😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  After Mass Friday morning, I visited with Christ for an hour in Adoration.  I caught myself a few times focusing on the Tabernacle, instead of Christ’s presence in the Monstrance.  “Come on Shell, focus.”  I thought, “How true is this.  So often we look right past Christ, while seeking for what we think we desire.”  But that void we seem to be constantly trying to fill, is just our desire to truly know Christ and be filled to overflowing with Him. 

By the way, that’s great news!  “Why is that great news?”, you ask.  Because knowing that the only One we truly desire is Christ, makes life easier to actually see Him in all things and all people.  Easier to experience Him in action.  Easier to carry Him forth and offer Him to others.  This is great news!  Thank You Lord!!!

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#PhilWickham – So So Good

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  I see bits of me in both the Pharisee and the tax collector mentioned in Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke 18:9-14. 

‘He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.

“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.  The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’  But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’  I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”’

We live in a world, in which it’s common practice to be formulating a “one up” response to a conversation, instead of actually listening to what is being said.  We seem to be constantly trying to look better than or out do what the other person has done.  We get caught in the comparison game.  What we should be asking ourselves is, “Is this person or that person the standard by which I should be living my life or comparing myself to?”

It’s a real challenge to be humble, while boasting about yourself.  In humility, we place God as our standard to live by, not our neighbor, coworker, friends, or family.  As Matthew Kelly put it in his book Holy Moments, “You were made in the image of God.  Act Accordingly.”  When we stop the comparison game, we are free to live as and be exactly the person God intended us to be.  The door is open for you to humbly take a step closer to God. 

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#MeganWoods – The Truth

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  Brian and I are taking part in a program call The Rescue Project.  Fr. John Riccardo, Executive Director of Acts XXIX hosts this video series, which focuses on four aspects, Created, Captured, Rescued, and Response.  We’ve made it through the Created and Captured portions and are working our way through the Rescue.  Fr. Riccardo presents some things in ways I had never really thought of before and they make you stop to think.  I would say, the most interesting take away I had from episode 5 was the concept of the crucified Christ as an ambush predator.  I know, it sounds kind of strange. 

Something else mentioned in episode 5 is kind of a no brainer, but I never really thought about it.  Christ was born of Mary, as true flesh and blood, fully human and fully God.  Christ had to die in order to defeat death, so that we could have the opportunity to have eternal life with them in heaven.  But the thing is, God can’t die.  He had to become one like us, flesh, in the image of God, so that He could die for us.

We still have four more episodes to work through the Rescue and Response aspects of this program.  I’m looking forward to more take aways and aha moments, to help me better understand all that God has really done for me and you.  I’ve included a link to The Rescue Project below.  I would suggest not binge watching this program.  Give yourself some days between the episodes, to allow yourself to soak it up and ponder what your taking in. 

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#ForKingAndCountry – For God Is With Us

#TheRescueProject – https://watch.actsxxix.org/therescueproject

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  Sunday’s Gospel was Luke 17:11-19, Christ’s encounter with healing 10 lepers.  From a distance, the 10 unclean, in a loud voice asked Christ to have pity on them, to heal them.  He didn’t say, “Let me think about that.”  Or, “Why should I have pity on you?”  Or, “What have you done for Me lately?”  Christ’s response was, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  The 10 then began their journey to see the priest, so the priests could see that they were healed and proclaim them as clean.

On Saturday, as I was working through my examination of conscience, that was like me calling to Christ in a loud voice, “Have pity on me!”  He guided me to show myself to the priest.  Sunday morning before Mass, I participated in the sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation.  By humbly presenting myself and my sins, Father, through the power and authority of Christ, prayed an absolution of my sins over me.  I was declared CLEAN!  That truly is a moment of joy and thanksgiving.  Jesus didn’t ask me, “Why should I have pity on you?”  Or, “What have you done for Me lately?”  He didn’t say, “Let me think about that.”  He welcomed me into His loving embrace.  Yes, He already knows that I will in fact sin again, but that doesn’t stop Him from loving me and offering all He has to me.  And YOU!

The leper that was healed and returned to thank Christ, was a Samaritan.  There is no mention of where the other nine where from.  We read multiple places in the Bible, that God wasn’t there just for the Jews.  The woman at the well.   Saul/Paul.  Healing the Roman soldier’s son.  God created every single one of us and He wants to continue that relationship with each and every one of us.  God’s story is embedded in you and you are His living testimony.  Don’t hide your story.  Your story is meant to be lived, shared, and told.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#Terrian – Testimony

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  Last Friday, Brian and I, and a couple friends had the opportunity to be part of the filming for the upcoming Dynamic Catholic program, “People of the Eucharist”.  Matthew Kelly told us before the Mass, that the program was going to dive into 52 moments of the Mass.  There will be one moment for each week of the year, providing the Biblical basis for each moment.  I take a book with me to Mass and journal, so I was interested when he mentioned that they will have Mass journals that have each of the 52 moments of the Mass. 

It can be very easy to fall into a routine with things we do on a regular basis, including the Mass.  There are certainly parts of the Mass, that I don’t know the origins of or may have known at one time, but have forgotten.  I’m really interested in this program to expand my knowledge of my faith and be able to live my faith better. 

I just finished reading Matthew Kelly’s book, Holy Moments, for the second time.  The first time I finished reading it was in October 2022, so it’s been 3 years and it was time for that reminder.  One of the quotes from Holy Moments is from Albert Einstein, “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it.”  We have to be open to new approaches and a change in thinking, if we are going to progress and become better versions of ourselves. 

I believe the upcoming People of the Eucharist program will provide us with the perfect opportunity and materials to support new approaches and a change in thinking in our faith journeys, which, should flow into our everyday lives, interactions, and journeys.  Our faith should not be a separate part of our lives, but all encompassing.  It can be scarry living your faith out loud.  We are all human and we all sin.  Not that we want to sin, but we do.  When I live my faith out loud in my daily life and sin, it makes it that much easier for people to say I’m a hypocrite.  Every single one of us is a work in progress.  Grace is key…God’s grace.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

# DynamicCatholic – People of the Eucharist

#HolyMoments – Mathew Kelly

#TaurenWells&GaryLeVox – Until Grace

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  While on our Spain trip, we had a couple days before and after our time on the Camino to be a tourist.  I enjoyed seeing some sights, learning new things, and especially hanging out with Brian and getting to know our new friends, but I realized rather quickly, I’m not crazy about doing touristy things.  I’m not one that likes to shop and it’s challenging to hear God in all the noise and time schedule hustle.  I was ready and looking forward to our hike. 

Over all, we did pretty well, but our more experienced bodies…(That sounds better than older bodies, right?)…were feeling pain and discomfort in places we’ve never felt before.  Going uphill hurt.  Going downhill hurt.  One of our new friends put it this way…I love flat ground.  It’s my friend.

As our fabulous guide instructed us each evening, in preparation for our next day’s adventure, “Walkie, walkie.  Up and down.  Up and down.  Up and down….”  She wasn’t kidding.  It’s very possible that I’m not remembering this completely correct, but it sure seemed like each day started with a decent uphill leg.  It’s a good thing the weather was in the 50’s and 60’s.  Hitting those hills, it didn’t take long for our bodies to heat up. 

As I reflect on this journey, I’ve come to realize this wasn’t just a long walk I took.  This Camino is a reflection of my entire life.  The many ups and downs, with limited flats.  Passing others and being passed.  Water closet breaks, meal breaks, and first aid stops.  Accepting and receiving help.  Offering help.  Being an individual.  Being with family.  Building friendships.  Being part of the Camino community and part of the much larger Catholic community.  Walking and talking with random people and groups along the trail.  Brief encounters and journeying for short and longer seasons.  Reminiscing on the past, creating memories in the moment, and planning for the future.  Getting that last hug in, before parting ways.  Knowing the destination you are living for and walking toward and experiencing the incredible joy of arriving and seeing your family and friends there cheering you on.

About 30 minutes or so into our Camino Day 3 hike, one of our new friends and fellow pilgrims had health issues and ended up being hospitalized.  We didn’t see her for 4 days.  When we finally saw her again, she was standing in the square, in front of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, our final Camino destination.  I was so excited to see her and gave her a big hug!  Seriously, that is what I want my final destination reception to be with Christ.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#PatrickMayberry – Lead on Good Shepherd

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  It seems like awhile since I sat down and talked with you.  The past two Wednesdays, Brian and I were on our Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.  There was so much to take in; people (Many new friends.), towns, sights, sounds, feels (My feet definitely felt it.), smells, food (So much food!), silence, messages, care, concern, compassion, courage, prayer, forgiveness, clarity, laughter, etc.  I received so much on this journey and although my luggage is unpacked, I still have much to unpack and discern. 

Saturday, I eased into the morning by starting laundry, breakfast on the back porch with Brian, and an enjoyable conversation discussing some of our experiences and take aways from our travels.  When I finally started getting myself ready for our normal weekend chores, I was listening to 80’s Pop music. 

Lyrics from two songs, that I had heard many times over the years, caught my attention.

1) Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World

“Help me make the most of freedom…”

I don’t recall “Help me make the most of freedom.” ever being a conversation I’ve had with God or anyone.  God’s gift of free will is a huge opportunity and a huge responsibility, not just for ourselves, but also everyone we encounter on a daily basis.  Our God given freedom starts fresh each day and lasts all day long.  How we choose to use that gift of freedom in each decision, throughout our day, will direct the ripple effect we emit.

During our pilgrimage, I noticed that I wasn’t clinching my teeth, which is a normal stress response for me.  Upon returning home and thoughts of chores, tasks, and work entered my brain, I caught myself clinching my teeth.  As I recognized this, I told myself, “You have a choice.”  Each of us has a road ahead of us that we must travel and God gives you the freedom to choose the road you will take.

2) Prince – I Would Die 4 U

“You, I would die for you, yeah.  Darlin’ if you want me to.  You, I would die for you.”

Christ: “I would die for you, if you want Me to.”

I know Christ died for me.  He did that before my birth, without my knowledge at the time of His crucifixion, but with knowledge of who I was, what choices I would make in my life, who I could be, and His love for me. 

As I think about this, it’s extremely cruel of me to say “Yes Christ, I want You to die for me, so that I can do whatever I want.  I lie, so what…it’s just another lash of the whip.  I let pride be my guide, so what…it’s just another thorn piercing Your head.  I hurt those you place in my care, so what…it’s just another nail hammered through Your flesh.  I deny You by my words and actions, so what…it’s just a sword piercing Your side.”

Lord, help me make the most of the freedom You offer me and keep my focus on You, so that I will stop beating You and asking you to die for me over and over again. Thank you.  Amen!

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#TearsForFears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World

#Prince – I Would Die 4 U

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  It’s really kind of cool how God speaks with us, but we have to be open to listening for Him.  The past six months I’ve been in a season of questioning if the job I currently have is where I should be.  On 08/31/25 I wrote the following in my journal.

– He will offer me blessings, no matter where I’m at.  But am I where He can best use me for His desires?

– Fear Not!  My peace is what I’m offering you.

– Open the ears of your heart to Me.

– You’re asking, but do you really want to know?  Will you truly be willing to go/do what I call you to?

That last one is a bit of a scarry thought.  I want to say yes, but will I, when it comes right down to it?

On 09/01/25, I was off of work for Labor Day, so I went to morning Mass.  On the drive home I was listening to the HOPE 100.7 radio station.  A young boy called the radio station and said he wanted to share the scripture verse that his mom had shared with him that morning.  He said he found meaning in it and wanted to share it, in case someone else needed to hear it. 

Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

That’s when it clicked.  What I do isn’t important, unless I do it for God.  I need to remember this every day and act accordingly.  It doesn’t matter what job I do, as long as I do it for God, making His presence known in my actions and words.  Some days, that’s a lot easier said, than done. 

Lord, I pray that I’m open to where you’re guiding me, that I may serve as your witness.  Amen.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#KatyNichole – Have Your Way

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  Question: What does confession of sins + prayer, offered in faith for each other + forgiveness of sins = ?  James 5:19-20.

James 5:13-20

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.  14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

We, yes you and I, are sent forth by the Lord to serve each other in the love of the Lord.  We are sent forth to work miracles, not by our own power and workings, but by faith in Christ Jesus and His authority.  You and I are sent forth to be Christ’s messenger to the world, one person at a time, one forgiven sin at a time.  If ever you thought you were unimportant, I’m here to tell you that the salvation of at least one soul (but probably more), is relying on your payer, your forgiveness, your action.  You are very important in God’s kingdom and mission to bring all of God’s beloved back to Him.  Don’t let a single opportunity pass you by…It’s that important to God, the other person, and you.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#TobyMac&CeceWinans – Oh My Soul (Psalm 103)

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  What I like about the Book of James is that it’s a no-nonsense book.  James just puts it out there in plain English.  Okay, it wasn’t in English originally, but it’s translated well to English.  There isn’t a lot of fluff.  It’s to the point, easily understood, and can be very personally challenging at times.  The words of everyday life that James wrote about, apply to your interactions with the Lord, yourself, family, friends, coworkers, and even just someone you encounter for a brief moment. 

For example, James 1:13-15 ‘When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”  For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.’

Also, James 1:19-21 ‘My dear brother, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

The Book of James is a quick five chapters of one bullet point after another on how to live your best life.  Read it, but don’t rush through it.  Listen, not with just your mind, but also your heart.  Work through each of the bullet points James presents to you and really search deep into your soul to see how it applies to you.  Determine a plan on how to best implement these teachings into your life and watch how your life will grow in peace, love, wisdom, and a genuine concern for others.  May you be blessed in your reading, discernment, and action.

Bless others and be blessed.

Shelly  :0)

If the Lord has touched you in some way with His message today, I ask that you pay it forward by sharing this message, so that you and He may also bless others.  Click subscribe to receive your message every Wednesday via email.

#WeTheKingdom – Waking Up