Seeding for the Soul

In Times Of Strife

2012-02-10T12:52:00.003-05:00

He who walks in darkness, to whom no light appears, let him trust in the Name of Yahweh, let him rely upon his God. ~ Isaiah 50:10

I've noticed that times in my life when there has been much tribulation, those have been the times easiest for me to 'let go and Let God'. It's more the 'little conflicts' that arise when I am haughty enough to think that I, and I alone, can solve the problem.

Let me never forget Who the Captain of my ship Is.

"It means the renunciation of all deluded images of ourselves, all exaggerated estimates of our own capacities, in order to obey God's will as it comes to us." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Easter Blessings!

2010-04-04T10:38:00.003-04:00

For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross. Therefore God raised Him on high and gave Him the name above all other names. ~ Philippians 2:8

O Christians, to the Paschal Victim bring praise!
Jesus Who was crucified has risen!
O God, Who on this day, through Your Only-begotten Son, overcame death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: as, by Your anticipating Grace, You breathe good desires into our hearts, so also, by Your gracious help, bring them to good effect. Amen.
(Prayer from Saint Joseph Daily Missal)

Joy to the World!
He Has Risen!
Alleluia!

Christ Is Passover

2010-03-30T19:30:00.006-04:00

And He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." ~ Luke 22:15

I've been reading a lot about Passover and the traditions associated with this Holy Day, and I wish that our Church still celebrated it. I know the explanation of the Old Testament being fulfilled, but I still wish this tradition had been carried over. I know that the Sacrifice of the Mass is more important than any tradition. And I know that we also remember Christ Passion and His Great Sacrifice on Good Friday, and I love that Christ Is our Passover, but I think it would be nice to celebrate the traditions of Passover with all that in mind.

Passover sacrifice is offered at the Command of God. The sacrificial animal was always male, and without blemish. Each family or society offered one victim together. It was really a house or family sacrifice, something intimate, yet shared as a religious society as a whole.
I also read that the paschal sacrifice indicates the community between God and man.

I wish our Christian Faith had held onto some of the traditions of our Jewish roots and still celebrated them in much the same way that Jesus celebrated them.

Passover Prayer

Long ago, at this season, on such a night as this, a people - our people - set out on a journey.
All but crushed by their enslavement, they yet recalled the far-off memory of a happier past.
And heard the voice of their ancestral God, bidding them summon up the courage to be free.
Boldly, they went forth from Egypt, crossed the Sea, and headed through the desert for the Promised Land.
What they experienced, they remembered, and told their children, and they to theirs.
From generation to generation, the story was retold, and we are here to tell it yet again.
We too give thanks for Israel's liberation; we too remember what it means to be a slave.
And so we pray for all who are still fettered, still denied their human rights. Let all God's children sit at His table, drink the wine of deliverance, and eat the bread of freedom:

Freedom from bondage
And freedom from oppression,

Freedom from hunger
And freedom from want,

Freedom from hatred
And freedom from fear,

Freedom to think
And freedom to speak,

Freedom to learn
And freedom to love,

Freedom to hope
And freedom to rejoice;

Soon in our days,

Amen.

"Constantly remember the pains of our Crucified Love." ~ St. Paul of the Cross

God's Unfailing Love

2010-03-08T09:48:00.002-05:00

There aren't many things we can rely on in life, but there is one certainty ~ God's Unfailing Love.

I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. ~ Psalm 13:5

"At the very heart and foundation of all God's dealings with us...we must dare to believe in and assert the infinite, unmerited, and unchanging Love of God." ~ L.B. Cowman

"Look deep within yourself and recognize what brings life and grace into your heart. It is this that can be shared with those around you. You are Loved By God and this is an inspiration to love." ~ Christopher De Vinck

He's An On-Time God

2010-02-28T11:08:00.002-05:00

There's a song by Dottie Peoples titled "He's An On Time God" and one of the lines in this song is:

He may not Be there when you want Him,
but He'll Be there right on time.

This is something I've been contemplating a lot lately, how I've often thought God should be at my beck and call, and how I've often thought He should be answering my every prayer in just the way I want it answered.
I'm trying to become much more at peace with trusting that He will provide my needs according to His plan, and He will be there at just the right time according to His plan.
I still take all my needs to Him in prayer, it's just that I'm trying not to be so anxious anymore about the answer, or about when that answer will arrive.
Patience really is a virtue, and patience is what I've been praying for lately.

Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in Me. ~ John 14:1

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His Eye is upon us, His Arm over us, His Ear open to our prayer - His Grace sufficient, His Promise unchangeable." ~ John Newton

Blessed Assurance

2010-02-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

Lent is a time to reflect on the fulfillment of God's Promise to the world. For me Christmas was just the beginning, and it is Christ's Passion that brings us to the realization of God's Promise and His great love and desire for us.

Christmas is such a happy time, but Lent, for me, is a much more emotional time, it's humbling, it's awe-inspiring, it's sorrowful, and it's joyful all at the same time. But mostly it is overwhelming to think we are loved that much. Jesus Suffered and Died for us, and God Loved us enough to allow that to happen. It is what my Faith is based on.

Take up the shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ~ Ephesians 6:16

"Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's Grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." ~ Martin Luther

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T20:26:00.004-05:00

There is a prayer in my old St. Joseph Daily Missal that sums up for me this day:

O God, You desire not the death, but the repentance of sinners; look down most graciously upon our frail human nature; and in Your goodness deign to Bless us as we put this token of our lowliness which we purpose upon our heads, so that we who know we are but ashes and are to return to dust, may turn to You to obtain Your mercy and pardon.

Remember, man, that thou are dust, and unto dust thou shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19

"Every breath we draw is a Gift of His Love." ~ Thomas Merton

God's Way

2010-02-09T00:12:00.002-05:00

The fourth Anniversary of my Mom's passing is coming up in a few days. I'm not in a good place about it. I go through good spells and bad spells, there are times when I am very accepting, times when it all feels so right. But these past few weeks nothing feels right about it for me.

So I try reminding myself that my will for my Mom did not mesh with God's Will for my Mom. And I remind myself that God's Wisdom is Perfect.

Some days these beliefs are what carry me through.

"For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways", declares the Lord.

"As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways, and My Thoughts than your thoughts." ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

"For death begins with life's first breath. And life begins at touch of death." ~ John Oxenham

Living In Harmony

2010-02-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

Living in harmony is about getting in touch with your inner feelings and through this you gain physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I've never been attracted to this because I felt that getting in touch with my inner feelings was all about 'ME' (and I feel that I'm self-centered enough), until I read that harmonic living is much more than that because it's an inter-connection with all creation, and it's by getting in touch with your inner feelings that you realize that true potential happiness, health, and living a fulfilled life can only come from a life connected to others.
A big part of reaching a state of harmony is isolating ourselves from the world at times for religious/spiritual contemplation. We need periods of retreat where we can step away from everyday stresses, to look at how we are conducting our lives, and look for ways to improve our lives.
As I develop a deeper relationship with God I do sense joy and peace, and I do think that part of developing a deeper relationship with God does involve a lot of self-reflection.

I used to get annoyed at men and women who chose to live a cloistered life, I thought it was such a waste, I thought they could be using their lives for so much more as missionaries, or even as living everyday lives raising children, working at jobs where they connect with others and can be an example, or working to donate part of their salary to those in need, and volunteering their time to help those less fortunate. But then I thought about the Power of Prayer, and I thought about how so many of us don't pray enough, and how the cloistered take up that slack for us. And I was so humbled when I realized that every life has profound meaning, and it's not for me to judge God's Calling for each life.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10

"Love comes while we rest against our Father's chest. Joy comes when we catch the rhythms of His Heart. Peace comes when we live in harmony with those rhythms. ~ Ken Gire

The Purification Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-02-02T09:38:00.005-05:00

February 2 is traditionally celebrated in the Catholic Faith as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is also known as The Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. In the Catholic Church the Presentation is also the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
Candles are blessed on this day, a symbolic representation of the words of holy Simeon concerning Christ: "A Light of revelation to the Gentiles." Traditionally a procession of the faithful with lighted candles was held to commemorate the entry of Christ, 'The Light of the World', into the Temple of Jerusalem.

Mary came to the Temple for her purification ceremony, a religious observance of her time, where she would offer a burnt offering at the door in thanksgiving for a happy delivery, and also a sin offering, she would then be cleansed and reinstated in her former privileges. It was also the custom for the first-born son to be offered to God and then ransomed back. Mary would offer her Son to God, and then St. Joseph would have paid the priest five shekels to ransom Him back.

It is also a foretelling of the Great Ransom that Jesus Himself would be as Savior of the world.

...because my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples: a Light of Revelation to the Gentiles, and a Glory for Your people Israel. ~ Luke 2:32

The Church asks us this day to remember to pray to always be generous with God, always ready for any sacrifice He may ask of us.

"If Jesus Christ Be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." ~ C T Studd

Giving Up Control

2010-01-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

A person may plan his or her whole life journey thinking that the control belongs to them, but sometimes God has other plans. I think it's fine to make plans, and in fact I think it would be irresponsible to live life without making plans, but we have to remind ourselves that we are not the authors of our lives, and when things don't go 'according to plan', or rather they don't go according to our plan, well, then we have to turn our lives over to the Author of Life.

To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. ~ Proverbs 16:1

"It is God's knowledge of me, His careful husbanding of the ground of my being, His constant Presence in the garden of my little life that guarantees my joy." ~ W. Phillip Keller

Keep The Faith

2010-01-14T23:27:00.004-05:00

I think it's normal to question life sometimes, normal to question why evil is allowed to perpetrate, normal to ask the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people.
I don't know the answer to any of those questions, I only know that I am striving to no longer base my opinions on only what I am able to see.

Be still, and know that I Am God;... ~ Psalm 46:10

"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent." ~ St. John of the Cross

Love My Enemies?

2010-01-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

Enemy:
One that is antagonistic to another; one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound.
Something harmful or deadly.

We all have enemies in some form. And I just find it hard to imagine anyone truly embracing an enemy.

Okay, I'll admit that this is something that is almost unacceptable to me, especially in light of what is happening in our country today, the sadness of the aftermath of September 11, the recent terrorist attempts, and the arrest of many terrorists who were plotting our destruction.
What's to love?
I have sympathy for misguided commitments, but I don't have any love for those committed to my destruction and/or the destruction of my loved ones and homeland.

But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ~ Luke 6: 27-28

Honestly, there are days I don't much love the people I love! So loving my enemies is a near-impossible task for me.
This is one gigantic hurdle blocking any spiritual growth for me.

I did come across a quote that had an impact on me though, and it's helping a great deal:

"You don't love in your enemies what they are, but what you would have them become by your prayers." ~ St. Augustine

Solemnity of Mary

2010-01-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

The Solemnity of Mary is also known as The Maternity of Mary, and it celebrates the motherhood of Mary and the characteristics associated with being a mother.
When I used to think of 'solemnity' I thought about something sad and somber, and I didn't really question anything sad associated with Mary as I was raised on The Sorrowful Mother and all the sad events Mary had to bear during her life.
But when I looked up the meaning of the word I came across the definition of 'dignified seriousness' and I thought that summed up perfectly Mary and her acceptance of God's will for her and her Savior Son. And I would imagine that it sums up Mary's characteristics regarding motherhood. But I've let go of my idea that Mary's relationship with God and with her Son was always a somber one. I believe that she had a joyful, loving relationship with Jesus, and I believe she also derived great joy in each of His accomplishments from His very first steps and on into His adult life. And I believe she garnered great strength, and peace, and yes, JOY from her relationship with God.

"The Mighty Has Done Great Things for me; and Holy Is His Name." ~ Luke 1:49

As important as Mary's role was in God's Plan for our Salvation, she was a background figure, and she willingly accepted that role. Mary called herself a 'handmaid' of the Lord. The more accurate translation of the word she used was 'bondservant' and a bondservant was one who willingly sold him or herself into slavery to another. Mary took the role of God's servant with dignified seriousness and she fully accepted and embraced God's Plan.
I pray I can be as accepting of God's Plan for my life.

God Speaks To Us

2009-12-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

While reading a Catholic Devotional based on Mass Readings I came across a lesson that shared the need for us to be open to the many ways God speaks to us. It may be a thought that comes to our mind to pray for someone, or do an act of kindness, it can be a hymn or words of praise running through our minds, it can be a dream with a message much like God gave to St. Joseph. It can be the promptings of our conscience, or guidance from Scripture readings, or the advice of trusted spiritual leaders. All these can be the Voice of God.
We need to give God the freedom to speak in whatever way He chooses, we need to be open to the possibility of hearing from Him. We need to believe that He is always speaking. And we need to pray to recognize His Voice.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ~ Matthew 2:13

"I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks. God is the Friend of silence - we need to listen to God because it's not what we say but what He says to us and through us that matters." ~ Mother Teresa

God's Greatest Gift

2009-12-28T00:39:00.003-05:00

God out of His Love for us gave us His Greatest Gift, and Christmas is the celebration of that Great Gift. God wants to be with us, His Love for us is so strong that His Gift on Christmas laid the foundation for us to have a forever relationship with Him.

That fact, that great and wonderful and abiding love God has for us, is overwhelming and humbling.

For God so Loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

"God's Gift puts man's best dreams to shame." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

God's Treasures

2009-12-21T00:20:00.004-05:00

One of our parish priests recently spoke to us about God's Treasures and he said that we are among God's treasured possessions, and then he asked, "Should not God then be our Prime Desire? Should not God be our Most Treasured? Indeed He should!"

I have many treasured possessions, and I don't think it's bad to hold material things dear, but it can be a bad thing when those possessions become the main focus of our lives.
A prayer blog I visited recently asked:
What do you possess that keeps you from Heaven?
What are you striving to possess that keeps you from Heaven?

I am trying to get my priorities straight, but it really is a long, hard road for me to travel. So many 'things' and possessions block the way because I let so many things block the way. And just when I think I've made some great strides my 'old self' comes roaring right back. One step forward and then five steps back. So I continue to pray for help with this inner struggle.

But I do find encouragement along the way:
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10

"It's easy for an insightful person who understands the things of the spirit to free themselves from material things." ~ Meister Eckhart, Selected Writings

And this next quote is my dearest hope and desire:

"I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but, by the Grace of God, I am not what I was." ~ John Newton (Author of 'Amazing Grace')

Quiet Presence

2009-12-17T00:17:00.002-05:00

I think that God has been a Quiet Presence in my life. And I think I have been a very loud and very aggressive presence in my life.
I think it's time those roles were reversed.
I think there is a lot to be said for quiet. To me quiet means stillness and calm.

I found a nice blog maintained by Irish Jesuits in Dublin called Sacred Space. They have Bible readings each day and a prayer a day.
This was today's prayer:

Dear Jesus, as I call on You today I realize that I often come asking for favors.
Today I'd like to be in Your Presence,
May my heart respond to Your Love. Amen.

And another prayer blog I found had a challenge:

Take five minutes in a quiet place, think only of Jesus, listen to Him to hear the Voice of the Father. What would your life be like if you could do this all the time? How would it change you? Your relationships? Your walk with the Living God of the Bible?

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. ~ Jeremiah 29:13

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy, is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God." ~ Anne Frank

Exciting

2009-12-11T23:41:00.002-05:00

Advent is exciting. I've always felt comforted by the fact that God loved us so much that He would send His Son to save us, but it's more than just a comfort, it's exciting to think of God Who Is so Great caring so much about that which is so little. God Cared enough for us to want a relationship with us, He wanted to bring us back to Him. God Created a plan specifically to draw us back to Him. Jesus Is God's Love for us Personified. The purpose of Jesus was to restore our relationship with God. Jesus Is God drawing us to Himself. It's a Gift almost too great to fully grasp.

From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of My Hand. No one can undo what I have done. ~ Isaiah 43:13

"We have been in God's thought from all eternity, and in His creative love, His attention never leaves us." ~ Michael Quoist

Quiet, Joyful, Hopeful

2009-12-06T00:12:00.002-05:00

I've always thought of Advent as a mixture of a quiet, joyful, and hopeful time. It is at the close of the year, a time for quiet reflection on the past year, and it's also a time of hope for all that the New Year might bring, and it's joyful as it ushers in the celebration of Christ' birth and the knowledge that God's Love is constant. God does not want us to be separated from Him. The damage that was done to our relationship with Him has been repaired by Him. Christmas is His Gift to us, the Gift that is our Salvation, the Gift that Fulfilled His Promise to us.

This is love, not that we loved God, but that He Loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ~ 1 John 4:10

"Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues." ~ John R. W. Stott

Advent ~ A Blessed Opportunity

2009-11-29T22:49:00.004-05:00

Advent is the chance to review our lives and change our ways to make sure that there is nothing that can interfere with our relationship with our Savior. As we decorate our homes we can also decorate our souls with the knowledge of the Reason for the season and we can make sure that His presence in our lives is not rejected. We can make sure to live our lives in happy anticipation of His arrival everyday.

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. ~ Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall Come to thee O Israel

~ Translated from Latin by
John Mason Neale
1851

Reminding Myself To Be Thankful For The Simple Things In Life

2009-11-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

This Thanksgiving I am reminded of the most simple things in life that really are such special Blessings. And along with that I am trying to simplify my life.
I've worked in a classroom of Kindergarten children a few years back, and the joy they found in tackling the simplest of tasks, or the excitement that was generated from the simple things found out in the schoolyard (a rock, a puddle, bugs, etc.) was so contagious, and now I see that same joy and excitement in my grandchildren as they discover this wonderful world God made.
And the blind faith these children have in God and in those they love is always inspiring.
I'm trying to capture that spirit of simple joy and blind faith.

And Jesus called a little child to Him, and set him in the midst of them.
And said, "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." ~ Matthew 18:2-3

I love the simple prayers of children and one of my most favorites is one my children were taught in their early years at school and that they recited before eating:

God Is Great
God Is Good
Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.

And one I've been saying lately to Jayden each morning as he leaves for school is:

May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from another.

(I can't credit the authors because I haven't been able to find them in my search. If anyone knows I'd appreciate you leaving the name in your comment!)

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

Saddened, Confused, Burdened

2009-11-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

Whenever I hear of these senseless, violent acts of hatred I feel very much saddened, confused, and burdened.
My mind, my heart, and my prayers are with the victims of Fort Hood, Texas and their families.
There have been too many senseless, violent acts of hatred in this world. And I've had enough of senseless violent acts of hatred to last me a lifetime. Unfortunately, I doubt I've witnessed my last.
It's an unsafe world we live in, and it makes me sad for our children and our grandchildren.

In Peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. ~ Psalm 4:8

"God Incarnate is the end of fear; and the heart that realizes that He is in the midst, that takes heed to the assurance of His Loving Presence, will be quiet in the midst of alarm." ~ F.B. Meyer

Abandon Desperate Pleas

2009-10-30T23:26:00.000-04:00

A family member emailed us today saying that he felt abandoned by everyone and everything. He said he has no family, no friends, no neighbors, no priests, no one and nothing that he can turn to. He wrote to say that he can find no hope, no faith, and no charity. He is angry and hurt over many situations that are out of his control.
I don't know if I did the right thing but I wrote back to him and said:
Back off. Abandon desperate pleas and give total control to God and be at peace.

In his email he told us he didn't want anyone to preach to him. I told him that I thought he had two choices and only two choices. One was to continue to stagnate in the pit he was in, and the other was to reach out to the Only One Who can lift him up out of that pit.
I told him that wasn't preaching, it was fact.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3: 5-6

"No God. No peace.
Know God. Know Peace." ~ Anonymous

Let Go And Let God

2009-10-27T23:51:00.003-04:00

I've always liked that saying, and I try to remind myself of it during times of frustration.
I'm facing quite a few frustrating situations right now, and I'm trying to back off, I'm trying to let go and give all control over to God.

As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. ~ 2 Samuel 22:31

"The most glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in such a wondrous manner that He steps forth to save us at a time when there is the least appearance of it." ~ Karl Heinrich Von Bogatzky

Grateful Prayers

2009-10-11T00:12:00.005-04:00

I always remember to pray when I am soliciting a request of the Lord, but I am sometimes neglectful in saying the many prayers of thanksgiving to God that I ought to be saying.
Recently I was so uplifted by the advice, quotes, and prayers of others, and I am so grateful to God for the gift of these good women.

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:9

"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life." ~ Joel Osteen

Pleaful Prayers

2009-10-09T00:12:00.001-04:00

I came across a blog the other night that was full of so many heart-wrenching, pleaful prayers. So many people in need, so many devastated hearts.
This is just a sample:

"...I'm far away from God..."

"...I am exhausted..."

"...Please pray for my son..."

"...please pray for my daughter..."

"...please pray for my baby..."

"...in a coma..."

"...x-rays..."

"...cancer..."

"...I've been accused..."

"...can you pray for me?"

"...Dear Lord, he doesn't want me anymore..."

"...walls are crushing down on me and there is nowhere to turn..."

It was a collection of sadness, and despair, and desperation.

God Is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

I read on another blog that we should pray for those whom the Lord puts on our hearts. I like the idea of that, of not only praying for those who request our prayers, but to pray for anyone who might pop into our head throughout our day. Or anyone who might touch our hearts as we read about their trials. I hope to make their pleaful prayers my own.

"If we truly love people, we will desire for them for more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer." ~ Richard Foster

Freedom

2009-10-07T00:25:00.001-04:00

I think it's obvious that freedom is very important to God. From the very beginning He gave man the freedom to choose.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yolk of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." ~ Jesus Christ
(John 8:36)

Accentuate The Positive

2009-10-04T00:12:00.002-04:00

I remember reading awhile back that in this particular Bible verse St. Paul was actually speaking to the early Christian Church specifically about a rift that was brewing, he was in jail at the time and trying to guide his followers to stay on the straight and narrow according to his teachings.
But I think all the words chosen fit for the Bible are actually God's Words Speaking to all mankind and not just specifically for a certain situation in a certain time-frame.

I think in this verse God is telling us to turn away from reflecting on the negative, choose a positive outlook, and look for the good in people and situations.
There is nothing good about negative thoughts or actions. Accentuate the positive.

Whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." ~ Anne Frank

Peaceful Prayer

2009-10-01T00:25:00.001-04:00

I will try first to rid myself of all uneasiness and unrest, then ask the Lord in quiet confidence, with my heart at ease.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

"God wishes to be seen, and He wishes to be sought, and He wishes to be expected, and He wishes to be trusted." ~ Julian of Norwich

God Has A Plan For Us

2009-09-29T00:26:00.002-04:00

It's difficult for me to remember sometimes that God has a plan for us. In times of trial and turmoil I get so anxious, and it's hard for me to find spiritual peace. I have to learn to trust more. I have to learn that I am not in control, nor should I want to be.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10

"There are always uncertainties ahead, but there is always one certainty - God's Will Is Good." ~ Vernon Paterson

Contentment

2009-09-27T06:33:00.000-04:00

This is something my husband and I have been discussing lately. We are always thankful for our Blessings, but it also seems we are frequently looking to acquire/do/expect/work for more. We've been talking about trying to simplify our lives, enjoy the here and now, and live a life satisfied with the status quo.

I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. ~ Philippians 4:11

"Happiness consists not in having much,
but in being content with little." ~ Marguerite Gardiner

Guiding Steps

2009-09-25T08:33:00.000-04:00

I find it encouraging that God wants us to be this confident in His Guidance.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "this is the way, walk in it." ~ Isaiah 30:21

"Doubt is pain too lonely to know that Faith is his twin brother." ~ Kahlil Gibran

Caretaker Of My Soul

2009-09-23T22:06:00.001-04:00

I believe that if I plant the seeds the Caretaker will help me do the nurturing.

He that goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. ~ Psalm 126:6

I love the certainty in this verse. I know that in this life there is much sorrow, but that doesn't have to be a roadblock to spiritual growth (in fact many times when trials arise, that is when we develop a deeper relationship with God, for all the trappings of life fall by the wayside, and it's just you and God). If we keep Faith throughout the trials we can be confident of the reward.

"We have been in God's Thought from all eternity, and in His Creative Love, His attention never leaves us." ~ Michael Quoist