Take Your Faith Seriously

Why do some people thrive on creating chaos instead of spreading love and kindness? Especially those professing great faith in Christ? I take everything Jesus says to heart and try my best to live His Messages in the Gospels and Volumes. I am shocked (although I shouldn't be) when I observe some who say they are fighting for the Church when in reality they are causing separation . . . division. So many put their own agendas above God's Will for His Children. They may think they are trying to do the right thing, but in actuality, the behavior is offensive and pushing people away. Take your faith seriously, lay apostles. Live for Him . . . and not for your own glory.

In todays Gospel (Luke 9:57-62), Jesus makes it very clear . . . God must be #1 on our list:

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

In the Monthly Message of August 2011, Jesus asks us to focus on becoming holier:

"How easy it is to see the flaws of another. How much more difficult it is to identify which pain in you creates the disposition for repeating a mistake, perhaps again and again. Yes, patience is necessary, both with oneself and with others. I, Jesus, am patient with you. And so you must be patient with yourself. And then you must be patient with others. Do not be distracted by events around you. Do not be drawn into thinking that many events or big events mean that you can take your eyes off of the process of becoming holier. No, dear apostles. I speak gravely when I say to you that you must concentrate seriously on becoming holier because your holiness and your commitment to holiness is a crucial part of My plan to bring comfort to others. Allow Me to see to the world. If you see daily to the condition of your soul and if you love others then you will have fulfilled My plan for you. Rejoice. You are committed to Me and I am eternally committed to you."

Lay apostles, the world will continue to be chaotic . . . it always has been. But we have a choice. Live joyous, peaceful lives. Easier said than done, I know. I struggle with it at times. But when I make a conscious effort to be calm and find joy in every situation, I am able to spread the calm and peace of Our Savior to those I come in contact with. 

Thank you, Lord, for leading me to the Volumes and the DFOT mission. I take my faith very seriously which creates such joy and peace in my life!

God bless,
Bonnie

As Good As It Gets

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Mary travelled to the town of Judah where her older cousin Elizabeth (six months pregnant) and husband Zechariah lived. Her compassion and love for her cousin drew her to Elizabeth's side to assist with the difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth. This journey took place after Mary was visited by the angel and told she would be carrying our Savior. If you pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, you know this line well when Elizabeth hears Mary's greeting upon her arrival: "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.” 


One morning in early December 2011, I sat on my back patio praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.  My oldest daughter was six months pregnant at the time.  My middle daughter and her husband were patiently trying conceive for almost a year. When I got to the second Joyful Mystery when Mary visited Elizabeth, I knew.  My middle daughter was pregnant. She lives close to me and we work out together during the week.  That day, when she arrived for our daily routine, I told her about the Rosary and that I was sure she was pregnant.  Being the skeptic she is, she told me she wasn't getting her hopes up.  But her faith is strong and she was ready to accept any outcome as God's Will.  About a week before Christmas, I received a text with a picture of a positive pregnancy test! And, she is now seven months pregnant with my second grandson. This, my friends, is as good as it gets. If we say "yes" to Christ and believe as our Blessed Mother and Elizabeth did, miracles can happen! 

Todays first reading (Romans 12:9-16) is printing as I write this. Basically, rules for living the Christian life on the path to heaven:

Brothers and sisters: Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

In Anne a lay apostle’s book The Mist of Mercy, she defines the mercy of God for any sinner willing to live their life in humility for His Son.  It all starts with you:

“Think small steps and the Lord will do big things. Do not avoid your role in the renewal because you have sinned. If you are repentant, you are just the type of person needed. One who comes to God in humility can be restored to purity in an instant. God has no difficulty in forgiving a repentant sinner. It is far more difficult for God to deal with a person who serves heaven but takes all the credit. It is God who grants holiness, after all. It is God who performs miracles.”

Miracles are happening all around us.  Sometimes we get caught up in our own chaotic lives and become jaded. We forget to slow down and look for the blessings.  Today, lay apostles, stop for a minute and write a list of all the positives in your life.  Forget the negatives for a minute.  Take that list and post it somewhere convenient to view every day.  Even add to the list as new miracles and blessings occur.  When you are having a rough day, look at that list.  When you are having a wonderful day, add to it.  Soon you will be focusing a majority of your time looking for the blessings instead of letting them pass right by. You will begin to see Jesus more clearly and the impact He can have on your life. 

Thank you, Lord, for the miracles and blessings you have bestowed on my family and me. Focusing on the good sure beats dwelling on the bad!

God bless,

Bonnie