Relinquish Control Anew

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Martha

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.  I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.”  2 Peter 1:12-14

     Often I yearn for the period of time when The Stillness was beyond anything I could ever imagine.  I remember my priest telling me to be prepared for change as though it was inevitable, and thinking to myself that this was so strong, so ‘everything’ that it must and would go on forever.

     If you followed along in my Journey Through The Stillness from the beginning, then you know the emotional turmoil along with the ecstasy Jesus brought me through in order to deliver His messages.  While The Stillness is still vital to my being, and is still serving to bring His messages to all, it is not the same as it once was.  The exhilaration of experiencing Jesus in such a personal way and being spirit led beyond all my limits has become more of a comforting knowledge that I am being led, and that Jesus has my back!

     As changes have ocurred in my life so have my responsibilities and so has the time available to me to sit in The Stillness for long periods of time each day.  Emotionally, I am still dealing with the fact that I have been thrust back out into the world in ways which are beyond my control, yet I know are in His control.  I work hard at carving out the time I need to connect in spirit to Jesus each day, and at times find it difficult to maintain the focus needed to do so.  I am still clinging to the old, longing for the old, while trying to be open and adapt to the new.  I must say here that He never disappoints me and always rewards my efforts.  I am His unfinished work of art, which He chisels and carves on ever so tenderly.

     Today, as a reminder to myself and to all, I am sharing an entry from Journey Through The Stillness from October of last year.  It reminds me that there will always be times when I need to refocus, but it also reminds me of exactly what must be done to gain that focus –relinquish control –and just exactly what my relationship with Jesus can be when I do so.  

Journey Through The Stillness, October 25, 2010 – “Ah, well done, my child.  Of late your actual entrance into The Stillness has become just that, a routine, a means to an end.  It is wise that you recognize this and do not let it be so.  I am your Lord.  When you say, ‘for You are God’, remember exactly what this means.  Relinquish control anew each and every time you enter The Stillness. It is not something to be rushed through.  It must be honest; real; intimate.  It is between servant and Master, created and Creator.  And then, remember it is between beloved and Lover, breath and Life.  Never take this for granted, but know it is ever there for the asking.  Ask and ye shall receive.”

Prayer:  My Lord, and My God, I lay my life before you.  I consecrate to You my heart, body, and soul.  I am thine and thine I wish to be.  Therefore, I will fear nothing; for evil cannot conquer, cannot overcome, those that live in and through You, My Lord, and My God.  Amen

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Faith, Habits, Inspiration, Journaling, Prayer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gospel, Sunday, October 23, 2011

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Martha

“But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together.  One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’  And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:34-40

     Today’s Gospel tells us to love.  It is the greatest commandment.  We must love God, and we must love others as we love ourselves.  For a lot of us loving ourselves is harder than loving God.  Maybe that’s why we are not always so good at loving others.  If we could but see ourselves through God’s love for us, we might love ourselves more.  We might then love others as we love ourselves.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Biblical, Faith, Habits, Inspiration | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Spirit Within

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Martha

“But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.”   Romans8:9

     One of the many spiritual daily meditation booklets that I love to read in is Daily Word.  While it is not a Catholic devotional, and I do read in many that are, I find Daily Word to be an uplifting inspiration of joy for my daily journey.

     In my own Journey Through The Stillness, (my personal spiritual journal shared publicly) I mention often how I am IN Jesus, and Jesus is IN me.  So I loved it when I recently read the following excerpt from Daily Word:

“Christ in me is mightier than any circumstance in my life.  I do not consider myself a victim of circumstance.  I share the conviction of the poet William Ernest Henley: ‘I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.’  The presence of God -the same triumphant, undefeatable Spirit that was in Jesus-is in me.  God is manifest in me as my Christ self…”

      Imagine, the same Spirit that was in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is in each and every one of us.  What was it you needed to accomplish today?  Just knowing His Spirit is within is strength enough to conquer all!  Have a great day everyone!

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Faith, Habits, Inspiration | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

My True Home

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Martha

Today I will again share an entry from my Daily Prayer Journal.

October 10, 2011:

Lord, You are Home.

Forgive me when I live more in this world than in my true home, your world.

Thank you, Lord, for continually knocking on my door and inviting me home.

Bless Turner and I.  Bless and strengthen our faith, marriage, health, parenting, and finances.  Bless each of our children.  Especially bless them on their faith journey.  Bless our coming grandchild and grow him to be ever strong in your name.  Bless and guide each of us to be the person you want us to be.

Bless all of our family members and friends.  Especially bless their faith.  Bless those with aging health concerns, those with relationship concerns, and those in need of life direction.

Bless this nation, Lord, guiding its leaders, and protecting all who serve in the military.  Bless The Church and prosper her mission throughout the earth.  Bless the dying and the unborn.

Bring peace on earth, amongst and within all nations.  Bless the sick and dying, homeless and poor, lonely and depressed, abused and helpless.

Bless our home and our pets.

Love, Martha

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Faith, Habits, Inspiration, Journaling, Prayer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

2nd Reading, Sunday, October 16, 2011

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Martha

 “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.  We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”  1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

     We don’t write letters much these days.  We communicate by texting, e-mailing, and cell-phoning. We use shorthand and abbreviations and then wonder why the original intent is lost on the recipient.  There is no mistaking the message of this thoughtfully written in long-hand letter from the apostles to the Thessalonians.  It is a note of praise, a letter of encouragement, and a statement of facts. Paul, Silvanus and Timothy are letting the Thessalonians know how well they are doing in their faith journey.  They tell them what they have seen with their own eyes; that by the power of the Holy Spirit they have been chosen by God as living witnesses to a life of faith in Jesus Christ.

     I wonder, if the apostles came to my town today, to my home today, would they leave and then write me the same letter?  I hope and pray they would, and I hope they would continue to pray for me as they did the Thessalonians.  We can all learn from their example and offer to support each other in our own faith journey, continually lifting each other up in prayer.  Grace and peace to you all.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Biblical, Faith, Habits, Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Another Private Peek

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Martha

“I acknowledge my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide;  I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’; And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”  Psalm 32:5

     In previous posts I have sometimes given you a peek into another journal of mine.  It is my Daily Prayer Journal, a.k.a. My Book of Answered Prayer.  This journal is exactly what it says, a personal private prayer journal.  I have maintained it as part of my daily prayer routine for many years.  It could be considered a forerunner to my Journey Through The Stillness, only in this one, I am doing all the talking!  When prayer journaling, I follow a simple format put forth by author Bill Hybels in his book, “Too Busy Not To Pray.”   I have explained this in detail in a prior post which can be found in the archives to the right, under the category ‘Journaling’, entitled “A Private Peek” and dated March 14, 2011. 

     After posting yesterday’s prayer asking Our Lord to grant me humility, I ran across the following entry that I would like to share with you.  It reminds me that even though I am sinful, I am yet truly blessed!  Enjoy!

Daily Prayer Journal, June 24, 2010 –

You are Mercy.

Forgive my many transgressions, Lord, and they are many.  Especially forgive my sins of vanity and pride; of self-righteousness, judging others, selfishness, gossip, doubt, complacency, and ingratitude.  Send your Holy Spirit to fill me with wisdom, discernment, and the power of self-correction.

Thank you, Lord, for my blessings, and they are many also.  Especially thank you for the blessings of faith and grace; of love, health, food, shelter, and clothing.  Thank you for my husband and each of my children, and our pets that bring joy to my heart.  Thank you for all of our family members, and all of our friends.  Thank you for the inspirations given me by You and your Holy Spirit, and for guiding me in my Journey Through The Stillness.  Make me a mighty oak of righteousness for your name sake, Lord, while also making meek and humble as needed in pointing the way to You.  Always let me be your servant, giving graciously and lovingly all the glory and honor to You.

Thank you for this great nation, Lord.  Protect and guide her ever to You.

Thank you for our Church, priest, and all the religious who serve us and You.  Send many faithful servants for your Church, Lord, and prosper her throughout the earth.

And, as always, Lord, I ask you to bless my home and my pets.

Love, Martha

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Habits, Inspiration, Journaling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Responsorial Psalm – Sunday, October 9, 2011

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Martha
 

Psalm 23

The LORD, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

    A Psalm of David.

 1 The LORD is my shepherd,
I [a]shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside [b]quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the [c]paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

 4 Even though I walk through the [d]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no [e]evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You [f]have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 [g]Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will [h]dwell in the house of the LORD [i]forever.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&version=NASB

This is probably the most well known of all Psalms.  It is a beloved prayer that offers courage, strength, solace, and peace to all who believe.

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Affirmations, Biblical, Faith, Inspiration, Prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lord, You Are Peace

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Martha

Lord, You are Peace;

Forgive me, Lord, when I hold on too tight to this world and fail to surrender to all that is You.

Thank you, Lord, for the peace and love experienced whenever I do surrender.

     Also including today the September 2, 2011 entry from Journey Through The Stillness (My personal spiritual journal shared publicly on facebook.)

September 2, 2011 – As I enter today, I hear, “Be still, child.  Be completely with Me.  No half-hearted, quick attempts will do.  Surrender.”  As I do, I feel a complete calm surround me.  My heart whispers, “Rabboni,” and I am filled with peace.  In surrender is relief.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Habits, Inspiration, Journaling, Prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Divine Mercy Saint

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Martha

     Yesterday was the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi and I shared the beautiful “Prayer For Peace.”  Today is the feast day of another saint, and one who lived in more modern times than Saint Francis.  In fact, she was the first to be canonized in the 21st Century in April of 2000.  Her name is Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, and she is very close to my heart.  Her writings have touched my life in many ways.

     Saint Faustina Kowalska is commonly known as The Divine Mercy Saint.  She lived from 1905 to 1938 and belonged to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.  She died of tuberculosis and suffered greatly, and quietly throughout her lifetime.  In the 1930’s she experienced visions of Jesus, who urged her to spread His message of mercy throughout the world.  She continually sought mercy for others by offering up her sufferings and illness in union with the sufferings of Jesus in atonement for their sins.  Through Saint Faustina, Jesus established Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday following Easter.  The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a devotion prayed by millions of faithful around the world and is offered for the special intentions of sinners, most especially those on their deathbed.

     Saint Faustina, as asked by Jesus, recorded her visions of Jesus and His messages in a personal diary.  It was later published as “Diary: Divine Mercy In My Soul.”  This beauful, inspiring diary is available in bookstores, and as it did mine, will touch the soul of all who read it with an open heart.

     In honor of this beloved saint –

A prayer from The Divine Mercy Chaplet:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus, Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Faith, Habits, Inspiration, Prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Peace Prayer Of Staint Francis

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Martha

      Today is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi.  The beautiful prayer below was not actually written by Saint Francis.  It was first published in 1912 in a French Catholic spiritual publication.  Around 1920, a French Franciscan priest had the prayer imprinted on the back of an image of Saint Francis and entitled it “A Prayer For Peace.”  It is known and loved worldwide.  Our world and our nation are much in need of our prayers.

     World peace begins in the heart of each and every one of us.  In honor of our beloved Saint Francis, let us pray:  

Lord make me
an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred,
Let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, Joy.

O Divine Master grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled
As to console;
To be understood,
As to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are
Born to eternal life.

Amen

May the Peace of Christ live and reign in your heart forever.  God Bless.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011
Posted in Faith, Habits, Inspiration, Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment