tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81757076417987940422024-03-13T07:49:59.825-07:00Because God Loves Me As I AmMarys Beloved Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552663051488319220noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-87588693196296958982015-12-26T11:15:00.000-08:002016-01-08T08:25:29.940-08:00Entrustment To Mary = Seeing God's Gifts All Year Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Christmas Day has passed and the opened presents
are there for the viewing. Earlier this week when looking at the wrapped
packages under the tree I reflected on some of the “gifts” I had received from
God this past year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">On March 30<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> our daughter delivered
a very healthy pre-mature baby girl weighing in at 6.5 pounds. She had a
high-risk pregnancy, which had her taking special medicines and shots to keep
the baby inside. The neonatal specialists were amazed she hadn’t delivered early
- as it was, she gave birth just one month before her due date. The little baby
has grown and thrived and her life has brought healing graces to our family as we journeyed with our daughter through the divorce process this past year.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In October another daughter delivered a baby boy, Blaise Emmanuel. She had two “normal” deliveries prior, so our only worry
was she would go past due which would limit our cuddling time before our visit
would come to an end. She did go past the due date by a week, and she delivered
a baby with his bladder on the outside. The New Jersey hospital prepped right
away to send Blaise to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD – renowned for
such a condition. My husband and I watched the siblings while my daughter and
her husband hurried off to Baltimore. They were met by the specialist letting
them know Blaise has a “great” bladder and they would be able to take care of
putting it back inside the next week. The doctor sent them home to await the
surgery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kind coworker told me to
stay another week, which I did. So we enjoyed having the newborn home, and all
was normal except for wrapping the bladder in saranwrap after each diaper
change. Meanwhile we were looking up the patron saint for bladder conditions
and discovered it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St. Blaise</b>! We
felt like this was a hug from God letting us know He was taking care of
everything. Plus, we were then able to condescend to the fact the family’s move
to New Jersey last January was another one of God’s gifts, since they are close
to Baltimore where their baby will be spending a lot of his time with future reconstructive
surgeries. Other gifts included the family getting a room at the hospital
housing unit, and the other grandma being free to stay the 5 week term of
recuperation to help out, and that little Blaise was able to get out of
traction after the minimum period of 4 weeks.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7512tim0MVM/Vn7bIQ3PORI/AAAAAAAAAdI/zDHSWYxqf34/s1600/Christmas_presents_2416800b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7512tim0MVM/Vn7bIQ3PORI/AAAAAAAAAdI/zDHSWYxqf34/s200/Christmas_presents_2416800b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">God’s gifts are sometimes wrapped in ways that I
do not always see them as treasures but rather as tragedies, burdens, and
frustrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to allow Blessed
Mom to help me see God’s goodness in all events. For she accepted God's gifts of a donkey ride while 9 months pregnant, and fleeing her home while
being chased by soldiers who wanted to kill her baby. She trusted, awaited, and
loved. I cannot do that on my own, but perched in her merciful arms, she can
trust, await, and love for me and through me. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So how about you? What gifts did
God give you this past year?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"The conviction that everything is 'given' to us, that everything is a gift, can be born on the foundation of the truth about God's unceasingly bestowing love and the truth about ourselves as people who need everything from this bestowing love." </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thetwopillarsbyscbielasoftbacknewrelease.aspx">TheTwo Pillars</a>,</em> (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2006), 7.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">***********************************************************************</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A note from our bloggers: </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>We offer our prayers that you feel the Christmas
joy, love, and peace </em></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>that Jesus brings every day when we open our hearts to
Him. </em></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>We hope for a most blessed New Year for each and every one of you</em></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em> - full
of God’s merciful gifts in 2016<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>~ the
Jubilee of Mercy!</em></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-65147178975199486442015-12-12T10:01:00.000-08:002015-12-12T10:55:36.679-08:00Our Lady of Guadalupe, My Queen<br />
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<img src="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/ProductImages/holy%20card%20-%20front.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" /></div>
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When I get overwhelmed, or start to experience feelings of stress, even when there is nothing to worry about, I remember the words of Our Lady to St. Juan Diego back in the year 1531...words that I am sure she wants each of us to hear and know she is saying them all of us:<br />
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"Listen. Put it into your heart, my smallest child, that the thing that frightened you, the thing that afflicted you is nothing:</div>
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Do not let it disturb you...</div>
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Am I not here, I who am your mother?</div>
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Are you not under my shadow and protection?</div>
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Am I not the source of your joy?</div>
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Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms?</div>
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Do you need something more?"</div>
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Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2015. I desire for all my dear ones to come to know this Amazing Queen who holds them in her Immaculate Heart. I want to shout to all the world: "<b>Let her love you!"</b><br />
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Knowing her love is the perfect way to begin the Jubilee of Mercy ~ for it was Jesus' dying wish for me to "Behold, your mother" (<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/19" target="_blank">Jn 19:27</a>) as He beheld her when He was placed in her womb, and born into her arms that first Christmas.<br />
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Happy Advent, everyone!High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-66852339886751836002015-09-18T20:15:00.000-07:002015-09-18T20:15:51.652-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Seeing God's Love In Every Situation<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">FYI: Keep in mind that I enjoy cookies - almost
to a gluttonous fault.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0M8S6UGM81U/VfsCTULQLhI/AAAAAAAAAb8/IfZMuYgGj3M/s1600/airplane.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0M8S6UGM81U/VfsCTULQLhI/AAAAAAAAAb8/IfZMuYgGj3M/s1600/airplane.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This summer had me taking a few flights to
destinations to be with family for special occasions. When booking my flight
for a niece’s wedding I noticed the day I was to return would be my anniversary
date for entrusting myself to the Blessed Mother. I had full confidence in
booking on that day, knowing she would be treating me to blessed travel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My departure flight was to leave on a Thursday
evening having me fly through the night with one connection to change planes in
Phoenix. My son-in-law was meeting me there to join my next flight so to surprise
my daughter by arriving a day earlier than planned. We were going to surprise
my husband too, not telling him he would be picking up both of us.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The departure flight was delayed an hour before
loading. There had been a maintenance issue which needed paperwork signed. When
we loaded the plane, we sat awaiting the FAX for clearance for another hour. As
the time ticked on, I realized I would not make my connection. My son-in-law
was already in the air heading toward Phoenix. I texted my husband and told him
I would be detained and that he was still to go to the airport and pick up our
son-in-law the next morning. After I sent the text message I began to cry. Big
crocodile tears rolled down my cheeks. I tried to hold it in as a young man sat
next to me and I didn’t want him to think I had “lost it”…which I had. I felt
great anxiety not knowing what awaited me in Phoenix. Was I to be sleeping in
the airport? The airline was not being very comforting in their announcements,
and did not say what would happen if anyone missed their connections. In my
desperate state, I prayed more out of a sense of duty - acknowledging God’s
power, admitting I knew He would take care of me, but I found no real sense of
comfort in Blessed Mom’s arms. I tried to get some rest but an uncertainty
covered me like a blanket. When the plane landed we were told to go to the
airline’s service desk. When I approached the clerk she asked my final
destination. I told her, and she looked through a stack of vouchers and found
mine. She handed me a set that included a voucher for a hotel room, breakfast,
and plane ticket for the following morning. She told me to contact the phone
number on the hotel ticket for their shuttle to pick me up. I headed to baggage
claim thinking I would be getting my bag, but found out it was kept to be sent
to the final destination. When I called the shuttle they told me to look for
the van with the big “cookie” on the side. Once I made it to the hotel at
1:30AM, I was greeted with a fresh baked cookie and a room key. I had to smile
and <strong>sincerely</strong> thank God for His loving care, especially seen through the cookies.
My fears started to subside as I drifted off to sleep. The next morning I
enjoyed a free breakfast buffet, then a shuttle ride to the airport where I had
an uneventful flight and was greeted by my son-in-law and my suitcase!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My return flight and travel was indeed blessed
like I had assumed it would be. So what I learned in this event is I only trust
when I think I “deserve” a blessed event, like an anniversary date, or a holy
day. This is why I need my entrustment to Blessed Mom so she can be my daily
trust, especially during times when my plans are changed, and my schedule is
altered. She has to be my belief that in all events God is taking good care of
me - even when there are no cookie surprises, He is still managing my affairs
with His love and His mercy!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqz5IUZoT8w/VfudB2jjpzI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/52i08qdb64I/s1600/f34bf937af6e2f2dbea7bd814a0d271d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqz5IUZoT8w/VfudB2jjpzI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/52i08qdb64I/s320/f34bf937af6e2f2dbea7bd814a0d271d.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"If we are surprised that God foils our plans and
leads us down a different road than the one we imagined, let us recall that it
was the same in the life of the Blessed Mother. Mary also thought of her
sanctity, her road, her mission differently. The one who gave up motherhood was
called to an exceptional and unique motherhood. This call foiled all of her
plans." </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tadeusz Dajczer, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thegiftoffaithbyfrtadeuszdajczersoftback.aspx">The Gift of Faith</a>, </em>3rd. ed. (Ft. Collins, CO: IAMF, 2012), 116.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"In every situation Mary realized the will of God
with full inner peace, because she accepted everything with childlike trust." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/inthearmsofmaryrevised2ndeditionbyscbielasoftbackrevisededition.aspx">In The Arms of Mary</a></em>, 2nd. ed, rev. (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005), <span style="background: white;">128.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-5723313417916587842015-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:002015-07-27T19:59:19.802-07:00Entrustment to Mary = A Vacation From Blog Posts<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anmLGno7GHo/VbbtSyDPKNI/AAAAAAAAAbE/V22sBZiHSn0/s1600/summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anmLGno7GHo/VbbtSyDPKNI/AAAAAAAAAbE/V22sBZiHSn0/s1600/summer.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Dear Readers,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>We report that we are currently on vacation from writing blog posts. With our Blessed Mom, we are seeing more truths about ourselves and will be relaying these discoveries in the near future. May you all be blessed with such revelations as we turn our calendars to the last full month of summer.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>With gratitude for our fellow Sojourners en route to our eternal home,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Scaredy Cat, High Hopes and Control Freak</em></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="background-color: #f6b26b;">"Both our work and our leisure time are given to us so that we may deepen our bond with God and seek our support in Him. If we try to see God and to seek His will in everything that He bestows upon us, then our time for rest will strengthen our faith in God's omnipotent love."</span></strong> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em>God
Alone Suffices</em>, 3rd. ed. (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2011), 18.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-76328024463991052872015-07-02T21:01:00.000-07:002015-07-02T21:01:58.761-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Leaving My Comfort Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZP-gRkLJ8o/VZX7OlDloRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/AkJ-BLapQn8/s1600/God%2Bis%2Bin%2BCharge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZP-gRkLJ8o/VZX7OlDloRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/AkJ-BLapQn8/s1600/God%2Bis%2Bin%2BCharge.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Happy 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> of July! Another year in
the life of our country is complete. I cannot say I am proud of the decisions
our Supreme Court has made this past month. Yet through this spirituality I
have learned to always look at myself and see where I have failed, instead of
pointing fingers at others. What I see is that I am very quiet when it comes to
sharing the Good News of the Gospel.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Being a "Scaredy Cat" I fear conflict. I like to keep things status quo. I feel "safe" praying in private for worldly issues. While I am not being sinful by not joining the front lines, I am choosing to be comfortable, and maybe that is something I need to change. Getting out of my comfort zone will lead me to beg for help from my Blessed Mother. She will have to carry me into the areas I fear and to be my strength in the battles I join to uphold the truths of her Son. I must remember also that God, my Father, is in charge, and the Holy Spirit is protector of my soul ~ so I need not be afraid!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">“</span><em><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">The</span><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"> presence of God throughout history affects
equally the things that happen in the realm of politics, society, and the
economy, as well as in our family or in professional matters. He is present
everywhere, and everything depends on Him. In His hands lie the destinies of
all of us, as well as the destinies of nations and of </span></em><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><em>the world. We come to
know all this through faith, which brings about inner peace in us. This peace
flows from faith that gives us the understanding that He, Who is the eternal
might and eternal love, holds everything in His hands filled </em><em>with mercy. He
guides everything with His eternal wisdom and total love. Faith gives us feelings
of security and peace, and the confidence that we are always immersed in God’s
love</em>.”</span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Tadeusz Dajczer, <a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thegiftoffaithbyfrtadeuszdajczersoftback.aspx">The Gift of Faith</a>, 3rd ed. (Ft. Collins, CO: IAMF, 2012), 8.</span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-63989661748578672152015-06-26T23:09:00.001-07:002015-06-26T23:09:36.837-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Viewing My Spouse Through God's Eyes
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our parish started up a Marriage Ministry group, which
includes Date Nights once a month. For my husband and I, this is
wonderful - planned date nights on the last Friday of the month, with
babysitting included on the parish grounds. After dropping off our kids
into the capable and caring hands of an adult couple and multiple teens, we are
greeted next door by other team members with a tray of red or white wine.
The tables are set with care - candles, candies, gourmet snacks, prayer
intention cards for the prayer tree. A spread of delicious appetizers are
offered before the program begins: a speaker, table discussions and
individual couple private prayer together. <br />
<br />
I bring this up because although my husband and I were familiar with much of
the material, one of the points was to take a look at how our marriage, and
marriage in general, is reflected in the world. For example, are we
affectionate? Are we joyful? Do we support our spouse - in public?
Can those around us see our relationship as one of hope and joy and
prayer? Do they see the positive aspects of marriage, the beauty amidst
the struggle? The speaker asked us to even take a look at how we were
sitting next to our spouse at that very moment. Did we reflect unity?
Joy? Friendship? In some ways, married couples were to blame for
the many younger couples cohabitating instead of trusting in the grace and
beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage. What kind of example are married
couples providing to the younger generation? Are we bitter?
Complaining? Critical? How easily do we forgive and reflect
God’s mercy to one another?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband and I are close to 19 years of marriage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am amazed at how well God chose my spouse
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew I needed someone who was
lighthearted, prayerful, and brutally honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God saw to it that I could discover His forgiveness and patience and
affection through my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brought
me someone who can calm me, refocus me, and see the positive – God’s very
loving Presence – in difficult situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has taken these years for me to appreciate how God is loving me
through my spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many times I am
tempted to call my husband to an impossible standard of perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after all these years, I am unfairly
disappointed with his weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
allows these weaknesses, of course, so that I do not make an idol out of my
husband and continue to seek a deeper union with Himself. However, God also, in
His great humor, has allowed me to experience so much more of my own weakness
in order to soften the lens through which I view my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll share a few light examples:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, I have prided myself on my great memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the workplace, my co-workers used to even
comment that my memory was like a steel trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently, my husband received a jury duty summons, which I scanned and
filed and marked on our calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
evening he was to call in, I pulled out the summons, only to find out that I
had completely forgotten to fill out the online survey within 10 days of
receiving the notice (yes, me, as we have agreed that I would be in charge of
paperwork in our household).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not
in the system and therefore didn’t know whether he was to report the next morning
or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the fine print warned
of fines or jail time if one was not to report to jury duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged it off, and said he would call in
the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he trusted me
to keep him informed, he reflected God’s great mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the roles had been reversed, I would have
freaked out completely! The situation humbled me greatly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwcbHsYkwK8/VY49JZ_PnuI/AAAAAAAAAK0/eCZ32sm07sw/s1600/The-Sound-of-His-Snoring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwcbHsYkwK8/VY49JZ_PnuI/AAAAAAAAAK0/eCZ32sm07sw/s200/The-Sound-of-His-Snoring.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second, my husband, in his great exhaustion from his
workload at his jobsite and at home, has taken on a deeper level of
snoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many nights I lay awake,
irritated beyond belief, and wake up cranky and resentful for my lack of a good
night’s sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed about my
frustration, and do you know how God answered my prayers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He allowed my husband to be awakened in the
middle of the night by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i>
snoring!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t snore, usually, but, gratefully my
husband found it funny, not annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
my husband can accept my weaknesses with a sense of humor, I am more humbled
and inclined to accept his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The longer we are married, the more I see the need for God’s
grace to sustain us, encourage us, and bring us back to joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful for my entrustment to our
Blessed Mama, because so many times I have called upon her to soften my heart
and my words and my tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the one
who helps me stand in truth when working out a disagreement with my
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the one who helps me ask
for his forgiveness when needed. She is the one who can beg for repair for the
damage I do with my careless tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
is the one I turn to when I don’t feel like being affectionate or kind or want
to watch his choice of movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the
one who helps me love my husband in the ways in which He needs to be loved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, she is the one who protects our
marriage from my ego, which happens to get in the way most of the time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has called us to a profound vocation – to be an
instrument of His Love to our spouse and to reflect that love in the world. He
has allowed us, weak and helpless, to partake in creation and build up His
Church through our family life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
entrusted souls to us, for heaven’s sake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot nor do I want to handle this on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, God, for the graces of this
Sacrament that you continue to pour upon us and make available each and every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for trusting us, that in
discovering our weaknesses, we discover our need for You. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a tad more humility, perhaps the world
and the younger generations can get a glimpse of Your great Presence within the
Sacrament, and seek the graces for themselves with great hope and joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">…Quite often it will simply <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be impossible</b> to look at our spouses
through the eyes of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we
have to remember that what counts most of all is that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">attempt</b> to do this, not that we always succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to humbly turn to God and beg Him to
grant us the grace of looking at our spouses as if through His eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to ask ourselves these questions: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Are we doing this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we asking God for such grace? Are we
begging for Him to dwell in us, live in us, and use us as instruments in His
relationship to our spouses</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">(S.C. Biela, <a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/godalonesufficesbyslawomirbiela3rdeditionpaperback.aspx"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">God Alone Suffices</span></i></a>, 3<sup>rd</sup>
ed [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAMF, 2011], 32.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-72799642309454511672015-06-15T10:49:00.001-07:002015-06-15T10:49:02.024-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Not Being Fooled<div class="MsoNormal">
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The other night I was putting the Little One to bed when he started to work his way into an anxiety attack. It started off simply as a
stall to going to bed, but then he remembered past days of scary dreams and convinced
himself that he was going to have a scary dream that night and he couldn’t
stop crying and whining about it. He was obviously overtired, but the emotions
he was going through were real to him. I know this because I suffer anxiety
and so I knew a simple “get a hold of yourself” wasn’t going to be effective!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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The Little One’s trouble with anxiety began after he had
some bad dreams. First it was fire in his bedroom, then it was bears in the
back yard and other animals – all wanting to eat him. The dreams must have been
very intense because they sparked such vivid thoughts in the day time that he hated to be in his own room for fear of a real fire. When he awoke from his dreams, he would beg me to lay with him, hold him and say prayers with him. He started to pray differently. He now begs Jesus and Mary every night to protect
him from scary dreams and thoughts, and when he wakes up in the morning he is
grateful that the prayers are answered. This trial of faith has produced many
fruits in his relationship with Divine Love and Mercy to the point I am
convinced this was a gift – a gift for deeper faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the grace of God, I was in a very good place the other
night when the Little One was too tired to go to sleep. My husband came into the room,
concerned the whole episode was going to push me into a bad place, but I
assured him I was okay. I was really in the grace of the moment. I had been
praying, and started to pray aloud the Psalms that help the Little One when he is most afraid “The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack…I will fear no
evil, for you are with me;” (<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23" target="_blank">Ps 23:1, 4</a>).
His response to my praying was to intensify his whining and crying. Why
weren’t the prayers working that night? Could it be because he wasn’t living
in the moment? Could he be focusing on feelings from the past only to be
afraid of the future which is out of his control? Where was his confidence in
Jesus and Mary to answer his night time prayer not to have scary dreams?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RXfDECaGik/VXusvf6vaxI/AAAAAAAAAew/Ty4oWcKVAzs/s1600/Immaculate%2BHeart%2Bof%2BMary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RXfDECaGik/VXusvf6vaxI/AAAAAAAAAew/Ty4oWcKVAzs/s320/Immaculate%2BHeart%2Bof%2BMary.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Wow. These questions were very eye-opening for me with my
own anxieties. The very next day I found out my friend with cancer had made a
turn for the worse. I started to remember the grief I had really experienced when
my father died. Instead of staying in the current moment and wondering what my
friend might need, I remembered how terrible I felt in the past, and projected this
onto the future – this process put me in a stupor and anxiety pursued! Before
it went too far, however, Blessed Mother helped me to remember my Little One’s
struggle from the night before. Was I, too, creating undue stress? Was I
focusing on my feelings from the past to the point I was more afraid of the
future that is out of my control? Since I hadn’t immediately turned to prayer,
I could see that the fear I had was more imagined than a real threat. Where was
my confidence in Jesus and Mary to carry me, to carry my friend which I pray
for incessantly? Immediately, I entrusted my thoughts to Blessed Mother
to be immersed in Divine Mercy and Love. That day MOM kept me from being fooled into
spending a lot of tears on an illusion--tears before their proper time.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">“Anxieties that nag you about the past or the future are also
trials of faith. God expects that you will offer Him all of these anxieties so
that you can entrust yourself more fully to Him and totally abandon yourself to
Him.”</span> (Tadeusz Dajczer, <i><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gift-of-faith-tadeusz-dajczer/1101476824?ean=9781933314136" target="_blank">The Gift of Faith</a>, </i>3rd. ed. (Ft.
Collins, CO: IAMF, 2012), p. 129)<o:p></o:p></div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-47039165521513923462015-06-08T10:57:00.001-07:002015-06-12T21:23:45.197-07:00Entrustment To Mary = The Beggar ~ The Beloved<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px/19.6px Helvetica; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
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"When we say the words 'Kyrie, eleison" (Lord, have mercy), during the Holy Mass, we relive what happened near Jericho when the blind beggar called upon God. With this plea, [Pope Benedict XVI] has written: '...we admit to who we truly are and who [God] is for us...' '...we say: Look on me God, I am nothingness, but You are everything. I am poor and in need, but You are all immeasurably rich and able to heal all the needs of the world. I am sinful and evil, but You are full of lavish love.' <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></div>
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My first encounter with the ‘beggar’ here in Malaybalay were two little girls, about the same ages as Hannah and Grace (maybe 4 and 6 or 7 years old). All of us as a family were walking in the main ‘downtown’ part of the city when the two girls came up to us rubbing their stomachs and holding their hands out to us. One of the girls was wearing flip flops with soles almost two inches too short for her feet. We took off Hannah’s sandals and gave them to the little girl (they fit her perfectly), and then bought them some cookies and bread to eat. We felt good. The second time we had decided to get ice cream cones from inside the department type store ‘Gaisano’ on a hot Sunday afternoon, and as we walked outside to find a way home, a little boy came up to me (I had barely taken one lick of my ice cream) rubbing his tummy and with a pained look on his face, holding out his hand for the ice cream. Of course I gave it to him right away and felt good about it.. But, as the weeks went by my heart began to change with these ‘begging’ encounters. I learned quickly that we, as rich ‘white people’, were always going to be pursued as benefactors for these people who made their livings by begging, and I was becoming more and more annoyed by the way they were so ‘practiced’ in their methods - the pained looks, the persistence (one time a girl was so persistent even though I said I had nothing, she kept begging me as I walked all the way to the multi cab and even as the multi cab began driving away!). And, I was feeling more and more angry by the fact that many times the children were being used by their adults to beg and bring in money (sometimes to the point that the child would refuse bread and insist that they only wanted money). I began to dread going downtown and began to feel angry when someone came up and begged me for something. Yet somehow I knew in my heart that there was something wrong with my attitude.. I asked God to show me how He sees these people. The way He answered me was by showing me how He sees<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>me</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>as His beloved beggar.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says “man is a beggar before God”. And it is true, as St. Paul writes “What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Everything I have - from the food I eat to the ability to think about God and pray, are God’s alms to me. I truly have nothing on my own.. on my own I am only dust. But why is it so hard for me to accept that I am truly a beggar before God - meaning someone who has nothing to give in return but who receives everything freely from the One who is rich? God began to show me something shocking - that is, how in many ways I must<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>learn</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>from these beggars who I was despising more and more. I began to realize that actually these beggars may have a much easier time to embrace God then me. I feel like God was even showing me how He admires their humility and even their attitudes to some degree.. not that God wants them to beg and to use their children to beg (only He knows their situations and stories), but that when they beg, they give a beautiful example of how to live the spiritual life. The beggar is so so persistent! She will not stop asking and following until she receives even a peso in return. Jesus praises persistence even in the Gospels when He is speaking about prayer (<sup> “</sup>I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs’ - Luke 11:8). The humility of the beggar is amazing. Even as they are rejected, they do not curse. Even if I put in their hand only one or two pesos, they are satisfied. They truly know that they are receiving something like crumbs falling from the table for the dogs.. and they are willing to accept being so low. Whether they are given a half eaten piece of food, a few pesos or a kilo of rice, it is obvious that the beggar is grateful for what he has received. I think that God looks upon these smallest children of His with so much tenderness and love. I think that truly they will be able to receive the Kingdom of God with ease when they stand before Him one day. </div>
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For me I’m afraid it is not so easy. I often resemble a beggar who is so proud.. who does not<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>want</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to receive ‘crumbs’ and who is ungrateful for the shower of alms I receive so freely from God’s hands every day. I am like the beggar who receives something but angrily throws it back at my benefactor because I wanted ‘more’. I am like a beggar who, though I have received everything for nothing, convince myself that I have earned it and deserve it by my own doing and am so often blind to the fact that I have not done anything good on my own. Even though I really have no choice but to receive God’s alms (because without them I would not survive physically or spiritually), I convince myself that I am entitled to receive them or that somehow I can deserve them. Unlike the beggars I have encountered who accept being the ‘lowest’, I am always so desperate to raise my ‘self’ up. But in doing this, I reject the truth and in rejecting that truth, I reject God Himself. This is the truth that will always be and will never change - that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>on my own I have nothing</i>.. I am nothing,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>but</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is everything. I am poor and in need, but He is all immeasurably rich and able to heal all the needs of the world. I am sinful and evil, but He is full of lavish love (from Joseph Ratzinger, Dogma und Verkündigung). What a beautiful, patient and meek God we have. Alleluia!<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Post offered from: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://inmarysarms.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-beggar-beloved.html?m=1"><span style="color: blue;">http://inmarysarms.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-beggar-beloved.html?m=1</span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em>Open
Wide the Door to Christ</em>, (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005), 34-35.</span> </div>
Marys Beloved Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552663051488319220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-23381689859083389072015-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:002015-05-29T09:55:27.049-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Not Alone in Loneliness<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My young daughter and I had a rare opportunity to go out to
dinner together after a late doctor’s appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so grateful for the opportunity, as she
was able to share how she felt about middle school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she seems to have adjusted quite well,
she experiences bouts of rejection and loneliness, especially during PE where
she feels her athletic ability falls short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shared with me how the “cool” kids classify others, and in subtle
and not-so-subtle ways, reject other students with their looks, comments, and
exclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart went out to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember those awkward days, and
so I tried to encourage her with stories of my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lit up as she recounted a story of St.
Therese of Lisieux, whose close friend left town, and years later upon her
return, acted as though she had never known Therese at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent some time trying to figure out why
God might be allowing the situation, and how He could be drawing her closer to
Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left our dinner feeling a
bit closer to one another, as well as to our Savior, Who can allow such
loneliness to bring us closer to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That same week, my son seemed unusually quiet and moody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prompted him to share with me what might be
bothering him, and he, too, was struggling at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had found himself in the midst of some
conflicts and was feeling a bit rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My motherly instinct was to turn into a mama bear and have a word, if
you will, with these peers of his. But, (thank you, God) because of this
spirituality, I was able to walk him through the difference between God’s will
and God allowing an event in order to draw out some greater good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encouraged him to look at the event as God
trying to tell him something, and that, perhaps, this really had nothing to do
with the goings-on at middle school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perhaps God is knocking more loudly at the door of his heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps without the conflict, my son could
feel confident and secure and see no need for a Savior?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which leads to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i>
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself feeling
lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I have some acquaintances,
some fellow moms to chat with during the drop off at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all around me, people were making plans
and playdates and I just felt left out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I later took my kids to the park, and all around me were groups of kids
and their mothers celebrating the start of the long weekend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still later, when our family was at a gathering, faith sharing with a group of fellow church families, the discussion felt shallow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been in
this “new” city for close to three years now, and I still miss my old friends
dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself struggling to make
decent conversation. I even had the occasion to meet with close family friends for
a BBQ, only to experience what felt like forced conversation when we used to share more laughter and openness. I turned to my
husband later that evening and thanked him, truly, for being my friend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week I had a chance to meet with my spiritual director
and I was able to share that even with God I feel lukewarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my turn to write the blog post for over
two weeks, and I couldn’t even connect with people behind a screen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately I was encouraged to see this as a
pruning of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was encouraged to
trust God’s mysterious ways with faith and simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was encouraged to go to the Word of God and
our Mother more quickly and consistently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who knew that the advice I gave to my children was the very same words
of encouragement I’d need to hear myself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God and His sense of humor….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I leave you and me with these promising words about
loneliness…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">No one, however, experienced so strongly
the depths of poverty or understood it as well as Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, we can always ask her to accept
loneliness in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, we will
either always fearfully run away from this grace, or we will suffer a painful
defeat by summoning up our own strength to make attempts to control
loneliness….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">…After Pentecost, in silence and
solitude, Mary accompanied the birth of the Church as its Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Mary is the Mother of the Church, it
is so important for us to be open to her action in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is crucial that we hand ourselves over to
her and to everything that God wants to accomplish in our souls through
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our own, we will not accept the
grace of loneliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will either fear
it, or we will try to take control of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such a response only ends in defeat.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> </span>
</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">(S.C. Biela, </span></span><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/openwidethedoortochristbyscbielasoftback.aspx"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Open Wide the Door to Christ</span></span></i></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">, [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IAMF, 2005], 186, 187).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-72895427227405423432015-05-11T12:53:00.001-07:002015-05-11T12:54:44.140-07:00Entrustment to Mary = To Need Love and Care<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJEBizI8ikY/VVBF2PZNKtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/jMxIACL64EM/s1600/mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJEBizI8ikY/VVBF2PZNKtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/jMxIACL64EM/s320/mother.jpg" width="302" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mother’s Day 2015 is about to end as I start to write this post.
Another gentle day in which I was reminded of the value of communion of life
with Christ through Mary.</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been dealing with anxiety, and
now depression has reared its ugly head. It is surely a hormonal imbalance of
some kind as, to date, my interior peace is riding the storm without being too
disturbed. The symptoms come and go randomly. I am still surprised when the
emotions overcome me and I am a ball of nerves or tears. <b>My surprise is a
source of comedy</b> for me. After 15 years of living in my Mother’s arms, I am
still surprised by my tremendous need for Her love and care! Oh, Mama, how
quickly your little one forgets!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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Meanwhile,<b> Blessed Mother is not surprised that I forget</b>. I believe
She expects me to! Therefore, She always has a plan to remind me: A sudden
irritation that leads me to a harsh reaction; a stubbed toe; a spilled drink; a
broken mug; a mess left by my child; a runny nose; a deadline that is fast
approaching; a late payment charge; a cell phone upgrade that I can’t figure
out; a rainy day; <i>three</i> rainy days in a row; a computer glitch; a printer
problem; a dead car battery; a bit cheek; a chin hair that got too long; the
dirty kitchen floor; a flat tire; a bad crust on my pizza; the list can go on and on. All these beautiful interruptions in my day remind me I am not in charge and I don’t know how to fully love myself or
others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To live in Mary's arms is the opportunity to see God’s action in the ordinary
and difficult events of life. Each moment that I forget and react is <b>my
opportunity to remember</b> how much I need MOM’s love and care. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">“Believing that the Mother of Jesus is also my Beloved Mother, and
that I am always her most beloved child, I dare to call her ‘Mom,’ as she
teaches me to abandon myself to God through her openness to the ‘spirituality
of events,’ especially in the experiences I do not understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Mary is an
example and support for all believers: she encourages us not to lose confidence
before the difficulties and inevitable problems of every day. She assures us of
her help and reminds us that it is essential to seek and think of ‘the things
above, not those of the earth’ (cf. Col 3:2). <o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Pope Benedict XVI <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Homily of the Solemnity of the Assumption <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">August 15, 2006”*</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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*Quoted from
the Creed of the Families of Nazareth Movement USA.<o:p></o:p></div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-74847970173928496952015-05-02T10:37:00.000-07:002015-05-02T10:37:36.189-07:00Entrustment To Mary = Simply Loving vs. Fixing<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I was privileged to have my daughter and her
newborn baby come spend a week at our home. Our goal was to have the preemie
gain back the weight she had lost since birth, and to rid her of the lingering
jaundice. Being a mom I was determined to fix these problems, with the goal of
having my granddaughter <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thrive</i></b> during her visit. God had
other plans...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">That particular week I was covering for my
coworker, so I was out of the house from 7AM to 5:30PM. Although I
gave clear instructions to daughter and grandpa to make sure the baby sunbathed
in front of a window for good amounts of time to help clear the
jaundice, it seemed to take a few days for this direction to be carried out.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The nursing had turned into a scientific
equation = milliliters + ounces + pumping + syringes. Too many doctors were
involved with each one offering their expert advice on how our little one could
gain weight. It was quite overwhelming for the new mom, the old mom, not to
mention the baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her first weigh-in had
her down an ounce. The next weigh-in had her up two ounces. But the in-between
was filled with anxiety, stress, and a few conflicts.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">As I watched my daughter struggle with her new
vocation of motherhood, I so wanted to relieve her of her stresses and make all
things right. I wanted to fix her problems so she could once again be happy and
content. But as the week progressed and I failed at achieving these objectives,
I realized I just needed to love her.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It was hard to give over my desire to control
the situation. What helped me was reflecting on how the Blessed Mother accompanied
her Son on the way to Calvary but did not take the Cross from him. I had to beg
Blessed Mom to help me remain quietly in Her arms and to allow Her to love and
guide my daughter, and for Her to take care of the baby.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqW-TOqLHx4/VUUHyXdlW6I/AAAAAAAAAZY/qg9NtS0dcT4/s1600/sorrowful4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqW-TOqLHx4/VUUHyXdlW6I/AAAAAAAAAZY/qg9NtS0dcT4/s1600/sorrowful4_2.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><strong>"Jesus carried the Cross before the presence of His mother. She did not try to carry it with Him physically - she knew that the will of God was otherwise. Did she not want to help Him at that moment? Did she not love Him then? She knew that the best way of helping Christ was in fulfilling the will of God. And God wanted the Mother of His Son to help Him in a way that was spiritual and not physical. She fully respected this will of God." [1]</strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I now see that with my children, I must let them
too, carry their own crosses. My role is to live in communion with my Blessed
Mother and with Her, to love them with God’s love and to follow His will for
me, and for them. Meanwhile, God will fix their problems in a way much better
than I ever could!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/inthearmsofmaryrevised2ndeditionbyscbielasoftbackrevisededition.aspx">InThe Arms of Mary, 2nd. ed, rev</a>. (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005),175-176.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-27625772481526673422015-04-25T12:05:00.001-07:002015-04-25T12:05:44.206-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Being Grateful for an Infected Swimming Pool
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would you rather:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(a)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vomiting and diarrhea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(b)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fever and chills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(c)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pink eye<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(d)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Headaches, muscle pain and cough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(e)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl7rqu9AAhM/VTvlCkmP8kI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/4yZgwAVTMCc/s1600/photo.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl7rqu9AAhM/VTvlCkmP8kI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/4yZgwAVTMCc/s1600/photo.GIF" height="134" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep, all of my 5 children came down with some or all of the
symptoms during the end of spring break, plus a double ear infection for the
toddler, and they, of course, overlapped their illness and school absences to
last about 12 days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had visited my
sister’s family during Easter and they had so generously provided great food
and entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately (we
later discovered), the new pool guy hadn’t quite mastered his tasks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we drove home earlier than planned, I came
to find out that all of her children came down with similar symptoms, lasting
about the same amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
thing that kept us going as mothers-taking-care-of-sick-kids were our daily
texts about who was the next one to bite the dust!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to keep a little humor made a big
difference, but still, taking care of sick kids plus related laundry and such
took a toll on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became very tired,
very frustrated, very weak and helpless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been praying for some time now to be a gentler
mother, a more present-in-the-moment mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God provided a fabulous opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because I was so very helpless, I quite literally had to beg Him for the
strength to get through each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found myself amazed at how calm I was, at the strength to persevere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty patient and was able to comfort
my children quite nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you,
God, for allowing me to be the mother I always wanted to be,” I prayed to Him
one evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the very next
morning I had to see who I really was (short-tempered, impatient, easily
irritated), in order to give all the glory to God for “my” gentleness and
patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw once again ‘who I am’
versus WHO IS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After being reminded once again that conversion is a
life-long process and that without God I am nothing, my young daughter started
to notice all that WE (Blessed Mama and me together) were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept thanking me for every little thing –
giving out medicine or cold washcloths, doctor visits, hot soup, bubbly soda for
those with upset stomachs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She noticed
all the laundry I was doing, all the disinfecting, all the stories I read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thanked me for each movie she watched,
and the meals I prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She noticed
all the homework assignments I helped with, and the little errands I ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She noticed every little thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only smile and give the glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she complimented me on being such a good
mom, I forwarded the thanks to Blessed Mama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I already knew how frustrated I felt on the inside, and how exhausted I
felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, too, because I was so
grateful that Blessed Mama was carrying me, and that those around me got a
glimpse of her presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed at
the gratitude that my daughter expressed, and couldn’t help but ask myself, “How
aware am I of all the little things that Blessed Mama does for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How grateful am I?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">And so, it is a special grace if you discover the maternal
role of Mary in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Why do you receive this grace?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">This is a mystery of God’s
election.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">But remember, the grace needs a
committed response.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">You do not receive a talent in
order to bury it in the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">You must make use of it – in accordance
with the will of God – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">for your own sanctification and for
the sanctification of others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Because of this, implore Mary that
your whole life<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">may be permeated by the awareness<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">that you are ‘carried by her in her
arms.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(S.C.
Biela</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-Arms-Mary-Slawomir-Biela/dp/0972143297"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the Arms of Mary</i></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, 2<sup>nd</sup>.ed,
rev. [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAMF, 2005],
173).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypRrq-xW2ZQ/VTvlCioQEAI/AAAAAAAAAJw/HTIh-EeGr8o/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypRrq-xW2ZQ/VTvlCioQEAI/AAAAAAAAAJw/HTIh-EeGr8o/s1600/photo.JPG" height="200" width="105" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so, looking at these events in the light of faith, why
not be grateful for an infected swimming pool?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God must have allowed it as He saw fit, knowing it would further push me
into the arms of my Mother. Is there any other place I’d rather be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-31067734078026764512015-04-19T13:10:00.002-07:002015-04-19T13:10:59.658-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Living with Peaceful Anxiety<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It may sound like an oxymoron,
but I have been living with peaceful anxiety for the last year or so. I have
the symptoms of anxiety that appear on the physical level, but deep inside I
have the peace of living in Blessed Mother’s Arms no matter what. The
psychologist calls my anxiety an illness – my spiritual friends call it a cross
– my spiritual director calls it my blessed weakness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAiMdvdQuJI/VTM1BWPS35I/AAAAAAAAAdE/Tdxj8KFYyMU/s1600/Jesus%2Bholding%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAiMdvdQuJI/VTM1BWPS35I/AAAAAAAAAdE/Tdxj8KFYyMU/s1600/Jesus%2Bholding%2Bgirl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I imagine in the spiritual life that
anxiety most often represents lack of trust, lack of faith or perfectionism or all
the above! It is the consequence of fear and unrest. I know what that type of
anxiety is because I lived with it for 35+ years! Watching my young adult child
arrive late to get ready for the confirmation where she would be sponsoring a
family friend, without a gift yet, struggling to get dressed and rushing out
the door unsure where she was going to meet up with the confirmand reminded me
of my own 20-something life. The difference for me was I didn’t have my mom
telling me, “This is who Jesus loves, the one who runs late! Offer up the truth that you are late and unprepared and ‘messy’ for
the benefit of the confirmand…that Blessed Mother will repair your hurry and
open the heart of your friend to the Holy Spirit!” No, that wasn’t the type of
response I received on my days of running late. My mom didn’t say a word
about it that I remember, but there was a rolled eye here or there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I didn’t need my mom to give
commentary on my weaknesses. I had it all in my head already. “Get up, you are
going to be late. Come on – stop being so lazy!! Oh man, you forgot to do the
laundry again! You have nothing to wear. You idiot! Why are you always late? I
knew this would happen! Ugh! The banks are closed now. All I have is $2.00…can
I give that as a gift? Why didn’t I pick up the card when I was at the store
last week? I knew I should have, now I don’t have a card! Traffic! Always
traffic. If I had just left earlier. Why didn’t I call and tell them I’d be
late? I want out of this whole thing, why did I say ‘yes’? Here I go again, arriving
in the middle of something, feeling so embarrassed. I hate myself!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> “If we seek peace <i>as the word gives it</i>, if we expect peace in accordance with the
reasoning of the world, or with the motivations that accord with the current
mentality that surrounds us (because everything is going well, because we aren’t
experiencing any annoyances and our desires are completely satisfied, etc.),
then it is certain that we will never know peace or that our peace will be
extremely fragile and of short duration.”1 </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Before my entrustment to Mary, I
was so focused on myself that an event was no longer about the event and people
it involved, it was all about me! How was I going to handle it? How was I going
to look? My anxiety was because I thought I had complete “control” and “responsibility”
to do the right thing or what I thought was the right thing. From the example
of my parents, I wanted to be this on-time person who was prepared and in line
with all the proper etiquette! I wanted to be organized and loving and happy to
help. Instead, I was exhausted from my desires and I often sank into self-pity
and self-loathing. I didn’t have peace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Since my entrustment, however, MOM
has gently been changing my thinking and my position toward my weaknesses. She
focuses me on the fact that I am God’s beloved daughter and She wants my heart
to turn away from myself and toward our merciful God and my neighbor. I desire
to rely on MOM’s heart which is only attached to God. Through my entrustment, I
desire to rely on Her goodwill and therefore, I live with peaceful anxiety.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">“The <b>less you concentrate on yourself</b>, the more resistance to your
wounded self you will develop.”2</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I leave late now or find
myself in an unexpected traffic jam, forget to do important laundry, or am too
weary to do something loving for my neighbor, MOM and I live in the truth and WE
pray together: <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">“</span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-style: italic;">Lord, if you want everything that I do </span><span style="background-color: white;">(my attempt at good deeds, my desires for perfection, my prayer life, my efforts of any kind)</span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-style: italic;"> to melt in my hands, then I also
desire this…Lord, have pity on me, a sinner. Give me Your grace because I am
sold into slavery to sin. Even more, I do not want to be set free from sin at
all. </span><u style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-style: italic;"><b>My only hope is Your mercy</b></u><i style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">.”</i><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">3</span><i> </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">1. Jacques Philippe, </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Searching-Maintaining-Peace-Small-Treatise/dp/0818909064/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_2072681542?ie=UTF8&%252AVersion%252A=1&%252Aentries%252A=0" target="_blank">Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A SmallTreatise of Peace of Heart</a></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (New York, NY: Society of St. Paul, 2002), 14.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">2. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">S.C. Biela, </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Open-Wide-Door-Christ-Biela/dp/0972143270/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429420309&sr=1-3&keywords=open+wide+the+door+to+christ" target="_blank">Open Wide the Door to Christ</a></i><span style="text-align: justify;">, (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005), p. 172.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">3. </span><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Open-Wide-Door-Christ-Biela/dp/0972143270/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429420309&sr=1-3&keywords=open+wide+the+door+to+christ" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Ibid</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. p. 162, 184. Bold and underline emphasis added.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-81029424099687667912015-04-09T22:17:00.000-07:002015-04-10T22:18:36.824-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Celebrating God's Merciful Love<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My daughter went into labor on the Monday of
Holy Week. Before I could pack up and drive even one hour of the five hour
journey to the city she is living in, I received the text that her baby girl
had been born, just a short 1 ½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hours after being admitted into the hospital!
She had been considered a high risk pregnancy and we had a scare in January of
a premature delivery. Prayers ensued, and miraculously [according to the neonatal
specialists], she and baby held on 10 more weeks to deliver at week 35. The
baby was 6.6lbs - a healthy weight for her gestation. She remained in the
hospital the next 10 days to rid her jaundice and gain the weight she lost in
the first few days. She is God’s beautiful creation, just how He designed her
to be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For me, it turned my final week of Lent upside
down. Coming into Holy Week, I was ready to give my full attention to the
special themes of each daily Mass, and then to participate in the Triduum as we
do every year. Instead, I forgot to pack my prayer book, and only attended Holy
Thursday and Easter Sunday Masses. My whole schedule was rearranged as I took
on helping my daughter learn how to nurse and care for her baby, for I was
fortunate to be able to stay with her in the hospital room. I felt uneasy during the adjustment of “not being in control” of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i></b> prayer life, exercise
routine, and meal preparation. Basically I had to put aside my expectations of
what the week should be, and just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i></b>! Once I surrendered to my Blessed
Mom and entrusted to her my prayer, my desire, and my awaiting for Easter, I was
then able to relax and concentrate on helping my daughter. It was freeing to
drop my illusions of how I believed Holy Week was to be experienced. It was
refreshing to acknowledge that God is in control and I only need to follow His
lead. Just as my new little grandbaby required our love and care, God showed me how
helpless I am and how I need the love and care of my Blessed Mom. She helps me
see the truth about myself and with her WE then can call upon the abyss of Jesus’
merciful love. She helps me see how her Son died for my sins and through this merciful act rescues me. And with this Good News I may sing this Easter Season ~ Alleluia! Alleluia!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccH7NEjRsbg/VSdV7JKF2uI/AAAAAAAAAY8/n_-W12YnZgw/s1600/6%20foot%20Cathedral%20Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccH7NEjRsbg/VSdV7JKF2uI/AAAAAAAAAY8/n_-W12YnZgw/s1600/6%20foot%20Cathedral%20Image.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">"An “old” person – someone who relies on his own
calculations, who lists pros and cons – limits the possibility for God to act
and sets limits on His love and mercy. Constantly calculating and predicting if
one will be successful or not is a trait of old age. A child grasps for the
moon and believes that he will get it – and God wants to give you more than the
moon. He wants to give you His kingdom, but if you do not become a child, His
hands will be tied."</span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"></span></strong></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tadeusz Dajczer, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thegiftoffaithbyfrtadeuszdajczersoftback.aspx">TheGift of Faith</a>, </em>3rd. ed. (Ft. Collins, CO: IAMF, 2012), 64.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span>Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-19887860071991853492015-04-02T23:00:00.001-07:002015-04-02T23:00:30.592-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Celebrating a Birthday on Good Friday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was growing up as a child in our family home,
birthdays were a BIG DEAL. I received lots of attention, with birthday signs
and balloons, and my parents allowed me to select the menu for breakfast and
dinner, as well as dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
relatives would send cards and it was one of two times a year my parents would
spoil us with gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked forward to the date of my birthday as soon as Christmas was
over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just as soon as it was over, I
had to wait an entire year for that special day again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few years ago, my birthday fell on Good Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My inner child was disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So much for a birthday”, I thought, “fasting
with definitely no cake.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew in my
head that I could celebrate a few days later, but to me it wasn’t the same
because it wasn’t the actual date of my birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized I had become so attached to a day on the calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as that particular day wore on, and
certainly over the years since, I came to realize (1) I am pretty self-absorbed
and lacking in faith, (2) God had provided more graces on that day than I could
have ever imagined, and (3) I am special and so very loved, all the time, not
just on my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That year, my
birthday landed on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">day of the most
significant outpouring of Love of all time. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dwFbC3sgkM/VR17RZky5hI/AAAAAAAAAJc/sRFJlt4qlRI/s1600/true-love-text2-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dwFbC3sgkM/VR17RZky5hI/AAAAAAAAAJc/sRFJlt4qlRI/s1600/true-love-text2-600x600.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am amazed at how
God has opened my eyes to the sacrifice and significance of Good Friday over
the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Previously, as a child and
young person, I would dread all the solemnness of that particular day of the
Triduum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day seemed to drag on and
on, and I wanted to rush through it, avoid the focus on suffering, and get
through the “boring” services at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to jump ahead to the joy (and chocolate) of Easter Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I have learned so much more about
Good Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During each celebration of
Mass, we proclaim the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">death</i> of our
Lord (<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11:26">1 Cor 11: 26</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because by His cross we were redeemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Friday is the reconciling of us back to
the Father through His Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Friday
is good news for all of us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
infinite mercy is made visible through the crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great, mysterious Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over these last few years in particular, in
the arms of our Blessed Mama, I have been graced with an awareness of my
misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, graced, because in seeing
who I am, standing in truth about my weaknesses and sinfulness, I also see the
magnitude of God’s love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see more deeply
the gift of Christ’s sacrifice, who died because He loves me and wants so much
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am more grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am more in awe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I grow in deeper understanding of who I am
versus WHO IS (<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/8:58">Jn 8:58</a>) , I am more able to recognize my need for a Redeemer as well as
how very real is His desire for me to find my home in His heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see that I am BOTH a miserable sinner AND
His most beloved child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Looking at Christ nailed on the Cross,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">you will comprehend more easily<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">how great an abyss of evil your sins really are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Christ’s suffering most fully reflects this abyss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Standing at the foot of the Cross and adoring the One<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who
took upon Himself all your sins,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">you will come to know all the more fully these two abysses –
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the abyss of your sin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">and the abyss of God’s love toward you….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Because prayer at the foot of the Cross<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">deepens<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the vision of one’s sinfulness<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">as well as faith in the love of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Your evil was conquered and erased by virtue of the<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>redemptive
sacrifice of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Through the power of the One whose love for you has no
limits,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you
were redeemed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">In adoring the Cross, you will realize this ever more fully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(S.C. Biela,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/inthearmsofmaryrevised2ndeditionbyscbielasoftbackrevisededition.aspx"><span style="color: #0563c1;">In
the Arms of Mary</span></a></i>, 2<sup>nd</sup> ed, rev. [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAMF, 2005], 13, 14).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through the power of the One whose love for me has no
limits, I was redeemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Happy
Birthday, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-86757572204643218552015-03-29T08:35:00.002-07:002015-03-29T08:35:26.931-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Finding Love<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_jt9YC2vMA/VReCHu-CUZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/QAgm1-We6jY/s1600/545.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_jt9YC2vMA/VReCHu-CUZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/QAgm1-We6jY/s1600/545.png" height="135" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today
my husband and I had a task to fulfill up in the mountains. We set our alarms
for 6:30 a.m. with the goal of leaving our house at 7:00 a.m. to head off on
our 2.5-hour drive. For the third day in a row, I found myself waking up before
my alarm. I was dismayed to see the clock was 5:45 a.m. When my husband looked
at his clock at 6:00 a.m. I let him know I was awake and asked if we should get
ready. He said, “Let’s do it.” So out the door we were by 6:30 a.m., two night
owls who hate getting up early.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We
weren’t sure if we’d hit a lot of ski traffic or not. Our plan was to go
directly to our destination as we were meeting someone. However, there was no
traffic. A restroom break was calling my husband just as we were approaching
the town where a priest friend lives. I knew there was a bathroom in the Church
and I had to wonder, would he be offering a Mass this Saturday morning? I
couldn’t remember if he usually said it at 8 or 8:30 a.m., and we were pulling
into the parking lot at 7:50. As we
entered the Church we noticed the candles were lit on the altar and there was a
man sitting in the front pew. I quickly asked him if there was going to be Holy
Mass. He said, “Yes.” Yes!! <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There
was so much joy in my heart to think we could 1) surprise our friend by being
in the Church when he walked out for the Mass and 2) WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE
THE EUCHARIST on a day that I anticipated we weren’t going to be able to.
Taking my joy one step further, our priest friend came out and in response to
seeing us in the pew said he would offer the Holy Mass for <b>our</b> intentions! Treat beyond treat!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During
our drive before our stop, I was sharing with my husband that I believe
discerning God’s will is often more of a disposition of the heart rather than the
worry if I am doing the right or wrong thing. For me, God’s will is to remember
that Jesus entrusted me to His Blessed Mother. In all that I do or say, I am to
remember that She holds me and will hold me all the way to Heaven. When I
received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist this morning, I believed that it was only
thanks to this entrustment that I was in that Church at the right time. Gratitude
for this gift filled my heart and I was overwhelmed with the awareness of God’s
unique love for me and my husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
What
could have been a day complaining that I woke up too early, turned into a day
where I found Love!</div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">From the depth of your misery, call upon the Blessed Mother:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld8NVAVePhQ/VReDvAJcFUI/AAAAAAAAAco/-lWKpYhQM0o/s1600/open%20wide%20front%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld8NVAVePhQ/VReDvAJcFUI/AAAAAAAAAco/-lWKpYhQM0o/s1600/open%20wide%20front%20cover.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i>Mary, carry me in your arms like your own child. Please allow
me to become light like a balloon carried by the wind of the Holy Spirit, docile
to carrying out God’s will and free from attachments. I do not want to know where
this Divine Wind comes from or to where it will carry me. I do not want to impose
my own plans and visions on God. I want to be docile like you</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Once you pray in this way, Mary will lift you up into her arms
and, even if you still remain heavy and resistant like a brick, she will carry you
where the Holy Spirit wants to lead you. She is the one who is fully sensitive to
the subtlest promptings of the Spirit. She is the one who is always obedient to
Him. </span>(S.C. Biela, <i>Open Wide the Door to Christ</i>, [Ft.Collins, CO:
IAMF, 2005], 146.)<o:p></o:p></div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-21135278990474156002015-03-21T10:49:00.002-07:002015-03-21T10:49:29.468-07:00Entrustment To Mary = My Rescue <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My husband and I attended Sunday Mass at the Cathedral
in Boise, Idaho a few weeks ago. A rather large, bald headed man came down the
aisle and sat right in front of us. He had a black suit coat on over casual
jeans. He seemed very agitated, looking around and moving side to side. At one
point he made a fist and pounded it against his other hand. I noticed he did
not pray the prayers with us. In my mind I began relating him to a possible
ISIS follower. I imagined he had a long machete concealed in his coat’s sleeve.
I wondered if he was there to cause terror and possibly cold blooded murder. I
looked over at my husband and he seemed to be thinking the same. He whispered
that he did not feel comfortable and that we should move. I told him I agreed
and that we should wait until we stood up for the Gospel reading before moving.
When it was time, my husband pointed to a pew across the aisle and a few rows
ahead from where we were sitting. I did not like the fact we moved ahead,
thinking the man then saw us moving away from him. I figured if he was a
terrorist, he would take offense to this action and would single us out during
a rampage. I also felt guilty for in our original pew, behind us was a mother
and two young girls. I felt that maybe we were supposed to stay there to be the
barrier between him and them. All of the ISIS terrorist news stories I had
watched in the past few weeks surfaced in my mind creating an image of what
this man could do to us, the congregation, and the priest. Needless to say I
was most distracted during the Mass. We noticed the man went up to receive
Communion. When we were ready to leave my husband suggested we go out a side
door. When we got to the crosswalk, we turned around to see the man right
behind us! We walked slowly across the street so he could get ahead of us and
we could quickly slip into our car where we felt safe and sound.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSu73Pyzi-I/VQ2rlFU1C8I/AAAAAAAAAYc/xEql-AvI5sg/s1600/mark5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSu73Pyzi-I/VQ2rlFU1C8I/AAAAAAAAAYc/xEql-AvI5sg/s1600/mark5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"You
look at the tabernacle, but do you believe that there, barely a few yards away
from you, is the One who holds your history and the history of the entire world
in His hands…the One on whom everything depends? In His presence you worry
about various problems and how to resolve them. When you kneel before the God
of impossible things and you worry about your problems, there is a kind of
falsehood in this type of prayerful attitude. You are acting as if you were God
and as if you yourself had to solve everything </span><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">– </span><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">you who are <em>who is not</em>." <span style="font-size: x-small;">[1]</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Upon
reflection of my actions that morning and reading this passage above, I
realized two things. One, during that event I depended more on my knowledge and
instruction from the world’s news shows, than depending and trusting on my Lord
and Savior. My omnipotent God was in the Church with me, yet I let my fear
overshadow my belief that He would protect all of us there. <span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Second,
I had immediately accused this man of a life of crime just by his appearance.
My judgment showed my lack of charity for my neighbor. Instead of seeing Christ
in him, I chose to see Satan.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This
event is more proof of how I walk along the road of imperfection, and need my
Blessed Mother’s rescue. </span>Only
with her may I look at my misery and not be ashamed. S<span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">he
reminds me that Jesus came to save <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i></b> through His death and resurrection.
Jesus trusts that He can reveal my weaknesses to me, knowing that I am held by His
mother and she will be my comfort. She will help me understand His merciful
love – a Love for me, as I am. She will also help me to see her Son in those around me, to look for Him in the events of my life, and to seek Him above all else. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>Thank you Jesus, for giving me your mother before you died!</em> <em>You knew I would be lost without her. </em><span style="font-size: x-small;">[cf. Jn 19:26-27]</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thetwopillarsbyscbielasoftbacknewrelease.aspx">TheTwo Pillars</a>,</em> (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2006), 81.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Regular",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Regular; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "GoudyOldStyleT-Italic",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GoudyOldStyleT-Italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span> </div>
Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-54479846204684592682015-03-14T11:22:00.000-07:002015-03-14T11:22:17.508-07:00Entrustment to Mary = Being Loved as Dr. Jekyll AND Mr. Hyde<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Come here.” “Go away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re the best mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re so mean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you!” “I don’t want this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life with five kids has me feeling a bit beat up
lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our household seems very up and
down, but with too much drama for my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone seems very needy and with my husband working crazy hours, I
feel inadequate to be present to them all. I have been noticing how everything
is a battle:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>homework, bedtime, extracurricular
activities, prayer time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like a
ping pong ball, bounced around to deal with everyone’s issues or defiant
moods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can’t we be kind to one
another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why all the poking each other,
teasing one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can’t everyone
be in a pleasant mood all at the same time, at least for a few minutes or so?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like my kids can be extremely
disrespectful one minute, but then completely loving the next, acting as if our
conflict never even happened – like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umdVtwU1hzQ/VQR7TrME2pI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZUE0zfWIlcU/s1600/fruits%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umdVtwU1hzQ/VQR7TrME2pI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZUE0zfWIlcU/s1600/fruits%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspirit.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Saturday, it was our turn to host some friends over
from our parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet as families
once a month for faith-sharing and a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had planned an activity for the children about the fruits of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter and I went to the market and
picked out twelve different fruits: pineapple, kiwi, strawberry…etc. and
labeled each one with a different fruit of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were preparing for the activity I
couldn’t help but notice how lacking our domestic church was in terms of the
action of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gentleness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Self-control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two days later it
seemed no coincidence that my daughter’s prayer book of daily reflections
addressed the fruits of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
my kids noticed the same theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we
prayed for openness to these fruits, acknowledging our weakness and need to
beg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, I was reflecting on this blatant reminder to be open
to the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I was sad about
the missing fruits in our home, feeling that I was the primary cause, as a
leader in our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, in our
spirituality of living in Communion with our Blessed Mama, why should I be
surprised? I so often treat my Blessed Mama the same way my kids treat me: begging
Her to be with me one moment, and completely ignoring Her the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful for my entrustment on the one
hand, but then I am resuming reliance on self the next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRJh3otlCUs/VQR7TTnwb0I/AAAAAAAAAJA/G1kcAhK76oo/s1600/Mary%2Band%2BHoly%2BSpirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRJh3otlCUs/VQR7TTnwb0I/AAAAAAAAAJA/G1kcAhK76oo/s1600/Mary%2Band%2BHoly%2BSpirit.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can see how very much I am in need of the fruits of the
Spirit, but instead of feeling discouraged, I can rejoice in the fact that our
Blessed Mother is the Holy Spirit’s spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of being frustrated, I can stand with empty hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, our domestic church is lacking the
fruits of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we lack
self-control and are practically suffocated by our pride, but that is the very
reason we must stand with Her before our Lord, with nothing to give except our
misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot take any credit for
any virtue, but perhaps with our ugliness before our eyes, we can grow in
humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe then, and only then,
will the Holy Spirit descend upon us and surprise us with His gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">“It is good for the rich man to acknowledge his poverty…Let
him recognize that his hands are empty so that God can fill them.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St. Augustine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Our gesture of showing empty hands can be
directed toward God not only in spiritual matters….but it can also indicate our
attitude of awaiting everything from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It should accompany us in everything we do in life:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in work, in raising our children, in our
influence on others, and in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gesture
of empty hands should also accompany us when looking for the greatest of God’s
gifts to come – the gift of Himself for He is Love that embraces us and in
which we are immersed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">(Tadeusz Dajczer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thegiftoffaithbyfrtadeuszdajczersoftback.aspx"><span style="color: #0563c1;">The
Gift of Faith</span></a></i>, 3<sup>rd</sup> ed. [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAMF, 2012], 40.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-13086455455583567172015-03-07T21:15:00.000-08:002015-03-07T21:31:36.645-08:00Entrustment to Mary = Seeing Bullies through the Eyes of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLBBnmX0ZMM/VPvUIWFrkvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/hIojZKLfp1A/s1600/twoboys-bullies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLBBnmX0ZMM/VPvUIWFrkvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/hIojZKLfp1A/s1600/twoboys-bullies.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I remember a conference
years ago about why there are bullies. It was explained to me that GOD may make
use of bullies to confront our pride. It is not our humility that is
confronted. The larger our pride, the larger the confrontation. The same
speaker gave another talk about children's pride and parents yelling at children.
He said we shouldn't apologize to our kids after we yell at them, because it
wasn't their humility that led to the loud voice. He also mentioned that if a
child's pride is not broken when they are young, then they will be the
instruments to break the parents' pride in the teen years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All those conferences led
me to desire not to feed my children's pride. I saw no way out for me
because on my own I was only either going to feed their pride or I was going to try to control it. This led me to Blessed Mother. I began
begging for her intercession and intervention in all my interactions with my
kids. The answers to my prayers varied depending on the child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In my house, the older son
bullied the younger one. Each time he was bullied, the younger one would run to
me and want to complain about his older brother. I would beg Blessed
Mother, and with an open begging hand, I would take my younger son to another room and explain
to him about his pride. I would explain that GOD has a right to crush his pride
using whatever instrument HE chooses. In addition, I would make sure he
understood how much I loved him with his big pride. (I knew Blessed Mother was
with me because there were hugs...loving eyes...calm voice…not my usual self!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can't say that my younger
son ever understood or accepted this message, but I can say that he learned how
to be a peace keeper sooner than later. I found he didn’t run to me and
complain as much because – well – who wants to hear they have big pride?! Now this
“younger” son is equally as strong as his older brother. He has a dignity about
himself and never lets his older brother get him down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile, the older
brother's pride has been crushed because his younger brother has a confidence he doesn't possess - some skills he doesn't have - the ability to make friends more easily. Despite his earlier bullying years, my oldest son is a good boy and </span>likable<span style="font-size: 12pt;">, but finding his way is often more difficult then the road his younger brother walks. (Little does he know that he helped mold his younger
brother with all that bullying!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It wasn't so easy with my
oldest daughter. With her, I wasn't given the miracle of a calm voice, hugs, and
loving looks. Instead, I was allowed to see what happens when I handle things on my own. I just squashed, stomped on, and verbally blew all over her
pride. With her, I discovered how Christ was crucified<b> by me.</b> I
guess I could say I was the "bully" in her situation. For her, it was always
reverse. I would have the begging hand AFTER my encounters - begging Blessed Mother to obtain the graces of repair
and God's mercy and love to make up for the way I reacted with her.
Well...GOD <b>IS</b> merciful and my daughter has had less
ramifications from her childhood than I would imagine. She helped me
because through her my pride was constantly challenged, my weakness always
before my eyes. (Little does she know that she helped mold her mom!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">GOD is good and HE always knows
what I need. As a parent, I see how each of my children is a means to my sanctification and to each other's sanctification! Embracing them as they are (with all their
weaknesses and pride) is a challenge for me. However, this is why I am entrusted to Blessed Mother. This entrustment becomes two-fold. First, it helps me to understand that I am loved with all my weaknesses and pride, and second, WE (Blessed Mother and me) can embrace my children just as they are!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: 12pt;">For the Divine Spouse Who
tries hard to conquer the human heart, everything can become a means to make it
so that the soul falls in love with Him without reservation. However, other
people – our neighbors – fulfill special roles in this matter. This is because
of their freedom that does not always submit to God’s will, let alone our will!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: 12pt;"><b>God makes use of a difficult
neighbor to gradually reveal the whitewashed tomb in us</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: 12pt;">The light of faith is very
necessary in order for us to see that the light of the Lord, Who is knocking,
is hidden under the appearance of the most difficult persons around us. This
neighbor alters the order that you have maintained for many years. He crucifies
your plans so that at last you may begin to perceive, in the light of faith, the
painful truth that you, yourself, are a difficult neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>You should then be grateful
not only to God but also to this neighbor who, perhaps unknowingly, is the instrument
through whom God serves you, through whom He reveals the truth to you, in order
to rescue and heal you.</b> </span> (S.C. Biela, <i>Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock</i> [Ft.
Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005], 13-14. Bold emphasis added.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-5677478277394862362015-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:002015-02-28T13:11:46.104-08:00Entrusment to Mary = Believing In A Love That Brings Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ofHC6v2Q0/VPIM0bSAebI/AAAAAAAAAYE/J9OSX3ISfNc/s1600/joy2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ofHC6v2Q0/VPIM0bSAebI/AAAAAAAAAYE/J9OSX3ISfNc/s1600/joy2.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I attended a retreat a few weeks ago. During a
conference the priest mentioned that “joy” comes from knowing you are loved. I
had been feeling pretty “joy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">less</i>”
lately so this topic peeked my interest. The priest went on to say that if we truly
believe God loves us for who we are right now with all of our flaws and
weaknesses, then we should have an inner perpetual joy. He suggested reflecting
on how children are full of joy which comes from knowing they are loved by
their parents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There was my answer to why I have spent my adult
life without this perpetual joy. I can’t believe God can love me for who I am
right now. Once I am more holy, and I have overcome my sinfulness, and I am
closer to being perfect, then I can start believing I am loved. I also realized
I do not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unconditionally</i> love myself,
and only feel a fleeting joy when I have accomplished a temporal or spiritual
feat.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So once again I see how God has rescued me from
my skewed image of His love with my entrustment to my Blessed Mother. For I may
turn to her with this new awareness, and with her, WE can accept God’s love for
“who” I am now, instead of who I think I need to become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her, WE can let go of my belief that I
have to earn my right to be joyful…and just be joyful!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Mary is continually with you and takes care of
your integral development. In a special way, she takes care of your spiritual
growth. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">She is Mother and Teacher of
your interior life.</b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Her deepest desire is that Christ may grow in
you in a way that there is no longer any place in your heart for yourself but
only for Him and for His will.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The most important element is your openness to
the love of God – the attitude of abandonment, simplicity, and the humility of
an evangelical child."</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="background-color: white;">S.C. Biela,</span><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/"><span style="background-color: white;"> In The Arms of Mary</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">, 2nd. ed, rev. (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005), 169.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-45709085343880954012015-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:002015-02-18T08:40:06.481-08:00Entrustment to Mary = Letting God Love Me This Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnYZVx1oQiM/VOGBMvojCWI/AAAAAAAAAIg/fX_z2OkW8dQ/s1600/SD%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnYZVx1oQiM/VOGBMvojCWI/AAAAAAAAAIg/fX_z2OkW8dQ/s1600/SD%2Bphoto.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was introduced to the idea of spiritual direction about 15
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been grieving over
miscarriage after miscarriage, begging God for a child, frustrated with my lack
of control over my greatest desire - to be a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not ask for spiritual direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not seek it. It was a gift. My mother
arranged a meeting with a certain priest for confession, and encouraged me to
be open as this priest was known for adding spiritual direction within the
Sacrament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the beginning of a
transformation, as I have been blessed with this priest as my spiritual
director for all these years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God knew what my soul needed before I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He generously provided and continues to
provide His grace through His instrument (the priest), surprising me with His
wisdom and helping me to look at the events of my life through His eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trusting that this priest is an instrument of
Christ Himself, I find myself pouring out in great detail my struggles, my
fears, my joys, my frustrations, my questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am honestly surprised with some of the answers I receive and the answers bring me such joy, reminding me that God’s ways are not my ways. The direction reminds me to take a rest
from over-analyzing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> ways. I am
continually shown how when I do not discern <em>His </em>will, I can be an obstacle to God using me to share His love. Thanks to God's grace,
I can stand in truth in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with someone who knows
my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny, I can spend so much
time talking with this priest while confessing my sins, seeking guidance,
asking questions, only to discover I have nothing much to say when we walk out
of the reconciliation room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
trust that it is Christ reaching out to me in those moments, that the priest is
truly His instrument.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a shy and introverted person, and many times spiritual
direction is provided on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
put off scheduling meeting times for various reasons: I don’t want to bother
the priest, I haven’t made any “progress” since our last talk, I don’t know
what to talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I find that God
continues to seek me out, as many times, the priest will email me, asking how
I’m doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or he’ll happen to be in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or my mom will suggest calling him about a
certain issue I may be struggling with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I truly believe Christ is expressing His great love for me when He is
present in the guidance I receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel so humbled that this gift was provided for me by God Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know many search for a spiritual director
and are unable to find one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God shows
His love, as He searches <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a Control Freak struggling against tendencies toward
perfectionism, I am tempted to distrust God’s love for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am finding out that the less I accept
God’s love for me, the less I am able to share it with my loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself loving so conditionally,
criticizing weaknesses of my loved ones, holding them to high standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself dissatisfied with myself, and
so I know that God uses spiritual direction to remind me of His great Love for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A favorite Scripture verse of mine
is </span><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/4"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">1 Jn 4:19</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> – “We love
because He first loved us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tend to
ignore Him, reject Him, distrust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Lent, my hope is that I will allow God to love me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the arms of my Blessed Mama, I ask for
Her grace to help me accept God’s pure Love for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God recently arranged a phone call with my
spiritual director, and I discussed my thoughts about what I could be doing for
Lent – giving up sugar, praying more, going to more daily Masses…etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminded me that Lent meant “slow
down”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of my grandiose plans, he
suggested that I be more present to Jesus loving me, pouring His mercy upon me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This Lent, I can ask myself, to where</span> am I rushing and why? Instead of rushing I can think of ways
to slow down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I am reminded to r</span>elate everything to
Redeeming Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Quite simply, I can</span>
SIMPLIFY this Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I cannot give what I haven’t accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, in the arms of Our Mother, I ask Her to
help me let God love me (as I am).</span>Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-53913204242451952952015-02-09T12:16:00.000-08:002015-02-09T12:16:53.852-08:00Entrustment to Mary = Learning to See with the Eyes of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I believe that
when we die we will get our new eyes from which we see Jesus; we see Mary; we
see the truth about ourselves in the Light of God’s mercy. Meanwhile, before our death, we have the
opportunity to grow in faith to such a degree we can begin to see God’s action
in our lives as if we had those new eyes already. It is a road, and I believe
it is my road with Blessed Mother that is helping me to see things through the
eyes of faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbg4z2du3mE/VNftRghh4II/AAAAAAAAAbQ/tcxGuDCzT9I/s1600/god-asking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbg4z2du3mE/VNftRghh4II/AAAAAAAAAbQ/tcxGuDCzT9I/s1600/god-asking.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
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Today we had the reading from the book of Job. Our
pastor reminded us about the story of Job. How he was an example for us of what
it means to persevere in the midst of trials. The timing of this reading was
amazing to me because in my life I see nothing but crazy trials being given to
my dear ones. Things I couldn’t imagine happening are now happening in the
lives of those nearest and dear to me. A priest friend often reminds me not to
ask “why?” when confronted with these trials, but rather to ask “what for?” Job
must have wondered, “What for, LORD?” And the answer was given to us in the
Scriptures – he was given the trials to be an example for us that GOD alone is
GOD and GOD alone suffices.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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I find myself asking, what does that look like in
my life? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For example:
I came home from a vacation a few weeks ago on the day of my child’s
birthday. I wanted to celebrate with him, so my husband and I picked up cake
and ice-cream on the way home from the airport. We were in good moods, ready to
surprise him. When I arrived home, however, I discovered dirty counters and
dishes that were there when I had left 5 days before. My spirit of joy quickly
turned into a spirit of resentment. I wasn’t able to keep from
verbally attacking my birthday boy when he walked into the house after us.
Were my reprimands so important that I needed to spoil the birthday celebration? My husband didn’t think so! By focusing on my own feelings, I allowed that negative spirit to spill onto everyone in the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The next day, the counter was still a mess and I
was still upset. Even though I had taken my resentments to the altar at Mass
that morning, I wasn’t able to control my reactions when I saw my son again.
Only this time, I allowed my assumptions to come out – I made a huge generalization
and said “you did nothing while we were gone!” Oh, my, my, my…I fell right into
the trap! Now, I forced my son to share how he spent an entire afternoon doing
laundry from a fruit fly infestation in the bathroom hamper. He had done
something – and he hadn’t wanted to complain about it – but my pressing and
pressing pushed his pride into desiring rescue. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
What for, Lord?</div>
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<br /></div>
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This simple trial got me to remember I am not GOD and I cannot rely on anyone other than GOD. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Who am I? Figuratively, I am the Ebola virus, ready to destroy all
spiritual good GOD gives me. But, more importantly, who is Mary? <b><u>Mary is </u></b><b><u>the direct action of GO</u></b><u><b>D in my life</b></u>.
She is holding me exactly because I am full of pride, lack trust, and, if left
on my own, would never learn from my past mistakes. Before my entrustment, I
would have justified my resentments and my reactions, and I would have solicited
the same support from my husband and friends – thereby keeping myself at a
distance from God’s mercy and, in a way, diminishing the spiritual lives of my
dear ones. Since entrustment, I see the whole thing differently. I see that GOD
allowed this event. Unlike Job, I do <i>not</i> persevere in faith; I am <i>quick to fail</i>
when presented with adversity. I am not shown this to become discouraged,
though, but rather to make use of this very weakness. When I use my weakness to climb
back into the arms of Blessed Mother, She can obtain from God the
transformation of my spiritual misery into a happy fault. She is able to
immerse me once again in the Redemption of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And when I beg for repair, She is the figurative antiviral drug, obtaining the graces to heal all my (and Her) dear ones I wound along the way.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p3fd_RVXeo/VNftmghjzlI/AAAAAAAAAbY/QZBACwpVgjw/s1600/9781933314006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p3fd_RVXeo/VNftmghjzlI/AAAAAAAAAbY/QZBACwpVgjw/s1600/9781933314006.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">A child of God being
led by Mary is certain that God loves him in spite of the abyss of one’s evil. He
believes that the abyss of God’s Love exceeds in an infinite way even the
deepest abyss of human nothingness and of sin.</span> (S.C. Biela, <i>In The Arms
of Mary</i>, 2nd. ed, rev. [Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2005], 162.)</div>
<o:p></o:p>High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-54598525051323436422015-01-31T11:03:00.001-08:002015-01-31T11:04:56.120-08:00Entrustment To Mary = What To Await From God<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">“We obtain from God exactly what we await from him.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This quote from St. Therese of Lisieux has had
me reflecting on what<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I</i></b> await from God?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqppzGi_ONg/VM0imJZ3X0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/nMs4XrPA3zA/s1600/imagesBDZMD04S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqppzGi_ONg/VM0imJZ3X0I/AAAAAAAAAWw/nMs4XrPA3zA/s1600/imagesBDZMD04S.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I can imagine what I “should” await from Him,
and that is goodness, love, mercy, hope, peace, joy, and miracles. But
reverting to my old ways of thinking I see I mistakenly await justice,
punishment, negative consequences, doom, and gloom. Because I am not perfect I
figure I do not deserve good things to happen. Because I cannot give God a
statement of good works, desires, deeds, I figure I have not earned His special
bestowals. Even though I have experienced event after event to prove this
theory wrong, I still get stuck in its mixed up rationale.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For example, with my daughter’s high risk
pregnancy I don’t believe that we deserve the miracle of God keeping the baby
safe in the womb until she is full term. Nor do I completely trust in God’s
care of her if she were to be born prematurely. Although I want to, my stupid
way of thinking goes back to me not deserving such special graces for I see how
quick I am to deny God’s omnipotence, so why would He want to help such an
unbeliever!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I have been told that the spirituality of
communion of life with Christ through the Blessed Mother is the path of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">imperfection</i></b>.
This road of imperfection sounds good to me as I see daily how I never will be
perfect. I see how lost I would be without my entrustment to Blessed Mom to
rescue me from my old behaviors and thought patterns which I return to in a
vicious cycle.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Jesus said he did not come for the healthy but
for the sick, and that He wishes to be my Divine Physician. Only with Blessed
Mom will I learn to believe this truth. Only with Her will WE shed my desires
for perfection and become satisfied in being loved, forgiven, and accepted as a
wayward soul.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">On the road of <i>im</i>perfection, I may never
be able to admit my nothingness as I am called to do. Therefore, I entrust
myself each and every day to my Blessed Mom. Through my entrustment, WE can
await everything from God, and in doing so, obtain everything from Him as well.
WE then can joyfully await a beautiful baby girl knowing that God will take
care of her and her mom, giving them all that they will need according to His divine plan.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">S.C. Biela, <em><a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/thetwopillarsbyscbielasoftbacknewrelease.aspx">TheTwo Pillars</a>,</em> (Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2006), 70.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"></span><o:p></o:p><br />Scaredy Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12419922237054510116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-33446011741138690102015-01-24T10:09:00.003-08:002015-01-24T10:20:16.989-08:00Entrustment to Mary = Learning How to Pray All Over Again<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my kids were little and I was balancing a newborn,
toddler, and preschooler, people would comment to me how easy parenting was at
these young ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep-deprived and
overwhelmed, I would inwardly completely disagree and look forward to the days
when my children were more independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, though, I see the truth in those comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of worrying about whether everyone
had been fed, bathed, and interacted with, I worry whether my older children
are embracing their faith, being good friends to their peers, and making good
choices that will affect their future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
noticed that as a parent, I, too, was protected and carried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being so exhausted all of the time, I prayed
constantly, sought out the Sacraments, celebrated little joys and didn’t pay much
attention to distractions like social media and shopping, for which I had
neither time nor money to address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep
deprivation and social loneliness were my spiritual benefactors:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they pushed me straight into the arms of our
Mother, who carried me to Our Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I struggle with making time for prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get a decent night’s sleep, but I am
restless in my spiritual life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so
distracted in my prayer life, or avoid it all together, and am tempted to rely
on myself instead of our Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I become
easily discouraged by my sinfulness, especially in the areas of mothering, and am
frustrated that I am not making “progress” in my spiritual life as noticed by still
confessing the same sins over and over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am lukewarm and recently felt the need for
something to polarize me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to make me
choose between hot or cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To drive me
into the loving arms and a continuous conversation with our Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the midst of birthday party preparations for my young
daughter, I received a phone call from my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking she was calling to wish her
granddaughter a Happy Birthday, I was quick to pass off the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother cried out that she had called to
talk to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>, and went on to share the
news of my father’s chest pains and imminent cardiac procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here it is, I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s God
calling out to me for deeper union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although concerned, I didn’t feel fear, which is my usual response. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her to keep me updated, and went about
the birthday celebration a bit detached, and yet still in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer was I worried about a perfectly
clean house before our guests arrived, or whether we had any party games to
keep our guests entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
interacted with everyone, but felt connected in prayer with our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few hours later, my mother called again, to tell me that
it looked like God didn’t have plans for my father to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What????!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She sounded so calm, and so grateful that I was immediately
confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart sank, thinking he
didn’t make it through the procedure, but then she explained that “home”
actually meant “Home”, meaning eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> preserve his life here
on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I, too, felt immense gratitude, to be
able to enjoy my father’s presence here for a while longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was struck with the realization that I
was not ready to handle funeral arrangements and grief, for change and
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not strong enough nor
faith-filled enough to handle a life-changing, polarizing event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So where do I go from here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Admit That You Are Incapable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When standing in the truth, you
ought to admit that you reduce the time devoted to prayer because <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you do not know how to pray, and
furthermore, at times you do not even want to pray.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, it is difficult for you to dedicate
even a fragment of your time to God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">In spite of what you have
discovered, try to talk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>sincerely
with Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord, You see that I do not know how to
pray.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You know, Lord,
that I do not have the attitude of the tax <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>collector – <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>contrite and
trusting in Your Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I realize that
every moment my thoughts are far from You.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nevertheless, I
believe that You will not reject me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I believe that in
Your presence<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my seemingly
useless efforts have value.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(S. C. Biela<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, <a href="http://www.inthearmsofmary.org/inthearmsofmaryrevised2ndeditionbyscbielasoftbackrevisededition.aspx"><span style="color: #0563c1;">In
the Arms of Mary</span></a></i>, 2<sup>nd</sup>. Ed, rev. [Ft. Collins, CO:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAMF, 2005], 18-19).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cd/3f/97/cd3f9773e26c12a633f475fbb110e842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cd/3f/97/cd3f9773e26c12a633f475fbb110e842.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For now, I am recognizing my need
for prayer and yet my unwillingness to cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am asking our Blessed Mother to teach me
how to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To begin simply as
suggested above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To not doubt God’s
working within my soul in new ways and new seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To await His miracles as I grow in
acknowledging the depth of my misery and allowing Him to love through me and in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that’s “progress” after
all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Control Freakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333601581584704569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175707641798794042.post-29266695277320489292015-01-10T16:45:00.002-08:002015-01-10T16:45:47.677-08:00Entrustment to Mary = The Fruit of Imperfection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As much as I was trying hard not
to let it happen, anxiety started creeping into my Christmas break as January
got closer and closer. I knew January was going to be a busy month work-wise
and kid-wise. I was fighting hard not to lose the joy of Christmas, but as
usual, when “I” fight something “I” eventually lose!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To battle the obvious scenarios I
had in my over-analyzing brain, I started praying. I prayed every day that I
wouldn’t let January get me down, that I wouldn’t experience anxiety and late
nights and stress. It seemed that as soon as I left the church, I would be
talking to someone and hear myself saying how stressed I was. Ah, ye of little faith!
Each time I admitted to my anxiety, I was made aware of my lack of trust. I didn’t
believe my prayers would or could be answered by my All-powerful God. I went to
confession on just this point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But, there was something else Blessed
Mother wanted me to see about myself. It wasn’t only my lack of trust, it was
the more deeply hidden truth that I want to be perfect. I was praying not to be
stressed – but why? What was my goal? Was I seeking God’s glory in my prayers?
No, I was seeking a way to mask my weakness. It was so subtle, but my prayers
were actually using the “spirituality” against itself. I was “admitting to my
weakness” (anxiety, lack of trust, self-centeredness…) but not so that God’s
mercy could embrace me. No. My goal was to be relieved of my weakness so that I
wouldn’t be humiliated by it. I was begging to climb the road of perfection!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The road I am on, through
communion of life with Christ through Mary, is NOT the road to perfection. It
is the road to childlike trust and humility. I am specifically on this road
because I am imperfect; I am a sinner; I am full of pride! I tried on my own for
years to conquer my weak tendencies and I failed. Then, the words from
Scripture touched me very deeply: “Behold,
your mother.” My heart was opened toward
this new way for me – a way in which Blessed Mother picks me up and carries me
toward her Son.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It should have been no surprise
to me that I was manipulating my prayers, because I still am imperfect. I still
am a sinner. I am still full of pride. My surprise confirms this! But, the
surprise exposes once again my BLESSED WEAKNESS that is my ticket to the Arms
of Mary. This reminder is the fruit of my entrustment. When I start to climb
the hills toward perfection, it is absolute grace that knocks me down and
reminds me who I really am. Thank you Blessed Mother for rescuing me – all praise
and honor be to my Lord, Jesus Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHAv8nxtdM/VLC4_22rORI/AAAAAAAAAao/kDlnrPG3qKQ/s1600/The%20Two%20Pillars%20Front%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHAv8nxtdM/VLC4_22rORI/AAAAAAAAAao/kDlnrPG3qKQ/s1600/The%20Two%20Pillars%20Front%20Cover.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>Just as she did in the case of St. Juan
Diego, the Blessed Mother places you too on her back and carries you through
your life as someone defeated by your own pride. While carrying you on her
back, she unceasingly adores her Son, Jesus Christ, your Savior who constantly
blesses both her and you whom she carries as her beloved child. You should not
forget why you are being carried: you lost the fight; you could not manage on
your own. Without her you would have never advanced from the point of defeat. (S.C.
Biela, <i>The Two Pillars,</i> [Ft.Collins, CO: IAMF, 2006], 37.)</div>
High Hopes!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01522081933500927882noreply@blogger.com0