Tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday!
The day when the Fountain of Jesus' Mercy is just so great and overflowing and ready for us to come to it.
Mercy.
Mercy is a mysterious thing when you think about it. It's a special kind of forgiveness. Because, really, who doesn't get at least a bit upset when they think about all the terrible things they have done through their life. I sure do. I get a bit more than a bit upset.
Our sins, really, deserve punishment. God is the most Pure, Loving, Holy, Glorious, Good, Amazing, and Indescribably Wonderful. And we go against Him all the time.
But when we are sorry, He sees this. He sees the sorrow for our sins, the desire to do better, and the fear of pain and punishment. He hears our cries, no matter how bad we are. He hears us. He always hears us.
And then, He Forgives. Not a human forgiveness. Human forgiveness is imperfect in my opinion. Yes, we forgive the wrong that someone has done to us. But, we may remember it, and have a tendency to maybe be a bit wary of that person. Like, if someone makes fun of you. You forgive them, but you might not want to hang around with them for a little while, because you don't want to feel that pain again.
But God just welcomes us back! He isn't going to do the above. He won't leave us. In fact, He wants us to come back to Him, now! He loves us so much, He's not going to give up on us! He's not going to leave us, ever!
Even though we may deserve great punishment,
He is merciful. God is amazing.
Oh yeah, April 6
Listening to the song "Blessings" by Laura Story
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
blog challenge
Oh boy, i forgot some days.. LOL
April 3
taking walks in the woods and just listening.
April 4
planning gardens
April 5
sitting in a tree.
hopefully i can come up with some better answers over the next few days. I haven't had the best day today :/
April 3
taking walks in the woods and just listening.
April 4
planning gardens
April 5
sitting in a tree.
hopefully i can come up with some better answers over the next few days. I haven't had the best day today :/
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April Blog challenge
Happy Easter! (A bit late, but we are still in the octave of Easter. It's Easter Tuesday!) The Lord is Risen!
Well, to help me feel a bit better, and to help you feel a bit inspired, I have decided to do a blog challenge this month! I have never done one before, so I am going to make one up LOL i will probably miss a few days (kinda like how i was gonna post more for Lent… yeah.)
So, for each day in April, I will post a little bit about something that makes me feel happy or Peaceful or gives me hope, or generally good in some way. After all, Easter is a time of celebration, joy, hope and new life. So hopefully this will help me to experience these things better.
I guess I should post one for yesterday too. So here goes
April 1: Thinking of Heaven. Sometimes (not very often though) I just try to Imagine what it will (With the Lords help and abundant Mercy!!) be like to be welcomed into Heaven. I see this "wall" of cloud or mist, and i walk into it. There I see the most beautiful sight ever. I'm standing on top of a hill covered with the greenest grass you've ever seen in your life. The hill dips into a lovely green valley. On the left of the valley is a Beautiful forest. Slightly to the right of the valley is a glorious mountain. Coming out of/off of the mountain is the most breathtaking waterfall. The water is so clear and blue it looks like it's made of crystal. God sits on top of this mountain.
Jesus is standing right next to me, welcoming me. In front of me also is a large group of Saints that have prayed for me, greeting me. Imagining this image in my head, makes me very peaceful, but also perhaps a bit sad. Because i know I don't deserve it.
April 2: Reading about Saints that have gone through what I am going through. One of these is St. Alphonsis Ligouri. He was scrupulous, and may never have been "cured" of it. But He made it to Heaven. You see, one of the things about scrupulosity is that, almost every fault we have, almost every little thing we do wrong (or even think we may have done wrong) seems like a mortal sin, even if it's not. Then we think, Obviously if we are *always* in a state of mortal sin, this is certainly displeasing to God. Therefore, Heaven often seems like an unattainable dream. So reading and learning about scrupulous Saints, especially St. Alphonsis, really gives me hope. If he made it, without being cured of scrupulousity, or even just bearing it for most of his life, then perhaps I could too, even if i can't be "cured". Everything is possible with God.
Welp, there you have it. My first post of my first attempted blog challenge.
Well, to help me feel a bit better, and to help you feel a bit inspired, I have decided to do a blog challenge this month! I have never done one before, so I am going to make one up LOL i will probably miss a few days (kinda like how i was gonna post more for Lent… yeah.)
So, for each day in April, I will post a little bit about something that makes me feel happy or Peaceful or gives me hope, or generally good in some way. After all, Easter is a time of celebration, joy, hope and new life. So hopefully this will help me to experience these things better.
I guess I should post one for yesterday too. So here goes
April 1: Thinking of Heaven. Sometimes (not very often though) I just try to Imagine what it will (With the Lords help and abundant Mercy!!) be like to be welcomed into Heaven. I see this "wall" of cloud or mist, and i walk into it. There I see the most beautiful sight ever. I'm standing on top of a hill covered with the greenest grass you've ever seen in your life. The hill dips into a lovely green valley. On the left of the valley is a Beautiful forest. Slightly to the right of the valley is a glorious mountain. Coming out of/off of the mountain is the most breathtaking waterfall. The water is so clear and blue it looks like it's made of crystal. God sits on top of this mountain.
Jesus is standing right next to me, welcoming me. In front of me also is a large group of Saints that have prayed for me, greeting me. Imagining this image in my head, makes me very peaceful, but also perhaps a bit sad. Because i know I don't deserve it.
April 2: Reading about Saints that have gone through what I am going through. One of these is St. Alphonsis Ligouri. He was scrupulous, and may never have been "cured" of it. But He made it to Heaven. You see, one of the things about scrupulosity is that, almost every fault we have, almost every little thing we do wrong (or even think we may have done wrong) seems like a mortal sin, even if it's not. Then we think, Obviously if we are *always* in a state of mortal sin, this is certainly displeasing to God. Therefore, Heaven often seems like an unattainable dream. So reading and learning about scrupulous Saints, especially St. Alphonsis, really gives me hope. If he made it, without being cured of scrupulousity, or even just bearing it for most of his life, then perhaps I could too, even if i can't be "cured". Everything is possible with God.
Welp, there you have it. My first post of my first attempted blog challenge.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Struggles
In my last posts i mentioned that i was going through a hard time and needed some Prayers. I am still struggling, but If you have been Praying for me, I thank you very much. I don't think the power of prayer can be overestimated. If you would keep Praying, that would be simply wonderful.
So today i decided to kinda go out of my comfortable little circle and tell you a little about what I am struggling with.
You may or may not have heard the term "scrupulosity" or "scrupulous" before. It's also referred to as "the doubting decease" and "Religious OCD". The latter term gives you a better idea of what it is.
Basically, I have an "over developed conscience" if you will. At first you would think, "we'll isn't that a good thing? Having a well developed conscience is good to help you on the right path and keeps you out of trouble, right?"
Well, yes! Our consciences are a wonderful gift from God. I don't even want to think about what would happen if we had no conscience. But, the way my conscience works is a bit odd. Instead of being too lax about somethings, my conscience is too strict about somethings. It's hard to explain. I don't want to go into *too much* detail, but I do want to give you an idea of what's going on, not really so that you will "feel sorry for me" but to give you an understanding of what I am going through and also that you will be aware that other people are suffering from this also, and they need Prayers just as much as I do. Sometimes it's easier to Pray for people if you know what you are Praying for.
Basically, almost every mistake I make is a sin, and probably a mortal one, in my mind. Some how, somewhere, my mind sees a little venial sin as a mortal sin,
Even when it's not. Here is an example that may help you understand it a little.
A lot of times i will have obsessive "bad thoughts" which are basically just temptations. the temptation isn't a sin, right? It's when we give into it that it becomes a sin. we cant avoid simply having temptations. well, these "bad thoughts" that won't leave me alone, will almost send me into a panic attack about weather or not i brought up the thoughts and entertained them? was it a mortal sin? Should i go to Communion on Sunday? Maybe i should rush to confession right now? i probably have had a panic attack because of these things before. Then i end up feeling absolutely terrible and end up in quite a depressed mood. Then of course i start obsessing over wether or not feeling this way is despair, another sin, which makes me feel worse, and i end up as a sobbing mess.
That's just one example. And it's not just me who has these problems. Like i said above, there are more people with this condition. So many that there is even a newsletter that you can get called "Scrupulous anonymous" that is run by a Priest or a group of Priests, that is specifically meant to help scrupulous people overcome this condition. And believe me, it's no easy task.
So if you've been Praying, again, thank you a thousand times! Please continue to Pray if you would, but not just for me. Please pray for Healing for all scrupulous people. It's really tough and the fear and anxiety that comes with it sometimes feels like downright torture. Not all scrupulous people's scrupulosity is as bad as mine, but there are some who are worse off.
One more thing. I'm not trying to scare anyone into sinning more or anything. I don't want you to not have a well developed conscience. Our conscience is a good thing. Scruples can be a good thing if they don't get out of hand. These things where given to us to help us on our journey to Heaven. To stay away from sin, to avoid all evil, to help us please God more! Don't stop growing in your faith. Don't ever stop. This condition is just something that i have, along with others. It's not something that Happens overnight. It probably has something to do with how our brains work and change (hence the term "Religious OCD". OCD is a disorder of the mind)
Thanks for the Prayers, and please keep Praying!
God bless you! And have a wonderful Palm Sunday tomorrow!
So today i decided to kinda go out of my comfortable little circle and tell you a little about what I am struggling with.
You may or may not have heard the term "scrupulosity" or "scrupulous" before. It's also referred to as "the doubting decease" and "Religious OCD". The latter term gives you a better idea of what it is.
Basically, I have an "over developed conscience" if you will. At first you would think, "we'll isn't that a good thing? Having a well developed conscience is good to help you on the right path and keeps you out of trouble, right?"
Well, yes! Our consciences are a wonderful gift from God. I don't even want to think about what would happen if we had no conscience. But, the way my conscience works is a bit odd. Instead of being too lax about somethings, my conscience is too strict about somethings. It's hard to explain. I don't want to go into *too much* detail, but I do want to give you an idea of what's going on, not really so that you will "feel sorry for me" but to give you an understanding of what I am going through and also that you will be aware that other people are suffering from this also, and they need Prayers just as much as I do. Sometimes it's easier to Pray for people if you know what you are Praying for.
Basically, almost every mistake I make is a sin, and probably a mortal one, in my mind. Some how, somewhere, my mind sees a little venial sin as a mortal sin,
Even when it's not. Here is an example that may help you understand it a little.
A lot of times i will have obsessive "bad thoughts" which are basically just temptations. the temptation isn't a sin, right? It's when we give into it that it becomes a sin. we cant avoid simply having temptations. well, these "bad thoughts" that won't leave me alone, will almost send me into a panic attack about weather or not i brought up the thoughts and entertained them? was it a mortal sin? Should i go to Communion on Sunday? Maybe i should rush to confession right now? i probably have had a panic attack because of these things before. Then i end up feeling absolutely terrible and end up in quite a depressed mood. Then of course i start obsessing over wether or not feeling this way is despair, another sin, which makes me feel worse, and i end up as a sobbing mess.
That's just one example. And it's not just me who has these problems. Like i said above, there are more people with this condition. So many that there is even a newsletter that you can get called "Scrupulous anonymous" that is run by a Priest or a group of Priests, that is specifically meant to help scrupulous people overcome this condition. And believe me, it's no easy task.
So if you've been Praying, again, thank you a thousand times! Please continue to Pray if you would, but not just for me. Please pray for Healing for all scrupulous people. It's really tough and the fear and anxiety that comes with it sometimes feels like downright torture. Not all scrupulous people's scrupulosity is as bad as mine, but there are some who are worse off.
One more thing. I'm not trying to scare anyone into sinning more or anything. I don't want you to not have a well developed conscience. Our conscience is a good thing. Scruples can be a good thing if they don't get out of hand. These things where given to us to help us on our journey to Heaven. To stay away from sin, to avoid all evil, to help us please God more! Don't stop growing in your faith. Don't ever stop. This condition is just something that i have, along with others. It's not something that Happens overnight. It probably has something to do with how our brains work and change (hence the term "Religious OCD". OCD is a disorder of the mind)
Thanks for the Prayers, and please keep Praying!
God bless you! And have a wonderful Palm Sunday tomorrow!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Trees :)
Well, so much for posting more during Lent. . . Iv'e been struggling with a lot of things in my life lately. I don't really want to go into details, and I certainly don't want to worry anyone, but if you would just say a couple little prayers for me, that would be greatly appreciated.
Now, if only I could remember what I was going to post about! I thought I had something really good, but now I can't remember it. So, I guess I will write about something else LOL
Well, I kinda need a little break from the world right now, so I'm just gonna start on something kinda random. How about, my favorite trees :D
Have you ever heard of those giant redwood trees? They are officially one of my favorite trees. Those things are huge! I saw a picture of some people climbing one (they needed climbing gear, like you would use for rock climbing!) and they looked like Squirrels compared to that tree! I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to climb one, (I don't have any climbing gear, and that would be quite a height) but they are just so cool.
here's some more info about them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_sempervirens
I also like bonsai trees. . . . . LOL the biggest trees and the smallest trees :) I know they aren't really a specific "species", because they can be a variety of different species, but they are really really cool. They are so tiny! I have wanted a Bonsai tree for, I don't know how long! It would be so cool. They are so tiny, and they just make me think of little tiny people in little tiny villages. (Ok, I admit it, I am a bit obsessed/fascinated with little tiny things :) )
Another one of my favorites are Maples trees. They are probably one of the most common trees in my area. They Smell So Good! Something about Maple trees is just very calming to me. There is one in my backyard that I climb sometimes. I've done all sorts of things up there, Drawing, Bird watching, reading and just thinking about things. This may be strange to you, but I have to say, that tree is one of my favorite places.
And another of my favorites are Oak trees. Like Maples, they smell really good, and are also another common tree in my area. There is something about Oak trees that make them look so wise. I know, Trees can't really be "wise", after all, they don't really think or talk or anything, but if oak trees were people, they would look like very wise people. I have one of them in my backyard also, and I also like to hang out in that one. One time I was sitting up there, and a squirrel started coming down the tree. He rounded the trunk only to see me sitting there, And he just stopped. He was about three or four feet above me in the tree, and he just kept peeking at me like he was flabbergasted. He looked like he was thinking "Humans in trees? How can that be? No. No I am not seeing a human in this tree. No, I am! There is a human in this tree!" LOL after a little while, probably just a few seconds or a minute, he scampered back up the tree. It was quite funny.
Well anyway, as you can see, I am pretty fascinated with trees. I could go on and on about all the trees I like, but then the post would be so long that no-one would ever make it to the end! LOL
Edit: **** GASP******
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I scrolled down on the link I posted above about redwoods, and I found this! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Redwood_bonsai.JPG
It's a BONSAI REDWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my. .. . Oh my! That would be so COOL! It's a. . . It's a. . .. . . . . . . MINIATURE GIANT! haha!
Now, if only I could remember what I was going to post about! I thought I had something really good, but now I can't remember it. So, I guess I will write about something else LOL
Well, I kinda need a little break from the world right now, so I'm just gonna start on something kinda random. How about, my favorite trees :D
Have you ever heard of those giant redwood trees? They are officially one of my favorite trees. Those things are huge! I saw a picture of some people climbing one (they needed climbing gear, like you would use for rock climbing!) and they looked like Squirrels compared to that tree! I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to climb one, (I don't have any climbing gear, and that would be quite a height) but they are just so cool.
here's some more info about them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_sempervirens
I also like bonsai trees. . . . . LOL the biggest trees and the smallest trees :) I know they aren't really a specific "species", because they can be a variety of different species, but they are really really cool. They are so tiny! I have wanted a Bonsai tree for, I don't know how long! It would be so cool. They are so tiny, and they just make me think of little tiny people in little tiny villages. (Ok, I admit it, I am a bit obsessed/fascinated with little tiny things :) )
Another one of my favorites are Maples trees. They are probably one of the most common trees in my area. They Smell So Good! Something about Maple trees is just very calming to me. There is one in my backyard that I climb sometimes. I've done all sorts of things up there, Drawing, Bird watching, reading and just thinking about things. This may be strange to you, but I have to say, that tree is one of my favorite places.
And another of my favorites are Oak trees. Like Maples, they smell really good, and are also another common tree in my area. There is something about Oak trees that make them look so wise. I know, Trees can't really be "wise", after all, they don't really think or talk or anything, but if oak trees were people, they would look like very wise people. I have one of them in my backyard also, and I also like to hang out in that one. One time I was sitting up there, and a squirrel started coming down the tree. He rounded the trunk only to see me sitting there, And he just stopped. He was about three or four feet above me in the tree, and he just kept peeking at me like he was flabbergasted. He looked like he was thinking "Humans in trees? How can that be? No. No I am not seeing a human in this tree. No, I am! There is a human in this tree!" LOL after a little while, probably just a few seconds or a minute, he scampered back up the tree. It was quite funny.
Well anyway, as you can see, I am pretty fascinated with trees. I could go on and on about all the trees I like, but then the post would be so long that no-one would ever make it to the end! LOL
Edit: **** GASP******
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I scrolled down on the link I posted above about redwoods, and I found this! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Redwood_bonsai.JPG
It's a BONSAI REDWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my. .. . Oh my! That would be so COOL! It's a. . . It's a. . .. . . . . . . MINIATURE GIANT! haha!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
You are loved
Is there someone in your life who you know loves you? You know that they would always do what they thought best for you.You know that you could always trust this person, and that they will never let you down. You know that this person is there for you whenever you should need them.
I am very blessed I have a few of these people in my life.
But I know that are some out there who don't feel they have anyone like this. There may be times where even those of us Blessed enough to have a few of these people, don;'t feel like they do. Perhaps they did let you down or something, after all, they are humans too, we all make mistakes. Maybe one of these people who feel this way are reading this right now and feeling very sad. But don't despair. You are loved.
Perhaps you are feeling unloved. Perhaps a friend has let you down. Maybe you battle with depression. Maybe someone really betrayed you. Maybe you aren't doing well financially. Perhaps you are in big trouble for some reason. whatever the case, maybe you are feeling very unloved tonight. And even if you aren't (I wasn't feeling particularly unloved at all tonight) Sometimes being reminded of these things really makes us think.
Tonight, I was looking through an old journal of mine, from when I worked on my Marian award in my scout troop. I found several "Apostles of the the Holy Spirit Bulletin"s. So I decided to look at one or two. After flipping through the "Holy Spirit, Help us to Forgive" issue, I pick up the "The Holy Spirit, and His Gifts of Faith, Hope and Love" issue, and start flipping through that one.
I get to the section called "I am Loved by Jesus" section, which has some Bible verses testifying to the fact that God loves us so much. I know that God loves me. I know that God loves everyone. But sometimes, reading how much He loves us, well, I'll admit I shed a few tears. Here are the ones that hit me the most. (I would share all of them, but i'm afraid that might take me all night)
Isaiah 49:15 (I started getting a little choked up on this one)
"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even if she forget, I WILL NEVER forget you. See, I have written your name on the palms of My Hands"
Jer. 29:11-14 (this one i think is the one where i started shedding a few tears)
"I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call Me, when you go to Pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, say the Lord and I will change your lot."
Matt. 12:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light"
John 3-16:
"Yes, God so Loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have Eternal Life."
John 15-9:
"As the Father has Loved Me, so I have Loved you. Live on in my Love."
Isaiah 43:1:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name, you are mine"
See? God loves you! No matter how many times people have let you down, and as we see from Isaiah 49:15, Even of our own mothers forget us, God will NEVER FORGET US! He is the only one who will never let you down. People will let you down sometimes, because we are all sinners. But God always does what's best for us. We may not realize it at that time, We may want something else. But God knows what is best, and He is always doing what is best for us.
So even if you don't have a person on this earth that you can confide in, even if you are rejected and thrown away, even of you have been broken and hurt and have no one to turn to, think again. You always have God. You can talk to Him any time, whether it's two o'clock in the afternoon, or 2 am, it doesn't matter. He's always there and ready to listen.
God always loves us. Even if we have offended Him, He wants us to come back to us. All we have to do is have a contrite heart, go to confession and repent! He want us to come to Him!
You are loved. And you always will be.
(Another funny thing, Isn't it ironic that I found these verses on Valentines day! Coincidence? I think not! LOL ;) )
I am very blessed I have a few of these people in my life.
But I know that are some out there who don't feel they have anyone like this. There may be times where even those of us Blessed enough to have a few of these people, don;'t feel like they do. Perhaps they did let you down or something, after all, they are humans too, we all make mistakes. Maybe one of these people who feel this way are reading this right now and feeling very sad. But don't despair. You are loved.
Perhaps you are feeling unloved. Perhaps a friend has let you down. Maybe you battle with depression. Maybe someone really betrayed you. Maybe you aren't doing well financially. Perhaps you are in big trouble for some reason. whatever the case, maybe you are feeling very unloved tonight. And even if you aren't (I wasn't feeling particularly unloved at all tonight) Sometimes being reminded of these things really makes us think.
Tonight, I was looking through an old journal of mine, from when I worked on my Marian award in my scout troop. I found several "Apostles of the the Holy Spirit Bulletin"s. So I decided to look at one or two. After flipping through the "Holy Spirit, Help us to Forgive" issue, I pick up the "The Holy Spirit, and His Gifts of Faith, Hope and Love" issue, and start flipping through that one.
I get to the section called "I am Loved by Jesus" section, which has some Bible verses testifying to the fact that God loves us so much. I know that God loves me. I know that God loves everyone. But sometimes, reading how much He loves us, well, I'll admit I shed a few tears. Here are the ones that hit me the most. (I would share all of them, but i'm afraid that might take me all night)
Isaiah 49:15 (I started getting a little choked up on this one)
"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even if she forget, I WILL NEVER forget you. See, I have written your name on the palms of My Hands"
Jer. 29:11-14 (this one i think is the one where i started shedding a few tears)
"I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call Me, when you go to Pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, say the Lord and I will change your lot."
Matt. 12:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light"
John 3-16:
"Yes, God so Loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have Eternal Life."
John 15-9:
"As the Father has Loved Me, so I have Loved you. Live on in my Love."
Isaiah 43:1:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name, you are mine"
See? God loves you! No matter how many times people have let you down, and as we see from Isaiah 49:15, Even of our own mothers forget us, God will NEVER FORGET US! He is the only one who will never let you down. People will let you down sometimes, because we are all sinners. But God always does what's best for us. We may not realize it at that time, We may want something else. But God knows what is best, and He is always doing what is best for us.
So even if you don't have a person on this earth that you can confide in, even if you are rejected and thrown away, even of you have been broken and hurt and have no one to turn to, think again. You always have God. You can talk to Him any time, whether it's two o'clock in the afternoon, or 2 am, it doesn't matter. He's always there and ready to listen.
God always loves us. Even if we have offended Him, He wants us to come back to us. All we have to do is have a contrite heart, go to confession and repent! He want us to come to Him!
You are loved. And you always will be.
(Another funny thing, Isn't it ironic that I found these verses on Valentines day! Coincidence? I think not! LOL ;) )
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday
Did you go to Mass today, and get ashes placed on your head?
Have you reflected on the words which were said as this was being done?
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
And so we shall. When our life here on earth has ended, and it is time to go to our eternal reward, as our spirit passes into the next world, our bodies will turn to dust. Because that's what we are made of.
Without God, we are nothing. We really are just dust. We can't do anything with out Him. We have no life with out Him.
But God makes us into something. He puts the breath of life into each of us, and gives use a unique mission here on earth. No one's path to Heaven is exactly the same.
Today we got some snow here. The Snowflakes are reminding me of people. Each one is different. Each one has a certain place to land. And each one is made of water, and it will return to water in a very short time.
When you think about how long people usually live, compared to eternity, our lives are nothing. When you think about what we do for God, compared to what He does for us, our sacrifice is nothing. When you think about His infinite Goodness, compared to our little goodness and endless faults, we are nothing.
Yes, We are made of dust, and to dust we shall return. But God has also created for us a Soul. And in that Soul, when we live in Him and Him in us, and His infinite goodness and mercifulness touches us, we have life. Eternal Life.
Have you reflected on the words which were said as this was being done?
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
And so we shall. When our life here on earth has ended, and it is time to go to our eternal reward, as our spirit passes into the next world, our bodies will turn to dust. Because that's what we are made of.
Without God, we are nothing. We really are just dust. We can't do anything with out Him. We have no life with out Him.
But God makes us into something. He puts the breath of life into each of us, and gives use a unique mission here on earth. No one's path to Heaven is exactly the same.
Today we got some snow here. The Snowflakes are reminding me of people. Each one is different. Each one has a certain place to land. And each one is made of water, and it will return to water in a very short time.
When you think about how long people usually live, compared to eternity, our lives are nothing. When you think about what we do for God, compared to what He does for us, our sacrifice is nothing. When you think about His infinite Goodness, compared to our little goodness and endless faults, we are nothing.
Yes, We are made of dust, and to dust we shall return. But God has also created for us a Soul. And in that Soul, when we live in Him and Him in us, and His infinite goodness and mercifulness touches us, we have life. Eternal Life.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Lent starts tomorrow!
Well, I am actually a little bit excited about Lent.
Last Lent was, I think, Pretty life changing for me. I tried starting some good habits either during last lent or around that time. (along with the traditional giving up a few things) Those Good habits that I started, I think, Have really helped me.
Maybe this Lent, You could try something a little different. Maybe instead of the same thing you did last year (and possibly the year before. I think most of us are guilty of giving up sweets, which is hard to do!, year after year LOL) Maybe you could step it up a bit. It's never to late to make a change.
Sure, It's gonna be hard. But that's the point! If you aren't tempted, then it's not much of a sacrifice. Maybe the thing you have done in the past is really hard. I'm not saying it's not. it is hard to walk past all those really yummy things in the grocery store that we might usually buy, and pass them up. It is hard to see all the other people buying those things. But, we can do a little more.
You Can Do It! You can give a little more! Really! You can do it! Make this Lent a life changer! You could start with just a little bit more, and as we get closer to the end of lent, add a bit more each week or so. (I've never done that, but I don't see why you couldn't) Or you could Go rushing into Lent, Crying out your Battle cry and Fighting demons every step of the way!!!!!!!!!!!! ( hehehe :) actually that battle cry idea isn't such a bad idea. you could shout in your head FOR THE LORD! or FOR SACRIFICE AND REPARATION! or BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE! or something.) Because you do realize that's what we are doing everyday. there's a battle all around us and we are a part of it. Each time we are tempted and decide not to go the way of temptation, We are fighting the "other side".
I think the most important thing to remember this Lent, is Why we are doing these things. Why are we giving up things that we enjoy? Why are we doing things that we don't normally do? Why are we changing our lives?
If we forget why we are doing these things, then there is not really a point. If we are doing them for no reason, then why are we doing them?
We are doing them because we love God! We are doing them because He loves us! We are doing them because God sent down His only Son, and He died for us so that we could be saved, because He loves us so much! God's love and mercy are so great!
So really! Maybe you could do a little more. Each time you are tempted, maybe you should make a "battle cry" to remember why you are doing it. Pray about it. Offer up your suffering, however great or small.
So there you have it. My really long post about Lent :)
Last Lent was, I think, Pretty life changing for me. I tried starting some good habits either during last lent or around that time. (along with the traditional giving up a few things) Those Good habits that I started, I think, Have really helped me.
Maybe this Lent, You could try something a little different. Maybe instead of the same thing you did last year (and possibly the year before. I think most of us are guilty of giving up sweets, which is hard to do!, year after year LOL) Maybe you could step it up a bit. It's never to late to make a change.
Sure, It's gonna be hard. But that's the point! If you aren't tempted, then it's not much of a sacrifice. Maybe the thing you have done in the past is really hard. I'm not saying it's not. it is hard to walk past all those really yummy things in the grocery store that we might usually buy, and pass them up. It is hard to see all the other people buying those things. But, we can do a little more.
You Can Do It! You can give a little more! Really! You can do it! Make this Lent a life changer! You could start with just a little bit more, and as we get closer to the end of lent, add a bit more each week or so. (I've never done that, but I don't see why you couldn't) Or you could Go rushing into Lent, Crying out your Battle cry and Fighting demons every step of the way!!!!!!!!!!!! ( hehehe :) actually that battle cry idea isn't such a bad idea. you could shout in your head FOR THE LORD! or FOR SACRIFICE AND REPARATION! or BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE! or something.) Because you do realize that's what we are doing everyday. there's a battle all around us and we are a part of it. Each time we are tempted and decide not to go the way of temptation, We are fighting the "other side".
I think the most important thing to remember this Lent, is Why we are doing these things. Why are we giving up things that we enjoy? Why are we doing things that we don't normally do? Why are we changing our lives?
If we forget why we are doing these things, then there is not really a point. If we are doing them for no reason, then why are we doing them?
We are doing them because we love God! We are doing them because He loves us! We are doing them because God sent down His only Son, and He died for us so that we could be saved, because He loves us so much! God's love and mercy are so great!
So really! Maybe you could do a little more. Each time you are tempted, maybe you should make a "battle cry" to remember why you are doing it. Pray about it. Offer up your suffering, however great or small.
So there you have it. My really long post about Lent :)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The last Alleluia
Well, Lent starts on Wednesday, and Since we don't sing the alleluia in Mass in lent, today was "the Last Alleluia" in my mind.
So what are you doing for lent? Have you decided yet?
What are you going to give up or do for the Love of our Lord?
Have you ever wondered what Mary and Jesus' Apostles were thinking as the passion was taking place? What was running through their minds when they saw their Lord beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross? What where they feeling when they heard His last words (or what they thought were) and saw Him give up His spirit? What were they thinking about when they placed Him in the tomb?
I for one, would have been terrified. I know, we are supposed to have Faith, but I admit that I would have thought the world was ending!
It is quite a consolation knowing the "end" of the story, Knowing that even though He died, He rose again and now we can eventually get to Heaven because of this. Knowing that God so loved the World. . .
Knowing that God's love for us is so great, so powerful, so enduring that He sent His only Son down to die for us.
So as you think of what you are going to give up or do, Remember how great the Love God has for us is. remember what He did for you. Will you give up a little (or big) something(s) for Him?
And each time you are tempted to give in, to do whatever you gave up, or not do what ever you where going to do, Think of Our Lord on the Cross. Think of the pain and suffering He endured for you. Think of God's love and sacrifice for you.
Love is sacrifice. We must remember this.
If you have never watched the movie, "the Passion of the Christ" I suggest you do. I think it's a very good movie to watch on Good Friday. It is very graphic (lots of blood) but very realistic. You will need tissues. It is very likely that you will cry. And if you don't I'm sure you will feel like it.
One of the "side things" I am going to do for lent (which means, if i have time and all that) Is, I am going to try to post (especially about religious topics) more often. I know that may sound odd, Usually people give up electronics etc. I just wanted to let you know that I hope to be posting more often in the coming season.
So today was "The last Alleluia" for a little over 40 days. The last Alleluia until the Lord dies and rises again.
And when that day comes, let us sing it so loud that it shakes the earth!
So what are you doing for lent? Have you decided yet?
What are you going to give up or do for the Love of our Lord?
Have you ever wondered what Mary and Jesus' Apostles were thinking as the passion was taking place? What was running through their minds when they saw their Lord beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross? What where they feeling when they heard His last words (or what they thought were) and saw Him give up His spirit? What were they thinking about when they placed Him in the tomb?
I for one, would have been terrified. I know, we are supposed to have Faith, but I admit that I would have thought the world was ending!
It is quite a consolation knowing the "end" of the story, Knowing that even though He died, He rose again and now we can eventually get to Heaven because of this. Knowing that God so loved the World. . .
Knowing that God's love for us is so great, so powerful, so enduring that He sent His only Son down to die for us.
So as you think of what you are going to give up or do, Remember how great the Love God has for us is. remember what He did for you. Will you give up a little (or big) something(s) for Him?
And each time you are tempted to give in, to do whatever you gave up, or not do what ever you where going to do, Think of Our Lord on the Cross. Think of the pain and suffering He endured for you. Think of God's love and sacrifice for you.
Love is sacrifice. We must remember this.
If you have never watched the movie, "the Passion of the Christ" I suggest you do. I think it's a very good movie to watch on Good Friday. It is very graphic (lots of blood) but very realistic. You will need tissues. It is very likely that you will cry. And if you don't I'm sure you will feel like it.
One of the "side things" I am going to do for lent (which means, if i have time and all that) Is, I am going to try to post (especially about religious topics) more often. I know that may sound odd, Usually people give up electronics etc. I just wanted to let you know that I hope to be posting more often in the coming season.
So today was "The last Alleluia" for a little over 40 days. The last Alleluia until the Lord dies and rises again.
And when that day comes, let us sing it so loud that it shakes the earth!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
God works in Mysterious ways
Something that I find, frankly, Amazing, Ironic, and too good to be a coincidence recently happened.
If you know me, you may or may not know that for the last two summers, I have been volunteering at the Cincinnati zoo and botanical gardens as a Junior Horticulturist. (gardener)
I love doing it. Working as a gardener at the zoo really sparked an interest in plants that I didn't really have before. I had wanted to work with animals a little more that plants originally, but they required more time, and we have a bit of a drive to the zoo, so I couldn't do that. So I became a Junior Horticulturist. I like nature in general, and plants are a part of that, and I will still be around the animals, so why not?
Occasionally, especially last year, I would have doubts about working at the zoo.I would think "couldn't I be using my time wiser? Couldn't I be working in a soup kitchen, or a crisis pregnancy center, or some other charity, so that I could actually help people directly?"
But then i would go to say my morning prayers. Last year, I Worked at the zoo on thursdays. Guess what the "Short reading" for Thursdays was?
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others. Of you are a speaker, speak in words which seem to come from God; if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to Him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever. Amen
" if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory" That part was the part that hit me the most. I would feel a little more encouraged about it and think, well, Right now I am a helper.
So, fast forward to recently. I have been praying a bit about what He wants me o do this summer, thinking that maybe I would volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center or soup kitchen or other charitable organization this year. I still had those little nags that kept asking me, really? The zoo? Is that going to help people in need?
So, We were in Church, and one of the morning announcements was that the person who had been doing the garden work at our Church was retiring, and that they needed someone to take over.
BOOM! There it was! Perhaps this is why I have been working as a garden person at the zoo!
If I hadn't started working there in the first place, I might not have been interested at all. I wouldn't have the same love of plants and gardens that I do now.
If I hadn't worked there, I wouldn't have gotten the same experience with plants that i have now. Sure, weeding and watering are things that everyone can do, But last year they let me prune a Trumpet vine that was growing out of control! It wasn't perfect when i was done, I had never pruned a trumpet vine before, and probably never would have gotten the opportunity to, But it was a good learning experience and I don't think it looked too bad when I was done ;)
So, in order to help me figure out what God wants me to do, I called them today, to find out what was going to be involved.
Basically, It the same stuff i was doing at the zoo! Weeding, Watering, Mulching, Planting, Pruning etc.
The way I see it, It's Like God was training me, through helping to take care of the zoo's gardens, so that I could take care of His!
AHHH! I'm really excited now.
I still haven't completely decided yet, I still need to Pray about it more, but I am leaning more towards helping my Church this year. I mean, I'm going to miss working at the zoo, I got to know a few people and it was fun, but I think this may be what God it calling me to do now.
I am just in awe. God is amazing. I know that He knows all, and that He always has a plan. I beleived these before I started at the zoo. But I surely didn't realize that helping out at a zoo might be part of that!
So there you go! He really does work in mysterious ways, and we may not even realize when!
And always remember, " if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory" ;) :D
If you know me, you may or may not know that for the last two summers, I have been volunteering at the Cincinnati zoo and botanical gardens as a Junior Horticulturist. (gardener)
I love doing it. Working as a gardener at the zoo really sparked an interest in plants that I didn't really have before. I had wanted to work with animals a little more that plants originally, but they required more time, and we have a bit of a drive to the zoo, so I couldn't do that. So I became a Junior Horticulturist. I like nature in general, and plants are a part of that, and I will still be around the animals, so why not?
Occasionally, especially last year, I would have doubts about working at the zoo.I would think "couldn't I be using my time wiser? Couldn't I be working in a soup kitchen, or a crisis pregnancy center, or some other charity, so that I could actually help people directly?"
But then i would go to say my morning prayers. Last year, I Worked at the zoo on thursdays. Guess what the "Short reading" for Thursdays was?
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others. Of you are a speaker, speak in words which seem to come from God; if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to Him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever. Amen
" if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory" That part was the part that hit me the most. I would feel a little more encouraged about it and think, well, Right now I am a helper.
So, fast forward to recently. I have been praying a bit about what He wants me o do this summer, thinking that maybe I would volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center or soup kitchen or other charitable organization this year. I still had those little nags that kept asking me, really? The zoo? Is that going to help people in need?
So, We were in Church, and one of the morning announcements was that the person who had been doing the garden work at our Church was retiring, and that they needed someone to take over.
BOOM! There it was! Perhaps this is why I have been working as a garden person at the zoo!
If I hadn't started working there in the first place, I might not have been interested at all. I wouldn't have the same love of plants and gardens that I do now.
If I hadn't worked there, I wouldn't have gotten the same experience with plants that i have now. Sure, weeding and watering are things that everyone can do, But last year they let me prune a Trumpet vine that was growing out of control! It wasn't perfect when i was done, I had never pruned a trumpet vine before, and probably never would have gotten the opportunity to, But it was a good learning experience and I don't think it looked too bad when I was done ;)
So, in order to help me figure out what God wants me to do, I called them today, to find out what was going to be involved.
Basically, It the same stuff i was doing at the zoo! Weeding, Watering, Mulching, Planting, Pruning etc.
The way I see it, It's Like God was training me, through helping to take care of the zoo's gardens, so that I could take care of His!
AHHH! I'm really excited now.
I still haven't completely decided yet, I still need to Pray about it more, but I am leaning more towards helping my Church this year. I mean, I'm going to miss working at the zoo, I got to know a few people and it was fun, but I think this may be what God it calling me to do now.
I am just in awe. God is amazing. I know that He knows all, and that He always has a plan. I beleived these before I started at the zoo. But I surely didn't realize that helping out at a zoo might be part of that!
So there you go! He really does work in mysterious ways, and we may not even realize when!
And always remember, " if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God's orders, so that in everything God may receive the glory" ;) :D
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