Still Yourself

Still yourself in the quiet of the morning, in the breeze of the afternoon, in the dim light of the early evening, in the dark of the night. Still yourself to Me. Become the quiet that you desire. Answer to no one but Me, for in doing so, you will make friends of many, trusted companions. Many will dislike this. That’s OK. Do not worry about those who do not like the path you choose. They have their own lives to live, but so do you. Follow the path laid out for you. Many will try to discourage and dissuade you. Do not listen. Stay close to Me, and your path will be made straight. (June 22 Devotional Entry)

Summer's Splendor

Summer is under way here in the mountains. We've been blessed with so many beautiful days and evenings. What a joy it's been to lay out on my back deck during the days to read, write, and catch some rays. The evenings have been just as enjoyable while sitting out under the pavilion of my back deck admiring the spectacular star and moon displays. We've also had some pretty hot and humid weather, which is usually followed by big storms. The "light and sound" shows have been enjoyable, too, in their own special way.

The flowers in my flower boxes and baskets are becoming established - always such a lovely reminder to me of the beauty of God's Creation. My summer flowers always remind me of the day when I first recognized Jesus as The Christ. I was watering my pink impatiens out front thinking how beautiful they were. With a sudden, unexpected epiphany, God gave me the complete awareness that Jesus Is Emmanuel -- "God with us".

I'm preparing for my Second Annual "God Loves You" Retreat coming up this Saturday. This year's theme is For This You Have Been Created. This year's topics will be "Detachment" and "Energy Sappers".

A Love That's Everlasting: Part II -- Lectio Divina

Well, it certainly has been a long time since my last entry. I've had time to reflect upon many things, some of which I will share in upcoming posts.

I'd like to continue where I left off in the last entry in which I spoke about the silent retreat I hosted at my home last Summer. The retreat, entitled "God Loves You: A Love That's Everlasting", proved to be a heart-warming event. We were all very blessed by our two speakers who shared their time, knowledge, and experience with our intimate group.

Our first speaker gave us the history and foundation of two ancient forms of prayer: "Lectio Divina" and "Contemplation", both of which are intended to help draw us closer to God. In this entry, I will explain Lectio Divina -- a type of prayer that is shared in a community. Our small group made the ideal setting for going through the process. The speaker chose a short reading from Holy Scripture (any Bible verse(s) can be used). The prayer proceeds in the following way.

The first stage is READ: one participant reads the chosen scripture aloud. After a short silence, each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase from the reading that attracts them. All those who choose to do so are then asked to share the word or phrase with the group without elaborating any further.

The second stage is REFLECT: the same scripture verse is read aloud by another participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on the question: "What does this reading mean to me?" Those choosing to do so are then asked to briefly share what it means to them.

The third stage is RESPOND: the same scripture verse is read aloud by a third participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on how God is calling them to respond. Those choosing to do so may briefly pray aloud spontaneously expressing their response.

The fourth stage is REST: the participants are asked to rest in The Word and "take" The Word with them. The prayer sequence is then concluded with "The Our Father".

Participants were then invited to quietly walk around The Lodge grounds for a 10-minute break of silent contemplation.

(Speaker's Note: The stage of REST is Contemplation. It is God's response to us, so it's totally beyond our control. We cannot create contemplation by ourselves. It is a Divine Gift that God - in His Goodness - gives us. We are totally passive, held by the Mystery of God. Essentially, it is a gaze, God's gaze into us, and our gaze of faith back at Him. Your whole self becomes focused on the Lord. It is nothing more than a close sharing between friends. It is deep, intimate, sometimes tearful, and often too deep for words. It's childlike. It's a surrender to the Living Will of the Father in an even deeper union with Jesus.)

I'd love to share my experience with you, but I don't think it would translate very well. There are some things words just can't explain... and maybe they're not meant to. I encourage you to try this uplifting form of prayer for yourself with a trusted group of friends. May the Peace of Christ be with you today and always.

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