It's Easter

It's still the "Easter Season!"

I've already started slacking just a bit.  No blogging the last few days however I have been doing a couple of blogs and bible readings. Work was great today. Nothing new occurred, nothing out of the ordinary (it's HR, that doesn't exist) but it was another great day back with my family at home. I think I'm blessed, no, that's not right. I know I am blessed.

I have lots of things that I need to do. I need to stay focused. I need to make sure that I'm calling on my Lord at all times.

I'm excited that we are closing on our property on Friday. By this time next year we will hopefully be living in our new house. I pray that it doesn't become bigger than we are.  I know it'll all work out because the Lord takes care of us. I almost done getting the yard ready for Spring and to show once the house is listed with the realtor. So far, so good. I have a few more things to add.  The front needs a little color and hopefully things start blooming when we show the house.  It's getting real.  Friday will be a turning point.

Prayer list now includes:
- house plans that are ready and don't need much tweaking
- builder lined up
- lot cleared

OH MY GOSH...i'm nervous and anxious.  God will provide.

LENT 2016 - HOLY SATURDAY

Trying to plan out the weekend festivities is hard. What I think will happen is that Carey and I will wake up CP2 when Carey gets home from work, let her see her Easter Basket and then go to mass. He can go to sleep and then we'll go over to Jason and Michele's house. I will try to squeeze in a nap because he was so whiney yesterday evening due to miss her nap. Naps rejuvenate us. Resting in God's presence, resting in prayer, resting in silence and stillness - all of that rejuvenates our spirit.

Holy Saturday to me always rejuvenates our spirit. By this day, the 39th day (not counting Sundays) or 46th day a big day as we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus. On a more secular level it's the last day of "giving up" stuff (fasting) but it is the hope that it is not the last day of our faith journey, it's really just another day. It's another day that we get to be that best-version of ourselves that we've talked about for the last several weeks. It's moving forward in our journey and in celebration of our forgiveness that is now our focus. Our focus shifts from doing the right thing so that we are forgiven to being saved again in the rising of Christ and knowing what to do and how to move forward in our faith (which has grown.)

Lamentations 3:22-23 The Lord's lovingkindness indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

This is crazy that Jesus calling notes the following verses today: 
Lamentations 3:24-26 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope in in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

The resurrection has allowed this to happen. To have our lives "new" every morning - when joy comes. Can't ask for more than that.  Forgiveness of sins, a new day to start fresh - why not start it with the Lord, even if it's just quiet time - resting in the Spirit.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Excited about today...my 3 year old has risen. Going get more unconditional and unfailing love.

Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as He said.  Come, See the place where the Lord lay.

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, Shine for the light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

The other verse today in Jesus Calling is one that I'll be writing about soon when I begin my series of devotions related to songs that I love.

Meredith Andrews (of course my favorite) has a song out called Soar and as I was singing yesterday, i couldn't help but raise up my hand.

Isaiah 30:31 Yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new stregnth.  They will mount up with with like eagles, They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.

AMEN.  That is all that needs to said in that verse right there.

LENT 2016 - Good Friday

This is the true day 38. I've always wanted to see if I could truly fast on bread and water this day.  I know I could, I just have to do it. I don't even think we have bread in our household. I just started an Easter Devotion with Hillsong Worship it's only 4 days long, but today I am reminded of

Romans 5:8 

"God demonstrates His own love towards us, 

in that while we were yet sinners, 

Christ died for us."

There is no greater act than this. Than to lay down ones life for a friend. In this case we are thankfully much more than friends. We are the forgiven.  What Jesus has done for us and God has done by giving up His only Son to save us - is overwhelming. 

The theme in Jesus Calling today is Thankfulness. "A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me." It says. Thankfulness fills us with Joy. We shouldn't even waste days grumbling it's sinful. I think yet again about the statement that is becoming my mantra - "Be positive, always assume positive intent."

Hebrews 12:1-2 "therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance of the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of Faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of throne of God."

LOVE the thought that our God is a consuming fire.  We should fix out eyes on Him.  I keep singing "fix my eyes, on you...." by King and Country. 

LENT 2016 - HOLY THURSDAY

The drumroll has started, the music is playing and now we wait.  Where there was once a prophet will soon be our resurrected King. I wish Claire could understand. It is going to be odd teaching her about Jesus and our faith at home and at Sunday school.  I never had to experience that. It was an everyday occurrence for me. Still she sees me praying, I pray with her and I'm already teaching her stories form her little children's bible. I'm excited to read her the Easter story, we have only read it once or twice this season.

Today is Holy Thursday.  "LENT" is over on Saturday, however in my mind it ended yesterday and now it's Holy Week. Today is really day 38 and we should be talking about the "what if."  What if everything noted in the Gospels is true. I will actually begin the Gospel journey after Easter. I will dive wholeheartedly into those words like I've never done before.

Today - Jesus Calls. He tells us to let go of all of our possessions and rest in his security because He never leaves us.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever. HEBREWS 13:8

Psalm 89:15 tell us "Blessed are those who learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence. O Lord."

There it is as reminder that all we need to do is trust in God's presence (which is ALWAYS) and we will be blessed. I look around and I start to think of and count my blessings and I"m overwhelmed with an abundance of joy and gratefulness.  And then I think if I truly turned myself over to God at every turn and in every instance of my life - imagine the joy that would come to pass.  HOLY COW. It's almost unfathomable. I have to start trying. I need to get to confession-it's been too long and although I dread the moments leading up to it, I KNOW I will feel wonderful when it's done.

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do Not fear, I will help you."

Before Hebrews 13:8 is 6-7 which I've highlighted in my "bible" (electronically). If I grabbed my real bible it would probably be highlighted as well.

"So that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper , I will not be afraid. What will man do to me.?' Remember those who you , who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."

This is what I need to do going forward, imitate that faith so that I can be more Christlike, spreading God's joy and love.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to be more confident in myself and in you. Remind me to rest in your presence and turn to you for all things. You don't change, only I do.

For all of my special prayers and intentions on my heart and written down. Especially the people of Brussels an all those countries that experience terrorism at it's worst. Thank you Lord that America does not have to suffer through these tragedies often. Grace and peace to those families of those who have died and for their souls to be saved.

LENT 2016 Day 40 - An Hour of Power

I'm definitely learning that this blogging is not easy. I hope I can continue this quiet time going forward. It's been a wonderful and exciting time for me. I know this will be something new that I do during LENT going forward. It's been 4 years since I did and I think it makes my days so much brighter and better.  What I have to work on also is that focused time each day where I call on the Lord in small moments. KNOWING that He is there with me in EVERYTHING and at EVERY moment of the day.

The last and final challenge we have this season (which as you know should be complete on Saturday, but I did this on Sunday's so I'm finishing early) is to find a church and sit quietly for 1 whole hour. We all know how difficult that will be for me, but in order to be inspired in the way Matt Kelly explains I bet I can do this. The difficulty will be to find an open and empty church.

I like the words that say "God wants us to live in his power now." Not his love, joy, peace - his power - which I think encompasses all of those things.

There is no point to ponder today - just a request to spend a quiet hour with God.

There is no verse to say and repeat, but I think I'll have to start working on memorizing and praying others going forward. I still feel like we need one, here is another favorite of mine:

1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

There is no question to consider, however there is a question at the end of this passage: "Who are you going to inspire today?"

No already written prayer. I think I could do this on my own, I do it everyday.

Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you for all of the millions of blessings you bestow upon me and my family each day. Thank you for jobs, our homes and our health and may all of that continue. Thank you for the time we have to share our faith and to honor and glorify your name. Be with and bless all of those who so desperately call on you for help in their times of need. Give them understanding and peace so they can find comfort in the idea that you will overcome ALL things and your power is supreme. Give graces to those who are suffering a loss, let them find comfort in knowing that you have WON power over death and sin. Grant us the serenity to accept things as your will desires them. For all the special intentions that I hold in my heart (and on my phone). Give me what I need to be able to trust you completely and wholeheartedly and know that you will pull me through things. Help to turn to you in all moments big and small. In your name AMEN. 

Especially Michele and Kevin, Ms. Linda Smith, Liz Woods and Brussels as they recover form the terrorists attacks. 

LENT 2016 Day 39 - People of Possibility

I'm really anxious and excited that there are only two more devotions to read this Lent. I haven't even opened the book yet to see what the title is. I'm also sad because this routine has been great for me. Carey asked if I was going to keep doing this forever and I said "yeah I'm going to try." I mentioned what joy and peace has occurred in my life the last several months and I believe it's because of this. I plan do read everyday, it just may not take as much time going forward. I do however plan on at least writing sometimes about what is going on and how I'm feeling about my prayer life and my faith journey. I believe there is a lot to share. Last night we barely turned the TV on.  We watched several minutes of old videos of Claire when she was a baby and she loved them. She played on her iPad and I did a puzzle. It was a nice evening. I'm looking forward to the next few days because Carey is off. Unfortunately he's working Easter Weekend. :(  At least he'll be here Easter Sunday morning to see Claire with her basket.

It IS time to rediscover Jesus. As Christians, and I've said this before, if we are just nice to people everyday, and pass it forward we can change the world. A smile goes a long way.  Assume positive intent, a friend told me. Be supportive of that person and assume they mean the best. Don't get agitated for no reason. I haven't been as successful as I had projected, however each day is a new day. If all 2 million of us Christians just start acting like Christians, life would be wonderful. The world would be like Disney World - it would be the be the happiest place on Earth.

POINT TO PONDER:
Open your heart, mind and soul to the possibilities. They are truly unimaginable. I look at my life now an am so thankful and grateful for all of the blessings that I have. I'm so lucky it's unreal. I just thank God each day for the day and the blessings. I know I'm not doing the best version of Gwen everyday, but I am trying to be positive, think about my family, give thanks to God. I'm teaching Claire the things that are important, I want her to be the best Claire she can be. I think with my faith and energy with Carey's brain-she's going to be amazing. I'm already overflowing with excitement about her future.

I'm also trying to fathom the greatness of our Father. We are supposed to ask Him to be a part of everything and I know we get all things from Him, so I'm beginning to ask for His help in ALL things, no matter how small or how big. "No height, no depth, not any other created things, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." ROMANS 8:39


VERSE TO LIVE:

"For God all things are possible." 

MATTHEW 19:26

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: 
Have you ever tried to live Christianity wholeheartedly?
What does that really mean?  Wholeheartedly? We say it and use it but do we understand what that entails? I don't think that I've ever truly put everything that I can and have into something life changing like this. Maybe studying for Master's Degree exams/finals or maybe studying for the PHR certification, but nothing else. Perhaps I've prayed wholeheartedly when I was forced on my knees in prayer. A couple times I've fallen to the ground in tears, pleading with God to take the cross that was bearing down on me at the time. He brought me out of the turmoil and life is amazing. HE is amazing. Just imagine how amazing life can be if we tried to live like this everyday?

Wholehearted: (yes, here I go again with a definition)
                 Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm.
                     Without reserve; without reservation; "he adopted wholeheartedly some of the policies that he had previously criticized."

I hope I can do this. I want to make this commitment, it will help me to be that best-version-of-myself and at the same time - make this life change.

PRAYER: 
LORD,  help me to see the possibilities. 

LENT 2016 DAY 38 - What If?

I have to say it's odd.  I've gotten in such a habit of waking up at 5am and reading scripture and writing about it and praying, that I'm looking forward to my next adventure. I hope I can do this and really live the Gospels. I can't imagine the type of joy that will be brought to my life. Looking back it has changed so much in the last 10 months already. I've been bak at Amedisys for almost 4 months already and sometimes, most days in fact, it seems that I never left. It's fun to think about the last year.  I could have never in my wildest dreams have told you that I would be doing what I'm doing and be where I am right now. Carey never wanted to build a house. I am blessed to know that we an afford it and it will be next door to his best friends. I say it often, that I am so blessed. Claire has been THE MOST AMAZING and JOYFUL blessed that could have ever been given to us. She was so good in mass yesterday, my heart is just overwhelmed.

I want to take this question and turn it around just a bit.  "What if?" "What if it keeps getting better?" It can.

The question that is being asked is "What if everything that Jesus talks about in the Gospels is true?" "What if we really do need to account for the life we have lived?" I'll be writing the what if letter, I just have to remind myself to do it.

POINT TO PONDER: 
The chances of it all being true are very high.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path." PSALM 143:10 

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
If you were dying, would you be paying more attention to your spiritual health than you are today?

I am proud to say that I in a way think that I wouldn't, however I believe we can always do things better and it doesn't hurt to try new things, new way to be stronger and build on our current relationship with God. So I change my mind already.  I think that I would be paying more attention to my spiritual life, but I would be doing it in a different way. To be quite honest, who wouldn't pay more attention? I mean even if a certain part of life changes, we'd slightly (or maybe greatly) change the way we pray and where our focused prayerful intention would be placed. A new perspective is always helpful and allows us to redefine what it is that moves us to prayer, what moves us to take action in our faith, work, marriage and what guides our thoughts and decisions. Our faith journey should be all about working toward being able to answer this question with a proud and strong, confident, "NO."

If we knew we would die in a year how would we change our life? Mr. Kelly said "why wait?" Why can't we start living our life like we only have a year left. There are a lot of things I'd like to squeeze into the next year. It goes by so quickly.

PRAYER:
JESUS, guide my words, thoughts, actions so that I can live my best self and become the best-version-of-myself.

I am mad at myself for not "resting" on Sunday so that I could spend Holy Week finishing out this devotion.  That's why I missed a few days. I have two more and so I'll finish up on Wednesday which is the last day before HOLY WEEK. This is such an exciting time in the lives of Christians.  I get excited just thinking about it. 

LENT 2016 Day 37 - The Holy Moment

I'm delaying this entry.

I realized yesterday that Sundays should be a day of rest. The 40 days of Lent as I've always known do not include Sundays. Therefore I'm about 5 days off of the schedule. I'm exhausted and I'll save this devotion for tomorrow morning.  I woke up late this morning and had to be at a work related/ GBRSHRM meeting at 7:30 a.m.

So it's early on a fun Friday, the preceding paragraph was written last night around 10 pm and I couldn't keep my eyes open.  Work will be a little fun today as the Total Rewards Team plays family Fued at Lunch.

Starting the day out with prayer is a great thing.  I was rushed yesterday b/c I hit the snooze button or the "alarm off" button. Thankfully Carey came in a bit early and I made it on time.

A holy moment is a moment when you are being the person God created you to be, and you are doing what you feel God is calling you to do in that moment. 

I will have holy moments today. I'm excited for the day to get started so that I can have holy moments today. Perhaps I can bring a holy moment to a co-worker. I have several that need those moments. I think I had a couple this week. How sweet was it that I was told (yesterday) that I really was a disciple of Christ. I did something that I guess God was calling me to do. The statement that really stuck out to me today is this one: Offer the least enjoyable tasks of your day to God as a prayer for someone who is suffering. This person's suffering could be physical, but suffering comes in an infinite number of disguises. You may know someone who is miserable at work, you may know someone who is struggling in his or her marriage, you may know someone who has an addiction. Offer your suffering for those people just as Jesus offered his suffering on the cross for us.

I never thought of offering up a task that isn't enjoyable up to God as a prayer for someone else. What a powerful idea. Mom always says when she has to do things that may look difficult on the outside that "this is just the cross that I have to bear." She doesn't want to be a Holy example, but she is an example in a way that I can't even dream of. She's a great Christian role model in her behaviors.

POINT TO PONDER: Holiness is possible for you. (me).

VERSE TO LIVE: God's will is for you to be holy.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Before now, did you ever believe holiness was possible for you?

PRAYER: LORD,  never let me forget that holiness is possible. 

On a side note Daddy hasn't had a great week or two. We thought he had a mini-stroke last week but the doctors said it wasn't - Thank you Jesus. I pray Lord Jesus that you continue to give Mom the strength to carry this cross and to bring enjoyable moments to her life. Bless Maw-Maw and let your will be done for her life. Thank you for giving us, always, what we need. You are our strength. Amen.

Lord I also pray that we are doing the right thing an that we do the right thing with building this house. Please do not let the process or the house become bigger than us, please be with us as we make the right decisions and your will is done in this process.

LENT 2016 DAY 36 The Biggest Lie

Yesterday was an epic fail. I was supposed to take mini breaks through-out the day and I didn't do that. I didn't take very many at all as I went into work early so I could bring Claire to the doctor and then to my offie to "show off" my pride and joy. She was very entertaining. We also went to get her birthday cookie for free at Barnes and Noble and a prize, b/c she used the potty (#1 and #2)  proud Mom moment.  Now if she can keep it up. We grabbed pizza on the way home and both were in bed around 8:30.  Well not me really, I was up until 10:30 which was later than expected as I was so tired. Needless to say I did not run last night. I will have to run tonight.

Today I'll try again to take mini-breaks throughout the day as directed/suggested yesterday.
Culture and distractions..as I stopped to type that so I could come back and write about it I get distracted and start deleting my emails.  Seriously sometimes I can't focus at all. Culture and distractions - both keep us from living the lives we are meant to live and receiving the joy that God intends for us to receive each day.  That complete joy that makes us move through the day like we're floating.

I realized today that I've been journaling/blogging on Sundays throughout Lent and I shouldn't have. I'll skip the weekend devotions this Saturday and Sunday and be done early. I have always known that there were 47 days of LENT if you count Holy Week and the Sundays. I've never been one to "cheat' on Sundays so this year it slipped my mind.

POINT TO PONDER:
You cannot get closer to God if you accept the lies of the world.
What Matthew Kelly says today is that the biggest lie we hear from non-christians is that holiness is not possible for us Christians. In fact it is possible. If we gradually spend out days or parts of our days speaking to God, accepting His joy and His blessings, we'll find that holiness. We will be in greater communion with Him - we will find holiness.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"The righteous hate what is false" PROVERBS 13:5

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
When did you stop believing holiness was possible for you?
I haven't really thought about this question. But in all truthfulness it's true, I don't really think holiness is possible. I know I'm a sinner and I frequently sin, so it's just something I don't think about, however I have realized that I'm not as judgemental as I used to be. I find I'm getting better each day, but each day is a new opportunity to be better and to try again. Chip away the bad just a little at a time.  This is a faith journey.  A journey - that ends when we see the face of Jesus. We all just want to make him proud, as proud as we can. I have to stop thinking of myself as a sinner and start thinking of myself as forgiven and a tryer.  Trying to be better and live like He intended.

PRAYER: Jesus, protect me from all the lies that seek to build a barrier between you and me and remind me of my great destiny.

LENT 2016 Day 35 - Complete Joy

Today I will try to take mini-breaks and be still in Gods presence. "Cuz only God can give us the joy we want.  (combining two different devotions here). God says that His blessings are richly poured out upon us but that there are some that are actively sought. What does that mean to us and for us? How can we actively seek out His blessings.  As soon as I wake up I thank God for the day. I say Thank you for a few of the many blessings:

•  this habit that I've started
• the laptop that I have to "jot" down my thoughts on (so that the world can read/share)
• the sofa and blanket which i use to find comfort and rest as I pray
• the coffee pot that was a gift from Carey's Mom to make our coffee one cup at a time (how spoiled we've become with that concept)
• the monitor that gives us the ability to hear and watch Claire as she sleeps
• I wonder what people did before monitors? Did they just not realize their babies were sick as quickly? I've had terrible feelings/experiences even with the monitor. Makes me sad sometimes to reminisce about it.
• the alarm that is on to protect us and keep us safe
• the money that we had to put in the alarm and garage door to keep us safe
• the knowledge to know how to use a gun if need be
• jobs to be able to provide electricity, water, clothes, food, this house
• for my family

I could go on and on.  The blessings are abundant.  What are the not-so-obvious blessings that we are ask to seek? We can begin by opening our heart to God and receive these revelations of blessings. Ask and it will be given to you; knock and the door will be opened to you. MATTHEW 7:7

"The LORD your God is with you, He is might to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  JEPHANIAH 3:17

Is it too much to ask for that lasting joy? Complete joy? God created it for us. I should go and added to the list of things I'm thankful for. "I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete." JOHN 15:11 What takes that complete joy from us? What robs us of this joy? Jesus wants this for us. He wants us to have this complete joy, this last peace. I didn't even really think about the next sentence until I read it.  Are you getting in the way of your own joy? I was quick to think of other variables. I did not hesitate to place the blame on other things and outside forces that keep me from enjoying this gift of God.  How selfish of me to not think that I am really the first thing that keeps me from joy. Can I find it in the Gospels? I hope that I can spend my time during the Easter season doing just that, reading and studying the Gospels. I will net let fear of not understanding them take away from the lessons that can be learned. I will not let fear rob me of the joy that is found in the Gospels. I want to do what Matthew Kelly suggested here.Testing the Gospels and see if I find complete joy. Pay attention.  Pay attention to the Gospels.  The Gospel is an invitation to Complete Joy.  I'm excited to start that journey. 

POINT TO PONDER: Gratitude is a sure path to joy. - there's another DUH statement. 

VERSE TO LIVE: "A joyful heart is life itself, and rejoicing lengthens one's life span."

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What really brings you joy? 

I think that I need to come back to this one.  Claire for sure.  Aidan, Alec, Davis and Demi - Ashley and my friends...Mom and Dad, Carey - they bring me joy. 

PRAYER: Jesus, let me get of of the way so you can fill me with complete joy.

Short and sweet...I really like that prayer.  

Have a joyful day - be kind. 

-Gwen

LENT 2016 Day 34 - Two Wrestling Questions

I woke up at 4:40 this morning to go to Jazzercise and saw Claire laying across her bed with her head hanging off the side. I picked up the monitor and went to move her and up pops her head, eyes open and she smiling. YIKES. I knew this is what happens. There is no way a toddler sleeps as much as she does. I have always believed that she wakes up and then falls back asleep. Today she did just that. We came into the living room watched a few cartoons and then both fell asleep. Needless to say I was only able to read a few devotions, this was not included. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT Matt Kelly writes. True because I wanted to go to Jazzercise this morning and that didn't happen. ...but if we try sometimes, we get what we need right?

This is by far my favorite chapter in this rediscovering Jesus journey. Once we realize this, we can begin the daily question to see His will in our lives. By this he meant wisdom. Wisdom is the realization that it is insane to want something other than what God wants. The two questions that wrestle with our thoughts are 1. What do I want? 2. What does God want?  I've been thinking about that second question as I've been looking at house exteriors and light fixtures and countertops and bathroom designs. I don't want this house building to become bigger than us. I don't want having a Mother-in-Law suite to negatively or adversely affect my marriage. I love my mother-in-law and we get along great, but...this marriage is between Carey and I. The good thing to remember is she is a lot like Carey and likes to be alone.  Whitney Ray on the other hand likes to be with her as well, so we'll have to work out some boundaries. That all being said I've been asking God to be with me/Carey as we really begin to complete the items on the "to do" list and prepare this house for listing. I pray that Carey and I can work out living with his Mom or grandmother for a few months while we build. If we can have everything ready to go, we can be in a house in 6 months. We have to find a place close to Day Care, so that limits our options. I know God will put us in the ideal situation to save money, to grow closer to family and to see our limits and boundaries.  I think God, I trust God to bring about the perfect plan for our future home (and maybe another baby. ;))

So how do we determine what God wants? That's more the burning question. How do we know when God is telling us what He wants. This is where discernment comes into play. We also have to determine the reason behind wanting some of the things we want.  What do I want a shift, why do I want a soft drink etc etc. If we go back a few chapters and delay the gratification of receiving whatever it is we desire then I think we'll more greatly appreciate what it is that God does want for our lives. I know for sure God wants to honor us, to prosper us, to give us HOPE and a FUTURE. What more do we need?

God's will for our lives is PERFECT.

POINT TO PONDER: The wrong questions always lead to the wrong answers.

That's a given right?

VERSE TO LIVE: 

"May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace."  ROMANS 15:13

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Does getting what you want bring you lasting happiness?

I believe it can. I know it can if it's also what God wants and wills for our life.

PRAYER: Jesus, please remind me when I forget that your will is what I really want deep down too.

LENT 2016 Day 33 - Comfortably Comfortable

It's a lot to ask of God.  I have in my "notes" my list of prayers and special intentions and it's pretty long.  Starts out in Thanksgiving and has a few prayers for things for my self but then lots of prayers for all of my friends. I enjoy praying for people, although I wish I didn't have to do it. I also enjoy praying for thanksgiving and thanking God for the blessings in my life. That is the point when you realize how truly blessed you are, the list of gratitudes can be endless. When we stop thanking God it means that we've become comfortable in our skin, in our life. When we stop talking to God about things and asking for help, we've become complacent and expectant. We are not growing. If we start waiting just a bit for things we can be more gracious about them when received. If we delay the gratification at Matt Kelly suggests we start to see things for what they really are. It allows us to see and be the best version of our selves.

Wait just a few extra minutes for things we want.  Try better and healthier alternatives. Walking on the treadmill for an hour is better than mindless TV watching for a hour. We have to hold our own selves accountable for our prayers. Read more, grow our minds. Read the gospels. Study them, don't just skim/breeze through them.  Settle in your prayer, don't just try to "get through them." These entries aren't for anyone else really, they are for me.  They are directed at me so when I come back to them I will know if I haven't started taking my own advice, pondering my own thoughts, then it's time to start doing that.

POINT TO PONDER: Being too comfortable, too often, makes us weak in mind, body and spirit.

I think that is truth beyond truth. Especially with technology and instant gratification that has turned this world upside down. This world that kids today no longer appreciate. What have we created? What have we turned God's hard work into? A MESS. Everyday we should go out of our way to reform ourselves and the world around us. It's a process, but we have to stay delaying the gratification, talking to God in everything force ourselves to be "uncomfortable" - get things moving.

VERSE TO LIVE: "if anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." MATTHEW 16:24

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
What is the one way you can deny yourself today?

For me, I can continue with my Lenten "sacrifices" but I can also think hard about each of the decisions I make and think about how they can glorify God, help better my family and help better myself. I can keep reciting the prayer below.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for all the comforts of this world; help me to discern when they are good for me and when they are not.

Jesus, thank you for all the comforts of this world; help me to discern when they are good for me and when they are not.

Jesus, thank you for all the comforts of this world; help me to discern when they are good for me and when they are not.

Jesus, thank you for all the comforts of this world; help me to discern when they are good for me and when they are not.

LENT 2016 Day 32 - The Real Problem

I really like the idea that God never abandons us. When we think God is not there it's not because He is not with us, it's because we have chosen to be away from Him.  He is ALWAYS there.

Confession is hard. To speak our sin out loud and to another person is hard. So I like many avoid confession.  I avoid the sacrament b/c I'm so ashamed of what I've done. The consistency is in two means: we all do it and do it again and again AND God keeps forgiving us if we ask for it. I have never enjoy going to confession and prefer that the priest not see my face. I have much anxiety leading up to the sacrament and no matter what I every time and always feel so wonderful and amazing after I am done. It's just a cleanliness that can't be described.

The problem with the world today is sin.  The problem with everything is SIN SIN SIN.  it's terrible and frustrating. It keeps us from being close to God. It tears relationships and causes turmoil. Sin is the reason the world is like it is.

POINT TO PONDER: Sin makes you unhappy.
DUH. I know it does and I keep doing it.  Repeating some of the same sins over and over again.

VERSE TO LIVE:
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing sprit." PSAML 51:12

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
What are your three most frequent sins?

Well of course I'm not going to write them here. I will think about them and pray for the grace to not sin anymore.


PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me and save me from my sins. 

LENT 2016 Day 31 - Man's Ways and God's Ways (Take 1)

Well we all know we have become a society that is focused on me, me, me and me. Even after we have children and we begin to share our focus, there is still that "me" mentality. Our time and energy is focused on ourselves and how we can get ahead and how we can make things better. Our ways are not God's ways.  His ways are stronger and perfect.

Ellen Degeneres has a very simple way of having people focus on God, even though she doesn't get religious on her show. "Be kind to one another" she always says at the end of her show. I love how that simple idea of kindness can transform a society to be more Christlike.

If we took those extra moments in life, you know the ones we now have b/c we are no longer on Facebook searching mindlessly through what our 900 friends did that day, had conversations with God, asked Him for grace and mercy, we'd find more time to do random acts. I promise we would. More time with God = more time with self. It's also more time for us to prepare the world for our children and our future children (yeah I through that in there ;) ) If we are kind the world will "pay it forward"  love and kindness multiplies it does not divide. That's an amazing thought.

God's ways are so powerful and wonderful.  Exodus 34:6-7 "The Lord is kind and merciful. He is slow to anger rich in kindness."

"Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for that will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rightouness, for they will be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are they who are persecuted for rightousness sake, for theirs is the kindgom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of eveil against you falsely on my account. Rejouce and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  MATTHEW 5:1-11 

LENT 2016 Day 31 - Man's Ways and God's Ways (Take 2)

I just finished typing the beatitudes and finalizing my post today and "bam" - a blank page. So I started again thinking it was gone, only to see that it was saved. Below is the second try...


Matthew 5:2-11 

The Beatitudes

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

I had also noted Exodus 36:6-7 "The Lord is kind and merciful.  He is slow to anger and rich in kindness." I know there isn't a whole log of God talk on the Ellen Degeneres show but I do see how kind she is and the fact that she ends her show with "be kind to one another" makes me smile. If everyone passed on kindness it would truly have that "pay it forward affect." Life in general would be happier. We'd spend more time "doing" things than we would being negative or contemplating negative things. We wouldn't focus on bad things and dwell on problem solving. Let God handle that - He's already planning great things for our lives we just have to trust in His powerful work and his unfailing mercy. 

POINT TO PONDER:

God has a better way of doing things.  WELL DUH. I should just write this down and post it on my bathroom mirror. It's something I need to think about and be reminded of everyday.

VERSE TO LIVE: 

"The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." PROVERBS 19:21

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What is one practical example of how God is inviting you to let go of your way and open yourself to His way? 

By spending this time in prayer daily.  Daily, focused and conversational - prayer!

PRAYER:

Lord, teach me to value your way of doing things above all other ways. 

LENT 2016 Day 30 - Blind Spots

Nicole shared with me Melissa Overymeyer's Metamorphosis of a soul. I stole this from yesterday's entry. 

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Dear Lord, 

I confess I get discouraged! Help me! I am short sighted and blind! Open my eyes to see what You have entrusted to me and what unique opportunities that I will be given to pass Your love along in the next year. I know that it is YOU that will bear fruit by my efforts...even ten, twenty, thirty years out! Please give me the grace of a greater faith to work with You, not out of duty, but out of love. Let me get to know You more and more this next year and, as I do, let that love flow out of me to the little piece of the world that You have given me to influence. I love You Lord. Make my love for You increase. Make me bold. Give me fortitude. Give me You.

I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Everyday is a day to start over. Heck, each moment of each day we can start over and turn to God in all the things we do. I found myself not doing that enough yesterday.  

Carey was supposed to work today but the result was that he doesn't, so last night was fun spending it with Claire on her 3rd birthday. She is the most amazing blessing and gift that I could have never even dreamed into being. I keep saying over and over again, that the Lord must really love me to have given Claire to me and He must also have a lot of faith in me, that I could teach her His works and teach her how to love Him and what his Grace does in our lives. What an extremely large task he has entrusted to me. It is one I'm excited to take and actually hope and pray that I have another child to teach as well. Regardless, I am grateful and pray for understanding of His will in my life for they are to prosper me.

NOW - Day 30

Lent is quickly coming to and end and it's exciting. The resurrection of Jesus is so powerful and overwhelming. I look forward to Easter Sunday mass. It's always such a special day for me. Lent always gives me an opportunity to search my faith life and my soul for inconsistencies (and there are a lot) for needs and desires. It gives me time to reconnect and "find Jesus" again or even more deeply. Today we read about blind spots, we all have them. We all have prejudices and judgements, no matter how hard we try not to. Jesus is always there to help us see clearly. We have to ask for that. We have to ask God in each moment to be there to ensure that we look at situations and relationships more clearly so that our decisions are God-centered and whole-hearted. We should pray about everything and pray for clarity of thought and desire. In forgiveness we are cleansed and made new, those blind spots are removed (temporarily). Do an examination of conscience, which I'll admit I haven't done in a few years, and you'll see how many blind spots there are. You'll be forced to be honest with yourself about your sinfulness. Reconciliation although daunting sometimes stressful has a beautiful ending. I don't like going, it's been a while - I am definitely in need of it. I need to remove the blind spots and be made new before Easter. 

POINT TO PONDER:

We all have blind spots. - Yes we do. A friend shared with me a saying to use at work. She's much younger than me but definitely taught me something great. I may have even mentioned it before. 

"Be Supportive," she said, "Always assume positive intent."  It has definitely taken away some judgements and some assumptions and made the day go by a little more smoothly. There are many instances in my day that the devil wants to take away. This little reflection on the email or situation makes for a better day. 

VERSE TO LIVE:

"Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?" MATTHEW 7:3 

Yeah this is like biblical sarcasm almost. As if to say "you can't be so judgemental...look at what you do."

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

How are your blind spots affecting your relationships? 

I know there are a few relationships where I assume the person feels a certain way so I act differently. The uncertainty is ruining the flow of my day and I need to be positive in my self and ask God to lead me and guide me in the conversations and the relationships in general. I need to see each and every person in life as the gift they are. 

PRAYER: 

Lord, take the blindness from my eyes so that I can see people, situations, and myself as you do. 

LENT 2016 Day 29 Dancing for Joy

It's also day 6 of no Facebook as in "deactivated" for good. It's crazy how many things have come up and I wish I were still on it. It really makes life a bit more simple. It's one less media outlet, technology based time sucker. I can definitely find other ways to spend my time. I need to start running again.  I have a 5k coming up that I have to prep for.  When LENT is over I can start running for 30 or so minutes in the morning. I need to start running now. The race is April 9th which will be here before you know it. I'm also $20 away from my goal of raising $500 for the National Kidney Foundation and the walk for Dad. If I was on Facebook I'm sure I'd get more traction. Oh well, such is life.

Peanut is 3 today. Claire Bear - my angel. Our little pumpkin..3 going on 30. She said last night while playing with her new games..."that's strange?" and she scrunched up her nose, as if indicate that she actually knew what that word meant. I am trying to teach her things daily, but I have a strong gut feeling that this smarty pants will be teaching me a thing or two before I can blink.

Dancing with Joy
I love dancing. It's one of my biggest regrets in my life but also part of my fondest memories. When I was on danceteam we practiced a lot. At the time I didn't understand it but looking back - it really encompasses many of my fondest high school memories. The same goes for prayer.  If we practice praying we can look back and see the greatness that comes from that prayer. Matthew Kelly says very few Christians take their faith seriously and approach it with the rigor of a champion. (Rigor - strictness or severity, as in action or judgment).

Part of changing the world and being prayer champions involves acting and behaving like true Christians. Seeing everyone through the eyes of Jesus and like Ellen says "being kind to one another" goes a long way to happiness and a thriving faith filled world. If we really begin to live the Gospels we can experience Jesus and our faith in a while new way. We can begin to dance for joy before the Lord like John did. We can dance through life in the presence of Jesus at all times. Imagine the joy of being close to Jesus - all of the time.  WOW.

POINT TO PONDER:
There is nothing like the joy that God wants to fill your heart with.

I know the joy I feel when I've accomplished something or when I see my baby girl smile. If it's better than those two combined...well HOLY COW. I can't wait to experience that true Joy with Jesus.

VERSE TO LIVE: "A joyful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22

You know sometimes it seems that joy is the answer. Joy comes in the morning. I'm sure I can think of a million songs from church that have joy in them.


QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Who or what is robbing you of joy?

Time and technology I think rob us of joy b/c it has made our society creatures of habit and expectations of instant gratification. Imagine if everything was done by paper or phone?  We never get things done timely. Well, yes we would.  We did it before.

PRAYER:
Lord, teach me to dance with joy.

LENT 2016 Day 28 - Spontaneous Prayer

Ooooghh this one is easy.

I do this a lot. I forget the notion or idea that "God delights in conversation with us." That really gives prayer a whole new meaning. Think about when someone we like or love comes to us or calls us just to have a conversation with us.  Doesn't that bring us joy? Same idea with God, he is delighted when we speak to him. 

I never thought about saying the prayer that Bartimaeus prayed "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."  "Lord, open my eyes that I may see." To see- to help me discern, to help have guidance, light, clarity of thought and wisdom - its not just about actual site. Jesus can work miracles - that is true. It doesn't matter how big or small our request may be, Jesus can work in us. "Bring me what you have." Matthew 14:17 What an amazing God we serve. No if, ands or buts when it comes to Jesus answering us. Doesn't matter what it is - "I got this." He tells us. But we have to bring it to him. 

Getting down on our knees is powerful. Praying out loud is more powerful. Only two times in recent 'history' of my life did I fall to my knees.  Most recently at the end of last year, before I put in my notice at my last job, I dropped down to my knees and begged God to save me from the mess I was in, the trap, the anxiety/stress that was taking over my life. Why I wonder did I wait so long to get on my knees. Grandma Vivian Landry used to get on her knees every night and say her prayers. I need to start doing this with Claire.

What a profound way to end this chapter. I mentioned earlier (day 27) something about my speech.  I use profanity far more often that I want to admit to anyone. It's a bad habit and I'm not sure how I started it. Growing up my parents never used that language. It is something I struggle with, I will do better.  Matthew Kelly says to think about the second Commandment "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." A whole commandment set aside for God's name. We as a society have become so lenient with our words and deeds that are publicly displayed. If we can keep the easiest of the commandments, what does that say about society as a whole and the rest of the commandments. Why do we take them for granted. 

Our best days are when we call out to God periodically throughout the day. Let's do that today and everyday, talk to him casually. Let's stay connected with God today, like having a best friend there at all times. 

POINT TO PONDER:

God is always at my side to help me make the best decisions. 

I will call on you today Lord. I will talk to you through my day and make it an amazing day. (And my baby girl turns 3 tomorrow.  WOW). How is it that I get this amazing gift of being her Mom every day? I say to people all the time this is how I know that God loves me a lot, because he gave me Claire and she is amazing. :)

VERSE TO LIVE:

"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

This is one I need to remember...and I try to. I say it all the time but never remember which verse it is. 

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What are you most grateful for today? 

I just answered that question. I have to throw in Carey too - there is no one I'd rather spent my life with.

PRAYER:

Jesus, thank you for being at my side even when I forget you are there.

LENT 2016 Day 27 - Deny Yourself

Oh my gosh. I missed yesterday. I did all of my other devotions but went to Jazzercise at 5am and didin't have the time to squeeze this in.  Today I'll do two of these entries and since it's already 5:46 one of them may be really short. Apparently God knew that this one didn't need a lot of "stuff."

Just say no.  Say no to a coke and have water.  Say no to laziness and go work out.  It's like he's talking to me here...ha.  Delaying gratification = success in everything.  Jesus said "if anyone wishes to come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 I'm glad he touched on this point because I've always had trouble understanding what this means. Denying myself. Now that he threw in the coke and exercise...I understand a little better. Its as if to say all the things that I "gave up" for Lent help me to be better.  I deny myself of those things and I'll find success.

Say No to yourself at least once a day. Today I should have started with telling myself "no, don't snooze. Get up and get moving, you have some praying to catch upon."

I haven't figured out how to get an hour of prayer in and an hour of jazzercise in on the same mornings. I haven't woken up before 4:00 for any reason other than a trip...EEEK.

POINT TO PONDER:
Learning to deny yourself will pay huge dividends in your life.

Makes me want to go save even more money. I'll need to do that anyway if we build a house.  After that if God wants us to have a baby, I'll definitely need to save.


VERSE TO LIVE: 
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22- 23 

All of the fruits are positive or "soft" fruits and self-control (ok maybe patience too) is really the only "hard" one. Self-control is really the only one we have to really take ownership of and be in "front" of it. I'm not sure if that really makes sense to you. The others seems easy, and self control seems to be the one that takes the most work. This means that you get the most out of it (at least selfishly.  ha ha)


QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
In what area of your life do you exhibit the most self-control? In what area of your life do you exhibit the least self control?

When it's not Lent, the least self-control is with exercising and drinking soft drinks I think, using bad language that is truly unnecessary. Patience for sure...I don't have a lot of patience.

The most self-control I have now is my prayer life, it's growing and changing. I also think my marriage with Carey...we both exhibit the right things to make it work so smoothly. I think it takes bits of all of the gifts of the spirit at the right time to make it work.

Come to think of it. Life requires the same.


PRAYER:
Jesus, Give me the grace and strength to say no to myself. 

Jesus, Give me the grace and strength to say no to myself. 

I had to repeat it.

LENT 2016 Day 26 - The Prayer Process

I apologize for the discombobulation of this entry today. I'm a bit scattered.

Prayer changes everything.  I am a firm believer in this, sometimes I doubt, yes but that it because I'm human.  But I do believe that prayer changes things. If the outcome is not what we prayed for we still know that people are brought together through prayer.

I have to chuckle here b/c I know you should begin prayer with Thanksgiving. I think I've just always known that is what you do. Sometimes when I don't know what to say or where to begin I start with the Our Father. This guide here says to end with the Our Father - that made me laugh. Neither is right or wrong for that matter. The important part is that I'm praying and having a conversation with God or just listening and letting Him speak to my heart. Again I agree with Matthew Kelly here, nothing compares to establishing the habit of regular prayer in our lives.  It is one of life's quintessential experiences. I like his thinking. We can survive without the process but we can thrive...are we thriving or surviving? I can tell you right now I'm not really doing either one...I'm in limbo. I know I want more than anything to thrive, to experience ultimate joy and peace each and everyday of life. I think if I start prayer in thanksgiving then I easily realize that I'm thriving because I have so much to be thankful for.

So what is the prayer process: Gratitude, Awareness,  Significant Moments, Peace, Freedom, Others and the Our Father

Gratitude (I have a lot of that.)
Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today. 

Awareness (We ALL need more of this.)
Revisit the times in the past twenty-four hours when you were and were not the-best-version-of-yourself. Talk to God about these situations and what you learned from them.

Significant Moments (there can be so many of these in one day I may spend the whole day in prayer.)
Identify something you experienced today, and explore what God might to be trying to say to you through that event (or person). 

Peace (we definitely need to ask for this everyday when we commit wrong.)
Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you have committed (against yourself, another person, or him) and to fill you with a deep abiding peace. 

Freedom (to be our best self.)
Speak with God about how He is inviting you to change your life, so that you can experience the freedom to be the-best-version-of-yourself. 

Others (again, I'll be all day here.)
Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray for today, asking God to bless and guide them. 

Finish by praying the Our Father. 

One thing I do everyday when I wake up is say "Thank you God for this day."  Sometimes I forget to start Claire's day out that way as well b/c I'm rushing to get her up and get her ready. I need to practice that.

Just like our lives of faith are a journey...prayer is a process. Nothing is every just a one time thing or a one time trick. It all takes work and courage and strength. We need commitment and perseverance.

Every moment of everyday is something that we can do one of the above with...thank God for it, ask for help with it, ask for peace about it, ask God to clarify it or the reason for it...help discerning what the moment means. Everything is a reflection of God, we have to no when to tell the devil to go away. He is not as powerful as we think, it's just we are weaker than we believe we are (at least I think so).  I need to get back to praying for strength to make good choices, to be that best version of myself and to be more Godlike. I know what is right and what is wrong...I just need to act the right way.

As I sit here (I'm going to brag for a bit, but don't take it the wrong way), with my MAC, the iPad, my cell phone, in my King bed (new bedding), furniture finally paid off, new buffet/TV stand and I look around at the richness of my life, I actually want to go back to simpler times. I'm going to do that as best I can as we move forward in building a new house. One that I realize we don't really need. Makes me a hypocrite as I just said I want to go to simpler times, but I'm building a bigger house for a family that according to my spouse will not have more than 1 child. Just makes me realize how spoiled we are.  There is a reason, this lot went on the market for sale.  There is a reason we have the opportunity to purchase it. There is a reason, we want to build a mother-in-law suite for Cathy and Whitney so they can live with us. There is a reason...it'll be revealed in time. God knows what He is doing. If we are building this house, I may just get my second child.  ;)  Fingers crossed...this is one of my prayers.

SIDE BAR: Yesterday we had Claire's third birthday party...yes third. There were so many people there (granted we invited a lot) and still many who couldn't be there. It was like watching God send a hundred blessings all at once. I know she didn't realize it or see it as a blessing, but it was truly God working in our lives.  I wish we could have invited more people. It's like planning her wedding every year. You want to invite all of the family and friends and you never know where to draw the line. Carey and I are extremely lucky to have so many people so close to us.

Then she went to Nana's.  I miss her already.

LENT 2016 Day 25 - Delve into the Gospels

Since I deactivated Facebook and now will find other ways to waste precious time, I'll begin the "Easter Season" by reading the Gospels. The more Matthew Kelly talks about the Gospels changing his life the more of a push I have to actually read each one from beginning to end.  I know that I've heard them all before piece by piece but I think this would be a great road to take on this faith journey of mine.

I think he's right,  there are thousands of ways to explore the Gospels. Using different feels and emotions as we read them.  Patience, courage, spiritual and emotional blindness. We can read and re-read them with a different viewpoint and come out at the end feeling completely different, radically changed and perhaps at times overwhelmed with other emotions, all from reading stories we've read thousands of times and probably many memorized.

I have to agree with Matthew and said I too believe that many of us Christians are immune to truth that is the Gospels. We hear them every Sunday but are we REALLY listening to what they have to say. Sometimes I have Claire with me and I can't focus,  other times I'm alone and I still can't focus on what they Gospel is saying but what I do know is that I can start readying them again and no longer will I be immune to them, but instead I'll be sick with a new desire to live them and a new passion seeing them in a whole different light.

Taking it to the HNL - ho, nutha, level!

POINT TO PONDER: Jesus' teachings are astoundingly practical when we pause to reflect on them.

VERSE TO LIVE: "Your word is a lamp unto my feed and a light unto my path. Psalm 110:105

This was the verse of the devotional just the other day, so I was just singing the song that our teacher, Ms. Sandra Mistretta, wrote a million years ago.  "Nothing will I fear, as long as you are near.  Please be near me 'till the end."  Gosh I love that song.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Have you ever really read the Gospels? 
um....nope sure haven't.  At least I haven't read them in the way God I think intends for us to read them and reread them. I'm behind. I'll get there, and I'll get there sooner than I think.

PRAYER: Jesus, reveal yourself to me as I begin to rediscover you through the Gospels.

I've seen some great things happen over the last 6months of my life thanks to my faith and love for Jesus. I cannot even wrap my head around the idea of rediscover Jesus in a new light.  The thought itself is a bit overwhelming.