Praying the Psalms - Psalm 20

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 20.

Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the LORD our God.
They collapse and fall, but we stand strong and firm. - Psalm 20:8-9

Sometimes I forget that I am not the Master of the Universe. Sometimes I forget that I am not in control. When I forget to hand it all over to God, to trust in Him totally, to rely on Him, then things often get messed up.

When we fail to put God first, when we think we are the ones in control of our lives... we are lost.

When we put God first, rely on His name, hang onto His Word, are nourished by His Body & Blood ... we are found.

Dear God, I know I have nothing to fear, if I put all my trust in you. Help me to put you first, to let go of all that is not you. Amen.

Book Review #2!

Another blogging friend, Mary from A Beautiful Gate, has written about my book. She wrote such beautiful words which you may find so healing. And she relates a healing of her own! Thank you, Mary.

Taking a Break

I will be taking a break from blogging over the next week.
I may pop in from time to time.
I may throw in my two cents worth.
I may re-post an old post.
I guess I am trying to tell you that there is nothing set in stone about this break. I am just playing it by ear. 

I feel like I have been going out straight for a long time now and I need to just stop and be still. I need a longer Sabbath Moment! Or maybe a few longer ones!

Speaking of Sabbath Moments, I will not be posting that this week. I will probably be back next Saturday. Stay tuned!
God bless!

Book Review

My blogging friend, Karinann, has written a review of my book, The Third Floor Window. Go to her blog at Daughter of the King. It is a great review, well written and really brings out the message of my book.

Thank you, Karinann.

Thankful for Blessings - May Blessings

I love this meme because it helps me to be more aware of all my blessings. An attitude of gratitude is so important in our spiritual life! Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Check out her beautiful blogs and website! Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:
1. My book - I have received a lot of positive feedback on my book this week from a few different people and I can only thank God and give Him the glory. He has used my story to help others and I am really so amazed and humbled and grateful.
2. My family - one of my granddaughters graduated from high school last week and what a joyful weekend we all had together celebrating and supporting her.
3. Eucharistic Adoration  - I am so grateful that we have 24 hour Adoration at our parish the 1st and 3rd Fridays every month. It is such a gift and I just love spending some quiet time with the Lord.
4. Writing/blogging - I have always enjoyed writing and now that I am blogging, I find this is also a blessing for me. I enjoy the blogging community, my circle of blogging friends, and our sharing of our faith and our experiences of God and the writing itself.
5. My faith -Thank you, Lord, for the gift of faith and for your love for me. Thank you for helping me to see your constant presence in my life, for helping me to be more aware of all that I am grateful for, and for your merciful love and compassion.

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday

I am joining Jenny this week at Just a Minute. She has a meme called Sixty Seconds on Tuesday which you can read more about here. Join her on Tuesdays to preserve a precious moment in word or photo.

Sitting the other day by the pond in my neighborhood, watching the birds, contemplating another great quote I came across - 

Walk always near to God, for the gentleness of his shadow is more wonderful than the brightness of the sun. - St. Francis de Sales

Well. Some words just touch my heart and won't let go. These words do that. Walk always near to God... the gentleness of his shadow... 

I think I am going to have to read more of St. Francis de Sales.

Music Monday - Holy Spirit Come Fill This Place

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the link here or the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! St. Augustine said when we sing, we pray twice! Thank you, Shawntele, for hosting this great meme!

I was looking at some Cece Winans songs and found this one. I have not heard it before. Another  good song for Pentecost!

Pentecost

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” - John 14:26 
The term "Advocate" really touches me when I read this. It reminds me of when I was a registered nurse. Nurses are supposed to be Patient Advocates. The care and needs of a patient are supposed to come first and nurses are there to be sure that happens. Nurses look out for what is best for the patient, even if it means speaking up to a doctor or a supervisor or a family member.
Jesus tells us that the Father is sending us an Advocate to teach us. An Advocate who will be with us always and will reveal the presence and the love of our Father.
An Advocate who will direct us, teach us to pray, and whisper in our hearts that we are the beloved children of God.
Lord, thank you for sending us your Spirit. Thank you for sending the gentle Spirit who guides and teaches and reveals God's love for us. Everyday.

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Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival May 23

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

Here are my contributions for this week:
The Ascension of the Lord
Sixty Seconds On Tuesday

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 19

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 19.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft. 
One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.
There is no word or sound; no voice is heard
Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. - Psalm 19:2-5

The footnote on verse 4 says this - No word or sound: the regular functioning of the heavens and the alternation of day and night inform humans without words of the creator's power and wisdom.
Ah yes. So true. We need not hear words or sound to know God's power or hear God's message.
I remember three nights in particular that stand out in my mind.
1. I was a little girl. My father was teaching me about stars and constellations and their names. We were gazing up at the sky and I thought it was such a perfect night. One of the few times in my childhood when I remember feeling safe and happy with my abusive father. Or was it God the Father telling me I was safe with Him?
2. I was an adult. I was gazing up at the beautiful sky and suddenly tears filled my eyes as I became overwhelmed with the realization that the great Creator who made this sky and moon and stars, who made the whole universe - this same Creator - also made me and loved me and knew my name and the number of hairs on my head. Wow. I believe that God was telling me - I love you with a love that is beyond your understanding.
3. We had just survived a hurricane. There was no power yet and we were hot and still in shock. My daughter-in-law went outside for a breath of fresh air and within seconds called to me to come outside to look at the night sky.
I had never seen so many stars in the sky either before or since that day. It was like there was not one space where there was not a star. I felt like God was telling us, "Fear not. I am here with you. You are not alone." He had even provided us light to see by!
Almighty God and Father, I need no words or sound to know you are with me always. I need no words or sound to know you love me. Thank you, Lord, for your love and care. Thank you for your Creation. Amen.

A Few Sabbath Moments Here and There

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
1. When I got to work one day, I stopped my car, sat and took some deep breaths, and watched the squirrels playing and scampering around the trees. I heard some birds chirping too. Our church (where I work) is located in a quiet neighborhood so there is always a lot of wildlife and nature around here, not to mention the eagles!!
2. My week was hectic - my car was in the shop, work was busy - I could have easily been frustrated and grumpy, but I prayed a lot by repeating Jesus' name over and over and it really helped. Not to mention a few minutes in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament.
3. Silence is a rare thing in my life. I have to find it or make it (if there is such a thing.) But I grabbed a few minutes here and there and it is amazing how just a few minutes can make a difference - in attitude and in prayer.

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - the Little Moments

One of my special blogging friends, Karinann, hosts this meme every Friday. It is called Touch of Our Savior's Hand and we participate by posting about the time or times we have experienced Jesus' presence in our lives this past week. Karinann's blog is called Blessings for the Day.
I do not have any BIG "God moments" to share but this week seems to be about the "little things that are really big things" in my life. So I kept my ears and eyes open to His presence and this is where I felt His touch this week.
1. My blogging friends and their support
2. The pretty pond near my home. There was no wildlife there this morning but what I really noticed was the water sparkling in the sun like diamonds dancing!
3. A friend telling me about watching some children receive First Communion and the awe she felt as she watched their reactions.
4. Watching my grandson graduate from 8th grade and seeing his parents' love shining in their eyes.
How about you? How did you experience the touch of the Savior this week?

Thankful for Blessings - "It's the Little Things"

I love this meme because it helps me to be more aware of all my blessings. An attitude of gratitude is so important in our spiritual life! Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:

1. My hubby - my car was in the shop for a few days this week and my poor hubby had to bring me back and forth to work and run errands for me and he even came to the office a little early one day and helped me answer phones!! What a guy!

2. Little Kindnesses - Sometimes it's the everyday "little things" that turn out to not be so little and instead become our biggest blessings! The "God bless you," the encouraging word, the smile - they can mean so much! I need to be more aware and not take these kindnesses for granted!
3. Peace & Quiet - it seems like I have had some hectic days lately, but every so often, especially in the afternoon, things will settle down a little and I will have a few minutes of peace & quiet. Just those few minutes can feel like heaven!

4. Chocolate - I am on a diet but every so often, I cheat and have chocolate and it tastes so much better than usual!

5. Books - I love to read. I think most of us who like to write like to read. Books inspire and inform and helps us take a much needed break from running around!!

How about you? What are some of your blessings this week?

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday

I am joining Jenny this week at Just a Minute. She has a meme called Sixty Seconds on Tuesday which you can read more about here. Join her on Tuesdays to preserve a precious moment in word or photo.

I read this quote from St. Teresa of Avila and I just had to share it. The first sentence made me think of that song from Wynonna Judd - I Wanna Know What Love Is. I do not think any of us fully KNOW what Love is, not yet. But this side of heaven, God blesses us with many "hints."

"Perhaps we don't know what love is. It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that this is true, sad but true. Love doesn't exist - as we like to think - in the degree to which we are happy. No, love exists in the strength of our determination to try to please God in everything we do, each and every day. The important thing is not to think much but to love much. So start doing whatever most stirs you to love." - Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle

Music Monday - Spirit Song

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the link here or the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! St. Augustine said when we sing, we pray twice! Thank you, Shawntele, for hosting this great meme!

Pentecost is next Sunday so I thought the Spirit Song would be appropriate! It is a favorite of mine. It is being sung here by Maranatha with lyrics and a beautiful video. Enjoy and God bless!

The Ascension of the Lord

As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.

They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

and they were continually in the temple praising God. - Luke 24:51-53

I do not like saying good-bye. I have a hard time saying good-bye to those I love or care for or depend on. I especially have a hard time if I am not sure when I am going to see them again.

I can imagine myself being with the apostles when Jesus ascended into heaven and just crying my eyes out. Even if I knew I would see him again, the separation would be so difficult for me.

In this gospel reading, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy and praising God. I have to think that they really understood that Jesus being taken up to heaven did not mean a separation. They must have believed Jesus' promise that He would be with them always.

Lord, I know you are here with me now. Help me to trust in that always. I know that one day I will see your face, but until that time, please help me to do as the apostles did - do you homage and praise you always. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival May 16

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

Here are my contributions for this week:

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 18
Sabbath Moments - Just Be

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 18

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 18.

You, LORD, give light to my lamp;

my God brightens the darkness about me. (Psalm 18:29)

Oh gosh. I love this verse.
There is so much in this psalm that I could write about, but this line just jumped off the page at me.
You, Lord, give light to my lamp.
We do not make the light. The light we carry is the light God gives us. Even when we feel like we are in the dark, we still carry the light of Christ.
...my God brightens the darkness about me.
This phrase reminds me of John 1:5 - the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God makes the very darkness shine!
Lord, I have experienced a lot of darkness in my life. Yet I can look back and see the little pieces of light. The people who loved me. The people who taught me about you. I have never been alone. You have always been with me, lighting my lamp, brightening my darkness, helping me to see in the dark. Thank you, Lord.

Sabbath Moment - Just Be

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

1. Yesterday I spent a few hours receiving my Remicade infusion for my RA. It is hardly what I would call a "fun" time, but it is enforced stillness as I sit in one place and read and pray and listen to music, etc. So I can actually say I am grateful for this time to just BE.
2. Because I have been so tired and not feeling well, I have to make sure I get more rest and more time to just BE with the Lord. Every evening after dinner, I went into the bedroom and pray and/or read for about 30 minutes or more.

3. I stopped my car by the little lake in our park when I was coming home from work one day. I saw one of those long legged birds - a heron I think. They are so dignified looking and can stay in one place for a very long time just staring! Maybe they know the secret of learning to just Be.
What were some of your Sabbath moments this week?
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Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Out of Love

One of my special blogging friends, Karinann, hosts this meme every Friday. It is called Touch of Our Savior's Hand and we participate by posting about the time or times we have experienced Jesus' presence in our lives this past week. Why not join us? You can submit your own post and link to Karinann's blog called Blessings for the Day. Karinann, thank you for this meme!
Halfway through Mass on Mother's Day, I realized I was not paying close attention to the readings or my husband's homily (oops - don't tell him!).

I was feeling kind of down. My RA was acting up. I was tired and I was missing my boys on Mother's Day. They both live out of town so could not come. I understood that but seeing all the mothers at church with their children made me feel sad.

In the middle of this pity party, I told God I was sorry. I didn't mean to feel sorry for myself. I started thinking of how much God loves us, even if we are not paying attention at Mass, even if we are not paying attention to Him, even when we are not "present" to Him.
I did not feel like being there, but I came. Out of obligation? I guess that may be part of it. But also, because there is no better place to be when one is having a pity party.
There is not better place to know love and to know healing than at the table of our Lord.
On good days and bad, God hangs in there with us. Out of love.

I knew in that instant that I had no reason to feel sorry for myself and I had everything to be grateful for.
I experienced the touch of our Savior's Hand.

God is Close

"For 'In him we live and move and have our being.'" - Acts 17:28

This was from one of the Mass readings today and is one of my favorite scripture verses. Every time I hear it or read it, I am so moved by it.

These are the words that I need to hear when God sometimes feels far away.

These are the words that I need to memorize and have imprinted on my heart, so I never forget.

Thank you Lord for loving us so much that you promise to always be with us and never leave us orphans.

Thankful for Blessings - May 12

I love this meme because it helps me to remember all my blessings. Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:

1. My hubby - who, knowing I was missing my boys, made me a cake for Mother's Day! It is called a Warm Grape Cake. Sounds weird but it was delicious!

2. God's creatures - yesterday I was in my car, getting ready to leave work for the day. I saw some kind of creature moving across the empty parking lot, some distance away. I discovered it was a turtle! A big one! And it was going fast, as fast as turtles can go. What a delight to see this after such a busy day!

3. Friends - blogging friends and childhood friends and neighborhood friends. Going out to lunch today with a friend. What a blessing!

4. A gift - I received a beautiful handmade afghan from my mother for my birthday. She wrote in a note that each part had been knitted with love. I love that. Wasn't it Mother Teresa who said to do small things with great love?

5. My job - and my co-workers and my boss who is also my pastor. I thank God for them everyday. 

Your turn! What are some of your blessings?

Lucy Strikes Again

I just had to share this. (It may only be funny to me, but that's OK)

My son has three dogs. Three. The youngest smallest dog is Lucy. Very little. Very cute. Very energetic. And maybe a little neurotic.

The last time we visited our son for a weekend, he was telling us about a new habit of her's. She loves chewing on bones. (Not a weird thing for a dog). But, when she is done with the bone, she leaves it in the middle of the room, standing on end. Sometimes, he will walk into the living room and there are no dogs to be seen but there in the middle of the room, stands this bone.

Really. No kidding. At least that is what my son tells me.

So I guess he was afraid I didn't believe him. A few days later he sends me this picture with the title - Lucy Strikes Again! -

 And then a few hours later this picture (no title and no message) - 

And then a few hours later yet another picture - 

By this time, I was laughing so hard tears were flowing down my cheeks. OK son! I believe you! 

Nothing like a good laugh in the middle of a busy day.

Music Monday - Here with Me

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the link here or the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! St. Augustine said when we sing, we pray twice! Thank you, Shawntele, for hosting this great meme!

I just found this song as I was looking for a song to use today. It is Here with Me sung by MercyMe. I love the video and the words of this song, about finding God everywhere and knowing God is with us always. Enjoy!

Jesus is Our Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give it to you." - John 4:27

In his book, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John, Jean Vanier wrote that Jesus was not just promising the kind of peace that comes in the absence of war. He was not just talking about the good feelings we might have when we sit in silence or we feel no inner conflicts. 

The peace Jesus was promising is "more than all of these things combined. It is the trust that Jesus is there with us and in us. For Jesus is our peace."

Yes!

Jesus is our peace.

Oh Jesus, you are my safe place. You are my rock. You are my peace.

Thank you for giving me your peace, Lord. And help me bring your peace to others.

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival May 9

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

Here are my contributions for this week:
The Merry Month of May
Thankful for Blessings - Motherhood
Our Lady of the Rosary

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 17

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 17.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wing (Psalm 17:8)

It is the phrase - 'apple of your eye' - that really moves me about this psalm. I have often told my sons that they are the apple of my eye. In other words, I love them with all of my heart and soul and I am so proud of them and I would give them the world if I could.

I love to think that I am that special to God. That I am the apple of His eye. That He loves me with all of His heart.

Which is a whole lot of love.

Lord, thank you for Your love. May I see myself as the apple of your eye, and believe that it is so.

Sabbath Moment - Breaths and Breezes

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

I have had a rough week. Work was crazy and my RA started to act up.Today I am in a full fledged flare. Ugh.

All the more reason to find time to hang out with God. To slow down and live in the moment.

1. One day I took a short break in the Eucharistic chapel to lower my pulse rate (lol) and rest with Jesus.

2. Yesterday my hubby brought me to the beach for lunch (an early Mother's day gift)! It was a hot day so we chose a little place right on the beach with a beautiful view, open sliding glass doors right in front of our table to let in the gulf breeze, and ceiling fans!! Perfect! Did not see any dolphins but that beautiful calm blue-green water was gorgeous. And watching the pelicans dive bomb into the water was fun! Nothing like a trip to the beach to bring a smile to my face and to remind me of God's beautiful creation.

3. Last week I wrote about turning off the car everyday when I arrived at work and taking a deep breath to remind myself of God. I continued that this week and also throughout the day, taking deep breaths and saying "Jesus." This calms me down in the middle of busyness, and reminds me of God's loving presence and just what is most important.

Sunshine Blog Award

Three of my special blogging friends, Judy from Benmakesten and Karinann from Blessings for the Day and Nancy from Be Not Afraid (I love that blog title) all gave me this beautiful Sunshine award! Thank you for your friendship and your support. You bring me sunshine everyday!
I will break the rules (as usual) and pass this on to all my followers! Thank you all for spending time with me in this sun-filled blogosphere!

Book Giveaway Winners

My Book Giveaway is over and I have 3 winners! Yes, 3 instead of 2 because only 3 entered! (I am not very good at promoting myself I guess). Anyhoo - I felt sad about leaving one person out of it, so I am giving my book to all three!
Congratulations to Karinann at Daughter of the King and Blessings for the Day, Mary333 at the Beautiful Gate and Jane at Seven Angels, Four Kids and One Family. Thanks for participating and I will get in touch with you to get your mailing address! Thanks for your support!

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Watered Gardens

One of my special blogging friends, Karinann, hosts this meme every Friday. It is called Touch of Our Savior's Hand and we participate by posting about the time or times we have experienced Jesus' presence in our lives this past week. Why not join us? You can submit your own post and link to Karinann's blog called Blessings for the Day. Karinann, thank you for this meme!
I have been feeling a bit low lately, a little down on myself. It seems I needed a "touch" from my savior.
One of the verses I read in Morning Prayer yesterday was Jeremiah 31:12 - "They themselves shall be like watered gardens, never again shall they languish." 
Drawn to that phrase, I found another verse that mentioned watered gardens in Isaiah 58:11: "Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."

I just love that.
And I just knew it was a message from the Lord reminding me I am not alone. And that I need only to rely on God and His loving presence.
Several years ago, I took a certification course in Contemplative Spiritual Companioning. In one of the last classes, we did an affirmation exercise in which each of us students had to write down some good things we saw in each other. I remember being so touched by what others said about me. Being a person of low self-esteem, I kept that list to remind msyelf of the good things others saw in me.
After reading those scripture verses this morning, I pulled out that list of affirmations. Two people that long ago day had said that I was like a watered garden.
So I guess the Lord was reminding me, that He is always with me and He will renew my strength and I shall be like a watered garden, even in parched land.

Thank you, Jesus.

Thankful for Blessings - Motherhood

I love this meme because it helps me to remember all my blessings. Judy, a blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme.Thank you, Judy!
Here are some of my blessings this week (with Mother's Day coming up, I have mothers on my mind!)
1. My mother -  I am so grateful for the close friendship my mom and I have.
2. Mary - I am so grateful for Mary's loving presence in our lives. Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of Your Mother!
3. My sons - thank you Lord for the gift of motherhood. My sons have taught me so much about selfless and unconditional love. They have given me more joy than I thought was possible in this life.
4. My hubby - his love and care and sense of humor. 
5. Jesus - I have often said that my husband and my two sons are my three favorite men in the whole world - God's gifts to me. Well, really I have four favorite men in my life! Thank you, Jesus, for your love and your light. 

The Merry Month of May

Deanna from Home Haven Ministry wrote a great post on what May brings to her life. I decided to make my own list (some are inspired by Deanna)!

• Graduations - 4 step-grandchildren!! 3 from high school and 1 from grade school
• Vacation  - just a short one
• Butterflies and flowers and green coming back!
• Beautiful sunsets at the beach (just a 5 minute drive) - I cannot wait! 
• Birds singing
• Bugs (well, not everything is cause for celebration!)  
• Convertible weather (this kind of bug is worth celebrating!) 
• Warmer but not too humid yet (I hope) 
• Mother's Day 
• Month of Mary (thank you, Jesus, for the gift of Your Mother)
  What does May bring to your life this year?!?!?

Music Monday - Whatever You're Doing

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the link here or the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! St. Augustine said when we sing, we pray twice! Thank you, Shawntele, for hosting this great meme!

I was so drawn to share this song - Whatever You're Doing by Sanctus Real. There is some turmoil going on within me lately. This song seems to speak to me about it.
It is an encouraging song, one of hope. It's about God changing us, shaking us up, purifying us, making us new. The video is awesome, too! I hope you like it.

Jesus Makes All Things New

He will wipe every tear from their eyes,

and there shall be no more death or mourning,

wailing or pain,

for the old order has passed away.

 The One who sat on the throne said,

“Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:3-5)

This has become one of my favorite scripture verses. Especially in the midst of suffering or crisis. It reminds me of the meaning of Easter and Resurrection and new life.

I imagine Jesus wiping my tears. I imagine a place where there is no pain. And I picture this new life with my Lord.

And so I get through it, the pain, the suffering, the depression.

And I hear those words of hope - "Behold I make all things new."

Dear Lord, thank you. Thank you for making all things new, not only in the hereafter, but now, in this life that I live, this new life that you have given me.

Thank you for your love. Thank you for the hope.

Amen.

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Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival May 2

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

Here are my contributions for this week:
Book Give-away!
Held by Jesus

Sabbath Moments - Praising God

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

Here are some of my sabbath moments this week:

1. Driving my convertible with the top down and singing praise & worship songs with my hand in the air praising God (the other hand was on the steering wheel!)!

2. Every day that I drove to work this week, I turned off the car engine and sat there for a moment, thanking God for the brand new day and taking in a deep breath, reminding myself of the gift of life and the gift of Jesus.

3. Twice this week I made it to the chapel during my work day in order to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. What a blessing those moments are to me!

Do you have a sabbath moment or two to share?

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 16

I just love the Psalms. No matter how I am feeling, I can find a Psalm that speaks to my heart about it. So I am joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 16.

Keep me safe, O God; in you I take refuge

I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, you are my only good. (vs 1-2)

Sometimes I do not know where to turn, who to trust, but I have come to trust in my God. I have come to know He is my God, my only good. Sometimes, God is the only thing that makes sense to me.

I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken. (vs 8)

I try to keep my eyes on the Lord, to keep Him always before me. As I go through my day, as I go through the highs and lows of everyday life, I pray that I keep my eyes and my mind and my heart on the Lord. 

For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.

You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (vs 10-11)

As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I have known pain and fear and loneliness. But I was never abandoned by my good God. He has shown me the path to new life, to healing. He has shown me what real love and life is. And delight! I have felt such joy in His presence. 

Lord, you have been my refuge even when I didn't know you were there! You have kept me safe, in your sight, in your love. Thank you Lord for your love and the joy that can only come from you. Help me to keep you always before my eyes.