Gospel Reading John 14:1-6
"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" John 14:1-2
To know God has prepared a place for me makes me so excited! What will it be like? I am so excited to see.....I know it will be more than I could ever dream of or imagine. Jesus tells us today to not let our hearts be troubled....which is also wonderful news. These two together make me take a deep breath and know everything is going to be okay. It reminds me to settle down, take a chill pill, and to remember this life is so small and so short. So what are we all here for? What is making our days so crazy and stressful? When you think about Jesus telling us to let not our hearts be troubled and that He has an amazing place prepared for us for Eternity, why in tarnation do we get so caught up in the tiny things of this world each and every day? When you look at the big picture, only one thing truly matters. To live and walk with Christ daily and to embrace this vocation of Motherhood that was handed down to us from Heaven. When these little tiny souls are placed in our arms for the first time, they are reminders of what this life is all about. To LOVE, to SERVE, and to LIVE for God's Kingdom. Yes, they grow and become toddlers and drive us crazy, but they are nothing but living angels in our care. Why would we need anything else or want for anything more? NOTHING, will prepare us better for Eternity than giving of oneself in marriage and to these little souls entrusted to us.
So today, take a deep breath, live in the moment, and see Heaven's presence right in your midst....through the lives of your children. If you have a roof over your head, food in your pantry, clothing in your closet, a loving husband/father and healthy children, why should your heart be troubled? You have the world in your hands. And if you embrace this beautiful vocation and let Jesus shape and mold you through the sacrifices of giving of your self to your family, you will then hear what we all long to hear someday..."Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the place I have prepared for you".
Blessings to you this Friday! Please pray for our first mothers retreat here in our diocese this Saturday put on by our Archangel Moms Group. We are so excited! We need your prayers!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
I wanted to clarify my last post about "deserve". I write so fast in the mornings that sometimes I don't make things clear of what is on my heart. All women for sure DESERVE to be treated with the utmost dignity & respect. When I said we don't deserve anything, that was in regards to materialism. Any materialistic item is just a bonus in this life...something to be taken taken lightly. "To be worthy" is the definition of deserve & because we are created in the image & likeness of God, all men & women deserve or are worthy to be treated with love & respect. Now do I like a new pair of sassy heels every once in awhile? Heck yeah! Do I deserve them for being a good mother? No! They are fun to have but not something to be considered "worthy" of. I only hope to "deserve" the chance to stand in God's presence someday for giving my all and everything in this life. So that is where I am going with this....
Just had to clear my thoughts up a bit! Thanks for listening.
Just had to clear my thoughts up a bit! Thanks for listening.
Enough with the phrase " I DE-SERVE this...."
Gospel Reading John 13:16-20
"He is coming after me, and I am not good enough to take his sandals off his feet." Acts 13:25
As I meditated this morning on the baptism of Jesus, I was in awe that Jesus humbled hiself in front of John and had John baptize him. Can you imagine how John must have felt at that very moment? Not worthy, inferior, nervous. I am reminded today how "worthy" we make ourselves feel. The phrase so overused in today's society..."I deserve this...". Deserve a new pair of shoes, deserve a diamond necklace for our anniversary, deserve a spa treatment, deserve a night out with the girls.....ya da, ya da, ya da. We don't "deserve" anything. If you break down the word deserve it is to de-serve....to not serve. What does Christ call us to do with our lives? To serve others. I just can't stand it when I hear that phrase "Well, I deserve this..".
Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our ninth anniversary. Maybe I am weird and crazy, but I didn't expect some fabulous gift. Clint shows his love to me in so many other ways that I frankly didn't want anything. For one, we are financially strapped and it just doesn't make sense for him to go and purchase something we can't afford and two, he is such a busy man running a bakery that runs 24/7, that I didn't want that added stress on him of finding the PERFECT gift for me because I was just waiting around the house, tapping my toes with my arms crossed saying, "By golly, I deserve diamonds this year!". It truly is absurd what couples go through on meeting expectations of materialism for anniversaries, birthdays, christmas. And in alot of wives minds they can't wait to tell their friends what their husband got them for their anniversary. It is just one more game of "One Up". Who is going to out-do the other. There are not many more things more annoying to me than when you are out to dinner with some friends and the guys are all talking about baseball, work, etc., and the women are all down at the other end of the table showing off their new diamond watch, bracelet, earrings. This is complete nonsense to me and a waste of breath and energy. But this is majority of our world and I am sick of it and that is why I am writing about this today. Yesterday was the most perfect day for Clint and I. I greeted him yesterday morning with a steaming cup of coffee in his special cup, I had picked roses from my rose bush and placed in a crystal vase that we received for our wedding, I had our wedding album out and we reminisced with our children about our special day, and ofcourse we listened to April in Paris because that is where we went on our honeymoon. Clint took the day off and that was truly the greatest gift that he could have given me... his precense. Yesterday evening he cooked us all pizzas in the brickoven and we all cheered with silver goblets....Clint and I were drinking wine and the kids had orange soda with a slice of lime on the rim. I was the happiest I had ever been in my entire life yesterday. So this is proof that not everyone needs diamonds or fancy things for that matter to celebrate their anniversary. These are all "things" of the world that will pass away. But the love between a husband and wife shared with their children are moments that are eternal. For in sharing this special day with love of each other and sharing time as a family, these are the moments that will shape and mold us all into the people God has created us to be. I am not saying every anniversary will be like this for us and some day if we have a little more funds and a little more time, I am sure we will buy each other special gifts, but for this year not having that stress on either of us of buying the perfect gift was just right. This will more than likely go down as one of the best anniversaries ever.
So let's remember the baptism of Jesus the next time we are ranting and raving thinking we deserve something for all that we do as mothers and wives. Jesus wasn't saying he "deserved" to be baptized in a palace by a king, he simply approached John with humility out in the river and asked this lowly, bearded, smelly disciple to baptize him.
Blessings to you this Thursday.
"He is coming after me, and I am not good enough to take his sandals off his feet." Acts 13:25
As I meditated this morning on the baptism of Jesus, I was in awe that Jesus humbled hiself in front of John and had John baptize him. Can you imagine how John must have felt at that very moment? Not worthy, inferior, nervous. I am reminded today how "worthy" we make ourselves feel. The phrase so overused in today's society..."I deserve this...". Deserve a new pair of shoes, deserve a diamond necklace for our anniversary, deserve a spa treatment, deserve a night out with the girls.....ya da, ya da, ya da. We don't "deserve" anything. If you break down the word deserve it is to de-serve....to not serve. What does Christ call us to do with our lives? To serve others. I just can't stand it when I hear that phrase "Well, I deserve this..".
Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our ninth anniversary. Maybe I am weird and crazy, but I didn't expect some fabulous gift. Clint shows his love to me in so many other ways that I frankly didn't want anything. For one, we are financially strapped and it just doesn't make sense for him to go and purchase something we can't afford and two, he is such a busy man running a bakery that runs 24/7, that I didn't want that added stress on him of finding the PERFECT gift for me because I was just waiting around the house, tapping my toes with my arms crossed saying, "By golly, I deserve diamonds this year!". It truly is absurd what couples go through on meeting expectations of materialism for anniversaries, birthdays, christmas. And in alot of wives minds they can't wait to tell their friends what their husband got them for their anniversary. It is just one more game of "One Up". Who is going to out-do the other. There are not many more things more annoying to me than when you are out to dinner with some friends and the guys are all talking about baseball, work, etc., and the women are all down at the other end of the table showing off their new diamond watch, bracelet, earrings. This is complete nonsense to me and a waste of breath and energy. But this is majority of our world and I am sick of it and that is why I am writing about this today. Yesterday was the most perfect day for Clint and I. I greeted him yesterday morning with a steaming cup of coffee in his special cup, I had picked roses from my rose bush and placed in a crystal vase that we received for our wedding, I had our wedding album out and we reminisced with our children about our special day, and ofcourse we listened to April in Paris because that is where we went on our honeymoon. Clint took the day off and that was truly the greatest gift that he could have given me... his precense. Yesterday evening he cooked us all pizzas in the brickoven and we all cheered with silver goblets....Clint and I were drinking wine and the kids had orange soda with a slice of lime on the rim. I was the happiest I had ever been in my entire life yesterday. So this is proof that not everyone needs diamonds or fancy things for that matter to celebrate their anniversary. These are all "things" of the world that will pass away. But the love between a husband and wife shared with their children are moments that are eternal. For in sharing this special day with love of each other and sharing time as a family, these are the moments that will shape and mold us all into the people God has created us to be. I am not saying every anniversary will be like this for us and some day if we have a little more funds and a little more time, I am sure we will buy each other special gifts, but for this year not having that stress on either of us of buying the perfect gift was just right. This will more than likely go down as one of the best anniversaries ever.
So let's remember the baptism of Jesus the next time we are ranting and raving thinking we deserve something for all that we do as mothers and wives. Jesus wasn't saying he "deserved" to be baptized in a palace by a king, he simply approached John with humility out in the river and asked this lowly, bearded, smelly disciple to baptize him.
Blessings to you this Thursday.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Finding Rest in the Arms of Our Shepherd
John 10:22-30
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
I still do not have a computer and I miss writing every morning. It is amazing how filled my days are after I meditate on the gospel and write about motherhood. It helps keep a Heaven's perspective on my days in the home. I do have to say that not having a computer in the home is quite peaceful. Writing on the gospels is the only thing I miss. It is amazing how we have the world at our discretion through a computer. Anything we want to know about or curious about is just a click away. I can't help but think this is not the greatest thing for society. Our children might not ever know the meaning of delayed gratification....for we have instant text messaging, email and internet all wrapped up in a phone. How do we teach our children to listen to the Shepherd's voice....to know His voice and follow Him when we are bombarded with such a noisy society? I think it starts with us mothers in the home. To take time to sit and be and read a book while the kids play. Now that I do not have a computer, I sit and read a book while having my afternoon coffee. The days have been so beautiful, so I sit by an open window where the crisp air fills the home. I have relaxing music playing, the kids are outside being silly and riding their bikes and I am at peace. Usually this is my time to catch up on email or search on the internet for whatever is on my mind. This is probably not the best example for my children....the better example is teaching them to live in the moment....to have a cup of tea or coffee and read a book. Our God is a God of simplicity. He yearns for a simple life for us. In these moments, we will hear the voice of the Shepherd. It is in these moments that our children will learn from us how to stop and listen.
So during these beautiful Spring days from Heaven, stop and smell your blooming roses outside. Teach your children how to cut and place the roses in a vase. Sit with a steaming cup of coffee and rest in the arms of Jesus. Take joy in listening to your children's conversations.....they are hilarious! Sit in read because this is only teaching your children to sit and enjoy a book. Don't busy yourself too much to the point you can not hear the Shepherd's voice.....He is their just waiting to hold us in His arms and speak to us about the great work that we do in caring for our family and home. He is so pleased when He sees us taking a moment to enjoy the life He has given us and these precious little souls that will be grown in a blink of an eye. So moms, today, just take a deep breath and don't be so hard on yourself. Rest in the arms of our Shepherd....
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
I still do not have a computer and I miss writing every morning. It is amazing how filled my days are after I meditate on the gospel and write about motherhood. It helps keep a Heaven's perspective on my days in the home. I do have to say that not having a computer in the home is quite peaceful. Writing on the gospels is the only thing I miss. It is amazing how we have the world at our discretion through a computer. Anything we want to know about or curious about is just a click away. I can't help but think this is not the greatest thing for society. Our children might not ever know the meaning of delayed gratification....for we have instant text messaging, email and internet all wrapped up in a phone. How do we teach our children to listen to the Shepherd's voice....to know His voice and follow Him when we are bombarded with such a noisy society? I think it starts with us mothers in the home. To take time to sit and be and read a book while the kids play. Now that I do not have a computer, I sit and read a book while having my afternoon coffee. The days have been so beautiful, so I sit by an open window where the crisp air fills the home. I have relaxing music playing, the kids are outside being silly and riding their bikes and I am at peace. Usually this is my time to catch up on email or search on the internet for whatever is on my mind. This is probably not the best example for my children....the better example is teaching them to live in the moment....to have a cup of tea or coffee and read a book. Our God is a God of simplicity. He yearns for a simple life for us. In these moments, we will hear the voice of the Shepherd. It is in these moments that our children will learn from us how to stop and listen.
So during these beautiful Spring days from Heaven, stop and smell your blooming roses outside. Teach your children how to cut and place the roses in a vase. Sit with a steaming cup of coffee and rest in the arms of Jesus. Take joy in listening to your children's conversations.....they are hilarious! Sit in read because this is only teaching your children to sit and enjoy a book. Don't busy yourself too much to the point you can not hear the Shepherd's voice.....He is their just waiting to hold us in His arms and speak to us about the great work that we do in caring for our family and home. He is so pleased when He sees us taking a moment to enjoy the life He has given us and these precious little souls that will be grown in a blink of an eye. So moms, today, just take a deep breath and don't be so hard on yourself. Rest in the arms of our Shepherd....
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Being Fed by the Bread of Heaven
Gospel Reading John 6:30-35
"..my Father gives you the true bread from heaven." 6:31 "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." 6:35
My old cranky computer has finally crashed and I am quickly writing on my husband's computer before he leaves for work. Until I get mine fixed, I might not be writing daily....bare with me.
I am so encouraged and refreshed today when I read the gospel. We are given bread from heaven to eat! Each and every day we can receive the
bread of life from Heaven to help us not go hungry or thirty. The bread from Heaven will sustain us from the hungers of the world.....hunger from a large pay check, hunger from a nicer home, thirsty for a change, and hunger and thirsty for a different lifestyle. The bread that comes down from Heaven helps us daily to be thankful for what we have and fulfilled in our vocation of motherhood. Sure, we are human, and we all want different things or a different lifestyle from time to time, but the bread of life helps us to be content with the life God has given us. This is why it is crucial to ask daily to be fed with the bread of Heaven, by offering up the Lord's prayer before your feet hit the ground. To find time for prayer as you go about your daily chores or early in the morning before your children rise. We can't be fed by the bread and water of the world, but we are promised we will be fed with the Bread of Life!
So lift up your parched mouth and offer praises in thanksgiving today for your precious husband and children. Fill your growling and unhappy stomach with the Bread of life from Heaven be thankful for the life God has given you. A spiritually fulfilled life is quite simple, all we have to do is ask and we will be fed.
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
"..my Father gives you the true bread from heaven." 6:31 "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." 6:35
My old cranky computer has finally crashed and I am quickly writing on my husband's computer before he leaves for work. Until I get mine fixed, I might not be writing daily....bare with me.
I am so encouraged and refreshed today when I read the gospel. We are given bread from heaven to eat! Each and every day we can receive the
bread of life from Heaven to help us not go hungry or thirty. The bread from Heaven will sustain us from the hungers of the world.....hunger from a large pay check, hunger from a nicer home, thirsty for a change, and hunger and thirsty for a different lifestyle. The bread that comes down from Heaven helps us daily to be thankful for what we have and fulfilled in our vocation of motherhood. Sure, we are human, and we all want different things or a different lifestyle from time to time, but the bread of life helps us to be content with the life God has given us. This is why it is crucial to ask daily to be fed with the bread of Heaven, by offering up the Lord's prayer before your feet hit the ground. To find time for prayer as you go about your daily chores or early in the morning before your children rise. We can't be fed by the bread and water of the world, but we are promised we will be fed with the Bread of Life!
So lift up your parched mouth and offer praises in thanksgiving today for your precious husband and children. Fill your growling and unhappy stomach with the Bread of life from Heaven be thankful for the life God has given you. A spiritually fulfilled life is quite simple, all we have to do is ask and we will be fed.
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Filling our Empty Pitchers....
I don't have time to do a reflection this morning, so I wanted to share with you the outline of our mothers gathering last friday. We discussed how sometimes, as mothers, our pitcher is empty. We discussed how sometimes it is good to have an empty pitcher, because that is when you yearn more for God and turn to Him in prayer when you have nothing left. We also discussed how some things of the world can help fill your pitcher, but it is water from the world which does not sustain you and eventually evaporates. The importance of filling our pitcher with life giving water is crucial in our role of caring for a family. When we fill our pitcher with life giving water, we have the grace and peace to joyfully pour back into our family. Below are the topics of discussion....
MOTHERS FINDING PEACE
Empty Picthers: dry and cracked inside. No water to pour back into the family.
Pitchers are dry and cracked with…..
Exhaustion
Bitterness
Selfishness
Anger
Loneliness
Emptiness
An empty pitcher can be a good thing…..
Having an Empty Pitcher is sometimes a good thing and a gift from the Lord. When we are in tears, feel helpless and empty, this is an open door to grow in Christ. Our empty pitcher leaves room to grow in your faith and recognize your yearning for peace, which is Jesus. Our pitcher will never continuously overflow with life giving water until we are united with Jesus. If we always had a full pitcher, than we wouldn’t be emptying anything out. When we empty ourselves out, we become filled. This is the beauty of motherhood…..we are constantly emptying ourselves out to our families. But this is why it is essential to fill your vessel with life giving water. The water from the world will not sustain you, but the life giving water will give you nothing but joy and peace as you lay down your life for you family. Let’s read the excerpt “Empty Cup” from CUP OF OUR LIFE by Joyce Rupp….
Here are two different ways to fill our pitchers….
A. Water from the world:
Water from the world is healthy & fun. These are all gifts from the Lord, but when these gifts become one’s greatest concern and motivation, then they are no longer fruitful. Moderation is key to everything in life. Water from the world fills our pitchers a little bit but does not sustain us. It eventually evaporates and our pitcher once again goes dry.
Materialism: J Crew, Niemans, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn
Self Indulgences: Four Seasons Spa & Resort, Quick Nails, Champagne, Chardonnay, Starbucks,
Self Help Books
Dinner with the girls
Exercise/fitness
New Ownership: House, car, dog,
Music
“Alone Time”: Borders or the mall
B. Life Giving Water from Above:
Water from above is natural, pure, healthy and wholesome. This is the water that will keep your pitcher full and will sustain you in this life. We have to break the barrier of what is keeping us from this crystal clear life giving water. These are perfect gifts from the Lord that will help us be joyful and free from the chains that bind us to the world.
Adoration: Best “Spa Treatment” around
Sacrament of Confession: A Counseling session with Jesus
Eucharist: Dinner with the finest…..Heaven
Sacrament of marriage: Sacred Date nights
Prayer & Quiet Time: Soul Fitness with Personal Trainer (Jesus)
Rosary: Soul Indulgence of the fruit of the spirit
Self-Gift: When we give ourselves to others (our families), we receive abundant graces from God.
Exercise: Put a pitcher in your kitchen widow. Let this be a reminder to refill your pitcher with life giving water. Do not let anything stop you from receiving the abundant gifts from Jesus to help fill your vessel back up. Be pro-active in changing your chaotic life to a peaceful and joyful one. When your family sees you radiating with joy as Jesus fills your pitcher, they will learn the most valuable lesson in life: “to seek first the kingdom of God”!
How can I make the change? Here are some suggestions:
1.) Get up 30-45 minutes early before your kids rise. Light a candle and drink a hot cup of coffee or tea and pray. Buy a devotional book with the daily devotions (the actual date) and meditate on the devotion. Offer your day up to the Lord with the morning offering prayer of the church:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your sacred heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. Amen
2.) Adoration- try to find time to spend with the blessed sacrament. If you have some “alone time”, fill your vessel with life giving water by going to adoration instead of filling yourself with water from the world by going shopping. For the non-Catholics reading this, maybe stop by your chapel during the week and sit in silence in a holy and peaceful place.
3.) Rosary: Try praying this powerful powerful, life changing prayer throughout the day if you can’t pray the whole thing in the morning. Also, if you can’t go to sleep, blows counting sheep away! For non-catholics, meditate on the gospels...this form of prayer is similar to the rosary.
4.) Confession: If you can’t make it to Saturday confession or if the line is too long, schedule a confession during the week day with Father Richard. This is the best therapy session around!
5.) Eucharist: Try going to mass for sure every Sunday as well as during the week if you can swing it. Weekly nourishment from Heaven is essential, no matter how hard it is to get to church with children!
6.) Self Gift: You are already nipping this in in the bud just by being a mother. Realize daily that your self gift to your children is a form of prayer!
7.) Sacrament of Marriage: Date nights are ESSENTIAL for your marriage. Remember, your marriage was first before children. Nurture your love for one another with yummy dinners, good conversation and lots of kisses! If you can’t get a sitter, have movie night after the kids go to bed.
MOTHERS FINDING PEACE
Empty Picthers: dry and cracked inside. No water to pour back into the family.
Pitchers are dry and cracked with…..
Exhaustion
Bitterness
Selfishness
Anger
Loneliness
Emptiness
An empty pitcher can be a good thing…..
Having an Empty Pitcher is sometimes a good thing and a gift from the Lord. When we are in tears, feel helpless and empty, this is an open door to grow in Christ. Our empty pitcher leaves room to grow in your faith and recognize your yearning for peace, which is Jesus. Our pitcher will never continuously overflow with life giving water until we are united with Jesus. If we always had a full pitcher, than we wouldn’t be emptying anything out. When we empty ourselves out, we become filled. This is the beauty of motherhood…..we are constantly emptying ourselves out to our families. But this is why it is essential to fill your vessel with life giving water. The water from the world will not sustain you, but the life giving water will give you nothing but joy and peace as you lay down your life for you family. Let’s read the excerpt “Empty Cup” from CUP OF OUR LIFE by Joyce Rupp….
Here are two different ways to fill our pitchers….
A. Water from the world:
Water from the world is healthy & fun. These are all gifts from the Lord, but when these gifts become one’s greatest concern and motivation, then they are no longer fruitful. Moderation is key to everything in life. Water from the world fills our pitchers a little bit but does not sustain us. It eventually evaporates and our pitcher once again goes dry.
Materialism: J Crew, Niemans, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn
Self Indulgences: Four Seasons Spa & Resort, Quick Nails, Champagne, Chardonnay, Starbucks,
Self Help Books
Dinner with the girls
Exercise/fitness
New Ownership: House, car, dog,
Music
“Alone Time”: Borders or the mall
B. Life Giving Water from Above:
Water from above is natural, pure, healthy and wholesome. This is the water that will keep your pitcher full and will sustain you in this life. We have to break the barrier of what is keeping us from this crystal clear life giving water. These are perfect gifts from the Lord that will help us be joyful and free from the chains that bind us to the world.
Adoration: Best “Spa Treatment” around
Sacrament of Confession: A Counseling session with Jesus
Eucharist: Dinner with the finest…..Heaven
Sacrament of marriage: Sacred Date nights
Prayer & Quiet Time: Soul Fitness with Personal Trainer (Jesus)
Rosary: Soul Indulgence of the fruit of the spirit
Self-Gift: When we give ourselves to others (our families), we receive abundant graces from God.
Exercise: Put a pitcher in your kitchen widow. Let this be a reminder to refill your pitcher with life giving water. Do not let anything stop you from receiving the abundant gifts from Jesus to help fill your vessel back up. Be pro-active in changing your chaotic life to a peaceful and joyful one. When your family sees you radiating with joy as Jesus fills your pitcher, they will learn the most valuable lesson in life: “to seek first the kingdom of God”!
How can I make the change? Here are some suggestions:
1.) Get up 30-45 minutes early before your kids rise. Light a candle and drink a hot cup of coffee or tea and pray. Buy a devotional book with the daily devotions (the actual date) and meditate on the devotion. Offer your day up to the Lord with the morning offering prayer of the church:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your sacred heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. Amen
2.) Adoration- try to find time to spend with the blessed sacrament. If you have some “alone time”, fill your vessel with life giving water by going to adoration instead of filling yourself with water from the world by going shopping. For the non-Catholics reading this, maybe stop by your chapel during the week and sit in silence in a holy and peaceful place.
3.) Rosary: Try praying this powerful powerful, life changing prayer throughout the day if you can’t pray the whole thing in the morning. Also, if you can’t go to sleep, blows counting sheep away! For non-catholics, meditate on the gospels...this form of prayer is similar to the rosary.
4.) Confession: If you can’t make it to Saturday confession or if the line is too long, schedule a confession during the week day with Father Richard. This is the best therapy session around!
5.) Eucharist: Try going to mass for sure every Sunday as well as during the week if you can swing it. Weekly nourishment from Heaven is essential, no matter how hard it is to get to church with children!
6.) Self Gift: You are already nipping this in in the bud just by being a mother. Realize daily that your self gift to your children is a form of prayer!
7.) Sacrament of Marriage: Date nights are ESSENTIAL for your marriage. Remember, your marriage was first before children. Nurture your love for one another with yummy dinners, good conversation and lots of kisses! If you can’t get a sitter, have movie night after the kids go to bed.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
MOTHERS DISOBEY SOMETIMES, TOO !
Gospel Reading John 3:31-36
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment." John 3:36
I am pretty grouchy this morning, so I probably should not be writing for Jesus! I was up all through the night with a screaming 21 month old, a 4.5 year old who wet his bed and then up for the day with my 4.5 year old at 5:30 AM. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper this morning at 5:30. I reminded myself of my 21 month old who is starting to be defiant and "test the waters". Last night I told her "NO!" to filling a cup and pouring it all over the bathroom floor. I told her no three times.....she just looked at me and kept doing it. The consequences weren't pretty. I was the same this morning towards the Heavenly Father. I was saying words under my breath that I shouldn't but I didn't care at the moment. It almost felt good to be defiant to what was right. As mothers we continually lay down our lives for our family.....even throughout the night. We lay sleep aside....sleep that is so needed and loved...and care for God's flock. Sometimes, however, we just have had ENOUGH and we lose it! I threw an empty bottle across the kitchen floor at 5:30 this morning. I was bucking the system of selflessness...by golly, I just wanted some sleep! I see myself often as a little child at the foot of Jesus. As we are caring for these little souls, Jesus is caring for our little soul. And it is okay, I believe, to throw a fit and be a baby every once and awhile. This is where Jesus shows us humilty, selflessness, and obedience. After settling down, I humbly came before the Lord and asked for forgiveness for my potty mouth and disobedience. When you kick and scream and are mad at God, this shows you have a close relationship with Him....this is a good thing. We are human...we can't always be perfect and pleasing before the Lord. We are sinners for "crying out loud "(literally)!
Just as a child disobeys a parent, we disobey God from time to time. Just as the child is punished, we are punished with Sin. Therefore, we have to come before Jesus and ask for forgiveness and learn from His ways. His way is to love our neighbor as ourself. His way is simple....to LOVE. We are human and we become selfish from time to time, but it helps bring us to our knees, ask for forgiveness and seek to be more like Him. To love as He loves and sacrifice our lives as He sacrificed for us.....even if it is sacrificing from sleep. Jesus would often say to His disciples, "The good you do, do secretly and your Father, who see you in everything will repay you." Most of what we do as mothers is done in secret. We honestly can't imagine the graces that flow from Heaven down upon us each and every day for doing good behind closed doors. Jesus once whispered in my heart when I was beating myself up for not being a good mother one day.."the good you do every day far outweighs the bad". Remember that one, moms, and don't be too hard on yourself!
Blessings to you this Thursday.
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment." John 3:36
I am pretty grouchy this morning, so I probably should not be writing for Jesus! I was up all through the night with a screaming 21 month old, a 4.5 year old who wet his bed and then up for the day with my 4.5 year old at 5:30 AM. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper this morning at 5:30. I reminded myself of my 21 month old who is starting to be defiant and "test the waters". Last night I told her "NO!" to filling a cup and pouring it all over the bathroom floor. I told her no three times.....she just looked at me and kept doing it. The consequences weren't pretty. I was the same this morning towards the Heavenly Father. I was saying words under my breath that I shouldn't but I didn't care at the moment. It almost felt good to be defiant to what was right. As mothers we continually lay down our lives for our family.....even throughout the night. We lay sleep aside....sleep that is so needed and loved...and care for God's flock. Sometimes, however, we just have had ENOUGH and we lose it! I threw an empty bottle across the kitchen floor at 5:30 this morning. I was bucking the system of selflessness...by golly, I just wanted some sleep! I see myself often as a little child at the foot of Jesus. As we are caring for these little souls, Jesus is caring for our little soul. And it is okay, I believe, to throw a fit and be a baby every once and awhile. This is where Jesus shows us humilty, selflessness, and obedience. After settling down, I humbly came before the Lord and asked for forgiveness for my potty mouth and disobedience. When you kick and scream and are mad at God, this shows you have a close relationship with Him....this is a good thing. We are human...we can't always be perfect and pleasing before the Lord. We are sinners for "crying out loud "(literally)!
Just as a child disobeys a parent, we disobey God from time to time. Just as the child is punished, we are punished with Sin. Therefore, we have to come before Jesus and ask for forgiveness and learn from His ways. His way is to love our neighbor as ourself. His way is simple....to LOVE. We are human and we become selfish from time to time, but it helps bring us to our knees, ask for forgiveness and seek to be more like Him. To love as He loves and sacrifice our lives as He sacrificed for us.....even if it is sacrificing from sleep. Jesus would often say to His disciples, "The good you do, do secretly and your Father, who see you in everything will repay you." Most of what we do as mothers is done in secret. We honestly can't imagine the graces that flow from Heaven down upon us each and every day for doing good behind closed doors. Jesus once whispered in my heart when I was beating myself up for not being a good mother one day.."the good you do every day far outweighs the bad". Remember that one, moms, and don't be too hard on yourself!
Blessings to you this Thursday.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
LIVING IN TRUTH
John 3: 16 - 21
But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. John 3:21
"He who does what is true....". What is truth in today's times? Truth is not living to impress your neighbor and satisfy yourself. Truth is living for Christ, which is living for others. The greatest sacrifice on earth is LOVE. Doing what is true is sacrificing for others and loving as Jesus loved. Our world today is focused on living lies....not living for truth. All of the lies from Satan are being believed by the souls of our times. One of the main falsehoods of today's times is the lie of selfishness in women. That women need to "take care of themselves" by putting their needs and desires first and everyone else second or third. The lie that women are better off outside the home....their worthiness is not in the home but making money and having a successful career. The lie that women have rights to have a baby or not. The lie that it is okay to focus on what is best for self and to "toss" the unborn baby or the fertilized eggs that are kept in a freezer. Lie after lie after lie and so many of the lies of the world are in the hearts of women. If Satan can bring down the woman, then he has brought down the heart of society. For the woman is what keeps the world ticking by being the heart of the home. For when the home is in a disarray, then the world is in a dissarray. Look around, what do you see? Lies are being believed and family is taking a back seat. Satan's work is a slow rott and he is slowly rotting away the vital cell of society....the family.
All of these reasons are why it is CRUCIAL that we as mothers stand up and be the light. Stand up for what is right and what is TRUTH and to not back down to this pagan society. We are to be examples to others that motherhood is (if not THE) most important vocation on this earth. For we are raising souls to live forever. To nurture and care for these souls and our cathedral is success in Heaven's eyes. For when we let this "go" and focus on serving self, the souls and our cathedral start to fall apart and we become successful in the world's eyes. Each and every day there should be no other priority for a mother than her relationship with God, her marriage and then caring for her family....anything outside of this should take backseat. THIS is truth....this is what we are told in scripture. The world has been bombarded with the lies and is seeing with a foggy lense. This is why it is time to speak the TRUTH and not knod our heads in agreement to the lies of the world.
So today, look at your surroundings and deep in your heart. Where are you living in truth and where are you living in falsehood? Remember, truth will set you free. Speaking and living in truth is liberating and only brings peace and freedom...which is from the Lord. I warn you, be prepared to be made to feel stupid, crazy, belittled & harshly judged. This is only the continued lies of satan being lashed out at you for speaking truth. Stand firm and don't back down! Blessings to you this Wednesday!
But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. John 3:21
"He who does what is true....". What is truth in today's times? Truth is not living to impress your neighbor and satisfy yourself. Truth is living for Christ, which is living for others. The greatest sacrifice on earth is LOVE. Doing what is true is sacrificing for others and loving as Jesus loved. Our world today is focused on living lies....not living for truth. All of the lies from Satan are being believed by the souls of our times. One of the main falsehoods of today's times is the lie of selfishness in women. That women need to "take care of themselves" by putting their needs and desires first and everyone else second or third. The lie that women are better off outside the home....their worthiness is not in the home but making money and having a successful career. The lie that women have rights to have a baby or not. The lie that it is okay to focus on what is best for self and to "toss" the unborn baby or the fertilized eggs that are kept in a freezer. Lie after lie after lie and so many of the lies of the world are in the hearts of women. If Satan can bring down the woman, then he has brought down the heart of society. For the woman is what keeps the world ticking by being the heart of the home. For when the home is in a disarray, then the world is in a dissarray. Look around, what do you see? Lies are being believed and family is taking a back seat. Satan's work is a slow rott and he is slowly rotting away the vital cell of society....the family.
All of these reasons are why it is CRUCIAL that we as mothers stand up and be the light. Stand up for what is right and what is TRUTH and to not back down to this pagan society. We are to be examples to others that motherhood is (if not THE) most important vocation on this earth. For we are raising souls to live forever. To nurture and care for these souls and our cathedral is success in Heaven's eyes. For when we let this "go" and focus on serving self, the souls and our cathedral start to fall apart and we become successful in the world's eyes. Each and every day there should be no other priority for a mother than her relationship with God, her marriage and then caring for her family....anything outside of this should take backseat. THIS is truth....this is what we are told in scripture. The world has been bombarded with the lies and is seeing with a foggy lense. This is why it is time to speak the TRUTH and not knod our heads in agreement to the lies of the world.
So today, look at your surroundings and deep in your heart. Where are you living in truth and where are you living in falsehood? Remember, truth will set you free. Speaking and living in truth is liberating and only brings peace and freedom...which is from the Lord. I warn you, be prepared to be made to feel stupid, crazy, belittled & harshly judged. This is only the continued lies of satan being lashed out at you for speaking truth. Stand firm and don't back down! Blessings to you this Wednesday!
Monday, April 12, 2010
WHO SHALL WE SURROUND OURSELVES WITH? People of the flesh or spirit?
John 3:1-8
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
The closer I walk with Christ and see Heaven among us, the harder time I have in surrounding myself with people of the flesh. My life is so devoted to the Lord daily and walking in His ways that when I get around women of the flesh, I am very unpeaceful. Women who are living for the ways of the world and not for the things above make me personally feel belittled. Thankfully they make me feel not insecure, but more secure in my decisions. I couldn't put my finger on it this morning why I am haunted by this situation, but I feel in the rosary this morning as I meditated on the joyful mysteries (the annunciation, the visitation, the birth of christ, the presentation, and the finding of Jesus in the temple), I pictured Mary in her lifetime hanging out with the women of the flesh of her time. Although I am sure she steered clear of those kind of women, I can only imagine how belitted and crazy they would have made her feel. I can just picture her in a fancy castle with women drinking wine, looking perfect and talking about their riches and successes how out of place she would have been.
As I thought of the Magnificat, when Mary visited Elizabeth and praised God by saying...."My soul magnifies the Lord.....Holy is His name!". They were both filled with comfort and love because they walked the same path. Their lives were dedicated to living for God's kingdom.
I know we are suppose to bring others to Christ through our actions. We are to love everyone, although as different as we may all be. However, we have to be true to our soul and not continue to put ourselves in situations that do not lift us up and help us grow in self respect and love for the Lord. The problem with being around people who live for the world, is their way is the best way in their eyes and their not about to learn the ways of the humble and faithful. That is below them. I guess all we can do as faithful christians is pray for their eyes to be open and for a conversion. We are all made in the image & likeness of Christ so to see the good in everyone, instead of the negative, is what we are called to do always. (boy, that is a good reminder!)
By having a heavy heart this morning, I placed it at the foot of Jesus. I feel comforted and at peace with the answer. Thank you, Lord, for always guiding us on this rocky, winding path called Life. As mothers, we can only hope that our children can differientiate people of the flesh and people of the spirit and make decisions based on what to do and what not to do.....how to act and how not to act. Talking about this openly as they get older will only help them on the path of life.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
The closer I walk with Christ and see Heaven among us, the harder time I have in surrounding myself with people of the flesh. My life is so devoted to the Lord daily and walking in His ways that when I get around women of the flesh, I am very unpeaceful. Women who are living for the ways of the world and not for the things above make me personally feel belittled. Thankfully they make me feel not insecure, but more secure in my decisions. I couldn't put my finger on it this morning why I am haunted by this situation, but I feel in the rosary this morning as I meditated on the joyful mysteries (the annunciation, the visitation, the birth of christ, the presentation, and the finding of Jesus in the temple), I pictured Mary in her lifetime hanging out with the women of the flesh of her time. Although I am sure she steered clear of those kind of women, I can only imagine how belitted and crazy they would have made her feel. I can just picture her in a fancy castle with women drinking wine, looking perfect and talking about their riches and successes how out of place she would have been.
As I thought of the Magnificat, when Mary visited Elizabeth and praised God by saying...."My soul magnifies the Lord.....Holy is His name!". They were both filled with comfort and love because they walked the same path. Their lives were dedicated to living for God's kingdom.
I know we are suppose to bring others to Christ through our actions. We are to love everyone, although as different as we may all be. However, we have to be true to our soul and not continue to put ourselves in situations that do not lift us up and help us grow in self respect and love for the Lord. The problem with being around people who live for the world, is their way is the best way in their eyes and their not about to learn the ways of the humble and faithful. That is below them. I guess all we can do as faithful christians is pray for their eyes to be open and for a conversion. We are all made in the image & likeness of Christ so to see the good in everyone, instead of the negative, is what we are called to do always. (boy, that is a good reminder!)
By having a heavy heart this morning, I placed it at the foot of Jesus. I feel comforted and at peace with the answer. Thank you, Lord, for always guiding us on this rocky, winding path called Life. As mothers, we can only hope that our children can differientiate people of the flesh and people of the spirit and make decisions based on what to do and what not to do.....how to act and how not to act. Talking about this openly as they get older will only help them on the path of life.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
DO NOT BE AFRAID!
Gospel Reading today: Luke 24:35-48
"But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit". Luke 24:37
My children are up extra early this morning so I can't write much. I am just reminded through meditating on the sorrowful mysteries this morning (Jesus' passion) and then reading Luke of how awe inspiring Jesus' death and ressurrection was. To know that even His disciples that knew Him so well were scared when they saw Him ressurrected, reminds me of how we are all maybe a little scared of death. We can not even begin to know God's perfect plan for us when we die....it is beyond our comprehension. Jesus' death and ressurection makes God's perfect plan come to fruition. For because of His death, we get to live forever in Paradise!
Blessings to you this Thursday!
"But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit". Luke 24:37
My children are up extra early this morning so I can't write much. I am just reminded through meditating on the sorrowful mysteries this morning (Jesus' passion) and then reading Luke of how awe inspiring Jesus' death and ressurrection was. To know that even His disciples that knew Him so well were scared when they saw Him ressurrected, reminds me of how we are all maybe a little scared of death. We can not even begin to know God's perfect plan for us when we die....it is beyond our comprehension. Jesus' death and ressurection makes God's perfect plan come to fruition. For because of His death, we get to live forever in Paradise!
Blessings to you this Thursday!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
MOTHERHOOD...A MODERN DAY "ROAD TO EMMAUS"
Gospel Reading today Luke 24: 13 - 35
"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them.
And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:30-31
The gospel reading reminds me of how I was before my eyes were opened to the true vocation of motherhood. We get so caught up in the selfishness of the world that when we become mothers everything in our life is "thrown for a loop"! We start asking ourselves...."are kidding? This is what motherhood is all about?" or how about the famous saying.."I feel like I am losing myself.." or the other famouse saying "What about me? What is in it for me?" or "I went to college for what? My life is over..." I felt all of these feelings as I would scream at the top of my lungs out in the back yard and hope my neighbors didn't turn me in to the looney-bin. I did the whole scenerio of getting angry at Clint because no matter how much he tried to help, the mother is the main care taker of the child. I threw fits, kicked and screamed and wondered what the h_ll I had done by having this baby! This is all a detox of selfishness, pride, and worldly standards. It is not until Jesus used one of His disciples of today's time, author Donna Marie Cooper Oboyle, to help open my eyes. I was like the disciples walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Jesus was right in front of me the whole time....He was present, especially in this precious gift (baby) that He had given me. I was just blinded and couldn't see. Thankfully I read The Heart of Motherhood and my eyes were open and I saw Jesus standing in front of me in an onry toddler boy, a sleeping baby girl and another on the way. Everything became crystal clear.....the purpose and mission of motherhood. We are the modern day disciples of Christ raising souls for Eternity. Although He has risen from the dead, our mission has just begun.
So today, open your eyes to Christ walking next to you into school, out in the backyard or in the parking lot of the grocery store. You are on your road to Emmaus....don't be blinded, but see Jesus in your precense and break bread with Him at lunch today. Thankfully our children are the "bread breakers"...they bless our lives and give us a whole new meaning to live for Christ.
Blessings to you this Wednesday!
"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them.
And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:30-31
The gospel reading reminds me of how I was before my eyes were opened to the true vocation of motherhood. We get so caught up in the selfishness of the world that when we become mothers everything in our life is "thrown for a loop"! We start asking ourselves...."are kidding? This is what motherhood is all about?" or how about the famous saying.."I feel like I am losing myself.." or the other famouse saying "What about me? What is in it for me?" or "I went to college for what? My life is over..." I felt all of these feelings as I would scream at the top of my lungs out in the back yard and hope my neighbors didn't turn me in to the looney-bin. I did the whole scenerio of getting angry at Clint because no matter how much he tried to help, the mother is the main care taker of the child. I threw fits, kicked and screamed and wondered what the h_ll I had done by having this baby! This is all a detox of selfishness, pride, and worldly standards. It is not until Jesus used one of His disciples of today's time, author Donna Marie Cooper Oboyle, to help open my eyes. I was like the disciples walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Jesus was right in front of me the whole time....He was present, especially in this precious gift (baby) that He had given me. I was just blinded and couldn't see. Thankfully I read The Heart of Motherhood and my eyes were open and I saw Jesus standing in front of me in an onry toddler boy, a sleeping baby girl and another on the way. Everything became crystal clear.....the purpose and mission of motherhood. We are the modern day disciples of Christ raising souls for Eternity. Although He has risen from the dead, our mission has just begun.
So today, open your eyes to Christ walking next to you into school, out in the backyard or in the parking lot of the grocery store. You are on your road to Emmaus....don't be blinded, but see Jesus in your precense and break bread with Him at lunch today. Thankfully our children are the "bread breakers"...they bless our lives and give us a whole new meaning to live for Christ.
Blessings to you this Wednesday!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Seeing Jesus
Gospel Reading today John 20:11-18
"Saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus." John 20:14
In today's gospel reading when Mary looked into the tomb, she found two angels sitting there. The angels asked why she was weeping and she told them someone had taken her Lord and she didn't know where to find Him. As she turned around, there Jesus stood. She didn't know it was Jesus. I immediately thought of the times that we don't recognize Jesus in others. We are so busy with are days that we pass by our Lord as we are hurrying out the library with crying kids, in a tizzy at the check out line in the grocery store just desperately trying to get the heck out before a wall-eyed fit begins. As busy moms, we are reminded today to be still and know that God is present in us and in others. I, especially, seem like a frazzled nut case most of the time....just trying to survive another day. I listened to Two Edge talk yesterday while working out (you can download Deacon Tim's message on your IPOD....the messages are fantastic!). He was talking about living in Peace...a much needed message in today's world. He talked about God being present in every single situation. He reminded me to take a deep breath and just enjoy my days mothering children. Jesus is truly present in these precious little ones that we care for every day. He is present in the sweet guy or gal bagging your groceries. He is present in your child's teacher. He is present in the mechanic who changed your tire. He is present in your husband. He is EVERYWHERE, all we have to do is BE PRESENT ourselves. To notice God in the cloudless sky and crisp air during these beautiful days of early spring. To notice Him in the music you listen to, in the dirty faces you wipe, in the eyes of your loving husband. As mothers, if we just embrace the beauty and sanctity of the life given to us, we can help change the world to a world filled with a little more peace. If we become peaceful ourselves, our children will be peaceful. We have so much "pull" in today's society....as much as our world doesn't recognize it. We aren't just mothers, we are leaders.
So today, don't be searching for Jesus. Realize He is right there in your midst. In your home....your Cathedral. How blessed we are as mothers to see the face of Jesus in our husband and children everyday. Carry that same feeling to others....look for Him. He is hiding in everyone around you. Give out a warm smile, a hug, and hi to a stranger....for it might just be the Son of Man who was raised from the dead and now seated at the right hand of our Father in Heaven. Be aware. Be present.
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
"Saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus." John 20:14
In today's gospel reading when Mary looked into the tomb, she found two angels sitting there. The angels asked why she was weeping and she told them someone had taken her Lord and she didn't know where to find Him. As she turned around, there Jesus stood. She didn't know it was Jesus. I immediately thought of the times that we don't recognize Jesus in others. We are so busy with are days that we pass by our Lord as we are hurrying out the library with crying kids, in a tizzy at the check out line in the grocery store just desperately trying to get the heck out before a wall-eyed fit begins. As busy moms, we are reminded today to be still and know that God is present in us and in others. I, especially, seem like a frazzled nut case most of the time....just trying to survive another day. I listened to Two Edge talk yesterday while working out (you can download Deacon Tim's message on your IPOD....the messages are fantastic!). He was talking about living in Peace...a much needed message in today's world. He talked about God being present in every single situation. He reminded me to take a deep breath and just enjoy my days mothering children. Jesus is truly present in these precious little ones that we care for every day. He is present in the sweet guy or gal bagging your groceries. He is present in your child's teacher. He is present in the mechanic who changed your tire. He is present in your husband. He is EVERYWHERE, all we have to do is BE PRESENT ourselves. To notice God in the cloudless sky and crisp air during these beautiful days of early spring. To notice Him in the music you listen to, in the dirty faces you wipe, in the eyes of your loving husband. As mothers, if we just embrace the beauty and sanctity of the life given to us, we can help change the world to a world filled with a little more peace. If we become peaceful ourselves, our children will be peaceful. We have so much "pull" in today's society....as much as our world doesn't recognize it. We aren't just mothers, we are leaders.
So today, don't be searching for Jesus. Realize He is right there in your midst. In your home....your Cathedral. How blessed we are as mothers to see the face of Jesus in our husband and children everyday. Carry that same feeling to others....look for Him. He is hiding in everyone around you. Give out a warm smile, a hug, and hi to a stranger....for it might just be the Son of Man who was raised from the dead and now seated at the right hand of our Father in Heaven. Be aware. Be present.
Blessings to you this Tuesday!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Living with fear and great joy as Mothers.....
EASTER MONDAY!
Gospel Reading today Matthew 28: 8 - 15
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Mathew 28:8
Happy Easter! Early yesterday morning when I went in haste to the backyard to hide the easter eggs that I so lovingly dyed at 12:00AM the night before, I looked up to the Heavens as the sky cast a beautiful pink glow. I took a deep breath to smell the fresh air and pictured the tomb empty. What a wonderful feeling Easter morning is......after the horrible agonzing pain of Jesus that we meditate on three days prior. To know it is OVER....it is finished...and He has risen.
The feeling of the combination of fear and joy....have you ever felt that? I can only imagine the overwhelming joy and fear that was felt when they saw the tomb empty. The fear we have before the Lord is a different fear.....a comforting fear. The thought of the tomb being empty is kind of scary in a good way. We are told over and over in scripture that fearing the Lord is a good thing...."blessed are those who fear the Lord...". To not get comfortable in our own skin is to fear the Lord. To not get settled in our ways but to look to the Heavens daily to guide us and care for us is fearing the Lord. To not give into the world's standards but to fall to your knees in desperation to help you be the best wife and mother you can be is fearing the Lord.
As mothers, we can not become complacent in our great task of raising souls for Eternity. The moment we get comfortable and complacent, darkness starts to set in. We leave the gate half open for access to Satan. Accepting the world's standards, making excuses, justifying our actions, are all ways we can become complacent. But fearing the Lord and always humbly asking for guidance each and every day will help you in shaping & molding souls for Eternity. Getting up extra early in the mornings to offer up your day to the Lord, as hard as it is, is being a fearful and joyful servant. When you pray, you unite with the Heavens. You are there at the empty tomb. You are walking next to Jesus. You are sitting next to the Angels and Saints. What happens when we pray, is that we start experiencing Heaven on earth. Our eyes are open to what is living for the things above and what is living for the things of the world. The purpose and meaning of your life becomes clearer. This is the exact reason why we mothers have to be in daily prayer so we will not become complacent. Our children's souls are at stake.
Ahhh, He has risen. We are saved. But Our work is not over. We have to do everything we can to make sure our children know the Lord, that they know the difference between dark and light, good and evil, right from wrong. We can't do this alone....we need Jesus, His Mother, and all the angels and saints. Become fearful and rise early. Unite yourself with Heaven through prayer. Offer prayers up at the sink, while you fold laundry, while you rock your baby, while you tie a shoe. All of these tasks in motherhood is form of prayer and together with offering prayers our minds will be united with Him. We will start to listen to His advice in raising our children....not the world's advice. Our hands and hearts will be guided in mothering our children. He will show us how to do what seems like the impossible in today's society....raise wholesome, fearful, joyful, chaste, loving, respectful children. But we can not accompish this by becoming complacent. Fear the Lord and be joyful in bucking the system of the World. As Father Corapi says.."If you are doing something that the world thinks is weird, than you are probably on the right track!"
Blessings to you this Easter Monday!
Gospel Reading today Matthew 28: 8 - 15
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Mathew 28:8
Happy Easter! Early yesterday morning when I went in haste to the backyard to hide the easter eggs that I so lovingly dyed at 12:00AM the night before, I looked up to the Heavens as the sky cast a beautiful pink glow. I took a deep breath to smell the fresh air and pictured the tomb empty. What a wonderful feeling Easter morning is......after the horrible agonzing pain of Jesus that we meditate on three days prior. To know it is OVER....it is finished...and He has risen.
The feeling of the combination of fear and joy....have you ever felt that? I can only imagine the overwhelming joy and fear that was felt when they saw the tomb empty. The fear we have before the Lord is a different fear.....a comforting fear. The thought of the tomb being empty is kind of scary in a good way. We are told over and over in scripture that fearing the Lord is a good thing...."blessed are those who fear the Lord...". To not get comfortable in our own skin is to fear the Lord. To not get settled in our ways but to look to the Heavens daily to guide us and care for us is fearing the Lord. To not give into the world's standards but to fall to your knees in desperation to help you be the best wife and mother you can be is fearing the Lord.
As mothers, we can not become complacent in our great task of raising souls for Eternity. The moment we get comfortable and complacent, darkness starts to set in. We leave the gate half open for access to Satan. Accepting the world's standards, making excuses, justifying our actions, are all ways we can become complacent. But fearing the Lord and always humbly asking for guidance each and every day will help you in shaping & molding souls for Eternity. Getting up extra early in the mornings to offer up your day to the Lord, as hard as it is, is being a fearful and joyful servant. When you pray, you unite with the Heavens. You are there at the empty tomb. You are walking next to Jesus. You are sitting next to the Angels and Saints. What happens when we pray, is that we start experiencing Heaven on earth. Our eyes are open to what is living for the things above and what is living for the things of the world. The purpose and meaning of your life becomes clearer. This is the exact reason why we mothers have to be in daily prayer so we will not become complacent. Our children's souls are at stake.
Ahhh, He has risen. We are saved. But Our work is not over. We have to do everything we can to make sure our children know the Lord, that they know the difference between dark and light, good and evil, right from wrong. We can't do this alone....we need Jesus, His Mother, and all the angels and saints. Become fearful and rise early. Unite yourself with Heaven through prayer. Offer prayers up at the sink, while you fold laundry, while you rock your baby, while you tie a shoe. All of these tasks in motherhood is form of prayer and together with offering prayers our minds will be united with Him. We will start to listen to His advice in raising our children....not the world's advice. Our hands and hearts will be guided in mothering our children. He will show us how to do what seems like the impossible in today's society....raise wholesome, fearful, joyful, chaste, loving, respectful children. But we can not accompish this by becoming complacent. Fear the Lord and be joyful in bucking the system of the World. As Father Corapi says.."If you are doing something that the world thinks is weird, than you are probably on the right track!"
Blessings to you this Easter Monday!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
MOTHERS ARE AUTHENTIC FOOT WASHERS
Holy Thursday
Gospel Reading today John 13:1-15
"If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
As mothers, we are constantly washing our family's feet. From the moment of marriage and then our children's birth, we become the image of Christ for them and model the life of Christ in washing their feet. "We put aside our cloaks of pride, of fear, of self, and take up the towel and basin of the footwasher. We put aside our own needs and hurts and make the needs and hurts of our family our own. That is the moment we see our lives in the light of Jesus' selfless compassion. To wash the foot of our husband and children requires Christ's spirit of humility and generosity, of respect and love for the other person." NOT BY BREAD ALONE 2010
As we wash our family's feet, so they wash ours by helping us to trust in God, let go of our selfishness, and become diciples for Christ through Motherhood. THIS is the reason why the vocation of Motherhood is holy and honorable. As mothers, we model the life of Christ......can you get a vocation any better than that? THIS is why our daily work and sacrifices are the pathways to holiness and Heaven. Satan has taken the beauty of Motherhood and Homemakers and put His stamp on it in the world's eyes. People laugh and feel sorry for the poor woman who is stuck in her home raising her children. He has placed equality in Men and Women in a bad way....making women think her husband OWES her something for all the "hell" she goes through. This is all to help mothers to focus on the wrong outlook and purpose GOd has placed in women. However, we have proof in today's gospel reading that God's purpose in motherhood is nothing but pure and beautiful. And once we realize that in washing our family's feet and serving them with a Christlike heart, we will become joyful and FREE in this bitter and self-serving world. People will look at us and wonder what our secret is.....how can we be so happy JUST caring for our children and our homes?? The answer is JESUS! We walk daily with Him and lay down our lives for our families just as He layed down His life for us. Although you might not always hear the words you long to hear here on earth, someday you will hear the words you long to hear from the one and only Jesus himself...."Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The very place I have prepared for you!"
Keep on washing those feet with a smile, Moms! Someone real important is watching and taking notes!!
Blessings to you this Holy Thursday!
Gospel Reading today John 13:1-15
"If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
As mothers, we are constantly washing our family's feet. From the moment of marriage and then our children's birth, we become the image of Christ for them and model the life of Christ in washing their feet. "We put aside our cloaks of pride, of fear, of self, and take up the towel and basin of the footwasher. We put aside our own needs and hurts and make the needs and hurts of our family our own. That is the moment we see our lives in the light of Jesus' selfless compassion. To wash the foot of our husband and children requires Christ's spirit of humility and generosity, of respect and love for the other person." NOT BY BREAD ALONE 2010
As we wash our family's feet, so they wash ours by helping us to trust in God, let go of our selfishness, and become diciples for Christ through Motherhood. THIS is the reason why the vocation of Motherhood is holy and honorable. As mothers, we model the life of Christ......can you get a vocation any better than that? THIS is why our daily work and sacrifices are the pathways to holiness and Heaven. Satan has taken the beauty of Motherhood and Homemakers and put His stamp on it in the world's eyes. People laugh and feel sorry for the poor woman who is stuck in her home raising her children. He has placed equality in Men and Women in a bad way....making women think her husband OWES her something for all the "hell" she goes through. This is all to help mothers to focus on the wrong outlook and purpose GOd has placed in women. However, we have proof in today's gospel reading that God's purpose in motherhood is nothing but pure and beautiful. And once we realize that in washing our family's feet and serving them with a Christlike heart, we will become joyful and FREE in this bitter and self-serving world. People will look at us and wonder what our secret is.....how can we be so happy JUST caring for our children and our homes?? The answer is JESUS! We walk daily with Him and lay down our lives for our families just as He layed down His life for us. Although you might not always hear the words you long to hear here on earth, someday you will hear the words you long to hear from the one and only Jesus himself...."Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The very place I have prepared for you!"
Keep on washing those feet with a smile, Moms! Someone real important is watching and taking notes!!
Blessings to you this Holy Thursday!
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