Treasure-loutions instead of Resolutions

 Treasure-loutions instead of Resolutions

          As the end of the year is quickly coming one of the things many people do is make resolutions.  But then most are not followed through.

          Another consideration is “Treasure-loutions”.  In an empty jar put in notes about the positive things that happen throughout the year.  Then on December 31^st read them and see how the year has had many good occurrences.

          These can be reminders of how great the year has been.  We can discover many treasures that fill our lives on an ongoing basis.  It may be so uplifting to our heart, as well as encouraging.

          It also shows us how we were a blessing to others that God brought to our path.  We may have been the answer to the prayers of that person, to accomplish God’s goal.

          There is so much for us to notice, if only we are aware of what surrounds us.  The goodness and blessings fill our environments, just awaiting the gaze to connect what God offers.  Our surroundings contain such positivity to overflow our jars, and our year.

I’ll Never See the Same Way Again

 

I’ll Never See the Same Way Again

There are things we see or read that change our outlook about how we perceive information.  What gets revealed to us in God’s timing can have amazing results.

          In a recent Jesus Calling:  “My plan for your life is unfolding before you.  Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back.  Then, when the time is right, the way before you clears – through no effort of your own. …..”

          God has some purposes for each of us to be relevant in one another’s lives.  We are brought to each other’s paths to accomplish some specific thing(s).  It could be the answer to that person’s prayer that we are meant to handle.

          What we notice could be an “aha moment” that gives us something new, a breakthrough we’ve been waiting for.  It may be a story we think we’re familiar with but all of a sudden we’re seeing a new piece in it that reveals a part of it we hadn’t thought of.  We’re a witness to newness that brings a fresh outlook that wasn’t considered.

          This refreshing viewpoint brings so much alive in our understanding and awareness.  Our perspective for the future may be renewed and we might have a whole new direction.

I Know A Cure for Sadness

 

I Know A Cure for Sadness

Let your hands touch something that makes your eyes smile

from Mirabai (Hindu mystical singer).

          A way to cure sad feelings is to let our hands touch somethings that make our eyes smile.  This kind of thing brings brightness into our lives.

          When we can experience that which enhances us to the point of enlivening our mind, soul & spirit we reach a euphoria, we are changed.  Our being is enlivened in such a way, we’re rejuvenated with things so incredible that spill over our containers onto all around us.

          God reaches others through us and brings alive environments we touch.  We get “Aha moments” as revelations from God that can be so invigorating for us as well as one another.

          This week (Dec. 20^th) we’re finishing the Advent season and beginning the Christmas celebration.  Though we have many reasons to be joyful, we may also have some sad times to work through.  Whatever sadness we have there are ways around them.

          Touching things that bring smiles to us can lift our spirits and change the mood we’re in.  It can improve our outlook as well as those God brings to our path.  The building of God’s kingdom can be strengthened to be so much more.

No More Vacations

No More Vacations

A friend who returned from a vacation told me he wasn’t going to go on vacation anymore.  He would still travel, but now he would look for something spiritual.  And each trip would become a “pilgrimage.”

That changed my perspective about my own journeys.  I look for that something spiritual in my own travels, and they become different for me, wherever I go.

I am seeing so much more in the places I visit, it has opened up the encounters I have.  Even the common walks or drives I have reveal some blessings that open up much more.

God has shown me things so incredible that have appeared and taught me lessons.  I’ve noticed the prolific in what seemed simple and mundane.

The experience of something new can only happen when we are open to the possibility, to take in the lesson to be learned.  If we see “vacations” as a getaway then we might lose out on the gift offered.  Look for opportunities, see spiritual possibilities, be on pilgrimages and receive blessings. 

INAM – It’s Not About Me

 INAM – It’s Not About Me

          Recently I heard “INAM – It’s Not About Me”.  That gave me something to think about.  That phrase was so revealing, it spoke to me in volumes.

          What I heard was so much bigger than myself and links me to a community and family of God.  The Trinity of God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) is the example of multiple connections – family/community – that make the “us & we” so relevant.

          The connections beyond ourselves give us opportunities for relationships that can build up much into our lives.  We see so many bonds with those around us and notice the graces God offers to us as blessings.  They appear as “aha moments” in things we hear, touch, see & sense.

          The things God gives to us expand what know about into the quite revelationary.  When we think we know it all, that can be so limiting; we are so closed off.  But when we are open to possibilities, we learn much more.

          The acronym J.o.y means Jesus-others-yourself.  That means “you…” comes at the end, after Jesus and others.  Any other sequence of that spelling just doesn’t make sense and gives us the proper perspective.

Renaissance means rebirth

 Renaissance means rebirth

(instead of “injury anniversary”)

Nov. 13^th 2020 was my 1^st stroke, so one year later I was celebrating it as my 1^st anniversary.  I commented to a group about it and added that I was celebrating that I was still around.

In a class for ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) one of the students said they used “Renaissance” instead of anniversary because it means “rebirth.”  That clued me in to rethink about it in a new way.  I could re-think of my life as its rebirth, a way of going on and growing toward something new.

There are so many new opportunities ahead as I look forward.  I am seeing so much as possibilities I can grab onto.  We can see so much renewed, if only we’re open to such ways.

The problem-free world is not in our future, so the challenges will be what we face frequently.  It is not “if” we will fall/fail, but ‘when”.  So picking ourselves up, and how we’ll respond is the key.

We have so much potential ahead of us as well as encouraging support around that builds us up to accomplish greatness.  Each step can add hope into our life, with togetherness of God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) & God’s family.  We are blessed in so many ways.

Pause-itive Blessings

Pause-itive Blessings

There is a difference between positive and negative.  But sometimes taking the time to think about our actions before responding can result in a more positive outcome.

The little break might have a positive impact and be a blessing to our environment.  It can improve the outlook about so many things we face.  Taking a “pause” to examine the choices before jumping to act can be just what we need for our approach.

Reacting to a situation may be necessary, but not always helpful.  Taking the time and thought before acting can be the needed step for the situation.  It may be called for in that occasion.

As we continue through this Advent season the “pause” might be the aid we need to prepare for the Christmas season ahead.  There is so much for us to celebrate, but do we have the right perspective about what to include.

We can also be there for each other and with each other.  The time given to others is so important and a blessing in our relationships.  The gift of time is vital for receiver and giver, and blesses both immensely.

One of the phrases talked about during our marriage preparation was “love lavishly”.  That can apply to many situations, especially Christmas.  So love lavishly this Christmas season; be a blessing to all.

Foreign Languages -- Difficult or Not?

Foreign Languages --

Difficult or Not?

In a class, I asked the students which foreign languages they knew.  They responded, “Spanish”, “English”, “Vietnamese”, “French”, “Chinese”, “Japanese”, “Sign-language”.  There are more, but for now these will do.

I said I was going to tell them some they didn’t consider.  I added “math”, and “science”.  They looked quizzically.  I said there are many foreign languages that seem difficult until we learn the clues to understand them.  Then they become easier to comprehend.

I then bring up “faith” as a foreign language because we don’t understand it initially.  We must learn some things about it that help to bridge the gap.  When connections are made, we see things differently.  And so much more is opened up to us

God shows “Aha moments” that reveal something new to us as graces and blessings into our lives.  It is so eye opening that it’s incredible.

Sometimes we are like sponges that soak up knowledge and experiences.  The learning is much easier under these conditions.  Something so foreign to us can be taken in quickly when we are familiar with the material, and are able to put it into a fitting context.  The phrase “Context Connects Value” comes to mind.  When we find context in something, that thing will become valuable to us.

BIG FAT BUT

BIG FAT BUT

          Once I have made a decision about my actions a “but …” I could have done it this way is altering.  That “BIG FAT BUT” questions the choice and puts doubt into the situation.

          God’s guidance can help me choose wisely.  The “but what about …” can put so many questions in my mind that might impede acts already done.

          I could relive decisions with regrets for choices made that may mire myself deeply.  If I have chosen properly, the “BIG FAT BUT” could be a turning point toward some improper changes.  And the action might get reversed in favor of a bad move.

          The thing you have accomplished does not always need fixing to where we do something different to change what we’ve done.  We can be satisfied with our choices, not looking for options to vary the outcomes.

          Seeing something already chosen with such questions might give a different perspective, but that doesn’t mean we have to act to make changes.  We could learn a lesson that benefits us and others without making the deed a reality.  Don’t let your “but” change your life unnecessarily.

     In a high school Religious Education (Confirmation) class I played a guessing the word game.  I wrote "I should not let my _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ get in the way"  When they filled in the letters BIG FAT BUT in several said I spelled it wrong.  I said, "No, I didn't."

     Our "BUT" could be a life changer, making all the difference.

Inherent Beauty as a Child of God

 Inherent Beauty as a

Child of God

          On a walk I saw some cacti that looked burned out and I thought they looked ugly.  But God told me they weren’t created that way.  They were created with beauty as were we.  We have an inherent beauty as a child of God.

          What I learned was we don’t lose our beauty as a child of God because of the actions of someone else.  Our beauty is inherently created in us and we hold onto that as long as we remember it.

          We are so much more because of our connection with God.  If we remember who and Who’s we are it gives us somethings so incredible that we cannot lose.

          God won’t give up on us.  A Pastor once said, “If God forgot about us for even a fraction of a second we would literally pass out of existence.”  And that doesn’t happen.

          We are created for a purpose, and we are still around for just that.  The other reason we exist is to help others.  God brings people to our paths that are available for one another’s journey.  We are part of God’s family, a significant part.

Be Good Anyway

 Try To Find Someone Good.

Be Good Anyway

We have lots of choices to be good, and to look for someone who is good.  If we have trouble locating a good person, making good choices can improve our environment greatly.  Mother Teresa said, “There a lots of good people in the world.  If you can’t find one, be one.”  Do good anyway.

God gives us the free will to help each other and spread goodness into the lives of those brought to our paths.  Don’t live on borrowed time, don’t put off being “good” until ______.

Someone said, “We cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good that we can do.”  We must make good choices while we can.

God is with us continuously/consistently/constantly to help us choose right choices we face.  The “Support Group” (which God can be the biggest part) that encourages/builds-up/edifies us on our journey can be what we rely on to get us through the tough times and hard decisions.

          Recently I heard “… Sometimes it costs zero $$ to be nice.  …”  Being nice can be quite economical, but might affect another person immensely.

My Renewed Garden

 My Renewed Garden

Looking at the environment I have to work in now, it seems different than the one I had before.  The changes of this newer place is so varied from what I’m used to.  It’ll take some getting used to, and building new relationships.

Don’t compare the newer garden with the previous one or expect the current garden to be similar to the one before.  Each one offers its own characteristics that are unique.  The things planted could be different with each one.

I can see much clearer now, the difference is amazing.  Being able to see this newer garden and all its possibilities can be so refreshing.  What can be planted gives a renewed look to this environment.

Approach the gardening activity/duty as if God is there helping you.  That partnership changes our perspective.  What we face is different and easier to handle.

This new look offers some different opportunities to accomplish changed perspectives.  It is refreshing to see various growth from what was planted.  The blooms and blossoms develop such beauty that was inherently there from God.

What God has planted through us grows into things so incredible.  The blooms and blossoms become the best versions of God’s creations.

The Gift of “Enough”

The Gift of “Enough”

We are all blessed from God.  There is enough that we can share with each other and be a blessing to those that are brought to our path.

Our lives are filled in ways if only we open our eyes to notice the incredible graces that God has given us.  Seeing ourselves as filled is so important because we can move forward to help others.  We overflow beyond our own containers and are able to be available in the ways God wants us to be present for that other person.

And God wants to be there for that other person through us.  God wants us to know how “enough” we are for ourselves and the blessing we are for the people around us.

We are not less of ourselves because we are connected with God.  Rather we are richer versions of ourselves.  We are different, we are not deficient.

When we feel challenged more, then the Grace & Power of God is increasingly at our disposal.  We are filled to the point of overflowing in our environment onto others.

The “enough” gift is what fills our heart and the things we instinctively do.  That is the way God affects others through us.  God calls us and sends us as messengers into one another’s lives.

Don’t "Should" All Over _____

Don’t "Should" All Over _____

          Things we do are done because of choices we make.  But if afterwards we think “I should have done ____” considering other options, that can be detrimental for the decisions we’ve made.

          The “shoulds” can be like “what ifs” and can have various ramifications.  These variables and possibilities are vast.

          Making alternative choices for actions we’ve already done may undo some things, and that could cause dire consequences.  Choosing to do things God’s way reduces the need for “should-ing” decisions and gives us more room for good choices.

When we are closer to God we decide better about how we act.  We also see situations more clearly.

        Believing and trusting in God can improve our decisions beyond “should ______ happen”.  We can be sure in the choices selected that we've made good ones.

Heard on Catholic radio;:

"Some people should all over themselves --

I should have done _________

I should have been ________

We walk toward _____

We walk toward _____

(and we walk away from something else)

          There are many things ahead of us as choices which we can select.  But in so doing, we are also walking away from something else.

          Everything we walk toward is a choice we have made to participate in, but also includes something we’ve avoided.  We move away from instances and experiences, choosing the thing we will be a part of.

          Whatever we have chosen, God is there in our midst.  We can include God into our life and make it a fuller experience.  If we try to do it without God the occurrence is lacking completeness.  Someone once wrote “Those who do their own will are constantly running into their own limitations.”

          Picking the thing we will do may be an easy choice or convenient or fun or not.  The accomplishment might be fulfilling and a blessing, if only we can see the benefits.

          Walking toward something can be so rewarding that gives us so much and fills our life with blessings beyond belief.  We can sense much more because we are aware of things we might have missed.  The questions for which we seek answers provide many blessings when we are ready to receive, when we are open to what they offer.

          Walking toward opportunities feed us in many ways because our search has opened our minds and hearts and ultimately our souls to be blessed.  Placing ourselves in such environments gives us a zone to see and hear and feel the things God is sharing with us so graciously.

A place of calm, a place of joy

A place of calm, a place of joy.

Replaces _____ or re-places ______

          The place we are has some choices that are positive or negative.  The positive places may include calm and joy.  It can be peaceful and one of chosen happiness.  We might enjoy so much if only we see it that way.

          Any positives can “replace” something that isn’t, and that improves our environment.  Such an outlook might be hopeful and upward/forward looking.

          We can also compile some “calm” or “joy” suggestions in a box that we might draw from when needed to spark us on.  These ideas may be helpful in incentivizing us toward newer prospects.

          Such things can prod us on toward places of peacefulness and happiness that should improve our mindset.  We might find ourselves in zones of serenity, giving us new wonders to consider.

          It is harder to see clearly through water that is boiling.  The clarity is not there unless it is calmer.  The same is true for us, if we are boiling it may be more difficult to have clarity in a situation.

          Being in God’s Presence can prepare us for whatever is ahead in our day.  It is like the exercise we need to get our muscles ready for the battle we are to face.  The place of calm and joy is the encouragement for our body to meet the next challenge we are about to encounter.

Be Awake To _____

Be Awake To _____

         We have to be awake to and aware of so much in our lives.  There is a lot we can sense in various environments.  We are continuously being fed and quenched, but do we notice the nourishment that God provides?

         Sometimes God is sending someone into our lives to bring us a gift, but it might come wrapped in a way we don’t recognize.  And then do we receive it, and unwrap it properly or use the gift to its fullest extent?

         Being awake to God’s approach can be tricky.  It may come to us disguised as something we might miss if we aren’t looking for the way it comes into our lives.  Be on the lookout at all times, in all ways for the blessings offered.

         What we gain may be different than the expected presentation.  It must be noticeable that we can get the full effect.  God gives us things beyond our understanding.  They might come to us as “aha moments” in surprising ways, catching us off guard.

         To be awake and aware we must be open to possibilities that reach us unexpectedly.  God is always sharing things with us through people, words, phrases, ideas, actions and more.  Be watchful for various messages given to us.

         Notice what God has to offer – whether in seeing or hearing or touching or smelling – any sense can pick up things.

Palanca for Cursillos #298 & #299

Abide in His Love

Cursillo 298 – October 2021    

There is so much we are searching for

In our relationship with God

We are trying to connect with God in so many ways.

Just be open to the possibilities that are present.

          Abide in His Love

 

Once we’ve connected with God we are then called to share.

We are missionaries to all that are brought to our path.

The stories we tell bring God alive to others’ and builds the kingdom.

Love is overflowing through us onto the many we reach.

          His Love Abides into More Life

 

Under Your Wings I Find Refuge

Cursillo 299 – October 2021    

We seek God possibly for protection.

To cover us in our need for security.

That place might help us feel like we are not alone.

We’ve found that God offers us many blessings.

          Under Your Wings I Find Refuge.

 

God challenges us to help others in need

That they won’t feel like they are alone.

We can offer them support for what they are facing.

To find their place of protection and security.

          God calls us to share the refuge we’ve found.

Ex-chooses

Ex-chooses – bad choices can lead to excuses

         Many things in our lives are accomplished because of choices we make.  But when we make bad choices that can result in excuses.  So make good decisions about our directions.

         Certainly pray about things ahead of us and then listen for the advice God is pouring into our lives.  Be on the lookout for ways that bless our lives.  We are presented with many things to choose, and we can pick right or wrong from the options.

         If we’ve chosen something “wrong” or “right” we might be called on to defend that action, and then do we own up to why or do we try to “excuse” our way through?  What will be the way we proceed?

         An examination of conscience may be a fitting way to help us deal with what we’ve selected as what we have chosen.  Thinking our way through might help us reflect on the choices made and how they affected others or us.  Did our choosing bring us closer to God or further away?

         Choose a way that gets us closer to God, and ultimately strengthening the bonds with our community.  Making good choices builds up the kingdom of God, and is a blessing for many.

Even If Something Negative Happens, We Can Learn A Lesson From It.

 Even If Something Negative Happens, We Can Learn A Lesson From It.

         We have all kinds of experiences, some negative and some positive.  But in each there is something we can learn.  We have to be open to that lesson that we can get out of it the thing it offers.

         In the occurrence we can be taught the message(s) that benefits us greatly.  The lesson learned can be immediate or delayed.  It is only effective when we are aware.  Then it blesses us with an “aha moment” revelation that may be surprising.

         The nugget of blessing can come from an experience, even if the overall occurrence was negative.  The ways we are affected may be different than what we expect.

         God wants to show us so many things, but only gives us what we can handle at any one time.  There is much for us to learn if only we are aware and open to the possibilities.  We can be so nourished by experiences that feed and quench our soul/emotions/intellect as well as our physical needs.

         If we are open to it there can be many blessings.  God’s grace is so in tune with our needs that is the perfect filler for any holes we have.  The love of God overcomes whatever is lacking in our lives.  It accomplishes goodness out of each occurrence.

A good day can start with the choices I make

 A good day can start with the choices I make

          The day can start out good if I choose to make it so.  Each day offers me choices that can make it positive or negative.  So I can make the day look upward or not by my decisions.

           If I see God’s value in my life that I don’t lose because of something I or others do then I find so much more positive in myself.  There is an inherent beauty in us as children of God, which we don’t lose because of actions that are not of God.

God will never choose something that would separate us from His love.  We can only be a part of the relationship with God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) if we make that choice.  So choose well the ones we make.

We can become the best version of ourselves by choosing to do so.  There are so many ways we can go that have an incredible impact on our pathway and that of others too.  If we allow the spilling of blessings onto those around us, we can improve our own outlook also.  The goodness we impart on others can be blessings in our lives too.  God blesses each of us through each other.  We are so connected that we affect those God brings to our path.

We are so alive through our sisters and brothers in Christ.  We receive Holy Communion, but we also become holy communion; uniting with each other strengthens our community bonds.  We can become and stay connected.  Each day God needs us to build up His kingdom, and offers us opportunities to do just that.

At a hospital that I volunteer at I saw a sign "This is a good day to have a good day."

This Is the Thanks I Get

 This Is the Thanks I Get

(This was published in a newsletter in Nov. 2005)

             When I take on a task it should be without regard as to what the reward will be or how much appreciation will be shown.  When the "thanks I get," becomes more of a concern than accomplishing the task, I am being selfish.

             At this time of year we are reminded, not of thanks-getting, but of thanks-giving.  I certainly have many reasons for giving thanks to God. There are the blessings of my family, friends, the church community, opportunities to serve God, and on, and on, and on.

             Aside from thanking our Lord, I also have reasons to give thanks to those around me. The people in our lives do things to help us, whether intentionally or not, and those are chances for us to show our appreciation. I sometimes get so busy (though I let myself get into those situations) that I easily overlook the need or chance to say "thank you!" or pass up the opportunity to show my appreciation. It is important to remember that "Thank you!" goes a long way in building good relationships.

             I am striving to be better at giving thanks. I've also discovered that when I am more giving and willing to share, God blesses me in many ways. I don't know that this is God's reward system, but I think that in giving and sharing I am also opening a part of my life. I then realize the hand of God reaching in, with a loving touch, to bless me even more.

             Another area in which I am sorely lacking is offering thanks to God. In fact, God could be asking the title question, "This is the thanks I get?" of me. I try to remember to thank God, but I still feel like I could do so much more.

             This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving. I can remember many times that I've sat down to Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends and had such an awkward feeling. The strangeness was because I had barely been thankful in my words and infrequently thankful in my actions.

             I should not look at Thanksgiving as an occasion, rather I should practice it as a way of life. In that way thanks-giving would actually become thanks-living.  I know my world changes because I am the one who is changed; and maybe others are changed as a result also.

     At a recent conference a speaker told us "We don't just give because there is a need.  We give because we need to give."

     Memo to myself (To Do Item):  This is the thanks I give!!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

 

“ ….. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. …..”

 “ ….. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.  …..”

          People came to Jesus looking for a message of hope, to see how they were significant to God.  He was offering them some encouragement, so he started with the Beatitudes.  He used some characteristics that the people already had to point out some ways they were important to God.  When we can find something simple in them, we will get messages that are more fruitful in our lives.

          In “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall  be comforted” the simplest way to look at that is – when we see the ways that we are hurting, that is the first step toward healing.  If I’m playing soccer and I sprain my ankle, but think the injury is not bad and I can keep playing, I am probably going to make it worse.  If I take time to address the injury, and allow the healing to begin, I have already taken steps toward the healing process.

          The injury in our lives can be multi-faceted, not just in sports.  So as long as we are willing to begin the healing process, the repair has begun.  And with the healing process, God has a beginning point to start working in our lives.  With God in our lives, it can become apparent how we are important to God.

          God is available to us at all times, but we have to open the doorway for the connection to happen.  We have to see the value in the relationship to be a blessing in our lives.  Jesus didn’t give them as “Do-attitudes”, but “Beatitudes” so realizing them is so much more important.

Beyond Blinders, Blessings

 Beyond Blinders, Blessings

          Can we see beyond our blinders, the blessings that exist in our life?  We have so much to be thankful for, but do we notice that?  There are so many blessings in our life, but we must be open to such possibilities.

          God graces us with so many things that we can enjoy, but the blinders can make it harder to see them unless we are aware about what is so apparent.  We have to be “clued in” to be able to see the things that might be right in front of us.  It may be hard to see something without the clue to that blessing.  It might be a word or phrase from someone that points us in that direction.  Or it might be a picture that helps us see what was there all along.

          Be looking for things all the time, for God to show you something.  Don’t let blinders block out what God wants us to notice.  Asking good questions might be the way to get the right answers that lead us to what God wants to show us.  So be on the lookout for the things God is presenting us as opportunities

          God is continually blessing us in ways that sometimes appear as “aha moments” and catch us off guard.  Such surprises might become part of our lives, but we may be unaware until they are upon us.

          Keep looking for the blessings God is offering us.

Praiseworthy -- God is. Praise-wordy -- we should not be.

Praiseworthy -- God is.

Praise-wordy -- we should not be.

 

          We should praise God at all times, in everything we do.  We should be praising God in all the words we say also.  But do we do those things?  Probably not.

          But God is worthy of all the praising we can offer.  God blesses our lives in so many ways, if only we pay attention to what is happening.  If we see/hear/touch/sense the ways that we are so blessed, we can sing about and pray and praise in many ways.

          The ways we offer our praises can be over the top “wordy”, more than necessary.  God doesn’t need to hear the words we offer, God already knows the way we feel.

          The praises we offer can be quiet and God still knows we’ve given them.  Our “wordiness” is for our sake, and that might help us concentrate on praying.  But God connects with us even in silence.  That way God can talk to us, and say more.  God can give us thoughts that can feed us in so many ways.

Im-PRAY-sive Words

 

Im-PRAY-sive Words

 

          The words we use in prayer can be great or not, they can be ones we fumble through or are quite eloquent.  They could be just a conversation with a friend.

          The main thing is that we are comfortable in the wording used.  They have to be ones that fit our lifestyle and are ones we’re used to.

          We can look at what works for others to get ideas, but if it doesn’t fit our own life, it won’t last long.  We have to make it our own for it to take hold.  It has to impress upon us a great image and become important to each of us to become a part of our regular routine.

          It has to be scheduled regularly for us to remember to do it or it won’t happen.  Someone once said “We don’t plan to fail.  We fail to plan.”  We have to plan to have regular prayer time, whatever that is, to make it happen.

          And that “prayer” can change over time as we get more used to it.  The rote prayers may have a spot, the conversational prayer may have it’s place, or being in silence and listening might become important too.

          We should not be telling God what we want all the time.  We can also listen to God tell us the plan at times too.

The difference between He’ll and Hell

 

The difference between He’ll and Hell

 

          The difference between He’ll and Hell is the Presence of God, whether God is there or not.  And if God is not there it is because of our choosing.

          If there is any negative part in our life it is because God is not part of it.  And that is the choice we have made, to not include God in that aspect of our life.  We might think we have it all figured out, so we can handle it on our own and leave God out.

          God wants to be part of our lives, but waits to be invited in.  God might knock on doors, but we have to open that doorway for the connection to be made.  Even the smallest step toward God is enough for God to make big strides toward our position.  God meets us where we are on that path toward Him.  He’ll make that happen.

          God will lift us from our problems or rescue us from whatever we face if we only call for help.  Also keeping our gaze focused on our Savior is the way we stay connected.

          Jesus wants so much more for us and gives us so many opportunities to receive blessings.  We have to be open to such possibilities

The ‘tudes that Jesus taught

 The ‘tudes that Jesus taught

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 1-12 and (the Sermon on the Plain) Luke 6: 20-23) Jesus told the group about certain attitudes they were to have.  There are 8 of them in Matthew and 4 in Luke called the Beatitudes.

He was talking to people who were being condemned by religious leaders for their unworthiness.  Jesus was offering them encouragement for who they were, and calling them “Blessed” (or “Happy”).

In my need for an attitude adjustment I’ve looked to Scripture and many times the Beatitudes have provided the answer.  I used to think that passage was very complicated, and so I expected great theological revelations, but none came.

When I began to look at the Beatitudes for simple answers, then they made more sense.  In the first one, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God,” I wondered what ‘poor in spirit’ meant and how did it apply to me since I had what I thought to be a good relationship with Jesus.  In the simpler terms I realized it meant ‘those who need God.’  When we know we need God, then we make room in our life for God.  Otherwise we’d fill up our lives with events, activities and things that would block out the place where God would be included in our life.

Another Beatitude reads, “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for  holiness, for they shall have their fill.”  If we hunger for food, we go find food.  If we thirst for a drink, we go find something to drink.   Similarly, when we want holiness ( connection with God), we seek out ways to fill that need.

As I see it, one of the most important lessons Jesus taught was about encouragement.  We are to edify one another, building each other up, to continue in our faith walk.

Edifying another person actually helps the encourager also.  I heard someone say, “If you’re feeling down, lift someone else up.”  And that really works, because in doing so we would take our minds off of ourselves.  In The Prayer of St. Francis we hear “It is in giving of ourselves that we receive.”

So encourage someone and the be-attitude you have will be the right one.  In The Beatitudes (and anywhere in the Scriptures), don’t overlook the simple answers searching in deep spiritual truths.  You will realize how you are already blessed.

BLESSED ARE YOU!!!

The Beatitudes: For our mood-ification

 The Beatitudes:  For our mood-ification

In Matthew 5: 1-12 (and Luke 6: 20-23) we find some verses which are referred to as “The Beatitudes.”  Jesus is quoted with “Blessed are you … for …” or “Happy are you … for …”The message I get from those passages is that among the things our Lord offered (and offered us too) was/is encouragement.

The people who sought to hear Jesus were needy, hungry, and hurting physically and spiritually, and being persecuted.  They were being told by the religious leaders that they were insignificant, unworthy and not important.  Their mood was probably one of desperation, maybe even feeling unforgivable.  Then here comes Jesus, offering them hope and encouragement.  He told each of them they were important, they were significant and they had great worth.  He welcomed them that they could return to God.  That could certainly spark a change of mood.

Now those of us who need a spiritual boost can also be hopeful and encouraged by Jesus’ words and actions.  There are many examples where Jesus offers hope and encouragement, but for this story I will focus on the Beatitudes.  I get the most out of them when they are viewed with simplicity.  Here are a few examples.

In “Blessed are you who are poor in spirit, yours is the kingdom of God,” I see that ‘poor in spirit’ means ‘those that need God.’  When we know that we are poor in spirit, we reach for God because there is a void in our life.  In our need for God, we have an emptiness which God can fill.

In “Blessed are you who mourn, for you shall be comforted,” I see when we are hurting (spiritually or otherwise), that is the first step toward healing.  If we deny that a problem exists, it is like a closed door between us and God and/or others who could help.

In “Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for holiness, you shall have your fill,” I’ve learned from comparing the spiritual hunger and thirst to our physical needs.  When we are hungry for food and thirsty for drink we look for ways to satisfy our need.  Similarly in our spiritual hunger & thirst we look for ways to satisfy that need too.  Through the Eucharist and our actions we are filled.

When I look for the simple message, in other Bible passages too, God says some incredible things.  Jesus said you must become like these little ones (referring to children).  I think that means we must be trusting in God’s ways, accepting of God’s will, and be open for uncomplicated messages.  It is when I contribute my trust, acceptance and openness that God gives me revelationary “Wow!  It was that simple,” insights.

Stay open to God’s simple messages and you will develop the be-attitudes for life -- eternal life.