LENT 2016 DAY 20 - Radical Love

"Love is patient, love it kind, it is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.  It does not put on it owns way, it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hope all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 4-8  This was one of the reading from our wedding (Carey and I). I'm sure it's the reading at millions of weddings every year. Love is so powerful of an emotion why wouldn't it be the chosen reading for the ceremony where two people express their love for one another.

Agape - I heard that words years ago and I still remember things that's almost an unimaginable type of love. A love that only God and His children share. I wrote a blog about this a while back if I'm not mistaken.  IT was all about love and how I felt like a jack of all trades type person but couldn't really think of the one thing that I'm an expert in. So then I started to think about the things that I was good at and the things that I would be remember for and then it hit me.  Friendships, relationships, and loveships. Ok that's not a word - so think -  Love is something many people don't put as a talent. George Strait said "it's something that we do."  We don't find it.  It's not something that we are in...it's something that we do.  Each day we can start again and start over - with both our love and trying to be better people and better Christians. Love and loving others to me is the first step on each of those journeys. What is this world if it's not filled with LOVE.

There are hundreds of thousands of songs that include the word love. I want to says that Carey and I started singing all the songs that we know that I have love in them and we go to almost 100.

POINT TO PONDER:
At the end, when you face God perhaps what He will ask is: How well did you love?

Thankfully I'll easily be able to answer him with stories how I just know and love everyone. I do, it's something I'm good at - I just LOVE everybody.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Father, in your hands, I command my spirit." Luke 23:46

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What are you laying down your life for?

That's a difficult question.  Literally - nothing.  Figuratively I'd like to think that everyday I'm bring something of worth or happiness to their lives and that mean I'm laying down my life for love of each other.

Again - "Everything comes down to love.  Is that what I'm afraid of.  When I call out your name, something inside awakes in my soul, how quickly I forget I am yours."Thanks Addison Road.

PRAYER:
JESUS, teach me to love with abandon.

I love that thought - reckless abandon.  I want to love with reckless abandon.

LENT 2016 DAY 19 - Miracles Abound

The last few lines of the text today struck me:  God wants to use us to answer prayers for those in need/those suffering.  I always pray for little things.  Things that relative to life and health are relatively insignificant, time wasters to God healing a grieving family or removing cancer from a sick woman. Then I remember how powerful God is and how He wants us to bring our "crosses" to Him and ask for what we need and want. I do thank him first but after today's first paragraph I know that He accomplishes the answering of many prayers with us his prayer warriors. Our lives are to be the answer to prayers for other people. People need to see God in us so that God can tackle the more important prayers. It's twofold - you get the answered prayer and I become more Christ like. I love that idea. Do small things with Great love. I think I read this same devotion with Dynamic Catholics Advent program...it all sounds familiar to me, but I like that statement - do small things with great love. "Everything comes down to love..." (First verse in a song by Addison Road called Hope Now, it just made me think of that line).

Miracles don't have to be big.  Today we're just reminded that we can do small things in the lives of other people that could possible help make BIG differences in their lives. Let's build on our Christlike qualities this season. I can't believe we're almost half way through LENT.  I can't believe that it's almost March. This year is flying by faster than ever. It's a sign that we need to slow down, enjoy life, change our focuses and look forward to what God has in store for our hearts, families and lives.

POINT TO PONDER: 
God wants to see our amazingness.

Hmm. Do we turn to God periodically through the day? Do we thank Him for the little things, the little blessings? We'd honestly spend all of our day doing just that if we thought about ALL the things that we are thankful for in our lives. Even praying with Claire and having her point out what's important and what she is thankful for was joyful, we are so blessed:  "toys, you, Daddy...." You meaning me...love that she put toys first. That was only because we were in the bathtub. I'm teaching her that no place is too odd or too abnormal to pray there. Prayer can be done anywhere.

How will you be amazing today?

VERSE TO LIVE: 
"The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do, in fact, will do greater works than these."  JOHN 14:12

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: 
Whose prayer can you be the answer to today? This is a good question to consider everyday..

I was thinking this exact question. I wonder who  I will encounter today.  They may only need a smile to comfort them or a simple gesture of appreciation. The little things can make a big impact - we never know what is going on in the lives of others.  Even our closest family and friends could be struggling with something that we are unaware of and a simple phone call/note "thinking of you" can make the world of a difference.

PRAYER:
Jesus, teach me to recognize the opportunity for everyday miracles.

This can be really profound. It's like the whole pay it forward movement. If every Christian wakes up each day and says "thank you God for this day" and then asks "how can I be a miracle in someone's life today? or how can I answer someone's prayer today?, show me the way. We can change the world, this struggling, cruel and ugly world. It starts with me.

LENT 2016 Day 18 - Jesus on Lifestyle

Sounds like we are about to read a column from a magazine.

WOW - look at your checkbook/bank account transactions and see what you spend money on. Then look at your calendar and see where and with whom do you spend your time with/on? I spent a lot of time on this app on my phone that is new (at least to me) called Houzz.  Since Carey and I have been discussing a new home, this devotion today really has me thinking. Jesus challenges us to rethink everything surrounding the way we live. 

What are the best things in my life?  Carey, Claire, Mom, Dad, Jason/Michele, Aidan, Alec, Cathy, Whitney, Ashley, Big D, Nicole - I could go on. 

Humans tend to love things and use people, instead of thinking that we should LOVE people and use things. We are always in it to buy things. We've been very blessed this year, but I still find myself always worried about money.  I need to stop worrying about and keep doing what we've always done. God has ALWAYS provided.

No place like home...well looks like we're building a new one.  I hope it doesn't go overboard. YIKES if it does. I'll have to keep myself disciplined. I'll have to trust God to help me with this task.

POINT TO PONDER: You need to work on your attitudes toward money, things and people.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourself treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19 - 20 AMEN

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
What is the most practical way you can live this teaching in the coming week? Keep doing this things that I'm doing this season of Lent. More prayer time, less soft drinks, more family time.

Claire has a lot to learn. It's my job to teach her.  lost my train of thought here... :( 

PRAYER: Jesus, please rearrange my priorities.  Help me to live a little more like you each day. 

I think this year is the year that I intend my Lenten "promises" through the end of the year, make them yearly resolutions. No unnecessary shopping (since we're talking about building  a house). More praying...not sure I can make it the entire year without a soft drink.  I will refrain from drinking them in restaurants b/c they over charge for them.

LENT 2016 Day 17 Radical Relationships

I can't believe how quickly this Lenten season is flying by. Time like everything else is gone before you can blink and eye. Claire's birthday party is next weekend and I can't believe she'll be 3 in 2 weeks  YIKES.

The "also read' verse in Jesus Calling today says "I will instruct you and tech you in the way which you shall go: I will counsel you with my eyes upon you." Psalms 32:8 Without even reading the devotion today I think it fits perfectly with the idea of radical relationships and the direction today's devotion may take.

You know we are who we hang around with, who we associate with. That thought is two fold. We want to be a good person so that people who hang out with will also exude goodness (in all facets) and conversely we want to hang out with people that we want to be more like, or people who are faithful and compassionate, intelligent and sincere. Jesus hung out with the outcasts, the sinners - at some point in our lives we fit into both those categories. When he he chose the Twelve, the apostles, or apossibles, as Claire called them, he did so after he prayed all night (Luke 6) - do we pray or have we ever prayed for the right twelve in our lives?  Who would our 12 be?

I'm typing these out b/c I need to learn them.  The last supper picture hangs in my kitchen and therefore I need to be able to tell Claire who they are.  Not specifically but at least memorize the names: Simon who he named Peter (b/c Peter would be confusing right?!??!!?) and his brother Andrew, James and John, Thomas, Bartholomew, Judas, Matthew, Phillip, the other James and Simon (the zealot) and Judas (the traitor). I added Paul and Timothy, seems like they belonged there.  I came up with my twelve quickly, but to be honest I'd like to add a few more.  You all know me, never to meet a stranger. If Jesus were alive today and went against social norms of society would your "12" be chosen by Jesus? Would you even be considered?

I'm going to plagiarize here b/c this is really good stuff: TWO LESSONS:
1. we all need a group of people to do life with (that's sort of what I was getting at above with our "12") - people who walk with us through the good and bad, who encourage and challenge us to be the-best-version-of-ourselves.
2. Jesus made it a habit to go out of his way to engage people of the fringe of society.
I think I do this because I make friends with anyone and everyone.

The Gospels are an invitation to explore life. What are the possibilities that might come about if we open ourselves to more fully embrace the Gospel?  Maybe we can extend LENT and study those following. I'm sure the Bible app has a "plan" for that.

POINT TO PONDER:
Every person is as important and valuable as the person you consider most important and valuable.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Give Justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and the needy." PSALM 82:3-4

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
What is God saying to you through this teach today?

Who are your twelve?

PRAYER: Jesus open my eyes so I can see every person I encounter each day as you see them.

Which reminds me of this song:

I mentioned to Ms. Sandra Mistretta the other day on Facebook how verses often times have to be song b/c she's written songs with the exact words in them...so here you go.  Thanks Brandon Heath.

LENT 2016 DAY 16 - Do Not Judge

God wants to empty your heart of judgement.

I want God to empty MY heart of judgement.  We all do it.  It's a sin that I need forgiven. Out of these judgements is an opportunity to be thankful.  A co-worker told me recently to "be supportive of others, and always assume positive intent." I wrote it on my dry erase board at work so that I could read it daily. Maybe the person is having a bad day, maybe their words just came out wrong.  Take a breadth, assume positive intent and thank God for the opportunity to serve them, help them and bring them peace.  Doing Hi will will also bring peace to self.

"Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."  Colossians 4:2 

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward." 1 Thessalonians 5 

Judgement is a big deal.  I do it so easily that I am ashamed. I don't want to be that way, it's just the devil seems to be right there nagging me to make ugly comments and to be nasty.  Uughghg, I hate that devil. Thankfully all we have to do is call on the name "Jesus" and He is there and the devil is gone. Just recently we heard the Gospels where the devil tempted Jesus...ha, what a joke right? That the devil could try and tempt Jesus. When we doubt God we can always turn back to that Gospel and remember that the devil didn't win then and He won't win now. So call out to Jesus to be present and the judgement will go away, pray for the person and pray for yourself and the peace of the Holy Spirit will fill us. We can't love someone when we pick them apart and we can't love ourselves either.

Mr. Kelly says we live in a hyper-opinionated culture. Well isn't that the truth. This is one of the many things the devil uses to keep us from the joy that is in Jesus. Sharing happiness with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is our destiny and we can't get there if we continue to pass judgement on others and on ourselves.

POINT TO PONDER:
Whenever you are tempted to judge someone, turn your attention to seeing that person as a child of God.

Now that will take on a whole new perspective. If we also assume positive intent, our focus gets completely shifted to something different and joyful and then we move into prayerful thoughts.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:12

No one.  I'm a child of God just as my neighbor is and they are undeserving of my ridicule, they are deserving of my prayers. It's all about changing our focus.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
How will your key relationships improve if they are free from judgement?

If we start off assuming positive intent, or looking for the good, child-like qualities of the person...we remove the negative. It takes a negative step out of the equation. Passing no judgement makes for smoother transitions. It brings us peace and that brings us closer to God's presence, and is pleasing to God. The acts are easy really, we just have to try harder.

PRAYER:
Jesus, make me aware just before I am about to fall into judging someone, and give me the grace to stop myself.

LENT 2016 Day 15 Making Sense of Suffering

Faith and hope lead me to the conclusion that suffering has value.  WOW I had to steal those words from Matthew Kelly. I wish I could say I thought of that myself. I had to stop reading today's devotion and write that down. This entry like many may be all over the place. I get so wrapped up in my thoughts and then want to look up the scripture to make sure I capture it correctly.  Studying scripture can be so difficult but so fulfilling in the end.

John 16 20 - 22
Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 21 Whenever a woman is in labor she has [d]pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a [e]child has been born into the world.22 Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

I knew this verse.  I had said it several times in my life but honestly thought it was just noted somewhere in a pregnancy book or someone had told this to me. I had no idea the comment that a woman suffers during pregnancy and then doesn't remember after birth was in the bible. 

Max Locado wrote a book called You'll Get Through This: hope and help for your turbulent times.  It was recommended by a friend and I've since recommended it to two friends. It was a wonderful reminder that we don't get to live on earth without suffering, but it is an even greater reminder that in our suffering comes unimaginable joy. God promises over and over again in scripture to be with us, to fight for us and to pull us through the struggles for His good and His glory.  It's not like this suffering is all for nothing. And what was our suffering compared to the suffering He did on the cross for our sinfulness. Suffering is a tool that can transform us.  Gosh I wish I had come up with this chapter all on my own.  Makes me feel bad to even think my suffering was worth talking about, for I know I could have never endured what Our Lord went through. There is comfort in knowing that Jesus understood what this means in our lives because although divine, He was human just like us and felt the pains of being human. God's will is usually not our will, and that's ok.  His plans for us far exceed what we can hope and dream for our own life.  "I know my plans for you says the Lord, plans to honor you and to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (MY FAVORITE), but what follows is great too - 12-13 "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, where ye shall search for me with all your heart."  

He tells us over and over what to do and how to live. He asks us daily to take up our cross and follow Him.  And just like we are told today that we should offer up our joys as well as our sufferings to God as prayers, we should also know in our hearts that he hears us and appreciates us. It's just so easy to say and to repeat. But to put 100% of our faith and trust in these words that were written 2000 + years ago is so hard.  He promised us suffering, he didn't lie about that. Some of us suffer much more than others, but He did promise that we'd be fed by the word, held by the Spirit and saved by the Cross.  Pretty exciting stuff.  Thessalonians 5: 6-7 "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thank: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you." Diligently and in thanksgiving - always specifically too, I say.  Why not, it's not like we can hide anything we feel from God.  He KNOW everything we say or do and many times it hurts Him, but he forgives us anyway and promises that from our suffering comes GREAT JOY!  1 Peter 5:7 (as you read through this blog you'll begin to see which verses are my favorite.  ;)  Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

The rewards that follow suffering are nothing short of AWESOME.  Push through the struggle, learn and grow - it'll be worth it! Look at Joseph, David, Sarah, Abraham, Jonah - I don't want to get eaten by a fish but if I do, I will pray hard to get out - either way I win in the end. Death is a beautiful journey to heaven with God. (I am frightened by the thought of death, I cannot tell a lie here.)
"He shall be hated of all men for my name's sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Mark 13:13

POINT TO PONDER: Suffer transforms us in unimaginable ways. 

VERSE TO LIVE:
"We rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:3-4  and after that comes "the hope doesn't put us to shame, bc the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  We, ok I mean I, tend to forget about the Holy Spirit. He too, is always with us to guide us.  He gets us through the day just as much as our prayers and faith do. 

I love that verse...I'm going highlight it right now. 

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Are you willing to suffer a little in order to grow spiritually? 

I've seen my life transform in the last 6-7 months following a period of suffering that I experienced. The transformation that has happened and that continues to happen in my life spiritually because of that suffering is immeasurable and WORTH it. What a blessing it has turned out to be and what wonderful things are happening in my life and in others lives because of what I've learned. This journey is nowhere near over.  I'm sure more struggle is to come, but so is MORE JOY. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, teach me to embrace the unavoidable suffering of life, and keep me ever mindful of those who suffer more than I do.

That is something that I can admit to: although to me at times my suffering seems unbearable, I KNOW that there are people who are experiencing a suffering that I know I'm not strong enough to bear. Prayers for all of those who suffer mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, that they my find strength in God's presence and promises to bring joy in the morning and to fed their hunger - whatever it may be. AMEN.

LENT 2016 Day 14 - Purity of Heart

I never thought of Purity of Heart starting with our eye sight.  Eye sight is one of the many gifts/things that I thank God for each day. I don't know what it's like to be blind and I think sometimes it may be easier to have sight and then lose it than it would be to never see. Two completely different perspectives. If you're never seen the color blue, then describing what the oceans of Bali look like to a blind man does no good. Once in high school we did an activity with a partner where you had to blind fold the other person and tell them where to walk to get to a specific destination. They only had to trust the other person to be next to them and guide them down the right path. Same really goes for us with God, even though we can see things, we can't see the true path that lies before us, so we trust that God is guiding us down the right one.

As noted today, sight is more than just seeing. God wants us to choose to look at things that are pleasing to Him. We have to maintain custody of our eyes and choose to look at things that will honor God.  We have to exercise "self-control to not look at the things that don't help us become the best-version-of-ourselves.

Images are powerful, so we must be mindful of what we look at.

POINT TO PONDER:
Avert your eyes from anything that can pollute our soul. 

VERSE TO LIVE:
"The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound your whole body will be full of light."  Matthew 6:22

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: If you learn to control what you look at, how deep will the peace be within in?

Well if we look at only things that are pleasing to God and things that we can thank God for then we'll sort of naturally fall into those things that will bring us peace in our daily life. This is an interesting way to "look" at honoring God. It's not just about praying, or thinking healthy thoughts, praising vocally but start with our eyes...with our sight.  "Be careful little eyes what you see."

PRAYER:
Jesus, purify my heart, purify my mind, purify my body and purity my soul.

ON A SIDE NOTE: just to go back to purity of heart, last night I told Claire to say her prayers.  She said "Pray with me Mom."  What greater words can come out of the mouth of a child. I love when she hugs me and tells me she loves me, but I seriously believe that last night I heard one of the most wonderful things come out of her mouth. My heart was so happy that I can't even explain it with words. She is the truest joy in my life and my GREATEST God given gift.

Thank you Lord for the blessing that you have bestowed upon me and my family. Please continue to be with me and guide me so that I can teach Claire your ways and teach her to know you and trust you with all of her heart. Thank you for blessing me and challenging me withe gift and job of being her mother. Thanks also for the gifts of my talents and my senses as well as my health.  Bless Dad, Maw-Maw, Julie, Steve Shehane and all those who are recovering and those who are suffering from illnesses. I am so grateful. Let them know that they can call on you for healing. Bless those who are struggling with any turmoil and let them know that  AMEN.

LENT 2016 Day 13 - Who Is the Greatest

"God I need you, oh I need you.  Every hour I need you. My one defense my righteousness oh God how I need you."

We sang this at mass yesterday. Today's devotion in Jesus Calling (by Sarah Young) started off saying "You need Me every moment." I love How Jesus tells us to use His name liberally, to remind us of His presence. Keep on asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and complete. I love knowing that the idea that nothing we can and will ask of our God is too small or too big.  If we can think it, dream it and imagine it - we can ask Him and we just have to trust His plan and His will for our lives. I know we're here to Glorify God, but it's truly wonderful to read scripture and see that God wants joy for our lives. And not just joy, but the joy to be made FULL. What a wonderful and generous God we serve.

REDISCOVER Jesus starts off today by saying that Jesus' teachings are a paradox.  Ooooghghgh, I love that word.  Paradox (and here with go with another definition, told you I do that I lot) - a statement that seems to contradict itself but my nonetheless be true.

Hebrews 11:6 "he rewards those who diligently seek him."

POINT TO PONDER: The poor, the needy, the hungry, the lonely, the ignorant, and the afflicted are God's special friends.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Do your values align with Jesus' values?

This is one of those questions that you'll immediately answer yes and then you start breaking it down to realize that you're not as "holy" as you think you are. I don't mean that in a bad negative way, I just mean when we start really examining our conscience we find that we are much farther from the Lord than we thought and although our faith in God is strong and our relationship with Jesus be continuously growing, we can always use more time with God or more reliance on the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout our days. It's good to turn to him...we should do that always.

PRAYER:                                                                                                                                                   Jesus, set the child within me free so I can be more childlike with every passing day, and open the eyes of my soul that I may see your children all around me.

If we spend our days trying to see the good in all people, I can guarantee that the devil will be there waiting to strike down and deter us from God's work. So be prepared, bc this is not an easy task. But keep in mind that even though we fall, Jesus is right beside us to pick us up. No struggle ends in paid, but in reverent rejoicing in Jesus' victory over death.

We can all rise!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

LENT 2016 DAY 12 - The Soul of the Gospel

Forgiveness is a virtue. I say it to myself all of the time. The truth of the matter is that as I was reading todays devotion I was thinking the same thing.  I don't have anyone to forgive. When we forgive , we share the love of God with others and rid ourselves of dangerous poisons that can prevent us from growing spiritually. Matthew Kelley is talking about forgiving everyone: the person who cut us off on the highway, the friend from who always makes your blood boil, the co-worker who doesn't do his share of the work but still gets the credit, your cousin who just doesn't live up to the family values. There is (always) someone  in our lives who needs forgiveness, but an you do it? Can you be like Jesus to them? I love how his last sentence today says that our willingness to give and forgive often reveals the depth, or limitations, of our Christianity. 

POINT TO PONDER:
Everybody needs to forgive somebody.

I'm sure as soon as I get into the car today I'll need to forgive someone.

VERSE TO LIVE: "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
How seriously do you take Jesus' invitation to forgive?

It's so much easier said than done.  I think forgiveness like our faith journey is a work in progress.

PRAYER: Jesus, you forgive me even though you know I am going to sin again.  Teach e to be that generous with my forgiveness.

LENT 2016 Day 11 - The Heart of the Gospel

GIVE AND FORGIVE. 

Generosity and forgiveness are two of the most radical invitations the Gospel makes. 

Jesus wants generosity to reach into every area of your life so that through you He can love and intrigue people. I like this sentence. It's about sharing. Not just sharing the "stuff" that attempts to fill our lives but more so the "stuff" that really does fill the empty spots.  Giving will do that "fill you up" with warm fuzziness. Matthew Kelly tells us today in this book (Rediscover Jesus) Astonish the people who cross your path with your generosity.  ASTONISH people. As you'll learn through reading, I love to start things with definitions or define words within my stories, blogs, letters - whatever.  Astonish means to fill with sudden wonder or amazement. If we are really going to astonish people with our generosity it has to be more than just giving the homeless guy some food or a $5. It also doesn't just constitute monetary giving. True generosity comes from sharing our time, energy, brain, talents, skills and abilities with people and becoming more Christlike when we do that. Feed the homeless, clothe the naked, free the captives (from whatever is holding them back), do for the least of the brothers. How often do we do this? After last Christmas I told people that I wasn't giving Christmas gifts anymore. That all of the "stuff" we were buying for people was because it's Christmas. But there wasn't one item that any of us really needed.  We all could have saved hundreds of dollars. Mom and I (and two relatives) bought items for a family in need at my church. We spent about $400 on three people and another lady at our church bought for the other people in the family. I wish I could have seen their faces when they opened all of their gifts. I shopped at Wal-Mart so that I could get them more items. It was amazing...to give. But why only at Christmas? 

POINT TO PONDER:

Generosity is incredibly attractive.

VERSE TO LIVE:

"Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water."  Proverbs 11:24-25

You know I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I've never heard this verse before.  Or if I have, it has never struck me the way it has today. 

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

How is God inviting you to become more generous? 

I think He wants us to ask ourselves questions:

- do i really need this? 

- if not then who does? 

What did I do with my time? My energy?  My knowledge today? What did I do with my money? Was I giving? 

PRAYER:   

Jesus, liberate me from any inclination to be stingy. 

Jesus, liberate me from any inclination to be stingy. 

I put that twice for a reason!  :)  

LENT 2016 Day 10 - Forty Words

Before I dive into rediscovering Jesus this morning (February 19th, 2016) I want to share that I found a book this week (it was sitting on my shelf the whole time I was searching for it).  It's called the Bible Promise Book and it's a little book that lists Bible verses pertaining to anything and everything - a quick reference if you will (pre cell phones). When I was going through a really tough time emotionally and physically and I guess mentally too and I was putting all my energy towards God and prayer I searched for it because I knew there was a page for Trust. Nicki Lirette Boudreaux was my confirmation sponsor. Her note was signed Jan. 14, 1995 (21 years ago - WOW).  She gave me the book and someone had posted a picture of it on facecbook a while back and I recognized the text, not the words/scripture as much as the style of the book. I should have known and remembered that the book of Psalms had TRUST written all over it. Anyway, I know I was rambling, which I do a lot, but I had to note that I found that book yesterday and I"m excited because Claire picked it up and said "Mom, what's this little prayer book?"  Her little mind amazes me.

Today we'll find out if she's a big sister or not.  EEEEKKKKK.

So the 40 words.  I bet if you ask a Christian anywhere what are the most important 40 words we must know we all could recite the below.

"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heard, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment.  And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:39

How often do we really think about those words though?  Not often, in fact I should probably start teaching that to Claire.  So simple and powerful and true. What we are reflecting on today is the ability to love our selves.  As Matthew Kelly states - This self-love can co-exist with the true humility.

POINT TO PONDER: God wants to raise you up.

VERSE TO LIVE: "As God's chose ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness humility, meekness, and patience."  COLOSSIANS 3:12  

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Are you loving yourself the way God loves you?

Yeah, we can try. But that kind of love is indescribable. It's something we should all strive for and is an exciting goal to set for ourselves, b/c it does make things pure and bright.

PRAYER:
Jesus, begin a revolution of love in my heart today. Teach me to love myself as you love me, so that  can love all those who cross my path in a way that reminds them that you changed the world.

I have to take a minute to boast here. I truly feel that "I know everybody, everywhere" because I love people so much. I love building and keeping relationships. I'm a people person in the truest sense of the word, but I am human, don't forget that.  I love to love people. It's what makes me - me.  I know I don't love always like God does, but I definitely try and put my mark on people's lives and hearts.

I always think about my funeral. Morbid - I know, but when I die, what will people be saying about me?  How did they meet me?  What was the last thing I said to them? Did the mark I left on their heart show God's love?  Now - that is something to think about.

LENT 2016 DAY 9 - The Greatest Teacher Ever

I don't think of Jesus as a teacher, but there are several teachers that I feel exemplify what Jesus is, who He was and who He will be. Interesting enough it's been those who have taught me religion in some capacity.

POINT TO PONDER: Jesus wants to teach you how to live an incredible life.

I think I'm about to experience this first hand. What I'm saying is that I am about to go through a process with my spouse that will force me even more so to put every situation in His hands and ask for his guidance.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Everyone who listens to these words of mine an acts on them will like a wise man who built his house upon rock." Matthew 7:24  (I think I need to dive into this gospel a little more.)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Have you ever really considered Jesus to be a teacher?

PRAYER:
Jesus, teach me how to be the greatest student.

More to come later today....

LENT 2016 Day 8 - Jesus Was a Radical

JESUS HAS A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE.

I could stop right there to be honest.  That is a very hard reality to face and to understand because it involves complete trust and time that we spend waiting for that vision to be fulfilled.

POINT TO PONDER:
Ask Jesus to help you get to the root of the things in your life.  Ask him to help you embrace the truth.

Sometimes that can be really hard.  To accept the truth, to admit we're wrong, do admit we made an assumption or a mistake. It's difficult to agree with someone that we disagree with them.  We don't want to hurt feelings.

The truth we are faced with today is that Jesus was a radical in the sense that He desires to get to the very core of our being.  We have to commit to diligently opening ourselves up to Him, surrender to the challenges He brings to us, with the complete understanding that He'll show us our purpose and allow us to experience completely serene PEACE.  True Peace, the kind only our Lord can provide for us.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 2:5

Just chalk this one up to being a lifetime assignment that we can only pray we complete. What does it take for us to be like Jesus each day and think like he did. Can we abide completely in the truth like Jesus did?

Try try try.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
When was the last time you had the courage to seek out the root of an important issue?

I don't know that I even know what is considered an important issue?  Something life changing? Something earth shattering?

This is getting a little deep.

PRAYER:
Jesus, point me toward the root of things, and give me an extra nudge when I am tempted to settle for the shallow and superficial.

LENTO 2016 DAY 7 - The Third Question

Without reading forward, I wonder what that could be. What's the third question?

On a side note - Jesus Calling today notes the following:  Jesus says "My strength and power show themselves most effective in weakness." I know this for sure. Before I began this new habit (even before Lent) of getting up in the morning, reading scripture and devoting both quite time to the Lord and my prayers, I found myself not living up to my Christian potential and calling on the Lord only in those times of weakness. I got to Mass every Sunday and I say my prayers daily, and now that we have Claire we say our blessings before meals, but I found that I need the Lord most and would call out to Him at times when I was at my weakest. The best part of that is that God doesn't care when we call to Him, but He does tell us that nothing is too small for him nor is anything too big.  He can moves mountains remember? He gave children to Sarah when she was 90.  I mean don't get me wrong I would like to have one more child before I'm 40 (I pray that often and more often now since thats really close.) But I pray for understanding of God's will for my life just as much as I pray for a bigger family. I know He will provide what I need and what will fulfill my life's plan. Isaiah 30: 15 Trust in the Lord..."I will keep you safe..."

God knows at our weakest moments we will turn to Him.  He made me for Him and he knows I'll come back and He knows that He is strengthened at that moment of of my weakness.  Which brings me to another favorite song of mine.  Britt Nicole (who will be in town on Thursday, Feb 19th and I can't go see her)  :(  

She says here I am weak but you are strong enough to take my dreams, come and give them wings.  With you there is nothing that we can do. Just really powerful words. It's a song I used to play for my kids at Confirmation when I taught at church.

Even today they hear this and think of me.  I want to say that one class even used it during mass.  I'm so proud that I have had some sort of impact on these kids (who are now like 25 - YIKES). It's wonder what we can do when we share our faith.



Now - on with the show.  HA!  It's Day 7.  That means that there is 40 days to go. Yes, I heard me correctly - go count.  The entire season of Lent is 47 days, if you count Sundays.

God is Our Father (Matthew 6:9)  Which I didn't realize until now.  We already have the text memorized, now we just have to remember where to find it in Scripture. ;) "Our Father, who art in heaven..."

Today we read that our identity is inextricably tied to Jesus.  I looked up the word because although I know what it means, I wanted to read the definition...and how profound it turned out to be in regards to this statement: so intricate or entangled as to make escape impossible; difficult or impossible to disentangle or untie;too involved or complicated to solve. I like this word very much. The more we place Jesus at the center of our lives the more it makes sense.  It's hard for us to do as human beings but we all know it to be truth.  Simple truth.

So who does Jesus say that WE are?  That's the third question.  He says we are the following:
- a child of God
- infinitely valuable (WOW)
- free

POINT TO PONDER:
No matter what happens, God loves you.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Am I now seeking human approval of God's approval? Or am I trying to please people?  If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ."  Galatians 1:10

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Do you value yourself anywhere near as much as Jesus values you?

That's really an easy question b/c I know that I don't value myself as much as Jesus values me.  I should and perhaps that is something that I should work on this Lenten season. I don't think it's humanly possible to do that b/c I know how much Jesus values me as His child.  

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to me.  Thank you for all you have done for me.  Thank you for loving me even more than I love myself.

It's nice to be able to say prayers of Thanks instead of always asking for things. We need to need God, but it is still nice to say Thanks.  God knows what's on our hearts both in need and thanksgiving.  He just wants us to be still and know He's there and then talk to him about what is weighing on our hearts.

LENT 2016 Day 6 - There is More

This title totally excites me.  It's almost like saying "God has a surprise for you today."  I LOVE surprises.

Yesterday we answered theJesus question. Today we talk about whether we believe our answer and get more proof that He was who He said He was.  YAY!  Childish exclamation, I know...but it's exciting. I wish I knew who I was and who/what I was meant to be.

Now I have to admit after yesterday I didn't think there could be anymore to it. But of course there is more validation that Jesus is God.

POINT TO PONDER:
Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus.

Now this is interesting because I honestly feel like I know Jesus just as much, if not more, than I actually know about Jesus. I think I continue to build on my relationship with Jesus, just like I do any other relationship.  This point almost requires few words and more thought.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect."  ROMANS 12:2

Here is another reminder that God's plan and will for our lives is perfect even though we often times, no...we many times do not understand what is going on in our lives.  We have to remember why we are here and what is truly important.  I feel like I'm about to go through a huge lesson in this.

We are buying a piece of property and potentially building a house.  It's a huge leap and a even bigger undertaking.  It could and will probably lead to many decisions that are based on conformity, trends, keeping up with the "whomevers" and wanting things that are unnecessary for the fulfillment of God's will for us. Perhaps conversation regarding our new home will be discussed with Jesus and dictated by Him. In the stillness in the quiet we can speak to God and get to know Him, listen to Him and what he wants for us.  It reminds me of a song I heard in college at the BSU (Baptist Student Union) and yeah, I'm Catholic. I went to the Catholic student union as well.  Here is the song as song by Chris Tomlin but there are other versions.


QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Do you have a really good reason not to take Jesus at his word?

HA- that's easy. NOPE! No, I sure don't. My great grandmother taught my grandmother.  My grandmother taught my mother.  My mother taught me and I'm teaching Claire.  I'm sure it started even before that - why stop now?  It's gotten us this far.  No need to turn back.

PRAYER:
Jesus, I believe. Help me to grown out of my doubts and unbelief.

When we think it's over - God has more. When we think we're at our lowest, well there is nowhere to you and nowhere to look, but up. When we think that we're all alone, it is then that HE is there and no matter how little the space or how many people are there with us...HE is most definitely there too.

LENT 2016 Day 5 - The God Claim

Now we have already talked about who we say and think Jesus is.  Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit - all three are one. Today we're asked to ponder what Jesus himself said about who He was. Who did God claim to be? He said he was the Son of Man, the person the prophet Daniel claimed him to be.  He has control over nature - he called calmed the wind and sea, he forgave sins - healing the paralytic on the stretcher in Matthew's Gospel chapter 9 (1-7), he said he was Lord of the Sabbath (as noted in the devotion today, the Sabbath was the center of Jewish life and customs, it was sacred) He was claiming again to be God, He demonstrated power of death - by raising Lazarus from the dead (John Chapter 11).

I honestly can't imagine being alive in Jesus' time.  Knowing how I was brought up and what we believe I feel like I would have to be like Thomas and actually see the miracles or experience the healing to believe Jesus.  Especially today, I don't know that I would believe someone who came back and said "I'm the Son of Man." Then again, there is so much wrong with the world today, I cannot even imagine how I would feel or what I would say if Jesus were here today. I imagine I'd pass-out on the spot.

POINT TO PONDER:
Jesus is speaking directly to you in the Gospels.

Now this will totally have me listening in a  WHOLE new way today.  I admit many Gospels lately involve me asking Claire to be still, but subconsciously I hope the word soaks in.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life." John 14:6

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
What's holding you back form believing in Jesus completely?

I automatically say "I already do."  But do I really?  I'm human, so of course there is doubt.  But what am I really doubting? What is holding me back from COMPLETELY believing in Jesus.  I think that's a entirely different blog on all it's own.

I know that all of these things I have: material, talents, senses, abilities, knowledge - I know it all comes from God.  I know that He 'has given me everything that is good."

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus: I trust in you.

Short and sweet and to the point.  And I mean really?  How powerful is that simple prayer.  It's why the first prayer that I taught to Claire was "Thank You God for this day."  It didn't even matter what followed that day...I knew and still know that it's important to show her and tell her that God gave us this day and it's up to us to make decisions and do good things that are pleasing to him.

Can I throw in how A.D.D. I am.  I completely stopped what I was typing and started a conversation about building a house with Carey.  Good gracious.  This is why I often ask God in prayer (and it's on my prayers list/notes on my phone) to help me be focused.

LENT 2016 Day 4 - The Jesus Question

I keep going back to the idea that there has never been and will never be a point where Jesus will turn me away from Him. The text today said it doesn't matter how rude you are to him; he will wait patiently, until you surrender to the wisdom require to delve deep into the Jesus Question.

In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus was walking in Ceasarea Phillipi with the disciples and asked them "Who do People say that I am?" then he asked them well, "who do you say that I am?"  I actually think about this often. As I continue to teach Claire as best I can about Jesus (she's almost 3 now) and soaking in things like a sponge, I want to be sure that to her God is EVERYWHERE, Jesus is EVERYTHING and the HOLY SPIRIT is a bonus.  I haven't really dove into the HOLY SPIRIT with her just yet. But it's coming.  Two years ago I received (or maybe Claire did) a Christmas tin from my husband's Godmother Cindy and it's white with gold writing.  It says Emmanuel, King of Kings, Prince of Peace and other things we call Jesus.  So I literally can answer The Jesus Question everyday, oddly enough, when I go to the bathroom b/c it sits on top of my toilet. Who do I say Jesus is?  Well he's my Savior.  That encompasses all other titles doesn't it? He's my source of hope, He's my shoulder, He's my support, my biggest fan, MY Lord of all. I always tease myself and say i'm going to write down all the names or titles we have for Jesus and see what I can come up with, but we could be here for a very long time.

I love conversing about Jesus with people of different backgrounds. I am to admit that I'm a "liberal" Catholic, although in reality I'm probably much more rooted and conservative than the majority. I go to church every Sunday and I just feel broken when I don't. Dad can probably quote scripture better than Mom, but either way they always taught me that I have to go to God with anything and everything b/c He is always there for me.  Never say never, except when it comes to the Lord, because He will NEVER let us down or hurt or harm us.  His promises are true. Jesus said many times in the bible that He promised to do things and He did.

I am not all knowing.  I don't have lots of scriptures memorized...I know a lot of them but can't always remember the verses specifically (technology has been a REAL blessing with searching for the right scripture). I am your typical sinful, hardworking, busy Mom, trying to get to heaven and be the best Christian I can be everyday.  Of course I'm a hypocrite, we all are to a certain degree.  We all mess up and make mistakes time and time again. We just have to start anew each day.  I told a friend that yesterday.  He said "You're a good person."  I was so humbled.  I was honored that he thought that of me. In fact since Lent has started I have had several people tell me that my faith has either inspired them or encouraged them to do something this Lent that is directed directly toward their faith and their relationship with the Father. Now that is exactly what life is about...spreading the word.

I wish I could get to a point in my life where I could teach confirmation again and not feel guilty for leaving my little one for a couple hours.  I'm not a hovering parent, but I don't want to waste the seconds that I get to spend with her. She's my joy. She was the greatest gift and another reason I know that Jesus is the ALMIGHTY ONE, because he chose me to be her mother.

POINT TO PONDER:
Right now you have an incredible opportunity to get to know Jesus better.
It's true - it's 40 days (47 if you count Sundays) to devote fully time to God.  Devote time to God whether it be by just being still and listening or having open conversations with him.  He does speak and I promise you he can and will give you what you ask for (be specific) and what you need. Just difficult part is always accepting what we need because more often than not, it's not exactly what we asked for.  But Jesus knows best, just as he did for Jonah, and Job and David.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"I came into the world to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." John 18:38

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Have you ever really explored the Jesus Question?
Yes.  As I mentioned above I do it almost daily, but perhaps I need to spend a bit more time educating myself on what each means...and understand the various dimensions that are those titles and names.

PRAYER: 
Jesus, teach me to never stop seeking you.  Help me to see you in every relationship, place and situation.

This is important in this journey of faith.  It's not just to rediscover Jesus and our relationship with him, it's also about discovering Him in relationships, places and situations as the prayers states. I try to remind myself that every thought and action and idea is from God, because of God.  Sometimes we lose site of why we're here on earth.  Have you thanked God today? (It's only 7:40 on a Saturday) - I know I have.      

If nothing else doing this gives me quite time to think and to remind me of Jesus.  It's like taking my own advice and reminding myself.

LENT 2016 Day 3 - An Invitation

"Are you ready"  Are you ready for Jesus to perform a miracle in your life?  Hmmm.  I have a particular miracle in mind, but i'm only speculating.  And no, regardless of what the miracle is, it's highly unlikely that I'm ready.  But then again, what things are we really every ready for.

Jesus Calling today says the following:
"Delight yourself in Me; let Me become the desire of your Heart."  Jesus wants to be our tour guide on this life journey, we just have to get into the passenger seat and listen to Him.  Every day we wake up is the invitation from Him to do that and BE that in our lives.

POINT TO PONDER:
It's time to stop everything, pause a little and consider God's invitation.

Think about it like we would a regular invitation to a party. I can promise you that the party in heaven after we accept God's invitation will be unlike any other experience we've ever had. But will we be truly ready for it?  Probably not. But like Nirvana said "Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be,." Comforting part of that is God knows us, we were made like him remember? So he understands our desires just as much as he knows our faults.  He waits for us to enter the party of eternal life with Him with open arms.

That is what LENT is about.  I think we "give up" things for Lent because that's what we're taught when we're young.  It's showing God that we too can make "sacrifices."  But what is it really doing for our lives? for our relationships?  to help our journey to a closer relationship with God and Heaven?  God is not waiting for me to say "Gwen, that Dr. Pepper you had each day is what is keeping you out of heaven. You know have to wait in anxiety in purgatory for x amount of time." Um...No.  What that action is saying, is that instead of spending money on a small addiction, take the time to spend it with God.  Use the time to nourish the body with water and prayer.  "Fast" from the routine.  It's a way to show devotion to the Lord. It's a great way to "give up" extras in our lives that take away from our true purpose and journey to that relationship that we all desire with Christ Jesus. I am the prime example of the sinner who just keeps trying over and over again.  It almost makes for a boring story because it's just my routine life; it's me asking for forgiveness and starting all over again. Because I can.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"I came so that they may have life and have it more abundantly."
We can give up things and be without, or do more for others during this time so we can live more abundantly.  There is so much this life has to offer and if we're thankful everyday first and foremost and we pray to God, listing all that we're thankful for, we may never get to the true prayer/needs part of the conversation.  We come to realize that He's already given us so much, how can we not accept His invitation?  The devil keeps us from truly enjoying the life God has planned for each of us.  We just have to keep calling on the name of Jesus in everything we do and think and see.

Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
In what area of your life is God inviting you to experience a new beginning?
This is a really good question.

I think there are multiple areas of my life specifically that God invites me to experience a new beginning.  I think when we get complacent in our routines he "stirs up the pot" and asks us to start a new. He has to keep us awake and fresh. He wants to help us to continually see him and know that His invitation is always open.  That even when we come to Him and leave again we can ALWAYS go back. Even when continually turn down his invitation, he will keep asking.

Since God is in everything...I guess really He is asking us to experience a new beginning in EVERY aspect of our lives.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for all the times you have invited me to rediscover you and your message.  Help me to squander this opportunity.

Makes me immediately start singing Meredith Andrews "You invite me in."  Crazy that I didn't know until just now the album is called the Invitation.  How appropriate.  She's an amazing artist.
You invite me in.  Doesn't matter where I've been.  Your arms are open wide, there's nothing left to hide."

She says we are all broken...but we can come as we are.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHkcGVlvOU4


Here are all the lyrics: 

I've been searching
Wandering and hurting
Ashamed of the shape I'm in
Afraid You'll see who I really am

But, You invite me in
Doesn't matter where I've been
Your arms are open wide
There's nothing left to hide

How can this be?
A love so unfailing
Reached down and lifted me
From ashes to beauty

And You invite me in
Doesn't matter where I've been
Your arms are open wide
There's nothing left to hide

For You invite me in
Doesn't matter who I've been
Your arms are open wide
Pulling me to Your side

And now I'm walking away
From the life I once knew
And running into Your grace
That covers my shame
Again and again, I find my life in You

You invite us in
Doesn't matter where we've been
Your arms are open wide
There's nothing left to hide

You invite us in
Doesn't matter who we've been
Your arms are open wide
Pulling us to Your side

Your arms are open wide

LENT 2016 Day 2 - Getting to Know Jesus

I'm definitely going to spend ample time trying to get to know Jesus better this Lent.  48 days I say.  40 days of Lent, 7 Sundays, and an extra day b/c I think the actions we take during Lent need to go beyond Lent.  Just like I think spouses and relationships should have action on many days other than Valentine's Day.  We shouldn't be forced to rediscover Jesus, it should be something we do "religiously" like brushing our teeth. We should pray and have conversations with our God not only when we're hurting, or struggling or pleading for the sake of another person.  We should speak to God just like we speak to our best friends.  Lent: It's like a 40 day retreat Fr. Michael Allelo said. Could we do it? Could we get rid of all the things that distract us from what is important in life? The unimportant things that consume us, the material things that keep us from being truly happy and fulfilled, could we be rid of them?

I recently came to a point where work (too much of it) was distracting me from my life in a very unhealthy and disturbing way, so much so that I started going to therapy. When I found Gwen again, I changed my focus.  I took all the talk about "work/life balance" and really began to understand what that really meant.  I started then to rediscover Jesus.  I started waking up an hour or so early every morning.  I would make a cup of coffee and sit down with a couple devotionals I have (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in particular and Grace for the Moment by Max Locado Vol 1 and 2) and immerse myself in His word.  His word changed my life.  His word reminded me that ALL of my thoughts and hopes and prayers are heard, but that no matter what I want for my life, God's will for me is so precious and perfect, that all I have to do is this:
 - be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)
 - the Lord will fight on my behalf, I just need to be silent (Exodus 14:14)
   Let's be honest...me be still?  Me be quiet?  Who are we fooling here?  In case no one has noticed I've created a smaller version of me (who looks like this quiet man I married) who may very well be twice as talkative as I am.  WOW, scary thought.
- trust in Him and lean not on my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
- have I not commanded thee?  to strong and courageous.  Do not dread and do not fear.  For the Lord your God is with you in ALL things and wherever you may go.  (Joshua 1:9)
and the one I say daily:
- For I know my plans for you says the Lord.  Plans to honor you and prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

There are, I have heard, 365 different verses in the bible that reference in some capacity trust and faith in God.  I don't think that's a mere coincidence, but I think that is direction for us to follow and believe that if we TRUST in our Lord everyday, first and foremost, that we will have lives so abundant that we can only sit back and say Thank You. WOW.

So although I feel like I got a "head start" this Lent on getting to know Jesus, I know deep in my heart that there is much much more for me to learn.

POINT TO PONDER: Jesus wants to have a deep, dynamic, personal relationship with you.
When we think of deep-dynamic-personal relationships and we make a list of people who represent those....who makes that list? Come to think of it, I don't know that anyone fits all three. It's the dynamic part that we struggle with.  Dynamic - characterized by much activity and vigor, especially in bringing about change, energetic and forceful; of or relating to variation of intensity, as in musical sound.  Maybe God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit is dynamic in our lives, but if not now is the time. There really is no time like the present to rekindle the fire. The truth of the matter is that He is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS allows us to start over, never to disappoint. Imagine if there was a human being in our lives that NEVER disappointed.  What a thought.  Do we ever sit and think about our God like that? We try.  I know I try.

VERSE TO LIVE: "I am the Good Shepherd." John 10:11
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: How well do you really know Jesus?
On the scale of 1 - 10.  Hmmm.  I'd need some criteria to score the relationship on and get the average number.  If I had to pick I'd say a 6.  It's a good solid number and it leaves much room for improvement. This relationship like any, takes devotion and time and nourishment to grow. It's not a one way street, we can  not just be complacent and expect things to happen on their own.  Trusting in God doesn't mean we sit back and wait. We have to take action to make it a dynamic relationship.

PRAYER:
Jesus, open my heart and my soul and my mind that I can get to know you as you really are.
AMEN.

GIve us the day our Jolly Bread

Claire can say the "Our Father."  It's the cutest thing EVER.  she's learned it from paying attention at church.  I'm just amazed at how smart she is and what she takes in.

"...and lead us not into the station..." um nope...that's not it my love. We had to start practicing. What makes me more proud to be her Mom is the fact that she is beginning to know God already and is aware of what He means to our family.

I'll upload video soon.

LENT 2016 Day 1 - New Beginnings

This one is going to be short.  I started to go to Ash Wednesday mass this evening and then started feeling bad.  My stomach is a little disturbed right now, so I'll be brief.

Rediscover Jesus- An invitation
POINT TO PONDER:
It is never to late for a fresh start.

One of my favorite verses is the VERSE TO LIVE today:  "ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you."  Matthew 7:7

I've said it over and over again that God knows what is on our hearts already so all we have to do is seek Him, find Him and ask Him.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
In what area of your life is God inviting you to experience a new beginning? I know it isn't prayer related, but it's something I've been praying for: I think I'm with child.  I  will know for sure in a few weeks, but I find the timing just perfect that this is the question.  Although never ready, and of course it changes some plans we have,  but whatever is God's will I will accept.  When you think God is not in charge, they say to make plans.  HA.  Carey has expressed that is content with only 1 child, while I've for a while contemplated the want/need/desire to have at least 1 more. I've been praying very diligently that Carey's heart would be open to the idea of another one and that if it were God's will that I only have one child, that people would not ask and that I could be accepting of that idea.  I mean seriously - my child is AWESOME, I am so in love with.  I want more like her...I would like ONLY ONE more child, like her in that she's a good sleeper, a good demeanor, loves God.

PRAYER: Jesus, help me to believe that a new beginning is possible.

HA, HA.  This sort of makes me laugh. Well I know a new family member is possible.  We just have to wait and see if it's true.  Time will definitely tell.

Ironically, Claire "was looking for her sibling" at school a few weeks ago and her teacher told me that that means we'd be expecting.  I laughed and told, nah, but thanks.  HA HA.

Guess Claire could be right.

Better than the Superbowl...It's Lent 2016

Whoop Whoop it's LENT!  I overdosed on Dr. Pepper today in preparation for tomorrow. I'm not one of those Catholics who just "gives up" chocolate or in my case, soft drinks. Each year I try to be better at being Gwen. I try to do more, pray more and just become better at me. It's hard to pick your self apart and call yourself out on things that you're not good at. Every year I said I'll quit my bad mouth and I can honestly admit that I've done better since Claire was born, but still not nearly as wholesome as I could be.

Several years ago I received a devotional at church and each day I meditated on it and I read scripture. I blogged about what I was thinking and feeling each day. I gave up technology in terms of games and time wasting applications. It was wonderful.  SO much has happened to me over the last year and so much is going to happen this year that I feel it almost necessary to journal/blog and spend even more time getting to know Jesus even better and building a better Gwen.

Here it goes.

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, the start of Lent. As I begin this rediscovery process and get to know Jesus I'm asked to first ponder this point: Jesus wants you to carry on his work. Well, I hate to say it but DUH. I know I'm not here for me. I know I'm not here for anyone else. I know I'm here on this earth to spread the word, encourage people to be kind and generous and I'm here to serve him.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Matthew 6:33
So how much IS the sheer busyness of your life preventing you from living the life God is calling you to live?  With my recent life changes, which includes a job change, I've learned quite a lot about myself and have a different perspective on work and family. I see them differently. I am not changing my work ethic, I'm not changing how I feel about workplace dress code (I can be a little old school and harsh.  What I am changing is the importance I place on work tasks and getting one more thing done versus being on time to pick up Claire from school and spending the full, focused  2 1/2 hours I get with her each evening.  Now that Carey works shifts I get less time with him so when I have a few hours with him, I want that time to be all about our family.

God's plan as it's revealed becomes more and more clear to me.  After the events and changes that have occurred over the last few months, I feel like I'm more trusting that I've ever been.  I've been presented with a struggle and turmoil that I never knew existed or could exist for me. I've grown to understand that His promises ARE true.  That everyone has a struggle and good things...no, great things, come from the struggles we experience.  These things have really made me realize that I was too busy.  I was too busy for my family, for my relationship with my husband, my God and myself. I've reconnected with my very impressionable 3 year old.  I've reconnected with my sweetie pie boyfriend.  HA.  I had lost myself...I found her.  I missed her - she is happy.  My faith was restored and strengthened.  I came to realize that it wasn't as strong as I thought it was.  I learned how to really put Jesus first.  I learned how to put God into EVERYTHING big and or small.  He is such a powerful God that nothing really has size. I ask for big things, I ask for little things, I send little prayers to Him for everything.  But always start my days and my prayers with "Thank You."  I thank God for the struggle and for the tough times and especially ALL of the amazingly good things that I have in my life.  I am so lucky and so blessed that I couldn't ask for anything more. BUT, God knows what weighs on our hearts and he knows what I want. So we have to just ask for it.

The busyness of life was preventing me from living the life God called me to live. It redirected my life. It changed my focus.  The busyness brought me to a dark place. It also brought me to a brighter place.

I get up early everyday and I thank God for the day and a read my bible.  Sometimes I read the actual bible but most of the time i use the Bible app on my phone. I highlight; I ponder; I share - sometimes I'm just still.

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."  Hebrews 14:14

Let the RE-discovery begin.  I cannot wait.  I'm, going to make this the BEST LENT EVER. I have a feeling I'm not going at it alone either... ;)