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.
Are you struggling right now? Do you KNOW something is missing in your life…or maybe experiencing pain, despair, confusion, or doubt that there is a God that loves you?
There is a way to move closer and closer to Jesus. There is a way to find inner peace even as you tread through the storms of your day to day life. There is a way to truly have faith in God, and know that He is there for you. Always.
KNOWING Jesus will fill you with such a deep love and faith… life will change for you!
This video is the testimony of young men who have experienced miraculous change in their lives after making the decision to pray the rosary. Listen to their stories, listen to how their hearts (and lives) were changed. Our Blessed Mother loves us so much, that she desires to bring us closer to her son. She loves YOU that much…trust her to love you through your struggles, as any loving mother would, and trust her to lead you to the saving grace of Jesus.
Praying/meditating on the mysteries of the rosary is changing my heart and my life…in unbelievable ways. Are you ready to take a step forward in faith? May God be with you on your faith journey.
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
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?
My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures— then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:1-8
My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are living in deceptive, dark times.
There are many things that are happening in our country, in Christ’s Church, and in the whole world that our eyes, heart and conscience tell us are evil. At the same time, the darkness is working through every nook and cranny of our culture, attempting to override reality and fill us with confusion, fear, bitterness, despair and a spirit of submission to the great lie of Satan.
Satan wants us to believe that all is lost. He wants us to believe that the government can solve all of our problems…that we don’t need Almighty God.
Satan wants us to submit to the confusion of our sexuality, and what marriage truly is.
Satan wants us to give up on the One True Catholic Church…because of the evil he has planted there through his infiltration.
Satan is working through the Covid19 virus…attempting to separate us from our family, friends, and our communal worship of the One True God.
Satan is working through lost souls that are attempting to spread their mental and spiritual anguish to all of us.
I am here today to remind you… the devil is a liar. Do not give in to his deceptive tactics. He is working under the false impression that he is winning the battle…and is not even hiding himself. He is counting on the fact that we are not aware of The Truth…which is that Jesus is our Savior, and as long as we seek The Truth…which is God The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are protected from Satan’s deception.
You see, Satan wants nothing more than YOUR SOUL with him in hell. Turn your eyes away from the lies and evil, and place your gaze and trust upon Jesus.
The evil is being revealed in more ways everyday, and through eyes that see, and ears that hear, we can discern who is a child of God, and who is a child of Satan.
Which are you? It’s time for a choice.
Give yourself to Jesus…seek His wisdom and knowledge. Ask for faith and eyes to see. Let the Lord know that you belong to Him, and invite Him to fill your heart and soul with His love. When you do that, He will guide you to the ways you are meant to serve Him and His Kingdom.
We need to SEEK.
Ask the Lord to lead you, and then look for the ways that He reaches out to you. When someone refers a book or podcast, take the time to read, watch or listen. (always use discernement regarding the source) Pray. Attend Mass in person. Receive the sacraments. Pray the Rosary…pray for our country, the world, the Church. Pray for yourself, your spouse, your family and friends. Pray for those in despair or under Satan’s spells of deceit and confusion. Pray for the Pope and for those in the religious life. (many leaders of the Church are deceived) Pray for our government and the conversion of sinners…especially those that are standing for issues that greatly offend Almighty God.
The time for complacency have come to an end.
Search for The Truth. Give yourself to Jesus. Admit your weaknesses and sins. Ask forgiveness and REPENT. Turn away from the sins that are keeping you from knowing the Truth. Once you make the choice to seek God, you will never be the same. You will KNOW Jesus, and you will carry Him in your heart and share Him with this sick, suffering world.
May God bless us and have mercy on us!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
2 Corinthians 4:4 – In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly
A few months ago I had a troubling dream. It was the kind of dream where upon waking, it took me a good while to pull myself out of it and back into reality.
In this dream, I was near a type of small enclosure with translucent walls with a bench positioned in front of it. A beautiful young mother was sitting on the bench, with her two small children in tow.
Seemingly, out of nowhere, an amazingly beautiful white tiger started walking toward us. It was instantly apparent to me that the tiger was a ferocious animal, and I started to slowly back away.
I watched as the woman moved forward with her hand reaching toward it, focusing on the beauty of the animal rather than the reality of its true nature. As she and her children inched forward, I yelled for them to back away, however, they would not listen.
In one instant, the tiger pounced, and the family ran into the enclosure for cover. Before they could close the door behind them, the great beast followed them in. My ears were filled with the pitiful sounds of screaming from the mother and her children, and I could see splatters of blood through the walls.
I didn’t know what to do to help, so I started walking toward them, with the intention of opening the door to allow for a possible way to escape. As I neared the building, a man appeared beside me and gently took hold of my arm. He very calmly guided me away from the atrocity that was happening. He said to me in a slow, deliberate tone…”there is nothing you can do for them now.”
We are living in a time where evil has infiltrated every facet of our world. It is the perfect storm of events, leading us to a place of division and desperation. Because of the fear of Covid 19, not only our relationships are affected due to “social distancing” and lockdowns, many of us are experiencing financial difficulties, or stressful work situations at home with small children. Many are suffering with the virus itself, many have lost loved ones, and many are living with a high degree of fear. Anxiety levels are skyrocketing, which are leading to health issues, which show up as mental or physical ailments.
There are constant protests, demonstrations, marches, and riots. Labels are being spewed at each other…racist, homophobe, white privilege, xenophobe, fascist, marxist, communist. You need to be aware of your surroundings every minute…you never know when you will be accosted and screamed at while out in your community. Many diners enjoying some much needed time away for a meal with a friend or family member, have been shouted down and terrified by hate spewing mobs.
While protests and riots are occurring, or when large groups celebrate in the streets for their candidate that has been elected by the news media, there are no mentions regarding social distancing. We are free to shop in grocery stores, retail stores, liquor stores, and pot dispensaries, while Churches remain closed. I remember walking past an open Victoria Secret store, which of course is “essential,” as opposed to our Catholic Churches, which were deemed nonessential I suppose.
Our churches have been “allowed” to open, however only 100 worshippers are permitted into the Church for Mass. We must wear our masks, and squirt on the antibacterial hand cleaners before we are permitted to enter. Did I mention that we are not allowed to sing? But wait a minute, how about all the screaming and chanting happening out in the streets? Does that make sense to you?
Now we are in the midst of a chaotic recount of ballots in many states. There have been many credible accusations of voter fraud. Mr. Biden has usurped his role as the president elect, however the votes have not yet been certified.
We are waiting with baited breath for the outcome of this election. Either way it goes, it won’t be a pretty sight.
Our Catholic Church has been infiltrated and is under attack. Our current Pope seemed to condone same sex marriage/homosexual civil unions, and actually allowed a fertility goddess “Pachamama” to be displayed and revered in the Vatican Gardens. There has been pedophelia and homosexual abuses in the Church…which was ignored and swept under the carpet, allowing the perpetrators to rise in ranks or be transferred to other parishes. The absolute horrors of abortion…a mother making the decision to be an accessory to killing her own baby is rarely mentioned in the pulpit. Homosexual marriage or lifestyle is never mentioned. The horrors of hell are rarely mentioned. Why???
Many of us are experiencing desperation, confusion, and loss of faith during these trying times. That is because we are reaching out to the figurative “white tiger,” due to the beauty or majesty we want or choose to see. How do we know exactly what we are reaching out to? How do we discern?
In order to see clearly, and to know what is aligned with God, we need to know God. We need to love God. And we need to serve God.
As Catholics, we need to arm ourselves for the spiritual warfare which is in full force right now. You and I are here on earth at this particular time for a reason. Let’s learn about our faith, learn about Jesus and his teachings. Learn about the early Church, the saints who went before us. Learn about our guardian angels, and the power of St. Michael the Archangel. Learn about the power of Our Blessed Mother, and how she is most hated by Satan himself.
If Mother Mary was a “mere” woman as some believe, why do the demons and Satan fear her?
Do you want to continue going through life seeing the lie of the white tiger’s beauty, or do you want the grace to discern the grotesque, horrendous, evil beast for what he truly is? For I can promise you, if you choose to stay in the dark of deception and ignorance, sooner or later, when you least expect it, that beast will pounce on you.
And when that time comes, it will be too late… there will be nothing anyone can do to save you from yourself.
The time to decide and take that step toward the Truth…which is Jesus… is NOW.
With all that is whirl-winding around us at this time in history, there is nothing I can say that can better expose the truth of the times than these two videos.
There are many reasons that I could give to explain why I haven’t written a post for such a long time. However, this is what sums it up:
The facade of my life that I unknowingly created in my own mind was demolished. This devastated me, and I am still processing what it means to be me.
I thought that I dealt with each life event as they happened…but I didn’t, all the way back to my childhood. What I did was put all of it on the back burner, thinking that I could go on with my life without actually feeling the pain, confusion, disappointment or anger that was simmering inside of me, just below the surface. Because, I have so many wonderful blessings in my life…why couldn’t I just focus on those blessings? What was wrong with me, what was that gnawing feeling down deep that there was more to me than I was willing to acknowledge?
The last few years were extremely difficult for me:
My sons and their wives moved across country…something I never, ever envisioned happening to our family.
My mom passed away after living with my husband and me for over ten years. The stress of being responsible for her health and happiness, and then sharing in her dying process through hospice in our home, was overwhelming. As I started to grieve for her, I realized that I never truly grieved or faced the death of my father years ago. And both of those grief processes are very complicated.
Making the decision to move cross country to be near our new grandson, and my oldest son and daughter in law. That meant leaving friends, family, and our beautiful home in Virginia. Which also meant downsizing about 75 percent of our belongings, and moving into a much smaller condo in California. As I sold and gave away so many things that had been a part of my life for so long, I kind of put blinders on, and pushed all my feelings to the side. I did the exact same thing regarding my friends and family that I would be moving away from. How else could I have made that move? I literally numbed myself without even realizing it.
Then I started a job at an assisted living community. I work reception, and have fallen in love with many of the residents and their families. Although I love the people, and the relationships, something else started to happen to me. I started suffering anxiety/panic attacks, and I did not understand why.
Evidently, God isn’t through with me yet. More and more dark layers are being peeled away from my heart. I am facing demons that have lied to me for many, many years. And once again, Jesus is helping me to heal gently. I want it all to be gone NOW, however, He knows the timing…He knows what remains hidden inside of me.
One of the reasons that I haven’t posted in such a long time, is that I don’t have all the answers. However, I know now that it’s ok not to have the answers. Jesus has been there each and every minute of my life. He knows The Truth…He knows my true soul and my true self. My life is in His hands, and I trust where He is leading me.
He is there for all of us…in our joy, sadness, sin, anger, confusion, grief, and pain. When we truly accept that, we can stop trying to control everything and everyone in our lives, and we can rest in the love of Jesus. And we will come closer and closer to understanding “what it means to be me.”
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.
Lately the words “What Love Really Looks Like” have been going through my head. Probably because of our recent visit to Central California to enjoy some time with our son and daughter in law, and to meet our first grandchild, Brayden. Watching their family bond together, and all that goes into the care of an infant, etched into my heart the reminder that love does not usually look like the love that is marketed to all of us on a daily basis.
Yes, there are times of carefree romantic bliss, and those moments of angelic babies surrounded by an aura of sweet white light. Like the moments that are portrayed by Hallmark and on social media. Do we even remember anymore that most of the photos we see now are the result of careful staging, that depict perfectly put together couples, adorable babies, and trendy families? Whatever happened to the uncomfortable, and many times unflattering pictures of old? The ones that truly show life as it is…spontaneous and messy. I must admit, I am the first one to delete “bad” pics of myself or anyone else that I feel would not be flattering. Why do we desire to show the happy “perfection,” and not the struggle?
Sometimes, in trying to make our world “look good” to ourselves or others, we kind of forget what love really looks like.
As we get closer to Jesus, we realize that through the suffering and struggle of our daily crosses, when we open ourselves up to His love and healing mercy, we begin to experience His Divine Love.
What does love really look like?
There is beauty in love that is revealed through joy, happiness, and contentment. We all have known moments of great love and happiness…when we are so filled with love that we feel our hearts will just burst.
However, there is a deeper love…a greater joy that unites us with Jesus. That unfathomable joy is shown in ways we don’t expect. Some of those moments don’t “feel” like love when they are happening. The love is shown when we experience those moments, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them, and work through us.
What does love really look like? It looks like…
Hearing your newborn scream incessantly no matter how you try to soothe him; living on a few hours of sleep, and feeling overwhelmed. Changing dirty diapers that look like an explosion took place…how could all of that even come out of that tiny baby? Then your baby focuses and gazes straight into your eyes, and smiles with his whole face. Your heart instantly melts.
Doing what needs done as a couple to run your household and raise your children. Getting up everyday to go to work, when you’d rather stay home or do something much more interesting. Or maybe you are the one who is staying home to raise your children and manage your home…and the day to day “drudgery” sometimes feels as though you can’t do it one more day. Then, through the little things of daily life, through a smile, a hug or a special moment, you are once again reminded of the big “why” and your spirit is renewed.
The misunderstandings, arguments, and pain that happen in your marriage. The times when you bite your tongue when your spouse says something that hurts you to the core. Or the times you are the one who lashes out with angry, biting words. Then, through a miracle, the both of you once again work through the issues and difficulties, and become even closer through the struggle together.
Being the caregiver for someone in your life. The daily care, responsibility, and the pain of watching the one you love suffer, and then pass away. The grief. And then the joy of knowing he/she is with you forever, and no longer are you separated by sin, but united in love.
The pain of a mother, hearing that her daughter was killed while on a date with a boyfriend, who was driving drunk. That mother’s grief and pain in losing her daughter was overwhelming. However, the love of Jesus allowed her to stand up in the courtroom to speak up for the young man that was responsible for her daughter’s death. She was able to hug and love him, through the fullness of the Holy Spirit working in her heart.
The look of anguish between a husband and wife, as one of them confesses to infidelity, and the forgiveness that is offered from the heart to the offender. The grief, the pain, and the days, months and sometimes years of suffering together to restore the marital trust. And then the joy of discovering that the journey of healing miraculously built a truly happy, whole marriage relationship that is their greatest gift in life.
A well known country singer, who was diagnosed with cancer, and knew that her days on earth were coming to an end. She allowed her final loving days with her family to be shared with the world, in order to share her faith and love of God with those that may have needed to see through her eyes of faith. Beautiful.
What does love really look like?
It looks like Our Savior, sacrificing Himself to suffer and take on full punishment for our sins. It looks like a man, bloodied, scourged, tortured, mocked, hanging on a cross, and uttering the words “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” and then dying for us.
Then there was Easter Sunday! Triumph over death! Alleluia!
Thank you, Jesus, for showing us what love really looks like. I ask that you work through me, allowing your love to reach those in need of your mercy.
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