A Love That's Everlasting: Part I

Yesterday, I hosted my first (hopefully annual) God Loves You Spiritual Retreat, entitled "A Love That's Everlasting." Hosting a Spiritual Retreat in my home has been a dream for many years. However, I never knew how and where I would find people to speak, let alone have the money to pay for their services. As God would have it, He put two people in my path to speak who were more than happy to speak pro bono (Latin for "for the public good").

The first speaker, a retired university professor, discussed two ancient forms of prayer: lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) and contemplation. Once thought to be the prerogative of monks in monasteries, these forms of prayer are now being taught to the laity as ways to draw closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI believes that these forms of prayer, done regularly by the masses, will change the face of the Earth.

The second speaker, who has worked in communications and public relations for 26 years and is currently earning a Master's Degree in Nutrition, as well as becoming a certified Life and Health Coach, provided a coaching session entitled "A Closer Relationship With God."

As I was planning the retreat, I was asked by a few people why I was doing this. In thinking about it, I really couldn't come up with an answer other than, "It's just something that I've been wanting to do for years." At the end of the retreat, the participants were sharing openly about their spiritual journeys, ways that God has blessed them, and miracles they have seen in their own lives. It became a very emotional time as we listened to each others' stories. As I watched all of this unfold, it suddenly became clear to me why I was doing this... to fulfill my life's purpose: To use my creativity, passion, and writing to inspire others to joyfully experience God's Presence in all things and to tell people that God Loves them.

In my next two entries, I will write more about each of the topics discussed during the retreat.

I'm extremely grateful to our Lord for giving me this, and so many other, opportunities to share His Infinite Love. "There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." - Mother Theresa

Psalm 34: I Will Always Thank The Lord

For the past two weeks, in thinking about my renewed health over the past two years, I have been acutely aware of, and completely humbled by, the Greatness of our Lord, the generous Blessings He has bestowed upon me, and the Never-ending, Unconditional Love that He has for me and all of Creation. At this morning's Mass, I was extremely moved by the Responsorial Hymn "I Will Always Thank The Lord," which is based upon Psalm 34.

I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.
I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.

I will thank the Lord at all times,
I will always praise God's name.
My soul will boast of the Lord;
the poor will hear and be glad.

I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.
I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.

Join with me in the praise of the Lord;
together we shall sing God's praise.
I called, and God answered my plea;
from my fears the Lord set me free.

I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.
I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.

Look to God and shine with joy;
you will never be ashamed.
I begged God to listen to me;
God took my burdens away.

I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.
I will always thank the Lord; I will always praise God's name.

Pick Up Your Mat... and Walk!

During the early Sunday morning of Memorial Day Weekend 2008, I had a fainting spell and suffered seizure-like symptoms. After being taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room and put through several tests, it was decided that I had been dehydrated and that I should drink plenty of fluids and increase my salt intake to keep my normally low blood pressure elevated. After a few days of continued weakness and dizziness, I exhibited some mild stroke-like symptoms. Again, I was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance. There I had several more tests and an MRI and was put on a 48 hour seizure watch. Over the next two days, I made a few phone calls to doctors and had one appointment. I was told that there was really nothing wrong with me and was told that I could drive and go on the silent retreat that I had been planning to attend that weekend. While at the retreat, I again exhibited seizure-like symptoms. When I returned home, I made another call to my doctor. Still, she thought there was nothing wrong with me. But, despite what the doctors were saying, I knew there was something very wrong with me. I lay on the sofa and prayed, "God, I want to be well." I was surprised, but comforted, by what God spoke to my heart: You are a very sick little girl, but you will be well. Pick up your mat and walk. Recognizing God's Presence immediately, I knew exactly what He was telling me. God made it very clear to me that I would be well, but my healing would not be instantaneous. I needed to do the work to get well. Not knowing how to even begin, I prayed again, "God, I will do whatever you want me to do. Please put the right people and things in my path." And He graciously did. I was led to a path of Holistic Health by my sister. God then led me to several doctors who support homeopathic forms of treatment. Over the next four months, it was determined that I suffered from a weak heart, seizures, mitral valve prolapse, early symptoms of MS, CFS, fibromyalgia, severe arrhythmias, severe arthritis in my lower back and hips, kidney stones, Hypothyroidism, Systemic Candida, NMH, IC, allergies, a weakened immune system, low blood pressure, and more. Now, after two years of doctors' appointments; research; support from my sister, family and friends; vitamins and supplements; walking, sunshine, and fresh air; a "caveman diet" of mostly whole, raw, organic foods; and much prayer and trust in God, I have recovered from my many ailments. When I asked God why the doctors who treated me in the beginning didn't recognize the seizures and my other health issues, He said to me I closed their eyes to keep them from maiming you. My current cardiologist confirmed this. Had the doctors really known what was going on with me, many drastic measures would probably have been taken to treat me, including putting in a pace maker. I am abundantly grateful for the Love and Direction that our Lord has given me and continues to give me. Pick up your mat and walk. These words have forever changed my life, not just in my physical health, but in all areas of my life. In the Gospel according to St. John (John 5: 6-9), Jesus asks the man who had been ill for 38 years, "Do you want to be well?" He asks us the same thing... Do we want to be well? If so, we need to "pick up our mats and walk". Complaining, blaming, and staying "stuck" won't heal us. Do you want to be well? Do you REALLY want to be well? If so, then take back your life! Pick up your mat and walk!!! Follow our Lord on the path to wellness... mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Happy Mother's Day

To all of the moms out there, to those who have played a "mothering" role, and in memory of the moms who will forever be in our hearts, have a very blessed and joyful Mother's Day!

The most important person on earth is a mother.
She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.
She need not.
She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral --
a dwelling for an immortal soul,
the tiny perfection of her baby's body...
The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.
They cannot share in God's creative miracle to bring new saints to heaven.
Only a human mother can.
Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature;
God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation...
What on God's good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?
Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

I Didn't Ask You To Fix Them

What is our responsibility to others in this world, especially those who are not acting "right" (read: not acting the way WE think they should)? God answered this question very clearly last year. I didn't ask you to fix them, I asked you to love them. We have not been called to change others. We are called to change ourselves. By our own good example and encouragement, others may find the desire and courage to change in themselves what would bring them true peace and happiness. By living out our lives and faith joyfully, others may "want what we have". If we are giving others unsolicited advice in order to "help" them, what we are really saying is, "You are not living up to my expectations." In other words, we are only offering conditional love. We will never attract by judging. Who would ever want anything we have if what we have to offer is condemnation? As always, it goes without saying, we shouldn't put up with or condone abuse. There are times that we do need to speak up. But abuse is where I try to draw the line when I'm carefully choosing my battles. I don't always succeed, but it is the guideline which God has made so clear to me: I didn't ask you to fix them, I asked you to love them.

Jesus, I Trust In You

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'" (Matthew 9:13) Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. "Pope John Paul II, both in his teaching and personal life, strove to live and teach the message of Divine Mercy. As the great Mercy Pope, he wrote an encyclical on Divine Mercy: 'The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me... which I took with me to the See of Peter and which, in a sense, forms the image of this Pontificate.' In his writings and homilies, he has described Divine Mercy as the answer to the world's problems and the message of the third millennium. He beatified and canonized Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, the nun associated with the message, and he did it in Rome and not in Poland to underscore that Divine Mercy is for the whole world." (www.thedivinemercy.org) So, what is mercy? Forgiveness, love, and charity toward those (including ourselves) who don't seem to "deserve" it. "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have Mercy on us, and on the whole world."

Easter's Promise by Winterberry

Many years ago, before I was really sure that God Is real (and definitely before I recognized Jesus as the Christ), I had an experience one Easter Morning, which I believe was a "seed" that God planted in my heart. I was at my in-laws' house. When we left to go to Mass, I noticed that all of the daffodils were hunched over and facing West. When we returned, the sun was streaming through the trees and morning mist. The daffodils had all turned toward the East and were stretching toward the light and warmed air. I wrote a poem several years later to convey the deeply moving spiritual experience that grew within.

Huddled together with covered heads,
Fear and sadness consumed the bed.

Bonnets of yellow, orange, and white,
Hiding numb faces, sign of their plight.

Torment, regret -- all hope was lost;
Love, it seemed, destroyed; Prince of Peace the cost.

How could it be? He promised so much.
How could He leave, in times of such?

Going unnoticed, rays of light
Pierced morning mist, ending the fight.

Turning to greet Him, Emmanuel,
Recognized slowly, to knees they fell.

Warmth slowly entered bodies so cold,
Broken hearts healed, freeing hurt souls.

Hearts filled with gladness, Hope now restored,
Reaching, receiving; Love freely poured.

Spirit among them, Mercy and Love
Grace given to all, from Heaven above.

Incense

Incense is the term used to denote the material that is burned and the smoke it produces. Historically, incense was used to perfume the homes of the rich and mask unpleasant odors. The Old Testament speaks of incense. Zachary was burning incense at God's altar when an angel appeared to him. Incense is a clear symbol of the way in which our prayer rises to God. In the psalms we read, "Let my prayer rise like incense before You, O Lord; and my song like an evening offering." The use of burning incense in religious ceremonies is a symbol of prayer and worship of God which dates back to ancient times. It is both a symbol of our prayer rising to God and a way to honor holy things. That is why the altar, the Word of God, the people, the Easter Candle and the cross are incensed. Probably today the most common use of incense is at a funeral to honor the body of the deceased.

(From Mountain Maryland 6 Parishes Bulletin 3/7/10)

I Put Them There For You (The Pens)

On my Sunday, January 24th entry, I wrote about the experience I had with the Holy Spirit telling me where to find a particular blue dress that I really wanted (even though I didn't know such a dress existed). That experience was not unique... I have had many like it. Shortly before Christmas 2003, I needed to buy two black, erasable pens for one of my boys for school. I had a huge list of places I needed to go that day before getting my kids off the school bus in the afternoon. After running many of my other errands first, I stopped at Walmart to get the pens and a few other things. When I went to the "school and office supply" aisle, I found that the hook where these particular pens would have been was empty. I looked all over the wall to see if they might be somewhere else. I was getting tired from my hours of running since early morning, and I knew that I had at least two more stops to make before I went home to get my kids. I was getting ready to leave the store when the Holy Spirit said to me They are waiting here for you. So, I continued to look. Nope. No black, erasable pens anywhere. Again, They are waiting here for you. Of course, I thought I was crazy. But, feeling like I had truly heard from the Holy Spirit, I thought, "God, if they are here, please help me find them." Without any effort of my own, my head turned toward an area much further down the aisle. They are waiting there for you I heard within myself. Though I thought I had completely lost my mind (despite already having a few of these experiences), I walked down the aisle in faith. I stopped at the shelf where my eyes had landed. They are in there. I put them there for you. I quickly began digging through a huge pile of post-it notes. I was stunned when I uncovered what was underneath... a pack of 2 black, erasable pens. Very surprised, I kept digging to see if there were more. But there weren't. Just one pack of exactly what I had needed. My eyes filled with tears. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. This experience, though involving something as seemingly insignificant as pens, really helped to build my trust that I hear God's Voice very clearly. And, it showed me just how much God really wants to be a part of every single moment of our lives if we will just "let Him in."

Center Of My Life

This beautiful hymn is based on Psalm 16.











Refrain:
O Lord,
You
are the center of my life.
I will always praise You,
I will always serve You,
I will always keep You in my sight.

Verse 1:
Keep me safe, O God, I take refuge in You.
I say to the Lord, "You are my God.
My happiness
lies in you alone;
my happiness lies
in you alone."

Refrain

Verse 2:
I will bless the Lord Who gives me counsel,
Who even at night directs my heart.
I keep
the Lord
ever in my sight:
since He is at my right hand,
I shall stand firm.

Refrain

Verse 3:
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
even in safety shall my body rest.
For you
will not
leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved
know decay.

Refrain

Verse 4:
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy
in Your presence,
at Your right hand
at Your right hand
happiness forever.

Refrain

How Do I Love Thee?

St. Valentine's Day is always associated with romantic love, but it is interesting to consider what love is really. Yes, we experience "feelings" of love. But in Truth, love really is not a feeling. It is an action. It's the way we choose to behave in any given circumstance. St. Paul gives a perfect description of love in his First Letter to the Corinthians (12:4-8).

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered,
it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things,
believes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails."

Several years ago, I read about a fascinating way to meditate upon these scripture verses. It was suggested to, after reading the above verses all the way through, replace the word "love" with the Name "God". God, after all, Is Love (1 John 4:8). We can then ponder what that says about our Trinitarian Lord. After taking several moments to do that, replace the word "love" with your own name. Ouch! When I read 1 Corinthians with my name inserted, it gives me a much better understanding of where I need to continue to grow daily in every relationship. For me, this is not always an easy, self-imposed Examination of Conscience. Admittedly, I sometimes like to feel justified for not acting and thinking in loving ways. But, this is not God's Way. As I've mentioned before, God has often gently reminded me My Ways are not your ways. Jesus reminds us "to love one another." But He doesn't stop there. He continues on to say, "... love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you... for if you love (only) those who love you, what recompense is it to you?" (Matthew 5:44,46). Am I really interested in leaving all that I have and following Jesus? Frequently doing this exercise challenges me to get back on His path instead of remaining on my own.

Let It Be

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). These words of Mary, mother of Jesus the Christ, are the model of submission to God's Will for our lives. The times in which I choose (it's always a choice!) to say "Yes" to God when it would seemingly be easier to say "No," tend to be the most defining moments in my life. I remember hearing the song "Let It Be" by The Beatles as a kid, but it hasn't been until the last few years that the song has had any meaning to me. The prophetic lyrics pierce my heart and remind me that God's Ways are better than my own, even though I cannot always see (or don't want to see) the reasons. It is helpful to remind myself that His Ways are not something I must endure but rather are what keep me "on the path" to experiencing the best life He would have for me. Let it be...

"Let It Be" by The Beatles

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

The Theologian's Tale; The Legend Beautiful by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Hads't thou stayed, I must have fled!"
That is what the Vision said.

In his chamber all alone,
Kneeling on the floor of stone,
Prayed the Monk in deep contrition
For his sins of indecision,
Prayed for greater self-denial
In temptation and in trial;
It was noonday by the dial,
And the Monk was all alone.
Suddenly, as if it lightened,
An unwonted splendor brightened
All within him and without him
In that narrow cell of stone;
And he saw the Blessed Vision
Of our Lord, with light Elysian
Like a vesture wrapped about him,
Like a garment round him thrown.

Not as crucified and slain,
Not in agonies of pain,
Not with bleeding hands and feet,
Did the Monk his Master see;
But as in the village street,
In the house or harvest-field,
Halt and lame and blind he healed,
When he walked in Galilee.

In an attitude imploring,
Hands upon his bosom crossed,
Wondering, worshipping, adoring,
Knelt the Monk in rapture lost.
Lord, he thought, in heaven that reignest,
Who am I, that thus thou deignest
To reveal thyself to me?
Who am I, that from the centre
Of thy glory thou shouldst enter
This poor cell, my guest to be?

Then amid his exaltation,
Loud the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Rang through court and corridor
With persistent iteration
He had never heard before.
It was now the appointed hour
When alike in shine or shower,
Winter's cold or summer's heat,
To the convent portals came
All the blind and halt and lame,
All the beggars of the street,
For their daily dole of food
Dealt them by the brotherhood;
And their almoner was he
Who upon his bended knee,
Rapt in silent ecstasy
Of divinest self-surrender,
Saw the Vision and the Splendor.
Deep distress and hesitation
Mingled with his adoration;_
Should he go, or should he stay?
Should he leave the poor to wait
Hungry at the convent gate,
Till the Vision passed away?
Should he slight his radiant guest,
Slight this visitant celestial,
For a crowd of ragged, bestial
Beggars at the convent gate?
Would the Vision there remain?
Would the Vision come again?
Then a voice within his breast
Whispered, audible and clear
As if to the outward ear:
"Do thy duty; that is best;
Leave unto thy Lord the rest!"

Straightway to his feet he started,
And with longing look intent
On the Blessed Vision bent,
Slowly from his cell departed,
Slowly on his errand went.

At the gate the poor were waiting,
Looking through the iron grating,_
With that terror in the eye
That is only seen in those
Who amid their wants and woes
Hear the sound of doors that close,
And of feet that pass them by;
Grown familiar with disfavor,
Grown familiar with the savor
Of the bread by which men die!
But to-day, they knew not why,
Like the gate of Paradise
Seemed the convent sate to rise,
Like a sacrament divine
Seemed to them the bread and wine.
In his heart the Monk was praying,
Thinking of the homeless poor,
What they suffer and endure;
What we see not, what we see;
And the inward voice was saying:
"Whatsoever thing thou doest
To the least of mine and lowest,
That thou doest unto me!"

Unto me! but had the Vision
Come to him in beggar's clothing,
Come a mendicant imploring,
Would he then have knelt adoring,
Or have listened with derision,
And have turned away with loathing.

Thus his conscience put the question,
Full of troublesome suggestion,
As at length, with hurried pace,
Towards his cell he turned his face,
And beheld the convent bright
With a supernatural light,
Like a luminous cloud expanding
Over floor and wall and ceiling.

But he paused with awe-struck feeling
At the threshold of his door,
For the Vision still was standing
As he left it there before,
When the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Summoned him to feed the poor.
Through the long hour intervening
It had waited his return,
And he felt his bosom burn,
Comprehending all the meaning,
When the Blessed Vision said,
"Hadst thou stayed, I must have fled!"

---

Be Still

When I first began to "hear" the voice of God, one of the very first things that He said to me was Be still and know that I AM your God. What a beautiful thing to hear. This was very early on in my experiencing God's presence in this way. I was still very unsure of whether I was truly hearing from God, though I knew deep down that I was. I was "knowing" things that I could never had known on my own. A few months after hearing these Words from the Holy Spirit, one of our priests shared with our parish that he had heard God speak to him the very same words while he was in Ireland: "Be still." I became very choked up in church hearing my priest say this. I was comforted in knowing that I was not the only one hearing these things, which may sound strange to those who have not yet heard God's voice so distinctly. It's easy to question one's sanity about such things. But, over the years, I have come to accept the gift and have become "still" enough internally to hear Him pretty much at anytime. Unfortunately, I don't always listen to what He is telling me. And when I don't, His Voice gets louder until I finally stop what I'm doing and "turn back to God" (which is the true meaning of the word repent). It is in these times that I ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to pray for me that I may wait patiently for the things for which I have asked God. Our Lord has answered so many of my prayers, and He does so in ways that I could never have seen coming. When I get out of His Way, He brings into my life unbelievable blessings. We serve a God Who Hears and Answers every prayer. For what are you asking God? Ask, believe, then "be still and know that He Is the Great I AM."

It Is Waiting There For You (The Blue Dress)

Almost nine years ago, I was out shopping one day for a dress to wear to my son's First Holy Com- munion. What I really wanted was a short-sleeved, tailored, T-shirt dress in royal blue. I had never seen such a dress. It was just something that I thought would be really pretty. What I found that day was a skirt and jacket suit in the right color. But, I didn't like how it looked on me. I thought the outfit made me look old and frumpy. I had recently lost a lot of weight, and I wanted something more flattering. Plus, the suit was a lot more money than I wanted to spend at the time. But, because I had my heart set on royal blue, and it was the only thing I found at the department store that came anywhere close to what I was looking for, I bought it. I decided to get some lunch at the mall before I went home. While I was eating, I was thinking about the suit and how much I really didn't want to spend that kind of money on something about which I wasn't all that crazy. I was feeling a bit discouraged and decided that I would return it after I finished eating. Go to Penney's I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me. At this point in my life, I knew that I had been given the gift of hearing from God, but I was still reluctant at times to act on what I was hearing. I was always very cautious to discern whether what I was hearing was from the Holy Spirit or if I was just imagining it all. I decided to check it out. What I heard as I walked toward Penney's was It is waiting there for you. I went directly to the women's department and found the dresses. I heard It is around the corner waiting for you. By this time, I was wondering if I was crazy. As I walked around the rack to the other side, I could see a tiny piece of fabric sticking out from between the other dresses. It was royal blue. I felt a shot of adrenalin fill my stomach. I pulled out the fabric that was squeezed tightly between all of the other dresses. I was shocked by what I was seeing... a short-sleeved, tailored, T-shirt dress that was royal blue. Unbelievable!!! I looked at the size. My hands began to shake. It was MY NEW SIZE!!! Then, I looked at the price tag... $9.99. It had been marked down from $80 and was more than $100 less than the suit that I had just bought. I stood there in the middle of Penney's completely stunned. I hurried to the ladies' dressing room and quickly tried it on. Of course, it fit perfectly. I loved it!!! I took it to the cashier and said, "I can't believe it. This is the EXACT dress that I wanted. And, I can't believe that it is only 9.99!" She looked at me like she had just seen a ghost. She was just as shocked as I was and said in disbelief, "I just put that on the rack!!! Someone had returned it from a catalog order. That's why the price is so low. There is nothing wrong with it, they just changed their mind." We both stood there speechless for a few moments. Needless to say, I have tried very hard over the years to listen to what God tells me. I usually do, and things work out great. But, when I don't, I end up regretting it. God often says to me My ways are not your ways. I've written before "when will we give up the fight?" God knows and sees all. He has a much clearer picture of things than I do. It is sometimes a struggle to put my own wants and desires aside to seek God and His Ways. But, when I do and I trust Him, things always work out for the best. God and His Blessings are always "waiting there" for me, and They're waiting there for you, too!

Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life - STARTING TODAY! by Jack Canfield

This isn’t a trick question.

Certainly you know the answer—the person who has been responsible for the life you live right now: YOU.

Everything about you is a result of your doing or not doing... Your income. Debt. Relationships. Health. Fitness level. Attitudes and behaviors.

I've often said that you are either creating or allowing everything that is happening in your life.

I think everyone knows this in their hearts, but often times people convince themselves into thinking that external factors are the source of their failure, disappointment, and unhappiness.

External factors do not determine how you live. YOU are in complete control of the quality of your life, by either creating or allowing the circumstances you experience.

When I hear people complain about the state of their life (be it their problems with personal finances, weight, their jobs, or general dissatisfaction), I like to help them see things differently.

If they feel “stuck” and unable to move forward for whatever reason, I ask them to scrutinize both what is working well and what isn’t working well in their life and see how they’ve arrived at where they currently are.

For example, if a woman tells me she’s unhappy with her weight—she travels frequently, and has no to time to exercise or seek healthy foods—I point out that her weight is not a result of her travels and schedule. It’s an outcome of what she chooses to eat and how she chooses to move, regardless of her daily agenda. Why not make a conscious effort to pre-plan healthy meals and snacks, even if it’s on the go, and sneak in 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there to be physically active (hey, I know some frequent flyers that make it a habit of running through airports!).

If you’re frustrated with any area in your life, then it’s time to take a little inventory.

Certainly there are wonderful things happening, whether it’s your job, your romantic relationship, your children, your friends, or your income level. Your accomplishments are just as important as your missteps.

First, congratulate yourself on your successes; and then take a look at what isn’t working out so well. What are you doing or not doing to create those experiences?

Watch out! If you find yourself beginning to complain about everything but the choices you’ve made, then you need to take a step back. See if you can stop blaming outside factors for your unhappiness.

When you realize that you—and only you—create your experiences, you’ll realize that you can un-create them and forge new experiences whenever you want.

How empowering is that!

You must take responsibility for your happiness and your unhappiness, your successes and your failures, your good times and your bad times.

All too often we choose to claim the successes and blame the failures on others or other circumstances. When you stop blaming, however, you can take that energy and redirect it to focus on shaping a better situation for yourself. Blaming only ties up your energy. Imagine roping all the energy into a positive effort.

Some ideas to make this happen:

1. Believe, Believe, Believe! Have unwavering faith in yourself, for good and bad. Make the decision to accept the fact that you create all your experiences. You will experience successes thanks to you, and you will experience pain, struggle, and strife thanks to you. Sounds a little strange, but accepting this level of responsibility is uniquely empowering. It means you can do, change, and be anything. Stumbling blocks become just that—little hills to hop over.

2. Take no less than 100% responsibility . Successful people take full responsibility for the thoughts they think, the images they visualize, and the actions they take. They don't waste their time and energy blaming and complaining. They evaluate their experiences and decide if they need to change them or not. They face the uncomfortable and take risks in order to create the life they want to live.

3. Stop complaining . Look at what you are complaining about. I’m fat. I’m tired. I can’t get out of debt. I won’t ever get a better job. I can’t stand the relationship I have with my sister. I’ll never find a soulmate in life. Really examine your complaints. More than likely you can do something about them. They are not about other people, other things, or other events. They are about YOU.

4. Make an immediate change. Are you unhappy about something that is happening right now? Make requests that will make it more desirable to you, or take the steps to change it yourself. Making a change might be uncomfortable for you. It might mean you have to put in more time, money, and effort. It might mean that someone gets upset about it, or makes you feel bad about your decision. It might be difficult to change or leave a situation, but staying put is your choice so why continue to complain?

You can either do something about it or not. It is your choice and you have responsibility for your choices.

5. Pay attention. Looking to others for help and guidance is helpful, but don’t forget to stay tuned in to yourself—your behavior, attitude, and life experiences. Identify what’s working and what isn’t. If you need to, write it all down. Then…

6. Face the truth and take action for the long term . You have to be willing to change your behavior if you want a different outcome. You have to be willing to take the risks necessary to get what you want. If you’ve already taken an initial step in the right direction, now’s the time to plan additional steps to keep moving you forward, faster.

Isn’t it a great relief to know that you can make your life what you want it to be? Isn’t it wonderful that your successes do not depend on someone else?

If you need just one thing to do different today, than you did yesterday, make it this:

Commit to taking 100% responsibility for every aspect of your life. Decide to make changes, one step at a time. Once you start the process you’ll discover it's much easier to get what you want by taking control of your thoughts, your visualizations, and your actions!

© 2010 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Shepherd Me, Oh God

This morning's Communion Hymn, based on Psalm 23, was "Shepherd Me, Oh God" by Marty Haugen. It is one of my very favorites. Here are the words, which begin with the refrain:

Refrain:
Shepherd Me, Oh God,
beyond my wants,
beyond my fears,
from death into life...

Verse 1:
God is my shepherd,
so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows
of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters
of peace.

Refrain

Verse 2:
Gently you raise me
and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways
of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music
of your name.

Refrain

Verse 3:
Though I should wander
the valley of death,
I fear no evil,
for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort
and my hope.

Verse 4:
You have set me a banquet of love
in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my power
to hold.

Refrain

Verse 5:
Surely your kindness
and mercy follow me
all the days of my life
I will dwell in the house of my God
forever more.

Refrain

Be Not Afraid

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord" (Luke 2:11). This is the heralding of the Good News of Jesus the Christ, which we hear most often at Christmastime. Throughout Sacred Scripture, the messages from God, whether from angels or Jesus Himself, are prefaced with "Do not be afraid." Pope John Paul II's homilies and speeches were marked by our Lord's Words "Be Not Afraid." So often, we are faced with fears that keep us from the best that love and life have to offer. I'm not talking about the kind of fear that protects us and keeps us out of harm's way. I'm talking about the kind of fear that is instilled in us by lies. Lies we tell ourselves, lies others tell us about ourselves, lies others tell us about others. Fear can be debilitating, and it can cause us to make poor decisions. It can cause us to stop believing in ourselves and those we love. It can cause us to not love and respect those who are different from ourselves. I truly believe that the opposite of love is not hate, but fear. Fear is at the root of everything that is the antithesis of love... anger, hate, gossip, fighting, war, back-biting, break down in communication; and also discouragement, loss of hope, and lack of joy. As I told a friend recently, I have made so many mistakes in my life... all based on fear. But, I can't fall into the trap of believing that every decision I have made has been wrong. When I find myself looking back at some of my decisions, I try to remind myself "that all things work for good" (Romans 8:28). Now when I make decisions, I try very hard to let "peace" be my deciding factor (Colossians 3:15). Very often when I seek God's direction, the Words that I hear from Him are Do Not be Afraid. That is usually a pretty good indicator to me to move forward with something or, at the very least, that whatever decision I make will not steer me in the wrong direction in a particular situation. It helps me to remember that God is with me always. "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice" (Isaiah 41:10). In the words of our beautiful Lord, "Do not be afraid; just have faith (Mark 5:36). I pray that you will find the courage to trust in the Lord, resist fear, and live a life of love. Remember always Jesus' Words: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27).

The Epiphany

Today, the Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the visit of the three Magi to the infant Jesus. The name Epiphany comes from the Greek word Epiphania, which means to show, make known, or reveal. Epiphany... the day on which the Divinity of Jesus was publicly recognized. Light of the World, Emmanuel (God with us), Prince of Peace... the Good News of great joy for all people had at last been manifested to the world. I remember clearly the "seed" that made the Divinity of Jesus an undeniable reality to me. It was the book by Philip Yancey entitled "The Jesus I Never Knew." Yancey, a former atheist, set out to disprove the Christian claims about Jesus. Through his research, Philip Yancey was convinced that Jesus was Divine. From his research, philosophy, and compelling arguments, I too was convinced, without a doubt, that Jesus Is Who He said He Is... I AM. An epiphany on a grand scale for sure! A few months later, a fuller reality of God's Love was unexpectedly revealed to me as I was watering my hot pink impatiens. The Holy Spirit suddenly and clearly filled my whole being with the awareness that God loves ME, NO MATTER WHAT! The Infant Jesus was the first Christmas Gift, a gift of God's perfect Love. A Love that can't be earned. A free gift to all of mankind. And, like all gifts, it needs to be "unwrapped" to be truly enjoyed. But, we won't unwrap a gift if we don't know it exists, if we don't believe it is for us, or if we don't think we deserve it. The Good News really is good news!!! God loves us all, no matter what! Don't leave this gift under the tree... unwrap it today. We can experience the epiphanies of the reality of God's Love and His constant Presence in our lives every day, if only we keep our spiritual hearts, minds, eyes, and ears open. Prayers for a very Happy New Year!