Something Holy In A Day

A few years ago, I watched a program about pilgrimages. I learned that a pilgrimage is something you do "to seek something Holy." One of the show's hosts suggested that an experience as simple as traveling to church is a pilgrimage. So, the following Sunday as my husband and I drove to Mass, I silently prayed, "Lord, please help me find something Holy in the day." During Mass, there was no epiphany, no angelic vision, no nothing that I found to be out of the ordinary. I surmised that either it didn't happen or I missed it. On the way home, we stopped at the grocery store. It was there that God caught me by surprise. A friend with whom I had done a few Bible studies was there with her husband. When I greeted them, my friend's husband was nudging my friend saying, "Don't you have something to ask her?" My friend was perturbed and told him, "I can do this myself." What I soon found out was that she wanted me to be the new host mother for an exchange student that was having difficulties in her current host home. I found my husband in the store and shared the request with him. Without hesitating, he said, "Yes!" Before I knew it, the arrangements for her to come live with us were being made. On the way home from the store, I remembered my prayer. "Lord, help me find something Holy in the day." It seemed to me in that moment that my prayer had been answered. The young lady who lived with us for almost 8 months turned out to be a tremendous blessing. During her stay I learned a lot, especially about myself. I don't know who benefited more from her visit, but I'd have to say that most likely it was me. How about you? Would you like to find "something Holy in the day"? Ask God to show you. Then be alert to what He brings into your life. You might be surprised at what beautiful blessings He has waiting for you.

The Hour of Decision

This past Winter, my younger son was ill, and I was trying to decide whether to keep him home from school. While this may not seem like a big deal, it would have meant his 19th absence from school due to illness that year. I would have to petition a request to allow him to advance to the next grade. This was not new. I had to do this for him just about every other year due to his many illnesses.

As I stood in the kitchen trying to decide whether to send him to school or call the doctor, I remembered to ask the only One Who can help any of us... "God, what should I do?" I asked. His reply was life changing for me: Now is the 'Hour of Decision'. Will you choose to live a life of love, or will you choose to live a life of fear? BAM! I had my answer. A sense of peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding, filled my heart, my mind, my body.

In that moment, I understood that this was not just about whether to keep my son home from school when he was sick. No, this went much deeper. I now had the template for all decision making. I've learned to begin asking myself, "Am I doing this out of love or fear?" Perfect Love comes from God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Perfect Love casts out all fear.

So, each one of us must decide in all things: How will we choose to live? A life of love or a life of fear? Now is the 'Hour of Decision'.

The Veil

The Veil between Heaven and Earth is thin. Let us seek to be quiet and aware enough to hear God "speak" to us. Be still and know that I AM (Psalm 46:10). God speaks to our hearts through His Word, the beauty of Creation, music, books, animals, science, and other humans (babies, children, the poor, the sick, the elderly). And, sometimes, God speaks to us in words, sentences, whole conversations, visions, and knowings. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). Take some time today, this weekend, everyday to come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest for a while. Take some time to Be still and break through the veil to hear what God has to say to you.

Step Out of the Boat Peter

Today is a new beginning. A day that I am taking a leap of faith to answer the Call that our Lord has made to me: Step out of the boat, Peter.

Today is the day I take my writing and my passion and love for our loving and merciful God to a new level. To a deeper level of TRUST. Step out of the boat, Peter. I AM here waiting for you in the unknown, unseen. For too long, I have allowed the opinions of others to keep me from the Call that I heard so long ago. No more. Step out of the boat, Peter. May the Lord of all peace be with you today and always.