Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Reflections

If I only knew then what I know now.  How many times have you uttered those words when contemplating your past?  Sometimes when I think of all the mistakes I've made in my lifetime, it makes me shudder.  But then I see my oldest daughter dreamily float out of the dressing room in her wedding gown and I know God has forgiven my past and blessed me with more riches than I could possibly imagine.  The beauty in moments of joy is usually brief due to worry about one thing or another, distracted by the worldly pull.   But as I prepare for my daughter's upcoming wedding, amid the stress of my role as wedding coordinator, God continually reminds me to stay focused on what is important about this event - the Sacrament of Marriage.

Please, Lord, help me to see Your beauty in everything, despite challenges along the way.

God bless,
Bonnie



  

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Time passes quickly

Life has been a whirlwind for me lately and blogging was, unfortunately, on the back burner.  The last few weeks have given light to the evangelization of the DFOT mission.  The need for prayer can show up in the strangest places and when you least expect it.  One of my prayer group members, Veronique, and I met at the Blackhawk Coffee shop in Bell Tower so I could fill her in on what was discussed the prior day at a group meeting.  We were engrossed in conversation and Veronique, in her beautiful French accent, asked if I would be comfortable praying in public. "Absolutely," I told her and she quickly grabbed both of my hands.  Now, let me stop here for a moment before I go further.  I have to tell you, Veronique is one of those people able to articulate a spontaneous prayer so eloquently that it is mesmerizing.  As she prayed for me, I began to get choked up.  All I could think was the Lord sure answered my prayers when I asked Him to surround me with friends who love Him as I do.   He has blessed me in abundance.  

Now, back to the coffee shop.  When Veronique finished praying, an older woman approached us and asked Veronique if she was a healer.  We just looked at each other and giggled.  "No, she said, we were just praying." She asked if we could pray for her as she was struggling with life at the moment.  The woman sat down between us and began describing her situation.  She was Islamic and Veronique clarified she would be praying in the name of Jesus Christ.  The woman had no problem with that and Veronique began.  After thanking and hugging both of us, she left, hopefully with some peace in her heart.  We were amazed, agreeing the Lord put her in our path that day.  The Lord never ceases to amaze me!

On another note, I am still looking for testimonies to be posted or emailed to me as I have told the publisher we would have the book together by the end of September or October.  So...I REALLY need the testimonies soon!  Here is an example of how Volume One affected my thirteen year old niece:

This Book Has Changed My Life By:
1. I have a closer relationship with God, Jesus and Mary.
2. I have learned a lot about living by not to be mean to anyone because they are God's child.
3. I believe in God, Jesus and Mary so much more than I did a long time ago.
4. Anne has inspired me to learn more about God, Jesus and Mary.
5. My Aunt and my Mom have inspired me to read more of Anne's books.
6. Now that my Mom has been reading Anne's book I pray every night.
7. I feel I am closer to God, Jesus and Mary.
8. I am more thankful for my life.

There is more to her testimony, but this says it all.  One small book opened a new world for a young girl in desperate need of the Lord.  Just think of how this can touch everyone in your life.  All you need to do is plant the seed and let Jesus work within that soul from there.  

Thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to do Your work here on earth.  Guide my path today and everyday so that I may provide the smallest bit of comfort to those in need of Your love and compassion.

Blessings,
Bonnie S.