Set An Example

Every single child needs love and stability. And that doesn't stop just because they turn 18. Why is it so many parents think the minute their child is old enough to drive they can take care of themselves? Or, when their child goes off to college they choose to stop parenting, claiming they gave 18 years of raising this child and now it is their time to have fun? I'm not saying don't take care of yourself. I'm not saying don't have a good time. I'm saying take care of yourself and continue to guide and nurture your young adults. The best way to do that?  By example. So many young people are lost, trying to figure out their place in life. If we, as parents, aren't there to send them in the right direction, who will?  The media? Their friends?  You may think they don't need you anymore, but the truth is, they do. Have you planted the seeds of faith in your children? If you haven't, get to work.  It's never too late. Set an example.

Jesus gives a few analogies in the Gospel from 30Oct2012 (Luke 13:18-21) on planting the seeds:


Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches." Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened."

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she encourages us to take a look at the example we are setting for our children:


"Dear parent, I know you are lonely but Jesus loves our children far more than we do and if He has entrusted them to us, He will help us to both provide for them and fashion them according to His plan. In the case of single parenting, Catholic identity is even more crucial. Our children will retain perfect dignity if we connect them to the Church as we are bringing them up through their childhood. Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother view all children as treasures, irreplaceable to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, if these children are secure in their place in the Church, they will be secure in their place in the world. I have seen many children from single-parent families flourishing. They generally, like all children, adapt to the viewpoint of the parent so the parent must be vigilant about his or her own dignity. This means, dear parents, conducting ourselves rightly and not exposing the children to any influences that are in conflict with holy formation. Children will not do what we say. Children will do what we do."


Lay apostles, begin with taking a look at how you act in front of your children, no matter their age.  If you have young children, are you speaking appropriately in front of them, eliminating unhealthy language? If you have teens, are you requiring they attend Mass with you every week?  If you have adult children, are you encouraging them to seek a relationship with Jesus?  All we have is the remainder of our time on this earth.  Let's use every second to promote the Kingdom of God. 

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me the gift of a loving man, my three daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandsons.  Please help me continue directing them straight into Your Loving Arms.

God bless,
Bonnie

Temptation Toward Hypocrisy

What exactly is the meaning of hypocrisy?  According to Dictionary.com, it means: 

A pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.


Years ago, as this apostolate began to show me how to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, there were some people who didn't appreciate the new me. As I tried to become holier, parts of the old Bonnie still emerged at times. I remember someone calling me a hypocrite once in a while when I slipped back into old patterns instead of being the humble lay apostle I was becoming. It felt like all my hard work was dismissed over one slip. But what it taught me was I was being watched . . . and I must practice what I preach!

The Gospel (Luke 13:10-17) from 29Oct2012 shows Jesus teaching the leader of a synagogue about hypocrisy:


Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, "Woman, you are set free of your infirmity." He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, "There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day." The Lord said to him in reply, "Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?" When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she reminds us to remain true to who we are:


"Because we serve in our humanity, it is true that we will not always set the example that either we or Jesus desires but let us strive to consider always, in our words and actions, what kind of example we are giving to others. There are some who position themselves around the place of the divine will, never entering, but claiming always to possess the attributes of the Architect of this place. These are the thieves and brigands. Suddenly, the word hypocrisy springs to mind. We must remember to be authentic. If we are having a hard time in holiness, we should not try to give the impression that we are worthy of canonization. Now the word humility springs to mind. If we are humble, we are proceeding in truth."


Lay apostles, some times we can become quite irritated with the actions of others and lash out.  But what are we really irritated with?  Is it something we see in ourselves being recreated in front of our faces by someone else? Is it someone who says one thing and does another?  Whatever it is, stay humble.  Remain on the path to holiness.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of humility. Continue to lead me on the path of holiness, leaving hypocrisy behind.  Living my truth makes life so much easier!

God bless,
Bonnie

Skeletons in the Closet

Skeletons in the closet . . . what to do, what to do. Our past didn't happen accidentally or by oversight. We can continue to deny the painful choices we have made and baggage others have left behind for us to carry.  Or, we can allow ourselves to feel and experience the pain, then let it go. If we are on the path to Jesus, understand He has been with us every step of the way. Trust we needed to go through all we have and will because it is and was the only way He gets our attention. 


The Gospel from 25Oct2012 (Luke 12:49-53) expresses the frustration Jesus is feeling with those who don't believe and His upcoming crucifixion:


Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, she describes the importance of following the Lord's example:


"Humility allows for wounds. This is partially why humility is so important. If a person is humble, he will be willing to say, “I am hurt.” When we admit something has hurt us, we can steer away from anger and take things calmly, acting with Christ to deal with any misfires in the relationships around us. This calm course will help us to remain an asset to heaven as opposed to a liability. It must be noted that Jesus, in Holy Scripture, acted consistently with kindness, gentleness and humility. Jesus was continually misjudged and maligned. He returned love for hostility. It would be an excellent exercise for us to spend some time today thinking of who in our day is hostile to us and how we will follow the Lord’s example as set out in Holy Scripture and treat these people with patience and kindness. Let us look, not at the Lord’s righteous anger in one example, but at the Lord’s parade of loving acceptance for those with whom He served. This method of behavior, rejecting anger in favor of humility, becomes habit forming. How beautiful it is to witness someone who has gained mastery over himself in this way. Their rare departures into anger or thoughtless remarks are reassuring in terms of their humanity but also stark contrasts from their normal behavior."


Lay apostles, what can you do today to let go of a skeleton in your closet?  Face your not-so-stellar choices in the past, one at a time, no matter how painful.  The key is to experience them for what they are.  Don't deny them.  Don't convince yourself they never happened. Feel the anger, the pain, the sorrow. Then pass each one on to Jesus.  Let Him carry the load for you. He is willing so you will find joy. Start with one skeleton today. 

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to release the skeletons of my past so I could have a joyful future. I am a different person than I was yesterday.  And plan to be even more joyful tomorrow. 

God bless,
Bonnie

The Gift of Readiness

This weekend my grandson Colton will be baptized. Family begins arriving today, and that means cleaning frenzy here at home. I have never enjoyed sleeping in dirty sheets when I travel (as much as I appreciate a bed to lay my head), so my goal is to have my house completely clean when guests arrive. When they walk through my door, everything is ready to go . . . the mess which develops after that is clean as we go!

Preparing for company resembles preparing for the coming of Jesus. Make sure you do the work beforehand. You don't want to get caught with dirty sheets!


Todays Gospel (Luke 12:39-48) is a reminder to live this day and every day as if it were your last:


Jesus said to his disciples: "Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?" And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, she points out He can come for us at any time, so be prepared:


"Our Beloved One was 'obedient even unto death' (Phil. 2:8). How palatable could the plan that was the Passion have seemed to the Eternal Victim? How sensible could it have appeared to His mother? Or His followers? Should Peter have persisted and cut down the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus? Should he have disobeyed, using his better judgment? Jesus said 'No,' and Peter stood down. The plan, the divine plan, unfolded in all its apparent senselessness. God’s plan was unfathomable to His apostles. This act of total sacrifice denied human rationale. Yes, on that day it is abundantly clear that God’s plan mystified His followers. We must accept that, like the early apostles, on any given day God’s plan will mystify us. We are, after all, no better than our predecessors. Our call to obedience is often a call to the heroic in terms of humility and faith. To be clear, I am not advocating mindless servility. I am advocating fidelity to the decision we have all made to serve Jesus Christ, according to His plan, in His Church. Obedience is liberating in many ways. First of all, it frees our mind. We do not have to wonder what to do in most given situations. If we cooperate with the authority in our life, Jesus can move us to holiness with great speed. If we do not cooperate, we do not allow Jesus to direct, and He will have to go slowly with us, in order to protect us. His goals will be jeopardized."


Lay apostles, what kind of spiritual cleaning do you need to do today? Trust He is in control of all that is happening in your life, good or bad? Make amends with a loved one? Make daily prayer a habit? Whatever it is, start it now. Even the smallest effort is rewarded with graces. Be prepared . . . you could meet Him face to Face at any moment.

God bless,
Bonnie

Offer It Up

Communication can sound one way coming out and another way being heard. Old habits of reacting seem to appear immediately when you think you are experiencing déjà vu in a given situation. As much as I like to think I have come a long way in offering everything up to Jesus, every once in a while I don't seem to quite get it up to Him quick enough. But now, instead of being hurt or angry, I clarify. Some times I misinterpret the meaning behind the words. When things are explained in a clear manner with no malice interjected, it is a healthy exchange and everyone walks away understood and understanding. Alas, there are times I have impeccable comprehension and realize it's time to offer it up . . . walk away. I can do that now. I can leave toxicity behind and continue to serve. 


Todays Gospel (Luke 12:35-38) shows us the importance of service to our Lord Jesus:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants."

In Volume One, Anne a lay apostle describes how vigilance in service can turn our suffering into blessings:

"The Blessed Mother, the Mediatrix of All Grace, takes our little offerings and uses them to buy mercy for souls, despite the horrendous behavior of us in this modern world. Let me put it this way. There is an alcoholic. He is steeped in sin, both with regard to this addiction and in general. Recovering alcoholics will tell you they got a tap on the shoulder at some point and their life changed. They were given the eyes to see their addiction, their selfishness, their sinfulness. They then got sober and became some of the greatest servants of Christ. Truly motivated now, these humble souls commit themselves to helping others to see. Where did the grace come from, to get them the tap on the shoulder? From our suffering, united to the Passion of Jesus."


Lay apostles, be vigilant in your service to Christ. And that means serving others, even when they make it difficult to do so. Some times the message is completely different when we listen with our own ears and not the ears of Jesus.  If you are misinterpreting something as offensive, stop and clarify. Show others the Light of Christ.  

Thank you, Lord, for the ability to ask questions and communicate when I'm not seeing things clearly. And, for the grace of calmness when I slip back into old thinking patterns.

God bless,
Bonnie 

Filling the Void

Note: Gospel is from 22Oct2012

The "God" hole. Something we are always trying to fill with everything other than God. For some it's alcohol; some sugar; some accumulation of wealth and material things. But the more we buy or consume, the heavier the weight we carry around on our shoulders. What can a bigger house, fancier car or heftier bank account do besides look good on the outside when the inside is barren? Build your spiritual wealth first.  Build the Kingdom of God.  

In todays Gospel (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus warns of acquiring too many earthly possessions:


Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me." He replied to him, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?" Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions." Then he told them a parable. "There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?' And he said, 'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, 'Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!'" But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."


In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she lovingly describes why we need to lighten our load:


"In order to truly enter into the heart of Jesus, we must serve Him in the way He needs us to serve. This is another way of saying that we must reduce our commitment to self-will and replace it with commitment to divine will. Often we pay lip service to this but do not really abandon our own plan. Jesus says that the door is narrow. I think that means that we cannot get through it if we are carrying too much of our own stuff. If we are laden down, we are bulky and we simply cannot squeeze through. What makes us bulky? I believe that things like attachment to the opinions of others, addictions, materialism, pride, greed, anger, holding on to hurts ... carrying things like these add weight and girth to us. I believe that we all spend time standing outside the door knowing that we are called to enter but remaining unwilling to let go of some things. Many of us, I think, are squeezing through a little at a time, making wonderful progress by gradually letting go of the things that prevent complete entry into the Lord’s Sacred Heart. A pertinent part of that passage is the Lord’s encouraging us to make every effort."


Lay apostles, take a look at your life.  What extra baggage are you carrying around on a daily basis? Anger? Greed? An oppressive relationship? How can you lighten your load today? If you start with baby steps, eventually you find yourself in a fast sprint to Jesus. And, He is waiting for your arrival in His loving arms!

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to only fill my void with You, letting go of things which were breaking my back. Please help those in difficult situations see Your Light and run toward it.

God bless,
Bonnie

The Practice of Misleading

Years ago, in the pharmaceutical world, I worked as a Medical Science Liaison.  I was responsible for marketing a pain medication and educating physicians on speaking points for the product.  Prior to this my only contact with the pharmaceutical world was distributing medications as an RN and then in oncology clinical research.  Boy did I learn fast how the competition will say (and even do) anything to get a doc to write their product instead of ours. Lies upon lies. But, the truth would always prevail and debunk the myths the competition created. Kind of reminds me of the political battle occurring these days.  Rabid lies being spread that all women believe as the president does.  Lies about Planned Parenthood providing mammograms.  Lies this is about women's health.  Well, there is an organization called Women Speak For Themselves who are setting the record straight. 

  

And, todays Gospel (Luke 12:1-7) reveals the truth. Be brave, speak the truth:


At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees. "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."

In Volume Ten, Jesus instructs us to ask one simple question to determine what is from Him and what is from evil:


"Children, when you are concerned about the many misleading powers in your world today, ask this simple question. 'Does the power for the alleged claim come from God the Father who sent His only Son into the world?' If the answer is no, then the power is being obtained from the enemy. Does this sound confusing to you? It should not sound confusing, because it is clear. If you are still confused, it is because you do not want to relinquish some habit that has gotten hold of you. Be vigilant here, brothers and sisters. There are impostors everywhere and the impostors do not seek the good of your soul. The enemy, in the form of these powers, seeks the destruction of anything that is holy in you. The enemy seeks your soul."


Lay apostles, base your decisions on what is right with God, not society.  Stay focused on heaven and climbing the mountain. Bring light to those around you, not the darkness of the enemy.  You know in your heart what is right.  Bring God with into the voting booth.  Bring Him with you to work.  Bring Him into your home.  


Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to base all my decisions with Your Eyes, not mine. I'm far from perfect, but I am getting there!


God bless,

Bonnie

Not Always Easy

Today I have a guest post from a young man in Egypt named Nabil.  He submitted his testimony for my Young Adult book a few months ago. We have become email "pals" ever since.  It's not always easy being a Christian, and sometimes bravery is what it takes. This is from the beginning of his testimony for my upcoming book:


Once when I was returning by train to my university in Cairo from our village in Upper Egypt by the Nile, the passenger sitting next to me noticed the cross tattoo on my wrist, an ancient Coptic Christian custom. “Did you know that a thousand Christians convert to Islam every day?” I was a little surprised by his question, but not surprised who was asking it. His thick black beard without a mustache revealed that he was a member of the extreme Salafi Islamic sect, recently elected to the Egyptian parliament with the Muslim Brotherhood. I quietly prayed to the Holy Spirit for wisdom. “Mabrook” (Arabic for congratulations), I replied with an ironic smile. “Our religion is not about numbers, but about faith and love.”


Beautiful.  Wait until you read the rest of his testimony and how this mission has touched his life.


Todays first reading (2 Tim 4:10-17b) couldn't have enhanced Nabil's testimony any better:


At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

In Volume Seven, St. Philomena gives us the encouragement to remain faithful:


"At the end of this time, Jesus will return and the earth will be beautiful again. Before that, there will be a time when it will appear that the enemy has taken control of the world. The darkness of sin will reign and our beloved Church will suffer even more. Followers will face grave and constant attacks for their faith in many areas of the world. They will persevere and set the most beautiful example for others. This will draw others back to the faith in great numbers, so you see, the enemy’s strategy will backfire. The more God’s enemies persecute His children, the more children will choose God and remain true. It has always Volume Seven 14 been this way, sadly. God’s children should serve Him faithfully in good times also, but many do not. Many become worldly when the times are easy. Be brave. Your courage will come from heaven and inspire many."


Lay apostles, we should all be so brave to stand up for Christ as Nabil did and does. Despite dangerous conditions, he is willing to profess the Good News. He is truly an inspiration to us all.  Thank you, Nabil, for such a heartwarming testimony.  I can't wait for the world to read it!

Thank you, Lord, for young men like Nabil who are willing to risk their lives for You.  Please continue to strengthen and protect him and all who fight the courageous battle of spiritual warfare.

God bless,
Bonnie

Live By Example

Three teenage girls + Sunday morning Mass = several prompts to get out of bed; approaching time warning signals; several honks of the horn while in the car waiting; stepping out of the car to make "it's time to go now" shouts; and relief when they finally come out of the house and get in the car, usually with make-up bag in tow. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the annoyed looks as they slid into the back seat! But they knew a rule is a rule. While you are in my house, you go to Mass on Sunday mornings.  It's still the rule today. When my youngest is home from college on a weekend, she knows the routine.  Still pretty much the same process described above, but no annoyed glances my way any more. Over the years, I have had the girls tell me stories of friends whose parents let them make the decision whether or not to go to Mass on Sunday morning.  Sometimes the parents wouldn't even attend. How is a child supposed to learn the value of faith if it isn't valued by their parents? How is a child supposed to learn kindness when they see their father screaming at a waitress over spilled milk?  And, how is a child supposed to learn thankfulness for what they have when their mother complains of wanting more purely to "keep up with the Joneses?"  Others are continually watching to see if we live by what we preach.  So, live by example, ignore the groans, and continue on your way. 

In todays Gospel (Luke 11:42-46), Jesus lectures the Pharisees and scholars to practice what they preach:


The Lord said: "Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk." Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, "Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too." And he said, "Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them."


In Volume Six, Mary (an unknown saint) asks us to pray to Our Lady to help set a good example for our children: 


"I want to tell you that when you attempt to introduce family prayer to those children who have not prayed together in the past, you may experience resistance. Expect this. Also, when you say “no” to a child who has previously been given many material things, you will get anger. It will pass. Your child will object to being forced to pray and having material things taken away. Be brave, mothers. Be strong. Do not think for a moment that your decisions should be based on the anger or resistance of your children. Make your decision, and then impose it. Your children will come around if you are firm. Pray to Our Lady to help you turn your household into another holy family that serves the Kingdom. She will hear you and she will help. Set an example of calm holiness yourself and I promise you that all will be well."


Lay apostles, don't have expectations for others that you don't have for yourself.  If you want others to be kind, be kind to others.  If you send your children to Christian schools, live a Christian life inside and outside the home.  Remember, there are many eyes watching our every move.


Thank you, Lord, for giving me the guidance and motivation to live by example.  I am so very thankful my daughters turned out loving You so much despite some of my poor choices along the way!

God bless,
Bonnie

Spiritual Cleansing

Looking back on my life, I can see how Jesus was preparing me for this moment in time.  My not-so-stellar choices have lead me straight into His arms. He knows I am stubborn, hard-headed and would require multiple occurrences of the same offense to learn the lessons. There was a time I didn't love myself enough to face the truth of my reality.  Numbing the pain sufficed for a while. The problem with numbing is you eventually sober up again. I was never an alcoholic (although I did use this avenue in high school and freshman year of college), but the analogy works here.  My numbing consisted of multi-tasking, occupying my mind to the extent my past was not recognizable . . . or I should say memorable, by choice. My inside did not correspond with my outside. There is a song by Kelly Clarkson called "Maybe" which describes who I was while on my path to Christ. Here's a little piece of me: 

I'm strong
But I break
I'm stubborn
And I make plenty of mistakes
Yeah I'm hard
And life with me is never easy
To figure out, to love
I'm jaded but oh so lovely
All you have to do is hold me
And you'll know and you'll see just how sweet it can be
If you'll trust me, love me, let me
Maybe, maybe

My big spiritual cleansing occurred in 2006.  The day Anne and the Volumes came into my life.  I finally understood.  I finally let go. I finally began to know Jesus.  

In todays Gospel (Luke 11:37-41), Jesus wants us to understand looking pious on the outside does not make us holy on the inside: 

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, "Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you."

In Volume Two, Jesus explains how He will heal our brokenness: 

"I have come to cleanse souls. Much as a mother cleans her house, My child, I am cleaning and organizing your soul. If you have been away from Me, We must be busy. Events in your life, from your past, must be looked at now in a different way. This is an important task, and that is why I am spending time on it with you. Events can leave marks on your heart when you are not praying. Hence, My goal. To clean these marks and leave a heart that gives and receives love freely. When you pray, My child, I help you to sift through the experiences occurring in your life. Perhaps you have a disappointment today. Taken alone, without My assistance, you might feel down, sad and discouraged. If pride is a problem for you, and many suffer from pride, you might not share your sadness and disappointment with even another soul. It remains on your poor heart and, after a time, this turns to bitterness. Now, earthly life being what it is, and human beings being flawed, as they are in their search for perfection, you encounter yet another disappointment or betrayal. Pride asserts itself and again you do not adequately share your grief. Another patch of disappointment turns to bitterness and covers another area of your poor little heart. My child, when this process continues, you have a heart enclosed in bitterness. A heart needs love, in the same way your lungs need oxygen. Your heart was designed this way, dearest, and if your heart is enclosed, the love is blocked off. How handicapped you are in the spiritual sense. How it grieves Me to see you so disturbed and unhappy. My little one, I am coming to clean every mark from your heart so that you will love freely, as I love. Do not think this is an impossible task. I am Jesus. I am God."

Lay apostles, when was the last time you did a little spiritual cleansing?  If you are Catholic (or even if you're not), get into an Adoration Chapel and let Jesus apply the salve of His love and forgiveness on your broken heart.  Release the bitterness you have built up over the years. Let Him in. Let Him cleanse you.  

Thank you, Lord, for all the spiritual cleansing You have done so far in me.  I know I still have a ways to go, but I am confident You know what You are doing!

God bless,
Bonnie

The Problem With Signs

Jay. Whit, Kev and Colt. FSU football game. Final score over Boston College: 51-7. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend. The surreal site of my daughter and her husband holding their 2 month old son by the fountain we last photographed at their FSU graduation 5 years ago made me realize how fast time flies. 

And, how important this election is for the future of my grandsons. The 6 hour drive to Tallahassee with Jay was full of interesting conversations, laughter, and googling restaurants as dinner time approached (just when I would google a restaurant within a few exits, we would start talking about something else and I would see the exit flash by . . . think this happened at least 3 times before deciding on Pouncey's in Perry, Florida!). Aside from signs about hotels and fast food, we saw quite a few large anti-Obama billboards. Not one pro-Obama. 

One of the signs we saw along I-75

Debate the issues all you want.  Post all the signs for and against Obama or Romney. But, what it boils down to for all Christians is . . . which man represents God and furthering His Kingdom? Which man represents all that is good in America?  Is it the man who thinks late-term abortion is okay or the man who values life? Is it the man who refuses to put his hand over his heart at the Pledge of Allegiance or the man who does because he is proud to be an American? 

In todays Gospel (Luke 11:29-32), Jesus reminds us we have all we need to get to heaven. It's time to stop asking for signs: 

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here."

In the July 2007 Monthly Message, Jesus asks us to remain peaceful despite the signs: 

"Humanity was created to live on earth connected to God. My apostles, even though you struggle, you remain connected to Me. I am able to heal you and send love through you. The signs of My presence are all around you, even though you struggle. Believe this. If you look at a person who has rejected Me, you will see signs of that rejection. If you look at a world that has rejected Me, you will also see signs. My beloved ones, when you see signs that God has been rejected, you must remain peaceful. I, Jesus, have told you that change is necessary. I, Jesus, have told you that I desire change. I do not abandon you and I do not abandon the world. I have many friends in this world and you are among them. You trust Me, I know. I will honour the trust you have placed in Me. I will bring all things to the good, both in your life and in the world. I, the Blameless One, have never betrayed another and I will not betray you. Think often on the promises I have made to you. I have said I will never leave you. I have said I will protect My interests in your soul. I have said I will pursue conversion of your loved ones. During this time, I want each apostle to consider these promises. Serve Me in steadiness, of course, but also, serve Me in peace."

Lay apostles, when you walk into the voting booth November 5th, vote for Jesus. Vote for what this country was founded on . . . Christian values.  Don't make your decision based on your view of social issues, base it on Christ's view of them. I can't imagine Jesus voting for killing of the unborn . . . so why would you even consider it? 

Thank you, Lord, for Your consoling words in a chaotic world. Help me to continue evangelizing for You and focus on Your view of the world, not on my own selfish view of what makes me feel better about myself. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Needing People

Joyce and Paul.  Two true servants of God. Two very dear friends who would do anything for me . . . and vice versa. We have helped each other in many ways over the years. They brought me Milka chocolate bars from their trip to Germany.  I kept my mouth shut when Paul realized he forgot his driver's license as we pulled up to the airport passenger drop off (sorry Paul . . . had to out you!).  We have gone through caregiving for parents, lending a helping hand when needed.  There were many times I prayed for help during my caregiving days, and these two people would show up.  Talk about asking and receiving! They are gifts from God, and I am thankful every day they are in my life.  

In the Gospel reading for 11Oct2012 (Luke 11:5-13), Jesus shows us God is ready and waiting to bestow His gifts upon us.  All we have to do is ask:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?" 

In Heaven Speaks to Soldiers, St. Augustine encourages us to ask in order to receive:

"I am going to begin a special prayer right now. I am asking Jesus to give you a small glimpse of the joy that awaits you in heaven. I am asking Jesus to grant this to you because I want you to be filled with hope and peace. When you experience the smallest taste of this joy, you walk differently through each moment. Sit quietly as Jesus places this in your heart. You know He is with you. You feel Him in your soul. Ask Him to come into your soul and remain with you. Jesus, in His mercy and love, will not refuse such an invitation."

Lay apostles, what is it you need today?  Hope?  Encouragement?  Whatever it is, invite Jesus to be on your team.  He so badly wants you to make Him a part of your life . . . not a passing thought.  Walking with Jesus is like walking with gel inserts on a long hike . . . it's comfortable, easier, and motivates you to make it to your final destination!

Thank you, Lord, for good friends who encourage and support me through thick and thin.  Please continue to alert me to others needs when I am distracted by my own.

God bless,

Bonnie 

A Prayer Life

Have you ever been too tired to pray? Yes, I was guilty of this in the past. Going to bed, I usually had a long list of people and things I needed to pray for. On occasional nights, when I knew I was drifting off, I would say a quick Our Father, feeling a little guilty. Since I have been writing full time, I am dedicated to the prayer life I always wanted. I know now all it takes is practice. And routine. After reading todays Gospel (Luke 11:1-4), I know He appreciates every effort we make:

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."

In Volume Two, Jesus lovingly shows us He is waiting with open arms:

"Faith is a gift, my dear one. I wish to give this gift to you. But you must turn to Me so that I may. My heart beats only with love for you. I can promise you that I will not reproach you. I will help you understand that only joy and light is suitable for a child of God. You will return to Us one day. Let Us make that the most joyful day of your life. Come to Me, My child, and I will show you how. You say, “Jesus, I forget how to pray.” My child, does a small one forget how to cry when he is hurt? Of course not. Come before Me and cry out your pain, your hurt, and your fear. We need not do it all in one day, but take the first step to Me by coming in front of Me. Put yourself in My Eucharistic presence and I will do the rest. The work will come from Me. I will move you back swiftly to that place that has been reserved for only you in My Sacred Heart."

Lay apostles, what does your prayer life look like?  Take time in the morning to read Scripture, pray the Rosary, or just say the Our Father.  Acknowledge and thank Him for the day ahead.  As a lay apostle, I always say the Allegiance Prayer and the Morning Offering.  It only takes about 25 seconds:

Allegiance Prayer

Dear God in Heaven, I pledge my allegiance to You. I give You my life, my work and my heart. In turn, give me the grace of obeying Your every direction to the fullest possible extent. Amen.

Morning Offering

Oh Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You the prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, and for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen

Thank you, Lord, for igniting my prayer life through writing this daily blog. By beginning my days and ending my nights with You, You remain with me always. 

God bless,
Bonnie

People Pleasers

Motherhood. So much to do, so little time to do it all. And when there are multiple children involved, hours seem like minutes. As mothers, we try to keep everyone happy. Most of us are pleasers at heart. We cook, clean, bandage up scraped knees, and stop arguments between siblings.  We love, cry, and brush off the words "I hate you" from a teenagers mouth. We are so busy with life, sometimes we forget to enjoy it.  Since the birth of both grandsons, I see things differently. I wish I would have read more to my girls; extended our Barbie play sessions; and taken more walks enjoying nature. In reminiscing, time spent away from them is lost time I can't recover. Mothers and fathers, take the time while your children are young.  Don't miss the small stuff because you have to check email or update your status on Facebook.  Focus on your family.  Help build the Kingdom of God! 

The Gospel from 09Oct2012 (Luke 10:38-42) is one we must remember when trying to make everyone else happy:

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

In Heaven Speaks About Stress, Jesus tells us to slow down:

"My children, why do you hurry so? Why do you feel you must move so quickly through your days? This is not the way I intended the children of God to live. You may tell Me that you have many things to do. I respond to you by saying that you are trying to do too much. You will not be holy if you move so quickly. I want My beloved apostles to move more slowly and thoughtfully through their days. I want you to make decisions on what I am asking you to do and what you are busying yourself with that is not from Me. I want your way of life to change and I am asking you to make this change now. In the next week, think about each activity and decide, with Me, if it is something I want you to do or something you want to do. My dearest apostles, I ask that you begin to remove activities that do not further My will. I want more time in silence, as you know. I want more time with families, without noise blocking you from each other. I want prayer, yes, but also conversations that are not hurried and stressed between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and parents and children. These are the souls I have decided you will walk through your life with and you have obligations to them. If you are too busy with your own will, you are not seeing to Mine and you are missing opportunities both to learn from others and to assist others in learning about Me."

Lay apostles, serve where you need to serve.  But, if you are presented with opportunities to spend a few minutes with Christ in prayer, your children, grandchildren or spouse, leave the dishes in the sink (or whatever distraction detains you). What can you do today to make a memory?  Remember, even God can't change the past. 

Thank you, Lord, for showing me the importance of slowing down, focusing on You and not so much on distractions that don't further Your Kingdom.

God bless,

Bonnie