Brothers and Sisters,

I don’t know about you, but, I’ve had one of the worst weeks of my life and additionally one of the best! It began with having to put my beautiful border collie, Spencer, to sleep after a lengthy, costly and prolonged illness.  It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make (if you’ve ever had a beloved pet, you’d understand). He was not only my doggy, but also one of my constant companions. In many ways, he was my best friend.  Adding insult to injury, I equally lost one of my closest friends, not to death but to the world, with it’s empty promises, bright lights and empty promises.  I know that some people have faced greater loss than these, especially given the recent tragedy in Colorado and elsewhere around the world. My point is that losing those we love is hard on us! It touches the heart, which in turn affects our mood and so it goes.  Priorities change, outlooks change and sometimes lifestyles change.

The one thing, I noticed, throughout this week and the last is my increased awareness of God’s presence in my life.  Whether it be in the smile from a stranger, the kind word from a friend, the support of family, or the Holy Spirit himself… God is everywhere! No more have I felt his presence than when I have distinctly perceived the attacks from others in their thoughts or words.  It’s as if an invisible shield or armor encases my very being! I can’t see it, but, I can feel it.  It’s as if a thousand of electric impulses or bubbles surround me and nothing penetrates it! The daggers keep coming, but, they don’t seem to harm me.  It’s as if God himself is standing between me and the thing that is trying to get to me and it is having no luck whatsoever!  Yes, I miss my doggy, that’s true, but I know that I will see him again in heaven! And yes, I miss my friend, but, I trust that God will bring him back around…But, if for some reason my friend rejects God, I think I’ll still be okay… Cuz the Good Lord is not allowing me to sink into despair! He really is ever faithful and true! He is my rock and my stronghold! And I for one, cannot live without Him! AMEN! :D

I am a child of God and very deeply loved by Him; through His grace I love others deeply! In spite of my faults, He never abandons me; therefore let me never abandon you! Amen! ~stirrings from the Holy Spirit

Brothers and Sisters; The Spirit comes to the aid of our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones accord to God’s will.

Romans 8: 26-27

Taken from the 2nd reading in today’s Liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church

To live in accordance with the Will of God.  Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? But oh, how difficult it truly is.  For where does one begin when considering what God’s will is in your life.  Jesus himself gave us the greatest prayer there is, “The Our Father”…Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done…On earth as it is in Heaven. How many times I have said this but not really thought about what it means.  After all, we are also told that God has given us Free Will.  That means we are free to choose what we will or will not do.  The problem is that once you begin developing a closer relationship with God, you soon discover that your will just isn’t as important as it once seemed.

I love chocolate. But, I also know that I have a tendency to over do it with the sweets. I also love to shop. But, do I really need a new purse or shoes? It’s a choice I have to make. Do I go on stuffing myself with sweets, or do I use that money I would have spent on someone in need? God has a way of making you ask these questions of yourself.  Whereas before, I would make decisions on my own or after consulting with a trusted friend, I now find myself seeking the approval of Our Lord. And just who prompts me to seek out the Lord’s approval?  Well, he does, in the person of the Holy Spirit.  It’s not so much in words as it is in the tugging at your heart. He has a way of making you stop and think about what the consequences are of your action or inaction.

Learning to submit to the will of God is not easy.  He doesn’t always seem to take our best interests into consideration.  Why can’t we hold a grudge? Why do I have to love my enemy? What’s wrong with cheating, a little? Well, it smudges our souls. And you can’t get to heaven with a dirty soul! So, maybe, just maybe, God has our best interests at heart.  We can’t always know what our Yes to the Lord may bring. Look at what happened to our Blessed Mother when she said Yes! It requires a tremendous leap of faith to trust in the Lord’s will for us. That’s not to say that we are anywhere near the level of Our Most Holy Mother. God love us all, that much is true. He wants us to live with Him in Paradise! Now isn’t that worth the little yes’s we give Him now and again? And how much more will he reward us when we are able to say Yes with every breath? God Bless brothers and sisters! Shalom! :)