Blogging For A Better Life

Heart to Heart

2013-05-21T08:06:00.000-04:00

With the bat of the eye our once delightful liveliness can get so messed up that we are left standing clueless on how to turn things around.

If something is bothering you and you can’t clear your mind, maybe you need a little one on one with God, a heart to heart talk between the two of you.

Primarily our goals, each and every one must include God. If we ignore God and try to go about life solely on our own thoughts and plans we end up in an awkward way much like someone trying to hold onto thin air; feeling empty inside. We all know there is no deep satisfaction in just pleasing yourself.

By simply checking in to see if our perspective is in line with God and what He calls each of us to do can change our disposition. God is great at turning things around, cleaning up messes, getting everything back on track.

Talking things through with God is a good beginning. God, you and an open heart is all it takes.

God listens and talks back. Signs are sent right and left. His fingerprints can be found all over our life. Prayers are answered. Joys are received. Sorrows are shared. Comfort flows abundantly.

God has everything under control. Once we let God into our life things look differently. Life’s meaning becomes clear. The balance of life equals out in ways we never imagined.

God’s has heard our heart to heart plea for help.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” --Philippians 4:13

Take heart and turn to God.

Life’s Too Short

2013-05-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

Life is too short to debate if you should or should not send that note from your heart. (Drop it in the mail ASAP.)

Life is too short to forgo that small square of a brownie calling your name. (Savor the treat.)

Life is too short to get upset over cold fast food French Fries. (Give them to your dog and make his day.)

With one life to live here on earth one must learn to pick the right battles. Time passes by way too fast to let smiles and hugs go undelivered. Our journey is meant to be a trip filled with peace and unity.

It is so easy to get lost in the future along with endlessly dragging around our past. Constant worrying about the future and over analyzing the past will not bring us contentment; in fact both bring on fear and regret.

Jesus sends us greetings of peace and unity to help us along the way.

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” --John 14:27-28

Jesus sends the kind of peace that is peaceful, untroubled, and tranquil.

Jesus sends the type of unity that reveals a close union of fellowship and harmony united with God.

Life is too short to not light the candles, to not run out and look for the rainbow, to not do the things you want to do.

We have but one life, one journey.

Refer to Jesus: “Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”

“Peace is what I leave with you.”

Mother May I

2013-05-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

This is no longer a game I play. It is a prayer I say every night in faith that my thoughts and words will somehow get transported to the heart of my dear mother. That she will realize how much she is loved, thought of, and cared about.

Prayers to my dear mother whose home is now a nursing facility, my dear mother who endures living with a disease that has captured her mind leaving us wondering who she is as much as she seems to wonder who we are.

“Mother, may I tell you once more how much I love you. Mother, may you know how special you are to me.”

At night’s end when I say my prayers my heart goes out to her wishing her to come back so I can once more tell her of my love for her. As I long for one more time to say “I love you” to the old her and to have her repeat those words to me once again I can’t help but remember all the wisdom she passed on.

Wisdom only a great mother can reveal.

In her own words she has told us:

You will never know how much you are loved by me.

I loved all eleven of you the same and if given the chance I wouldn’t have changed anything.

Sometimes it is more fun to share something special than keeping it yourself. (Go ahead take it; I want you to have it.)

I did all of it for you, my kids.

It’s so nice to hear laughter in the house.

Don’t ever worry about me; take care of yourself and your own family first. (Then if I need help we will talk.)

I’ll stop what I’m doing right now and pray for you.

God has given me much.

Mother May I is no longer a game, but a prayer of love.

“Mother, may I tell you once more how much I love you. Mother, may you know how special you are to me.”

In the silence of my prayers I hear “yes you may.” I’ve learned from the best what it takes to be a great mom.

God has given me much.

Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, may your day be filled with much love. God Bless!

Sunshine on my Shoulders

2013-05-02T05:30:00.000-04:00

Makes me happy…a little overdone humor? Maybe, but spring is in the air. It is time for happy thoughts, thankful thoughts, grateful thoughts, and thoughts that have the power to lift your spirit and make you smile.

Open up the house and get some fresh air flowing around.

As I air out our home I plan to air out my soul too. To do this I will imagine another “sun” coming into my “home” and warming my heart. It will feel good to have my heart pumping once again without weighted down worries and difficulties.

It is amazing what a bit of fresh air can do.

I’m happy to be alive no matter what is going on in this world. I’m thankful for what I have and what I have not. I’m so very grateful God hears my prayers and answers them according to His will not mine.
I have faith, hope, and love in my life. I have a spring in my step and God at my side. How can I not feel the sunshine within?

Take time to enjoy the beauty of the change in seasons. Watch as Mother Nature blooms with birth and splendor.

Step outside and let the sunshine fall on your shoulders. It might just make you happy!

Business as Usual

2013-04-30T05:30:00.000-04:00

We all have a vocation to perform each and every day.

It goes above and beyond our regular occupation.

We all are expected to attend to God’s business throughout our lives.

To fulfill God’s business means we understand that:

God is real. This changes everything. Nothing comes before God. God is first and last, the Alpha and the Omega. Our work, our nest egg, our health, our life all depend on and flow from God. Sometimes it is hard to realize this as we think of everything as mine, mine, and all of mine.

He has a plan for each of us. We are not meant to just muddle through our existence. We are to have an intimate relationship with God. An affair that involves both listening and talking.

Life continues after death. Real believers do not fear death. There is no room for fear, all the space is taken up by God and His promises. Promises that bring about eternal life, heavenly life, life beyond our understanding.

God loves us all no matter what. Comparing oneself to another isn’t something God tells us to do; He tells us we are so special He has written our name on the palm of His hand. Every moment of every day He is as close to us as we let Him. His love circles around us never leaving.

The outcome of our future depends on how we pursue this Godly work. I sense the rewards will be heavenly.

Going about life all along like business as usual?

Make it real, make it count. Make it God’s Business!

Faithful till the End

2013-04-25T05:30:00.000-04:00

“God hasn’t called me to be successful. He’s called me to be faithful.”

A Mother Teresa quote on faith.

So, being successful is not the most important thing in this world. What a relief! What a load off our shoulders this revelation is.

I don’t have to keep knocking others out of the way to get to the top of the ladder. Good, because I’ve often heard it gets to be quite lonely at the top. I’ve even been told by top ladder spectators that once they got all the way to the top it was not what they thought. And coming down was a crash course; most of the ladder rungs were broken. No one was there to soften the fall.

I no longer have to strive to be super human. Promotions and professional titles will make little difference in the big picture of life. My success is not to be measured in worldly possessions.

What I need to do is to become more faithful.

What I have to strive for is an endless supply of faith. I need to understand what it means to live by faith today and every day. Then to go forth sharing this certainty with only the love and wisdom of a faith filled person.

When times get tough I will let faith pull me through. When others push me to the max I will take a small step back and trust in faith. When evil and temptations coming calling my name I will rely on faith to drown them out.

Things of this world will come and go, but it is our faith that will remain.

The simple wisdom of Mother Teresa: “He’s called me to be faithful.”

Faithful till the end.

Peace and Quiet

2013-04-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

We can’t have one without the other. They go together like two peas in a pod.

Something has to give when we can’t wait for the day to be over before it even begins.

You know it is time to find some alone time when you can’t find time to think straight.

Jesus we are told often went off by Himself into the mountains to be alone and pray. Blessed Pope John Paul II loved nature and would make time to be grateful for this God given pleasure. I don’t know anyone who ever visited the Grand Canyon to be disappointed by this piece of landscape; after all we do call it Grand. We plan vacations for the scenic views and calming effects like taking in the ocean for the day with nothing but waves crashing back and forth upon the shore.

These quiet places are where we hear God.

We also need quality time spent alone where we can reflect and let our mind get the needed rest it so desires. In solitude we find peace as we settle ourselves down. Our emotions can get the best of us so on a regular basis we need to even out the wide range of ups and downs.

In the quiet moments of our day we hear His directions and plans for us.

It would be hard to have peace in our hearts without quiet time spent in prayer. The two remain connected. St. Teresa of Avila writes: “Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things are passing: God never changes.”

Our life at times may feel like a roller coaster ride offering no relief, but if we take the time and effort to find God we will find peace and quiet within.

A major change can take place by incorporating a little peace and quiet in our daily life.

Know forever that all things are passing and God never changes!

No Ordinary Walk in the Park

2013-04-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for something different to mix up your day? Tired of pacing back and forth?

God has a surprise for you.

He is calling out to you through Mother Nature.

Find the nearest park and go stretch your legs. A park like setting is where Mother Nature resides and she beckons to all living creatures to come forth and view her splendor. Her power is often underestimated. Her beauty will never be outdone.

God has set it up so each season holds its own magnum opus and Mother Nature is now showcasing her spring selection.

Yes, spring has arrived!

Clean up begins.

Mother Nature has worked all year and done her part. The padded down leaves have protected the delicate flowers and the first buds start to surface. Small perfect leaves have filled in the trees once again.

Spring flowers bloom with color and their fragrance fills the air, birds appear and sing their songs, and the rains have made the grass lush and thick. We feel a new spring in our step and take on Mother Nature’s lead in tidying up.

As we walk her grounds we can’t help but feel the need to clear out all the debris we have accumulated inside us. A major cleanup process begins.

As we travel and coexist with Mother Nature we become more in sync with the footsteps of God. We begin to see what work needs to be done to do repair our souls. We need to throw out all the rubbish that covers up our faith, and while we are at it for once and for all disperse of those cobwebs that interfere with hope, and lastly let go of the bindings holding back our love for life.

New life begins brewing deep inside from our debut with nature. Ah, spring…the season of new beginnings, giving life to faith, hope and love.

Desperately need a change? So tired of that same routine? Take a break and head to your favorite park for a walk with Mother Nature.

She lingers there, calling, wanting to show off her beauty and power. There is nothing like the treat of that first spring day spent in the park hiking, letting Mother Nature do her work, and having the sun with a few white puffy clouds form a backdrop for that much needed retreat with God.

Don’t let the season pass and miss out on something so spectacular.

This won’t be just an ordinary walk in the park. God has a surprise for you.

It’s called life.

HELP

2013-04-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

I find it especially comforting and truly inspiring that Pope Francis is all about dishing out help.

In one of his many spirit filled messages he said the following words: “Help one another. This is what Jesus teaches us. This is what I do. And I do it with my heart. I do this with my heart because it is my duty. As a priest and bishop I must be at your service.”

So heart-warming knowing he is offering help from the heart, not only to his fellow cardinals and bishops, not just for the people who flock to see him, but to all of us.

When we help one another we make the world a better place and in doing so help ourselves too. How great is that?

Of course, doing our civic duty which really is our religious duty is not an easy task. That is why we need help.

We are taught to pray before we begin to go about our day.

The importance of starting your day with God is preached by the best of the best. Asking God to help you as you begin a brand new day, a brand new gift of twenty-four hours and asking God not just for help to get you through your daily grind, but also for anything and everything that may come your way.

Having negative words and attitudes about everything, spreading juicy gossip, criticizing too quickly, becoming judge and jury in one final sweep, complaining nonstop, and cursing when things do not go as planned does not seem like the day God would wish for us.

We need help with not succumbing to living out our days below standards as much as we need to help others where and when we can.

Why? Because this is what Jesus teaches and desires.

As a new morning approaches I will think of Pope Francis and what he intends to do, to help us live a life with God, to be at our service, and I will pray to God that I too will be able to fulfill my duty to help one another.

HELP if you can.

Just Perfect

2013-04-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

Ever feel like the big bad wolf is after you? Trying to hunt you down, ready to huff and puff and…cause total chaos in your life.

I’m describing those days where life is anything but perfect.

Even with all its glory and grandeur life is not perfect. We are not perfect. All those we know and associate with are not perfect. So, yeah it can feel like our life is a mess from time to time.

The perfect little world we think we’ve built up can collapse in less than a moment’s notice.

If our faith is strong we roll with the punches. We might get knocked around and knocked out here and there, but we get back up because we have faith. Over and over our faith reminds us that “this too shall pass.”

Only God is perfect. This is how we survive. We gaze on our Lord, our perfect Lord and stay close to Him.

We can’t let our weaknesses or life’s tribulations become our main focus especially when the big bad wolves of the world cry out let me in, let me in, wanting more than ever to take over our life, planning on trying to break up our strong house of faith, hoping we will crumble under pressure.

But we who proudly wear our shield of faith know better, our eyes are forever fixed upon the One who gives strength. Through Him we can find peace and hope in a mixed up chaotic world.

All we have to do is reside in faith.

Whoever is out to get you is no match for the God who is out to save you.

Now that's just perfect!

Rock the Boat

2013-04-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life needs a little movement. All it takes is a few steps one way or another to move things around.

Maybe it is time to Rock the Boat—with Hope.

The more you put hope in God the more hopeful your life becomes. We all have the ability to live happily ever after. All believers have an amazingly happy ending called eternal life.

One anonymous writer states “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or grow in its light and be of service to others. But what I do with this day is important because I have exchanged a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. I hope I will not regret the price I paid for it.”

The opposite of hope is despair, disbelief, and hopelessness. Who wants to live a life of despair? Even one day in despair is too much.

By simply hoping and believing in God and His promises turns despair into joy. Today will soon become yesterday, it is time we will never get back so let’s hope it was time well spent, involving God and prayer.

“Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” --Romans 12:12

Hope is the light at the end of the tunnel where happily ever after is known to exist. That happiness which comes from eternal life, in heaven, with God!

Rock the Boat—with Hope.

Crossing Difficulties

2013-03-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

As members of the human race we all share one common trait. This common denominator is not always our choice or plan, but regardless of circumstance or fate we all carry around the trademark of Cross Bearers.

Our cross to carry is uniquely individualized, and often open for public view. We also walk through life with hidden crosses that our dearest family members and friends will never know about, and even if they did they could only speculate what our particular cross feels like, and likewise we can only try to comprehend what the cross or crosses they carry around entails.

Being a Cross Bearer is difficult.

Our cross to carry comes with setbacks and surprises. For instance, when we feel like we can no longer take one more step a downward slope appears and we make it through without stumbling. Or just when we feel like we have a handle on our cross and moving along nicely another cross is set upon the first. Difficult as it may be there is always one Cross Bearer who we can go to for help.

Jesus.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says: “Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit: and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

A yoke is a device joining two together. “Take my yoke and put it on you” means to pair up with Jesus side by side. Here is where we learn from Him walking next to him every day in every way. By willingly putting on His yoke we voluntarily walk in the direction He guides us.

He is “gentle and humble,” no use of guilt or whips to keep us in line. If we yield He bears most of the weight, He extends His Spirit upon us which gives strength to move forward one step at a time.

It is when we don’t turn to Jesus or go against Jesus that our cross becomes unbearable. The yoke becomes a miserable device and we become exhausted from trying to do it our way. Turn to Him and trust Him as he tells us “For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

When difficulties become unbearable turn to the cross of Christ, it is there that “you will find rest.”

Just Do It

2013-03-21T21:14:00.000-04:00

Across-the-board we have lots of things to-do. We must do this. We have to go do that. We have so much to-do that I’ve become concerned that it will take several lifetimes to get through half of the agenda that we have planned for ourselves! Our life has evolved into a constant commotion of trying to stay on top of things.

Jesus even tells us things to-do.

They are good things, things that will help us, not hinder us with excess baggage. Truly what He expresses means so much more than many of the things we add to our lists; the things He says are really lessons for us on how to live out our lives.

Here is a small sample of some of His words:

“Follow Me.

Listen!

Don’t be afraid, only believe.

Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven.

Peace be with you.

Be still!

Do not be afraid; just have faith.

Courage, my daughter! Your faith has made you well.

Come with Me.

You will see much greater things than this.”

Hear His words and work them into your day. Never squander away another day with a to-do list that does not involve taking time out for the things Jesus tells us to-do.

Compile a list that is important now and forever. A list that is nurturing and strengthening, not cluttering your life, a list that connects with Jesus, pursuing the following things such as keeping faith, and having courage to live morally and justly right.

All Jesus is asking us to-do is to believe in Him and to follow His ways and to take what we have received such as peace, faith, forgiveness, and give back to all humanity.

Our newly humble Pope Francis spoke about this, about this giving back, about this taking care of each other, about not “forgetting that Jesus bathed lepers and ate with prostitutes.”

Pope Francis also said the following: “Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony. Go out and interact with your brothers. Go out and share. Go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.”

In His own words Jesus says: “Come with Me. You will see much greater things than this.”

Just do it!

Join the Army

2013-03-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

The Army needs you.

Be all that you can be.

The Army is looking for good men and women to join its forces; people who are strong enough to face battles, willing to go to the front line, able to work in trenches, and dedicated to making a difference in our world.

The Army I’m referring to is the Prayer Army.

As a member of the Prayer Army you are on call 24/7 365 days a year. You confront spiritual battles nonstop. Jesus is your exclusive Commander and Controller. At the front line prayer comes first over all else.

In life’s trenches of lost jobs, lost homes, lost health and lost loved ones you continue with prayer. The power of prayer wipes out the helplessness of these situations.

By reciting one prayer at a time the dynamic force behind prayer becomes evident and obvious in our world. Through prayer we gain absolute protection from evil forces by praying constantly; we become equipped with an armor that not only safeguards us, but helps us become better skilled to aid and comfort others.

Prayer alone has the power to take the sting out of the battles of life we all face. Fearlessly and successfully prayer gives way to a better world all around.

People who pray make a world of difference.

Join the Prayer Army.

Be all that you can be.

Life is short…Pray everyday!

A Day with St. Patrick

2013-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick’s Day always befalls on March 17^th. Rain or shine parades carry on celebrating this feast day of the Holy Saint.

As tradition merits we wear green, listen to bagpipes, eat corned beef sandwiches, and drink green beer (of course this drinking of beer is done in moderation and only by adults twenty-one years and older).

But who really was St. Patrick? He sounds like the type of person who would have loved parades and celebrations, but by doing a little research I discovered something more; I found out what this holy and true Saint endured.

Big revelation to me…St. Patrick was not Irish. He was born in the British Isles and at age sixteen was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. While a slave his spiritual life deepened and upon escaping he vowed to one day return to Ireland to spread Christianity.

As a bishop his desire was fulfilled and he spent the next thirty years serving Ireland as God’s messenger.

Amazing enough that a person kidnapped and sold as a slave would use the time to deepen their faith, but then to vow and pray that someday you could return and convert the very souls who kidnapped you; that is mind boggling to me to say the least.

Today, he is looked upon as the “Apostle of Ireland”, called the “Patron Saint of the Irish”, and some like to refer to him as the Saint that drove all the snakes (a.k.a. Irish Pagans) out of Ireland.

He is also credited with the eventual conversion of Ireland to Christianity.

I have a feeling St. Patrick was a living example of the Bible to many people. The phrase “you may be the only Bible some people ever read” fits St. Patrick to a tee.

How did he do it? How did he take something evil and turn it into something good?

The answer can be found in his prayers. Prayers that set Jesus first and foremost in the midst of the life-path he led. Jesus was his guide; he never lost sight and was always looking ahead towards Jesus. Jesus was the key to steadiness in a life that could have easily lost all faith and hope.

A day with St. Patrick is a day well spent with a Saint holy and true.

Celebrate his day with joy and remember him for who he was: “a living example of the Bible” for us and the many Irish souls of long ago.

Christ Be With Me by St. Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sure Thing

2013-03-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

I happened to be present when a Priest asked this question: “Do you know that God loves you?”

I almost laughed. Well, yeah!

Without even taking a second to think we blurt out way too fast, way too confident, as with throwing out a grain of salt our affirmative answer. “Oh you can bet on it Father, I know that for sure.”

Sure we do.

Then I listened to this wise Priest say beautiful things about God’s love. The love He has for all of us. Always there when needed most and how His presence is never absent in our lives. The way He loves me for who I am and who I am not.

Days later that question kept popping into my mind and I no longer had the desire to laugh, and I wasn’t so sure of my “yeah”.

Strange, because I thought I knew for sure.

If we truly love God we will follow Him. Follow His ways. Follow His steps. Follow His commands.

Easier said than done; the face that stares back at me from my mirror does not always display that of one of our Lord’s upstanding disciples. A work in progress is a nice way of describing what I often see.

That simple question “Do you know that God loves you?” when given serious thought changes everything. Because as I discovered, once we feel that exhilarating, astounding, indestructible love that He has for us with no strings attached, just pure love; our whole life is transformed.

His presence in our lives cannot be mistaken.

Once clear on this fact things begin to happen that formerly were out of our realm of understanding. We start living in a different manner; we don’t put all our hopes and stocks into earthly riches and things. Hoping for guaranteed medical treatments and high yields on our investment money fails in comparison with the hope to arrive someday in God’s Kingdom. A Kingdom we are destined for since birth.

For the love of God we change. We become that strong disciple; that witness for others; that firm believer belonging to Christ.

As a beloved child of God we enjoy being alive and flourish under His love.

“Do you know that God loves you?”

Take some time to think about it.

It’s a sure thing this love.

Come In

2013-03-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Our door is always open. Make yourself at home. What can I get you? Coffee, tea, soda, hot chocolate, I will even blend a special smoothie for you.

Another door that is always propped open is the door to my heart.

It is a door that I can’t close, but have the choice to decide what is allowed in. This being the case sometimes my guard is down and things get through that I would have never allowed entry had I kept my eyes peeled on what was transpiring.

Things like fear, pretentious pride, worry, lies, and doubts. Yep unwanted guests that make themselves at home; once in they think they own the place and try to take over. They never leave on their own, nope they have to be literally pushed and shoved out. It is not an easy task to say the least.

And the mess they make! It takes a long time to clean up.

Pride alone can do so much damage to a heart that we can’t see how we are hurting others till the destruction is done.

Worry likes to wiggle its way into the center of our heart tormenting us with constant uncertainty and misery.

You don’t want to begin to hear what lies can do.

Total chaos is what it is.

Acknowledge the wrong things and woe is you.

In the dark despair I glance over and there He is standing tall waiting for me to call out His name. My Savior, my Lord Jesus.

The One who replaces fear with peace, my awful pride with humility, worry with complete calmness, lies with truth, and doubts with belief.

I realize He was there all along, but as a gracious guest He did not push or shove Himself into my being. He comes by invitation. (I surmise this fact has to do with something called “free will”.) An angelic feeling of comfort washes over me knowing all along, always, and forever He will be there within calling distance.

We just need to separate through the bits and pieces that keep us from reaching out to Him when we need Him most.

The door is always open.

Come in Lord Jesus and fill our hearts!

A Test of Faith

2013-02-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

Life has a way of testing our faith without giving us a chance to study or prepare.

These tests can come by means of an unexpected phone call stating bad news, a car accident that forever changes things, a pink slip received without any warning.

An unplanned, major change in our daily life is sometimes the hardest test of faith we need to pass.

How? Be patient yet persistent.

It is so easy to give up and give in especially when we can’t see the end. But, isn’t that what faith really is: believing without seeing?

Patience requires tolerance. Remain calm; getting agitated does nothing for us or those around us. All of us are humans, and humans have to endure pain. Unwilling to accept this would be like unwilling to accept being human. No one wants to suffer or even watch someone else suffer, but as part of the human race we will never be exempt from the discomforts of life on earth. On the flip side, suffering has the tenacity to soften the heart which invites prayer into our being, and we all know that the staying power of prayer is found deep in our hearts.

Persistence is all about consistency and remaining firm. Finding our strength by sticking to our decision without wavering in faith gives meaning to our prayers. Ask and you shall receive we are told. We should not withdraw our devotions because we are unable to see proof that our prayers are being heard. Know that God always has your best interest in store for you even if end results are a different outcome than expected.

Sure, life is full of exams, and trials, and errors, and inquiries, and experiments, and petitions, and breakdowns, and assessments, and every once in a while a curve ball that can knock you down.

When that happens you must remember these words: “The LORD is with me to the end.” --Psalm 138:8

We need to remain faithful no matter what shall happen.

A test of faith coming straight at you? No problem. The LORD has your back!

Wishful Thinking

2013-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

What sort of wishes are in your horizons?

An old wives’ tale says to be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.

We buy mega lottery tickets wishing for our numbers to turn up. We wish tetanus shots didn’t hurt so much. Often hold our breath wishing our vehicle which is running on fumes to somehow make it to our destination and then miraculously to a gas station before starting to show signs of barely chugging along.

Those are types of personal wishes we wish for ourselves. Another kind of wishful thinking is where we wish we could take a hold of fate and make some drastic changes.

Throw in some twists and turns that upset the apple cart.

The Bible tells us of someone who once wished something terrible to happen to someone and the wish was granted.

That terrible wish took the life of John the Baptist.

Herodias, whose daughter danced at the king’s birthday party and pleased the king so much that he vowed to give her whatever she wished for, turned to her mother for insight as to what she should ask for; so Herodias had her daughter ask the king for the head of John the Baptist on a plate.

All because the king was told by John that it was not right that he should be marrying his brother’s wife; Herodias held a grudge against John and when the opportunity presented itself she took the temptation and got what she wished for.

In my world kings don’t go around granting wishes for dancing at parties, but I know firsthand people upset with other people and grudges that are held onto tightly.

Don’t get hooked on evil thoughts, plans that are hurtful, schemes that are harmful, wishes that will one day be regretted.

In lieu of wishing for things, or certain things to happen how about wishing for peace, world peace, along with some faith, hope, and love to come about into our life and the lives of all humanity.

That’s some wishful thinking!

Anything can happen if we keep our field of vision on the One above.

The old wives’ tale warns us to be careful what we wish for, we might just get it.

I see some beautiful horizons in the future.

What If?

2013-02-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

The questions of life weigh in pretty hefty on the scales.

Wondering: Have you seen God lately? Was He at your dinner table last night? Does He occupy the spot next to you in the family room in front of the television? Is He near you as you shout and carry on during the ballgame that happens to be just a game?

I have to think if God were to show up physically at a ballgame there would be some shocking silence from some normally vocal fans; just like if He was to take that spot on the couch we probably wouldn’t want to turn on our recorded show out of complete embarrassment. And I cringe to think of dinner with those mumbled words we call grace, and our normal dinner conversation might not be kosher with you know “Who”. Plus, at my dinner table I’m trying to imagine what I could try to serve that would appear to look somewhat semi-homemade and still edible.

Really, what if God was one of us? Would we act and behave differently? Would we follow those commandments a little better? Would we love God more if He was here physically before us?

He really is here, inside all of us. Because of Him we are able to do so much; we are able to love because we have been loved. Furthermore, what we receive is an unconditional love that never evaporates.

If we allow He uses us to reach out to others. He sends His love through different forms and in various ways.

To specify He comes to me often as a slight smile from another, a hug that is a bit tighter than normal letting me know I’m cared about. I can tell His voice a mile away as someone calls out my name wondering how I’m doing. He probably knew I needed a hand as a door is held open by a complete stranger. Then there are those “hang in there…I’ve been there” phrases from loved ones when I’m down and out; a lunch invitation filled with the promise of laughter, a sympathy card conveying words of hope, a “God Bless You” after a small compressed sneeze. All indicate signs similar to the invincible love God has for us.

That God of ours, He seems to show up when we need Him most.

Us, and God………we belong together!

What if we really believed God was one of us?

Lent It Be

2013-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Lent…let it be…let it begin…as Catholics we (supposedly) willingly submit to fasting, giving alms, and repenting of our sins for the next forty days.

So, what do we do? On Fat Tuesday we eat a lot and brain storm what it is we can willingly give up till Easter. Most of us have no problem giving up meat on Fridays when at every corner “All You Can Eat Fish Frys” are readily available during this season of fasting. A little ironic, but I suppose fish is fish and anyways we have bigger fish to fry; like continuing on with our own personal Lent journey; turning the next forty days into a deep spiritual relationship with our Lord.

I vaguely remember over the years what I gave up for Lent: one year chocolate, the next soda, once popcorn, another time candy plus chocolate. I must have been in the giving mood that year! Old habits are hard to break so I’m sure I will find something to give up, but this season I plan to focus more on what Lent really means, a time for change and growth and experiencing God’s Holiness.

If you attend Mass on Ash Wednesday you will receive ashes in the sign of a cross on your forehead as a reminder to “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15).

What is it that we need to give up that keeps us bound to sin and unfaithful to the Gospel?

Those are the things that we need to give up.

Forty days of no chocolate is not going to forever change us. That alone isn’t going to make us a better person, but forgoing a trip out to enjoy a chocolate sundae and instead putting our Rosary beads to work by offering up twenty minutes of prayer for someone who needs a prayer will have an everlasting change on our soul and the soul of the person being prayed for.

Who knows, possibly that twenty minutes will lead to another twenty minutes the next day and so forth and a new pattern will start. A pattern of growth and awareness as a deeper, closer relationship with our Lord spurts forth.

Then there is hope that the pattern started will turn into a habit, and lo and behold this season of Lent is no longer about just giving up something we desire for forty days, but turns into gaining something we need for the rest of our lives; a deep meaningful relationship with our Lord.

Let it be…let it begin as another chance to change; another chance to encounter our Lord; the One who calls out to us waiting patiently on the cross as we are once again given the gift of this ever Holy Season...Lent.

“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15).

Apples and Oranges

2013-02-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

Comparing apples to oranges brings me back to math class where we learned how to calculate the number of apples you can trade for your oranges if you know what the current trading ratio is between the two pieces of fruit. With pencil and paper and visions of apples and oranges sitting in front of me I could figure out the correct answer.

Then later in school some kind teacher talked about the same apples and oranges, but the lesson had nothing to do with mathematics. Instead, it was about being true to good old lovable you.

Apples are apples and oranges are oranges. An apple can’t become an orange and vice versa.

As easy as that sounds I still see some apples trying to act like oranges. It takes a lot of hard work to be you. There is a lot of competition out there and we all want to be situated with the best picked bunch.

Maybe we don’t like the bruises we are stuck with; or we aren’t that hip on our current shade of red; that skin of ours is way too thin; plus we are mushy inside, and so on goes the complaints.

Those long forgotten math story problems seem so easy compared to some of life’s dilemmas. When life doesn’t seem to add up we can’t forget one important fact. That fact is God created YOU.

A one of a kind creation; and He did it on purpose. There is only one unique you. He never said I don’t want you; in fact He tells us time and again how special we are; how He has plans that only you can fulfill.

Life is all about living in the present moment, being yourself (bruises and all), liking who you’ve become, living in faith, doing the work of God.

Mother Teresa expands on this theory of apples and oranges with her notes about the Fruit of Prayer: “You can do what I can’t do. I can do what you can’t do. Together we can do something beautiful for God.”

Be YOU!

Then work on being fruitful for God.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

2013-02-05T05:30:00.000-05:00

Who hasn’t gone out shopping for advice? I’m always seeking out the genius thoughts others have to offer.

I often call my daughter over before I head out the door and demand she answer which shoes look better, right foot or left foot. I ask my husband on a regular basis to come into the kitchen to sample my casserole and let me know if it tastes funny. My son gets to answer questions over and over about run on sentences along with proper use of semi-colons.

I talk through all kinds of life problems and funny situations with family and friends.

Yes no doubt, I definitely pay attention to the words others have to say, their advice, their know-how, their kindness, their jokes, their experiences, and their understanding.

But there are those times when what is said just doesn’t sit right with me. A red flag goes up in my mind. I crinkle up my forehead as I hear the words of others around me and find myself not agreeing with them at all.

When the red flags start to rise I take the advice of Joyce Meyer who writes: “Hear what others have to say, but listen to God.”

Deep inside us is the voice of God. We have to listen for His answers and His infinite wisdom. This I know: His words never change and His love never dies. He doesn’t double back on His promises and that love He offers comes with an abundance of guarantees. Without doubt God gives an unwavering word of honor.

How can we not want to hear what He has to say?

The majority or the minority may want to continue babbling on with contrary words against God, but we mustn’t let that sway our thinking one way or another. If what you hear goes against what you believe deep in your soul, stick with the thoughts of your soul.

Then let’s talk.

There’s a lot to be said about listening to God.

This Crazy Thing Called Love

2013-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Love: In less than a moment’s notice it can rip your insides to shreds. It can bring so much joy to your heart that it overflows with gladness, it will twist your life upside down, and then do an about face bringing meaning and balance, it has ups higher than the clouds above, and it has downs so low you feel you are sinking out of control. It can require constant work, while other times it flows effortlessly about.

Over and over our hearts get shattered to pieces by the love we have for another. Regardless of this fact we still must love deeply. There is no other kind of love.

Deep love for each other is what makes life livable.

When someone we love leaves us by death or rejection, or simply moving away it hurts us in an indescribable way. A pain that often is more painful than anything physical we have ever felt.

A well known author and cherished Catholic Priest Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996) wrote “Every time you experience the pain of rejection, absence, or death, you are faced with a choice. You can become bitter and decide not to love again, or you can stand straight in your pain and let the soil on which you stand become richer and more able to give life to new seeds.”

His words continue with: “When your love is truly giving and receiving, those whom you love will not leave your heart even when they depart from you. They will become part of yourself and thus gradually build a community within you. . . . .Yes, as you love deeply the ground of your heart will be broken more and more, but you will rejoice in the abundance of the fruit it will bear.”

Love: That crazy thing that causes so much pain and at the same time brings along so much joy to our lives somehow or other always seems to find a way to take up a permanent spot in our hearts.

When struggling with the sorrow deep love can produce I circle back to these words …“When your love is truly giving and receiving, those whom you love will not leave your heart even when they depart from you. They will become part of yourself”…

That crazy thing called love makes life livable; where anything can transpire, the choice is up to you.

Remain steadfast and celebrate what deep love truly reveals.

The Secret to Life

2013-01-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

It’s all about trust.

Finding God and trusting in Him is as essential to daily living as eating a balanced diet is fundamental to maintaining a healthy body. Trusting in God allows us to approach life with confidence and sureness.

From there we have to continue to choose right from wrong. Every minute of living is made up of choices. It is up to us to decide how to choose to live. The following quote sums up quite nicely how to choose to live out our life from start to finish.

“When you were born you were crying and everyone around you was laughing and smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one smiling and laughing while everyone around you is crying.”

What a blessing to start life welcomed and wanted. Where people are excited about your presence and care for your existence; where smiles and laughter follow you.

To continue on living a good life sure of where you are going sounds so simple and uncomplicated. Living so that when your time is up on earth you will be welcomed and wanted in the Promise Land; where God is excited about your presence and will hold you in the hallow of His hand; a place where laughter and smiles always exist.

How simple this mixed up life of ours could be turned around if we could fully trust in God. How easy our complicated problems could disappear if we would play by God’s rules. How good it would feel to be welcomed by all if we put away our pride and prejudice. How inviting to be wanted and needed in this life if we reached out to each other with the love of God.

A good life revolves around God. To embrace life and all it offers is to embrace God.

Ah, the secret to life.

It’s all about trust.