Thoughts on Grace

Who Do We Listen To?

2012-01-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. – Mark 1:22

We get it from all sides. People who tell us what to do or what to think. People who seem to speak with authority.
How do we know who is right? Who are we supposed to listen to?
Listen to the One who frees us from unclean spirits.
Listen to the One who heals us from illness and sin.
Listen to the One with perfect authority.
Jesus speaks to us through His Word. He speaks to us through His sacraments. He speaks to us through His Church.
Jesus speaks with authority.
There are some who do not hear Jesus.
There are some who hear but do not listen.
There are some who pick and choose what teachings of Jesus to keep and what teachings to dismiss.
We need to remember who speaks with authority.
We need to remember who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
We are not free until we make Jesus the Lord of our lives.
Dear Lord, help me to hear your voice. Help me to remember your authority. Help me to choose Your Way, Your Truth, Your Life. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - January 29

2012-01-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

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:
1. All That Really Matters
2. Thankful for Blessings - Retreats and Air Conditioning
3. Loving My Husband

The Perfect Prayer

2012-01-28T00:46:00.000-05:00

Our retreat master last weekend told us that the Mass was the perfect prayer. Amen. And it got me to thinking how much I miss going to daily Mass.
I used to go everyday when my boys were young. I would bring them to Mass and then to school and then I would go back to church to work in the parish office.
Now I am an empty-nester but we moved about 40 minutes away from our church. Mass is at 7 am and I work 10-hour days. And I spend a lot of my time off, writing and sharing about prayer and faith and Catholic spirituality.
So my days are long and I get tired. Eventually I got out of the “habit” of going to daily Mass and would only go occasionally, probably out of a feeling of guilt.
Read more at the Community of Catholic Bloggers.

Sabbath Moments - Retreat, Rain and Rest

2012-01-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning "cease." And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God.

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
Some of my moments this week:
1. Sitting in my comfy cozy chair one night, listening to the rain, I felt such peace and comfort. I immediately thanked God for His gifts and let go of any worries I might have had. And just rested.
2. Another evening, I was praying while in my chair and I fell asleep!
3. Spent more time in the chapel this week, resting in the silence and love of Jesus in the blessed Sacrament.
4. I wrote earlier this week about going on a retreat last week with my husband. What a restful and spiritual weekend it was! Beautiful grounds. Quiet and peaceful. Inspiring talks. Daily Mass.

Thankful for Blessings- Retreats and Air Conditioning

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Please join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. When we remember our blessings, we find that we have a new attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also be sure to check out her new meme and her newly published book!
My blessings this week:
1. Hubby and I went on a diaconate retreat last weekend and it was awesome! The best ever! The retreat master was a priest from Ireland and he was so inspiring. His meditations were moving and went straight to my heart. Thank you, Lord, for sending us this holy priest.
2. While on retreat, I had an opportunity to go to confession. Experiencing Jesus in this sacrament is such a gift and this priest was just amazing. I felt so filled with the love of God. I wish I could find better words.
3. I am so blessed with my job as parish secretary. To be able to work with a wonderful pastor and to be part of the church in this way is a blessing. I have been working at my parish as the parish secretary for almost 20 years! God is good.
4. I feel so blessed to be a Catholic and to be able to go to Mass everyday. I remember as a child, living across the street from a Catholic church and wondering why they got to go to church everyday and I did not (I was protestant at the time.) Thank you, Jesus, for the Mass.
5. I know this is a little different from my other 4 blessings, but I am grateful for air conditioning. Believe it or not, I am using air conditioning tonight as I write this because it was too hot in our house. In January. I know, I live in Florida, but still, air conditioning in January??? Over 80 degrees today!

Lovin' My Husband

2012-01-24T22:56:00.000-05:00

Judy from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings has started a new meme on Tuesdays called Lovin my Husband. Share three ways in which you are blessed by your husband. Link to Judy's blog and leave your link there so others can read your blog post! And get the image from her blog, too!

Here is my first try at this meme!

1. My hubby is so funny He cracks me up. He has a natural wit. No one can make me laugh like he can.

2. Hubby is a deacon and I am so proud of him. He is truly happy in this vocation. Deacons are called to service and I have always seen him as one who likes to serve.

3. My husband takes such good care of me. He is retired but keeps busy as a deacon and taking care of our house. He cooks, cleans, shops, does laundry. He works so hard. He has always been one who likes to keep busy. He is very busy these days!

All That Really Matters

2012-01-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” – Mark 1:17

At the end of the day, all that really matters, is meeting Christ.*

I have heard this message and I have experienced this truth over and over. We can go to church and we can do good works and we can be forgiving - all very good things. But they really do not mean much, if we have not experienced the love of Christ.

If we have not personally encountered Jesus.

And if we do not know Jesus, then we cannot bring His love to others. We cannot be fishers of men.

Come after me, said Jesus.

And the disciples dropped everything. They had encountered the Christ and they dropped everything and left everyone behind to follow him.

Have we done that? Have we decided that Jesus is number one in our lives? Are we willing to drop everything?

When all is said and done, meeting Jesus is all that really matters.

Come after me.

Dear Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your patience through all the times I do not put you first. Forgive me for all the times that I just go through the motions. Help me to love more. Help me to know your love more. Amen.

(*This was the message given to us by our retreat master this weekend.)

Sabbath Moments - Some Favorite Moments

2012-01-20T11:00:00.001-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
(I am posting this meme early this week as I am not going to be able to do so on Saturday and sometimes scheduling ahead doesn't work.)
Some of my moments this week:
1. I love to go into our chapel before Mass and spend some silent time before the Blessed Sacrament. When I hear the church bells ring, I go to find a seat. I have some alone time with Jesus and then I join my church community for Mass. It is a favorite moment of mine.
2. Throughout my day, I try to just stop where I am to take a deep breath and say hello to Jesus. On busy days at work, it is a very brief moment but a sabbath moment nonetheless.
3. At this time of year, I am blessed to be able to see sunsets on my way home from work. Some evenings the sunset is spectacular and it takes my breath away. Other times the sky's colors are more subdued but just as beautiful as they blend together. Every day God paints a different picture.
(and not just with sunsets)!

Thankful for Blessings- Friends, Family and Ipads

2012-01-18T23:45:00.000-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Please join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. When we remember our blessings, we find that we have a new attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also be sure to check out her other sites and her newly published book!
My blessings this week:
1. Hubby and I have started a diet. Probably my 999th diet. OK, a little exaggeration. Anyway, I just love weight watcher diet brownies and I am sooo grateful for them when I need chocolate! Which is everyday.
Darn.
2. I now have an Ipad. (I have to admit it. I am a geek.) It is partially a Christmas present from members of my family who knew I was saving up to buy one. So I am grateful to my family who understands me and for the people who invented all of these electronic geeky things.
3. I am grateful for my husband who works so hard everyday. He takes care of the house and shopping and cooking and he does ministry and cooks in a soup kitchen and writes homilies and reflections for my website. He often says he is busier now than when he worked full time! And he takes very good care of me. He spoils me, really.
4. I am grateful for my best friend of over 50 years and for the special friend who visited us last week.
5. I am grateful for books. All kinds of books. (And now that I have an ipad, I can put all my ebooks on one device)
Just saying.
And speaking of ebooks, I will be publishing one very soon. So stay tuned!

What Are You Looking For?

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” – John 1:38

What are you looking for?

This question reminds me of St. Augustine’s quote – “You have made us for yourself, Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

We are constantly looking. We are searching and searching and for most of our lives, I don’t think we know what we are searching for. Or for whom. We just know there is this restlessness within us. This hole in our hearts that we need to fill.

And then one day, in one moment, we find Him. We find the One who has been with us all along. And our search is over. Our restlessness is over.

For the moment.

But it starts again. The search starts again because we are human and because we think we will find peace in this thing or happiness in that path and we forget to put God first.

We forget that we don’t have to go anywhere to find the answer to that question. We don’t have to go anywhere because Jesus is already with us.

And Jesus is the answer.

So … what are you looking for?

Sunday Snippets - January 15

2012-01-14T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Be A Star for Christ
2. Love to Laugh
3. Sabbath Moments - Moments of Peace

Sabbath Moments - Moments of Peace

2012-01-14T00:13:00.000-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
Some of my moments this week:
1. Listening to my chimes at night when all is dark and still. And looking at a beautiful moon at the same time. Very peaceful.
2. Trying to get back to "normal" (whatever that is) after the holidays is not always easy. The parish office was really busy this week. And there was lots of work to catch up on. So I need to take a breather sometimes and just sit in a quiet office for a few minutes to pray or read a reflection or two.
3. Went out to lunch with my hubby and a special friend who was in town for a few days. It felt good to be able to just sit and talk and catch up on what's new. With some friends, time and distance doesn't change a thing. Praise God.

Love to Laugh

2012-01-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

1. Have you ever read the blog from Ree Drummond - Confessions of a Pioneer Woman? She lives with her family on a working ranch. She homeschools. She is really funny. And she takes great pictures.

If you look at her website, there are recipes, too and she is doing a show on Food Network which begins with some new episodes tomorrow (Jan. 14).

But I love her blog posts best of all. They come in my email and I save them until late at night and I just laugh. And I love her posts on her dog, Charlie, best of all. So cute. They make my day.

2. I would love to be funny. I would love to be able to write with the kind of wit that Ree does. But I am me and I need to accept myself as I am.

My hubby says I am funny and if I just let go, I would write funny stuff, too. I don't know about that. Maybe I just lack confidence. OR maybe hubby is just a bit biased.
My husband is funny. He cracks me up every day. Being able to make people laugh is a gift. I love laughing.

3. Fr. James Martin has been doing a series on Jesus' sense of humor. Have you seen it? Here is one episode:

Thankful for Blessings- Cool Days, Coffee and a Haircut!

2012-01-11T00:01:00.005-05:00

4. We had a quiet weekend. I got caught up on some writing projects. We put away Christmas decorations and went out to eat twice! (with gift cards in hand!)
5. Thank you, Lord, for this day. Every new day is a gift.

Be a Star for Christ

2012-01-08T00:33:00.000-05:00

Matthew 2:10 – They were overjoyed at seeing the star.

In his homily for this feast day of Epiphany, my husband brought up some great questions to ponder. Among them were:

Do those who seek God seek Him in the hearts of His followers?

Do they recognize Christ in each of us?

Do the modern seekers still find Christ, not in a stable in Bethlehem, but in you and me?

As a child, I lived in a dark world. I lived in a world where lies were truth and abuse was called love and dark was called light.

Looking back I can see that there were people in my life who testified to the light. I heard it at church. I heard it from my grandmother. I heard it from friends. I heard it from strangers.

I followed that light for years, not knowing why it was there, not understanding what it was or what it meant or exactly what I was supposed to do with it.

But the light drew me. It drew me for years. Eventually it drew me to Jesus. And soon I realized - it was my turn. It was my turn to testify to the light.

It was time for me to be a light for Jesus so others may find Him.

Lord, help me to see you everywhere and in everyone. Help me to be one of your lights, to be your shining star, leading others to find you. And Lord, oh please, may others see You in me. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - January 8

2012-01-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!
Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Bringing Our Hearts Into Prayer, Part 2
2. Thankful for Blessings - Family and Good News

Sabbath Moments -Little Moments

2012-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
A lot of little moments this week -
1. Going into Blessed Sacrament chapel before and after each Mass. Silent prayer with Jesus. A favorite time for me.
2. Silent prayer time after dinner each weekday this week.
3. A hot cup of cafe mocha, sitting in my favorite comfy chair, listening to my wind chimes outside, feeling sleepy - what a peaceful moment.
4. Listening to daily gospel reflections on my iphone.

Thankful for Blessings- Family and Good News!

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Have an attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her other blog, her website and her newly published book! Thank you, Lord, for all our blessings!
1. I am so thankful for the time we spent last weekend with our sons and grandsons and daughter-in-law. We celebrated Christmas AND New Year's Day together. I have missed them all so much! My grandson, Landan, is growing so fast!
2. I am so thankful for the news we received this weekend. My grandsons are going to have a brother or sister this summer! Woo hoo! I am excited!
3. Weather is finally cold! Below freezing! Feels like winter is supposed to feel.
4. Christmas and Christmas lights are so nice to look at this time of year - very peaceful. And I love the balsalm smell from the candles.
5. I am thankful for phones that have cameras so I can take pictures like this one of my grandson, Landan, reading with his dad!

Bringing Our Hearts into Prayer, Part 2

2012-01-02T00:01:00.021-05:00

O God, you are my God, it is you I seek! - Psalm 63:2

How do we define prayer? Here are some thoughts …

Prayer is a turning toward God.

Prayer is a deepening relationship with God.

Prayer is a conversation.

Prayer is a gift.

Prayer is grace.

Prayer is not another thing for us to achieve.

Prayer is not another feather for our cap or trophy for our wall.

Prayer is a response to God’s call.

God calls. We respond.

God always initiates. Whenever we get that thought, that idea, that nudge to pray, God is calling.

Feel like going to the chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament? God called you.

Feel like picking up the rosary? God called you.

Have a sudden urge to learn a new prayer? God called you.

A prompting of the Spirit catches our attention. I like to call it a nudge. How often do we ignore that nudge?

The good news is – God waits.

God invites us.

God waits for us.

God gives us the gift and we either say yes or we say no.

We either show up. Or we don’t.

And this is where we learn humility. Success at prayer is not due to our own efforts.

It is all about grace. And trust. And surrender.

And faith. We need to have faith that God is aways present. Whenever or however we pray, God is present.

Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, wrote, “Prayer does nothing to make God more present, for God is always present. Prayer is our response to God’s presence in our lives.”

So how do we pray? That is for another post! Or two.

I will end this with one of my favorite definitions of prayer. This is from Sr. Macrina again –

“To pray is to touch God and let God touch us.”

This is the second article in my series on prayer. You might want to read my first post if you missed it. I am trying to keep each post simple, but there is so much I want to share. How does one find the words?
Sources of Inspiration:

Spiritual Direction, by Fr. Henri Nouwen (with Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird)

Toward God, by Fr. Michael Casey

A Tree Full of Angels, by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

The Spiritual Journey, by Fr. Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs

Sunday Snippets - January 1

2011-12-31T17:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!
Here are my contributions for this week:
1. God Still Does the Impossible
2. The Inn of God's Heart
3. The Catholic Mass

Sabbath Moments - Beautiful Moments

2011-12-31T00:01:00.005-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Listening to Gregorian chant is always a sabbath moment for me. Such a beautiful moment, praying and singing to my Lord.
2. Watching sunsets every evening is such a beautiful moment as well. This time of year, the sunsets coincide with my trip home from work. I look forward to going home and having these moments at the same time!
3. Reading about prayer as I prepare to write another article for my series on prayer has really helped my prayer life! I cannot resist saying that God has "duped" me again!
Happy New Year to all!

Thankful for Blessings- Music, Medics and More!

2011-12-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Have an attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her other blog, her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
1. I am so thankful for my stepchildren and their families. We enjoyed celebrating Christmas with them this past weekend. So much fun and talking and laughing and just being together. Thank you, Lord.
2. I am so thankful for my sons and their families. I missed them a lot this past weekend, but they will be here this weekend to celebrate Christmas with us! Thank you, Lord.
3. I am so thankful for the cooler weather that has finally come our way! It is not exactly cold but I have hope! Thank you, Lord.
4. I am so thankful for music. I am watching the Kennedy Center Honors while I write this and I am a big fan of Neil Diamond who is among those being honored tonight. His music brings me back to my teens! A long time ago! Thank you, Lord.
5. I am so thankful that my husband is OK. He got sick at midnight Mass and wouldn't you know? There were nurses and paramedics and a doctor there attending Mass! What a relief to have them there. A God-incidence! He is doing fine (low blood sugar). Thank you, Lord.
What were some of your blessings this week?

The Inn of God's Heart

2011-12-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

Fr. Ron Rolheiser writes a beautiful reflection for Christmas. He suggests that there is a different way to look at the phrase that there was “no room in the inn.”
Jesus was born in anonymity.
Jesus came uninvited into a world in which there was no room for him.
Jesus was born out of place and his place is with others who are out of place. His place is with others who do not belong, who are rejected and go unnoticed.
Jesus is present in the world with those of us for whom there is no room.
Have you ever felt unnoticed? Anonymous? Invisible?
Have you ever felt lonely in a crowded room?
Have you ever felt misunderstood, unappreciated?
Have you ever felt like no one listens to you? No one cares?
Have you ever felt out of place?
There is no room in the inn for us either.
The Good News? Jesus came for us.
Jesus came for us who are lonely and misunderstood and unnoticed and rejected.
Jesus came for us who find no room at the inn.
Jesus took on human flesh for us, to love us and save us and to let us know that he notices us. Every day. Every moment.
Every moment we are noticed and loved and understood.
Every moment we find room in the inn. We find room in the inn of God’s heart.
Loving Father, thank you for sending your Son to reveal Your love to us. Thank you for sending your Son to bring us home to your heart. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!

Thankful for Christmas Blessings

2011-12-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Let us have an attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her other blog, her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
I am grateful -
1. For the sunset I saw on my way home from work yesterday. I love sunsets!
2. That my husband is retired and has the time to do most of the preparations for Christmas. And he does it joyfully! And he made chocolate chip cookies!!
3. For my family. I am looking forward to spending time with everyone! Our Christmas is getting spread out over 2 weeks with our large family.
4. That our evenings are cool. I enjoy having our windows and sliding doors open. Our days are way too warm for December, if you ask me (but no one does :)!
5. For the gift of Jesus, who makes all things new.

I wish all a blessed Christmas.

The Catholic Mass

2011-12-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

God Still Does the Impossible

2011-12-18T00:39:00.000-05:00

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” Luke 1:37

The angel Gabriel speaks these words to Mary. Nothing is impossible for God, he tells her.
Nothing.
We know this but we do not always remember it. We tend to limit God a lot. We say or hear things like:
God will not heal me.
God will never forgive me for this.
God does not hear my prayers.
God cannot possibly love me the way I am.
We do not always have the faith that Mary had. We do not always believe in the impossible happening.
But God does the impossible every day.
If someone had once told me that I would write a book and tell the world my darkest secret (about being an incest survivor), I would have said impossible. My book was published 3 years ago.
If someone had once told me that I would marry a man whose love and respect would help me believe someday that I am worthy of being loved, I would have said impossible. I met just such a man and we have been married for over 32 years.
If someone had once told me that I would convert to the Catholic faith and it would change my life, I would have said impossible. I have been Catholic now for over 22 years and yes, it has changed my life.
Miracles still happen.
God still does the impossible.
Do we ever look at all the “impossibles” in our lives that God has made possible?
Do we believe and trust like Mary did?
Do we say with Mary - “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Lord, I thank you and I praise you for all you have done for me. I thank you for all the impossible things that you have made possible. Increase my faith, Lord. Help me to grow in trust of you. Help me to surrender all to you. Like Mary did. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - December 18

2011-12-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Bringing Our Hearts Into Prayer - first part of a series on prayer
2. Testify to the Light

Sabbath Moments - Peace and Quiet

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

1. One evening, I was home alone, sitting in my favorite chair. Windows were open and I felt a refreshing cool breeze. Candles were lit and Christmas music playing, and I sat in silence, listening. I felt so at peace.
2. Missed an advent Taize service that we wanted to go to. So I listen to one on my ipod. I love the music.
3. Our satellite dish went out on one of my days off. No internet. No TV. I had nothing else to do but sit and read and write and pray in silence. Sigh. Don’t tell my hubby, but I wish the satellite would go out more often! :)
4. Eucharistic Adoration. I don't think I need to say any more than that.
One more week of Advent! God bless!

Thankful for Blessings- Social Media and More

2011-12-14T00:05:00.003-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
I am grateful for -
1. My oldest son and his family. He and his wife are celebrating their anniversary today. I am so grateful that I had a chance to talk to him today, too.
2. Social Media. We miss our oldest son and family since they moved but we are keeping in touch. Social Media helps! I needed an address for someone today and got it in 5 minutes. I see updated pictures of my grandson almost every day. Used correctly and with respect, social media can help us long distance families and friends feel closer. And also, we can evangelize and share our love for God on blogs like this one like we are doing with this meme!
3. A beautiful moon. I just looked outside as I am writing this and there is a beautiful moon tonight. Thank you, Lord.
4. The Sacrament of Reconciliation. To be able to experience God's love and mercy in this sacrament is such a blessing.
5. My mother. For the support and love she gives me everyday, even though she lives hundreds of miles away (through daily emails. See # 2 above! :)

Bringing Our Hearts into Prayer

2011-12-13T00:14:00.000-05:00

Romans 8:26 - In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

Prayer. I love to pray.
I love to talk about it. And I love to write about it.
So I have decided to write a few posts about prayer.
Not so much to teach as to share.
Not so much to discuss different prayers or different kinds of prayers as to talk about prayer in general.
Prayer as relationship. Prayer as our life with God.
I am not what you might call an expert on prayer. Or at least, I am not the “theological-degrees-after-my-name” kind of expert.
But I have learned a lot by praying. I have read the saints. I have read scripture. I have learned from people with those theological degrees after their names. And I have read many books.
And of course, I am always learning from the Holy Spirit.

My favorite book about prayer has to be Toward God, the Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer, written by Father Michael Casey. In this book, he writes one of my favorite quotes about prayer - “Prayer cannot be measured on a scale of success and failure because it is God’s work and God always succeeds.”
We so often worry about our prayer. Is it working? Am I doing it right? What kind of prayer should I pray?
What about distractions? What if I cannot think of the right words?
My spiritual director often told me that 90% of prayer is just showing up.
If prayer is God’s work and God always succeeds, then we do not need to worry about whether or not we are doing it right. We just need to surrender to it. Submit to it.
Show up.
Sounds simple. It is. And yet it isn’t. It isn’t because it often means letting go and trusting. And it means that we need to stop overthinking prayer and making it too complicated.
We need to get out of our heads and into our hearts.
Fr. Casey writes that prayer “is less a question of bringing prayer into our hearts than of bringing our hearts into prayer.”

This is the direction I would like to take with these posts. I do not know how often or how many posts I will write. I will leave it up to the Holy Spirit.
I hope you will make this journey with me.

Testify to the Light

2011-12-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

“A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” – John 1:6-7

John the Baptist was called to be a witness for Jesus. He gave witness to Jesus, the Light of the world. He testified by his life and his words.
John did not pretend to be the Messiah. He did not try to call people to himself. He was always pointing the way to Jesus.
We too are called to be witnesses to Jesus.
We too are sent from God to testify to the Light.
And how do we do that?
We tell our story.
We tell how we have come to know Jesus and what He has done for us.
We tell how He has changed our lives.
We share our faith.
John was called to testify. John was called to be a witness.
And so are we.
We are not the light. Jesus is the light. Like John, we point the way.
Point the way to Love incarnate.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a witness to your presence in my life. Help me to be a witness to your Light and your Love. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Light our world. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - December 11

2011-12-10T18:52:00.000-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Making Paths Straight
2. Sabbath Moments - Celebrating Friendship

Sabbath Moments - Celebrating Friendship

2011-12-10T00:21:00.000-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Went to Advent Penance Service yesterday. What a blessing! Reconciliation is such a beautiful sacrament. I almost didn't go. I was so tired. But I knew I would regret not going so I went. It was so uplifting, my fatigue just disappeared.
A time of communion with fellow parishioners as we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and know we are loved and forgiven.
2. Had brunch with some old friends of ours. We used to camp together in a Catholic camping group we had started. In fact, that is how we met. They are moving to the other side of the country and we will miss them terribly. They are such beautiful people. Only God knows when we will see them again, but they will remain in our hearts forever. A time of communion with long time friends as we share a meal together and celebrate our friendship.

Thankful for Blessings- Advent Blessings

2011-12-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude! Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
I am grateful for -
1. Advent - what a beautiful blessed time of year. A time to give, a time to prepare for the Lord, a time to pray and focus on Jesus.
2. My job - I often take it for granted but I am really blessed to have this job of parish secretary. Just please, do not ask me when midnight Mass is!?! (lol)
3. My hubby - who is working very hard, getting ready for Christmas, baking, shopping, writing homilies, and spoiling me.
4. St. Elizabeth - she is the patron saint chosen by Karinann for my blog this year. When I think of St. Elizabeth, I think of the Visitation and Mary's Magnificat. And St. Elizabeth's own statement of faith when she calls Mary "the mother of my Lord."
5. Christmas music. Among my favorites is Handel's Messiah. Here is a You Tube version of "For Unto Us A Child is Born."

Making Paths Straight

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

"A voice of one crying out in the desert:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.’”
John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mk 1:3-4)

There is a lot going on during advent.

There is the busy stuff as we prepare for Christmas. The gift buying, the decorating, the wrapping, the hustle and the bustle.

But there is the spiritual stuff too. At least we hope there is. We Christians try to keep Christ in Christmas the best we can.

There is the Advent Giving tree so we can give to those less fortunate.

There are the prayer services and the advent wreath and the daily reflections and Masses and other devotions. One Catholic church near me is doing a Taize service which I am interested in attending.

What we often forget is that advent is also a time of penance. Our parish has a penance service, which I always try to attend. It is a joyful celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This year, as in past years, I will struggle to do less busy things and do more preparing for the Lord. More making paths straight. More repenting.

I never totally succeed. But maybe the success is in the trying. The struggles. Maybe each year I succeed just a little more in letting go of the busy-ness of advent. And holding onto what makes this season so important.

Jesus.

Dear Lord, help me to stop all the busy running around and sit with you. Help me to prepare for your coming into my heart, into my world. I am sorry for the times I get too busy to notice you. Help me stay on a straight path to you. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - December 4

2011-12-03T17:00:00.002-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Watch for the Lord
2. Thankful for Blessings - Lights for Our Journey

Sabbath Moments - Moments of Beauty

2011-12-03T00:01:00.004-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Eucharistic Adoration is always so peaceful and restful. I feel blessed just being there with the Lord. If you go to Adoration, you know what I mean. Words are not enough.
2. I love candles all year round but I really "go to town" during advent and Christmas seasons. The flickering light is beautiful, the fragrance is beautiful, the sense of peace is beautiful. It is a beauty that goes to the heart. And it is so restful. John Keats wrote - "Beauty is truth and truth beauty."
And we know who Truth is.
And didn't he also write - "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."
3. Reading and praying with my advent devotionals has been enjoyable and inspiring. I have been doing lectio divina with the daily scriptures as well. What a peaceful time with the Lord.

Thankful for Blessings- Lights for Our Journey

2011-11-30T00:53:00.003-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!

1. I am thankful for the Thanksgiving holiday and the extra time with family.
2. I am thankful for Advent and all the devotions and spiritual help available to help us make this advent journey and grow closer to Jesus.
3. I am thankful for the GPS that someone gave to me a couple of months ago. It really helped hubby and me when we were away for Thanksgiving. An accident on the interstate (after dark!) forced us off the highway into a city neighborhood we did not know! We had no idea where we were. It was a little scary but the GPS directed us through unknown territory and back to our hotel and we were so relieved and grateful!
4. I am thankful for beautiful Christian music that just lifts me up and brings joy to my heart!
5. I am thankful for my husband who surprised me yesterday with some Christmas lights he had bought and put up on our little porch. By the time I get home from work, it is dark and they are a welcome sight!
What were some of your blessings this week?
Be sure to check out my advent pages on my website.

Watch for the Lord

2011-11-27T00:01:00.003-05:00

"Be watchful! Be alert!" - Mark 13:33
Watch. Be alert.
It is now advent, the time that we wait. We wait for the coming of the Messiah into our hearts.
We say - Come, Lord Jesus, come. Like he is not here already. Like He has left us.
Jesus, of course, never leaves us. But we leave Him. We set our attention on other things, and then wonder where He has gone.
We get all caught up in Christmas shopping and Christmas gifts and decorating and parties, that when we finally take a moment to breathe, we feel as if Jesus is absent.
Jesus never left. We did.
Our best chance of finding God is to look in the place where we left him. - Meister Eckhart
So it is time to place ourselves again in Jesus’ presence. We pray. We place ourselves in that cave in Bethlehem. We go on a pilgrimage to our hearts.
And that is where we find Him. In our hearts. Where He has been all along.
Advent reminds us to wait. Advent reminds us to pray. Advent reminds us that Jesus is coming and yet, is still with us. Present everyday.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Be alert.
Watch.
Dear Lord, help me to live in the present moment and to be more alert to your presence in my heart and my life always. Help me to not get all caught up in the Christmas shopping frenzy. Remind me to visit the Bethlehem of my heart today and everyday. I love you, Jesus. Amen.

Tricia at Home of the Hmm...ily invites all to link up with her to share your reflections on Sunday scripture.

Sunday Snippets - November 27

2011-11-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. An Attitude of Gratitude
2. Welcome All as Christ

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-24T00:01:00.008-05:00

“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice." – Meister Eckhart

I can remember my spiritual director telling me that giving thanks everyday, even when times are tough for us, is one of the most meaningful prayers we can offer. I didn’t know how that was possible. I thought I had to FEEL grateful in order to give thanks. And how am I supposed to feel grateful when I’m sad or afraid?

Eventually I began to understand that an attitude of gratitude is more than just a feeling. It is more than being grateful for the good things that come our way.

An attitude of gratitude is about seeing the blessings in all the ups and downs of our lives, even in the darkest of storms. It is about seeing God’s loving presence in everything.

However, we don’t arrive at this attitude by ourselves. We need God’s grace. In looking back, I can see such moments of grace in my life, moments that have helped me to learn what it means to be truly thankful.

I remember those years when I attended a Catholic charismatic prayer group meeting. The main purpose of these meetings was to praise and worship God. I felt drawn to go there every week, giving thanks and praise to God over and over. And every week I went home, filled with joy.

There was the time when my husband had open heart surgery and serious complications and yet, all I could say was “thank you, Lord.” I felt such a strong sense of God’s presence with me, carrying me through every agonizing moment.

There were the years I spent working on my memoir about my healing journey as an incest survivor. And in writing it, I found hope and healing, and the understanding that there are two sides to every coin – the blessing and the curse. And I was grateful that God gave me the grace to see the blessing side to my suffering.

When I think about suffering, I think about Jesus and His suffering on the Cross. And yet, on the night He was to be betrayed, He gave thanks.

“… the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” 1 Cor 11:23-24

If there is to be one reason for me to have an attitude of gratitude, it would have to be the Eucharist. Over 20 years ago, I converted to the Catholic Church and I have been grateful ever since.

The word “eucharist” comes from a Greek word meaning “grateful” or “thanksgiving.”

Eucharist.

Thanksgiving.

Two words. Same meaning.

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks, before breaking the bread. He gave thanks, knowing what he was going to go through; knowing the pain and suffering He would endure for us.

And everyday, during Mass, Jesus gives us the gift of Himself.

And we give thanks.

Thankful for Blessings - Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.003-05:00

Thank you to my blogging friend, Judy, who has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Usually we make a list of 5 things for which we are thankful. However, this week we celebrate Thanksgiving, so I depart from that usual format.

For those of us who participate in this meme each week, giving thanks is something we try to do on a regular basis. This meme really helps us to be more aware of the blessings in our lives, even during some hard times.

Being grateful seems to change my attitude about things, about life in general. I complain less and I strive to find the gift in all things and all people and all situations. For this I am so grateful.

I found some Thanksgiving prayers, but here is a simple one of my own that I offer to you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Loving Father,

Thank you for your unconditional love, your mercy and compassion.
Thank you for my family and friends and the love I have come to know through them.
Thank you for the gift of life and for all your creation.
Thank you for my job and the food on my table.
Thank you for my faith and for the Church and for the Eucharist.
Help those who have been away from You to find their way home again.
Father, I praise you and I give you thanks.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Welcome All As Christ

2011-11-20T00:08:00.004-05:00

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

When I read or hear this gospel, I often think of this quote from the Rule of St. Benedict: "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35).”
And he doesn’t just mean that we are to be hospitable. He means we are to accept each person as they are. We are to treat each person with love and humility.
We are to treat each person as God treats us.
Each person, not just Christians.
Each person, not just the orphaned or the poor.
Each person, including ourselves.
We are all to be welcomed as Christ.
There is an old rabbinic story about angels that walk in front of human beings, calling out “Make way for the image of God! Make way for the image of God!”
Do we see each other in that way? Do we see ourselves in that way?
What would change if we did?
What would change in this world if we really saw – in each other - the presence of Christ?
Dear Lord, I wish to see You in all people. I want to remember that I am made in your image and I belong to You, but I get wrapped up in the world. Help me, Lord, to see you in everyone I meet. Help me to love like you love. Amen.

Image source

Sunday Snippets - November 20

2011-11-19T17:00:00.002-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Glorify God with Our Gifts
2. Thankful for Blessings - Birthdays and Chocolate

Sabbath Moments - Sabbath Time with the Lord

2011-11-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Eucharistic Adoration. I have not been to adoration for quite a few weeks now for one reason or another and I missed it. I was so happy to make it to my middle of the night hour and just sit with Jesus, soaking in His love and light.
2. Spiritual reading. I am making a conscious effort to read at least an hour every day, and more when I can. I have been a voracious reader since I was a little girl, but lately it has been tough finding time to read. If I do not read, I do not write very well. Even my prayer seems dry. Reading feeds me in so many ways. It is another way to just BE with the Lord and be nourished.
3. Keeping the Lord's Day. Last Sunday had breakfast with some friends after Mass. Hubby had a baptism so I went home and read (more than an hour!) and prayed. It was a quiet afternoon, and when hubby got home, we just chilled. It was a truly perfect Sabbath day - Mass, prayer, friends and family. And rest!
What were some of your Sabbath moments this week?
Please note: I will not be posting Sabbath Moments next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thankful for Blessings- Birthdays and Chocolate

2011-11-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
1. I am thankful for my hubby. We are celebrating his birthday this week! He is the sunshine of my life and I drive him crazy singing that song all the time! :)
2. I am thankful that my youngest son came to town for his dad's birthday. We brought him out to dinner to his favorite restaurant and just enjoyed each other's company. And laughed a lot.
3. Chocolate. I love chocolate. What else is there to say?
4. Cooler weather. We turned off the air conditioner for a few days. However it is back on today. It is that time of year when we say, "If you don't like the weather, then just wait a minute!"
5. I am thankful that my older son called us and filled us in on his new job and how well he and his family are adjusting to their new home and neighborhood. I still miss them but I am less worried!

Glorify God with Our Gifts

2011-11-13T02:27:00.000-05:00

Come share your Master's joy. – Matthew 25:21

What if we buried our gifts? What if we didn’t use the gifts God gave us?
I wonder about that every time I hear someone who sings like an angel…
I wonder about that every time I see a painting that touches my heart…
I wonder about that every time I hear a speaker who moves me … or hear a homily that inspires me or listen to a teacher who challenges me.
We are all given gifts. Sometimes we are too afraid to share them. Or we think we are not worthy to use them. So we hide them.
But we are not given gifts so we can bury them. We are given gifts to use them and to help others.

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:10-11a

What if my spiritual director had hidden his gifts of spiritual direction and compassion and healing? He is the one who helped me to discover and use my own gifts.
What about the people who have come to me for spiritual direction? Has God used me to help them discover their gifts?
When we use our gifts to serve one another, they grow.
When we do not use our gifts, when we bury them … what happens then?
Dear Lord, help me to recognize the gifts you have given me and give me the courage to use them according to your will. May I always use these gifts to glorify you and give you praise. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - November 13

2011-11-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Stay Awake
2. Thank You All
3. Moments to Just Be

Sabbath Moments - Moments to Just Be

2011-11-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Sabbath moments are those moments that we take to just "be" rather than do.
One evening this week, I was just too tired to do much of anything. So I sat in my favorite chair, pulled a throw blanket up to my chin, watched some TV with my hubby and fell asleep in my chair.
I resisted that inner voice that kept telling me I was not being productive and I was just being lazy and I was getting nothing done.
Actually I was getting something done. I was taking time to just BE.
2. Friday was Remicade day - the medicine infusion that is supposed to help my RA. I have been having a flare lately (increase in symptoms) and the Remicade was increased. It will take a few days to know if it helped me more.
Anyway, receiving the med is always a sabbath moment for me. It forces me to just BE and it is relaxing really, after I get stuck with that needle, that is. I read and I pray and I watch a tv show on my iphone and I just chill.
3. I was driving home from work one evening and the full moon was just gorgeous. It was sitting a bit low in the sky and as I drove over the bridge, it looked like I was driving straight for the moon!
It was eerie and cool all at the same time! I wish I had a picture!
Thank you, Lord, for that beautiful moment!
What were some of your sabbath moments this week?

Thankful for Blessings- Growing Old Together

2011-11-09T02:18:00.000-05:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Thanks for this meme, Judy!
1. I so appreciate the use of computers at work. When I first started my job as parish secretary (over 19 years ago!), I was using a typewriter! Gosh, I am feeling old!
2. I appreciate email, too. At work and at home. I am better able to stay in touch with people. My best friend of over 50 years, for example (oh-oh - I am feeling old again!) We used to write letters but did not keep up with them very well.
3. I am grateful for my parish. We are 21 years old this year. September 1st, to be exact. I remember our very first Mass. What a joy! I love our parish family and feel grateful everyday!
4. I am thankful for my husband. I am grateful that we get to grow old together. It is amazing how our relationship grows and deepens each year. It is all the little things that seem to matter the most. Like how he makes me laugh.
5. I am thankful for my faith and for all that God has done for me and for His everlasting love.
What are some of your blessings this week?

Thank You All

2011-11-07T00:01:00.003-05:00

God is good.

I posted a gospel reflection yesterday called Stay Awake. It was my 1000th post on this blog. Hard to believe that I have written that many! I have been blogging for three years!

I just want to take this opportunity to give thanks to God for this experience and for the blogging friends I have come to know as we share our love of God through our love of writing.

I began blogging because I was told it was a good way to help promote my book, The Third Floor Window and to share my story of being an incest survivor. Little did I know that this blog would bless me in ways that have nothing to do with that book.

I have become part of a community that I didn't even know existed. I have learned so much about God and Church and community. I have learned about writing and sharing and a new way of evangelizing; something that has even been encouraged by our Holy Father!

My purpose in writing this blog quickly changed. I created another blog that deals with being an incest survivor, called Surviving by Grace, and it is there where I have a community of support from other survivors.

I kept this one as my Catholic blog, dealing with spirituality and prayer and my relationship with God. (Sometimes the subjects overlap, of course. I am both an incest survivor and a Catholic, after all, and we can't separate ourselves in neat little compartments!)

Anyway, this blogging thing has turned into a healing and an encouraging, happy journey for me. Thank you to all who visit and comment and have become my friends.

You have blessed me with your blogs and your sharing and your support and your prayers and your friendship.

My spiritual director used to always say that God can be subversive. He gets us to do what he wants us to do by tricking us into it! I think He led me into this blogging world under false pretenses!

You duped me, Oh Lord, and I let myself be duped! - Jer 20:7

Only kidding, Lord.

Thank you.

Stay Awake

2011-11-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

"Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." - Matthew 25:13

Stay awake.

It could happen at any time. Any day. Any hour.

Are we ready? Are we awake? Or are we sleeping through our days and our hours?

Are we living in the present moment? Are we thanking God for each new day?

Or are we living in the past and regretting it? Or thinking and dreaming about the future and worrying about it?
Please help me to stay awake, Lord. I do not want to take one minute for granted. I want to live each moment to the fullest - always awake, always aware of your presence, always aware of your love, Lord.

I Blog Jesus Award

2011-11-05T19:42:00.000-04:00

My friend, Mary, at The Beautiful Gate gave me this award! Thanks so much, Mary! If you have not been to Mary's blog, please be sure to visit! You will love it!

This award was created by Monica at Equipping Catholic Families and is for blogging moms who:

~Strive for a stronger Faith and closer relationship with Jesus.

~Aspire to grow spiritually through a vocation as a "King's Kid"... a daughter of God, and a Catholic wife and mom.

~Seek to encourage others in their own spiritual journeys and Faith formation in their families through the Catholic training tools and gifts that they create and yes...through their blog.

I really appreciate this award, Mary. Thank you!

I pass this award onto Judy at Benmakesten! She homeschools and has a website and just published her first book and definitely blogs Jesus! Be sure to pay her a visit!

Sunday Snippets - November 6

2011-11-05T17:00:00.003-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Called to Serve
2. Stealing Jenny - A Book Review
3. Thankful for Blessings - Books, Birds and Rainbows

Sabbath Moments - Taking Time to Listen

2011-11-05T00:01:00.003-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Listening to my wind chimes as I write this. It gives me pause and always sounds so peaceful and pretty.
2. This week my RA giving me trouble so I am "forced" to sleep more and rest. I see this as an opportunity for sabbath rest.
3. Listened to a CD by Scott Hahn talking about the Mass, describing and explaining each part of the Mass. So very moving and inspiring.
4. Had lunch with a friend and we shared our thoughts and feelings about God and prayer.

Thankful for Blessings- Books, Birds & Rainbows

2011-11-02T00:01:00.002-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Also check out her website and her newly published book! Congratulations, Judy!
1. I am thankful that my husband and I are recovering from the bad colds we had last week.
2. I am thankful for the rainbow I saw yesterday on the way to work It was very faint but beautiful nonetheless.
3. I am thankful for all the birds coming south for the winter. There were some beautiful white ones at a nearby pond. I didn't know what kind of birds they were but they were pretty and fun to watch.
4. I am thankful for books. They teach and inspire and entertain.
5. I am thankful for my son who is on his way to his new home as I write this. I pray that he and his family have a safe trip and that they will feel at home soon in their new neighborhood and he will be happy in his new job.

Stealing Jenny - A Book Review

2011-10-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

I usually prefer to read nonfiction, but from time to time I enjoy a good suspense. Stealing Jenny, Ellen Gable’s latest novel, not only provided great suspense, but I literally could not put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat right up until the last page.
Jenny is almost ready to deliver her sixth child and has been kidnapped by a woman who desperately wants to have a baby. What the kidnapper does not know is that Jenny has had complications with this pregnancy and needs a C-Section to deliver the baby safely. If Jenny goes into labor before being rescued, she and her baby could die.
Besides the suspense, this is also an inspiring story about a Catholic family, trying their best to lead lives of faith. They are ordinary human beings with their own share of struggles, but they rely on each other and prayer and God to get through it all.
I highly recommend this book.

Called to Serve

2011-10-30T00:54:00.002-04:00

The greatest among you must be your servant. – Matthew 23:11

There is something truly awesome about being called to serve the God we love. There is a feeling of joy and peace that “surpasses all understanding.” (Phil 4:7)
We don’t get to that place by ourselves. We are called. We need to recognize the call. We need to try to do God’s will.
But being a servant of God is not about servitude. It is about love. Love of God and neighbor. And grace. God’s grace.
And I have often found that the ways for us to serve God are given to us, almost without us knowing it. All we have to do is say yes.
My husband is a permanent deacon. Deacons are ordained to service. God calls them to be servants long before they even hear the call to the diaconate.
I always knew my husband was someone who felt called to serve others. I knew it long before I knew what the diaconate was.
Early in my husband’s formation, our Bishop celebrated a Mass for the deacon candidates and their wives. It was during this Mass that I heard the song, “The Servant Song” for the first time.
As I sang the words, I started tearing up and looked over at my husband whose eyes held a few tears as well. I knew then that, no matter what, my husband and I were on a special journey.
And I knew that we were where we were supposed to be. He was called to be a deacon and I was called to serve as well, by walking the journey with him.
By God’s grace.
Dear Lord, I long to serve you and to serve those you love. Help me to answer your call. Help me to hold the Christ light for others, to be a companion on the journey. And thank you, Lord, for sending people to serve me in my times of need. Amen.

And here is a version of “The Servant’s Song” for you to hear. Lyrics included! (Hint - play in full screen mode - so beautiful!)

Sunday Snippets - October 30

2011-10-29T17:00:00.004-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Sabbath Moments - Wind Chimes and Chant
2. First Things First
3. Thankful for Blessings - Blessed by Sons

Sabbath Moments - Sick and Tired

2011-10-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
I have been sick for most of this week. My husband and I both caught a bad cold and we have been camped out in our living room, sitting in our favorite chairs, watching television, sleeping, coughing and blowing our noses and going through throat lozenges like crazy.
I have not felt like writing or reading. The only praying I have been able to do is to say "Help, me Lord!"
Being sick is no fun but it does slow us down and we get our rest whether we like it or not. I don't think God makes us sick, but I believe He reminds us through our times of illness that paying attention to our health and taking care of our bodies and getting plenty of rest is important.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-10-28T21:00:00.001-04:00

I want to thank Mary, at The Beautiful Gate, and Ellen, at Plot Line and Sinker, for giving me this award!

One of the rules is to share 7 things about yourself and then pass the award along to 5 other bloggers. As usual, I break the rules a little and invite anyone who visits my blog to join in!

Here are seven things about me that you might not know:

1. I am undeniably an introvert. I love spending time in solitude and I do not do small talk very well. Social situations and crowds stress me out.

2. I am scared to death of mice. I am not sure why.

3. I used to be an RN. I quit my nursing job to work with my husband in his print shop and to be home more with my children. Those years were among the best of my life.

4. I was involved with the drama club in high school and later my hubby and I were involved with community theater. We then had two boys and I converted to the Catholic Church. We had to reprioritize our lives and we had no time for theater any more. I have no regrets about that but I have happy memories.

5. I quit smoking 14 years ago.

6. I had a great-grandfather who lived to be about 102 years old. I was able to get a 5-generation picture taken - my great-grandfather, my grandmother, my father, me and my son.

7. I don't like costume parties. I loved it as a child but since becoming an adult, I do not like Halloween or any kind of costume party. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because I don't like drawing attention to myself.

Thankful for Blessings-Blessed by Sons

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
1. I am thankful that my oldest son has been given a promotion in his company. It is a wonderful opportunity for him and he is very excited. However, it means that he and his family will be moving 9-10 hours away from us (and taking my grandbaby with him!) We just need to adjust to this and arrange our vacations and long weekends accordingly. I am proud of him and happy for him. (and I have to admit, sad for me)
2. I am thankful that my youngest son recently moved closer to us after living so far away from us for 3 years. What a God-incidence this is! God knew I would be sad to have BOTH of my sons so far away. Thank you, Lord!
3. I am thankful for my husband, who took the news of our son moving away the same way I did, and is such a wonderful father. He has 4 children from a previous marriage and we have 2 sons. We have 16 grandchildren. Family get-togethers are always interesting, especially during the holidays.
4. I am thankful for the cooler weather we had for a day or two. It got hot and humid again rather quickly. Florida. Go figure.
5. I am thankful that I am Catholic, for many, many reasons. I was able to go to daily Mass yesterday and that is such a blessing. It is a great way to start my day and I carry that peace with me all day long. God is good!

First Things First

2011-10-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

Putting God first has been very much on my mind lately. I recently went on retreat and found that I was not putting him first. I was complaining about being too busy and not having enough time to pray, but I realized that I found time to do other things. And should God not be at the top of the list?

If I can find time to watch a television show, then I can find time to pray.

If I can find time to read a chapter in the book I am reading, then I can find time to pray.

If I can find time to go to the coffee shop to get my favorite iced coffee, then I can find time to pray.

There is nothing wrong with doing any of these things, but I found time to do them.

So I can find time to pray.

During my retreat, my daily “mantra” became first things first and it continues to be a daily reminder that God needs to be first in my life.

That doesn’t mean that I always succeed, but I am doing much better than I was doing.

Putting someone first in our lives lets them know where they belong in our heart, and our soul and our mind.

Dear Lord, I love you with all my heart, and my soul and my mind. I am sorry for the times I have not put you first and I am trying to do better. Help me, Lord, to remember that you come first before all things. Amen.
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Sunday Snippets - October 23

2011-10-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Who Comes First?
2. Thankful for Blessings - God is So Good!

Sabbath Moments - Wind Chimes and Chant

2011-10-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. We are having cool weather for the first time in months. We turned off our air conditioner and opened up the house. What a pleasant evening: a cool breeze, fresh air and the sound of musical wind chimes outside our window.
2. Prayed the Rosary of the Hours many times over the weekend for my husband who was on a Cursillo weekend. A different and beautiful way to pray the rosary, causing me to stop many times during the day, and meditate on one mystery for a while. This was my special intention that I mentioned last week. Thank you to all who prayed with me!
3. Watching the rain fall. So peaceful and a time to just "be."
4. Taking time first thing everyday to pray a Morning Offering. A great way to start the day.
5. Listening to Gregorian chant always helps me to stop and focus on the Lord.
What were some of your sabbath moments?

Thankful for Blessings- God is So Good!

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
I am thankful for:
1. We have had so much rain this week. More rain than I can remember in a long time. However, I made it safely home from work, driving through flooded streets and low visibility. And there is something comforting about sitting in my chair at home, listening to the rain falling outside my window. Very cozy.
2. The blogging world. My blogging friends. Some new friends I have "met" recently. Sharing our faith. Supporting each other. And giving thanks!
3. I had some quiet time to pray last weekend. Time to pray and read and write. A peaceful time to treasure.
4. There are a lot of devotionals to choose from these days, including some for the Nook and Kindle and cell phone apps. It really helps our prayer lives to have these books and other sources of prayer and reflection available to us in so many convenient ways. And I am enjoying them!
5. I am so grateful for my husband's diaconate vocation and his various ministries. Deacons are called to service and he serves in many ways. Last weekend he "worked" on a Cursillo weekend. He so enjoys it and blesses others with his presence and talks and ministry.
God is so good. How has He blessed your lives this week?

Who Comes First?

2011-10-16T00:01:00.020-04:00

At that (Jesus) said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." Matthew 22:21

I think it comes down to choice.
Who and what do we choose to do? And how do our choices reflect on our lives as Christians?
Who comes first? Caesar or God?
Who comes first in our hearts?
When it comes to abortion, I choose God. Not Caesar.
When it comes to euthanasia, I choose God. Not Caesar.
When it comes to conscience rights, I choose God. Not Caesar.
When it comes to the death penalty, I choose God, not Caesar.
Of course it is easy to talk about here. Sometimes the choice is not so easy. People have lost their jobs for their faith. People have been ridiculed and insulted for their faith.
People have died for their faith.
What do we think we owe God?
Our lives?
I think our answers tell us where our heart lives.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for the freedom you have given me to choose to love you. Help me make the right choices. Help me to choose for you, even when it seems too difficult. Even when I feel afraid. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - October 16

2011-10-15T16:53:00.002-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Invitations to the Feast
2. Thankful for the Blessings - Life and Love
3. Sabbath Moments - Standing Still

Sabbath Moments - Pilgrims, Retreats & Rosaries

2011-10-15T00:01:00.010-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Had some alone time this weekend. Spent Friday praying and writing and praying some more. Re-reading a book by Joyce Rupp about her pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago in Spain, called Walk in a Relaxed Manner. I am enjoying it even more the second time. I would like to see the movie Martin Sheen made about the pilgrimage - called The Way.
2. Taking some time everyday to read and reflect on the Retreat in the Real World - the book version of the online retreat.This is a case where I do better with the book rather than the free online version. I can carry this book around with me and reflect on passages. It is quiet different from other at-home retreat books but I enjoy it. Considering I am working on some retreat books and materials of my own that I will publish in some form, it is interesting to see others' viewpoints and ways of doing things.
3. A rainbow. Out of nowhere. It was not raining. Yet. I love God's surprises, don't you?
4. Praying the rosary throughout the weekend, too, for a special intention. Would you mind taking a sabbath moment to say a little prayer for my intention? Thank you and God bless!

Thankful for Blessings- Life and Love

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Invitations to the Feast

2011-10-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. (Matthew 22:3)

I feel sad when I read this. I feel sad to think that some people refuse God's invitation. They don't hear it or they hear it but they are not interested.

I feel sad to think of what some people are missing. I feel sad to think that Jesus is sad. He wants to save us all.

I myself didn't go to the feast for a long time. I either said No to the invitation or ignored it. Now I know what I was missing. How lost I was. How hurt I was. How alone I felt.

As St. Augustine said - Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.

So I do my best to summon others. I do my best to "invite whomever that (I) find." (Mt 22:9)

Lord, I hope and pray that all will hear your call and will attend the wedding feast. Help me to evangelize others and bring them home to You. Amen.
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Sunday Snippets - October 9

2011-10-08T17:00:00.002-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. God Never Gives Us On Us
2. 10 Ways to Pray Without Ceasing
3. A Few Views of a Retreat

Sabbath Moments - Standing Still

2011-10-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. One day I walked out of the parish office and almost ran into a rabbit! A medium -sized brown rabbit. It froze because it was scared and I froze because I didn't want it to run away. So we stared at each other for a moment. Then I slowly walked toward my car, watching the rabbit all the time, and it finally went scurrying into the bushes. It was a nice surprise!
2. Saw a heron near our pond on the way home and it looked so regal standing there. They always stand so still, they sometimes look like statues.

3. Made it to morning Mass one morning before work and went into the chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. What a wonderful way to start the day. Such a blessing.
4. Read a portion of the Rule of St. Benedict daily and then some reflections on it. He wrote a lot about humility and prayer. He was very wise about how to live in community.
What were some of your sabbath moments?

Thankful for Blessings- This and That

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. I have been immersed in quotes lately from various saints and mystics and famous Catholics. I just love their inspiring ways with words, touching hearts and helping us to "see" and "know" Jesus more clearly. Thank you, Lord.
2. My mother celebrated her birthday last week. I am thankful for her and for our relationship. She also celebrated her anniversary as a deaconess in her church. And she is the organist for her church, like her mother before her. I am so proud of her. Thank you, Lord.
3. My husband, who continues to spoil me every day, including making me brownies last week. I do not need the sweets but I love my "sweet" husband! Thank you, Lord.
4. My two sons - they have grown closer as they have grown older and it does a mother's heart good. It is an answer to my prayers. Thank you, Lord.
5. Cooler weather this week in Florida. Nice to have a cool breeze in the morning. This time of year we fluctuate between air conditioning and open windows. Always fun trying to figure out how each day is going to turn out. Thank you, Lord.
What are some of your blessings this week?

A Few Views of a Retreat

2011-10-04T00:01:00.004-04:00

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

10 Ways to Pray Without Ceasing

2011-10-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

After a long spell of prayer, do not say that nothing has been gained, for you have already achieved something. For, after all, what higher good is there than to cling to the Lord and to persevere in unceasing union with Him? (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

To pray without ceasing seems almost impossible to do. However, there are ways to pray sporadically throughout the day and come close to praying without ceasing.
The problem is remembering. Our daily schedules can be so difficult and crazy that we cannot find the time, much less remember.
It should be easy for me. I work at a church office, for heaven’s sake. I think of God and God-related matters all day. However, doing office work does not always constitute thinking of God.

For example, when I am working on such things as the bulletin, my mind is thinking of type fonts and graphic images and downloads, etc.

Of course, I try to offer it up – all of my work. But that is not the same as praying unceasingly.
So I have come up with some ideas on how to pray unceasingly – or as often as possible. (This is not a complete list nor is it in any kind of order. Also, a period of silent prayer is important sometime during the day.)

1. Saying the Jesus Prayer over and over - Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
I first started praying this prayer years ago on the advice of my spiritual director who suggested that it would help me with my depression. He told me to pray it every chance I got. He also told me to shorten it. He said I was already depressed and did not need reminding I was a sinner! So I would pray – Jesus, have mercy.
So I prayed it for months. It got to the point where, no matter where I was or what I was doing, I would start praying it immediately. I needed no reminders at that point. It is a beautiful way to stay in touch with Jesus all day. (and yes, it helped my depression)
By the way, The Way of the Pilgrim, tells the story of a pilgrim who prays this prayer all day everyday after hearing St. Paul's words about praying without ceasing.

2. Alarm on iphone (or similar device that you use) – with a one line prayer that pops up! I have mine set for three times during my work day. When it rings, I usually just breathe in the name of Jesus. At least for that one moment, I am focused on Him.

3. Write a prayer or favorite bible passage on a piece of ppaer, laminate it and use it as a bookmark. Put the bookmark in the book you are reading right now. Or just have it on the table to remind you.

4. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror (or your desk at work or wherever) – with a brief prayer or just a reminder to pray.

5. Play a Christian music cd in your car. And be sure to sing along!!

6. Keep a Rosary ring with you. I have one in my car and it is a great reminder to pray the rosary and easier to use. My commute to work and church is 35 -40 minutes so I have time to pray 5 decades of the rosary. Or pray 1 decade at a time on a shorter drive.

7. Liturgy of the Hours – Morning, Evening and Night prayer (Compline). Pray by yourself or with a group.

8. Morning offering – thank God for the new day and be sure to offer it up to Him. Any prayer will do. Here is a children’s version –
Good morning, dear Jesus, this day is for you. I offer you all that I think, say, and do. Amen.

9. Examen – at the end of the day, look over your day to where you saw God. This is an Ignatian prayer that I seem to be drawn to lately.

10. Journal – write about your life with God. Write Him a love letter. Write a prayer. Write 5 things you are most thankful for that day.

What are some of your ideas to add to the list?

By the way, when I was first thinking about writing this post, I found a similar one by one of my blogging friends, Jean, at Healthy Spirituality blog. I told her I was not copying her post although we have some similar thoughts on the subject. And similar examples, too! Go figure. We are both spiritual directors. Please be sure to visit her blog and see what she has posted about this!

God Never Gives Up On Us

2011-10-02T00:01:00.001-04:00

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes." (Matthew 21:42)

I often talk about our God of Second Chances. I love how God never gives up on me. Even when I turn a deaf ear. Even when I turn away from those he sends me. Even when I say, "No, Lord."

Sometimes I forget that I do not bear fruit alone. That I can only say yes and then let God work through me.

Sometimes I forget that God loves me so much that he never gives up on me.

I wonder how many times I have turned away from Jesus when He came to me. How many times have I ignored the prophets God has sent to me? How many times have I refused to do His will?

The Good News is that the stone I have rejected is still the cornerstone of my life. The Good News is that God loves me so much that He comes to me over and over and offers me His compassion and mercy. He offers me His Son.

Jesus, you are the Lord of my life. Help me to always trust in your love and your forgiveness. Please use me to bear fruit in this world and to bring others to your vineyard. Help me to put you first in my life, everyday. Thank you for never giving up on me. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - October 2

2011-10-01T16:00:00.002-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. God Changes Minds and Hearts
2. Sabbath Moments - Retreat Week
3. Father and Son

Sabbath Moments - Priorities

2011-10-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
My Sabbath moments all involve my prayer life this week. My retreat last week helped me to see that I need to put God first on my list rather than somewhere in the middle. I knew that, of course, but sometimes I get so caught up in my life of work and writing projects, etc., that I lose sight of my priorities. And the Lord let me know that during my retreat!
So I have spent more time this week in silent prayer. More time before the Blessed Sacrament. I even made it to morning Mass one day. What a joy!
It has been difficult for me to make it to weekday Masses because of work and distance from home, etc. But I made some adjustments so I can go once or twice during the week.
Going to Mass before going to work makes such a difference in my day ... in my attitude ... in my prayer life. What a joy!
St Benedict said we need to have balance in our lives - prayer, work and rest - prayer being the most important. He also wrote in his Rule that the disciple should "prefer nothing to the love of Christ."
Amen.

Father and Son

2011-09-28T22:43:00.000-04:00

I took this picture. The lighting is kind of cool. Totally by accident. But it still captured my son and grandson in a beautiful moment.

Thankful for Blessings- Always Nice to Come Home

2011-09-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. I am so thankful for the retreat that I made last week. Time alone, time in silence, time with God. Thank you, Lord.
2. I am so thankful for the weekend with my sons and daughter-in-law! My grandson is growing up before my eyes! It was a good way to come back to the "world" after my retreat. Thank you, Lord.
3. I am so thankful for some of today's technology - someone gave me a GPS and I used it to drive to the retreat center. Directed me straight there without any stress! And also my nookbook came in handy on my retreat. Plenty to read and less to pack! Thank you, Lord.
4. I am so thankful for candles. I love to light scented candles in the evening. Vanilla and apple are my favorites - this week! Thank you, Lord.
5. I am so thankful for my home. Coming home after my week away was such a blessing. It is always nice to come home. Thank you, Lord!
What were some of your blessings this week?

Noticing God

2011-09-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

Notice. This seems to be the word of the week. It keeps popping up in my mind. Over and over.

Wake up and take notice. Notice God's presence and action in my life.

Anthony de Mello was fond of saying that we need to wake up. We need to stop sleeping through our lives. Grace is always with us, but we are not always aware.

We are often sleeping. (read on at CatholicMom.com)

God Changes Minds and Hearts

2011-09-25T00:33:00.000-04:00

He said in reply, “I will not,” but afterwards he changed his mind and went. (Matthew 21:29)

Thank goodness our God give second chances. And more.

For years I said, “I will not.”

Well, I never actually said, “I will not.” More like – I am not ready or I am not sure or I think I will hang around the vineyard gate.

I liked God. I was pretty close to him when I was a child. But as I got older, other things took precedence.

I prayed to him once in awhile, when I needed something. But there was little worship. No daily prayer. No scripture.

Then I changed my mind.

I will always remember that day, sitting at Mass, with my husband and 2 little boys, suddenly knowing that it was time to commit. I wanted to become Catholic.

To me at the time, it seemed to come out of the blue. But looking back, I can see that there was a lot that happened that led up to that day.

I often feel sad about those days when I did not know God. When I did not worship God. When I did not make Him the Lord of my life.

But then I think about people like St. Augustine. Look at his late conversion and what became of him!

“Late have I loved you, O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new."

Look at Paul. Saint Paul.

Maybe some of us have to be later than others. And was I really late?

I have known God in some way all of my life. I have no doubt that he has always been with me. Even when I was avoiding him.

But it seems to me that my whole life has been headed in the same direction – towards God. I know I have made some detours, but God makes straight with crooked lines.

So here I am.

Was I late? Or was I on time?

Does it matter as long as I am with Him now?

God is still calling me into the vineyard. He is calling all of us - with ministries and sacrifices and the little everyday conversions that happen in our lives of faith.

I still avoid those things that scare me a little. I still often say No.

But I hang around that vineyard gate and then I change my mind again.

Praise our God of Second Chances.

Sunday Snippets - September 26

2011-09-24T18:40:00.000-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. God's Abundant Love
2. Sabbath Moments -Jesus in Our Midst

Sabbath Moments - Retreat Week

2011-09-24T00:23:00.000-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
I have plenty of Sabbath moments to tell you about, but it would be too much in one post! My whole week was one BIG Sabbath moment as I went on a private retreat for 5 days! 5 grace-filled days! I kept a journal and hope to publish an eBook soon.
I went off to a retreat center that was situated on a river. I have been there a few times before and even though I try other places, I always come back to this one.
I spent the week in silence. I just loved it. I spoke only when I had to and when manners dictated it, but otherwise the only one I spoke to was God.
I visited the Blessed Sacrament a few times each day, as it was located right down the hall from my room. What a precious gift!
I sat by the river and watched the sun set and watched the ducks and other birds.
I read. I prayed. I wrote.
Mostly I listened. I listened to God as He guided me through the week, helping me to see what I needed to know and what I needed to change. And reminding me of how much He loved me.
What a joy and a blessing, to spend these days just hanging out with the Lord. No interruptions. No noise. No work. No expectations.
Just to “be.”

God's Abundant Love

2011-09-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

[Or] am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? (Matthew 20:15)

Some people have a hard time with this parable. On the surface, it seems so unfair that the landowner pays the workers who show up at the last minute the same as the ones who have been there all day.

But God does not think the way that we think.

“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

This parable is not about fairness. This parable is about God's abundant love and and generosity.

And let’s not miss the good news in this story - we are ALL recipients of this love and generosity. All of us.

Where we make our mistake is thinking that we deserve heaven. We think we earn our way into heaven by being good.

Salvation is not earned. Salvation is not deserved. Salvation is a gift.

Sometimes I have heard people ask, what good is it for us to be faithful our whole lives if we can just make a deathbed confession and be saved?

I think of the parable of the Prodigal Son. The older brother asks his father the same kind of question. And I remember this beautiful statement made by the father -

Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

Those who come to the vineyard earlier have had a life filled with God’s love and graces.

St. Catherine of Siena said that "all the way to heaven is heaven."

I myself am a prodigal daughter returned. I only wish I had come home to the Father earlier.

Dear Lord, help me to pray for those who have not yet come to work at your vineyard. Help me to welcome all who come, early or late. Thank you, Lord, for all the graces you have given me, undeserved as they are. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - September 18

2011-09-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Forgiving Heals
2. Take, Lord, and Receive
3. Adding My Two Cents

Sabbath Moments - Jesus in Our Midst

2011-09-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. I saw an eagle! My husband and I were driving through our park. As we rounded one of the little lakes here, we saw an eagle sitting on the edge of the lake. I was flabbergasted!
I stopped the car, and got my phone camera ready and opened the door to get out. I was trying to move slowly and quietly, but it flew away! Darn!
I wished I had snapped a picture from inside the car, but watching it fly majestically away was just awesome! A Sabbath moment to be sure!
2. Spiritual direction is not only a gift for the directee, but the director as well. It is a sabbath moment itself as my directee tells me about the times he/she has seen God that month or shares his/her prayer life.
But also, I know God is present with us right there in our sessions. Faith tells us that. And Jesus tells us that - "for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
And sometimes, we experience God's presence in some of our sessions in a very strong way. A graced moment. A moment when I just know, I am supposed to be doing what I am doing. God has called me here. Thank you, Lord.

Adding My Two Cents

2011-09-14T00:11:00.000-04:00

"A faith that supports itself by condemning others is itself condemned by the Gospel."

(Thomas Merton, Faith & Violence, 1968)

Well, this is not my two cents. It is actually Merton's two cents. :)

A blogging friend of mine has been writing posts lately about the infighting and condemning among some Catholic bloggers. I myself have also found this distressing. I really was not going to add anything to the discussion because I did not know what else to say.

Then I found this quote.

Enough said.

Thankful for Blessings- Inspiring & Fun, etc

2011-09-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

Take, Lord, and Receive

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite prayers is the prayer called Take, Lord and Receive by St. Ignatius. You may have heard of it or you pray it yourself. Here is a video of the prayer set to music that I found at IgnatianSpirituality.com along with tons of other resources on Ignatian spirituality and prayers.

Enjoy!

Forgiving Heals

2011-09-11T00:05:00.004-04:00

Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-23)

Do you think God is trying to get our attention?

When I saw the readings this week, I could hardly believe it. On this day of all days, the Mass readings are all about forgiveness and compassion and mercy. On this day, the 10th anniversary of 9-11, Jesus gives us a strong message.

Not only must we forgive, but we must keep on forgiving!

So I find myself asking - Do I have to be forgiving today, Lord? Can't I wait until tomorrow?

But then I read the second reading - if we live, we live for the Lord. (Rom 14:8)

And I know in my heart of hearts, if I really want to live for the Lord, then I have to forgive.

I am no stranger to forgiving what seems to be impossible to forgive.
Forgiving my father - for sexually abusing me for years - has been a lifelong process more than a one-time event. I know it is through grace that I have been able to forgive him at all.

And what I have learned is that I have to make the decision first and then I need to ask Jesus to help me. And I may need to go through it many times. Maybe even 77 times.

It all comes down to one common denominator. We cannot do it alone. We need Jesus.

Isn't that what Jesus meant when he said he came to heal the sick? Was he talking about the flu? Or was he talking about those inner wounds that threaten to separate us from God?

And wouldn't unforgiveness be one of those wounds?

Lord, you have my attention. Help me to forgive. Help me to know when I still have unforgiveness in my heart. Help us all to heal from loss and hurt and fear and prejudice. Heal the families and friends of those who died on 9-11. I love you, Lord. Help me to love like you love. Amen.

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Sunday Snippets - September 11

2011-09-10T17:00:00.002-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. Loving Our Neighbor
2. Thankful for Blessings - Back to Work
3. Tiber River Review - How to Simplify Your Life

Sabbath Moments - Rain and More Rain

2011-09-10T00:01:00.003-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.
1. Saw two rainbows in one day. In the morning, the sky ahead of me was black with storm clouds and a bright rainbow seemed to arch right over the road I was driving on. The colors were so bright.
Later, on my way home, there was a rainbow behind me! Rainbows are always a reminder of God's presence in my life.
2. So I guess it is obvious that we had a lot of rain this week - very unusual rain patterns for Florida. The swales on our church property were so full of water, they looked like little ponds. Many herons and egrets came to wade in the water. I kept waiting to see ducks but no such luck! It was great driving into the parking lot and seeing so much nature there.

3. Took some time in the middle of a long work day and went to the chapel to pray. Praying before the Blessed Sacrament brought me peace. My favorite sabbath moment!

Tiber River Review - How To Simplify Your Life

2011-09-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

How to Simplify Your Life is an audio CD recording of a talk given by Jeff Cavins. He speaks on ways for us to slow down and relieve our everyday stress.

The CD is 75 minutes long. I listened to it in my car on my way back and forth to work. Both my husband and I enjoyed it immensely. It is one of those speeches I can listen to over and over and I keep learning something new every time.

Mr. Cavins used stories from his own life and scripture to help explain his thoughts on how we can simplify our iives. He explains the difference between what is important and what is urgent and how to prioritize our lives.

Mr. Cavins stated that the key to simplicity is not organization but relationship, especially our relationship with Jesus. Jesus needs to be number one in our lives. Time management is okay to use as long as we put Jesus first in our lives.

Jeff talked about how an orchestra placys beautiful music because it really only plays to an audience of one - the conductor. The audience might as well not be there in the room at all. The muscians' eyes are all focused on just that one person.

Our lives will be a lot simpler if we too keep our eyes solely on the Master Conductor. Our lives will be filled with more music and peace, If we keep our eyes on number one - Jesus.

I highly recommend this audio CD by Jeff Cavins. If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, if you are looking to be inspired by a great speaker, if you are looking for ways to focus on our Master Conductor, be sure to get this audio recording.

You can purchase this CD here.

I wrote this review of How to Simplify Your Life for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and Oplatki Christmas Wafers.

Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.

I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Thankful for Blessings - Back to Work

2011-09-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. For my job, thank you Lord. Just went back to work after a 2 week vacation. I am so blessed to be working at my church and I am very grateful for my job.
2. My vacation, thank you Lord. So how many of you are wondering how long I am going to milk this vacation time? well, just until I go on retreat and then I will go on and on about that!
3. For books to read, thank you Lord. I got re-aquainted with "light" reading during my time off. I had become too busy to read just for the fun of it and if you are too busy to read, something has to change! It did. I hope.
4. For my hubby, who makes me laugh every single day, thank you Lord. What a gift laughter is. What a blessing my husband is.
5. For today, thank you Lord. For the rain, and for the laughter and for the gift of this day, thank you Lord.

Loving Our Neighbor

2011-09-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother." (Mt 18:15)

This week’s gospel could be summed up easily – How to Live in Community.

Several years ago I stayed in a Benedictine monastery for about a month, attending spiritual direction school there. One of the first things my spiritual director told me in our first meeting was that monastery life was not as easy and peaceful as it might seem. “Let's face it, living in community is very difficult.”

So how do they get through it?

Prayer. Forgiveness. Love of neighbor.

So I guess if monks in a monastery have to struggle with community, then those of us in community at our churches and our neighborhoods and our families are going to struggle too.

And so how do we get through it?

Prayer. Forgiveness. Love of neighbor.

St. Benedict in his rule had a lot to say about how to live in community. Some of his (paraphrased) instructions include:

Show equal love to everyone.

Do not act in anger or nurse a grudge.

Express opinions with humility.

Welcome all guests as Christ.

I watched these monks during the month I was there and at subsequent visits. All of them, including the abbot, ate with us, waited on us, washed dishes, and when a flu virus spread throughout the community, they nursed each other and us as well.

If they were unhappy, we never saw it. I am sure it wasn’t easy and who knows what arguments and tension took place in the private monastic enclosure, but we experienced love not friction.

We saw humility not pride.

We saw Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank you for sending people into my life to show me your love and your presence. Please help me welcome all as Christ. Help me to do better in loving my neighbor. Teach me, Lord. Amen.

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Sunday Snippets - September 4

2011-09-03T19:24:00.000-04:00

Here are my contributions for this week:
1. The Cross is Part of the Story
2. A Walk on the Beach
3. Sabbath Moments - Vacation Time!

Sabbath Moments - Vacation Time!

2011-09-03T00:01:00.002-04:00

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

1. Have you seen this post? I took a walk on the beach and it was such a beautiful sabbath moment. Just being there calms me down and makes me smile.
2. My middle-of-the-night hour of Eucharistic Adoration. Quiet. Peaceful. Sitting with Jesus - what a blessing.
3. 2 weeks of vacation was like one long sabbath moment. I was soooo lazy! We went away for a few days but spent the rest of the time, hanging out, sleeping late, reading. I really have to find time for more reading when I get back to work. I have not been doing much of it lately. Amazing how you get caught up in schedules and deadlines and such. Sometimes we just need to stop and look at our lives and see what we are doing and what we are NOT doing. Sabbath moments helps me do that.

A Walk on the Beach

2011-09-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

I was on vacation. I heard the thunder and saw the gray clouds but decided it was a good day to go to the beach. Just for a walk. Made sense to me.

I made the short drive to my favorite parking lot right on the beach. The rain had stopped. Only a handful people were on the beach. Some were sitting in their chairs reading and some were walking. I decided to take a brisk walk for some exercise.

It was so pleasant walking. A nice breeze. No humidity. No crowds. Just me and the water and the sky and the seagulls. I like having the beach to myself, especially on days like this.

This was a perfect gray day. Everything was gray. The sky was gray. The water was gray. The sand was beige. A gray and beige day.

I was alone with my thoughts, in my one of favorite places. I pondered my writing. I wondered if I should have been writing more this week and then decided that vacation was meant for wasting time.

I felt like being silly and took a video of my feet in the water so I can look at it when I am somewhere else and wish I was at the beach.

I stood in the warm water, praising God for such a beautiful gray and beige day and such a beautiful scene and such a beautiful gift of life that he has given me.

I drove home and got in the door just as the thunder and lightning and rain started. I lit some candles and then sat and watched the rain. A peaceful morning. A great start to my day.

Good morning, Lord. Thank you for this day. Thanks for this life.