Volume Three Audio CD Now Available

To Purchase Volume 3 click here.

Part One: God the Father Speaks to His Children

Part Two: The Blessed Mother Speaks to Her Bishops and Priests.

Anne speaks about Volume Three and our relationship with God the Father 

Click each photo to view the video

Video # 1

Video #2 

Have you been blessed through the Volumes? Please help others receive these words by donating a dollar a day. Your donation makes a big difference. 

Direction for Our Times (DFOT) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading God's messages as revealed in the Volumes.

Make The World Move

There is a song written by Cee Lo Green and sung by Christina Aguilara called Make the World Move. The song has a fast tempo, and the words may get lost in all the theatrics of her performance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VUcO_f2H38). 

But when you slow it down, and hear the message, it's beautiful:

Fight the darkness, sing the song

Move it Move it Move it Move it

If one smile could erase a frown

Imagine what two could do (turn it up)

And if one voice could change a heart

Imagine what two could do (turn it up hey)

The time is now

No time to wait

Turn up the love

Turn down the hate

Turn up the love

Turn down the hate (hey) . . . .

Basically, we have the graces, through Christ, to change the world. Our actions must speak louder than our words, lay apostles! It's never too late to begin loving instead of hating. To be tolerant instead of merciless. Let the Word of God take root within your soul . . . today.

In todays Gospel (Mark 4:1-20), does Jesus speak in parables to confuse, or to get us actively involved? 

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.  Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once  and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

In Volume Ten, Jesus reminds us to take action now:

"As I prepared My original apostles to begin My beautiful Church on earth, I now commission you to reclaim My beautiful Church. You have such great heavenly assistance. When I speak of My Church, I am speaking of the body of the Church, comprised of its people. You are to call them back to the safety of the family of God. I send you out as I sent out the first group. You are to speak freely of Me. If a soul rejects Me, hold no malice for that soul. Simply pray for them and move along, seeking out another. Often you are like a farmer sowing seeds. I, Myself, must reap the harvest. This should not concern you because to insist on reaping what you have sown in this instance is not appropriate. Sometimes God is needed to ignite the divine. Use My words, dear little apostles. Spread them everywhere. Keep your words limited and allow Me to claim the soul. You will soften the soul by loving the person. Your love and your example can predispose a soul so that I can find the opening I need. What joy is there in this work! How satisfying is a rescue mission when souls are saved. And they will be saved, do not fear. You will be successful, but only I can measure your success. You are successful now, are you not? You are following My will. You are working for the Kingdom."

Lay apostles, it never fails. The minute I try to take things into my own hands, chaos begins to whirl. I can get the whirling to stop much quicker these days . . . only by calling His Name for assistance. He needs us for this mission. Every one of us! How can we participate? Show love. Be a beacon of light in the dark. Give someone a Volume today. Discuss the Gospel and what it means to you. He wants our success and promises to give it by following Him!

Thank you, Lord, for challenges, and the peace and calm You provide when I ask for it. I know I don't always hear You right away, but thanks for Your persistence!

God bless,
Bonnie

DFOT Upcoming Events February 2015

Brief video from Anne on Adult Faith Formation and School of Holiness 

Click HERE for video





Registration for both these events is underway and filling up.


AFF Information click HERE


SOH information click HERE


Note to Irish lay apostles: 

Direction for Our Times has been asked by the organisers of the Divine Mercy Conference not to come this year. Clearly, we will be remaining home and will not have a stand. It is important to note that all DFOT materials have an Imprimatur and that we have attended the conference for ten years. If you have any questions, please call the office. - Fr. Darragh Connolly










Have you been blessed through the Volumes? Please help others receive these words by donating a dollar a day. Your donation makes a big difference.



Direction for Our Times (DFOT) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading God's messages as revealed in the Volumes.

We Are All One Body

This past weekend at Mass, we sang one of my favorite songs, We Are Many Parts, written by Marty Haugen. Here are a few of the lyrics:

We are many parts, we are all one body,

and the gifts we have we are given to share.

May the Spirit of love make us on in deed;

one, the love that we share,

one, our hope in despair,

one, the cross that we bear.

Not only is the melody beautiful, but the words imply a unity only God can create between us when we live our lives for His Glory. We all have our crosses to bear. But knowing and accepting that suffering is just part of our journey toward Christ . . . toward eternity . . . it is critical we have the love and support of our family, friends and church community. Most importantly, we must BE the light we hope to see in the world. Live for Him, lay apostles, and everything becomes a little easier to bear.

In todays Gospel (Mark 3:31-35), Jesus demonstrates there are no favorites in the eyes of God:

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

In Volume One, Jesus challenges us to unity with Him, so to shine His Light to others:

"Be an example of peace to your brothers and sisters so that they, too, may desire union with Me. That is the challenge to My followers. If you have a peaceful countenance, you reflect Me, your Savior. Others see this and desire it. ‘What is it about that person?’ they ask. If you are a follower, your holiness will shine from within you and that is what they will identify. Be at peace. Fear is not from Me and does not draw you closer to Me. You must strive for confidence in your God. I will be with you, even until the end of time. Your sufferings will console you greatly later, when you join Me. You will never be sorry you suffered for your Jesus."

Lay apostles, there is so much pain and suffering occurring all over the world. How can you brighten up someone's day today? How can you spread the messages contained in the Volumes? Change a life for the better by offering hope. We are many parts, we are all one body.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me how to offer everything up to You, good and bad. Thank you for the graces bestowed upon me to offer hope and love when others are in need.

God bless,
Bonnie

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say

A few years ago when my oldest daughter was visiting, we began reminiscing about teenage years.  Never a dull moment with three girls! Of course, with me being the fourth female in the house, it seemed every week one of us experiencing our "monthly" visit from . . . well, you know what I mean. Someone was always a little cantankerous. Foul language was not permitted (although it would slip out once in a while with a defiant look on their faces!). But the slips of foul language didn't upset me like the phrase "I hate you." Mallorie and I laughed as she remembered my reaction when she hurled those horrible words at me the first time. She said my face got red, and in a raised voice (although she would say I was screaming!) said "I never want to hear that come out of your mouth again! You do not hate me, you love me. I am your mother!" She said my reaction to "I hate you" was the most intense reaction compared to anything she ever got in trouble for.  I know she didn't hate me. And I wanted her (and her sisters) to know we were not the kind of family who used the "hate" word. After all, hate is from the evil one. He wants nothing more than to draw you away from the love of God. I can't remember if Mal only said it that first time or used it when she really wanted to make me angry, but I know we all love each other and are as close as a mother and her daughters can be.  Remember, say what you mean. And, mean what you say.

In todays Gospel (Mark 3:22-30), Jesus warns us to be careful what we say:

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus,  “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables,  “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself,  that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided,  he cannot stand;  that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property  unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.  Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies  that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit  will never have forgiveness,  but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” 

In the Monthly Message of July 2005, Jesus requests we lead our youth directly to Him by our actions and words:

"Today I cry out to young people. Young souls are the cherished jewels in the Kingdom of God on earth. The formation of these souls must be treated with reverence. Each individual in the Kingdom bears a responsibility to young souls, even if it is simply through setting an example of Christian living. Dear children of God, you are accountable for the impact of your actions and each sin carries an impact, however unnoticeable. Search your life and you will discover where I am asking you to assist young people. Many children live in families lacking a parent. Perhaps I am asking you to share your Christianity with those children in order to be a role model. Dear souls, in most cases, young people learn how to be adults by watching others. So your life, the model of your living out your walk with Me, has impact. Your life can be something which a child can measure sin against. Think of a holy person you knew while you were growing up. Now remember back to a time when you saw others committing acts that were unholy. Did you not recognize that these acts would not be acceptable to this holy person? Sometimes it is simply speech. There are certain people near whom you will be careful about what you say. I am asking you to become one of those people. I want others to take note of your presence and know that Jesus should not be insulted. I want others to understand that your Church should not be unjustly vilified in your presence. In short, I want others to know that when you are present, I am present. They will then use you as the standard against which they measure their actions. You must stand for Me."

Lay apostles, carefully choose your words around our young people. Every once in a while, something comes out of my mouth which I regret immediately.  And I am not a cursing person. I am working on eradicating it from my vocabulary. How about you?

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to be careful with words. Help me to promote You with what I say, not evil's agenda. 

God bless,

Bonnie

What Part Are You Going To Play?

Roles. We all have them. Christian, Catholic, Wife/husband, mother/father, daughter/son, sister/brother, aunt/uncle, friend, etc. We each have a unique role given to us by our Heavenly Father. As much as I would like to say I can do it all, I can't. But, I can do my part. It takes teamwork to bring about change. It takes action. It's about surrounding yourself with teammates running in the same direction . . . up the mountain of holiness, watching each others backs. Christ sees our potential better than we do. So, how are you going to help carry out His Mission in the time you have remaining on this earth? What part are you going play? 

In todays Gospel (Mark 3:13-19) Jesus saw something special in each of the Twelve He chose, trusting in them to build His Church: 

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted  and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;  Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she speaks of our very important roles as men and women:

"Oh how heaven rejoices when men and women comply and submit to their roles in the family, supporting their spouses to the fullest extent. This beautiful exercising of the call of vocation brings so many graces to the world. St. Teresa of Avila once said, “If women were what they should be, men could be what they should be.” A holy woman will draw gentle leadership from her husband. When this occurs that woman will breathe a sigh of relief and get on with her own work instead of fighting for a dominant position in the family." 

Lay apostles, the role we play in showing others all the love and mercy of Our Lord is critical to this rescue mission. My role is that of writer, but more importantly, an example of His Love to all I meet. When you say "yes" to Jesus, hold on tight! He needs complete cooperation of His lay apostles, believing in His Words and His call to action. 

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me the importance of my role in this mission. I will do everything You ask of me . . . but please ask loudly so I don't miss an opportunity!

God bless,
Bonnie

March For Life 2015

Today is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Recently, I communicated with a young unmarried woman who just found out she was pregnant. Although the father and his family insisted on an abortion, this young woman was adamant about keeping the child. She told me God had a plan for her and her baby. I can't tell you how impressed I am with her attitude and her choosing Life over death. Although it is not exactly what she had planned for her life, she could see beyond appearances, beyond what is "acceptable" in our society, and know God doesn't make mistakes. I love this young woman dearly and made sure she knew I was behind her all the way. 

Todays Gospel (Mark 3:7-12) demonstrates Christ's love and mercy for all seeking healing, despite their "follow the crowd" mentality: 

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing,  a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,  from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, it's clear we as parents/grandparents must lead the way in teaching our children to choose God before all else:

"A healthy attitude for any family will be to promote an outpouring of gratitude to God for whatever blessings they have been given—material, spiritual or relational. A positive approach to our faith will teach our children to flow out from Christ generously. As an example, because we believe that God is the author of life and that each life is precious and willed by God, we will teach our children to value life, by understanding that abortion is wrong, of course, and contributing to the support of mothers who face challenging circumstances. Parents, we teach our children to be always for something, rather than always against something. We must be a positive force in the world, drawing others into the stream of goodness and the stream of the emerging Church rather than a negative force which will mark our children as superior and contemptuous. Always compassion, always mercy, always gratitude."

Lay apostles, pray today for all those who are considering abortion. How can you help guide/support a young woman choosing life? There are many ways to show support: visit http://marchforlife.org to see how you can contribute.

Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me of my past and propelling me forward to help those who choose life. 

God bless,
Bonnie
 

What Am I Afraid Of?

People who know me well, know I don't like surprises. I am a researcher by nature, and can find out just about anything with a little effort. I assess every situation I encounter with worst case/best case scenarios. It's a defense mechanism I have developed over the years. My brain automatically deciphers potential outcomes, good and bad. Although I look for the good, it doesn't take long for the warning sirens to go off when something doesn't feel right. If I find physical evidence of anything I suspect, well, let's just say it's hard to control the urge to confront the offender. Tough love has its place. Being a part of this apostolate has taught me to look past the offense to the wounded little boy or girl who is offending. To stop worrying about what others think or say about me. Jesus knows the truth, and fear doesn't come from Him. Fear causes people to act out of character when they let it overwhelm them. And can cause a little damage when allowed to fester. Once you allow evil in, it begins taking up residence if you let it. So, what am I afraid of? Other than swimming in the ocean with sharks, nothing. Worst case scenario on earth is you die . . . which in fact is the best case scenario when you are on track for heaven!

In todays Gospel (Mark 3:1-6), the Pharisees witness a miracle, yet fear prods them to plot against Jesus:

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”  But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.


In Volume Four, Jesus the King gives us the answer to living without fear:

"My children, I am giving you the antidote for grief, for fear, and for anxiety. When you remain in the present, viewing the world with My eyes and from My viewpoint, you have little to concern yourselves with aside from serving Me and allowing Me to work through you. This is the answer to the ills and darkness of your modern world. It is something that requires practice, it is true. But, like any habit, it becomes something quite easy once you are accustomed to doing it. I want each soul to know Me. I can give you this knowledge of Me if you want it but you must allow Me to do so."

Lay apostles, think about a situation which made you angry or uncomfortable. Write it down. And then ponder why it was so upsetting. Worried about losing your job? Your spouse? Your life? Then, as Jesus says in the quote from Volume Four above, view everything through His Eyes. See the fear the enemy is swirling through your head and know, without a doubt, God is in control . . . and we must let Him have it!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me my fears are only my lack of focus on You. Help me to remain in constant communication with You in all matters, allowing You to lead me!

God bless,
Bonnie

Letting Go of the Past

Every day is a new day . . . an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and begin again. The past two weeks have presented some challenges for Jay and me. Seems like the stronger and closer we get to each other and Christ, the attacks on both of us, together and separately, seem to appear when we least expect it. Some are surprising. Others not so much . . . even anticipated. Despite the disappointment when we are attacked, we get through it pretty quickly by talking it out and realizing hurt people hurt others. And then we have a choice to make . . . we can either prolong the hurt by revisiting the injury over and over or wipe the slate clean and begin anew. We choose to begin anew. We choose to forgive. We choose to let go of the past. And pray, pray, pray.

In todays Gospel (Mark 2:18-22), Jesus explains He is the New Covenant (new cloth/new wine) and therefore it isn't necessary to be restricted by Old Covenant (Mosaic Law) rules such as fasting while He is on this earth:

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she gives good advice on how to let go of things which weigh us down:

"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. This tells us that Jesus expects us to cooperate with this process of holiness by relinquishing the things that weigh us down and recommitting daily to the duties of our vocations. We must ask the Lord to help us on each day to let go of our fears and attachments so that we can slip through this door and move into the light of the Divine Will."

Lay apostles, whether someone offended you years or even hours ago, let it go. The past is the past. Forgiving someone doesn't mean you continue to be their punching bag. Forgive and move on. Eliminate toxic people from your lives, but continue to pray for them. The difficulty in the elimination process occurs when it involves family members or friends. This is where boundaries come in. Learn from the past what behavior you will accept in the future. You will then be free to let go of your hurts and continue to focus on God's Will, receiving the joy He will bring into your life by doing so.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching Jay and me to let go of hurts and offenses quickly focusing on the joy You bring into our lives.

God bless,
Bonnie

2015 "Greetings From Heaven" Calendar

Bought these and handed them out this Christmas . . . absolutely wonderful to have beautiful quotes from heaven to remind me how to live Jesus every day! 

 2015 "Greetings From Heaven" Calendar 

  

To order one calendar click here

To order 10 calendars with 25% discount click here

  

  

Library of Anne's monthly talks and other DFOT videos, clickHERE

Have you been blessed through the Volumes? Please help others receive these words by donating a dollar a day. Your donation makes a big difference. 

 

Direction for Our Times (DFOT) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading God's messages as revealed in the Volumes.

Make Me Clean, Lord!

Last night Jay and I had the honor of dinner with our lay apostle prayer group. The love and fellowship we share is special . . . the only way to describe it is heavenly. It's as if, in being a part of this apostolate, we have a sneak peek into eternity. We all share the knowledge and find peace in the words of Jesus given to Anne a lay apostle. We all realize the only way we will assist heaven in saving souls is to be a shining example of His Love on earth. All I can say is . . . Jesus is a Rock Star! To give those of us trying to do our best for Him a group of friends so loving and supportive is beyond anything I could wish for. Jay and I love you guys: Joyce and Paul, Karen and Stan, Judy and Ed. Thank you for standing on the front lines with us for Christ . . . and, for all the laughs (yes, we need to find the movie Heidi and have a movie day!).

Dinner at Origami's in Fort Myers! Awesome sushi!!

Todays Gospel (Mark 1:40-45) makes it clear . . . Jesus can do anything:

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him,  “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

In Anne a lay apostle's new book Transforming Grace, she describes, perfectly I must say, how to stay focused on shining the light on ourselves, not pointing a spotlight at others:

"Because if we are not in a position at this time to follow all of the 'do's and don't's,' that is one thing. We are accepted by Christ in love, no question. Christ sees each of us as a work in progress. But if we assume that everyone who has ordered his or her life to the 'do's and don't's' is a closet Pharisee who judges all day long, then WE are getting it wrong and this is an attitude that is not in keeping with the people Jesus Christ was attracted to during His life."

Lay apostles, what company are you keeping? Are you trying to live Jesus on a daily basis? I don't mean just saying you are a Christian . . . I mean ACTING as Christ did to the best of your ability. Small gestures, actions of compassion, and showing kindness to everyone you come in contact with is what Jesus is asking of us. In a bad mood today? Ask Jesus to "make you clean!" 

Thank you, Lord, for cleaning up my life, providing me a loving husband, family and friends. Please continue to nudge me when the dirt starts accumulating!

God bless,
Bonnie

Adult Faith Formation and School of Holiness 2015

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Register Now for the Following Events:

Adult Faith Formation Weekend

"Becoming Thoughtful Men & Women of God"

 

We are delighted to announce another DFOT Adult Faith Formation weekend.

The speakers will be Anne, a lay apostle, Fr. Darragh Connolly and Margaret McGahon, MSc, MIAHIP. The weekend will have a special focus on contemplative prayer and overcoming mind pollution (noise, distraction, psychological, mental/emotional baggage etc.) which can stunt growth in our vocations and ability to pray.

The curriculum covers content in the area of human and spiritual development necessary to live out our vocations, and will be offered on a continuous basis in the future at our new premises in Kilnacrott.

This is not your average retreat weekend. This is an educational setting where you will be learning about your relationship with yourself, others and God.

Be prepared to take notes, have fun and be creative!

Two opportunities available:


 Justice, Illinois, USA
February 27th- March 1st, 2015
For more information and to register for the Adult Faith Formation weekend in Justice, IL click here or contact Justin, 708-496-9300 or emailjustin@directionforourtimes.org


Cavan, Co. Cavan, Ireland
February 13th-15th, 2015
For information on costs and to register for the Adult Faith Formation Weekend in Cavan, Ireland please contact Emma: +353(0)49-437-3040 or 
contactus@dfot.ie



School of Holiness 2015

Young adults from all over the world come together for three weeks in Cavan, Ireland for a time of learning about their relationship with self, others and God. The three weeks are filled with fun, friendship and our beautiful Catholic faith. The curriculum incorporates human and spiritual development and each day is led by Anne, a lay apostle, Fr. Darragh Connolly and Margaret McGahon MSc, MIAHIP. Field trips and weekend adventures to many places in Ireland are also included.

Cavan, Co. Cavan, Ireland - June 1-20, 2015
To apply for the School of Holiness 2015 please click here

Payment plans are now available. For more information please contact Justin: 708-496-9300 or justin@directionforourtimes.org

 

 

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Direction For Our Times relies on donations to supplement the cost of publishing the messages. Currently, only 40% of the publishing cost is covered by the sale of the books. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. 

 

Direction for Our Times (DFOT) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading God's messages as revealed in the Volumes.

Fame Can Get You Killed

Celebrities have it rough. The pressure from society for non-celebrities is tough enough. But to have every move photographed or videotaped would be exhausting . . . and anger-inducing. So many have turned to drugs and/or alcohol in order to calm themselves and escape. Some to the point of death . . . John Belushi, Chris Farley, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. You know what I wonder when I see these talented people literally killing themselves with abuse of substances? I wonder if God was a part of their life . . . and if things would have turned out differently if they did everything for His Glory. Famous people have the opportunity to impact so many, leading their followers to God. Instead, many demonstrate behaviors leading in the opposite direction. Think about the pressure Jesus was under. Talk about becoming famous! Yet despite the chaos, He continued on with His mission, knowing it would culminate in His Death. A death He didn't choose for Himself. A choice His "fans" made. Do you see the irony? 

The Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) today demonstrates how fast the news of good works can spread. And they killed Him because . . . ? 

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”  Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, the quote she shares from Father Raneiro Cantalamessa basically sums up the problem with our society:

"For almost twenty centuries, Christians have been awaiting the return of the Savior King. Even His own apostles thought they would live to see His return as He had promised. While we pray for His return as an article of faith, “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again,” we no longer truly anticipate Jesus’ return in our hearts, but consider it an event both remote and uncertain in time. Father Raneiro Cantalamessa, preacher to the Pontifical Household, in his homily on the Feast of Christ the King, said: 'A general atmosphere of impunity is established in today’s society, in which there are competitions to break the law, to corrupt and allow ourselves to be corrupted, with the justification that ‘everyone does it.’ Is not this, in a certain  sense, the situation in which we all live? One after the other, the commandments of God are calmly broken, including the ones that say, ‘Thou shall not kill,’ ‘Thou shall not steal,’ ‘Thou shall not commit adultery,’ with the pretext that ‘everyone does it,’ that culture, progress and even human law now allow it. But God has never thought of abolishing the commandments or the Gospel, and this general feeling of security is no more than a fatal deception.'"

Lay apostles, who do you admire? They may be incredibly talented people within their field, but how do they conduct themselves in reality? Are they choosing drugs and alcohol or Christ? Are they using their fame to further His Kingdom or are they making it cool to live a Godless life? I used to give my oldest daughter a hard time about certain actors she refused to spend a dime on at the movie theater because of their liberal political views. I'm thinking she is on to something . . .

Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me unless I'm doing everything for Your Glory, it is not worth doing. 

God bless,

Bonnie

Is It Disobedience?

Secrets and gossip. I despise them. Especially if the gossip is detrimental to another person who is unaware of a situation. Although I am guilty of this sin (as we all are at one time or another), I have learned to avoid joining in the chaos the best I can. How do we respond to the "gossiper" initially?  Do you tell the "gossipee" the slander being spread about them or do you keep it to yourself? Is it disobedience when we don't keep secret what was asked to be kept secret? I don't know what the right answer is to any of those questions, but I know how I respond now. The gossiper usually gets an encouraging word about the "gossipee" from me. Focus on the positive. Or, I keep my mouth shut. I try to assess the pros and cons of revealing the information to the "gossipee." If the information can create a positive outcome for the person being talked about, then it can be appropriate. But if it is information which could cause catastrophe, I take it to prayer. Sometimes what we don't know doesn't hurt us. 

In the Gospel (Luke 5:12-16) today, Jay and I have differing viewpoints on what happened.  Read and see what you think:

It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”  Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”  And the leprosy left him immediately.  Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”  The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Jay believes Jesus asked the leper not to tell anyone because He knew our human nature leans toward telling the world about something miraculous. He feels it wasn't disobedience but God's Will to spread the word about Our Savior.  I think the leper was disobedient to Jesus. After word spread about the leper's healing, Jesus became a celebrity who couldn't walk into a town without being recognized. He didn't listen to what Jesus asked. So, He had to retreat to "deserted places to pray."  I see Jay's point. But, in my heart I feel any disobedience to Jesus is just that . . . disobedience. What do you think? Comments would be greatly appreciated!

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, I love the following quote and advice to make sure what comes out of our mouthes furthers the Kingdom . . . not evil:

"In moments of useless communication when we are not in communion with Jesus, the enemy can come with temptation. Our talk is then subject to a dark influence. Our talk can then become subject to the enemy’s plan. In many ways and on many occasions we have furthered the plan of Satan through talking and other forms of communication that are not willed by heaven. Better we be mute than assist Satan in tearing down what the Lord attempts to build. Many things can happen in useless talking and random communication. Often what happens is destructive gossip. Before any communication, therefore, we must seek to determine if Jesus wants us to communicate. Is Jesus asking us to make this communication? Many times and probably most times the answer will be ‘No’. Jesus needs only the smallest percentage of the communications we make."

Lay apostles, do you find yourself gossiping or responding to others' negative gossip? If you are or do, stop it now. Reread the quote from Anne above. Even better (this idea just came to me!), print out the above quote to hand to the next gossiper you come across.  Or, print it out for yourself if you have a gossiping problem. Nothing like a little reminder of the damage gossip can render in an already struggling world. 

Thank you, Lord, for the words from Anne above. I will print them off straightaway and carry them with me as a reminder to myself and others to stay focused on You. 

God bless,

Bonnie

Pitying Others

*Repost from 2013:

I am not a cat person (although, I do love Rocky and Burke, my oldest daughter's cats when I visit DC). A few nights ago, while Jay and I were having dinner, a pesky cat I've seen hanging around my house suddenly appeared at my patio door. My first instinct was to jump up and shoo him away as I have done in the past. But as he peered in the window, I noticed he was missing an eye.  Darn it! Poor thing was homeless and missing an eye. Flashes of me feeding him and acquiring a new pet quickly evaporated when I remembered how allergic I am to cats (I live on Benadryl when I stay with my daughter!). But I did pity the poor little guy and feel moved to be compassionate the next time he comes around. Would it be a mistake to put kitty food in a bowl in my backyard? 

In the Gospel reading (Mark 6:34-44) today, Jesus shows just how much He loves every one of us, despite lack of love for Him. It's kind of like the cat . . . he showed his weakness leading to more compassion from me:

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late.  Dismiss them so that they can go  to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”  He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” 

But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”  And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.”  So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass.  The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties.  Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven,  he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all.  They all ate and were satisfied.  And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.  Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

In the Monthly Message of November 2007, Jesus continues to demonstrate patience in waiting for us to love Him:

"My heart is moved to such pity for those who do not seek Me. Let your heart also be moved to pity. Show constant compassion, never judgement, to those who do not understand what they lack. I am trying to show you, My beloved apostle, that you have begun a journey that must be taken by each person who will spend eternity in the family of God. If others delay the journey, that is their affair. My beloved apostles understand that this journey, the journey to holiness, is the most important journey they will ever take. This is your first priority, My friends. Continue to make your pledge and I will see to it that you become holier."

Lay apostles, are you treating others with compassion? At times people (or animals!) can become very annoying. But in reality, aren't they just needy of love and understanding? We can pity others as Jesus does . . . without judgement. We can recognize the weakness and understand we have all been there at some point in our lives. Today, show some understanding in a difficult encounter or situation. A little bit of love goes a long way!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me that pitying others doesn't mean judgement of the person. For every ounce of compassion I show, the closer I come to the holiness You aspire me to achieve.

God bless,

Bonnie