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."

Be Patient

Be Patient with those who do not understand the depth of My Love. These are the words the Holy Spirit spoke to me at a silent retreat two years ago. Those words have stayed with me and have been a powerful influence on me when choosing how to respond to others. When I find myself upset with world events, politicians and their decisions, and those around me who are acting in ugly ways, God gently brings these words back to me. How easy it is to forget that "our struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirts in the heavens." (Ephesians 6:12) The devil wants nothing more than for humans to be divided in all things. He is the father of all lies and will put a wedge in between all of God's children whenever and wherever he can. It helps me to remember what Joyce Meyer says....hurting people hurt people. It helps me to remember that we don't know what we don't know. It helps me to remember that we know the end of the story and what is waiting for us is pure Love....the Trinity...in Heaven. I truly believe that if we really, really knew, felt, and understood how much God loves each and everyone one of us, our thoughts and actions toward others would be completely different. And, I also believe that if everyone knew this, no one would be able to resist Him. We all have a role in helping to make "His Kingdom Come on Earth as it is in Heaven" by revealing the One, True, Loving God to others through our actions ("Preach the Gospel always, and sometimes use words" - St Francis of Assisi). I pray that we would all find the strength and courage to be patient with those who do not understand the depth of His Love.