Open Your Wounded Heart

For about the last week, an image has been imprinted on my mind.  This same image, and what I believe is the meaning behind it, will not leave my thoughts.

I believe that I am being prodded to share what has been given to me.

Hopefully, your heart, no matter how wounded it is, or how high you have built your wall up to block the pain of those wounds, will open up to the pure love and mercy that only Jesus can bring.

Whenever I gaze at a Crucifix, or meditate on Jesus hanging on the cross and dying for me, the image that I see is what I would see looking toward him.

The focus of that perspective is the pain, and complete agony and suffering of our Lord and Savior…followed by the feeling of sorrow that I played a part in that suffering…through the times of turning my back on Him and through the grievous sins of my life.  That is the image that I usually experienced.

Now, I am viewing the image as Jesus would be seeing  it…looking out.

What first went through my mind was, “Of course He is looking out…He is always looking out in love.”

Then my mind started asking the question, “What was He seeing as He was suffering on that Holy Cross?”

As He struggled to keep His eyes open, through the blood and sweat that must have been dripping down His face, His eyes would have focused on His Mother and her sister, Mary, wife of Clopas, Mary of Magdala, and His beloved Apostle, John.  He saw the love and grief on their faces, and filled them with His Mercy and Pure Love…drawing them in even closer to Himself.

His eyes must have also scanned the empty spots…where were all of His followers? The anguish of being abandoned by His disciples…His Chosen…due to fear and lack of faith, must have added immensely to His suffering.

How do we still add to His suffering, due to our lack of faith, or fear?   How many times do we pass up the opportunity to spend an hour in His Holy Presence  during Adoration, or ignore His invitation to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and receive His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist?   Or how many times do we just go through the motions of attending Mass, and actually go up to The Altar, to receive His Body and Blood, while being in the state of Mortal Sin?  Why do we keep holding on to sins that hinder our relationship with Him…why do we choose not to receive the graces offered to us through the Sacrament of Confession?

When Jesus looked out as He was dying, He saw all of those things. He knew how we would all turn our backs on Him.

He saw those of us that were mocking Him, and those who were choosing the road that leads toward death.  He experienced the reality of our hopelessness and despair, in those that were (or would be) confused and deceived by the evil one.  As He hung on The Cross, He saw the evils that were done in darkness…that separated those hearts from Himself.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  Luke 23:34

Jesus looked at all of us in our sin, and felt compassion, mercy and love for us.  He reaches out to each one of us, every single day, in many ways.

You know the ways He is reaching out for you.  You already are feeling the little nudges that He blesses you with…how long will you wait to accept His Sacrifice for you?

Take that step of Faith…open your wounded heart to His comforting and healing Presence.  

You were created for just that…to be one with Him.  Reach out for His loving, merciful heart that is reaching for you.

 

https://catholicstand.com/the-mass-calvary-made-present-for-each-generation/

 

 

 

 

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We are All Accountable

Praying at the Planned Parenthood abortion center during 40 Days for Life, has been heart wrenching, eye opening, and humbling.  Although I am always very aware of the evil that is flippantly referred to as “abortion,” and offer prayers for the babies and all involved,  spending time in front of the actual abortion mill has been enlightening for me.  Especially during this Lenten time.

There is a mixture of people who offer themselves and commit to pray in front of the “clinics.”  During the time that I have been there, most of the ones praying at the vigil are senior citizens, however, in general, there are all age groups.   The atmosphere is prayerful toward the ones entering Planned Parenthood as clients, and also toward any staff members.  Anytime a person passes by any of the ones holding vigil, they are met with either respectful silence, or with a smile or a quiet hello.

There are a few things that really made me stop to think.

I am aware that there are many reasons that women would choose to orchestrate the killing of the baby that has been conceived in their womb.  Although I truly believe that most mothers are not fully aware that they are already mothers from the moment of conception …and they are participating in the destruction of their babies.

Society, and Planned Parenthood itself has brainwashed many women into thinking that having an abortion is merely “terminating or ending a pregnancy.” THAT IS A LIE.  Abortion is the willful killing of a baby, who is growing in what should be the most natural and safe place possible.

So, I guess I was expecting to see more sadness on the faces of the mothers  that were being walked in to the Covid 19 station in the parking lot..their boyfriends or husbands, walking with them and handing them over to the clinic to put an end to the “problem” that they are dealing with.

What I saw was mostly very young girls/women walking over to get checked in, with some turning around to point and laugh at those of us that were praying. I saw the boys/men “doing their supportive duty” by walking them to the place where babies’ lives are taken from them.  After the women are dropped off, the male companions walk around scrolling on their cellphones, wait in their cars, or briskly walk away.

My thoughts and prayers went out to the babies…that maybe some would be saved by last minute decisions, and also praying for their souls.  I prayed that the Blessed Mother and Jesus would encircle  those mothers, babies and fathers (or anyone that brought them to the abortion clinic) with love and the light of conversion.  That they would realize that they need to seek forgiveness, not only for the abortion, but in many cases, also the lifestyle that lead to the pregnancy in the first place.

Many mothers that abort their babies, suffer through years of despair and guilt before facing the horror of what they have done, making the decision to ask God for forgiveness, and repent of their sin.  The repentance includes a change in lifestyle and beliefs, and will affect all aspects of their lives, just as with any other mortal, grievous sin.  My prayer for these mothers, and all involved, is that their conversion comes quickly, so they can feel the true peace of Jesus’ Love in their hearts.

I thought about the hypocrisy and idiocy of the “Covid 19 Station” that was positioned in the parking lot before the entrance into the facility.  Let’s make sure the clients and staff are well protected with masks, thermometers, and lots of sanitizing gel…as they are led in to kill their babies.  Do they even think these thoughts?  How have we, as a society, come to this point?

Right before my time to leave, a man rode past the vigil on his bicycle.  He was screaming, “perverts, perverts, perverts” at the little group of praying senior citizens.  I don’t think that I have ever seen Satan that obvious…you see, Satan always twists and reverses good and evil.

So, as I prayed, all these thoughts were flicking on and off in my mind.  My focus was on my prayers, however, when I looked up, I couldn’t stop thoughts from forming by what my eyes were processing…however, I continued praying for all involved.  I will also pray for the people who actually live in the house directly next to the abortion mill, for I can not imagine living next door to that evil.  Hopefully, someone in that house prays for those babies and their mothers.

It is so sad and heartwrenching to watch these mothers walk into the clinic, and not be able to talk to them, comfort them, let them know they can choose life…there is much support available to them…that women are stronger than they know, capable of more than they realize, and deeply loved by the True God that created them.

We must, as a world, as a nation, as a community, as families, as Christians, continue to pray for Jesus to have mercy on us and to heal us.  We are all accountable in some way…we are all sinners.

May we humble ourselves and beg God to forgive us, heal our land, heal our Church, and heal our hearts. May we open our hearts to ways that we can be of service to those in crisis, to offer love to those that we meet everyday, and look for ways to share love and support.

And may we share the Good News with all who are suffering…that there is nothing that can keep them away from the love and mercy of God except themselves.  All it takes is a decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and then learn the Faith and live it.

May we all hunger to walk in the Light of Jesus, and ask his Blessed Mother and our Guardian Angels to guard us and lead us to Him.

 

The True Women’s March

Today, as the 2017 March for Life is in progress, as it has been since the first march in 1974, I come to you humbled and contrite.

You see, since the so called women’s march that occurred last Saturday, I have been trying to stand for life in the wrong way.  I have allowed the anger and hopelessness to overtake me, allowing it to permeate into my own heart.  I actually could FEEL the presence of Satan…darkness, anger, cynicism, hopelessness, sadness, pride, hate, and confusion.

I made two grave mistakes.  The first is that I did not pray ernestly for the Lord to work through me and to cover me with His armor.  And the second mistake was allowing myself to get into a conversation…an argument…with the devil online.

With the Lord’s help and protection, I will not make those mistakes again.

How do I know that my standing in support of the voiceless unborn is the right choice, and that it is from God?  How do I know that a baby growing in her mother’s womb, that should be the safest place in the world, should always be given the right to life…to be born?  How do I know that the mother, that chooses to kill her unborn baby, will suffer from emptiness and darkness for her whole life, until she allows her broken or stone hard heart to be opened to God’s love, mercy and forgiveness?

How do I know these things?

The evidence is in the women themselves.

The evidence is in the mockery of feminism, that was shown in its full light at the so called women’s march last weekend.  It was in the disgustingly vile signs, costumes and spewed hatred coming from the mouths of these women.  It was the ignorance and confusion of those women professing to be more than their sexuality…and then wearing vagina costumes framing their faces.  It was seen in the rabid joy of women (and also seen on children and some men ) “celebrating” their cause by crocheting and wearing “pussy hats” in solidarity.  It was seen and heard in vile speeches given by celebrities, who portray themselves in disgustingly perverted ways on  screen or  through their music, screaming hate filled messages.

Is that what womanhood and feminism means to you???

Or could it be that true feminism is rooted in a quiet love and respect for God, family, country, and the empowering knowledge that our bodies were created with the ability to conceive, carry, and give birth to the greatest gift that God can give us…the gift of life.  The gift of being a vessel of His love…and saying yes, as Our Blessed Mother, Mary,  did, to His will for us.  For in bringing another baby into this world, we are expanding Our Lord’s Kingdom.  It is so much more than us…it is greater than we can ever fathom.

The march last weekend, and the many reasons mothers seek out and kill their babies while growing in the womb, are rooted in confusion, fear, hatred, sadness, selfishness, isolation, pride, arrogance, and despair.  This was easily seen and heard while viewing the march, and listening to the protesters and speakers. The body language and the eyes to their souls sadly spoke volumes to me.

The March for Life that is occurring right now, features speakers and protesters that are rooted in love, mercy, humbleness, inner joy, faith, hope, selflessness, and the desire to reach out, with their hearts, hands and resources…to be of support to hurting  women, through the whole process of pregnancy and beyond.  To be there for them in friendship and love, helping to ensure that they, and their babies, have the support, love and necessities for as long as they need it.

Which woman are you?  What is the root of your beliefs?

Much to think about…

I ask God for forgiveness for allowing Satan to enter my heart through this past week.  I ask that He forgive me for not seeing past the actions and the vulgar, hateful  words spewed…for not looking for Him in their hearts and souls.  For not seeing the hurt and pain that reside deep within them.

For, instead of judging them, I should have been praying for love, mercy and joy to enter their hearts and lives.

Always knowing that I am too weak to always extend love and mercy on my own.  It is only when I am protected by the Armor of God…and willing to be His vessel… that HIS love may shine from my heart.

May God bless all of us and our country!

rachelsvineyard.org 

www.abbyjohnson.org

 

 

Yes, Jesus loves you. Do you love Him?

Lately I have been really noticing a pattern among many Christians who remain in darkness.

The darkness may lie in depression, family or relationship issues, finances, addictions, and/or emotional, spiritual, mental or physical ailments.

Over and over, in their suffering, I hear them profess how much Jesus loves them.   And then I see the same people  post on their social media sites, that they love Jesus, and trust Him to heal them and answer their prayers. Years go by, and they remain in their same anguish.

When I see and hear the pain they are experiencing, my heart aches for them, and I pray for total healing in their lives.

The troubling pattern is this…many of these same people do not understand that believing that Jesus loves them is only the start.

Even Satan and his demons know that Jesus is God.

Relationship with Jesus is the open, acceptance of His gift of salvation to all of us.

The gift sits there, unopened, until we make the free choice to accept it, and open it. Once opened, do we choose to just let it sit there, or do we interact with Jesus in thanksgiving?

In other words, do we choose to have a relationship with Jesus, or do we just lean on the knowledge that Jesus loves us no matter what?

In a loving, happy relationship, do we just sit back and bask in the love offered to us, selfishly saying “he/she will always love me no matter what I do?”

Do we intentionally dishonor our loved one, by publicly announcing honor and support for another…that is in total opposition or disrespect to our beloved?

Or do we interact with that love…making sure to spend time with our loved one, forsaking others due to our commitment, sacrificing our wants and needs in order to please our loved one, making changes in our behaviors that may hurt our relationship. Thinking of “we” instead of “me.”

Do we do these things in a loving human relationship, however, not so much when it concerns our relationship with Christ?

As Christians, each day brings us opportunities to align ourselves more closely with Jesus.   Many things we are doing that keep us at arm’s length from His total love and mercy. For some reason, we hold back, and look to the world for the answers. We keep looking toward other sources for our happiness, love and “warm fuzzies”.

This is a grave mistake that keeps us from full relationship with Jesus. “Warm fuzzies” do not offer us love, mercy and salvation.

First, let me make perfectly clear, I know that I personally struggle or have struggled with many of these, or other, things. These observations are meant to shine a light on possible ways that we are damaging our relationship with Jesus, thus remaining in “the muck and darkness” year after year.

Little or big doors that we crack open that allow Satan or his demons to enter into our souls, and lives.

Many times we even forget these doors were once opened, or we are unaware at all. I can tell you, that Satan has not forgotten. He uses any point of entry that he can find…he uses our weaknesses, our curiosity, our pride, and our ignorance to infiltrate our lives and souls.

 

Some of the dangerous things I am noticing that are being shared on social media, by Christians, that jump out at me:

Interaction with or sharing of horoscope info

Belief or interest in mediums

Posting memes and/or belief in New Age philosophies

Dabbling in “cute” witchcraft or spells

Claiming to be a Christian, while promoting other World Religions. I am not talking about being tolerant of other religions, which we are called to do. I am talking about treating all religions as though they are one of many truths. In fact, in many cases, sharing quotes from secular sources, and other religions with more ardor than Christianity. As though it is almost an embarrassment to proclaim Christian values, customs, beliefs, and truths.

Worshiping “Mother Earth” instead of The Creator

Taking part and promoting entertainment…movies, books, magazine, games…that are in opposition to God

Spewing hatred, as in labeling and name-calling, toward specific people that we disagree with, instead of simply professing our stand, and praying for and with them.

Professing love for God with words only…and not by showing day to day loving actions and change in our lives

Any of these things, or something I haven’t mentioned, could be part of the darkness you are living in. Confession, and repentance in any area that is in opposition to Our Lord, will allow the light of the Holy Spirit to heal you, inside and out. This total healing may happen in an instant, or may happen gradually, as you grow in faith.  The key is to invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate you and fill your soul with His Holy Presence…and then place your trust in God.

Sometimes, the Lord will allow certain things to remain in your life to help you on your journey to Him, or for His glory. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will live with a deep joy that will help you through any struggle in this life, and you will learn to look to Him in confidence and trust.

Remember, Jesus will always love you! Are you showing your love for Jesus?

 

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy,^[a] drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
 John 14:6

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.  Romans 1:25

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Our World!

Yesterday our first grandchild was born, and our little world was once again changed in a way we could not imagine.    Little sweet Brayden opened his eyes after a very long labor, to finally break through into the sights, sounds and feel  of this world.

I thought I already loved my son and daughter in law as much as humanly possible.  I thought wrong.  After sharing in their experience long distance,  the intensity and scope of pain that  my daughter in law, Melissa endured, and watching my son, Joe, being there for her, my heart is just overflowing in love for them and for this sweet baby who will change their hearts and lives forever.  The struggle and pain of the labor that Melissa suffered through was evident.  However, sometimes, we are never fully aware of the pain and helplessness that is felt when one  is called to watch a loved one suffer.  Joe was there to support and help to make his wife as comfortable as possible, however, he was unable to take away or lessen her pain.

Melissa was the chosen one for this particular labor of love.  She was the one who said yes when she received the news of pregnancy.  She was the one who chose to be more aware than usual of what she ate, drank and participated in during her pregnancy.  She was the one who sacrificed each day…to assist God with the miracle growing inside of her.

She said yes to this divine purpose for her life at this time.    Joe said yes to being her husband; to being there always to love, honor, respect, and protect her and this new baby, in any way that it took.  And yesterday, that meant saying yes to being helpless as he watched his wife suffer so much pain.

Little Brayden has already started the change that will occur in all the lives he touches.  When my husband and I look at the pictures of our new grandson, we see a miracle.  It is almost overwhelming that our son now has a son.  We also know how the Lord will use this little one to mold and teach all of us…but most of all, his parents.  They will learn love in a way they never thought possible.  They will learn what it truly means to be selfless.  They will experience joy like never before, but will also experience doubts, confusion, frustration, and the ups and downs that life brings.

Each one of us has a unique purpose, and must journey down the individual road that God has paved for us.  We all have our own vocations and gifts.  For Joe and Melissa their journey is starting with their newborn son that God blessed them with.  For others it might be a different path.  However, the path that the Lord paves for all of us is in love and through love…and is meant to draw us closer to Him. 

Will we choose to say yes?

Welcome to our world and to our family, baby Brayden!  We thank God for you and look forward to being a part of your life, watching you grow, and learning from your innocence and wide-eyed wonder!

 

This is the Day

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

This is the last day of 2015.  Usually, it is a day of pondering all that has happened in the last year, and wondering what the new year will bring.  Many will also start lists of resolutions in order to better their lives, or the lives of their families.

All of these things are good, when we keep them in the right context of our lives.

I decided to do something different this year. Instead of looking back, and looking forward, I am choosing to be in the moment. The Lord has given me this day…this moment.  What will I do with it?

As my day unfolds, I will stay open to His voice.  I will open my heart to His presence in a purposeful way.

How many times will He put new souls in front of me?  I will keep open to the Holy Spirit, and really SEE each person…including the ones I see every day.   I ask the Lord to allow me to be a vessel, so that His love pours out of me through a smile, words exchanged, or a kindness.

As I go through my day, I choose to focus on the blessings in my life…they are countless!  My greatest blessing is my husband and our marriage.  Thank you, Jesus, for a marriage relationship so strong that we are one in all ways.  Because YOU live in us and bind us together in and through YOU. 

Thank you for my sons, their wives, and our first grandson, who is due to enter our physical world in February.

Thank you for the family that you designed me to be a part of.  For my sisters and their families and friends.

Thank you for the friends that are deeply intertwined in my heart and always there for me…help me to always be there for them in their need.

Thank you for the beautiful home, which to this day, I am amazed that we have been blessed with.

Thank you for the comforts you are providing…plentiful food and drink, accessible water, a heating system that keeps us cozy, inspiring and entertaining books, beautiful music, movies that fill my heart with faith, love and hope.

Thank you for always providing our needs and the desires of our hearts…for your Holy Spirit knows those true desires and needs in a way that we cannot even comprehend.

Thank you for the difficulties of this day and this moment.  I trust that all things work toward good for those who love You.

Yes,  sometimes it is very appropriate to look back, remember, savor the past.  And in the hope of the Lord, to look forward to the New Year and our future in Him.

But, for me, TODAY, I choose to live in this present moment of love.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

 

 

 

True Source of Love

In the last week or so, my eyes and heart have been more fully opened to the daily struggles that oftentimes hinder joy, happiness and an intimate relationship with Jesus.  In fact,  many times the circumstances of life are proclaimed as the reason for lack of faith…souls in despair and darkness choose to blame God for their plight instead of inviting God into their lives and submitting their sins, struggle, and pain to Him.  Through that choice…made in stubbornness, fear, pride, or through the pain and deception of the evil one, darkness overtakes the life and very soul, leading to a life devoid of true love and joy.

These struggling souls do not need our condemnation.  What they need is prayer, that the Holy Spirit may cover them with love and peace, and that their hearts are opened to the intense love, mercy, and saving grace that only Jesus can provide.  They hunger for us to be strong enough in our relationship with Christ, that we can overlook the darkness and look for the spark of Jesus in their hearts.  They need our faith to be strong enough to be a light in their darkness…that we love and not judge. 

We have no idea how these souls arrived at the place where they are suffering and ‘stuck.’  They may or may not know.  However, the Holy Spirit knows the depth of each and every soul, and knows the root causes of choices made and the events that led to the damage in their hearts.

All of us have experienced pain, despair and darkness at different times in our lives.  It is only the saving grace of Jesus that set us free.  It is only the divine mercy and love of Jesus that fills our hearts and beings with an indescribable joy and peace.

This is the essence of Christianity…the desire to share this amazing love with as many hearts as we can.

Let’s take this day to offer our prayers to the Lord for someone in our lives that is suffering and in darkness.  Maybe we have tried to share Jesus with them, and they scoff or close their hearts.  They may even show intense anger when the name of Jesus is spoken.  Maybe we have provided for their needs, and given what we thought they needed, in love. However, those things are not their true need.

We must remember that their souls are crying out for the healing love of Jesus, even when they proclaim the opposite.

Let’s never forget where the TRUE SOURCE of love resides…

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:7-8

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:12-13

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8

 

 

 

True Freedom of Choice

Each and every day we are given countless opportunities to choose between good and evil, true joy and despair, and the choice to find beauty in all situations.  Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, so that we are led to the choices that are bathed in Christ’s love.

Let’s make the choice:

To see the good in others and ourselves;

To fill our minds and hearts with goodness and light instead of darkness  and evil;

To enjoy music, movies, books, and magazines that glorify our Father in Heaven and lead us to Him;

To share our blessings;

To help those in need and suffering;

To pray for others and a world in need, especially for those that hurt us or treat us badly and the ones we disagree with;

To boldly take a stand for the sanctity of the life that was given to all from God; from the miracle of conception through natural death;

To look toward Jesus in all things.

For true freedom is the freedom to choose good, and the freedom from the bondage of sin and evil.

Thank you, Jesus!  Praise your holy name!

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  Romans 8:21

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  1 Peter 2:16

Patti, Your Life is a Prayer

Patti at 12 years of age

This last weekend, I was blessed with some ‘one on one’ time with my oldest sister, Patti.  We usually get to visit only once or twice a year, being that she lives in Ohio, and I am in Virginia.  My mom has been living with my husband and me for over ten years now, so naturally all our visits with Patti are always together, as a family.

For some reason, I felt compelled to see my sister, and spend time with her alone.  There was no question in my mind…I needed her.  Just like I did throughout my childhood, and then as I grew to adulthood.

So, let me tell you a little about Patti.  She was a beautiful and feisty young girl, who now describes herself as a tomboy who loved climbing trees and neighborhood roofs.  To be honest, she was a little mischievous.

That very sweet and active little girl contracted polio when she was 12 years old. 

Sisters: Bernadette and Patti

As a foreshadowing of the strength of character that would radiate all through Patti’s life,  when she was suffering through the onset of the disease, the doctor was called to the house to check on her.  When she realized she was to be taken to the hospital, she insisted that she would not be carried out.  She  climbed down the stairs on her own, saying that she wanted to do it herself, knowing she would never walk again.  According to my mother, Patti never cried about her plight…which was a very different reaction than that experienced by my mom, who as a young mother, watched her daughter suffer through a horrible disease that almost killed her, and then caused her to be totally paralyzed.  My mother’s heart broke for her daughter, and always wished there had been something she could have done to prevent this from happening.  Even now, my mom’s eyes fill with tears as she remembers those days when Patti first got sick, how scared she was that Patti might die, and what lie ahead.  The prognosis, according to the doctors at that time, was that Patti  probably only had about ten years to live in her condition.

Well, God had other plans.

Patti is now 72 years old, and I can honestly say I have NEVER once heard her complain or cry about her ‘handicap.’  Just so you understand her condition, she can only move her right hand and her neck.  Our mom and dad took care of all of her needs; my two sisters and I also learned to care for Patti’s personal and physical needs.  That is, until she moved away so she could attend Ohio State University, where she ended up earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work.  You see, Patti could never refuse to “walk” through a  door  that the Lord opened for her.  She walked by faith and the Lord blessed her life tremendously.  It was not always easy for her, however, her life has always been filled to the brim!

The funny thing is, I never saw my sister as ‘handicapped.’  In fact, she is the least handicapped person I have ever known. 

Patti is totally open to The Holy Spirit directing her life, and she always makes herself available to those around her.  When Patti is with you, she is focused on knowing not only your needs, but your heart.  She has a way of reading between the lines; she is an edifier, always loving and supporting in any way she can.

She has touched so many people’s lives, and is loved by so many, that it boggles my mind.  Being with her this last weekend was a Godsend to me.  I was once again reminded of all the ways my sweet sister  impacted my life…through all the stages I went through, the joys and the struggles.

She was always there for me:

When I climbed up on her hospital bed, snuggling up against her as she read my favorite stories and poems over and over again.  She never refused when I asked her to read to me.

When I headed straight to her room after school all the way up through high school, unloading the highs and lows of my days.

When I needed advice about friends or boys, and then later on as I was struggling in my marriage.

When I started to question my faith, and did not understand why my life seemed so hopeless.  She always gave me hope, and always shared her faith with me.

When she shared my joy as I became a mother; and as she loved my sons and enjoyed the time spent with them.

When she overlooked my selfishness, impatience and misdirection…always just loving me through everything.

Mostly, just by being present; in the moment.

So, as we visited, the time flew by.  There is so much in our hearts to share with each other, and really only had hours to connect.  And connect we did.  I realized that my sister is truly  a saint.  I am not saying that lightly, and being the humble person that she is, Patti will most probably not agree with my assessment.

My life has been richly blessed with the privilege of having Patti for my sister.  Through her journey, which she travels completely trusting the Lord in every way, I have learned faith, hope, and love.  I am learning to bloom where I am planted, and never to compare myself or my personal journey to others.  To just be me…the person that God created me to be.

I have learned that God works great things through all things.  Patti’s life, which has been filled with great adventure and much love, shows us that the Lord works beauty  through any situation we may find ourselves in.  All we need to do is open our hearts to Jesus, allow His Spirit to flow through us, and then trust that He is working through us.  The amount of hearts touched through Patti’s life is not even measurable; his love exudes from her.

When we were talking, Patti mentioned that she needs to work on her prayer time with The Lord.  That she feels bad that she hasn’t set aside as much time as she would like for praying and meditating.  I asked her if she talks to God, and she answered’ “all day long.”

Although I understand her desire to spend more alone time with Jesus, all that comes to my mind is…

Patti, your life is a prayer!

And thank you for covering me, and all the ones that the Lord has entrusted to you, with the light of that prayer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Forgiveness

Today I received the following message through a Daily Bible Passage group email, and I am called to share these words with you. 

Forgiveness seems to be the issue that I need to work on, because everywhere I look, “forgiveness” pops out at me.   

I pray that these words open your eyes and touch your heart, as they touched mine:

 

“Deep down, forgiveness means wanting for the offending party what God wants for that person: to live honestly as

someone made in God’s image and likeness, reflecting that in his or her choices.

People sometimes think that forgiveness requires lying to themselves—that the offensive action or omission never happened, it didn’t really do much damage, etc.

That approach to forgiveness can keep a person in an abusive situation, lead to serious financial loss or put someone’s life in jeopardy. It’s not forgiveness to make excuses for another person’s addiction or behavior and its negative consequences.

Forgiveness cannot change past facts but it can put them into a different perspective, a more life-giving perspective. For that reason, forgiveness and truth are allies, not enemies. Nothing worthwhile can be built on a lie.

It is appropriate to forgive someone when you can look in the mirror and tell yourself honestly, “I want for that person what God wants.” Until you can say that, you should pray for the grace to say it honestly. When you can, you will be free.”

Author Unknown