Conquer Fear

Fear and trembling. Sheer terror. The sound of the most unforgettable musical score—the charging shark's rhythmic, escalating two notes—da dum, da dum . . . Most of us from the mid-70’s know it well.  ‘Jaws’ singlehandedly caused an acute awareness of things swimming around in the ocean. Things that could bite me in half.  I was thirteen years old living in southern California when I saw the movie.  As a child I grew up near the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I had been stung by a man ‘o war, thrown around by huge waves, and still never hesitated running through the sand hurling myself into the surf.  Yet, after seeing this movie, I could barely stand in ankle-deep water.  This fear turned into a phobia.  Small fish swimming in schools would cause me to run for the safety of my towel.  I was at the beach almost every afternoon when I started driving.  Friends would be frolicking in the water, flirting the surfers while I “worked on my tan.”  

In February of 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Oahu, Hawaii. On the flight to Hawaii, I had brought Volumes Seven, Nine and Ten. I wanted to become familiar with the contents of each in order to guide others in the future.  The overall message I was getting was, have no fear.  Trust Jesus.  So I began thinking . . . the closer I get to Jesus and His Sacred Heart, the less I fear.  Hmmm . . . what scares me? Not death. Not loss. Something to ponder.  In the airport, walking to baggage claim, I saw a brochure with a white sandy beach on the cover.  I grabbed it and threw it in my purse. On the drive to the hotel, I saw it.  A full page ad in the brochure.  In big yellow letters it beckoned: SWIM WITH THE SHARKS!  Hawaii Shark Encounters.  The biggest and safest shark cages in Hawaii.  As seen on ESPN, Animal Planet, CNN.com, National Geographic, etc.  Yes!  My biggest fear, sharks!  St. Gertrude spoke to me about fear in Volume Seven.  I got it!  I needed to face my biggest fear and TRUST JESUS! The adventure was booked! 

Sleep didn’t come easily the night before.  Anticipation of being surrounded by sharks crept into my dreams, waking me abruptly a couple of times through the night.  Would a shark jump over the top of the cage and get in?  Could they get through the bars?  Over and over my mind replayed all the possible scenarios. I prayed most of the 45 minute drive to the North Shore.  We arrived early for our excursion, giving us time to walk around and explore the area.  As our boat pulled into the dock, I repeated over and over, ‘I trust You, Jesus.’  By the time I stepped foot on the boat, I felt calm.  Chris and Phil, our guides, went over the rules, one of which was not to pet the sharks or let your hands or feet drift outside the cage.  Our appendages look a lot like the bait they use to attract the sharks.  Still calm, good.  Typically when scooting through the water at high speeds and big swells, I panic.  My mind immediately plays the scenario: high swells, the boat tips, I am in the water with sharks. The fear is paralyzing.  But, not this time.  As we hit the swells, I just held on, enjoying the scenery.  We were heading three miles out to water 500 feet deep.  As we approached the permanent buoy, two whales appeared about 200 feet from our boat.  Our guides told us it was rare to see them this time of year in Hawaii.  Then the sharks appeared, swimming around our boat.  We were told the vibration of the boat attracted them. They knew they would be fed.  Bait, of course. 

After instructions and without hesitation, I went to the ladder. As I descended, I was having a conversation with Jesus the whole time.  ‘If You want me to die in a shark attack, Your will be done.’  Down I went and was face to face with a 12 foot Galapogas shark.  It was beautiful.  I was able to look at it as one of God’s creatures, not a maneater.  At one point, there had to be at least 15 to 20 sharks circling the cage.  I did it.  I conquered my biggest fear.  Letting go and trusting God by accepting any outcome is incredibly freeing.    

Just as I trusted Jesus in the shark cage, Peter had to trust and believe in our Savior as in the Gospel today (Matthew 14:22-36):

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

In Anne a lay apostle’s book Whispers from the Cross, she shows us Our Lady’s determination to inspire complete trust in her Son:

“Above ground a battle is being waged that is fierce and very ugly, really ugly but Our Lady’s gaze at the Father remains steady and the graces continue to be drawn out into the land. Our Lady is not afraid at all. ‘Determined’ would be a good way to describe her. Seeing this about her gives me great strength and courage because I can see that this is how it is done. Eyes on the Father, let the storm rage around you and trust in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. The prayers affect how it will be done and how quickly it will be accomplished but Our Lady, and by extension all of us, will win in the end.”

Lay apostles, think about your biggest fear.  Then, think about facing it with Jesus. Much easier when you let Him be in control, accepting any outcome to be His.  After all, the likelihood of being attacked by a shark is minute compared to being attacked by the evil one.  Time to suit up with that spiritual armor and conquer all your fears.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me how to be fearless with You by my side.  Not sure I want to attempt to actually swim in open waters with sharks just yet, but Your will be done!

God bless,
Bonnie

The Big Reveal

Miracles occur every day.  When these desirous dreams materialize, what is the first thing we want to do?  Tell the world, of course! On Facebook, when you fall in love, you change your status from "single" to "in a relationship." Though a couple finds out they are expecting after a year of trying to conceive, they may choose to wait until the first trimester is complete before revealing the blessed event. We all have reasons for delaying good news, keeping it to ourselves until the time is right. Whether it be because others may not be ready for the announcement or fear of a potential negative outcome, we hold joyous secrets until we feel confident in their truth . . . in their reality.  Or, until we are given permission to shout it from the rooftop.  Can you imagine how difficult it was for me to keep my mouth shut when each of my daughters revealed they were pregnant?  Two of the most challenging secrets I've ever been privy to!

Todays Gospel (Mark 9:2-10) puts Peter, James and John privy to a miraculous event of which they must keep to themselves until Our Lord's resurrection:

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Can you imagine keeping that a secret? As hard as it must have been, I'm sure they took it seriously coming from Jesus!

In Volume Two, Jesus confides He intends to reveal all to us in His time:

"My children, I am speaking to you from the depth of My Eucharistic heart. My dearest little souls of this world, you must come back to Me. I want your love now, as never before, and I want to protect you as never before. Because Our time is not like your time, I can communicate with you in a timeless manner. This is what I wish to tell you. I am going to share My deepest secrets with you. I am going to remove the veil from the tabernacle as never before. I want you to know Me. I want you to know Me in My miraculous form of the consecrated host. I am the Bread of Life. Yes. And I am your Jesus, also. I was a humble Man, who walked your paths of difficulty, want, and hardship. Many treated Me badly, so I understand the pain of hurt. We had little money, so I understand the pain of hunger. I was different, so I understand the pain of isolation. Little ones, I am with you. I want to teach you things that souls of past times did not learn until they came to heaven. I am doing this because I am raising up a tidal wave of Christians to wash over the shore of badness that has taken control of this world, so lovingly created by My Father. This process will cleanse your world, making it safe once again for God’s children. I am going to bring you knowledge, wisdom, and love. I am going to introduce you to the divine to make your hearts burn like furnaces of divine love."

Lay apostles, Jesus is revealing Himself to us continually through Sacred Scripture and in the messages He has blessed us with in the Volumes.  We are so very privileged He chose us to be a part of this apostolate in preparation for His second coming.  Jesus knew He needed to get my attention. And He chose Anne as the conduit for my awakening. Praise be to God!


Thank you, Lord, for Your big reveal contained in the Bible and all the messages from heaven through Anne a lay apostle.  If it wasn't for her "yes" I would never have been prepared for the graces and blessings you shower me with today, nor would I have been able to see them standing right before my eyes!


God bless,
Bonnie

Enough is Enough

I rarely get on Facebook anymore.  Evil lurks about waiting for opportunities to fling hatred at anyone with differing beliefs. I feel like I have to duck whenever I log in!  A few days ago American's believing in traditional marriage between a man and a woman stood in support of Chick-Fil-A, a known Christian organization. Soon it turned from supporting traditional marriage to slurs that Chick-Fil-A is anti-gay.  Since when did an established Christian value become a bad thing? I want to share a post my daughter made on Facebook a few days ago in regard to all the hype: 

"Geeeezzzz, everyone needs to calm down.....Chick-Fil-A is not anti-gay! It just has a different opinion about what constitutes marriage as understood by the Christian faith. Don't hate just because people have different opinions. No one's rights are being violated - except for Chick-Fil-A's, if these politicians were to ban them from their cities, which would be a violation of their right to free speech!" 

What if the tables were turned? What if Chick-Fil-A was pro-gay marriage? Would I then accuse them of being anti-heterosexual?  Would I demand my government ban them from opening one of their restaurants in my city?  Of course not! My attitude is to leave the judgement up to God.  In a free market society, we can choose where we want to eat for whatever reason. If a company's viewpoint bothers you, then don't spend your money there.   

In this divisive world, where the slightest difference in opinion can bring on such hatred, I found the Responsorial Psalm today (Psalm 69:5,8-10, 14) very fitting: 

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal?
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Since for your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother's sons, Because zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

In Anne a lay apostle’s book Whispers from the Cross, she clearly identifies a path leading to hatred:

“To say we admire the virtues in another and strive to acquire these same virtues is wonderful. To look at the virtues of another and to admire the attention these others may get because they possess these virtues, and to then try to ‘steal’ the virtues by mimicking them but not practicing them, is diabolical in nature. We do not lovingly try to live the same goodness. We, like the chameleon, try to become a similar color. We are not authentically ourselves in virtue. We are pretending to be someone else. We are away from our real identity with Christ. We are projecting ourselves somewhere else, somewhere where we most certainly are not. The person, the source of our envy, becomes then a stinging reproach to us, a reminder of who we are not. And thus we see the birth of hatred. That person will be the one we betray.”

Lay apostles, stay out of the petty fighting and constant slandering going on in the world. Stay connected to Christ through prayer. Avoid negativity at all costs.  Instead of posting an article slamming a cause or organization on Facebook, post something positive bringing Jesus into the forefront.  Remember, God is love.  It's time to start behaving and acting like His children. Enough is enough.

Thank you, Lord, for protecting me with Your Words when it feels the world is taking two steps backward on the mountain of holiness. Shower all those spewing hatred with Your heavenly peace and love.

God bless,

Bonnie

Always Room For Improvement

Writer's block.  It happens to the best of us.  While writing and gathering testimonies for Heavenly Healing, there were many times my mind became a big pile of mush. When I found myself staring at the same paragraph for too long, I knew it was time for a distraction to get the creative juices flowing again.  Formulating unique necklaces with Kazuri beads was the solution and a hobby I enjoyed. When blocked, I would turn my chair from the writing side of my desk to the necklace-making side filled with every color bead imaginable.  Instantly my focus was to create something beautiful. The best part about making my own necklaces?  If I didn't like how it turned out, I could take it apart and start over. My skill level improved the more I made and remade. It became easy as I became more knowledgable.  As a Christian, we have the opportunity to grow in love and faith every second of every day. The lessons we learn today always have room for improvement tomorrow.

The first reading (Jer 18:1-6) reminds me of God's almighty power to change or improve things in a moments notice:

This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: Rise up, be off to the potter's house; there I will give you my message. I went down to the potter's house and there he was, working at the wheel. Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased. Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done' says the LORD. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

In Anne a lay apostle’s book Whispers from the Cross, she shows us humility opens our hearts to improvement: 

"This method of behavior, rejecting anger in favor of humility, becomes habit forming. How beautiful it is to witness someone who has gained mastery over himself in this way. Their rare departures into anger or thoughtless remarks are reassuring in terms of their humanity but also stark contrasts from their normal behavior. It is good to see what a person could look like if he allowed himself the self-indulgence of anger because through these little glimpses, we can appreciate more fully their beauty in heavenly self-control. We can see it in ourselves and say, 'My goodness, I do not look my best in this situation. I must work harder to gain mastery over myself.' Oh dear. Some personalities and some biochemistries will have great difficulty here. So be it. In our patience we will possess our souls and that is our hope. Better to find oneself in a garden full of weeds holding a shovel than find oneself in a garden full of weeds attempting to call the weeds flowers. We know the truth. We know what God is asking. He wants us to try to conduct ourselves as He would with each other so we set off on a path of improvement, each day and every day."

Lay apostles, how can you take one step closer toward Christ on the mountain of holiness?  Maybe it's comforting an ill family member or friend.  Possibly sitting down with your son or daughter and asking about his/her day by listening and not refocusing the attention to yourself.  Or, make a casserole dish for a new parent experiencing sleepless nights.  Whatever you choose, choose something. Strive to make each day better than the  last.  

Thank you, Lord, for encouraging me to strive for a better version of myself.  The closer I stay to You throughout the day, the easier it is to improve and flourish.

God bless,

Bonnie

Created To Serve

As a young child, I could make a killer mixed drink for my father.  Jim Beam and 7-up.  I can still remember the taste of the whiskey on my finger after manually stirring my perfect concoction to serve him after a long day of work.  I would proudly hand him the cocktail while he reclined in his favorite chair, feet elevated.  He would take one sip, tell me it tasted perfect, then give me the biggest hug and kiss for serving him.  I would offer to make another drink about every 15 or 20 minutes just to feel the love. Yes, my father had an alcohol problem, but was never angry, abusive or hateful.  Just happy to numb himself while dealing with my mother's bipolar ups and downs every night. I learned early that serving equaled love.  Serving God is, in a way, like serving my father . . . all I want is to please Him and make Him happy. And todays Scripture (Jer 15:10,16-21) reminds us of the graces He is ready to bestow when we commit service to and for Him:

Thus the LORD answered me: If you repent, so that I restore you, in my presence you shall stand; If you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be my mouthpiece. Then it shall be they who turn to you, and you shall not turn to them; And I will make you toward this people a solid wall of brass. Though they fight against you, they shall not prevail, For I am with you, to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD. I will free you from the hand of the wicked, and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

In Volume Three, God the Father promises us that serving Him on earth will be rewarded in heaven:

“Souls who have waited for this time, your wait is nearly over. You have struggled valiantly. Continue to do so for the moment, knowing that your God is grateful. How happy you will be that you served heaven while you remained on earth. I cannot reveal all of heaven’s secrets because your humanity would not withstand such knowledge and truly, you would insist on coming home immediately. But I will reveal some of the joys that await you. It is My will to do this because in this time, souls on earth doubt the very existence of heaven. This spiritual starvation has left many without hope, so in response, I have willed that Jesus, Mary, His mother, and many saints give you both guidance and heavenly information. I Myself am speaking to you now to give you the path or map to these times. I will not leave souls abandoned in such darkness. I have always provided My children in earthly exile with prophets and I do so now in many areas of the world. You must see with your eyes, dear souls. Do not turn away from My heavenly direction as through it I give the extra help that many need. If you are called upon to assist with the spreading of these words, do so in all joy. Your reward will not disappoint you.”

Lay apostles, now, more than ever, we need to unite bringing God's love and messages to all those lost or in darkness.  Serve God and others today.  Not next week, next month, or next year.  You will be glad you made the effort come the day you are face to face with our Savior.

Thank you, Lord for teaching me that to serve is to love. 

God bless,

Bonnie

The Last Monthly Message from Jesus August 2012

I have been anticipating the last Monthly Message since Anne announced it would be the final monthly communication from Jesus. When it arrived in my inbox this morning, I felt more love and strength as I read each precious word:

August 1, 2012

Jesus 


"Dear apostles, how I long for your fidelity. One apostle remaining faithful and attentive can bring about an enormous amount of change in the world over the course of his life. But there is a great deal of distraction around matters which are of small consequence. These distractions obscure matters of greater importance and indeed even matters of urgency. Dear apostles, I am inspiring the faithful leaders in My Church to point to Me and to those matters which are of concern to Me. Will you, My faithful apostles, listen to your leaders? Or will you be distracted? Will you pursue My goal for you by allowing Me to live through your yes answer to Me? If I have your fidelity, then you will be richly blessed and the world will be richly blessed, also. If I have your fidelity, I will consider you a friend, the closest of confidantes, and you will come to understand what is in My heart. I am the King of love and there is only love in My heart for humanity. It is for this reason that I have alerted you and called you into dedicated service as My apostle. If you recognise Me, Jesus Christ, as your King, then you must remain firmly fixed on service to Me. I will not abandon you. I will remain firmly fixed on you and together we will bring about a merciful renewal for all who crave love. Be deeply peaceful. I am with you. All is well."

You and I, lay apostles, can change the world.  Our dedication to Jesus and His mission will bring and have brought graces and blessings we never imagined possible.  I know we have made a difference in favor of His Kingdom.  Continue your faithfulness to Jesus and this apostolate.  We have been chosen.

God bless,

Bonnie

Why Suffer?

Suffering. Such a horrific word. Our human tendency is to avoid agony at all costs.  Suffering appears differently to each person in their unique situation . . . exhaustion from lack of sleep when a new baby arrives; an abusive marriage; dealing with a cancer diagnosis; losing a loved one; or despair in loneliness.  The list goes on and on.  So why would anyone want to experience it with humility and a sense of joy as Jesus asks in the Volumes? Last night as I was reading Volume One aloud with Jay (the wonderful man I am dating and a newbie to the Volumes!), Anne mentions her suffering . . . and fighting the urge to complain about it. Jay stopped me mid-sentence and said he was still thinking about suffering in human terms.  He didn't see it as something he wanted to be joyful about just yet.  My response?  Oh, you will once we get through the Volumes!  


We have two choices in life. One is to complain, worry, become anxious or angry. The second option is to offer our suffering for the sake of others salvation.  But what about me, right?  I deserve to have my suffering subside.  My anguish, my hurt, my loneliness, my pain. I want to feel better.  Well, my friends, if we wallow in our pitiful state, how can we ever live Jesus? How will we ever lead those in darkness to His Light?  Suffering in humility for the sake of others is one of the most unselfish acts I know of.  Can you think of Someone who did this with unconditional love for all of God's children?  It's the least we can do for Him.  

In todays first reading (Jer 14:17-22), it seems God, during our suffering, is ignoring or has abandoned us.  What we don't see is His use of our suffering for eventual good:  

Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed? We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness, the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. For your name's sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not. Among the nations' idols is there any that gives rain? Or can the mere heavens send showers? Is it not you alone, O LORD, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.

In Volume One, Anne describes the importance of suffering for others:


“But our suffering is buying precious graces, graces that can be used for suffering souls, sinning souls, hardened souls, dying souls, souls in error, in ignorance, souls being victimized, abused. Souls on the brink of hell can be brought back with our sufferings. We’re trading them in for graces. The Blessed Mother, the Mediatrix of All Grace, takes our little offerings and uses them to buy mercy for souls, despite the horrendous behavior of us in this modern world. Let me put it this way. There is an alcoholic. He is steeped in sin, both with regard to this addiction and in general. Recovering alcoholics will tell you they got a tap on the shoulder at some point and their life changed. They were given the eyes to see their addiction, their selfishness, their sinfulness. They then got sober and became some of the greatest servants of Christ. Truly motivated now, these humble souls commit themselves to helping others to see. Where did the grace come from, to get them the tap on the shoulder? From our suffering, united to the Passion of Jesus. Think of Saul, getting bounced from his horse. Think of your own conversion. Did you ever sin? Were you, for a time, in the state of mortal sin? I was. Someone suffered for me, and the Blessed Mother came and collected me.”


Lay apostles, it takes practice. Start with something small and offer it up.  Stub your toe on the corner of the bed in the morning?  Don't start screaming waking up the entire household, offer it up.  A job fell through you were counting on? Persevere another day and offer it up. The more we practice, the greater the number of souls being saved.  


Thank you, Lord, for teaching me, through Scripture and the Volumes, the value of suffering. I will accept anything you send my way.


God bless,
Bonnie 

A Call For Testimonies

Exciting things are happening in my neck of the woods!  Work has begun on a book of testimonies for Young Adults, ages 18 to 28.  Testimonies from attendees at the School of Holiness in Ireland this past month are starting to arrive in my inbox.  The first one I received is from a young man in Egypt.  Beautiful testimony from a beautiful soul.  I have also received a few testimonies from young women in the Steubenville area.  Their words give me hope in a new generation of warriors for Christ. So, if you are a young adult moved by the Volumes, Monthly Messages, or any of the books written by Anne a lay apostle, please email your testimony to dfot.testimony2012@comcast.net. Or, if you have questions prior to writing your testimonies, send inquiry to the above email and I will respond ASAP.  Every testimony has the ability to touch lives.  Please don't think yours isn't important or worthy of printing.  It is!  And, the Gospel (Matthew 13:31-35) today demonstrates how even the smallest of seeds yield great fruit in the Kingdom of God:

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. "The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'"

In Anne a lay apostles book Serving in Clarity, she describes the importance of listening to and learning from the testimonies of others:

"A fellow apostle pointed out that much of our reality is invisible. As an example, he said, 'Have you ever seen Australia?' 'No,' I replied. 'I have never seen Australia.' 'Do you believe it exists?' 'Yes,' I said. 'I believe Australia exists.' 'Are you reasonably certain Australia exists?' 'Yes.' 'You believe Australia exists, in part, because you are relying on the testimony of those who have been there. Others have told you Australia exists. You have read about Australia, seen pictures of it perhaps, and your belief in its existence is reasonable given the evidence.' This spoke powerfully to me. I realized that if asked, I could give a certain amount of testimony about Australia despite never having been there. I believe there are kangaroos there, different seasons, crocodiles, vast expanses of unsettled land, and a good number of people with Irish ancestry. Additionally, I am aware of the Aborigine people native to that land. I understand, based on what I have seen of the Australians I have met personally, that there is a great sturdiness and resilience in the Australian people. Clearly I am not an expert on Australia. As I said, I have never been there. That fact will be evident to any Australian reading this. My limited knowledge of Australia comes in part from the testimony and information given to me by other people. So it is with heaven. So it is with Jesus and with God’s truth. A good part of the truth, the Invisible Reality that we rely on and believe in, has come to us from others in the Body of Christ, the community of believers. We accept the testimony of others because in our souls, we recognize the truth. This is discernment. In the same way, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are led to recognize what is false."

To our Young Adult Lay Apostles, I ask you to prayerfully consider submitting how Jesus Christ the Returning King has changed your life. Here are the criteria for writing testimonies:

Testimonies should be no more than 1,000 words (give or take a few words!). Please follow the format below when writing your testimony:

1. What was life like before being introduced to Jesus Christ the Returning King?

2. What affected you in the apostolate? Was it a Monthly Message? The Volumes? One of Anne’s books (Climbing the Mountain, The Mist of Mercy, Serving in Clarity, Lessons in Love, Whispers from the Cross)? Please be specific about what you read. A quote from the specific writing would be great. If using a quote, please list where you found it including page number (ex. Volume Nine, Jesus, page 7).

3. What impact or difference has this mission made in your life? How is your faith different after becoming a lay apostle?

We would like to have all testimonies submitted no later than September 1, 2012. If your testimony is chosen to be in the book, you will receive a consent form allowing us to edit (if needed) and publish your testimony. If you would like to be anonymous, please indicate this when submitting your testimony. Otherwise, your first name, last initial, and state and/or country will be listed. Again, all testimonies should be submitted via email to dfot.testimony2012@comcast.net.

I am so excited and blessed to be a part of this growing mission!  Lay apostles, we need to ban together drawing the youth of our society toward the path to heaven. If you know of a young adult touched by the mission, please forward this request to them. Young people are our future.  It's the future my grandsons will be living in and I want it to be a place where all serve and live Jesus.  Stand up and be a part of this renewal.  Jesus is ready to shower you with graces to persevere!

Thank you, Lord, for our young lay apostles.  Please let them realize they are our future, and with You, can change the world.

God bless,

Bonnie

Plant The Seeds

Social events are my forte.  I love meeting new people and learning about their lives.  I especially love when they ask me about my career.  A perfect opportunity arises to introduce Direction for Our Times and life as a lay apostle. Some listen, smile and move on.  Some are intrigued and ask questions.  Some are ready to change their lives and ask how to get ahold of the Volumes.  Every one of these encounters allow me to plant the seeds for Jesus Christ the Returning King.  But I have to tell you, I am overwhelmed with the love of Christ when I meet someone who is familiar with Anne a lay apostle, has a Volume or one of the books, and just hasn't started reading yet for one reason or another.  I pray the joy He has given me through the Volumes exudes out of every pore, every word I speak.  Sometimes I wish I had a video to show who I was five years ago, even two years ago, compared to now.  I am evolving on a daily basis. I am grateful for every day He gives me to speak of His love through the Volumes. Although I may never see the fruits of the seeds I have planted, I know when the time is right and the soil is rich, He will be there to nurture an open heart.


In todays Gospel (Matthew 13:18-23), Jesus helps us to understand the concept of planting the seeds:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."

In Volume Ten, Jesus teaches us to be patient with those who reject Him.  And, to leave the sowing up to Him:

“From now on, I will think of you as My apostles. 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.”


Lay apostles, Jesus and Our Lady have equipped us, through the Bible, the Volumes, Fatima, Medjugorje, and numerous other avenues, to set out into the world and bring lost souls back to Him. Bring His Light to those in darkness. Today, how can you advance His Kingdom a little further?  How about reading or forwarding the last monthly to someone you have lost touch with?  Maybe take 10 minutes this weekend to read a Heaven Speaks booklet you haven't read yet?  Whatever you choose, be bold for Him and plant the seed.


Thank you, Lord, for teaching me it is You who moves a soul toward heaven taking that responsibility away from me.  I can now exhale!


God bless,
Bonnie

Special Message From Anne a Lay Apostle

My usual format of writing a blog post will be altered today.  I want to start with the Gospel (Matthew 13:10-17) reading:

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

Lay apostles, we have been so blessed our Lord showered us with the graces of this apostolate.  And, for the suffering and sacrifice Anne a lay apostle has gladly offered to record the messages from all of heaven.  The Monthly Messages are finished after August.  Now it's time to delve deeper into everything Jesus has provided for our salvation.  It's all there, in writing.  I, for one, love reading and rereading the Monthly Messages.  I feel so blessed and invigorated we are starting over in September with the first September (2005) message when this all began. Life is grand, isn't it?

Message from Anne:

July 24, 2012

Dear friends and fellow apostles,

It is with great rejoicing that I write to you today. I am writing to tell you that the last monthly message will be given in August 2012. This is good news because it means that Jesus has given us all that we will need for our prayer groups.

"...on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Rev 22:2)

We may be tempted to feel a loss because we certainly anticipated these words with longing each month. But that would be short-sighted. Instead we should rest in the privilege that has been ours in receiving these words which will direct and console apostles for many years to come.

Additionally, if you are like me, you will acknowledge that each message is deserving of a great deal of contemplation. Sometimes I felt that I did not give enough consideration to the message of the month. This is human nature, though, and the grace that is present is fresh each time we rest in the words. We will begin in September with the first September message we received and start what will be a seven year rotation of messages for reading and contemplation each month. We at DFOT will send them out as usual.

We will all be reading the same message together around the world monthly. This is the Lord's wish and we will be faithful to all that He asks of us. We will be a united apostolate of love, made up of people serving God in every vocation and in every language. Truly, only God could unite us as we have been united.

Dear apostles, there is so much to be done to secure renewal with Jesus. We at DFOT have tried our best to be faithful to the call God has given us. Without your support this would have been impossible. Now we embark together upon a new time, very likely a busier time. We have so much to do to reach God's children with the words and graces we have been given. I believe that these last years were the prelude to the mission and I believe the mission really begins now.

As part of our apostolate's obligation, we have been entrusted with three charisms. One is compassionate listening. The second is both learning and teaching the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The third is promoting unity within the Church. It is an exciting thing to anticipate how we will advance into these goals so let us each begin contemplating how we can further God's wishes in these matters.

My friends, we have always been calm and grateful about the gift that God was giving us in these words. Just as we accepted the first message, let us accept the last, with thanksgiving. I must tell you that I was not surprised that the messages were finishing. There is nothing wrong. The completion of these monthly messages is the same as one of the Volumes being completed. Nothing is ending. A task is simply finished and now we must begin both using them at a more advanced level and spreading them even further. We have the tools for an extraordinary blessing for people's faith lives. Remember the hope and consolation that we were each given by Christ in these words. Truly, so many are thirsting for such comfort. Personally, I feel grateful to be a Catholic at this time and blessed to be a part of God's renewal.

I anticipate that there may be questions around this and I want to assure everyone that I am delighted to answer any that I can. Please write the office or call and we will take your questions and answer them with another letter. Additionally, I will be speaking at St. Anne's Church in Bailieborough on the first Thursday of September, God willing, and will talk about our future as an apostolate.

Also, I am being strenuously urged to communicate to you that we are experiencing our annual financial crisis. Please consider contacting the office and helping us here. We really need help fundraising and we are forming a team for this purpose.

With love from your sister,

Anne, a lay apostle

Thank you, Lord, for Anne, the DFOT staff, and all lay apostles around the world.  They all continue to enrich my life with their love and prayers.  And, thank You for 7 years of Monthly Messages!  I look forward to starting over in September!

God bless,

Bonnie

Walk It Off

I abhor being in a funk.  It doesn't happen very often, but it almost got the best of me last night.  It all started in a poorly lit dressing room.  Dress hunting for an event I'm attending turned very quickly from joy to feeling I will never go shopping again (just kidding . . . I am a girl!). I picked out some great dresses in my favorite store to try on. Then tragedy struck . . . the lighting combined with glancing at my 50 year old body in that lighting hit me like a ton of bricks.  Every single flaw was highlighted times ten! I kept telling myself to look away, consoling with thoughts of amping up my workouts.  But my mood had already tanked.  Despite most of the dresses fitting, nothing felt good on.  My stress level continued to increase after looking at my watch.  The stores would be closing in an hour.  I raced to the next store, praying I would find something . . . anything.  Again, horrible lighting.  This was becoming torturous. I tried one last store.  The lighting was softer, but no luck.  I was in a full blown funk now.  It took the patient and loving words of the man I'm dating to bring me back from my disheartened state.  And the funk was gone.   Isn't the walk of a Christian like that?  We so easily succumb to difficulties and crosses. But we have to remember the healing words of Jesus are ever present, ready to help us persevere.

Todays first reading (2 Cor 4:7-15) shows us the walk of a Christian is not an effortless journey, but sustains us in the trenches: 

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

In the Monthly Message of January 2012, Jesus gives us reassurance:

“Allow Me please, to continue, and allow Me please, to sustain you personally. It is not My plan that you become dispirited and hopeless. It is My plan that if you suffer, you suffer peacefully, confident about My presence in your cross. I want you to work calmly, confident of My effectiveness in your work. You must be brave enough to love completely, confident of the benefit the world feels because of your decision to serve Me in whatever place you have found yourself on each day. Rejoice, dear apostles. Look forward with Me to greater holiness. I will protect My plan for you, but you must make a decision to accept heaven’s peace.”

And, in Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, Jesus establishes what brings Him joy:

“I know what consoles you and gives you comfort. In the same way, you understand what consoles Me, what lifts Me and gives Me comfort. Shall I remind you? Love. Love gives Me solace in a time when there is great hatred. I look to you and I see suffering, yes, pain, of course, but also love. I see that you suffer for Me and this sustains Me. I see your sacrifices and I see your wounds, and yet you continue to serve your King. You do not melt away into the world as others have. You do not allow your heart to be hardened as some do. You work constantly to allow Me access as the Divine Healer. I require constant access to your little heart, it is true, but you give that to Me through your time in prayer and your willingness to be honest in assessing your actions and motives.”

Lay apostles, when you find yourself feeling anxious, hopeless, depressed or in a temporary funk, grab a Volume  (or click on any of the links to the right) and open to a random page.  Jesus will provide the comfort you need in that moment with words to sustain you.  

Thank you, Lord, for pulling me out of my funk very quickly last night.  I'm sorry something so trivial got the best of me.  The evil one was working overtime.  Thank you for the assistance to walk it off!

God bless,

Bonnie