National Day of Prayer

Learning Christ
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle
In all the events of life-
  in disappointments,
  in the thoughtlessness of others,
  in the insincerity of those I trusted,
  in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside,
  to think of the happiness of others,
  to hide my little pains and heartaches,
  so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that is may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable. That it make me broad in My forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey Toward ETERNAL LIFE.

As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of power for Good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

Inspiration

Not In Vain

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life from aching;

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.
                                      -Emily Dickinson

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday-a particularly austere day.  My kids told me that they hate thinking what people did to Jesus.  They hate thinking that people did this to him or to anyone.

I didn't have the right words then, so I told them that Jesus didn't enjoy it either.  That he knew it would be painful and what would happen.  He knew his life would be hard.  He knew he was going to die. God never promised anyone (not even Jesus) an easy life, but, he did promise a blessed one. He promised never to leave you although you could choose to leave him (even then he promised to be waiting for you when you decide to come home).

I told them not to focus on the pain and the terrible torture that he suffered but, to focus on the beautiful gift of hope he bestowed upon the earth.  Think of all the good that has come from this single man's willingness to sacrifice for the sake of everyone (even the non-believers). I also reminded them that although he died he rose very shortly after.  He is alive and strong now.  He is strong in each one of us because we are willing to be peaceful, generous, forgiving and loving towards all people.

Still, as I contemplate, I think about the Catholics that are being murdered over seas today.  I think of the bashing we take for wanting to protect unborn babies or human beings on death row.  I think of all the ridicule and disrespect that we must endure.  I think of all the people who have no idea what it is like to be Catholic making judgments about our beliefs (which they rarely ever get right). I think of the movies that insist on blasting down Cathedrals and symbols of Catholicism.  In essence, people are still trying to kill Jesus on a cross.  People are still trying to break down the force of love he tries to spread through us.

Today, I am especially sensitive to those that try to tear down my God's word.  I am especially sensitive to the people condemning Jesus to the cross in present day.  I am especially sensitive about my God. period.

Dearest Loving God,
Please forgive them...they don't know what they are doing
Change their hearts and heal their souls
Bless them with your power for mercy and love.
Amen

Quote

"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

— Søren Kierkegaard

Appreciation

Sometimes we must focus on the light on the wall instead of what is on the other side.

Lent is Approaching!

Yes I am excited! Each year during Lent, I make a special effort to pray daily. But, I keep that promise to myself and to God and it has an amazing affect on me. Each year I think not of some nasty habit to break but, something that I can DO instead of NOT DOING! Something to make me a better Christian Human Being. For me it is devotion by way of prayer (it is silent and it is mine).

I also expect a great time because this Lent my husband is going to take care of his body and so am I. Which means we will exercise, rest, laugh, love, and eat well TOGETHER! It doesn't seem like a sacrifice but it is, because we will not give in to gluttony, nor will we fill our bodies with the wrong things. We will give up the extra hours of sleep to exercise. We will give up doing nothing (on the web) for doing something for each other.

Also, this year I am starting a new tradition of 40 bags in 40 days.  It is 40 large bags of clutter or garbage that go out of my house and life over 40 days.  This will not only de-clutter my home a bit, but it will give my home more peace, serenity, and hopefully some simplicity. What to do with these 40 bags, if they are in good condition they will be donated either to friends or to the local assistance group. If they are trash they will be recycled or be donated to the dump. Either way, our religion values detachment from material things and this is a good way to achieve a little detachment everyday. I totally dig this idea...totally.

Some Lenten Ideas:

• Find a Partner to make a mutual sacrifice--this is nice when you have someone with which to share your experience and growth.
• Break it down into smaller week sacrifices (especially for children)--this makes the sacrifice periods less daunting and more attainable. One week they could pray every morning, the next week they could do the dishes, the next week help someone everyday, etc.
• Research another Christian Religion and see what they do during Lent, maybe there is something that can make you a better Catholic.
• If you forget or stray, it is not a sin. Don't FREAK, just continue practicing your sacrifice from that point on. God will NOT be mad at you for slipping up.
• Change your perspective on why you make the sacrifice--instead of an act of obedience or servitude make your sacrifice because you are in love with God!

I hope you are excited about Lent. It is not something that I dread. It is truly a season I look forward to because it is all about giving up and letting go.  There is no gift giving or over eating.  There is no politics on what should be said.  There is no media attention during this time. For me it is such a peaceful, quiet time of the year. It is a tender time to heal and strengthen in spirit and faith. It is individual, private, and (for me) the most spiritual part of the year.

Peace Be With You

Husband Blessing

Today I can think of nothing else than to be thankful for my husband. Here is my prayer for him:

Dearest loving God,
You are always with me and bless me so often.
I can only show thankfulness with these words here
And by honoring the husband you have blessed me with.
Thank you so much for my husband.
Thank you for his laughter and his gentle kindness.
Thank you for the faithfulness that he holds towards me.
Thank you so much for the security, tenderness, and intimacy he offers to only me.
And thank you for the strength he has taught me.

Thank you for my life long companion.
Thank you for someone to hold when I am happy
and when I am worried.
Thank you for someone to tell me I am beautiful when I am not sure of myself.
Thank you for someone to father my children.
Thank you for someone to care for and love forever.

Bless my beautiful husband with peace of mind,
Confidence in his soul,
Forgiveness in his heart,
Understanding in his thoughts,
And freedom of his being.

I pray that we always reach for each other,
Whether it be in Summer or Winter.

Let him see my love for him in the meals I prepare,
In the children we are raising,
It the songs that I sing,
In the moments he catches me staring at him in awe,
And in the gentle touches as I pass him throughout our everyday.

May my love for him be evident every single day of my life.

I know that My Love is a Blessing from you. Thank you God.
Amen.