The commitment to imitating Christ is the triumph of God’s love that takes hold of a man and demands of him every possible effort in the service of this love, while at the same time he stays fully aware of human weakness. — St. John Paul II
Continue reading “Gods Love”
During this Lenten season, we again return to the Lord with our whole heart, entering into the Divine relationship of love.
Could you use the spark of romance or adventure in your life?
Continue reading “Finding God”
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of “stuff is not your friend.” Not in the minimalist way but in the fact that it is a distraction. It occupies space in my heart and mind requiring time, attention, and care, leaving less time for what really matters.
On a pilgrimage to Assisi a few years ago, Saint Francis encouraged me to live simply.
Continue reading “Clearing the Clutter”
I’m so lucky one of my favorite humans is also my daughter. Twenty-eight years ago I was given a gift. Little did I know that as I unwrapped the layers of this precious gift, it would make me a better person.
Continue reading “The Gift of a Daughter”
I recently came across the concept of the cosmic egg and have been contemplating this idea. This concept is a great visual of the transformation Christ is drawing us into. It is the path of the mystic or someone in a personal, intimate relationship with the divine. The person who lives within the total cosmic egg is the mystic, the prophet, the universal human, the saint, the whole one living in Christ.
True transcendence frees us from the tyranny of I am, the idolatry of we are, and the scapegoating of they are. When all four stories are taken seriously, as the Bible shows us very well, we have a full life—fully human and fully divine. – Richard Rohr
This path is what is meant by “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The path of discipleship is the path of self-sacrificing love, and that means the path of suffering.
And the great paradox: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it.” Put that over on your screensaver. There is no better one-line guide to the happy life.
The word beatitude refers to a state of deep happiness or joy. The beatitudes are taught by Jesus as the foundation for a life of authentic Christian discipleship and the attainment of ultimate happiness.
Continue reading “Ultimate Happiness”
Faith is a gift as well as a virtue. It’s a gift of God in that it’s a light infused by him into our souls. But it’s a virtue in that our soul must exercise itself to practice it.
Continue reading “A Lively Faith”
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day where we honor our love relationships, whether a spouse, trusted friend or child. As you prepare your cards, gifts or make reservations for a special dinner, have you taken the time to reflect on the quality of the relationship you are celebrating?
Relationships are not to be understood and fixed and solved. They are the mysteries of life to be enjoyed and help us grow.
How are your relationships helping you stretch and grow into the best version of yourself? If not, where is the love?
Do you have a hard time with boundaries, keeping the right order in your life? Once something is allowed to creep past its appropriate place in your life and you are unable to say no to it, it becomes idolatry. And our hearts are idol making factories.
When God created the first couple (Adam and Eve), He instructed them, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:16-17).
Inherent in this command was the recognition of their ability to say “no.” God had instilled in His highest creation the strength they needed to honor what He commanded.
They could resist and choose to honor God.
They could say “no” to the serpent’s temptation.
How well do you say no to things in your life that distract you for God. Have you fallen asleep to His voice and nudging? Start saying no and live in freedom, let’s not act as slaves!
What if I told you that true freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want—but about being free to live as God calls you to live? That’s what real freedom is: the ability to do God’s will, to worship Him, and to love as He loves.
And here’s the truth: many of us are held back by the comforts and distractions of this world. Too often we have a disordered amount of screen time, unhealthy food or drink habits, and/or a lack of discipline pull us away from the freedom Christ offers. We are Christians but we live as slaves.
Last year, I read the bible in its entirety with the Ascension Bible in a Year podcast. I was in tears as I finished. It was such a gift to immerse myself in Gods word, get to know his character and hear him speak to me. It changed my heart. It was tough to remain faithful but through perseverance I was able to achieve the goal. I thank my son for his nudging a few years ago who said you’re a Christian but haven’t read the Bible?
I’m certain God is stretching me this year into a deeper understanding and relationship. My mantra is:
Make. Every. Effort.
It’s hard for me to stay focused and go deep into things. All the “good” things out there are overwhelming and always seem to catch my attention. I know I’m tired of living on the surface which is where distractions lead me. Freedom is worth fighting for, once we know what it is.
Smitten With Goodness 