It was the last day of the Life in the Spirit Seminar yesterday. The people who went, I believe came away more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives. Some I believe by what I observed, fear as well. The use of crystals or some other method as use of a talisman to ward off evil or for some, some other reason. One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to know those individuals also practice New Age along with their Catholic faith. At the time when we were prayed over, I wondered afterward, if it was possible that they were in a way trying to keep God out by what they used as a form of protection.

I had a friend who dabbled in the occult with tarot cards and crystals. A brief time in my life because of her involvement with it I learned the truth of this type of path. Her friendship was more to me than what she was doing that brought more harm than good, she too was also from a Catholic family that went in the direction of occultism. Out of that friendship I learned about some of these things and their use. When she moved away after her divorce from her 3rd husband we never kept in touch. Out of those years I discovered much and thankfully never sought a path in this direction. So when I see people wearing and clutching certain items, it's easy to know that their heart is not where it should be. Because they trust in the items and not God to keep them safe. I might be wrong too about it.

Anyway, how can one follow the way of crystals and other forms of divination and then follow God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? That's like serving two masters. Yet, many who follow this type of way also seek protection from God knowing that it is wrong. I may be wrong myself in my assumption of it all. Who knows why those particular crystals and hand movements are just a normal everyday thing. I'm not an authority on the subject, but an observer in life about the effects and hazards of it as a bystander. It is with hope that when they have been prayed over that the Holy Spirit will also convert their heart to the true path.

What Caught Your Eye

While visiting my dad in the hospital, I had an unusual opportunity to speak with his roomate. The man had his laptop with him so our conversation had many topics about the many uses of the internet. We broached on the subject of writing, his many topics and my particular reason for writing. This was the first time when speaking about Faith I was careful about how I spoke of Heaven and God, not knowing where his faith was in. The gentleman had different types of holistic medications on his tray plus the way he had mentioned his out of body experience and near death at one point had me keeping things on a different level. He did see things in a new way regarding faith after I explained the possible about his near death and it being a form of evangelization and then what he spoke to me about writing made things a lot clearer for me. I had mentioned how some people come into our lives to learn and discover something to help us on our journey. It was all very interesting, and I came away from it learning something new myself.

Anyway, my dad is doing a bit better since he was rushed to the hospital on Thursday. Now it's my mom who isn't doing so well. Since my dad went in, she has become very tired and run down, almost as if she is catching a cold. The few nights have been sleepless ones for her, due to worry and much pain from the walking she has had to do. She doesn't want to use a wheelchair if she can help it, but then that puts her in more pain and suffering. Her faith gets her through the rough spots.

Faith seems to get us through so much more. I have found from all this a renewed sense of peace in caring for them. Like this morning getting ready for work, something odd happened, a knock on the window. I went outside to take a look and no one was there. So I thought it was one of the tiny birds that may have hit. Except the sound was a strong knock, not a sound a bird makes hitting the window. We have had that before and none sounded quite like that. Well off to work and sitting at a different desk placed me in perfect view of the main hallway outside our room. For some reason I sat there to be closer to the windows where it was much brighter and I needed that light this morning. After some time had passed I happened to glance up to see a figure in white going down the hallway to go out the main door. No sound of the door opening. I mentioned it to the two co-workers if there was anyone else in the building, but no one was there.

Again, it was a moment where talk was of something other than faith, the talk of ghosts was among them. So I said I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in angels and saints. My co-workers have different views. It's an amazing world we live in when peoples views are far away from God. One thing I am absolutely glad about is the faith I have in God to be able to even mention my faith even when moments such as this morning are not on the normal but on the spiritual level. Those who have little faith have little understanding of the greatness God provides it seems too unreal for them to even understand the depths that God goes to to give us so much to believe in.

Fragrance of Love

I don't know what greater benefit one can get at Mass other than being in the presence of Our Lord, sharing in the feast of his love. It's also having the presence of Our Blessed Mother along with the Saints and angels that aid us when we pray along with them. How would we know that this is possible anyway? Not unless we have been given their fragrance of love while praying at Mass. A special grace to receive.

After Mass I spoke with Marie, I knew that delightful fragrance wasn't perfume as I was behind her going up to communion. She was the only one near enough, yet throughout Mass wafts of fragrance were there. Periodically it was so strong that I would just sniff the air. I had asked Marie if she had smelled the delightful fragrance and she didn't. It was a consolation of love to know that on special occasions the fragrance of love is there to give me strength after being among thorns. I don't know how else or why I would be given such love unless it was also to reinforce their presence on those occasions of Feast days as this one was All Saints Day. When I look back to times when it was given, some of them were on the Feast days and at other times, was to give consolation after a long exhausting day.

These are the moments I cherish being a follower of God and his Son Jesus, the beauty of what they give will never compare to what we have on earth.

Only For God

The last few days have been busy ones, not in the physical way but in the spiritual way. Attending scripture sharing, seminar and Adoration, Church and our Meat pie project that is taking place to delight those who enjoy those personal size French Meat Pies. I learned so much about the process of making them as well as how it all began. They are still taking orders until Nov. 5.

The seminar went extremely well, those who attended were prayed over by their group leaders. Each one had a unique experience. It was quite a day and one that I am happy to have been a part of. Scripture sharing has been delightful as well. I must say that the past few days have been satisfying days. Hardly home, and when I was home, the time seemed short then off to another meet.

Briefly I was able to go on to facebook and hit the like to acknowledge, but even the time on there was limited. One night Father Plasse came over for supper and then we played cards. It was one of those times when there was no time for oneself, but a time of giving of oneself for others. I found these days quite pleasurable considering how busy it was.

Right now I have not written of what went on at the seminar regarding specifics because it was an awesome experience that still needs digesting. I'm in awe of the Holy Spirit and I have been for a long time. One thing about busy for the Lord and being busy for the world, there is a difference. One does not tire when it is done for God.

Lifes Lessons

I have much thinking to do, yet, what purpose would that thinking help. It seems that people come into our lives for reasons beyond our comprehension. Either to make peace or to aid in their growth. For whatever reason it may be prayer should be a constant. My ex-boyfriend has been in contact with me and I don't know why when he was adamant on never seeing me again. I've forgiven him and found myself learning to trust. But I am baffled as to why he constantly mentions ending it all, his life that is. Am I to be strong for him too and pick him up off the proverbial floor and nurture him when he is too weak to care for himself to continue in this life.

What causes so many in this world to seek the darkness of oblivion? We are all placed upon this earth for a reason, many to help each other grow. Yet, we fail this daily when we turn our backs on those in need. Refusing to listen or to care. Moments like this remind me of how much God loves us and never gives up on us when we turn away. He always places people in our lives to bring love, to nuture the wounds that life causes. It's up to us to be peacemakers and love our neighbor as Jesus commanded. Can I do no less when someone reaches out to me when they hurt.

Words with meaning.

Now those words I would say are accurate.

The Holy Father noted the example of Autpert, who emphasized that "every theological search for truth relies on love," and prayed to God, "When you are scrutinized intellectually by us, you're not discovered as you truly are; it's only when you are loved that we reach you."

Benedict XVI continued: "Autpert understood that with mere theological research God can not be known as he really is. Only love can reach him. Let us listen to this message and ask the Lord to help us live the mystery of the Church today, in this our time."

Make a Change

It was a glorious day yesterday for the Orthodox Easter celebrations as well as those who follow the Divine Mercy Sunday. The sun was absolutely beautiful. Spending time with Chapter members as we too celebrated this special Sunday. Amazingly I found out why certain things have a way of happening. People no matter how religious they are, love to put their noses where it doesn't belong. Understanding why good things can happen and particularly when the not so good happens is usually by the hand of others.

In this world we create much of what causes discord among our peers. In the schools with kids, particularly it's a growing phenomena. They follow by example and that doesn't bode well when it's those they look up to that create discord. Children will lie because it's what they see and hear. They will steal because they see it done. They follow the leader basically. If mom and dad are loose in morals so too are they. And the list can go on, on why the children of this day and age are drug addicts and alcoholics. That is not just for the poor children either, it's mostly those who have money that find the children in worst shape as well. Will it ever get better? Good question. Not unless we change radically. And that won't happen unless those in the position of power begin the change and set the correct examples to live by.

A Day In A Life

One thing I have been discovering about myself lately, my life is really about God. How is it possible to think about HIM constantly and go about daily life? Yet, that is what I do. If there were topics to talk about, the main one would be about the love I have for God. Nothing else seems to matter. Not family or friends but what I do each day to give back to God all that he has done for me.

Does life make sense when every bit of it is done for the very one who created it, oh but it does, in a magnificent way. All my life I have sought to fit in, without realizing there wasn't any need, since the most important one that I needed to fit in with has always been there. Now I know why at times I felt like I didn't belong to those of the world. My sights have always been on God and heaven. I never realized the true extent of this desire until I tried to fit in with my family. Life has a way at times to bring clarity in our lives, it's up to us at those moments to understand and let God do what he does best and that is love us with all HIS heart.

A New Spiritual Director

OOPs, I published before writing. Wednesday will be a beautiful day, I have my first appointment with a new Spiritual Director. I was told to seek her out after Sister MaryAnn, but timimg wasn't there. I did ask, or should I say my mom asked Father Plasse to be my Spiritual Director, so in a sense I have two now. When I met Mary Lou a connection was found, so a new journey begins.

Sometimes in life we come across people who fit to a tee. I've only felt that once when walking beside another. And that was what I knew interiorly at the time. A rare moment for sure but one I will never forget. Odd that would come to mind, but then again those recall always seem to have their purpose. Maybe as God's way of saying how united we are with others when we walk side by side in His Love. I love God first of all and possible so does that other person. The fit would be one of faith and love of God. Amazing how God joins those who love Him. But that is my take on it, I never asked the other person if this was true for them as well. In this regard it is a man who I am referring to. I've often wondered about the significance of knowing this. Maybe one day it will be revealed.

Well anyway, I let out the exiting news of my up coming appointment, one that I hope will bring about a lasting friendship on the greatest journey of all.

One Day

It was a delightful evening listening to Father Plasse relating his Christmas homily and sharing his joy being with his family. When he came for supper he brought my mom a huge Poinsetta, it's beautiful. For me the best present I've received in the last few days was his hug. That meant the world to me more than anything. He would have come over Christmas afternoon but we were over my nieces house for brunch (breakfast type lunch). A day later was just as good.

It didn't feel like Christmas this year. It was the earliest and most disappointing one of all. Not a thought went into the real reason we were celebrating. I've come to see how far away the younger ones have gone away from Church and God. My sister's kids I can say do go to Church and that is a blessing. Memories are good to have of days long gone when as a family we used to go to midnight Mass. Even when my grandparents were unable to go we all used to go. But the kids in this generation are different in my family. They do what they want.

Most of what I write about is taken from what I see in my own family and written in general. I see how far away they are from God and what they do, and if they are like this they are following along with others as well. But the very light of Christ is something they don't want in their life. I'm not ashamed of my love for God, but I am ashamed that the younger ones in my family have lost their faith and love for God. Please pray for them. They are good young adults but have lost their way when their parents stopped going to Church.

Goodness

Ever wonder if God finds any goodness on this earth in the people that live on it? What does he find when he searches their hearts? I've looked my whole life for genuine goodness from others and never found it. I begin to wonder if there is any at all. And if I haven't truly found it in the people I've come across throughout my life then I wonder if God is having a hard time finding it too.

What has happened in our world for it to be this way. What caused goodness in people to not be present in the first place. Some say they believe in God yet their actions and words say otherwise. It shows mostly the motive of evil present in their heart and mind. So the question is if I don't find goodness in others, then how will God? Is there an honest answer or just lip service.

Wonder Of It All

I managed to go to work a bit earlier yesterday so I could attend Mass at my own Church for a change on Sunday. I was glad that I was there, from the beginning a waft of that delightful perfume was present. There was only a older man directly in front of me. Everyone else was a distance away, yet on and off that beautiful scent could be smelled ever so briefly. It wasn't until the end of Mass after reflecting upon receiving Our Lord, that I began to think in the way of acknowledging the grace I've been given.

Acknowledging that they are with me at Mass and at other times of consolation. It's a beautiful gift to receive such a wonderful moment. The scent does not smell like roses at all but a most beautiful blend of flowers. I remember once asking God to be able to smell his own unique scent like when people smell roses for our blessed Mother. Unless of course this is her own unique scent as well. So I will place that unique blend upon the Holy Family at this time. These last few years have been extremely blessed ones. A period of learning and a period of cleansing. Do I understand the depths of love that our Blessed Mother was given when she was chosen to be a mother to Our Lord, very much so. One would almost have to go through a similar experience to understand the gift that was given to her and know how truly possible it is. We are truly blessed to have such a loving and wonderful God in our world. I hope that many will come to open their eyes and hearts to the gift of Jesus and the truth of it all.

Reflection

There is one thing about trials in our life and it's how we look to God. Some only seek him when it's very crucial and some only at the time they feel it would make a difference on whether they go up or down. At least at these moments they are seeking him. It may not be what God would prefer from us and since the beginning we've seen the changes in how we have come to worship him. One would think that we were being fine tuned like an instrument.

We are all given moments to contemplate but some don't see. I suppose when illness is part of your life, viewing how life is becomes different. It's not taken for granted nor is it abused. But then again there are many whose faith is not strong at all and again they do not see the hand that guides them. How is it that God can direct do so much and so many fail. Kind of like school and tests, some ace them and then some fail them. The degree of how much we put into it will determine how well it turns out. Life it seems has so many ways of letting us see how we really do parallel God's Word in many ways. Take a moment throughout the day and pause to see where in your day might reflect upon God's Word. Look back at moments in your life and find those amazing moments when faith and life walk hand in hand. Those moments when Jesus took us and guided us every step of the way.

Sad

Teen commits suicide on camera for onlookers to witness via webcam. And it proves how truly dark the hearts are of those who witness it. More and more we hear of these things of people saying and doing things to cause others hurt. No compassion is found within these hearts. We do not hear of anyone attempting to talk the person out of their misery. It's truly sad that we hear so much like this daily. It's in our workforces, our schools, our Parishes, it's everywhere the total lack of compassion and love for one another. Does this make anyone angry that cruelty is witnessed? How dark is our own heart when we read of these things, are we just as viscious and lack compassion. Right now, it could be said that I am disgusted with humanity and their lack of compassion and how much they love to play with other peoples lives.

Amen

I have a really nice doctor, he called me last night to give me some bit of news regarding my recent tests. It seems there is a spot, not to worry but if I experience any more of what I did then I am to contact him immediately. Now that's concern for the welfare of a patient. And today I finally received an appointment to go for an MRI for my knee. Activities have been on hold for a bit. Except yesterday I painted both sheds and paid dearly last night. Ibuprofen helped tremendously to keep any inflammation down. It felt good to accomplish and make things look better than they did before.

I can imagine how Jesus felt in the time he did much healing and restoring of life. Knowing that it made a difference for others and how it comes together. A coat of paint made something old look new and restored yet underneath it's age is apparent. Faith in that regard always needs to be kept up, just like the buildings we reside in and our bodies as well. Maintenance will keep our health and maintenance will keep our buildings from falling apart. We take such extra care for our surroundings but often overlook the most important of all, our interior building, the soul itself.

The other day I had the opportunity to speak to someone who mentioned prayer and that delighted my heart out of all the news of the day. It was the fact that they mentioned praying for others in their care. The very power of prayer can do so much for each of us. But many will never say a prayer with the thought that they really don't need it and in that regard will not say one for another either. Prayer restores balance, brings healing and most especially brings peace. There isn't much that I can say that would make an impact for anyone, other than what I have experienced myself.

Even when I experience the precious scent or other form of God's love, it will not make others believe in God. All I can do is reveal those moments to say yes, he is very much alive and present in my life and if anyone would like to have that close relationship with him, then all they need to do is open their hearts up to him. I remember a time when I too would read beautiful stories of conversion and felt touched by how wonderful God worked in other peoples lives. Never envious because he touches us all individually in unique ways. What I experience, others may not and they may have a truly beautiful blessing to relate and that is what counts.

Love

Mass was a delight so was the delightful scent of perfume. Helen was sitting in front of me and I asked her if she smelled it. She needed to sit back because of her own knee replacement, so at after receiving communion, that was when the scent was apparent and I motioned for her to sit back. When she spoke to me, that's when I asked her the question. Unfortunately we spoke while communion was passed out. But that didn't stop the Lord from making himself present to us. It was just a beautiful moment to connect and share the open heart to another. Even the ride home the scent was present. God does come to us when we are open to his love. It's amazing but I did ask Helen twice if she smelled that beautiful scent. She never did smell it.

The Fish Symbol

It's been quite a while since I've seen the fish symbol outside the kitchen window. This morning was a beautiful feast for the eyes to see such a glorious viewing. It was huge too! My dad saw it. It's quite extraordinary to have it happen every now and then. There are days when the sun shines just as bright as this morning and it will not be there. That is the beauty of God's love. I believe more than anything that he is ever present in my heart, mind and soul. What I found amazing this morning, there were two side by side with an almost cross shaped line in between the two. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is so good.

Maybe For The Good

Well I had my tests and passed them. So now it's to focus upon healing the knee. That and menopause, has also struck a chord lately. Hot one moment and cold the next. Not to mention it's also warm in our room at work, but they like it like that and I use my fan. And now for a different avenue of thought about something else entirely.

One thing about God and the Holy Spirit, we are not always prepared for those who seek to harm than to console another in the world. Some do and then some just hang on every word to repeat to another out of the all mighty gossip trip.
We witness this everyday in the media about Politics, the Actors, just about anything that will take the focus off themselves or maybe put the limelight on themselves for the moments that they have the ear of another. The election coming up has done plenty of gossiping as point of fact. Look at how each candidate is misaligned or stories made up, but is the truth ever told. And when it is, is it done with the truth or for the fact that theres a need to harm another. Why are we gossiping and judging as harshly as we are to begin with. Many will point out it is a way of life, but it will not change until those who are in the limelight will bring about the change. Entertainers also have many opportunities to bring about change for the better, but will they? On that note, each of us can also do the same, but will we?

Trials of Life

When I saw one of my doctors, he thinks I have a torn meniscus. But that is one opinion, and I won't have the complete verdict until I get to have an MRI. But that is being delayed at the moment due to other issues that need to be addressed. The knee, although painful when I overdo in walking and bending the knee, eventually feels better when I don't overdo it. Learning to go up the stairs good leg, and down with the bad helps tremendously. I never knew how truly painful these things are until we undergo it ourselves.

My mom has a hamstring tear and I certainly understand her pain much better. One thing about trials in our lives we get to know all about how our neighbor suffers. And that doesn't just include family it includes everyone. One thing about undergoing these trials it's also learning not to focus on ourselves but looking in a new direction. I've not only discovered but began to understand the other side of things. I know I hurt, and the natural instinct is to focus upon my own pain and myself. But when it began to happen to me, I also began to see with new eyes the pain my parents have suffered in their pain. With that I also began to understand the pain of others. Loving others enables us to feel and know and understand the depths of suffering they go through. A cold and closed heart would never understand that. Nor would they see it in the way God sees it. I may not see it the way he sees it, but maybe close enough to know that he loves us in spite of our human failings.

Back Home

My mom came home yesterday afternoon after her stay in the hospital. She has a ruptured hamstring, thankfully nothing was broken from her fall. Muscle or tendon tears are painful and I feel for her. For her it's magnified due to her back issues. This lady has gone through so much suffering most of her life and she continues to smile and joke with people. That is an amazing thing to see.

Eileen from the Prayer Cenacle called and invited me out last night. We went ot a Choral Spectrum at the University of Massachusettes Fine Arts. There were University Choirs and ACDA High School Men's and Women" Honor Choirs from area schools. They did a beautiful job with singing. There is so much talent out there. We had refreshments after at Judie's, that was a treat. I haven't gone to one of those functions in a very long time and that was delightful.

My dad is doing good as well, and now that mom is home he will have the wonderful job of seeing to her comfort and making sure she doesn't do too much walking and also to make sure she uses the walker. Hopefully all will go well in the coming days.