Gospel Thoughts Today: Drop What You're Doing!

In my experience as an RN, there were many times my rounds were smooth and peaceful (I always worked 7p - 7a). But there were a few rare times where I had to drop what I was doing (as long as it didn't interfere with care I was responsible for) and beeline to a patient room. I'll never forget one night in particular. It was an ordinary evening, no patients in immediate distress, all meds passed out, dinner eaten and cleared out of rooms. All was calm. I was usually the last (and fairly new RN at the time) nurse on my shift to finish rounds as I took the time to talk with my patients trying to ease any fears or concerns. Sitting at the nurses' station with a pile of charts, the overhead PA called a code blue and on my floor! My first thought was to thank God it wasn't the room number of one of my patients. Quickly running to the room to see if I could help, I stopped dead in my tracks when I got to the door. A sight I will never forget appeared . . . blood beginning to coagulate on the floor surrounding the bed . . . a LOT of blood . . . and a patient that was blue. He was a post-op abdominal surgery. The nurse assigned to that patient was in a bit of shock as they tried to revive him, of which they were not successful. This woman had been a nurse for almost 20 years and at times seemed very calm, almost lackadaisical. When we assume we know everything, all hell can break loose. If we aren't diligent and aware in our fight for Christ on earth, arming ourselves with knowledge from the Bible, the Volumes . . . how can we be prepared for unfortunate situations that may arise, assaulting our difficult to achieve balance? Just as the nurse above should have made sure her rounds were consistent for a post-op patient, we must make sure we are consistent on a daily basis in living the messages of Jesus Christ to the best of our ability.

In today's Gospel (Luke 5:1-11), it proves following Christ is not always easy, but so rewarding in the end:

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

In Anne a lay apostle's new book, Suspended in Mystery, Jesus encourages us to put Him first to fulfill His plan for us:

"The Gospel message is compelling. It is timeless. It is full of love and hope. But, my beloved friends, when people relax their efforts to become holier, they lose the force needed to convict others. You may believe that my call is unfair, given its requirement of personal sacrifice. You may believe that the cost is too high for you to pay. To remain faithful to me, you must sometimes put yourself and your personal plans in the second place and my plan in the first place. You are no different than any other follower in any other time."

Lay apostles, how much time are you dedicating to reading the Gospel messages in the Bible? Have you read a Volume yet? Today is the day. Read the Volumes for free here. Listen to Anne's first Thursday talks here. Drop what you're doing and choose Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me the importance of consistent faith in You. 

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Truth vs. Dishonesty

Years ago, in the pharmaceutical world, I worked as a Medical Science Liaison.  I was responsible for marketing a pain medication and educating physicians on speaking points for the product.  Prior to this my only contact with the pharmaceutical world was distributing medications as an RN and then in oncology clinical research.  Boy did I learn fast how the competition would say (and even do) anything to get a physician to write their product instead of ours. Lies upon lies. But, the truth would always debunk the myths the competition created. Kind of reminds me of the political battles raging these days.  Rabid lies being spread about people who only want to make America great again . . . to see her prosper. In the end, the truth will always prevail. And as Jesus tells us in the Gospel today, There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Dishonesty is born when poor choices are made for the wrong reasons . . . self-indulgence or celebrity to name a few. When we tend to overlook what is honest and good, the end result will almost always be worse than the right choice made in the first place.

Today's Gospel (Luke 12:1-7) reveals this: be brave and speak the truth:

At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees. "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."

In Volume Ten, Jesus instructs us to ask one simple question to determine what is from Him and what is from evil:

"Children, when you are concerned about the many misleading powers in your world today, ask this simple question. 'Does the power for the alleged claim come from God the Father who sent His only Son into the world?' If the answer is no, then the power is being obtained from the enemy. Does this sound confusing to you? It should not sound confusing because it is clear. If you are still confused, it is because you do not want to relinquish some habit that has gotten hold of you. Be vigilant here, brothers and sisters. There are impostors everywhere and the impostors do not seek the good of your soul. The enemy, in the form of these powers, seeks the destruction of anything that is holy in you. The enemy seeks your soul."

Lay apostles, base your decisions on what is right with God, not society.  Stay focused on heaven and climbing the mountain. Bring Light to those around you, not darkness.  You know in your heart right from wrong. Beware the traps set forth by the enemy . . .

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to base all my decisions with Your Eyes, not mine. I'm far from perfect, but I am getting there!

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Faith in Truth

There was no one prouder of the fact I became a registered nurse than my mother. It was a career she dreamed of in her troubled childhood and never was able to achieve. She would brag to anyone who would listen. The most embarrassing was the policeman who pulled me over for speeding. When he came to the window to ask for my driver's license and registration, she leaned over me and told him I was an R.N. (she accentuated the letters . . . RRRRR NNNNN!). He looked at her, then looked at me. "Good for you. License and registration please." As humiliating as it was, I knew she meant well . . . until it involved her own health. My assessments and diagnoses were not satisfying most of the time and according to her, required the eyes of a doctor. The last year of her life was spent running around to every specialist in town. None of them had satisfying diagnoses either. Despite success in my nursing career, she lacked faith in my knowledge and ability to care for her. As difficult as it was, it did teach me to have complete faith in my daughters and the careers they have chosen. They all work hard and love what they do. Between the four of them, I'm pretty sure I have all my bases covered . . . politics, behavior analysis, photography, and aesthetics. Adding my husband Jay's dentistry/real estate background to the mix, well, let's just say the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I am a work in progress . . . learning to never lack faith in Him . . . the ultimate Truth.

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) demonstrates the disappointment when those closest lack faith in who you are:

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to acknowledge where we are lacking faith in the Truth:

"In heaven, it is all about love and all about Jesus. The Savior, Jesus Christ, is well and truly united to each soul, to the extent that when Jesus enters a room or an area in heaven, nobody remarks upon it because He never leaves any soul. There is constant unity with Christ in the soul. This is available to us here on earth. We are only separated by our lack of faith and lack of commitment to His will. If a soul commits himself to Jesus here on earth and embarks upward on the mountain path through the service Jesus has willed for the individual, that soul is united to Jesus. Jesus is welcome in that soul and Jesus begins to work through that soul in the unique way that only He could have intended and planned. Each soul has a purpose and the purpose has so many facets over the lifetime of service, or indeed over one day, that we cannot imagine the richness of His plan. But we trust in His plan and that is all that matters."

Lay apostles, I have read every one of the Volumes, Heaven Speaks booklets and all Anne's books. Jesus is very clear in directing us to face the Truth and proudly walk as soldiers in His army . . . an army of lay apostles who bring His Light not only to our loved ones but to every person we come in contact with. Believe His words, heed His warnings. Simply loving Him makes it so easy. Pull out a Volume today. Read one of His messages. Have faith.

Thank you, Lord, for strengthening my faith in You every day. I am so grateful for the love You give me and have surrounded me with. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Word Today: Beware

Years ago, in the pharmaceutical world, I worked as a Medical Science Liaison.  I was responsible for marketing a pain medication and educating physicians on speaking points for the product.  Prior to this my only contact with the pharmaceutical world was distributing medications as an RN and then in oncology clinical research.  Boy did I learn fast how the competition would say (and even do) anything to get a physician to write their product instead of ours. Lies upon lies. But, the truth would always debunk the myths the competition created. Kind of reminds me of the political battles raging these days.  Rabid lies being spread about people who only want to make America great again . . . to see her prosper. In the end, the truth will always prevail. And as Jesus tells us in the Gospel today, There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Dishonesty is born when poor choices are made for the wrong reasons . . . self-indulgence or celebrity to name a few. When we tend to overlook what is honest and good, the end result will almost always be worse than the right choice made in the first place.

Today's Gospel (Luke 12:1-7) reveals this: be brave and speak the truth:

At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees. "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."

In Volume Ten, Jesus instructs us to ask one simple question to determine what is from Him and what is from evil:

"Children, when you are concerned about the many misleading powers in your world today, ask this simple question. 'Does the power for the alleged claim come from God the Father who sent His only Son into the world?' If the answer is no, then the power is being obtained from the enemy. Does this sound confusing to you? It should not sound confusing because it is clear. If you are still confused, it is because you do not want to relinquish some habit that has gotten hold of you. Be vigilant here, brothers and sisters. There are impostors everywhere and the impostors do not seek the good of your soul. The enemy, in the form of these powers, seeks the destruction of anything that is holy in you. The enemy seeks your soul."

Lay apostles, base your decisions on what is right with God, not society.  Stay focused on heaven and climbing the mountain. Bring Light to those around you, not darkness.  You know in your heart right from wrong. Beware the traps set forth by the enemy . . .

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to base all my decisions with Your Eyes, not mine. I'm far from perfect, but I am getting there!

God bless,

Bonnie

Faith in the Truth

There was no one prouder of the fact I became a registered nurse than my mother. It was a career she dreamed of in her troubled childhood and never was able to achieve. She would brag to anyone who would listen. The most embarrassing was the policeman who pulled me over for speeding. When he came to the window to ask for my driver's license and registration, she leaned over me and told him I was an R.N. (she accentuated the letters . . . RRRRR NNNNN!). He looked at her, then looked at me. "Good for you. License and registration please." As humiliating as it was, I knew she meant well . . . until it involved her own health. My assessments and diagnoses were not satisfying most of the time and according to her, required the eyes of a doctor. The last year of her life was spent running around to every specialist in town. None of them had satisfying diagnoses either. Despite success in my nursing career, she lacked faith in my knowledge and ability to care for her. As difficult as it was, it did teach me to have complete faith in my daughters and the careers they have chosen. They all work hard and love what they do. Between the four of them, I'm pretty sure I have all my bases covered . . . politics, behavior analysis, photography and aesthetics. Adding my husband Jay's dentistry/real estate background to the mix, well, let's just say the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I am a work in progress . . . learning to never lack faith in Him . . . the ultimate Truth.

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) demonstrates the disappointment when those closest lack faith in who you are:

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to acknowledge where we are lacking faith in the Truth:

"In heaven it is all about love and all about Jesus. The Savior, Jesus Christ, is well and truly united to each soul, to the extent that when Jesus enters a room or an area in heaven, nobody remarks upon it because He never leaves any soul. There is constant unity with Christ in the soul. This is available to us here on earth. We are only separated by our lack of faith and lack of commitment to His will. If a soul commits himself to Jesus here on earth, and embarks upward on the mountain path through the service Jesus has willed for the individual, that soul is united to Jesus. Jesus is welcome in that soul and Jesus begins to work through that soul in the unique way that only He could have intended and planned. Each soul has a purpose and the purpose has so many facets over the lifetime of service, or indeed over one day, that we cannot imagine the richness of His plan. But we trust in His plan and that is all that matters."

Lay apostles, I have read every one of the Volumes, Heaven Speaks booklets and all Anne's books. Jesus is very clear in directing us to face the Truth and proudly walk as soldiers in His army . . . an army of lay apostles who bring His Light not only to our loved ones, but to every person we come in contact with. Believe His words, heed His warnings. Simply loving Him makes it so easy. Pull out a Volume today. Read one of His messages. Have faith.

Thank you, Lord, for strengthening my faith in You every day. I am so grateful for the love You give me and have surrounded me with.

God bless,
Bonnie

Lacking Faith in the Truth

There was no one prouder of the fact I became a registered nurse than my mother. It was a career she dreamed of in her troubled childhood and never was able to achieve. She would brag to anyone who would listen. The most embarrassing was the policeman who pulled me over for speeding. When he came to the window to ask for my driver's license and registration, she leaned over me and told him I was an R.N. (she accentuated the letters . . . RRRRR NNNNN!). He looked at her, then looked at me. "Good for you. License and registration please." As humiliating as it was, I knew she meant well . . . until it involved her own health. My assessments and diagnoses were not satisfying most of the time and according to her, required the eyes of a doctor. The last year of her life was spent running around to every specialist in town. None of them had satisfying diagnoses either. Despite success in my nursing career, she lacked faith in my knowledge and ability to care for her. As difficult as it was, it did teach me to have complete faith in my daughters and the careers they have chosen. They all work hard and love what they do. Between the three of them, I'm pretty sure I have all my bases covered . . . politics, behavior analysis, and photography. And, adding Jay's dentistry/real estate background along with his daughter's budding esthetician career . . . well, I am blessed! 

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) demonstrates the disappointment when those closest lack faith in who you are:

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.  They said, “Where did this man get all this?  What kind of wisdom has been given him?  What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!  Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?  And are not his sisters here with us?”  And they took offense at him.  Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”  So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to acknowledge where we are lacking faith in the Truth:

"In heaven it is all about love and all about Jesus. The Savior, Jesus Christ, is well and truly united to each soul, to the extent that when Jesus enters a room or an area in heaven, nobody remarks upon it because He never leaves any soul. There is constant unity with Christ in the soul. This is available to us here on earth. We are only separated by our lack of faith and lack of commitment to His will. If a soul commits himself to Jesus here on earth, and embarks upward on the mountain path through the service Jesus has willed for the individual, that soul is united to Jesus. Jesus is welcome in that soul and Jesus begins to work through that soul in the unique way that only He could have intended and planned. Each soul has a purpose and the purpose has so many facets over the lifetime of service, or indeed over one day, that we cannot imagine the richness of His plan. But we trust in His plan and that is all that matters."

Lay apostles, I have read every one of the Volumes, Heaven Speaks booklets and all Anne's books. Jesus is very clear in directing us to face the Truth and proudly walk as soldiers in His army . . . an army of lay apostles who bring His Light not only to our loved ones, but to every person we come in contact with. Believe His words, heed His warnings. Simply loving Him makes it so easy. Pull out a Volume today. Read one of His messages. Have faith.

Thank you, Lord, for strengthening my faith in You every day. I am so grateful for the love You give me and have surrounded me with. 

God bless,

Bonnie

The Practice of Misleading

Years ago, in the pharmaceutical world, I worked as a Medical Science Liaison.  I was responsible for marketing a pain medication and educating physicians on speaking points for the product.  Prior to this my only contact with the pharmaceutical world was distributing medications as an RN and then in oncology clinical research.  Boy did I learn fast how the competition will say (and even do) anything to get a doc to write their product instead of ours. Lies upon lies. But, the truth would always prevail and debunk the myths the competition created. Kind of reminds me of the political battle occurring these days.  Rabid lies being spread that all women believe as the president does.  Lies about Planned Parenthood providing mammograms.  Lies this is about women's health.  Well, there is an organization called Women Speak For Themselves who are setting the record straight. 

  

And, todays Gospel (Luke 12:1-7) reveals the truth. Be brave, speak the truth:


At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees. "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."

In Volume Ten, Jesus instructs us to ask one simple question to determine what is from Him and what is from evil:


"Children, when you are concerned about the many misleading powers in your world today, ask this simple question. 'Does the power for the alleged claim come from God the Father who sent His only Son into the world?' If the answer is no, then the power is being obtained from the enemy. Does this sound confusing to you? It should not sound confusing, because it is clear. If you are still confused, it is because you do not want to relinquish some habit that has gotten hold of you. Be vigilant here, brothers and sisters. There are impostors everywhere and the impostors do not seek the good of your soul. The enemy, in the form of these powers, seeks the destruction of anything that is holy in you. The enemy seeks your soul."


Lay apostles, base your decisions on what is right with God, not society.  Stay focused on heaven and climbing the mountain. Bring light to those around you, not the darkness of the enemy.  You know in your heart what is right.  Bring God with into the voting booth.  Bring Him with you to work.  Bring Him into your home.  


Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to base all my decisions with Your Eyes, not mine. I'm far from perfect, but I am getting there!


God bless,

Bonnie