Listening for His Voice

Have you ever personally felt and known God’s Presence?  I have, on many occasions.  This post that I wrote a few years back, reminded me of one of those amazing times.  Just wanted to share it with you:

Being that it’s a gorgeous sunny day today…in the eighties, I decided to take a walk during my lunch hour.

As I stepped outside and breathed in that amazingly warm and comforting air, I asked God to speak to me.  You see, usually I pray (talk!) the whole time I am walking, so I asked the Lord to do the talking today.

And I was listening for His voice.

For a few moments I was hearing the common drone of cars humming down the main road, and those sounds gave way to the gentle whirring of the breeze around me.  All of a sudden, there was the sound of a bird squawking.  The sound was getting nearer and nearer to me, and I looked down.  The bird was running in circles right in front of me and making all sorts of crazy sounds.  Then I saw it.  Her baby was off to the left of me, running toward the grass.  I realized that the mommy bird was protecting her baby!

Seeing the natural instinct of a mother protecting her little one really warmed my heart.  I thanked God for showing me such beauty, turned the corner and stepped up to the sidewalk.  Then I saw something I wish I hadn’t.  I saw two little furry baby birds, all soft and downy, lying dead on the ground.  I asked the Lord why He allowed me to see that?  Why did I need to see those sweet little birds that looked as though they just died?  And why did they have to die in the first place?

He answered, “there is beauty to be found through both life and death.”  After a few more steps, once again I looked down, and I saw it.  A bookmark had flown over and landed on the side of the path I was walking on.

I saw the words…Jesus is Alive! And I understood that because of Jesus, death holds no power over us.  In Christ Jesus, we are saved.  He is waiting for us to invite Him into our hearts and our lives, and accept the precious gifts He offers us.  Love, mercy, and salvation.  These are not merely words to bring us comfort.  Jesus is truly alive…He is right here with us now!

Lord, there are so many times I don’t understand your ways.  I don’t understand why some people suffer more than others, why some seem to attract the good things of the world, while others struggle just to survive.  Help me to understand that you are present in all of our lives, and in all circumstances.  Help me to trust that your grace is sufficient in all things, and that suffering, even death itself, can bring us closer to you.  All we need to do is open our hearts to you, and ask that you fill us with your saving holy presence.

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Blessings Through Barrenness

Thought you might enjoy these thoughts that I posted a few years back:

This is the time of year that I used to dread.  Most of the Christmas decorations have disappeared from our neighborhood’s homes, the warmth of holiday music has dissipated, the air is bitter cold, and the trees are dark and seemingly devoid of life.

Blessings Through Barrenness

My husband and I commute to work together, and lately I have been struck with beauty that I haven’t noticed before.  One thought has been swirling in my mind for a few days now.

There is great beauty to be found in barrenness.

This thought strikes me as my eyes take in the awesomeness of those trees that in the past I would describe as cold, dead and dull.  What I see now is entirely different and enlightening.

As we drive home after work, the winter sunsets are almost overwhelmingly gorgeous.  Last night there were deep shades of indigo, violet, magenta, pink and blue.  The colors were layered beautifully, and could be viewed through the intricate patterns of lace and latticework formed by the branches of those “dead” trees.

All it took for me to notice and see the beauty of barrenness was to look past it, and focus on the beauty through it.

Our lives are like that.  We tend to focus on what is lacking, and sometimes just can’t understand why a loving God would allow certain things to happen in the world.  We look at our own lives, our sufferings and weaknesses, and we feel barren and sometimes even abandoned.

We are called in faith to look through the barrenness and focus on the perfect beauty and love of God.

He is the beauty that calls, amazes, humbles, and overwhelms us with love.  He is The One that works all things toward good for those who love Him.

Do you love Him that loves you?  Are you willing to look through your weaknesses, persecutions, and sufferings and focus your trust and whole being on the saving love and grace of Jesus?  Will you open your heart to His Divine Mercy?

Only then will your eyes be opened to the intricate beauty of barrenness… for only Our Lord knows the full design of the tapestry that is being masterfully created through what we view as unacceptable.

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:8-10

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Shooting Stars and Miracles

Sometimes I am not sure who really does the most “teaching” in families…the parents or the children.

In my own family, I know that my two sons taught me some awesome truths.  They helped to stretch me out of the confined box I had unknowingly built myself into.  As all you parents will identify with, the love and connection that my husband and I felt for them was something that we never felt before.  However, even where there is great love, there is always more to learn about what love really is.

It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago, our family had the opportunity to camp out at a friend’s beautiful property, which included 110 acres of wooded land and a lake.  We had a wonderful time there…it was the kind of place that was so far away from city lights, that the night was intensely peaceful and black.  When you looked up, you could see a sky filled with beautiful stars.  It was breathtaking, and so peaceful.  It was like heaven; our family being together in that beautiful setting, just enjoying the stars and the sounds of crickets and frogs.

My youngest son, Michael, who was about 10 years old at the time, was excitedly telling me that he just saw some shooting stars.  I said, “Are you sure that’s what you saw?  Have you ever seen a shooting star before?”  He answered, “Mom, I see them all the time.”

I told him I never saw a shooting star.

That’s when he uttered words that stay with me to this day.  He said, “Mom, you never see them because you don’t look for them.”

And guess what happened.  I looked upwards, and I saw a shooting star!  My heart was amazed!  From the mouth of babes, a spiritual truth was revealed to me.

God is all around us.  He is in the air we breathe, the sun that shines on us, the flowers and trees, the oceans, the rain that falls from the sky, the sounds and beauty of the birds in the air and all the animals, the moon, planets  and stars in the sky.  He is in our children, spouses, parents, friends, relatives, neighbors, and all the people of the world.

The Lord’s Holy Spirit and his miracles are always around us…why don’t we see them?  Why do we think miracles do not exist on a daily basis?

Because we are not looking for them.

Today, when I was walking and praying with my Lord, He spoke to me.  He told me to always keep myself open to Him, and I will be amazed at what is revealed.  There will always be a new thing of beauty to see, there will always be a new beautiful song to hear, there will always be a new opportunity to love.  God’s creativity is endless.

Are you ready to really look for God all around you?  You will find Him everywhere…starting right in your own heart.

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?   Matthew 21:16

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.   Isaiah 48:6

Angels All Around Us

I would like to share an experience with you. This is not the only spiritual event that has happened to me, but for some reason, I am feeling compelled to share this one. My faith does not require any litmus test or miracles to prove God’s existence. I have complete faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I also believe that God’s angels are all around us, continuously doing the will of God. Sometimes, I believe, we catch a glimpse of the angelic world. This is one of those glimpses.

When I was about 25 years old, I would drive across town to Mass early on Sunday mornings. My husband would stay with our son, who was about two years old, and very “active”.  Actually, our priest called him a “live wire”. Needless to say, I looked forward to my time alone with God.

It was a quiet morning, around 8am, and there was no traffic at all. The roads were empty. I was getting nearer to the Church and saw that the light was green up ahead. It did not just turn, it was clearly green. As I was getting closer to the light, a male voice said very sternly, STOP NOW. I didn’t even think about it. I obeyed and slammed my foot on the brake, and stopped right before the green light. A car flew through the red light. I am sure I would have been killed if I hadn’t stopped.

I have always known it was my guardian angel that protected me that morning. Really, what other explanation could there be? I have no doubt that heaven, hell, angels, and demons exist. There would be other spiritual events in my life that intensified my faith.

So, my question to you is, have you ever had an experience that cannot be explained in worldly terms? I believe that angels are all around us, and are working in perfect harmony with God. Sometimes, for a reason unknown to us, we are given the privilege of experiencing the spiritual realm. For me, the experiences confirm and strengthen my faith. I think sometimes people are afraid to share their experiences with anyone…maybe they just try to ignore what they know happened…because they cannot explain it.

Your experiences, together with your faith, can be a blessing that allows you to touch a heart in need. Whether or not angels are involved…

Psalm 91:11-12 “For He will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

Matthew 18:10 “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven.”

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them”

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New Eyes

This past post touches my heart in a way I did not understand when I originally wrote it. Hopefully, it will touch yours:

I love to go for walks during my lunch break at work.  It is a wonderful time to pray the rosary and meditate.  There is a beautiful, quiet open space toward the back of the building, and I usually feel drawn to that area.

For many months, while walking, I heard the words “Open your eyes and you will see”.  I knew the words came from God, however, I did not know what they meant.

While at a prayer meeting, the words were made crystal clear to me.  One of the women there spoke a prophecy…and I knew it was directed at me.  I actually got goose bumps. She said “There is someone here who is looking to see with new eyes.  I am telling you to stop praying in the old way.  Pray in me and through me.”  I understood that meant for me to stop praying to a God that is “out there somewhere” and start praying in Him and through Him…in and through my own heart and soul.  He is as close as my own heart. Isn’t that amazing?  I never thought of it like that…

Fast forward a few weeks…it was a beautiful Spring day…about 80 degrees, and I just HAD to go outside in the sunshine!!!  While on my walk, at my favorite place, I received a new message – “Are you ready to see?”

Up until today, I believed that the Lord was guiding me to open my eyes to the need around me.  I still believe that, and am working on being aware and keeping my eyes and heart open to see the opportunities of each day…and to show love in any way I can.  But I believe it goes further…

I believe that He is reminding me to be prepared.  As in “Are you READY to see”?  Hmm…am I ready to be used for God’s purpose?  That can only be achieved by becoming closer to Him, through scriptures, prayer, and meditation.  So I am really working on the preparation, so the Lord can use me, according to His Divine Plan.

Each one of us plays an important part of His plan, to share the Gospel of Christ and build His kingdom.  Are you feeling Him drawing you closer?

I am trusting that God  will complete what He has begun in me, and have chosen to turn my life over to Him.  “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to His word”.

Luke 1:38   And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Ephesians 6:11-18

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How Long Will You Choose to Wait?

Thought this was worth reposting:

Today, I received the following words to share with you.  I pray that they touch your heart, as they did mine,  and help you to grow in your relationship with Jesus.

Why are you fighting against me?  You have heard that quiet voice in your heart as I speak to you…but you tune me out.  You have felt the direction that I am guiding you toward; however, you ignore me and continue on your familiar path.  You see the wonder and beauty of my creation all around you each day, but you choose to skim over all those beautiful sights  I specifically  place in front of your eyes, and replace them with worldly glitter and gaudy replications.  And you wonder why you feel unhappy and that  “there is something missing”.

What are you waiting for?  Why do you keep me waiting, with my arms outstretched in love?  I ask you again, how long will you wait?

Are you waiting until you have time?  What is keeping you from me?

Is it…

Family

Friends

Date Nights

Work

Volunteering

TV

Music, Concerts

Reading

Movies

Sports

Addictions or pleasures

Laziness

Stubbornness

Or just waiting for the “perfect” time…

 

Take a moment now to breathe in the peace of my spirit.  You do not have to live without my grace and love any longer…it just takes a daily decision to want to be in relationship with me.  All that I ask is that you open your heart, and allow me to live within you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to heal the darkness that you are fighting to hide deep within yourself.   You feel far away from me because of the darkness that lurks…I understand that darkness and am waiting for your invitation for me to wipe it away  and replace it with my light.

It is your decision…how long will you choose to wait?

 

With more love than you can imagine,

Jesus

 

 

 

Interior Growth during Lent

About a week or two ago, my husband and I were sitting on our couch watching a movie.  Someone was knocking at our front door, and being nighttime, I felt a little leery of opening the door to a stranger.

My husband doesn’t share my concerns or fears, so he swung the door open.  There stood a young woman, along with a friend, smiling at us.  She introduced herself and her friend, and proceeded to tell us that she happened to be walking by, and saw the Blessed Mother flags that we have in our front yard.  She said that something told her to knock on the door, and so she did.

Even just that was amazing to me…that someone, especially someone young, would actually walk up to a stranger’s home, because they felt the “call” to do it.  I have felt that call before, so I felt an instant connection with her.

We talked a little, and learned that we both have a devotion to Our Lady, and she shared that she attends Traditional Latin Mass at an area Church on Sundays, and she invited me.   Now, here is the clincher… I have been praying regarding whether or not to attend a Latin Mass.  There are different opinions on the Novus Ordo (New Order)  Mass vs Traditional Latin Mass, and I was praying for direction from Mother Mary and my guardian angel. You see, I remember the reverence and beauty of the Latin Mass as a child, before Vatican II, and have always missed that beauty. The altar rail, kneeling to receive the Body of Christ on the tongue,  the Priest facing the tabernacle, beautiful bells ringing during the Eucharistic Prayer, and beautiful hymns.  I always missed those lovely aspects of the Latin Mass, but since the changes to the Mass happened when I was a child, I just accepted those changes without question.

Since that night, my new friend and I have spoken a few times, and found that we have much in common.  She volunteers and is very active within the Church, and she reminded me of the 40 days For Life Ministry that is happening now.  It took a few gentle “proddings” before I finally made the committment to sign up to pray for the end of abortion.  I decided to pray at Planned Parenthood on Fridays.

What a lesson in humility it is to actually stand in front of a place (Planned Parenthood) that makes a business out of killing babies in their mother’s wombs. It is so sad to me.  At the same time, being there, and praying the rosary for the mothers and fathers that are considering to end their babies’ lives, is a privilege.  My rosaries and all prayers are also for the opening of the eyes, hearts and conversion of souls, of any person that is associated with this horrific baby killing.  Only Our Lord, Our Lady, and St. Michael, have the power to win this spiritual battle, and I am more than willing to pray to the heavens to step in and stop this holocaust.

I made the decision to pray the complete 20 decade rosary during my 40 Days for Life prayer time.  I have never prayed all the decades at once…have always just prayed the mysteries devoted to the particular day of the week.  This complete rosary is indescribably beautiful, and I plan to continue praying it at least once per week.

So, one more little tidbit to add to my story.  The Latin Mass that my friend told me about is only on Sundays at 3:30pm.  I work on Sundays/Mondays so that was out of the question, because I did not think it would be possible to change my two days.  Well…after she reminded me that we should not be working on Sundays anyway, being that it is the Lord’s Day, I decided to request my days to be changed so I would have off on Sundays.  I prayed to the Blessed Mother that if I was meant to have Sundays off and attend the Latin Mass, that she would make that possible.

I just heard from work a few hours ago that my request is approved, and I am over the moon happy that I will no longer be working on Sundays…the Lord’s Day:-) Thank you, dear Jesus and Mother Mary, for leading my new friend to my front door, and for the miracles you send me each and every day.

When I was looking for an All Mystery Rosary, I found one that is beautiful.  It is prayed by a husband/wife, with beautiful voices, and soft reverent music in the background. I will share with you below. (only one thing that I found distracting…after the last prayer of the rosary..Hail Holy Queen…the husband/wife talk a little about their site. I turn off the video after the last prayer, and then say the Prayer to St. Michael.

May God bless you on your personal journey to Jesus and heaven.  May your Lenten time bring you the interior growth that you are in need of.

 

Change the World

Somehow, the horror of the Las Vegas shootings sparked me to turn a corner in my faith life, in a way that I haven’t felt before.

More than ever, my eyes are opened to seeing a world filled with emptiness and confusion …allowing Satan to work through hearts without solid faith in Jesus and the protection of the Holy Spirit.

I am hearing and seeing pure hatred spewing from many mouths, from many different directions.  This hatred is revealed through despair, bitterness, deception, immorality, and the inability or downright refusal to accept love, forgiveness, and the mercy of God.  I am seeing much arrogance, pride and greed…which opens doors to the evil one.

No matter what laws are changed, or what the “experts” suggest we should do to stop the carnage, the hatred and evil seem to be exponentially growing.

Do you know why?  Because the government, the thought police, and new laws will never have the ability to change the hearts of men.  The only way to change the hearts of men is through God…the Holy Spirit.

Which leads me to what the Lord revealed to me last week while I was at Mass.  Since the Vegas shootings, I have been trying to attend daily Mass regularly, and have been praying that the Lord show me where I need to make changes, and how I fit in to His plan.  How I can be a vessel of His love, so that eyes will be opened and hearts converted.

When I attend daily Mass, I walk to the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.  The Mission is peaceful and reverent, and I feel encircled by God when I am there.

So, on this particular day, after I received the Holy Eucharist, I walked down a side aisle and passed the Tabernacle.  Out of habit, I bowed.  In a split second, I remembered  that the Tabernacle was empty, because the chalice containing the Body of Christ was removed for the Communion distribution.  At the same time I was having that thought, the Lord said to me, “I am not in the Tabernacle…it is empty.  I am now within YOU.”

Wow, that thought hit me like a ton of bricks.  When we receive  Jesus in the Eucharist, each one of us is a Tabernacle.  Jesus is truly within us. He is in us, and we are in Him at the same time.  He sees through our eyes, hears through our ears, touches through our hands, and loves through our hearts.  At the same time, we see through His eyes, hear through His ears, touch through His hands, and love through His Sacred Heart.

Doesn’t that fill you with joy?  Doesn’t it also give new meaning to living in such a way that our lives glorify the Lord?  He is living inside us…and we are responsible for all the places we take Him to…the images, sounds, smells, experiences, thoughts.  Nothing is hidden.  Nothing.

We, as Christians,  need to stop living for ourselves, and make the decision to live for God.  To be a blessing to our friends, family, and all we meet.  To constantly confess our sins, repent, and accept the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy.  To live in a way that glorifies GOD, not ourselves.  To pray and make sacrifices for forgiveness of sins and the conversion of souls.

For that is the part we all play in the Lord’s Divine Will…each of us in our own unique way.  We must be an oasis of light and love for the Lord to work through.  One heart at a time.

That is what will change the world.  Only the Truth and Love itself…Jesus.

 

 

See ME

Today, as I was sitting waiting for Mass to start, I was looking at my fellow parishioners, and asked the Lord to help me find the best in people.

As soon as I asked the question, I heard the words, “See ME.”  Wow, the Lord actually told me to see him in each and every person that I come across.

Immediately, the commercial that is selling a prescription drug for a skin condition jumped into my thoughts.  The tagline is “see ME”… instead of “see my skin issue.”

Aren’t we all internally desiring for our loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers to see who we REALLY are inside?  Don’t we wish for them to overlook our imperfections, sins, issues, or flaws, and see what lies deep in our hearts? Sometimes, we don’t even know who we truly are, and can not comprehend the goodness or beauty that lies within us.

Actually, that goodness that resides in our hearts (sometimes hidden to us and others) is not us at all…it is the Holy Spirit.  It is Jesus that pulsates in our hearts, filling us with his presence, mercy, and love… whether or not we actually feel it ourselves. 

Today, I was reminded again, to see Jesus in each person that I meet in my day.  To look past the “warts”…the flaws… and to focus on the Jesus that resides inside that person.  To look into each pair of eyes lovingly,  with the intention of drawing out the goodness.  Not to focus and judge surface appearance or behavior, but to attempt to learn their story and what needs they may have, offering support and validation.

When we can learn to do that, we will be true vessels for the Lord to work through.  Touching those in need (and we ALL are in need) with the love, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus.

As each heart is opened to the Truth of who lives inside, one by one…heart by heart…the world will be illuminated and changed.  

Sometimes, a person needs to know that “somebody loves me” before accepting that “Jesus loves Me.”  Let’s be “that somebody” that allows the love of Jesus to flow through us.

Dear Jesus, I ask that you fill my heart with your presence and love, and help me to look past all that is clouded by the darkness of sin, and focus on the Truth.  That only You are the way, the truth and the life, and that you can be found in every human being.  Please open our hearts and minds to the knowledge that all we need to do is accept and believe in your saving love and  grace!

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.  John 14:6

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?  1 Corinthians 6:19

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8

Dreams of Love

Today I will be sharing a dream that was an amazing blessing to me.  When I think about what was revealed, I am filled with the comfort and love that could only radiate from God, and my faith is strengthened.

This soul touching dream occurred on the night of Sunday, February 12, 2017.  Hopefully, you will absorb what my husband and I did when we understood the connection between the two of us that night…that could only be explained through the power of the Holy Spirit in our marriage.

When I woke up on Monday morning, the dream I had the night before was deeply etched in my spirit.  In my dream, there was an older man that I loved deeply, that was in the process of dying.  As he was lying there, it felt anguishing and surreal as I was comforting him.  While I was holding his hand, he lifted his head, and his face was radiant.  I followed his gaze and saw a sort of rolling light/fire/water.  It was a soft triangle of indescribable blazing light, moving in a live, flickering way.  It was a brilliant royal blue color and contained within it, a dazzling white center.

The light entered the man, and as it moved through him, it then filled me.

It was the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced.  A warmth and love that is indescribable.

So…after I shared and explained my dream with Joe, my husband, he was quiet.  I then asked him if he had any dreams the night before.

He shared that he dreamt he had died, but he didn’t realize he was dead at first.  He walked over to a fireplace, and at that moment he started to see in black and white, which let him know he was dead, and he saw that he was a spirit…like a white mist.  He saw me, in our bed, inconsolable.

He wasn’t sure how to help me, so he allowed his spirit to enter my body, and as soon as he did, I was at peace.

Wow!

Although this connecting dream, between my husband and I, was about death, it did not scare me or make me feel anxious.  We both were amazed at how the Holy Spirit has blessed us in our marriage, truly making us one in Him.  Also, we feel comfort in knowing that death is not the end…that there is much more waiting for us.

It is my intent and prayer, that by sharing this dream, your heart might be inspired with love and faith.

God the Father is real.  Jesus is real. The Holy Spirit is real.  

May all of us continue to open our hearts to God’s love.  Do not be confused as to where and what the Source of Love is.  It is not found in the world…it is found in Jesus.