In the words of Mother Angelica,
"We are all called to be great saints, don't miss the opportunity."
I read a lot. I listen to a lot of Catholic speakers. I watch videos of Catholic teachers. Lately, the most frequent message I'm hearing is that we are called to sainthood.
No matter who we are. No matter what our pasts look like. No matter what our present looks like.
Every new day can be a day closer to the goal.
What does sainthood look like?
Obedience (abandonment) to the will of God. Another "Mother Angelic lesson" is that if we are struggling, we are probably straining against God's will. Yes, sometimes life is just hard. But if we are fighting God's will and trying to do our own thing, it's a different kind of struggle.
We are called to trust God as small children trust that the adults in their lives will take care of them. They trust that they will be fed, clothed, cared for and loved.
We have to become like little children and believe that God knows what's best for us. He likes to take us out of our comfort zones and shake us up a bit. He likes to stretch us until we know without a doubt that He is the one in charge. All things belong to Him, including us!
Would you like to know the fast track to sainthood? Don't try to do it alone. Latch on tight to Mamma Mary and she will lead you right to her Son.
In your struggles, she prays for you. In your joy, she rejoices with you. In your need, she is there for you because she has the ear of her Son and He loves to listen to His mother.
There is a BOOK I will recommend that changed my life and changes the lives of those who read it and live it.
It is called 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr, Michael Gaitley.
In this amazing book, Fr. Gailey leads you down the path to Marian Consecration by introducing you to Saints who have trusted that Mary would lead them to Jesus.
Mary is already our mother by virtue of the fact that Jesus gave her to us from the cross, "Behold, your mother." John 19:27. We can request her intercession and she will pray for us. By giving ourselves over to her love completely through consecration, we give her permission to bless us with the graces God gives her to distribute to those who ask for them. (And so many people don't ask!!). So ask, and watch what happens. You will be amazed.
Sainthood is for all of us. Don't miss the opportunity.
My other blog
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Meeting God in the Quiet
The past year has been a crazy, busy time.
My schedule was way overpacked and God led me to know that I needed to change that.
Despite my busyness, I found time to read (or mostly listen to) some really great books that lead me to deeper peace and a closer relationship with our Lord. (List at the end.)
As we roll into summer several items have been taken off my "to do" list:
-The grandchildren have different babysitters. Grammy gets to be just Grammy.
-Wayne and I have completed year D of Catholic Biblical School of Michigan - graduation is Thursday.
-The girls will be out of school tomorrow--the driving ends for a little while.
-I am taking a summer vacation from my Thursday morning Faith Sharing group.
I keep asking God what's next but He clearly told me not to pack my schedule again right away.
So now I have time.
Time to:
-write
-read
-do crossword puzzles
-cook dinner for my family
-clean my house
-spend time with the girls while they are on vacation
-take a couple of vacations with Wayne
-take some walks with friends
And, pray. I hope to spend a lot of time in prayer, at Adoration, and reading my Bible.
Now that Bible School is officially over and I don't have assigned Scripture readings and homework, I have to leave my Bible where I can see it every morning so I remember to take the time to find the chapter(s) that will guide my day.
I need to put aside my crossword puzzles and get to the chapel. There is very little to keep me from this precious time with the Lord. I have several books to take there with me over the summer months. In that sacred silence I hope to learn a lot and grow in my faith and become better able to share my faith with my readers and those with whom I come into actual contact.
Looking forward to the quiet and finding God therein.
Book list:
Read and rereading:
Fr. Jacques Philippe:
In the School of the Holy Spirit. (Read)
Searching for and Maintaining Peace (Read)
Called to Life (Reading)
Scott Hahn:
The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order (Read)
The Forth Cup (Read)
Hail Holy Queen (Reread)
Signs of Life (Reading)
C.S. Lewis:
The Four Loves (Read)
The Great Divorce (Read)
Reflections on the Psalms (Read)
Matthew Kelly:
Resisting Happiness (Read)
Dr. Mark Miravalle:
Meet Your Spiritual Father (Read)
Brian Kennelly:
To The Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Pier Giorgio Frassati (Read)
G.K. Chesterton:
St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox (Read)
Bishop Robert Barron:
Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master (Reading)
Happy reading!
My schedule was way overpacked and God led me to know that I needed to change that.
Despite my busyness, I found time to read (or mostly listen to) some really great books that lead me to deeper peace and a closer relationship with our Lord. (List at the end.)
As we roll into summer several items have been taken off my "to do" list:
-The grandchildren have different babysitters. Grammy gets to be just Grammy.
-Wayne and I have completed year D of Catholic Biblical School of Michigan - graduation is Thursday.
-The girls will be out of school tomorrow--the driving ends for a little while.
-I am taking a summer vacation from my Thursday morning Faith Sharing group.
I keep asking God what's next but He clearly told me not to pack my schedule again right away.
So now I have time.
Time to:
-write
-read
-do crossword puzzles
-cook dinner for my family
-clean my house
-spend time with the girls while they are on vacation
-take a couple of vacations with Wayne
-take some walks with friends
And, pray. I hope to spend a lot of time in prayer, at Adoration, and reading my Bible.
Now that Bible School is officially over and I don't have assigned Scripture readings and homework, I have to leave my Bible where I can see it every morning so I remember to take the time to find the chapter(s) that will guide my day.
I need to put aside my crossword puzzles and get to the chapel. There is very little to keep me from this precious time with the Lord. I have several books to take there with me over the summer months. In that sacred silence I hope to learn a lot and grow in my faith and become better able to share my faith with my readers and those with whom I come into actual contact.
Looking forward to the quiet and finding God therein.
Book list:
Read and rereading:
Fr. Jacques Philippe:
In the School of the Holy Spirit. (Read)
Searching for and Maintaining Peace (Read)
Called to Life (Reading)
Scott Hahn:
The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order (Read)
The Forth Cup (Read)
Hail Holy Queen (Reread)
Signs of Life (Reading)
C.S. Lewis:
The Four Loves (Read)
The Great Divorce (Read)
Reflections on the Psalms (Read)
Matthew Kelly:
Resisting Happiness (Read)
Dr. Mark Miravalle:
Meet Your Spiritual Father (Read)
Brian Kennelly:
To The Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Pier Giorgio Frassati (Read)
G.K. Chesterton:
St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox (Read)
Bishop Robert Barron:
Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master (Reading)
Happy reading!
Friday, April 6, 2018
St. Teresa of Calcutta is My Hero
My life right now is a series of helping others.
I help my mom with my dad.
I help my own children and husband with everyday things. A little more difficult when three of those children are far from home and still need mom.
I help my oldest children with their children.
It is my special joy to pour myself out to all these loved ones. But it is tiring.
On the days when I feel like napping the day away, or hiding in the shower for an extra five minutes, I think of Mother Teresa.
She took care of the sick and dying (as I am doing) for love of Christ.
The most enormous difference is that she did all she did for STRANGERS.
I am surrounded by people I love and who love me back. That makes the giving so much easier for me. I get hugs, kisses, texts, and Masses offer for me by all the people I help and comfort.
Mother Teresa cared for people she'd never met before they were brought to her doorstep in tragic condition.
She poured out the love of Christ on these people who she knew would be meeting Him in person very soon.
I am pretty sure that she did not have access to a hot shower at the end of her long days. I wonder if she (and her Sisters) even had washing machines to launder all the clothes and sheets and supplies she went through.
Whenever I am tempted to murmur or silently bemoan my long days, I immediately bring St. Teresa to mind so that I can put my days in their proper perspective. I have not one single reason to complain about anything.
God is good all the time. I am His servant as He called me to be and "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
My other blog.
I help my mom with my dad.
I help my own children and husband with everyday things. A little more difficult when three of those children are far from home and still need mom.
I help my oldest children with their children.
It is my special joy to pour myself out to all these loved ones. But it is tiring.
On the days when I feel like napping the day away, or hiding in the shower for an extra five minutes, I think of Mother Teresa.
She took care of the sick and dying (as I am doing) for love of Christ.
The most enormous difference is that she did all she did for STRANGERS.
I am surrounded by people I love and who love me back. That makes the giving so much easier for me. I get hugs, kisses, texts, and Masses offer for me by all the people I help and comfort.
Mother Teresa cared for people she'd never met before they were brought to her doorstep in tragic condition.
She poured out the love of Christ on these people who she knew would be meeting Him in person very soon.
I am pretty sure that she did not have access to a hot shower at the end of her long days. I wonder if she (and her Sisters) even had washing machines to launder all the clothes and sheets and supplies she went through.
Whenever I am tempted to murmur or silently bemoan my long days, I immediately bring St. Teresa to mind so that I can put my days in their proper perspective. I have not one single reason to complain about anything.
God is good all the time. I am His servant as He called me to be and "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
My other blog.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
How Is Your Soul?
Has anyone ever asked you that question before?
No one has ever asked me, but I will be bold and ask you:
How is your soul?
Lent is a beautiful time of year to let go of all the sins you've been holding on to.
How long has it been since you met Jesus in the confessional?
A short time?
A long time?
A LONG time?
Be good to yourself. Go get cleaned up.
It will change you in ways you didn't know you needed to be changed.
The sun will shine brighter (so will your halo), the world will feel like a new place.
Afraid??
Don't be. Jesus is all merciful. He can forgive any sin (except those for which you do not repent and confess.)
Do you think the priest will be shocked?
He won't. If he's been ordained more than a year, he's probably heard it all.
What he will be is JOYFUL!
He may even say, "Welcome back!" I hope he does.
Not sure how to start?
First pray to the Holy Spirit to show you your sins. He is very gentle, but persistent!
Do you need an examination of conscience?
Go to USCCB.org Use the search bar and type in examination of conscience. They have different options depending on your state in life. They are very helpful.
Decide if you want to talk to the priest face to face or anonymously. Choose your confessional based on your preference.
Then begin:
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Bless me, Father for I have sinned. It's been _________(weeks, months, years) since my last confession."
Then pour out your heart. Remember Jesus is there hearing your confession. The priest is there to say the words Jesus wants you to hear.
You may also want to look for and print out an Act of Contrition. Some parishes have them printed out for you, some don't.
Most parishes have extra confession times during Lent. Check out their websites or go in and grab a church bulletin. (You may find some other interesting activities you'd like to try.)
Make this your best Easter ever.
I'll be praying for you.
My other blog
No one has ever asked me, but I will be bold and ask you:
How is your soul?
Lent is a beautiful time of year to let go of all the sins you've been holding on to.
How long has it been since you met Jesus in the confessional?
A short time?
A long time?
A LONG time?
Be good to yourself. Go get cleaned up.
It will change you in ways you didn't know you needed to be changed.
The sun will shine brighter (so will your halo), the world will feel like a new place.
Afraid??
Don't be. Jesus is all merciful. He can forgive any sin (except those for which you do not repent and confess.)
Do you think the priest will be shocked?
He won't. If he's been ordained more than a year, he's probably heard it all.
What he will be is JOYFUL!
He may even say, "Welcome back!" I hope he does.
Not sure how to start?
First pray to the Holy Spirit to show you your sins. He is very gentle, but persistent!
Do you need an examination of conscience?
Go to USCCB.org Use the search bar and type in examination of conscience. They have different options depending on your state in life. They are very helpful.
Decide if you want to talk to the priest face to face or anonymously. Choose your confessional based on your preference.
Then begin:
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Bless me, Father for I have sinned. It's been _________(weeks, months, years) since my last confession."
Then pour out your heart. Remember Jesus is there hearing your confession. The priest is there to say the words Jesus wants you to hear.
You may also want to look for and print out an Act of Contrition. Some parishes have them printed out for you, some don't.
Most parishes have extra confession times during Lent. Check out their websites or go in and grab a church bulletin. (You may find some other interesting activities you'd like to try.)
Make this your best Easter ever.
I'll be praying for you.
My other blog
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