Month: July 2016

How often do you Worry? I heard a song today, called Sparrows by Jason Gray. How true the lyrics are: “you can’t add a single day by worrying…it’s just gonna close you in.” 

We can never be reminded enough,  that no matter what struggles we face or scars we have, things that we wish we could take back. If we worry, that keeps us from truly being fulfilled. Prevents us from being a witness to God’s glory to others. 

Next month on August 3rd, it will be one year since I fought the strongest battle in my mind and heart.  A war, within my mind of deep seeded worry and fear. A battle for Hope. One that submerged me into an emotional anguish. The heartache I experienced that day, engulfed me in a ferocity of distress and hopelessness . I was in complete despair, longing for the pain to cease. The emotional torment and heaviness of my heart was one I felt I could not bear. My soul was consumed.

 I didn’t think I could hang on one more moment, but I did. This approaching anniversary strikes me as a reminder of how far I’ve come. By Gods grace, somehow I kept focusing on him, as he was and is all I have. I know the prayers of those in my life certainly helped me. Especially the prayers of my dearly beloved adopted mother Madolyn. 

When I find myself with thoughts of  worry from time to time,  I now let those thoughts go as soon as they pop into my mind.  I remind myself how silly it is to worry. 

I still ponder and  reflect on that date from time to time. I realize there is much more life left to live. How much I can still do for others! I have a picture of myself that was taken that day or the day after. It’s a reminder that I keep visible to always remember the blessings in this life. I’ve lived, pursued goals, dreams and education over the last year. I appreciate how much has been given to me. I will remain grateful for the times I have been able to help others. I ponder at times how each of us has a role in this life. Imagine how different this world would be without you in it.  The world needs you! Your life and your courage impacts those around you.  I reflect on the moments that I’ve experienced this last year. 

Even if I have to walk this walk alone, this life. I find complete peace and solace knowing that I have no need to worry. 

What satisfies your mind and heart? What gives you the strength and courage to keep going, to keep trucking along? 
 Every time you feel worries start to creep into your thoughts give them to God. He’s always there to carry our burdens, to carry our fears, to give us strength and hope for a better life.  For a better future. Never cease to  continue to  trust in him. We have a good father in heaven. Your never alone, always remember that. Let him take that weight from your shoulders today. 

How would you define passion? Maybe it’s the way you desire to do  better, the attention to detail, the little things that may often go unnoticed when you do something you love, that extra effort, it’s definitely above average, you pour your heart out when you do something with passion. 

All I know is we are only given this one life, no second chances, no do-overs. 

I personally had to face fears and overcome them to start living a life that fulfilled me. Fulfilling the desires and passions of my heart, the desires God placed in my heart, the desires he knew would be my strengths. 

It’s amazing how I had to hit a breaking point to make me face my own mortality and ponder on what is truly important in this life. A dear soul recently stated to me in conversation on this topic.      

    “There is nothing more important in this life than Love and Union with God.” 

When you realize that, and how short our lives really are, I can’t help but think why wait? Why wait to do what you love, whether that be a career change or making time for a hobby. Why wait, to strive for more, to grow in your faith? Why wait to Love others as you desire to be loved? Even if that love is unreturned, you only have today, let your heart pour out and share your passions because they will more than likely be blessings to others. What are you passionate about? How can you develop and share your passions with the world? 

Your heart is a window to your soul. Have you ever met someone and just been blown away as you get to know them by how beautiful their heart is. It may be in their compassion shown towards you, or maybe they are a really good listener. But a person with a beautiful heart cannot hide it, it shines like the sun in how they speak, their thoughts and how they treat others. Kindness is one of the great traits of a beautiful heart.

Your soul is like is like a prism it is designed by God to reflect him. Yet sin dulls this prism and it no longer shines as God intended…however prayer is a continual renewal and restores the beauty and purifies your soul. Only through prayer can one reflect the presence of God.  

Through prayer God calls each of us to a personal conversion involving our heart and soul. Prayer allows God to work in us and through us. Who comes to your mind when you think of someone you’ve met or know that has a beautiful heart? I believe in this life the true and lasting beauty  of such a heart can never be forgotten.

All you do in life, all you do today depends on a choice. That’s why I love our God of Surprises so much, he is so generous to us that he gives us the power to choose.

To choose to follow his law, to choose not to sin, to choose for example to leave the radio on a Christian station and allow yourself to feel convicted in your heart from the message of a song.  Maybe in a moment such as this he is reaching out gently through a song, a gentle reminder that he is there, thirsting for your love. Longing for you to choose him over your thoughts, over your temptations, reminding you, You are strong in his grace.

Oh yes, you have the power to choose. Unfortunately I have seen a growing complacency among many of my fellow Catholics. A type of “sheep” mentality in regards to following the culture and standards of this world. 

It’s a sad day when pop culture and social media so greatly influence, tempt and absorb our fellow brethen often into things or thoughts that do nothing to bring them closer to God. 
Many seek to grow in prayer but how can a person do this when they have the sum of hours in a day of their time and attention so focused on their phones…

How can you grow in prayer today? How will you choose to direct your thoughts…your time? 

I love birthdays!

I love any  reason to celebrate life! It’s too bad we wait for Birthdays, holidays or anniversaries to do something special for the people that mean a lot to us or have inspired us. Those rare people who are just a joy to have in our lives.

One of my favorite quotes is a quote by Mother Theresa:

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

I hope your day is filled with joy and gratitude for the gifts in your life, for the people who are a blessing to you!  Always hope for tomorrow but remember you only have today to give your  time and attention to those you care about.

Live with intention and purpose and always surprise someone with a smile! You may be the only one who does today.

I am Thankful for the people who make my heart smile…who can you celebrate today?

It amazes me how many people in our world are afraid to give. There are so many ways an individual may be able to give. 

I believe you will be blessed abundantly if you give of yourself, whether that be your time or your talents. In some way, shape or form there is always an opportunity to give.

I was recently asked to help sponsor a missionary in her mission to evangelize the youth. At times I have had family members tell me you shouldn’t give to that cause for this reason or that…but I always respond no one was ever left distraught by giving. On the contrary, the more you give, the more you receive. As cliche as that may sound it’s true! You are blessed to help others, so do so! Be a blessing give what you can, and always give from your heart. There is no other way. God sees all things and he will bless you with many surprises! We have a God that has been so generous to each one of us, if you think about your blessings instead of the obstacles you may be facing in life, it’s easy to see we should be generous and lift others up. 

Yet, I see in the hearts of man a type of poverty in this area especially when it comes to giving without a motive or agendas. Let’s give with sincerity. 

I pray you are blessed to know the unique and deep blessing it is to give to others, especially those in most need. And if you ever come across a truly beautiful and unique soul I hope you aren’t afraid to give the greatest gift… The gift of your heart and your friendship. Who inspires you to give?