Be An Inspiring Member Of The Church

Be An Inspiring Member Of The Church Inappropriate behavior. Have you ever felt a cringing feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know you’ve mindlessly said something hurtful, or spoke up sounding crude and jovial when the mood was solemn? "We are at a funeral, not a comedy show. Quiet yourselves.” “Do you mind if I finish talking? You’ll get your turn when I am through.” “I can’t believe you came dressed to church like that. You look like you’re going to the beach!” Infringing rudely on someone else time, behaving inappropriately at a solemn service, or dressing unbecomingly in God’s house are just a few examples of what can be deemed inappropriate behavior. We can’t assume others know the rules. We can, however, continue to teach anyone whose lives we touch. Even bolder, rebuke those who know better yet defy authority. Our words may not be easily received or immediately acted upon, nor would someone else’s behavior be corrected instantly. But our conscience knows better. Sacred thoughts have a way of striking a chord in our hearts and spirits and have a way of resonating in our minds for years and even a lifetime. God is present everywhere in our lives. Choose to acknowledge God’s presence before that curse word parts from your lips. Know that He is present whether you are alone or gathered with a group. Teach your family and friends about the reverence of God. Jesus did not permit anyone to sell or take anything in the church that would interfere with the bonding of the mind and heart with God. The “physical Church” is not the only place that our hearts and minds should be dedicated to prayer, awe, respect and the worshipping of God. “The church” is wherever people are. Where ever you are be an inspiring member of the church! Drive out the idea that God’s world and even more His Church, is a place that people should mindlessly deface.

Seek The Grace of Your Purpose

Embrace tough occasions. Enjoy unexpected pleasures. Seize tender moments. Put people, not things, on your “A list.” Use your love and gifts to console, promote, teach & heal. Our purpose is to be an image of Jesus and use the time we are graced with for God’s greater glory. Today with good intent, enjoy using the gift of your time to seek the grace of your purpose and bequeath it upon others.

Your Spiritual Journey Will Be Celebrated In Heaven and Story Remembered On Earth

Your Spiritual Journey Will Be Celebrated In Heaven and Story Remembered On Earth It’s human nature to act on desires of the heart. But what happens when we’re told that our actions are wrong. We may defend taking from an employer citing that, “they have more than enough, they will not miss it.” How would we react to a co-worker who condemns our actions? Would it sit well if a friend cashed our check and took ½ for himself? If a man proclaimed to a single woman that he is unhappily married, she may justify an affair to fulfill her loneliness. How would she respond when called an adulterer? Would she embrace a woman whom came between her and her spouse? If a young child is caught bullying another for his lunch, money or toys, how might he respond to being bullied incessantly? Many of us have been guilty of acting on selfish desires denying that our deeds are deceitful, ruthless, or hurtful. How different is “a little white lie” to get what we want than a horrific act of violence and hatred without remorse? Is it okay to inflict pain on another because of her dishonest past? Our personal “sinful thoughts” are not exempt and carry great weight into the development of our moral values and faith. When challenged with righteous opposition, how often do concede to good virtue? What keeps anyone from doing what is right and just? Our spiritual life story is ongoing and our earthly biography and their direction toward our end are in our hands. Our victories are easily recalled and celebrated. However, it’s unsettling to the self-centered heart when our moral conscience is challenged. Our errors of yesterday are written and cannot be omitted. But our future can be transformed and legacy improved. How we will write our future? Will we live in fear of man or God? Will our egos keep us from admitting we were wrong or will we listen, learn and embrace the gifts of repentance, self-control and our spiritual conscience? God will forgive, love and reward a remorseful heart. Why would we ever fear man or feed an egocentric ego? Get to know the Holy Spirit that lives in you. Lead boldly as you stand up against sinfulness and self-serving ideals. Self fulfillment lies in your relationship and trust in God through His Son Jesus Christ. As you encounter your daily trials, tribulations and decisions ask, “Jesus, if You were in my shoes, what would You do?” Spend quiet and meaningful time seeking your answers from your Spirit in Christ. Jesus, not man, knows how best to serve, reward and lead you higher. Graces, blessings and life’s joys are experienced through your faith, trust and hope in Christ. Keep your sight focused on the Lord for you will not be led astray. Follow with confidence in the footsteps of Christ. Your spiritual journey will be celebrated in Heaven and your story remembered on Earth.

Life Is About Giving

Sundays are beautiful. Being in church and visiting the sick is a wonderful privilege. How incredible that dementia can preclude the memory of our past and present yet in the grace of a special moment one can seem intrinsically connected to the conversation, and interesting that different languages can limit communication but that affectionate and compassionate human gestures and mannerisms can speak volumes. It never ceases to amaze me how those who are ill and perhaps elderly, can still remember prayers, seem to maintain a loving relationship with The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, and continue to graciously remember to thank the church for their Sunday visitation. And if that were not enough, how wonderful a feeling to hug each person and receive a stranger’s love back, how extraordinary a moment to impart a kiss on their cheek and feel their heartfelt warms lips on my forehead, how tender an experience to hold one’s delicates hands and feel the strength and faith that they have left, and what a bittersweet experience to wipe a tear from their face as one falls down my own. Life is not about me. Life is for me to give to another. I pray that I, along with the world, not waste our precious time foolishly. Thank you Mary, Valerie, and Caroline – our visit today was a joy and a blessing!

FOR GREATER GLORY (A Review of the Movie Or A Timely Examination of Faith)

FOR GREATER GLORY (A Review of the Movie Or A Timely Examination of Faith) There is no greater testament to one’s beliefs, works, faith, ethics, values, and worth in life than one that stands “For Greater Glory.” In the human realm, greater glory may be likened to the triumph of an Olympic medalist, the honor of a class valedictorian, the winning of a war of power, or the attainment of what equates to the American dream – a business, materials possessions or house that you can call your own. In the spiritual realm, greater glory is far beyond human comprehension. God’s miraculous creation of the world, of His Son, Jesus’ wondrous Resurrection and the Creator and Holder of Our Eternity is something not easily grasped by the human mind. “For Greater Glory”, the movie and true story, has the ability to cause a nonbeliever to raise one’s eyebrows in bold skepticism or pierce and move a spiritual heart that witnesses the blood of many, and most moving, that of a young child and his tortured limbs as he endures great physical pain and emotional anxiety “For The Greater Glory” of his faith. There is sufficient political dialogue to entertain the atheist and enough biblical subtext to heighten and prod at a believer’s lackluster faith. There is no shortage of ample close ups of driven Mexican rookie and trained soldiers to color the wide screen with compelling performances yet those weary, spirited and faith-filled eyes could easily make a non-practicing Catholic gulp hard. The critics have plenty of vivid and graphic human emotional despair and inhumane killings to keep viewers in their seats and for others a growing temptation to fall to their knees in prayer. Witnessing this inspiring story of how Mexican Catholics stood up courageously in the 1920’s for their faith against government oppression is a must and may pose an intimate question to many. For the cynic, “Why would people fight for a man they’ve never seen?” Or to the awakening, “Why did I not know how precious is my faith and how can I deepen my passion for The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit that lives perhaps too latent in my soul?” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of the Catholic Church believes that a large box office showing “will highlight the importance of religious freedom in our country.” Check out “For Greater Glory” and see what the hype is all about. Or plan to see “For Greater Glory”, offering your precious time as a gift to your faith so that you might be educated, inspired, and able to acknowledge, pray and give praise and honor to those who fought and continue to fight for religious freedom around the world. For some, it may be j-u-s-t a movie. For others, perhaps a chance to open our hearts to live “For Greater Glory” too.

THAT FUNNY FEELING INSIDE

THAT FUNNY FEELING INSIDE You may not know what will happen today or tomorrow but it is not God’s plan that you worry. Happen today what may, for there are things you cannot help. But in all that you do remain hopeful, confident, pressing forward with great faith. Know that God is in control and through your trials He is with you and has great blessings waiting at the finish. If you must lay awake, close your eyes, rest your body and count your blessings. Expect goodness rather than anticipate difficulties, imagine healing instead of enduring illness, look forward to success eliminating failure as an option, allow hope to drive your deliberations beyond a dead end, and immerse your thoughts in an aspiration instead of an impending disaster. Refuse to make plans to prepare the heart for trouble. Use your faith to wish the impossible, unite with hope to escape the temptation to doubt, and impart consistent love upon others so that there is no mistake about where your faith lays. Above all, trust in God’s love, for He is with you through the dark and light valleys, desolate and inhabited plains, and unexplored and charted mountains. God can make a rose grow where man can’t. He can provide a safe road where it is unpaved. God can soften hearts to work in your favor when human efforts prove fruitless. Why give clout to a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, when you can be soothed and strengthened by the great elixir of life, Jesus, who came to show that good things come to those who believe! May all your dreams be sweet, your faith be rooted deep, and your heart excited over that funny feeling inside.

A Spiritual Note To The Graduate

A Spiritual Note To The Graduate Graduation is a time of joy, bittersweet tears, and a time you’ll treasure for many years! Through your life you will often reflect on your past. Knowing where you’ve been and mindful of how you continue to grow will shape your bright future. Celebrate today, at this wonderful crossroads of your life, where your past intersects your future and your potential beams and lights the way like a stellar galaxy yet to be discovered. As you walk forward, with your diploma of life thus far, draw on your knowledge, learn from failures and successes and celebrate today aiming higher into tomorrow with confidence as you discover your life’s calling and move toward your aspirations. Take many moments to honor your growth, character and faith, giving thanks when you recognize divine life lessons. Celebrate as you grow in patience, charitable works, and soberness. Rejoice in your ability to steer away from judgment of others and humbled in the way you carry out your ministry of life! You are now a graduate, of age, who will make many independent decisions. You will find that life is no longer a child’s institution where there is a teacher, parent, counselor or principal giving foundational directives. You’ll find that your parents’ or guardians’ role will continue to adapt to your maturity, watching with pride as you spread your independent wings. Continue to feed your heart and soul by surrounding yourself with positive and spiritual people so that your personal growth will abound and astound. We were all created with special gifts from God, each different in skill, tone and temperament. Each day finely tune, polish and continually search to improve and share the gifts you possess with others. Every step you take is an opportunity for another to follow. Whether it is a friend, family member, stranger or child you have influential power and God has given you the grace to go and to do what you cannot do on your own. Look to tomorrow with excitement as you make plans to contribute your best to the world. But today, cherish the gift of the present, protect God’s earth and honor His commandments. Find peace in the quiet, nurture and feed your relationships, and in your own personal garden of life plant and cultivate great seeds of faith. Congratulations!