😎🐫🎤 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

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  What do your conversations with the devil sound like?  First of all, I should say that recently I had a bit of an awakening regarding what my conversations with the devil really are.  How many times did I think they were just simple conversations in my head?  Too many to count.  Have you ever binge watched a show?  Those conversations in my head sound a bit like…”I’ll just watch one show and then I’ll work on…”  “I can watch another one, it will be okay.  No, I really do need to work on…”  “It’s okay, you’ll have time to do that later, watch another show.”  “Well, I don’t have enough time now to work on…  I might as well watch another show and work on… tomorrow.”  Three shows later and I’m feeling guilty that I didn’t get done what I wanted to, although I did enjoy the shows.  

Okay, so maybe your discussions with the devil aren’t about shows, but maybe they’re about food or some other addiction.  No matter what it is, the more the devil pursues you and can keep you talking and distracted, the more he can manipulate you way from God.  Satan doesn’t necessarily need to win you to his side, he just needs to keep you away from God.

The best thing we can do is cut those conversations with Satan short and start a new conversation through prayer, with God.  Satan is not pleased when we call Jesus into the conversation and Satan will leave the conversation in a hurry…but only temporarily.  Know for sure that when Satan can get you alone again, he is going to trying those same old tactics and occasionally throw in a curve ball every now and then, to keep pursuing your soul and trying to pull you away from Christ.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Your faithful friends, your cloud of witnesses, are a hedge of protection around your soul.  If you choose wisely, your friends will help protect and defend you against the attacks from Satan and his band of demons.  Choose the people you want in your life wisely.

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.

#JeremyCamp – No Survivors

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  New relationships can be very exciting and intense as you initially learn about someone.  The more your interest grows in that person, the more you pursue and woo them.  This isn’t just with potential romantic relationships, it’s true for regular friendships, and even that new baby in the family.  We desire to know more about these people, so we tend to try to spend more time with them, get to know them, and start creating memories with them. 

This week Brian and I celebrate our 24^th wedding anniversary.  Our relationship has had some intense growth moments and we were married 10 ½ months after our first date.  By the way, on our first date Brian said he didn’t want to get married again.  God had other plans.

Think about relationships you’ve had.  For the most part, I would guess that the relationships that have lasted through the years are the ones that have had more moments of consistent growth, than intense growth.  Intensity may create the spark, but consistency keeps the fire burning, when it comes to long term, day-to-day relationships.  

God definitely works through intense moments to draw us to Him.  Saul is a perfect example of God using an intense moment to get his attention (see Act of the Apostles Chapter 9), but it was in the consistent movement and growth that Paul’s deep relationship was forged with the Lord. 

Looking back, I can see those intense sparks that ignited my relationship with the Lord thoughout my life, but it is the consistent daily interaction with the Lord, that sustains and continues to grow my relationship with Him. 

Meditate a moment on this…What would it look like to fully trust God with your future?

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.

#REOSpeedwagon – Keep the Fire Burnin’

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  Monday’s Gospel reading was Matthew 13:31-35. 

‘Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds,
yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.
It becomes a large bush,
and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

He spoke to them another parable.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.
He spoke to them only in parables,
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

I will open my mouth in parables,
I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.‘

Ah yes, the mustard seed parable.  It’s very familiar to many.  Because of that fact, we may tend to skim over it and not give it adequate attention.  Sit with it for a moment. 

Now, I would like to share with you Msgr. James Vlaun’s reflection for this Gospel reading.  Click the link below. You may be surprised how it starts. 

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.

#Msgr.JamesVlaun – Homily for 07/28/2025

https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2025-07-28-reflection-401

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you.  “The Forgotten Way The Saint James Master Plan” by Matthew Kelly is a book you could very easily breeze through in a couple evenings.  I’ve chosen to read one chapter at a time and let what it’s telling me, actually more like convicting me of, to sink in and give me a chance to work on these needed adjustments in my daily actions.  It’s crazy and scary how quick we are to let destructive and devastating words fly from our mouths, without a second thought as to how they could ruin someone’s day, career, and possibly their entire life.

As I’m trying to be more conscience about and purposeful in choosing my words, I’ve noticed that the words I speak, without thinking first, are certainly more hurtful.  On the flip side, I’ve also started paying more attention to the words that are being said to me. 

Have you committed murder?  I imagine the majority of people would say “no”.  Until recently, I would have also said “no”, but after evaluating words I have spoken, I know that I have seriously wounded some people.  Some were unintentional, but unfortunately, I have spoken some of my words with purposeful intention to hurt others. 

With conviction comes knowledge, the opportunity for repentance, and the opportunity to grow and improve upon my chosen words. 

I imagine this may not seem like a very uplifting message, but sometimes we just need to take a look at ourselves and realize we still have a lot of growing to do.  The awesome news is, that God is for us.  He is helping us work though all of our issues and things that keep us from Him, so that we can take one more step closer to Him and grow our relationship with Him.  In conviction, there is hope for a better life and relationship 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.

#MatthewKelly – The Forgotten Way The Saint James Master Plan

#CoryAsbury – Egypt