First official review of Can You Text Me Directions!

So excited! A woman named Maria who gave her amazing testimony in my first book, Heavenly Healing, bought Can You Text Me Directions? and left this feedback on my book's Facebook fan page:

"I finished the book, Bonnie! It's wonderful. I like how you put all together, testimonies, virtues & messages. So easy to read and so easy to get inspired.  I'm giving it to Anthony. We started to read together the messages from Jesus to young adults. God Bless you & your Family."

Feedback is always welcome!!! This book was a work of love. So blessed to be a part of this mission!

God bless,

Bonnie

We All Need A Good Coach

One of Jay's favorite sayings when people deny their need for God (or deny needing help or coaching in any area) is: "Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and not one of them without coach Phil Jackson." Gotta love a Chicago Bulls fan! Sometimes we all want to believe we can do it ourselves . . . we don't need any guidance or help. Especially when things are going well. But the truth is, we all need a little help now and then. A good coach is there with objective advice, especially when we let our emotions (fear, lack of forgiveness, etc) overrule our judgment. So, whether it be wise words from a pastor on Sunday, from your parents, or even from your children (yes, my girls have given me back my own advice several times since becoming adults!), when given with love, we begin to see things differently. We see how a good coach gives a different perspective, one that didn't occur to us initially.  We all have one amazing Coach who will never retire or change teams . . . our Father in heaven. He blessed us with His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way back home to be with Him for eternity. It's all there in the Gospels . . . love, strength, forgiveness, and empathy. So basically, Jesus is our Phil Jackson. Our pastors the defensive coaches. Our church community the fans who want to see us succeed (how is that for a sports analogy?). Time to suit up, lay apostles, and believe the messages we have been given!

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:30-34) shows the love Our Coach has for each of us:

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and 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.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she brilliantly describes the role of our Coach and why we must listen to Him:

"We must accept that discouragement will come during our mountain climb. If we accept this, we will be less likely to throw up our hands in despair simply because we are a little tired, a little saddened, and a little misused by the world. Our Lord allows this discouragement much like a coach who is interested to see how a team performs under pressure. Also, given that our souls are carried in our bodies, which can be quite noisy in their complaining, we can expect to become discouraged at times. So how must the lay apostle conduct himself when he is discouraged? Calmly, my friends. Our discouragement does not change anything, least of all our duties. It is often tempting to remain in bed and let the day see to itself. The seasoned apostle rises, discouragement notwithstanding, pledges his allegiance to his God, prays the Morning Offering, steps into the day and begins to serve." 

Lay apostles, I am the first one to fight the temptation to ask for help. I never want to look like I don't know what I'm doing. But the thing is, sometimes I don't know what I'm doing, just winging it along the way. I'm quite sure I could have saved myself A LOT of pain and time if I would have just asked . . . and most importantly . . . listened! We have been blessed with the Volumes, filled with "directions" on how to live our lives for Christ. How about we all ask Him for help today regarding something we are just not sure about? He is waiting!

Thank you, Lord, for all the patience You have for me and my "I-can-do-it-myself" attitude. I couldn't have a better Coach!

God bless,
Bonnie

February Monthly Message

I just figured out I completely forgot to post the February Monthly Message! And such a beautiful, needed message:

From DFOT:

We continue our cycle of monthly messages for 2014 with the message from February 1, 2006 for our prayer groups and personal reflection. 

February 1, 2006 (2014)

Jesus

Dearest apostle, I urge you to be little in your soul. Only in spiritual humility will you see the true state of your soul and so understand the work necessary for you to become holy. Holiness is your target. If a soul is holy, I can flow great graces through that soul into the world. Do not think about your own goals, little apostle, without checking them against My goals. In this time I require many apostles who strive to be humble. This is the opposite of what the world encourages. Do you see? Study this concept and you will see that great smallness is necessary in the Kingdom of God. Souls in heaven do not tear each other down, but build each other up. My saints in heaven seek ways to affirm the struggling souls on earth. They do not consider how to best put themselves forward, but rather how to best lift a soul toward holiness. You must be the same. I entreat you to listen to your Saviour. Strive for smallness in your service to the Kingdom. Be content to allow Me to have the glory. I will gaze into your soul and see the longing for holiness and I will make you holy, but I can only do this if you allow Me. My beloved ones, you will see in My life an example of constant patience with others. I was gentle on earth and I am still gentle. Because I am gentle, I am patient with you. You must be patient with others. You must be gentle with others. You must be forgiving of others, trusting My ability to work in the soul who allows Me freedom. If a soul is willing, I will help them. I have told you this. Trust My words and pray for each other, particularly those with whom you are called to walk during this time of transition. Dearest friends of heaven, believe Me when I tell you that all will be well. Your concern at this time should be to advance in holiness and you will only advance if you remain small. Be at peace in everything because My grace is more powerful than any bitter plans of the enemy. I am asking you to concentrate on your own movement to Me. For each apostle who gives Me their pride, I give the world My majesty, the majesty of Jesus Christ, your Returning King. 

Believing . . . Not Always So Easy

I want to sit here and tell you I trust God completely in everything . . . that I don't worry about a thing. But the truth is, at times, believing is not always so easy. When I become apprehensive about any given situation, my first thought is how to prepare myself for possible devastation . . . not "ok God, I'm giving You this one!" So what does that mean? Well, lay apostles, it means I am only human and a work in progress. The art of going to Him first takes practice. It's called blind faith, right? Resting in His merciful arms, knowing He planned my life before I was even born is a calming thought. (“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5) It helps to regain peace in my constantly overactive brain. There is a song by a group named Building 429 called "I Believe." I think this first verse sums it all up for me:

  

Walk blindly to the light 

and reach out for His hand 

Don’t ask any questions 

and don’t try to understand 

Open up your mind 

and then open up your heart 

You will see that you 

and me aren't very far apart 

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) reminded me to never forget what I claim to believe . . . He is my Savior:

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 The Mist of Mercy, she describes so perfectly the difference between saying you believe in Christ and actually living your life for Him:

"Jesus began to talk about souls. He said that purgatory prompts and completes the process of self-acceptance. Jesus explained this. Some souls understand that Jesus exists. They believe in God. They do not live this belief, however, and they do not make decisions based on their belief. They do not serve. Some souls understand that Jesus exists. They believe in God. They make many decisions based on this belief and live good lives. They serve partially. Some souls understand that Jesus exists. They believe in God. They live this belief and make most or all of their decisions based on this belief. These souls are saints. They serve in near totality. It is a challenge for a person to conform his life to something he has not seen but therein lay the merit of our earthly service. We do not see this heavenly Kingdom. We do not see the saints who have gone before us. We cannot touch the stones or trees or water in heaven. We are, however, given great grace in our souls with which to understand and believe the truths of God. The Sacraments provide treasures of grace to strengthen our understanding of God. Souls who live for the world deny these truths. They do not wish to believe because they do not wish to serve God. They desire their own will. When these souls die, they have to come to terms with the fact that they knew God existed and chose against Him on some occasions. They have to admit and acknowledge that they knew of God’s existence because this is the land of truth and there is no bantering or word play. The truth is plain to see here. On earth souls try to tie each other up in knots with clever arguments designed to distract from the truth. This will not work in the heavenly Kingdom. We will be able to relax there and there will be no need to be clever in that respect. This will be a relief because one gets tired of having to constantly expose the enemy’s distortions and traps."  

Lay apostles, no one ever said this life would be without suffering. If Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God suffered . . . well, we have nothing to complain about. When anxiety, fear, pain or suffering cause us to go into "protect ourselves" mode, remember, He has your back. No matter what. So, believe the words of the Gospel to be true. Let's not let Him be amazed at our lack of faith!

Thank you, Lord, for the trials and tribulations of this life. Help me to turn to You first and foremost for comfort and healing.

God bless,
Bonnie

All Will Be Exposed

The truth eventually comes out, doesn't it? Whether it's within minutes or years down the road, all will be exposed. Personally, I'd rather face the ugly truth up front. Get it over with as soon as possible. Tell me when I have offended right then and there. In times when I'm confronted with disrespect, I try to ignore the behavior the first few times, giving the benefit of the doubt. Then it becomes a choice of saying something or letting the bad behavior continue. But there are some situations where the offending party is just not ready to admit the reasons for their bad behavior or may not even realize they are offensive. When I think of Jesus in this scenario (He was constantly dealing with adversity!), I have to remember His message is always to lead with love and compassion while still maintaining solid boundaries. Not always easy, but so necessary!

Todays Gospel (Mark 4:21-25) points out that eventually truth will be revealed:

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

In Whispers From the Cross, Anne a lay apostle directs us to the foot of the cross when we are hurt by others:

"In the course of each life, we can expect to be betrayed. We can expect others to turn against us and be false, even perhaps while they pretend to be our friends. Falseness hurts the most. A proclaimed enemy at least allows us to be on guard. When one pretends to be a friend, we allow love to flow through us to them. We give. Our guard is down. When this love is exploited and it is found that person has abused love, one’s trust can be badly shaken. Such hurt. The only place to take it is to the foot of the Crucified Christ. That is the only place where it will make sense. And, when we deliver this hurt to Jesus, He is able to console us and guide us through the temptations that accompany betrayal."

Lay apostles, can you think of someone who just won't give you a break? Someone whose comments and/or actions are like flaming arrows to bring you down to their level of misery? We all know or have known people like this. Are love and compassion your first thoughts when attacked? To be honest, it's not mine usually! But, I have learned, through this mission, to act and react a little calmer, a little more peaceful (thank God Jay is a patient listener!), and to see others through His Eyes to the best of my ability. I am a work in progress, but I'm getting there!

Thank you, Lord, for continually providing the insight I need to remain calm when adversity strikes. 

God bless,
Bonnie

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

We Are Many Parts

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

It's Between Jesus and You!

Jay and I attended a motivational seminar last week called "Lead & Succeed 2014." The lineup of speakers included: Kendra Todd (first female to win reality show The Apprentice), Rudy Giuliani (former mayor of NY), Tom Ziglar (son of motivational speaker Zig Ziglar), Dr. Robert Schuller II, Adam Ginsberg (eBay guru), Les Brown (motivational speaker), Tom Hopkins (sales guru), James Smith (real estate guru), Dr. Clarice Fluitt (minister and motivational speaker) , Keith Craft (MC,minister and motivational speaker), Bob Kartell (not sure about his last name, but spoke about investments), Daniel Miller (make money on the internet), Larry King (via satellite) and James MacNeil (author and motivational speaker). Every one of them had invigorating messages . . . and almost every one of them spoke about their FAITH!!! Jesus was in the room last week, at a business seminar! We were told by the MC (Mr. Craft) that when they did a survey of past participants of the Lead & Succeed seminars, a large majority said they wanted to see spirituality incorporated. How cool is that? The overall message we walked away with was that it's between Jesus and you . . . others will try to distract you on the path, but if you stay focused He can do wondrous things!

Todays Gospel (Mark 3:22-30) demonstrates the focus we all need:

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 Volume Three, our Blessed Mother helps us to narrow our focus to her Son and His goals for us:

"If you have a situation that is unclear to you, and you wish heavenly guidance, you have only to ask. I urge you to bring divine counsel into every area of your life. As we sift through each area, we will weed out the earthly motivations and insert heavenly motivations. This process will move swiftly. The more committed you are to Christ, the more swiftly it can move. Afterwards, you will work so much more efficiently. You will be happier, more content, and souls will be attracted to you because of your singular focus. My children, all earthly education and teachings pale in comparison to the infused knowledge with which we wish to visit you. Be confident that you will have the ability to do anything we ask of you. Do not fear. Fear is not from God and prevents many soldiers from successfully completing their missions. Cast away fear and let us enjoy peace instead. I am with you and bless you. I will never leave you and your concerns will be my concerns. Look to souls who are led by me and you will see the peace in their faces. This is what I have for you. Heed my call, now, children. The time for service is today." 

Lay apostles, I want to leave you today with valuable quotes from some of the speakers:

James MacNeil: Discomfort + Hope = Motivation
Rudy Giuliani: Preparation is what reduces fear - relentless preparation
Tom Ziglar: What you feed your mind determines your appetite
Adam Ginsberg: Success is the result of good judgement 
Dr. Clarice Fluitt: Immaturity resists change
James Smith: Stop wearing NFL players names on your back . . . they aren't wearing yours!
Kendra Todd: If it is to be, it will be me
Les Brown: Someones opinion of you doesn't have to become your reality; provide more service than you get paid for; give before you ask
Tom Hopkins: Failure = learning experience

Thank you, Lord, for putting my motivation where it needs to be . . . leading to You! And thank you for the beautiful souls of all the Lead & Succeed speakers!

God bless,
Bonnie

Beautiful Article about Direction for Our Times

(Received in email from DFOT) A beautifully written letter from a pastor in the state of Washington . . . 

Pastor’s Column

December 8, 2013

Developing a Personal Relationship with Jesus

Greetings in Christ.

In 1996 at the age of 26, I began to have a conversion experience that ultimately culminated in my becoming a priest. The one defining characteristic of my conversion has been coming to know, love and serve Jesus Christ in what is popularly known as a personal relationship. From polling and antidotal evidence it is clear that most Catholics wouldn’t describe themselves as having a personal relationship with Our Lord. This is unfortunate, even tragic really, because without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, most people will not give Him their entire life. I certainly would not have become a priest without this personal relationship, and Jesus would have to vie with family, career and my passions for my priorities and focus.

About six years ago I read a book entitled: Climbing the Mountain by Anne: a lay apostle. Finally, I had a book in my possession that I thought could help so many others to know Jesus (God) enough to begin having a personal relationship with Him. Since then, I have read all of Anne’s writings from her publishing moniker: Direction for Our Times. Her books all have a powerful ability to clearly convey how heaven thinks and operates especially in contrast with the incorrect thinking and living in our world today. Because of someone’s generous donation, we have been able to order two thousand of Anne’s first book: Volume # 1: Thoughts on Spirituality. I beg you to read it. Outside of the Bible, I feel that The Volumes are the easiest, surest spiritual reading to a life in God. On November 11, 2013 Anne’s bishop granted an Imprimatur for all of the writings for Direction for Our Times; the books have a Nihil Obstat as well. The Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat are an official declaration that a book or pamphlet are free of doctrinal or moral error and that ecclesiastical permission for its publication has been granted. I encourage you to go on-line to Direction for Our Times and order all of The Volumes. Like scripture they keep on giving, I am now on my third or fourth reading of The Volumes.

Advent has begun, a great time to focus on developing or deepening our personal relationship with Jesus. Advent is a season when the Lord would like us all to slow down and quiet down so as to spiritually prepare ourselves to meet Him on His birthday. Yet the season has been hijacked by consumerism over the decades, and so instead of the silence, etc., we get hustle and bustle. Today we “celebrate” the Christmas season from Thanksgiving until Christmas day. The Church traditionally celebrates the season of Christmas for three weeks: beginning with Christmas Eve night and ending with the Baptism of the Lord. What a wonderful world and life it would be if each of us would use what is left of Advent to grow spiritually instead of stressfully. Here are some helpful ideas. 

1) Reclaim silence. We need it in order to hear God and to be sane. Please cut back on the radio, background music, TV, internet, hand held devices, etc., and reclaim what all of humanity enjoyed from the foundation of the world until the middle of the 20th century – a little silence.

2) Prayer. And Jesus said: “It is necessary to pray always without ceasing.”

3) Spiritual reading. Now that you have one of The Volumes in addition to your Bible, it’s just a matter of discipline. Two or three pages a day of Volume #1 will do you and others wonders.

4) Attend weekday Masses if you can. There is no greater devotional practice nor means to deeper conversion than this. Take advantage of it while priests are still around to offer it.

5) Frequent Confession. The saints and holiest people I know use this sacrament frequently; think there’s any connection? Boundless humility on our part, and boundless grace on God’s part, is the secret to the fruit of the confessional. Use it frequently. Start with once a month and then increase from there.

Yours in Christ’s Love,

Fr. Thomas Nathe Pastor 

No Guessing at Training Camp . . . Easy to Identify:

Blogger: love of my life, Jay!

Every year, the NFL holds a draft for the college athletes looking to move on and play professionally. Right there, on the day of the draft, the players are given their first pieces of clothing identifying them with their new team (typically a ball cap and a jersey).

The day they show for training camp, they are given more gear, equipment, and workout clothes that definitively identify them as a member of that team. The team logo is on

their jersey, on their helmet, on their socks, on their shirt under their pads . . . it is on everything. There is no guessing if the team considers them one of their own.

Now, these players also understand that they could be cut from the roster at any point. It could be during the season . . . it could be right before the first game of the season . . . it could be on the first day of practice. Regardless, at no point in their journey are they or anyone around them questioning if they are a member of that team.

In Saturdays Gospel (Mark 16:15-18), Jesus asks His eleven apostles to go out and preach the Gospel to every creature. He goes on to say that those who believe in His name will easily be identified:

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

In the Monthly Message from August 2006, Jesus talks about the gifts that can only be received by Him:

"I send My apostles the grace necessary for a calm spirit. With this calm spirit, My followers will bring heavenly calm to a restless world that trembles with unease. Live your commitment to time spent in silent prayer and I will place these heavenly graces in your soul. Others will identify these graces in you because these gifts are contrary to the gifts offered by the world. This is another way that My apostles stand out." 

Lay apostles, can you be easily identified as a someone who follows Jesus Christ the Returning King? Do your actions speak louder than your words?

Thank you, Lord, for showing me the path I need to take in order to become more recognizable as one of Your followers. 

Humbly and Gratefully Yours,

Jay

41st March for Life in Washington DC

Thinking about all those who braved the cold in Washington D.C. today and remembering participating with my oldest daughter Mallorie 4 years ago. A day neither of us will forget! Thank you to all those who continue the fight for life!  Through Christ, all things are possible!

Mallorie with the Lepanto Foundation from Italy 2010.

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

Whistle While You Work

As the mother of three daughters, I loved the Disney princesses as much as the girls did (and still do!). After reading todays Gospel, this song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs popped into my head:



A little nostalgia to put a smile on your face! Think about how joyful Snow White is while embarking on a big clean up project. Is she doing this alone? No. She has surrounded herself with others who share in the work (ok, so they are animals, but you get the picture!). Are we as joyful when faced with difficult tasks or decisions? Do we call in for help or support from heaven or other likeminded Christians when we don't know where to begin? My answer is most of the time. But I am getting better. There is so much work to be done in this world for Our Savior, lay apostles. Jesus is thankful for even the smallest attempt toward putting Him first. So, whistle while you work, joyful knowing you are building God's Kingdom on earth.

Todays Gospel (Mark 2:23-28) shows us that we must always put Him first: 

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

In Volume Four, Jesus the King asks us to do our own share of work for heaven, trusting Him to be responsible for His part:

"The process of My return has begun. You are the avenues through which these graces will flow. Open your hearts to Me now, little souls of the Kingdom. Watch in amazement how My Spirit flows through you. You need do nothing exceptional except be open to My will. I will do everything. When you feel pressure, it is because you are attempting to do My work for Me. Who could do the work of God? Certainly not a little learning soul who is attempting to find perfection in a very imperfect world. Let Me work through you. Let Me love you and support you as I make the necessary changes in your soul that will allow Me to flow through you uninhibited. All is well, My beloved children. You need worry over nothing."  

Lay apostles, everyone is watching . . . our kids, our families, our friends, our acquaintances . . . to see if we live as we preach. When you introduce others to this apostolate, are you living proof Jesus' words govern your life? Take a look at how others perceive you, especially your own family. Do you act and react with the love and kindness of Christ? Something I am working on in 2014!

Thank you, Lord, for joy in my heart when working to build Your Kingdom. And thank you for the extra gentle shove when the joy is harder to come by!

God bless,
Bonnie