Musings...

There is a sheer brutality, a truth, that speaks of the realness of being human. What is a soul? Where and how do we find one another in the paths our lives take? When one soul touches another, how does that speak of God? How can we be more human, and so come to see the reality of our souls? For as the soul is created, so also is the body. What does it mean, to BE?

Out of darkness....comes light....So how can we begin to rise, without first falling? Out of suffering, comes compassion, and a deeper insight into the reality of what it means to BE Human.

Christ was not only our Savior and Lord, but in great humility, was also explicitly the most HUMAN. How did Jesus, being fully human, aside from being fully God, live what we call the "human condition?" There is much we do not know...but what we do, is that He suffered, but also rejoiced! How do we come to live in the example He left?

Where does time stop, and Heaven begin? Or rather does time enfold into the reality of Heaven we could not understand? If our Lord created Heaven AND Earth, are they not therefore connected through our Creator?

Why do we love? How do we persevere in Love? Do we understand Who is Love? What is at the heart of a person when you look into the window of their soul, and how do you begin to see yourself in their place?

All I know, is that Jesus loves me, and I Him. There is something about the realness of being human, yes. But also, something that is more real than can be explained....in the connection of our hearts, to God.

Easter Joy - Peace that Overcomes

It's so hard sometimes not to let one's emotions get the best of you. As I've come through a rather difficult Lenten Season...the questions continue to arise...What am I doing? Where am I going? What is Your will Lord? Why am I going through this? What is to become of me? These questions lay heavy on my heart...and can be difficult to shake.

Often, I find myself looking to the future, perhaps too much so. I have a hard time living in the present moment, and yet, I know that I must continue to seek God's will. Finding that balance, is particularly difficult. Not only that, but then facing temptations right and left, and feeling very much alone in my search....it is only by God's grace, I know very well, and HIS LOVE, that I am able to continue.

However, I know that amidst all that is happening, especially in when I am undergoing trial, that it is then when I must flee to Jesus's heart. Because it is only there, ONLY THERE, that I know I am wholly loved, safe, and can find true peace.

I continue to pray much, always asking the Blessed Mother to watch over me. I know very well her prayers have helped sustain me through our Lord. I've learned that I must choose to trust as well. I must continue to run to Jesus, and simply tell Him, yes, Lord, Your Will Be Done, I Trust in You. And in this, in trusting and finding the sanctuary of Jesus's heart, there is peace, and a joy that cannot be explained. It is a true miracle of Grace.

So much is happening in the world, and will continue to happen. I look at my own life, and realize just how small it is amongst the goings-on in the world!! And yet...the God who orders all things...wishes to Love me...and not only that, but with a Love surpassing all knowledge, time, and human capacity. There is definitely joy in knowing this! What should we not want to do for the sake of Jesus's Love??

I remember this passage..knowing Jesus Himself gives us His Peace:
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you." (John 19-21)

Easter Blessings to all of you, and many heartfelt prayers. Please pray for me!

Rejoice! He is Risen! Alleluia!!!!

Whoever Follows Me

This is one of many videos Fr. James Kubicki has been posting. Great reflection. - Great posts coming on his blog as well.

P.S. Have been ill the past few weeks, and still incredibly busy at work. Please say a quick prayer for those who are reading this. Know you are in my prayers, and may God Bless you as you follow Him.

Snow, Mary, and following HIM

Ever since I can remember, I've loved the snow. Especially watching it fall outside...there's something peaceful, graceful, and magestic that speaks of the tenderness and gentleness of God through snowfalls.

Being in MI, and there being plentiful snow, I think it's fitting as a fellow Michigander to have a devotion to Our Lady of the Snows. :) The story and devotion goes all the way back to 352 AD, one of the oldest devotions to Our Lady.

With all the beauty of a snowfall coming down outside, Jesus is certainly using the symbolism there in my own life. White, often symbolizing purity, is something that Jesus continues to grow in me, gently, like a snowfall perhaps.

I continue searching for HIM, yet knowing that I am already found by Him. "I love you, and you are Mine," is often a phrase Jesus speaks to my heart; and thus reverberates from Him to all that He loves. I know that my Father in Heaven will show me what He wants of me. Patience is key. I am discerning a particular religious community right now, and through that, will continue to trust.

I've also been reminded and come to a deeper understanding of what it means to be safe in Our Lord's Arms. He so wants us to know that we are safe.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 43:1b-3a, 41:10)

Sometimes, it is just good to rest in His arms. I am His child.

Our Lady of the Snows, Pray for us!

Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist on Oprah

"Imagine if you were asked to give up your career, possessions, sex life and the possibility of ever having children. It's a way of life many women worldwide gladly accept in order to serve God."

View the full story here.


*Quote and Picture From http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Lisa-Ling-Goes-Inside-a-Convent/1.

Tim Tebow Pro Life Super Bowl Ad

By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

A beautiful song in reminder of God's tender love for us.

Touch of the Master's Hand

A friend shared this beautiful poem with me the other day, and I thought I would pass it along. Who are we to know how God can work in someone's life, or the value He has placed upon them? We are all children of God, and Our Father in Heaven, loves us.

By: Myrna Brooks Welch

T'was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer:
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile:

"What am I bidden, good folk," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then "Two!" "Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three - "But no,
From the room, far back, a grayhaired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low, Said:
"What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! and who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried.
"We do not quite understand,
What changed its worth," Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
A game - and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice;
He's "going" and almost "gone."

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.

Christmas JOY

Wow...new job + moving + discerning religious life = no time for blog posts.

A lot has happened since I last wrote. Not only am I excited for the doors God has opened, I feel God says to me, "You haven't seen anything yet." I cannot imagine what Jesus has in store for me, but I know that is full of LOVE. I feel as though I could burst at the seems with joy (partly due to Advent and Christmas coming up!), and I know that there is more to come.

How can one be so full of JOY, and know that this can't even compare to what awaits us for eternity? For, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corin. 2:9) It is truly incomprehensible.

So, Advent. I feel as though this Christmas is different somehow. I feel more alive and closer to Jesus than ever, and I have continued to pray to understand deeper the spirit and mystery of Christmas and Jesus coming to us as a little child. So far, as previously stated, I have learned of JOY! But there is still much more to take in.

I am headed for a vocational retreat with a wonderful group of Sisters this weekend. I am praying to stay open and quiet in spirit, listening to hear Jesus's voice. Please, all who read this, say a Hail Mary for me, or any prayer. Know that I am praying for all of you.

Much Peace and JOY! to all of you in this beautiful preparation for Christ's coming.
~One in love with Christ

P.S. JOY is contagious. Spread some around!

Spanish Cloistered Nuns See Surge in Vocations

This will make you smile. :-D

Happy 40th Anniversary Sesame Street!

Check out today's Good Morning America. 

Includes a History of Sesame street and fun with some of the show's characters.

Happy 40th Sesame Street! :-D

Flowers Among the Thorns....Love Amid Life's Chaos

It's interesting; life is.

I feel as though lately I've been on a desert whirlwind and I can't quite grasp much of anything. I feel confused at times, and wonder at what God is up to. I think I am going through a dry spell spiritually, while so much is happening on the outside.

Starting a new job, discerning my vocation (I simply am clueless at this point which order of religious sisters God wants me to be a part of), moving, financial worries, family issues, my health...so much that I worry too much about instead of giving it to Him. I must constantly remind myself to surrender everything in trust and love to Jesus, who can handle it all much better than I can. :)

But through all this, Jesus is reminding me how much I truly need Him, for without Him, I am nothing. It is only by His grace and love, that my life draws meaning.

Also, more and more I am seeing the providence of God unfolding in my life. Trusting in that providence however, can be somewhat more difficult. Still, circumstances, I not only believe but have also experienced, are never coincidence. Even if we can't see the plan of God before us, be sure that He does.

Often times, I find myself looking back, (it is one of the only ways to recognize God's plan, in the past) and I see God working amazing things. It baffles my little brain to think that Our Father in Heaven cares that much about just one person to order the universe in such a way! Imagine the planning and work that God must put into that!!!

It's humbling to think my Father would do so much for me! How much more then must he love and care for the whole world! How much Our Father must love us! It is something that I cannot begin to understand, but only trust with in my heart.

Speaking of Love, of the tender love of God...when Jesus fills your heart with greater capacity for love, and you see how gentle and meek is Jesus who loves us....it's inexpressible.

Blessed Mother Teresa says:

"I think that every time we say the Our Father, God looks at His hands, where we are etched. ‘See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands...’ (Isaiah 49:16). What a beautiful description and also expressive of the personal love God feels for each one of us!"

So just remember, whatever is going on in your life, God has a plan. And it is all being worked out by a Father who loves us so much, that he gave up His Son, to die for us. Look at a crucifix if you need reminding. :) For I believe that when we look at Jesus on the Cross, He is saying to us, "I love you this much."