me while I think out loud.
I know that, sometimes, I can make my problems bigger than they really are. And sometimes I forget to bring my problems to God. I think I can "fix" them myself. That's really amusing. Sometimes though, I actually trust God and let Him hold onto the problems for awhile.
But then I take them back and I fret and I worry. I worry a lot. I am a big worry-wart (where did that weird phrase come from anyway?) And things get very overwhelming when I think more about my worries than I think about God.
So if I keep God close to me, keep him right before my eyes, if I filter all my thoughts and feelings through this God that I love and adore, well, then my problems will seem far away. Right?
Right.

God Speaks to the Soul

First posted 12/15/08

It is my nature that makes me love you often
For I am love itself.
It is my longing that makes me love you intensely,
For I yearn to be loved from the heart.
It is my eternity that makes me love you long
For I have no end.” – Mechthild of Magdeburg

I love this quote. It fills me up and comforts me. It is beautifully written, very poetic, and I also find it reassuring. Pretty difficult to tell myself that God does not love me when I read this. Of course, I need only look at the manger and the cross to know that God loves me. I need only look at Jesus.

Sabbath Moment and Vacation

I am still on vacation and today I am away again at Women of Faith! But I managed to post about my Sabbath moment and put up Mr Linky before leaving!
This week, the Monday after the wedding, I had a day that I spent just hanging out at home with my mother - who is staying another week - and my hubby. We just sat and watched tv and read books. We were so tired! I even stayed in my pajamas! Totally felt like a lazy day. I prayed after everyone went to bed and read the day's readings. A Sabbath day for sure. A day of rest spent with family and the Lord.

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. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us! God bless.

Three Reasons I Love Being Catholic

First posted 11/21/08

1. The Eucharist - The Eucharist is what brought me to the Catholic Church. I have been a Catholic now for 20 years. I always thought something was missing until I took RCIA classes and learned about the Eucharist. Then I knew what had been missing. The Eucharist is such a gift. It is Jesus' gift of Himself to us. 2. The Pope - I did not realize that the pope meant that much to me until #1 - Pope John Paul II died. I was devastated. He was the only pope I had ever known. #2 - I went to Rome last year and was there for Pope Benedict's Sunday blessing. When I saw him on the balcony, I burst into tears and was so filled with joy! Il Papa! 3. Reconciliation - As a Protestant, I had always asked God directly for forgiveness and then assumed (or trusted) I was forgiven. Now I can go to confession. I can humble myself before the priest, confess my sins to Jesus, and receive absolution. I can experience Jesus's loving mercy in a profound and direct way. And I can receive the embrace of the Father as He welcomes me home. Converting to the Catholic Church has changed my life so much, it would take days of blogging to tell you all. Suffice it to say, I feel truly blessed to be a Catholic.

Women and Faith

1st posted 10/19/08
I scheduled this to post this week because as of this writing I am bringing my mother to Women of Faith this weekend. She has never been to one. We are very excited! Have you ever been?

It is truly wonderful to be able to get together with a group of women and to be able to share our deep love for God.
I attended a Women of Faith Conference last August. It was basically non-denominational. Over 14,000 women were there. All gathered there together for one common reason – we all love Jesus!! 14,000 women there - singing and worshiping and loving God. I cried and I laughed and I sang and I raised my hands up in praise of God. Truly uplifting. A reminder of how active God is in our lives. How healing is God’s presence.
Curious however, I decided to go looking to see if there was a Catholic Women of Faith Conference. Didn’t expect to find one but guess what? I did!! And it is called, guess what? Catholic Women of Faith! Only one conference a year. 2008 conference was in Tennesee, but there is no updated info on website. I wonder how long it would be before they do more around the country like Women of Faith? Or will they? Just pondering.
Well, today I went to a local Magnificat. Actually it is called a Magnificat meal. Magnificat is a Ministry to Catholic Women. What a wonderful morning. We had breakfast and praise and worship and then a powerful testimony from an invited speaker. I have been to a few of these Magnificat meals and have always left feeling uplifted. Again I felt the healing and loving presence of God. What a blessing.
I really needed that.

Wedding Photo

OK, I am on vacation but I had to share at least one picture!

Brothers and Friends

1st posted 10/11/08 - thought this was a good one to post again while on vacation - the younger son just got married!

God answers prayers.
I have two sons. They are both 20-something now. Both are employed and self-sufficient. They do not need their mother like they used to. Which is fine. I raised them to be independent and self-reliant. But I miss them.
I miss the little boys. I miss the games and the camping trips and the bedtime stories. I even miss hearing “Mom!” over and over until I thought I needed to change my name.
Now I am not a part of their everyday life. I watch them from afar. We call and we email. Not the same, but that is life. We raise our children and give them wings so they can fly away and make their own home.
I am proud of them. More than they know. They are such good men. Kindhearted and funny and loving and good. Just what I hoped and dreamed they would be. I think my husband and I can take some credit for that, but I know most of the credit belongs to them and to God. And so I thank God.
There was a time when these two did not get along very well. Sibling rivalry and all that. I tried telling them that brothers are forever, but they were too young to get that. I think they thought their mother was just lecturing again.
But they are adults now. And over the last 4 years, they have spent more time together doing things they both enjoy. I think they have discovered that they have more in common than they thought. And now it seems like they are as much friends as they are brothers.
Recently, the younger son had to move to another town. Another section of the country really. They both miss each other terribly. While I am sorry for their sense of loss, and am experiencing that same loss myself, I rejoice at the love they have for one another. For the strong bond that I always prayed would be there someday.
And I find my heart is at peace. For no matter what, my two “boys” will always have each other.
And that is a gift that God has given them. And me.

Sabbath Moments - August 8

Boy, I have needed to take time for Sabbath moments this week. Crazy week! But the day this is posted is the big wedding day!! So no time for blogging!! But I figured I could put up Mr Linky and if any of you wish to share your Sabbath moments with me and each other, please do so!! I can't wait to read them first chance I get.


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. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us! God bless.

Called to Pray

On vacation - this first posted 8/27/08

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seemed to go right? When it seemed like no matter what you touched, it disintegrated right before your eyes? Today was like that for me. By the end of the day, I was so stressed out, I could have cried. But later, in a moment of stillness, I remembered what had happened this morning.
I had gone to work and was setting up for the day and suddenly, I got this urge to go to the chapel and visit the Blessed Sacrament. (I am a parish secretary so this is just a walk across the parking lot for me.) Wanting to get right to work, I tried to ignore the gentle "nudges." But they were persistent. So I went to the chapel and sat in silence before the Blessed Sacrament for about 15 minutes.
I didn't realize it at the time, but that visit was what I would need as the day wore on and things got worse. Was I stressed? Yes. Frustrated? Oh my goodness, yes. But deep inside I was able to hold it together. In fact, I could sense a little oasis of calm. Thank you, Lord.
Now, I wonder if I will remember this tomorrow morning when I go into the office and try to figure out how I am going to fix my mess. Will I take the time to pray or will I ignore the call and just try to get to work?
Now where is that card that says I am not the Master of the Universe?

Where Does the Time Go?

My youngest son is getting married in a week so you can probably guess what I am pondering in my heart.
Where does the time go?
Seems like yesterday when I brought him home from the hospital. Seems like yesterday when he walked around as a 4 year old wearing cowboy boots. Seems like yesterday when I taught him how to parallel park in the church parking lot.
Now he is a high school English teacher and a football coach. And he is getting married in a week.
Where does the time go?
It is at a time like this that I truly understand what it means to live in the moment. If we keep looking forward to tomorrow, we miss today. I tried very hard to cherish each day with my sons. Still, the time went by too fast.
Now I find myself turning more to Mary. I know that she knows what is in my heart. I feel closer to her at times like this because I know she understands very well what it feels like to let go of your son.
I turn to Jesus, too, and I ponder His love for His mother. Even while He was suffering on the cross, He was concerned about her, making sure she had a son to take care of her when He was gone.
Mothers and sons. What a gift.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with two sons. Watch over them and their wives and guide them as they make new memories of their own. And help them to cherish every moment of every day. Amen.
1st published on Prayerful Morsels

Vacation

I am going on vacation for 2 weeks. My mother comes to town today. My son's wedding is next Saturday. I will be busy for wedding and then on a much needed restful vacation. I know I will have lots to blog about when I come back.
In the meantime, I will schedule some repeat blog posts from this past year. And if I get a chance to post something new, I will. At the very least, you may see some wedding pix!! Of course!
I may pre-schedule the meme for next week - Sabbath Moments. But if it isn't there, I know you will forgive me since that is WEDDING DAY.
I am so thankful for all my blogger friends. I will miss you and pray for you. God bless.

Bread from Heaven

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” - John 6:33

Jesus, You are the bread of my life. I believe in you. Thank you for
loving me and for nourishing my soul. Amen.

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Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival Aug 2

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This That and The Other Thing and check out others participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

Here are my posts from last week:

God Finds Us

To Be Known by God

Everyday Sabbath Moments

It was a very busy week. I had some evening appointments and so missed most of my scheduled Sabbath moments after dinner. I really missed those moments of refreshment so I knew I had to find leisure time with God in small little everyday ways.
Yesterday a rain storm came up near my office. I stopped work and went to the window in order to watch the rain as it poured. It lasted only about 10 minutes or so but was beautiful to watch and refreshed me.
One day, I was driving home from work. As I drove over a bridge, I looked ahead and saw such beautiful cloud formations. There were white ones that looked like cotton and some black and gray ones that were just sliver-like. (the photo below is not exact but close to what I saw). I felt such peace (this is a good God moment too). I kept looking at those clouds and when I got home, I sat outside for a few minutes in my car and just looked at the sky, feeling the fatigue and stress of the day melt away. And I thanked God for His gifts.

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. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us! God bless.

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