Friday, May 31, 2013

Feast of the Visitation of Mary by Caitlin G.

Guest blogger today is Caitlin G., a young woman in my upcoming book, Can You Text Me Directions? Such a beautiful post from a beautiful heart:


Guest Blog Post, for Friday 5/31/13:

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of Mary! Wow, what a day to get to guest blog. And so we hear the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth:

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever."


Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 
(Luke 1: 39-56)

Beautiful, just beautiful.  In this story of the Visitation, we see that Mary, full of joy at the work God has done in her, in giving her the ultimate gift, the gift of Jesus in her very womb, goes with haste to share the good and exciting news to Elizabeth!  After humbly accepting the gift that God desired to give her, and letting go of all fears that would have naturally come with such a gift, she desired nothing more than to share the overflowing and abundant JOY that came from bearing Jesus!  I’m sure it wasn’t easy.  Can you imagine the fears Mary must have dealt with?  One main fear comes to mind; “What will people think of me? Will they believe me, will they judge me?”  Do these fears sound familiar?  I can bet that every single one of us battles this fear pretty often in our own lives.  But Mary didn’t let this very legitimate fear (of other people judging her for claiming to have miraculously bore a son, as a virgin, who would be the Savior of the world) get in the way of her sharing the good news!  Jesus doesn’t give us gifts and expect us to keep them to ourselves.  He wants us to accept the gift of His JOY and bring it to EVERYONE we meet! 

And what is Elizabeth’s response to Mary sharing her joyful news?  “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.”  The infant leaped for joy at the presence of Jesus and Mary!  This response of joy is the only response appropriate to someone carrying the genuine love of Jesus in them, with humble and selfless intentions.  If we carry Jesus to those who we meet, with pure hearts, desiring only good for these people, only love for these people, then what other than JOY can be the response?  Jesus tells us: “I am all joy…I am all love!”  In the May 2005 monthly message that we just spent the month reflecting on, Jesus asks us to share the news of Him in the world, and He asks us to do so with a peaceful countenance:

Be at peace, dear children of heaven. There is no reason for anything but a peaceful countenance. I am working in your soul if you are allowing Me to do so and you will come closer and closer to Me. You see that I am calling you to do this. I want you to behave like Me and even to think like Me. You will be gentle and kind to those you meet in your day and they will then consider what it is that makes you different. And there is a contrast between those following Me, and those following the world. The closer you come to Me, the greater the contrast. I would like to see a multitude of souls drawing closer to Me. You can help with this project because you represent Me. I am calling everyone and I use each of you to do this. So be My voice in your world and cry out to your brothers and sisters. Tell them of My love for them and tell them of My wish to draw them closer to Me. If you allow Me to work through you, I will do so. If you practice loving all souls and being merciful to all souls, soon you will be speaking My name to them. You understand that if you are not merciful and kind, it will not matter what you say because souls will be repelled. It is only through your love, inspired by Me, that they are moved. So be gentle as I am gentle and souls will be drawn back into the safe pasture of My Sacred Heart.”


What can we fear if we truly desire to love others with the heart of Jesus, and the joy of Jesus?  Apostles, we have received the gift of the joy that comes from Jesus, have we not?  The natural and only logical response to this gift is to now go out and share it with the world.  Let us surrender our fears to Him, asking Mary to make us like her.  Jesus needs us to be His voice in the world, the voice of unconditional love.
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Thank you, Lord, for such beauty and wisdom in Caitlin. I am so blessed to be part of a mission surrounded by young people who love You with all their hearts. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Miracles Are Possible

Jay is a walking miracle. Two-time cancer survivor, I tell Jay all the time God cured him for me . . . the future me 15 years later. He is perpetually positive and happy, a man after my own heart. I know his attitude after surgery and chemo saved him, but most importantly, his faith never wavered. He believed God had a plan, and boy, what a grand plan it was and is! Offer up your suffering for Jesus . . . you never know what miracle is waiting around the corner. 

In todays Gospel (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus shows us that with great faith, miracles are possible:

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”  And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

In Volume Four, Jesus Speaks to Sinners, Jesus tells us to remember He walked this earth just as we do:


"I saw the failings of mankind as you see them. I was grieved at the injustices, in the same way that you are grieved when you see things that are not fair. Did I grow bitter? No. I did not. Why was that? Because I am God? No. I was God on earth but I was God trapped in man’s body and constrained by the limitations of the body. I did this so that when it came time for you to follow Me you could not say that it was easy for Me because I was God. I did not use My divinity except during the last three years and then only to heal, cure, and otherwise support My claim that I was the King of Heaven, come down to lead all back to the Father. I did not waste miracles on those who would reject Me, regardless of proof of My divinity. Do you intend to reject Me? You are Mine, dearest soul. Come back to Me that I may introduce you to love and joy."

Lay apostles, we all pray for miracles at one time or another in our lives, right? But, when they don't materialize right away or never seem to occur even years down the road, do you trust there is a different purpose for the outcome? God's plan is the only plan. Be grateful for the path He has placed you on. Although it may not make sense now, it will eventually. 

Thank you, Lord, for the grace to see why my struggles throughout life were meant to be. I am so thankful for every one of them, because you have made me the woman I am today.

God bless,
Bonnie


With the Eyes of Christ

Speaking in front of an audience is frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. But once you know your "subject" inside and out, it doesn't matter if there are 100 people in the audience or 1,000, it's just fun! Recently Jay and I attended a seminar with five key speakers who are well known for their successes, some nationally, some internationally. They are people who used their strengths to propel themselves to the top. We really enjoyed the conference and came away with some pearls to implement in our own business. They all encouraged social media . . . UNATION, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Since I am on Twitter (@BonnieYoung22), I decided to "follow" one of the speakers. She had spoken of young children at home, and I imagined it must be quite difficult to be a mom and a superstar at the same time. Boy, I have to tell you, she "tweets" a lot. (For those who don't use Twitter, a "tweet" is a post or status update). She is tweeting things such as what is posted on her Facebook page. After a few days of following her, I wondered how she ever found the time to use social media. I prayed she had someone doing it for her or she did it while her kids were sleeping.  Boasting about movie stars you know or snapping a picture of yourself in a well known spa are ego-centric, not God-centered. When I look with the eyes of Christ, I see a very different picture. Celebrities have so much power to make a difference. I only wish the pics were in a beautiful cathedral or having fun with your kids (or grandkids!) and spouse. We only get one shot at this life, and I pray my success is shining His Light by serving others, and loving with all my heart.

In the Gospel from 29May13 (Mark 10:32-45), Jesus asks his disciples to focus on service, not power or position:

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,  and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In Volume Five, St. Thomas urges us to service:


"You are being well prepared and this opportunity for enhanced unity between earth and heaven is part of that mercy. We are with you at every moment. You have many friends in heaven. Use them. I, Thomas, pledge to walk with you in times of doubt so that your service to the Kingdom is unaffected. In that situation, you gain the most powerful of graces and rewards because it is far more difficult to serve when you are struggling. What you must concentrate on always is service. I will serve! That is your refrain."

Lay apostles, do you envy the money and power of celebrities? If you do, remember wealth comes from spiritual health, not money and fame. I plan to be extremely wealthy when I die . . . hopefully enough to make a short pitstop in purgatory on my way to heaven!

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me focused on doing Your Will, not my own.

God bless,
Bonnie


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Everything for His Glory!

A year ago I could never have imagined my life today. Prior to meeting Jay, I tried to stay focused on Jesus and His will for me. The more I gave up control to Christ, the more peaceful I became. The more I strived to climb the mountain of holiness, the more intimate my relationship with Him. I finally reached the point of no return . . . no amount of criticism could take the calm out of my heart. No situation could bring back the old control freak Bonnie. When I immerse myself in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I am completely protected. Writing on a daily basis for Him, putting into practice what He tells us in Scripture and in the messages through Anne . . .  prepared me to be the woman I needed to be that day I met Jay, almost a year ago. And, every day we are together is one more day to give thanks and praise. Everything for His Glory!


Finished our first 5k together on Memorial Day!

Todays Gospel (Mark 10:28-31), Jesus tells us to live for Him while we are on earth:

Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to keep focused on climbing:


"We serve where Christ has placed us, some in obscurity, others in the eyes of the world. We accept our crosses and carry them with the certainty that Jesus draws great graces from our cooperation and uses these graces for the conversion of sinners and the good of the Kingdom. Indeed, the renewal is being fueled by the small daily sacrifice and service of each lay apostle. Consider a mountain. On that mountain is a path that has been marked out carefully for each of us by Jesus. Jesus is at the top. The world is at the bottom. If we get on that path and begin to climb, we will reach Jesus. We climb the mountain through our daily “yes” to Jesus. People say that they do not know the will of God, but God will not hide His will. We must spend time in silence and ask Jesus and He will tell us where our path lies on this mountain of holiness. Most of us need look no further than to our vocations. Our path is usually marked out with the daily duties of these vocations and it is always best to begin at that point. In this time of transition, Jesus needs souls to find their path and start climbing. The higher we climb, the more grace and light Jesus flows through us into this world and the greater the number of souls saved. We praise God for the way He allows us to participate in this renewal."

Lay apostles, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. Sometimes life seems it is going in one direction and makes a complete u-turn when you least expect it. You never know what He has in store for you right around the corner . . . trust Him and thank Him for everything going on in your life. And He will take you to new vistas you never dreamed possible.

Thank you, Lord, for the grace of love with Jay. I never imagined this was in store for me. I'm so thankful I let You take control!

God bless,
Bonnie

Monday, May 27, 2013

Sacrifice

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died for our country. It's a day to acknowledge the families of those fallen heros. They bravely gave the ultimate sacrifice . . . their lives. These men and women are shining examples of what we, as Christians, must bravely do for Christ . . . sacrifice. Sacrifice our time, our money, and even our lives. As lay apostles, we are an army rising up to prepare the world for the return of Our King. Read about the lives of the saints. We don't know what Jesus has in store for us, but whatever it is, I will fight to the end for Him.

In todays Gospel (Mark 10:17-27), Jesus answers bluntly a young man desiring to follow Him. Sometimes we are not prepared for the sacrifice it takes:

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”  Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell,  and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”


In the booklet Heaven Speaks to Those Who Suffer from Financial Need, St. Augustine tells us despite where we are financially, we must be thankful for what we have and use it for His Glory:


"Dear brothers and sisters, we in heaven remember being on earth. We remember having great wants and suffering from poverty. Some of God’s saints were wealthy on earth, of course, but many were not. The time in which you live is a time of great abundance for some. It would make God happy if this abundance were shared so that few experienced hunger that resulted in disease and death. There will always be poor people, it is true, but this fact does not excuse anyone from failing to assist them. If you are wealthy, you may say, “What can I do?” I will answer you today. Give. Give often and give more. Work for others with your power and influence. Spread holy principles of responsible use of material and financial wealth. Also, deprive yourself of something. Sacrifice. Perhaps you are in a situation where you were accustomed to a high standard of living and now you find that you have had to reduce your standard. Praise God for this. Rejoice because in this circumstance you will learn many things. You will learn to trust God. You will learn to have compassion for others. You will learn that not everything has to do with bodily comfort."

Lay apostles, whether you have money in the bank or live paycheck to paycheck, remember spiritual wealth is what we strive for . . . not a bigger house, a cooler car or designer clothes. Take the advice of St. Augustine above . . . give and serve others.

Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to grow in faith and love of others. Help me to be aware of where you need me to give and serve at all times.

God bless,
Bonnie

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Here Dad . . . Just Put It On!

Guest blogger: Jay

In 1997, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was diagnosed on a Friday afternoon . . . and underwent surgery 6:30 a.m. the following Monday morning. Three weeks later I would begin chemotherapy because the cancer had spread.

Early one morning, about two weeks into the chemotherapy treatment, I heard the soft patter of my little four year old’s footsteps coming into my room. That morning something was different.  My little red head was obviously on a mission. She walked right up to the side of the bed, continued to bump against the mattress, and waited patiently for me to focus on her. As my eyes reluctantly slid open, I saw something I will never forget the rest of my life. In the dim light I woke to see my little one fully dressed for her day . . . her pre-kindergarden day . . . holding out one of my neck ties in front of her. As she offered the tie to me she said, "Here dad . . . just put it on!” At that moment I realized this was more than just a simple offer of a tie. This was my little one wanting things to be back to “normal." If only I would get up and put on my tie and go to work, as I had so many week days of her life . . . everything would be fine. She also had been spending a lot of time with aunts over the previous 30 days or so. Those days were even a blur to me with doctor’s appointments, CT scans, researching the disease along with all of the other responsibilities in life. I had not absorbed everything . . . how could she?

I knew that this was a teaching moment. I knew this was a time to instill confidence, answer her question, and begin including her more in the process. I sat up and gave her a big hug and kiss. As we both sat on the side of the bed, I shared with her I would not be getting dressed to go to work that day. That I needed to continue to go to get medicine for some time, but that once I was better, I would get back to wearing my ties. She seemed to be assured and relieved by that answer.

That day I saw the desire of my little one to be included. I saw . . . when she did not (nor could not) fully understand what was going on, turned to giving (serving) and believing (faith) that if I just put on my tie, everything would be ok. When I shared my answer, she completely accepted (trusted) my explanation.

Comparing the Gospel from 25May13 (Mark 10:13-16) and that special morning with Christine also made me realize that Jesus was not only ordering that no one keep the children away for just the children’s sake. In fact, I’m sure it was as much or more for the adult’s benefit. It is through watching and listening to the little ones that we re-learn what true joy, trust, unconditional love, service, and faith are:

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

In Volume Six, St. Joseph speaks to fathers about the importance of spending time with their children:

"Your children are your treasure and they are also a large part of your salvation. You will gain the greatest of graces through your parenting of your children. To begin with the most fundamental advice, you must be with your children in order to properly parent them. Many fathers today view the role of father simply as a provider. They feel that as long as they are providing for their children’s material needs, their job has been completed. Fathers, you know this is not the case."

Lay apostles, today is a great day to reflect on the things that we knew were right as a child but that we may have discarded as adults in the name of being responsible. Do yourself a favor, spend some time with a child this weekend and give new life to why Jesus was admonishing that unless we accept the Kingdom of God like a child, we would not be able to enter.

Father, thank you for the ability to look back and regain what we may have discarded or lost along the way. Thank you for the ability to have new beginnings . . . over and over and over again! Thank you for the children in our lives who can continue to be our teachers as to how to live . . . and as to what are the truly important things in this life.

In gratitude and humility,
Jay

Saturday, May 25, 2013

The "D" Word

The last blog post I did on divorce triggered emotions ranging from supportive to downright mean. I have to tell you, the hateful words of one woman were a blessing in disguise. Not only did it make my skin a little thicker, but it was confirmation there is much work to be done in the world. 

Fridays Gospel (Mark 10:1-12) appears a little harsh to those of us divorced. But, we must trust Sacred Scripture not ignoring one passage because it makes us uncomfortable. Seek to understand:

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

In the booklet Heaven Speaks About Divorce, Jesus asks us to trust the process:

"I am speaking to you today in general terms, understanding that there are times when a union cannot be preserved. I do not sanction violence of any kind by one party against another. This is not from heaven and heaven does not prompt either a husband or a wife to abuse. This comes from the enemy of the marriage. In cases such as this, or in cases 
where one party has committed every effort to retain the union but to no avail, My church enters, with all of her wisdom, and makes a decision. This is the way I have organized the resolution of these matters. My Church is given great wisdom and discernment and you should understand that by My Church I am referring to the priests who work for Me in the Church and who are obedient to their Pontiff. Bring your difficulties to Me, dear brothers and sisters, and I will help you."

Lay apostles, we all need to reconcile with our past. We choose certain life paths based on who we were and our circumstances at the time. Don't listen to anyone who says you are unworthy of Christ's love because you are divorced. You belong to Him always. Get on the right track and push past negative people.  Get back to Church. Learn about Sacred Scripture in its full context. Add the Volumes and all of Anne a lay apostle's books. The combination is eye opening! I have never loved my Church more.

Thank you, Lord, for the healing I have received through this apostolate. Continue to strengthen my resolve to withstand criticism. As Jay says, hurt people hurt people.

God bless,
Bonnie

Friday, May 24, 2013

Updates from Direction for Our Times


Mist of Mercy film update and more...


Greetings lay apostles,


Shooting continues for the Mist of Mercy Film Documentary. This weekend we continue to shoot in Dublin and last weekend we shot footage in a forest near Ballinteer. Overall it was a big success and the weather allowed us to capture some great scenes as producers/film crew are attempting to recreate the experience of Anne's visit to Purgatory.... See some behind the scene pictures here on our webpage... (Click Here)


Also, we continue to make the writings available in new lanuages and electronic forms. We have two of the Volumes available now on Kindle in French and we have made Mist of Mercy, in English, available too. You can check them out on the Amazon Store in the Kindle Books section or link here to check out Mist of Mercy in e-book form. (Click Here) 


Our most recent event was in Glendalough, Ireland where Anne and Fr. Darragh visited with Fr. Thaddeus Doyle, writer and publisher of the Curate's Diary, and a packed congregation in his "God's Cottage" chapel nestled in the heart of beautiful Glendalough glacial valley, renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest. Fr. Darragh con-celebrated Mass and had a Eucharistic Holy Hour with Fr. Thaddeus and Anne gave two talks to visitors, many of whom were brand new to the mission. You are welcome to see some pics here... (Click Here)


Also, we continue to attract new facebook lay apostles to like our page and get daily quotes, updates and other early announcements from the mission. You can subscribe to our page by clicking here... (Click Here)


You may also have read the latest letter from Anne, in which she presents to you our beautiful title for Our Lady, Queen of the Church. If you have missed out on this letter it is also available on our website here... (Click Here)

Please keep our Mission in your prayers as we continue to complete all of our upcoming projects. Also, please keep in mind all of the students getting ready to travel to Ireland for our upcoming School of Holiness 2013 starting June 1st. We are very excited to host them and very trusting that Jesus will bless all of us through these students.
  

Happy Friday and have a lovely weekend,


Our Lady, Queen of the Church....
Pray for us!








Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Our Lady, Queen of the Church


From Anne, a lay apostle, sent today:


Dear lay apostles, 

I offer you the following writing regarding Mary, our mother. Clearly, I have obtained the permission necessary to make this available at this time. I believe that by appealing to Our Lady, Queen of the Church, we will receive enormous assistance with our important work of renewal in the Church. Please feel free to share this writing.   

Additionally, we are preparing the release of Volume Eight, so perhaps by September or thereabouts we will be offering that to you as well. 


Our Lady, Queen of the Church


Mary, our Mother, has many titles. One of them is Mother of the Church. In this beautiful reference we see that maternity and protection come from Our Lady as she ministers to the Body of Christ serving on earth.

In this time, the Church is challenged to move into a dynamic period of renewal. Renewal will require each Catholic to attach himself to the ever present power of the Holy Spirit and allow God to draw from him graces of love and evangelisation. Only an active and co-responsible laity can ensure swift advance in this regard. This change is necessary if the Church is to respond positively and decisively to the confusion experienced by God’s children in the face of both subtle and direct challenges to our Way. While, as Catholics, we seek to obtain and to retain the freedom to practice our faith, we must also consider that we believe Christianity has the obligation in the world to represent God’s highest hopes for the dignity of humanity.

This is a serious obligation.  

For this reason and this purpose, it would seem that the Lord would be pleased if His most holy mother became known as Our Lady, Queen of the Church. Venerated in this way, she will intercede with specific graces for the protection and growth of the Church on earth. The Church will benefit through Mary’s dignity as Queen of the Church, but also through her influence and authority as Queen of the Church. Honouring the feminine authority of Mary as Queen will provide for all Catholics a spotless call, drawing them further into service in the Church, not as passive participants but as meaningful and active contributors who, like Mary, can help protect the course of all of humanity by humble service to the King’s wishes through fidelity to the Magisterium.

Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Saints, Queen of Angels, Queen of Peace and Queen of Heaven and Earth is already, by virtue of being the mother of the King, a Queen. Created by the Father to remain immaculate, she chose never to be separated from the will of the Trinity and it is for this reason that she should be venerated as Queen of the Church. Who, like Mary, can draw God’s children back into purity as a reciprocal gift of love to the Father? Who, like Mary, can properly model the necessary strength and humility of women as they live out their commitments to Jesus Christ our King?
Mary, mother of the King, can be an approachable first stop for those seeking reconciliation with the Sacramental life of the Church and her intercession as Queen of the Church during this period will restore many to the Sacraments.

There are those who express a feminine wound in the Church. Certainly, the times prompt equality and dignity between men and women. In heaven there is most assuredly this equality and dignity which we desire on earth but imperfectly strive to achieve. By offering the truth about Mary’s role in the Church, that is, acknowledging her Queenship therein, we will help to heal people from a wound and direct them to a model. We will more brightly illuminate an existing path. By venerating Mary as Queen of the Church, we will allow God to teach us more about the complementarity of the genders.

It is hoped that the woman entering service to the Church will view herself, like Mary, as essential to the life and growth of the Church. The woman entering service to the Church will recognise the beauty of complementarity as essential to the spread of the Gospel Message.

It is hoped that the man entering service to the Church will view himself as a bold proclaimer of Jesus Christ in the world as well as in the Church, and as someone who acts with Jesus to protect and defend Mary, the Queen of the Church. The man entering service to the Church will recognise and defend the essential role of women, not only in the Church but also in the world and, so preciously, in the family.

Clearly, God reveals Himself and His plan for the Church into the Church over time. The preparation of the Bride of Christ advances and into each time God sends the remedies and protection for all challenges to the proper development of the Church. We, as Catholics, must be alert to the Spirit who seeks to both defend and advance in that we simultaneously protect what is truth and advance further into that truth. In other words, further development in the present of that which we have received in the past is no threat, and indeed, only verifies the true nature of our beliefs.

Therefore, with confidence in God’s presence in this historical period of time, we respond to what we believe is His desire that Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Saints, Queen of Angels, Queen of Peace and Queen of Heaven and Earth also be venerated as Our Lady, Queen of the Church.

With love,

Anne, a lay apostle


Seeing From the Other Side

There is no doubt in my mind I love Jesus. Despite incidences in my life, I know they were all to get me to where I am now. I have no regrets anymore. I used to look at choices I've made as failures on my part. But truly, they were all necessary on my journey to Christ. With my eyes wide open and the veil lifted, I try to see everything through His Eyes. I must admit, this isn't always easy. Observing others who say they love Christ yet display behavior in complete opposition is troubling. My first thought is "if they only knew Him better, the intentional behavior or attitude would be an embarrassment." And then I pray for them. I pray to see from their perspective. I pray God gives me the graces to say the right thing without judgement. We are all on a unique journey to heaven. We haven't walked a mile in another's shoes, only our own. I have come to the conclusion I can only change me. And, continue to live by example.

Todays Gospel (Mark 9:38-40) is very clear . . . there is good in those who speak His name:

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

In the Monthly Message of September 2010, Jesus asks us to see others through His Eyes:


"I want you to be holy. I can bring the greatest amount of mercy into the world if My beloved friends help Me. Be disinterested when the enemy of unity brings you reasons to disagree with those around you. Be interested when your Jesus begs you to overlook the flaws of others and serve alongside them in harmony. Dear apostles, we have nothing without unity. Our campaign of love will only be successful if we concentrate on love. Love overcomes everything, even the most profound suffering. Because, when one of God’s children has nothing and he is bereft, the smallest bit of love is like the greatest feast. I, your Jesus, am now a beggar. I am begging you to love. Allow Me to see to justice because only I am equipped to pass judgement. You must see to loving, despite any wounds you have suffered. I am the greatest victim of injustice so I am the best consoler. Bring your suffering to Me and I will send you away with love, which you will then continue to distribute on My behalf. Be serious about My work, dear apostles. It is important."

Lay apostles, seeing from the other side can be quite challenging! But if we absorb the words of Christ in the Gospel and Monthly Message above, all we have to do is love, not try to "fix" another person because they don't see eye to eye with us. Just as I have my unique experiences, so do you; so does he; so does she.  Take a step back. He will use every ounce of love we show to save souls.

Thank you, Lord, for Your words of wisdom. Please continue to remind me when I slip, You know what You are doing!

God bless,
Bonnie

Monday, May 20, 2013

Dedication to Prayer

Jay's sister just returned from a retreat in Hulbert, Oklahoma. Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek Monastery is where this bundle of energy spent the last 10 days . . . in peace and solitude and prayer. Driving her home from the airport around midnight last night, she had so much to share about her trip. She spent most of her time in prayer. She didn't miss a Mass. She lived as the monks and cloistered nuns live on a daily basis. She was blessed to hear Holy Mass and the Divine Office celebrated in Latin and sung in Gregroian Chant. One of the most important things she took away from this experience . . . reverence for the Holy Eucharist. Reading the brochures this morning about the monastery, I am so thankful for the men and women dedicating their lives unselfishly in prayer for all of us on the outside. I read the following and had to share its beauty:

The Purpose in America


The contemplative religious life, wholly dedicated to prayer, is a rarity in our active, contemporary world. This world changes rapidly - and, indeed, at times it seems that change is the only constant. People will always have, however, a profound need for faith and the culture that derives from faith. They need a place in which they can reconnect with creation and with the silent center of their own being, where God awaits them. The monastery is such a place.

Todays Gospel (Mark 9:14-29) teaches us prayer is always the answer:

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him.  He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”  They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around  and foam at the mouth.  Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”  He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

In Volume Five, Jesus encourages us to pick up our cross for Him, and get to work:

"There is work to be done. Souls must be brought back to My heart and it is through you, My servants, that I will do that. My mother stands ready to assist you in everything. Pray now, always. Offer every task, however humble, to Me in the spirit of prayer and it will become a divine ransom for a soul who is tumbling about in the darkness of your world. Offer Me every task and I can use each one to provide comfort and strength to a good and holy soul who is being attacked by the enemy. Are you sweeping the floor? Are you driving your car? Give those things to Me in prayer, little children. I will use them. You live for Me. Give Me everything in your life and I can perform the greatest of feats with the humblest of tasks."

Lay apostles, being called to the religious life is definitely a calling. It isn't my calling, but as I read about the lives of these monks, it evokes the need to become even more focused on my spiritual and prayer life. Take the time to read about the monastery and the men praying for you. Give Him everything, and He will save souls.

Thank you, Lord, for Mo arriving home safely and sharing the beauty of life in the monastery. Thank you for showing me a way of life I must strive to emulate.

God bless,
Bonnie

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Clarity in Time . . .


Guest blogger: Jay

Recently, a buddy reminded me of a M-A-S-H episode where Hawkeye Pierce learned that a young soldier, working as one of his medics, had used a false ID in order to join the Army. Hawkeye had a dilemma he proceeded to discuss and work through with fellow surgeon Trapper John during the show.  In the end, the viewers see the very angry young man being sent home. The camera then scans back to a very calm and peaceful Hawkeye Pierce . . . who turning and walking back to work . . . jocosely shares with Trapper John that he hopes the young man is mad at him . . . for a very long and healthy life. Sometimes we don’t understand what our leaders or superiors are doing. Sometimes we are angry at their decisions. Sometimes all we are able to see is a small piece of the overall picture . . . and it does not make sense.

These are the times where we may need to blindly follow . . . because we trust their leadership. We believe them to be wise and integrous . . . and are willing to follow. In todays Gospel (John 21:20-25), Peter asks Jesus a very logical question . . . and Jesus responds in a way that perplexes Peter:

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?  You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.


In Heaven Speaks About Addictions, St. Barnabas assures we will understand:


"Your role in the Kingdom will become clear to you and you will use this clarity to illuminate others. Think back on your life to those who have helped you through difficulties. These souls were serving heaven. You must do the same. There are many souls whom you are destined to assist."

Lay Apostles, I once heard it said that trying to understand God’s plan . . . and this life . . . can be very much like viewing a tapestry from the back side. Some things make sense . . . but a large portion appears messy, knotted, and gnarled. How could any of this ever make sense? The speaker went on to say he believed one day we’d be allowed to view the tapestry turned around and not only would it make perfect sense, it would be spectacular.

Father, thank you for all the blessings you continue to give us every day. The blessings we understand . . . as well as the others that make absolutely no sense to us at this point in time. Please help us to trust You completely in this journey. We look forward to the day we see the spectacular.

In humility and gratitude,
Jay

Friday, May 17, 2013

Direction for Our Times email today

Thanks, Anne and all of DFOT for your support over the years!  I love you all!




Book Review and School of Holiness update



Dear lay apostles,

We at DFOT are pleased to recommend a book written by lay apostle, Tom Peterson, from Catholics Come Home.  Lay apostles, you will find this book filled with beautiful stories and insights about the time in which we live. Tom’s story alone makes compelling reading. Catholics Come Home has found the way to meet people where they are and in this book he tells us how. We are all so grateful for Tom’s ministry and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book. It’s full of stories, which I love.  It definitely needed to be written and Tom has done it!



We are also happy to tell you about the book, Heavenly Healing, which was released in paperback a few years ago and is now available on Kindle. Written by lay apostle, Bonnie Young, Heavenly Healing assembles the stories of many lay apostles and shares the blessings they received from the Volumes. 



Other good reading can be found on Bonnie’s blog Adventures of a Lay Apostle at:




The release of Bonnie’s book on Kindle begins what we believe will be a blessed new endeavor which will provide adjunct spiritual reading, for lay apostles, by lay apostles. More about that later. 

In the meantime, we are all working away to prepare for the School of Holiness which is coming up quickly. Following is an update from Justin.

Love from,
Anne,  a lay apostle


As the School of Holiness is just around the corner we are feeling your prayers and are thankful for them! We have successfully raised $12,580 and are seeking assistance for an additional $2,670. This will ensure that all our costs are covered. A HUGE thank you to those of you who have donated, once again, we couldn't have done it without you!

-Justin Sofio,
Direction for Our Times

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Repetition Can Be a Good Thing

My grandson Colton loves repetitious songs. But his tastes change, sometimes on a weekly basis. Last week, it was "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." This week, I can put him to sleep singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" over and over. Yesterday, I forgot his song for the week and started singing some old standbys. He just fussed and fidgeted, trying to twist out of my arms. Then it dawned on me . . . I wasn't singing the right song! So I began a five minute solo of "Itsy Bitsy Spider," and in no time he was out cold. Maybe it's the constant vibration of my voice as he lays his head against my chest as he falls asleep; maybe it's the melody of the song. Whatever it is, as I look at this beautiful baby boy comforted by his grammie's singing, all is perfect in the world. A little repetition never hurt anyone, and I would sing it for an hour straight if Colty could stand it! I love this little boy!!!


My little buddy!

In todays Gospel (John 21:15-19), Jesus uses a little repetition with His disciple to get His point across:

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;  but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

In Volume Seven, St. Matthew has this advice when we tend to repeat mistakes over and over:


"He is your closest friend. He is your everpresent advisor. Think of your current problems. What does Jesus say about these problems? What is His opinion? What does He want you to do about these struggles or conflicts? If you do not know the answer, you are not doing it right. Spend time in silence with Him and ask Him. I lived like this. All day long I said, “Jesus, what would You like me to do? Jesus, how are You going to handle this?” He will give you the answer and you will reach His goal of behaving as another Christ in the world. Brothers and sisters, we do not wish to bore you by repeating lessons. But because we are also experienced with humanity, we know that often you must learn the same lessons over and over. Repetition and practice bring perfection. We know that. We learned it the old fashioned way which was by making the same mistakes and relearning these important lessons. Jesus is with you. Jesus will never leave you. Do not be afraid and do not make any decisions without His counsel."

Lay apostles, do you keep making the same mistakes and saying to yourself you will never do that again? Then, find yourself caving in to the same behavior you swore off? Stop. Ask yourself the same questions St. Matthew tells us to ask. Keep Jesus front and center in every little thing you do. Not only does it help to focus thoughts on Him, it helps us to stop certain behaviors which only lead us away from Him. Make decisions based on what He would do in any given situation. Go ahead. Give it a try. It's easier than you think!

Thank you, Lord, for the lesson my 9 month old grandson is teaching me about repetition. Even You had to repeat Yourself to bring comfort to your disciples.

God bless,
Bonnie

Thursday, May 16, 2013

A Place To Hide

A basement. A secret garden. A walk along a riverbank. A place to hide when the world is chaotic. My place to hide when I was young? My bedroom, door locked, with Foreigner blaring so loud I could drown out anything occurring outside of my sanctuary. Somehow the music led me to an escape from my mother's mental illness. It stopped my brain from focusing on what was really going on behind closed doors. As I write this, I realize how lost I was back then. And, I also realize God was protecting me during a period of darkness and despair. Now I take everything to Him first. He is the One who clears my head of chaos and disarray . . . almost instantly a majority of the time. I know I am thinking too much of me when it takes a little longer to overcome dilemas. I still love listening to Foreigner (and you have to blast it, right?). Only now, when I hear Long, Long Way From Home, I am thankful that young girl has finally figured it out.

Todays Responsorial Psalm (PS 16:1-2A and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11) spoke to me. God is my hope. He is my safe haven:

R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.” O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. 

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

In Volume Two, Jesus assures us though we don't see Him, He never leaves our side:

"I am with My children. My presence is silent but constant. I am directing many of the seemingly unimportant events in your lives, so that My will can be accomplished. My children are practicing faith, and that pleases Me. But My protection is so great that My children could have an infinite amount of faith in Me and still more would be justified. My faithful ones, who are struggling to serve Me and be holy, please trust Me for I am with you. I have pledged My protection to you and I will not leave you vulnerable. Offer Me small little prayers when you are frightened or unsure and I will place My calming hands upon you, steadying and reassuring you. You will look back at this time of service to Me and you will be so grateful that you said “yes” to your God. My children, you will look upon so many souls sharing eternity with you who would be absent if not for your service. Can you imagine the joy you will share with these souls? So be brave and continue in My service, walking the path I have illuminated before you. It is there you will find your peace and your key to eternity."

Lay apostles, where is your place to hide? Do you run to alcohol to numb? Drugs to escape? Negative people to commiserate with? Or, do you run to Him and trust He will work everything out? Choose Him . . . it works every time!

Thank you, Lord, for the trust You have placed in my heart. Things may not be in my timing, but ultimately, You have never let me down!

God bless,
Bonnie