Advice, Solicited and Unsolicited

Crucifix in Sistine Chapel, taken by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

Crucifix in Sistine Chapel, taken by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.  For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be present to your soul.  Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”  Proverbs 2:9-11

     No one knows you like God does.  He created you. 

     When we seek advice or evaluation from someone, we are looking for direction or acceptance.  While the direction or acceptance we receive might be worthwhile and valuable to us it is not the absolute best advice we can get.  When we seek the advice of others, we must then turn to God and seek His wisdom about it also, for no one truly knows us as our creator does. The same holds true for unsolicited or unwanted advice.  It may be even more important then, especially when we hear something unsolicited that we don’t want to hear about ourselves. 

     Whether advice is sought out or unwanted, in both instances, we must turn to God to discern what is correct, to discern the truth.  In this way, no one else can ever truly hurt us, for they cannot know us in the way He does.  They cannot not know our inner most being.  When we seek His wisdom and truth we can then know our own truth, and we can then accept ourselves without needing the opinions of others.

     It is also important to remember, whether solicited or unsolicited, when someone offers critique of us, our situation, or our actions, they are operating within their own realm of reality or truth.  Just like us, everything they think, do, or say is rooted in their own experiences and in their own personal vision of the world.  Keeping this in mind helps us to see their words, their reactions, and our own, in a different, more knowing light, in God’s Light. 

     Every person’s reality is unique, and knowing this, we can then hear and accept what they say without over reacting.  We can understand that they think they know us intimately, and that they think they know what is best for us.  We can take what they say and then turn to God for His counsel, His wisdom.

     And, it helps to know that God is waiting to give us a personal consultation on any matter.  It is free for the asking, and He is open for business 24/7.

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Legacy Of Joy

Behind the roof statuary at the Vatican, taken by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

Behind the roof statuary at the Vatican, taken by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

“Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  Proverbs 15:30

Optimistic — anticipating the best possible outcome (Merriam-Webster)

     I have always been joyfully optimistic, at times even accused of being optimistic to a fault, and at times almost like it is a disease.  I can honestly say such accusations never once made me reconsider my approach to life.  I have remained ever optimistic. In fact, I intend to leave a legacy of joy!

     There are many reasons why being optimistic is a good thing.  The number one physical reason is the good health associated with a good outlook.  Spiritually, however, being optimistic has an entirely different benefit.  Being optimistic in our faith brings us a deep inner joy.  Once experienced, this true inner joy in God can never be taken from us unless we allow it to be.

     A true optimistic outlook does not ignore the reality of pain and suffering, but knows that even in times of distress, failure, or anguish, the Good News is still real.  It is still our destiny through times of trouble, even in the valley of the shadow of death.  It is still the end game.

     A true optimistic outlook views trials and troubles as learning experiences, as growth toward the ultimate goal.  It doesn’t lessen the pain and suffering, but it lessens the impact of that pain and suffering.  We do not allow the pain and suffering to become us, or to define who we are.  We remain, beneath it all, a person of hope, a person of joy.

     Being spiritually optimistic allows us to set example of how to live and persevere in times of struggle.  In our optimistic outlook we are never defeated.  We set example because others are watching, wondering, and eventually wanting to know our secret.  They see our joy, and desire it for themselves.  We share the Good News through our thoughts, words, and deeds.  We pass on our enthusiasm, our optimism, and our faith to those we love, and to those we may not love so much.  We can’t help it, it is just who we are.

     The Good News is there for all of us.  Look for it and learn about it in God’s Word, The Bible.  Look for it in others, and all around you.  Look for it within yourself, and then pass it on.  Share the Good News of the joy found in Jesus Christ, and leave a legacy of joy that will last for generation upon generation.

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Lord, Bless

Bernini's Holy Spirit at Saint Peter's Basilica

Bernini’s Holy Spirit at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, 2011

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  2 Corinthians 8

     The word bless, according to Webster’s New World dictionary, means to make holy, ask divine favor for.  When we pray for God to bless someone, or a certain situation, what are we asking?  By bless do we mean for God to do what we want for that person, do we want God to make a situation turn out the way we want it to?  We ask for divine favor, but whose favor, ours or His?

     I have mentioned that I write in a daily prayer journal, a.k.a. my “Book of Answered Prayer.” (See “Delay Is Opportunity”, posted 02/11/11)  One of the prayers that I write every day is, “Lord, bless Turner and I.  Bless our faith, marriage, health, parenting, and finances.”  When I pray bless, I am truly asking to Him to make our faith and our marriage holy.  I am truly asking His divine favor for our health, parenting, and finances.

     By praying bless, I proclaim my trust in the Lord, my trust in His outcomes.  I do not demand; I give no explicit or implicit instructions, only that He bless.  How He blesses, I leave in His Hands, for I know He will care for us in ways too wonderful for me to even imagine.  He wants only the highest good for us.

     Does this mean it is never appropriate to ask for specifics?  Definitely not.  We should never be afraid to ask God to meet our needs, even our desires, so long as they are worthy, holy requests that will not harm us or others in any way, but especially spiritually.  I constantly pray for special intentions for loved ones, friends, and on occasion, myself.  I ask, expecting Him to hear and anticipating the answer.

     When I pray for Him to bless, though, I am broadening the territory.  I am letting Him know that I leave all in His Hands without needing a specific outcome.  Bless this nation, bless The Church, bless those serving in our military; these are some examples of where asking Him to bless is most effective.  The same is true for situations where we are overwhelmed, not knowing exactly what is needed, or what is even possible.  We ask for His divine favor, we ask Him to bless the situation.

     And then, after we ask His blessing, we need to pay attention, to see what favors He bestows.  I am blessed to have as my witness my “Book of Answered Prayer.”  My prayer is that God blesses each of you with the ability to see and rejoice in the favors He bestows.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel.  You shall say to them:  The LORD bless you, and keep you;  The LORD make His face shine on you; The LORD be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.”

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Steping Out In Faith

800px-Holy_Spirit_007“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

     When we step out, we leave our comfort zone; we head into the unknown.  When we have faith, we trust, we expect.  When we step out in faith, we venture forth with the expectation that all will end well.  This doesn’t mean that we will have completely smooth sailing along our journey, in fact, it may be quite bumpy!

Publicly sharing my personal spiritual journal on Facebook was a major step out in faith for me.  At first, I fought the idea of it, but He continued prompting me to do it, to the point I could no longer ignore Him.  One of the entries recorded in my journal reads, “Don’t be average.  Take the talents I have given you and put them out there for all to see.  Then, STEP BACK, letting go, and watch as others come to ME.”  After I began the group page on Facebook, Journey Through The Stillness, He again let me know this was what He wanted.  I knew I was following His will.

     Stepping out in faith does not mean that we do so unprepared, or haphazardly.  We take necessary precautions and plan using the wisdom, knowledge and resources at our disposal.  We do everything humanly possible to ensure our success, but how do we ensure God is with us, that we are fulfilling His plan for our life?

The best way to know if we are stepping out according to His will is to ask ourselves some simple questions.  Does it serve a higher purpose?  Does it take away from your main vocation?  For instance, if you are a wife and mother, or husband and father, does it prevent you from serving your family and providing for their needs?  Does it hinder or hurt someone?  Does it foster or promote goodwill to others?   Most important of all, did you ask God if He wants you to do it? And, when you did, did you wait for an answer?  His prompting may not always be with words.  It may simply be a thought, an idea, or an urge so strong it cannot be denied.  It will continually present itself.

If you can answer basic questions like the above, and have asked God to send His Holy Spirit upon you to direct your path, then you are ready to venture forth; to step out in faith.  If God is leading you, open your heart and go forward, unafraid.  You may have some normal doubts, but if it is right, you will have an overall peaceful feeling about it.

Remember, the road may be bumpy.  But, if you are sincerely seeking His will, His plan for your life, even if you make a mistake, He will guide you to what He is truly asking of you.  The outcome will be even better than you expected!

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Lord, You Are Safety

St Mark's Cathedral

Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Venice, Italy, 2012

Lord, You are Safety.

Forgive me, Lord, when I let the dangers and troubles of this world rob me of my security, my safety net, You.

Thank you, Lord, for always being there to catch me when I fall, guide me when I stumble, and right my path when I go astray.  Thank you, Lord, for ever securing me in the safety of Your Love.

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Our Gift To Him

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, 2012, taken by Martha Wiggins

Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, 2012, taken by Martha Wiggins

“They prostrated themselves and did Him homage.  Then they opened their coffers and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:11

     After receiving the gift of His own Son; after receiving such a gift of enormous love from our Heavenly Father, what can we offer in return?  The three wise men brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but what have we that could compare?  What have we to give that could possibly be of real value to Him who has everything, to Him who created everything?  What does He want?  Need?  Expect?

     In a previous post I stated I believe the true message of Christmas is as simple as love freely given and received.  I also believe the gift we have to offer Him is equally as simple.  We give Him our heart.

     First, we open our heart to receive Him within.  We nurture Him through prayer.  We shelter Him with love.  We allow Him to abide in our heart.

     Second, we open our heart to share Him.  We love deeper, stronger.  We see others and love others through Him in our heart.  We allow Him to radiate outwardly from our heart.

     Third, we open our heart in praise and thanksgiving.  We honor Him.  We sing His praises.  We thank Him for the gift of Eternal Live.  We allow His Glory to shine forth from within our heart.

     Our gift may not be as elaborate as those of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but our heart is truly the gift He wants, needs, and expects as Our Lord, Savior, and King.  If you haven’t done so already, give Him your Heart today, and make sure He knows you have.  God Bless.

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Let Us Begin…

Ruins at Corinth, Greece, 2012, taken by Martha Wiggins

Ruins at Corinth, Greece, 2012, taken by Martha Wiggins

“In the first place, beg of God by most earnest prayer, that He perfect whatever good you begin, in order that He who has been pleased to count us in the number of His children, need never be grieved at our evil deeds.  For we ought at all times so to serve Him with the good things which He has given us.”  (Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue: 4-6)

     Many never start something because they believe they will fail.  Many at Christmas desire to do good works, but are overwhelmed at the great need of so many.  The desire to start, the desire to help is thwarted over a perceived outcome.  All of us are not destined or called to do big things, but we are destined, we are called to ‘do’ in His Name.

     During this season of Advent, as we await the coming of our Lord and Savior as Light of the world, let us pray each morning:

     “Lord, take everything that I think, do, and say this day and make it serve Your greater Glory and Your Holy Name.  Most especially, show me where I can make a difference and guide my activities.  Lord, let me not hesitate when I hear my name called, and then perfect whatever good work you have me begin.  I desire no other reward than your Holy Love.  Amen”  (MMW)

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.”  Titus 2:11-14

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Seventy Times Seven

St Peter's Basilica Statuary, taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

St Peter’s Basilica Statuary, taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

So many entirely miss the spirit of the Christmas season because they harbor unforgiveness in their hearts.  It may be toward others, or even toward themselves.  When Peter asked Jesus how often he was to forgive those who sinned against him, Jesus replied seventy times seven.  Many tend to mete out forgiveness according to the depth of our hurt… the greater our hurt the less we forgive.  We also judge the gravity of the sin… the little things are easily forgiven, but the greater the sin the harsher we judge and the less we forgive.  In the same way we believe that Jesus must find it hard to forgive us our  own trespasses.  We live in unforgiveness of ourselves.  Jesus metes out forgiveness to us in direct opposition to the way many of us forgive.  The greater the sin, the more forgiveness is needed, the more mercy and love Jesus shows us.

If Christmas seems far off, and not personal for you, ask yourself how many times has Jesus forgiven you?  Have you asked for His forgiveness?  Do you forgive others in the same way Jesus has forgiven you?  Your friends?  Your family?  Your co-workers?

See Jesus reborn in yourself, and others, through the greatest gift God has to offer… His Only Begotten Son.  Open this gift with your heart.  Forgive others, forgive yourself, forgive God if need be… seventy times seven.  Let Christmas lead the way.

(Prayer:  Lord, let me walk through this day in the shadow of Your loving mercy and forgiveness, yet in the Light of Your Resurrection and Everlasting Joy.”  MMW)

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Sights And Sounds

St Peter's Basilica, 2011

Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, 2011

     It is Christmas, a season of great Joy.  Miracles abound and hearts are warmed by the sights and sounds of the season.  All the beautiful lights and jolly Christmas carols do bring smiles, and sometimes even reminiscent tears of joy.  They make our hearts beat a little faster, maybe even make us feel a little more alive.

     As Christians we must remind ourselves often that all of these sights and sounds are at best artificial reminders unless Christ is at their heart.  However, they can be good beginnings toward opening our hearts to the real meaning of Christmas.  They can soften us and help us to prepare a special place for Him in our own hearts.

     Let us thoroughly enjoy all the sights and sounds of all that is Christmas.  Just let us make sure that the home we prepare within is not decorated with artificial lights.  Make it a priority each day to spend time focusing on the ‘why’ of the sights and sounds and make Christ a permanent welcome mat at the door of our heart.  We will find it much easier to spread the true joy of all that is Christmas when He is looking outward from the door within us!

     Merry Christmas, and may His Joy spread throughout the world from within each of us.

A Christmas tune by American songwriter Johnny Marks:

“Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
Well
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer

Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet…”

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We Are All Called

Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome, Italy, (Basilica of St. Mary over Minerva) taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome, Italy, (Basilica of St. Mary over Minerva) taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’  Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.  Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”  Matthew 4:18-22

     It is not a question of if, but of when and where.  We will all be called. 

     Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee when he called out to the fisherman.  They were minding their own business, literally.  They weren’t wondering if they should be doing something else, something more with their lives.  They were living their lives.

     And then they heard something; their name.  Jesus called them by name.  He said “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  And they did!  They immediately, not in a minute, not later, but immediately, left all behind and went with him.

     I wonder if I would do the same.  And, I even know he is coming!  Will I hear Jesus call my name?  How will I respond?   How will you?

Advent Prayer:  Jesus, I know you are coming, help me hear and answer your call.

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