A Lesson in Parenting

From a motherly perspective, it's very difficult to watch children struggle with life issues, especially as adults. Most Christian parents pray their children grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful with Christ as their center. Some stay on track, but some stray off the path. Contemplating my younger days, I find myself apologizing to my parents (in heaven) for all the heartache I must have caused in my teen years. Although most of my bad behavior was to escape my dysfunctional home . . . a mother with severe mental illness and a father who just wanted to escape, I try to imagine how out of control my mother must have felt when she saw the damage I inflicted upon myself during the tough times in our family. It must have broken her heart that there was nothing she could do, just as it breaks mine when one of our daughters suffers. But we must follow the example of the Blessed Mother after she received the gut-wrenching news in today's Gospel. Despite hearing the dreadful words regarding Jesus's fate (and hers as well), she stayed connected to God knowing all the pain and suffering would bring about New Life. Just as our children have life lessons to learn and grow, we must remember to stay focused on Christ, trusting He is using these experiences to draw them closer to Him, just as our own life lessons have brought us to where we are today. 

Today's Gospel (Luke 2:33-35) is a lesson in parenting . . . stay strong and keep praying:

Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

In Volume Five, Jesus assures that if we offer our concerns to Him, He will use them to lead us to live holier lives:

"Dear souls, conduct yourselves with dignity. Be calm and recollected. Be thoughtful in everything and make decisions prayerfully, always seeking My counsel. I do not want My followers to be overly excited. I do not want My followers to spread bad news in order to incite hysteria.
There are changes coming, yes, but these changes are necessary and your Jesus is always looking out for the best possible environment for your soul to develop the greatest degree of holiness. I will see to every situation that you give Me control over. Be in the habit of constantly
giving Me your concerns and this habit will be then so ingrained that during difficult times, the practice will come naturally."

Lay apostles, are you struggling with something today? If you are, ask Jesus to take control of the situation. Pray for heavenly assistance every time that issue pops into your head. It's surprising how much relief heaven is ready to provide if we just ask. 

Thank you, Lord, for being the salve for my heart when difficulties arise. I know my children are in Good Hands. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Jesus Doesn't Condemn . . . He Saves

Rejection of God and faith is rampant in the news and social media . . . some comments outright, some disguised as human rights. As much as this can be discouraging, it ultimately is calling all Christians to action. How can we make a difference in this world? Seems like a feat too big to tackle alone, but alas . . . we are not alone! Jesus promises us He is always by our side. And that gives me the confidence to go out into the world spreading Christ's Love to the best of my ability. It may be in a kind word to a stranger, kissing a boo-boo on my grandson's knee, apologizing when I misspeak. Whatever my small part in this life entails, I want to live it as He wishes. Reading the Volumes pretty much spells it out as does the Bible. Any effort for Christ doesn't go unrecognized . . . by Him, and those we encounter on a daily basis.

In reading today's Gospel (John 3: 13-17), I find myself looking for opportunities to shine His Light:

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

In the Monthly Message from September 2011, Jesus provides food for my soul to continue serving Him:

"It is with joy that I speak with you today. When I contemplate your fidelity to My plan for mercy, I feel joy. When I contemplate your fidelity to holiness, I feel joy. Do not pause in your commitment to becoming holier. This calm movement into the Spirit of gentleness and kindness should help you to view others with compassion, yes, but also yourself. Do you view yourself with compassion? Do you offer kindness and mercy toward yourself when you contemplate your condition? My friends, My dearest friends, be careful to view yourself as I view you. Be careful not to view yourself in harsh light that seeks to condemn. If you are tempted against mercy for yourself, then truly, you are tempted against truth. Because it is only with mercy and love that I greet your
present condition and your attempts to advance in holiness. I am love. I could hardly ask you to love others and then withhold love from you. That would be a flawed plan, destined to fail. My plan is perfect. I give you a receptive heart, you receive My love in abundance, and then stand for Heaven to be a well on earth which both stores and distributes love. Beloved apostle, search your heart today. If you do not find mercy and compassion for yourself in your heart, come to Me at once and ask Me to give these things to you. My plan for you and for the world will not advance as quickly as necessary if you do not accept your present condition and understand My perfect love for you. Your potential for holiness has not yet been fully achieved, of course, and I want you to advance. And I ask that you do so in confidence, joy and hope. Rejoice. I am with you."

Lay apostles, today let's work on not condemning others flaws and especially our own. We are human and God knows we are imperfect. That's the beauty of it . . . love despite the flaws! Start the kindness within first. It makes loving others a much easier task.

Thank you, Lord, for all the mercy and love You have for Your Children. Please continue to correct my path to Yours when I veer off in the wrong direction!

God bless,

Bonnie