😎🐫🎤 Typically at some point during the Christmas season, we get the opportunity to spend time with family.  This can be very enjoyable, but it can also bring up scars from our past.  It was interesting how God used some of those scars to bring unexpected healing this Christmas. Healing between individuals as well as healing of self.

For many years I’ve been trying to work through the hurt and frustration of a past relationship.  The thing with forgiveness is that, for me anyway, it takes time and multiple points of forgiveness. But why haven’t I been able to completely let go of this one?  God showed me the answer last Saturday when this subject was unexpectedly brought up. I’ve done some forgiving, but I hadn’t forgiven myself. I realized that the frustration and unforgiveness I was still dealing with was toward myself and how I allowed myself to act and change my moral values to try to please another person and cope with the situation at hand at that time. I have to say, it’s pretty freeing to accept that self forgiveness and allow Christ’s light to shine where darkness once lingered.

I enjoy starting a new year by going to Mass on New Year’s Day.  I would like to share with you a blessing from the Old Testament first reading, Numbers 6: 24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.

Happy 2019!  Bless others and be blessed.

#TobyMac – Scars

😎🐫🎤 Not all of God’s gifts for us come wrapped neatly like a Christmas gift with a bow on top.  Sometimes that initial look at a gift is just a glance into uncertainty and growth that must happen before the gift is fully available for the receiving.  The cool, yet challenging thing about gifts from God is that they usually have many aspects to them. They really aren’t just simply a gift, but an opportunity to grow in Him.  I know a gift has been placed before me, but I’ve been struggling with how to approach it.  Meeting with a friend Friday morning, she guided me with three Bible verses, which were all from Proverbs. She then challenged me to read through the entire book of Proverbs over the next few days, before formulating my next steps. As an added measure of support, she said she would read through Proverbs along with me.

Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there too am I.

There is so much truth and wisdom to be found in His Word and it starts with the basics of seeking Him first in all we do. I know He’s walking this road with me.  I also know that even with Him right here at my side, I still try to do things on my own.  Reading through Proverbs opened my eyes a little wider to how God would have me approach this gift He’s giving me.  If you’re currently faced with a challenging gift, don’t be like me and try to work it on your own. Seek God’s truth in His Word and the wise counsel and prayers of true friends.  He is The Way.  Bless others and be blessed.

#PatBarrett – The Way

😎🐫🎤 “Serve in love, not out of obligation.”  Those are the words God used to wake me up Saturday morning.  Reading through the Gospel of Luke this Christmas season, I find time and again where Christ heals someone from their crippling situation. But heaven forbid it happen on the Sabbath.  Those that were so focused on the law could not see beyond the law to the person.  But Christ sees the person and shows us where true service comes from, love…Christ’s love.

It doesn’t matter if the task at hand is something that is expected of you or something you freely do, your attitude…your loving attitude, makes all the difference. People take notice and feed off of your lead. What kind of leader are you within your family, friends, co-workers?  The choice to serve in love is only an attitude away.

Start your day by sharing a loving touch with your spouse, child, or furry friend. Open a door for someone and share a smile with them.  Answer the phone with a smile on your face. They may not see it, but they will certainly hear it. Add a heaping cup of love to your dinner recipe. They’re all very small attitude choices that can change the world around you in big ways. Serving with an attitude of Christ’s love will change their life, as well as yours.  Bless others and be blessed. 

#Blanca – Echo

😎🐫🎤 Those that know me know how much joy I get from singing and dancing.  I was at an Emmaus gathering Monday night, but in the midst of all the Christmas joy and singing, I found myself just wanting to listen and soak in the voices of the angels around me. At one point I heard God say “Just receive Me.” 

In this season of gift giving, make the time to receive. Receive Him.

Luke 10: 41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Bless others and be blessed.

#KimWalker-Smith – Love Came Down

😎🐫🎤 This week will close a chapter in my work career. Yes, I will be starting a new chapter, but it’s tough to let go of something you’ve worked so hard at building. The past couple of days I’ve been having this internal struggle. It feels like there’s so much noise in my head…like I’m constantly arguing with myself without ever saying a word.  What does He have planned for me?  Where do I go from here?  What’s my next step?

Within the Catholic faith, the first Sunday of Advent begins our new year, so WOOT WOOT HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Our new year starts with a season of preparation for the greatest gift we will ever be given. In this moment, we truly can’t comprehend the extent of this gift of Christ. We can’t fathom how He will WOW and AMAZE us along our walk with Him. I know He has some awesome plans for me and I have faith that He will be ever at my side. So, here’s to fresh starts and new beginnings.  May God’s wisdom and discernment be your guide.  Bless others and be blessed.

#MercyMe – Welcome to the New

😎🐫🎤 Do you ever have those moments when you just want/need to be in God’s presence?  This past weekend was one of those times for me, so I knew right where to go to find Him.  As I’m walking through a season shadowed with uncertainty, I find comfort and peace in what God had to share with me. 

Walking along this path, I found beauty all around me.  The sun is shining brightly to light and warm my way.  But there are also shadows being cast upon my path. Those temporary moments of darkness that I must walk through in order to get back into the light.  And, the path isn’t straight, which keeps what lies ahead just out of sight. 

Which will I focus on, the light or the shadows?  Depending on how I navigate my steps will determine how quickly I’ll reach the next pocket of light, that glimmer of hope in the darkness.  And notice how much light is just around the bend.  Don’t let the shadows of life keep you in the dark.  Focus on the one true Light to carry you through. Bless others and be blessed. 

#HillsongUNITED – Not Today

😎🐫🎤 Last Thursday I experienced one of those random, by design, chance meetings with someone.  It was a meeting in which I could feel God the Father’s presence so strongly that I was hanging on every word this man spoke, to see where God was leading me. At one point this gentleman told me, as I could see the physical excitement grow in him: “One person I’m excited to meet when I get to heaven is Daniel.”  He then went on to explain why. 

Friday evening Brian and I watched a movie titled A Matter of Faith, which asked the question: When you accepted God into your life, was it by addition or submission?  That’s a question worth reflecting on….Did you just add Him into the life you were already living or did you turn your life over and submit to His will for your life?  Where are you today?

Pondering the movie question and the Thursday conversation, Saturday morning God told me: “I want you to read Daniel.”  Okay, it doesn’t get much clearer than that.  I jumped on the treadmill and started reading.  10 miles later, I complete the Book of Daniel. So was it any real surprise when I went to Mass Saturday evening that one of the readings was from Daniel…NO.  

Daniel is a great example of what submitting ourselves to God’s will is like.  The faith. The challenges. The rewards. Seriously, who gets thrown into the lion’s den not once, but twice, and walks away each time a greater, more faithful man and servant of God?  Crack open The Book, peek into Daniel’s life and see where God is leading you. Bless others and be blessed. 

#Unspoken – Life In The Death Of Me

😎🐫🎤 Enjoying a campfire Sunday night, I was contemplating the value of friendships. What an incredibly important part of our lives they are and the blessings that are brought forth by them are immeasurable. Some friendships are like the kindling we use to start a fire; quick to ignite, leave their mark, but are also quick to burn out.  Then there are those medium sized logs that can sustain a fire and typically make up the majority of the flame.  Occasionally you’ll run across a larger, sold, thick piece of wood.  It may be in the fire awhile before it really takes off, but when it does, it gives great warmth and offers a pleasing popping and cracking sound. They are slow and steady burning, and not easily turned to ash.  

Each and every relationship we experience has a distinct place, time, and purpose along our journey.  This drew me to the thought: How do I honor God in these relationships He’s gifted me with?  Hmmm, that’s not a question I’ve really thought about before.  Realizing that each relationship is unique and will have a different answer, I thought a good starting point would be to consider:

1) How do I bring God’s presence into the relationship?

2) What else do I bring to the relationship? 

3) What do I receive from the relationship?

As we approach this season of thanksgiving, maybe take a few moments to thank God for the friendships He’s gifted you with and consider how you honor Him through them.  Maybe even consider sharing those thoughts with your friend. It just may be what they need to hear at that very moment.  Bless others and be blessed. 

😎🐫🎤 As I was reflecting on a frustration I’ve been working through this week, God put it pretty clearly to me. “Are you living in the present or in My presence?”  Great question!  I guess I thought I had the situation under control and I could handle it on my own. Wrong!  You know, it doesn’t take much for pride to make its home in us and for us to allow it to stay. It’s like a spiritual cancer that starts in one area of our life and when left untreated will spread out of control through our entire being, words, and actions. It’s only by letting go of ourselves and living fully in His presence that we can fight this cancer within our spirit.  As the old saying goes: Choose your battles wisely.  This is one fight I was made to fight. Bless others and be blessed. 

#Carrollton – Made For This

😎🐫🎤 This past week as I celebrated my 51st birthday, I experienced a few firsts in my life which opened my eyes to a greater understanding of God’s love. On Thursday my daughter Crystal and her family call from North Carolina and for the first time I her one of my grandchildren say “Happy Birthday”.  Caylex’s words sent a feeling of deep love and excitement through my body while at the same time I hear God say, “That’s how I feel when you call My name.”  WOW!

The following day after dinner I got to hear one of my other grandchildren, Cece sing happy birthday to me. Another first. 

Then I received the best birthday gift I ever remember receiving. It was actually a group gift that my daughter, Diana organized and an incredible gift of agape.  She contacted family and friends with a unique request for my birthday. Would they be willing to offer up spiritual gifts in my honor?  I was overwhelmed and humbled as I read through all the cards attached to a spiritual bouquets: Praying the rosary, attending Mass/church, visit the Blessed Sacrament, attend additional church services, pray a novena, a day of fasting, random acts of kindness, having family prayer time, bedtime prayers, cleaning up toys, and praying for me. All in my honor. It was and still is a surreal feeling. I can’t help but smile as these gifts bring tears to my eyes, even now.  

The gift of God’s love is incredible. Just when I think I really understand it, He introduces me to an even deeper level of understanding, through those He’s blessed me to walk this journey with.  And the thing is…I know He still has so much more love to offer me, if I’m willing to accept His gift. I’m absolutely in awe.  Lord, to know You is to want to know You more. Bless others and be blessed. 

#CastingCrowns – To Know You