Sainthood or bust

Today's readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Matthew 5:17-19

The words of Moses today are so powerful. It simply amazes me how much guidance and help the Lord has given us in this life. I have included part of what Moses spoke to the Israelites:

Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

Seriously, how much more clear can God be when he tells Moses to remind us to observe the statutes and decrees SO THAT WE MAY LIVE, ENTER AND TAKE POSSESSION OF THE LAND THE LORD IS GIVING US!

I am reminded of the many times that I coached swimming. I loved to coach the new swimmers. To help them to become familiar with breathing and then developing their strokes so that they can get better. Often I had to stop them in the middle of the pool to remind them of the proper stroke technique. In addition, I found myself in the pool often showing them how to move their legs and arms with the different strokes. They understood that what I was doing was giving them help to become better, and not just being mean. And as a swimmer, I didn't only listen to my coaches, I EXPECTED them to correct me and give me feedback on how I needed to observe the proper technique. That was, after all, why I went to their pool to practice.

And this reality exists in all of our jobs, our classrooms, and in our homes. If we do not get help from those in authority we feel like we are not getting respect.

So, why do we treat God so much differently? Why do we expect Him to stay out of our lives? 

If you want to live in the land that has been given to you (Heaven), you need to follow certain guidelines. God doesn't hide these from us, but gives us reminders throughout each day.

Then Moses goes on to say that we should follow these guidelines not only so we can live in the land promised us, but to be an example for others who see us! We should live our life in such a way that people come and ask how they can live the same. Our actions should lead others to Christ! What an amazingly difficult challenge.

Maybe that is why so many LOVE the stories of the Saints. We love to see their life, their freedom from sin, their humility, their goodness...and we want that! 

God is calling us to Sainthood, AND HE HAS GIVEN US THE PLAYBOOK!

Will you follow the decrees and statutes that God has given for your freedom? 

As we get further into Lent, let us take time to remember our Lenten promises and how they help us to fashion a life of freedom and joy. What are other things that God is helping you to refine/change so that you can become more successful and happy?

Humility

It has been a couple of weeks since I have taken the time to post on here. Many things have been going on, and it was difficult to find time and ability to continue working on this. Although I did continue to read the daily readings, I felt that I let them escape me quickly in the day and I haven't spent as much time allowing the words to move me into action. I am glad that I am feeling a little bit more coherent throughout the days and I am hopeful that I will be able to pick this practice back up.

Today's readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15; Psalm 42: 2, 3; 43: 3, 4; Luke 4:24-30

I feel like every time I read this story about Naaman, I could put my name in his place. 

Naaman was a leader of his people, but he also had leprosy. When he went to Elisha to be cured, Elisha did not answer the way Naaman was expecting. Elisha didn't even come to see Naaman. Instead he just sent a note that said to go and wash seven times in the Jordan. This made Naaman angry because it seemed like Elisha was just blowing him off and didn't care to help. Not only that, but Naaman was even frustrated with what Elisha suggested. How would the water of the Jordan be any better to cure leprosy than other rivers? Naaman was ready to return back to his home expecting no one to help him with his disease.

Fortunately, his servants were able to see a little more clearly and they persuaded him to go and wash in the Jordan. Luckily he had enough humility to listen to them. As he did what was told of him, he became clean! 

So many times in life we have certain expectations of God. When the reality of God's response is different than our expectation, we become frustrated with God and wonder if He even cares. We walk away and believe that nothing will change because God won't give us the light of day, simply because he didn't respond how we wanted or thought he would.

It is hard to see God's loving embrace when you are facing difficulties and times of suffering, especially because often God asks us to remain in that place and let His love work through us to heal us and those around us. We want a change, and often God shows us that the change will come from within.

I think that is one of the many reasons that families and friends are so important. It is times that we are so focused on our own will, that it takes someone who cares for us to remind us about God's Will and about His loving plan for us. They want us to be successful and prosper, and they notice that we are closing the door of our heart to change and follow the help God is giving. They become like Naaman's servants.

It was probably tough for them to stick their neck out and try to tell Naaman that he is making a big mistake. He was angry. What if he didn't want to listen to them? They probably considered that option. However, they knew that they had to speak up. Putting their life at stake simply in hopes that Naaman would reconsider and listen to the words of Elisha.

Like that, our friends and families risk something in pointing out the times that we are not being open to God. They don't do this because it is easy, but because they love us. They want us to be successful, and they want us to let God heal us. 

Just like Naaman had to have enough humility to listen to those around him, his servants also had to have great humility. To see that their life was about more than just them and their well-being. They had to have trust that pointing out the truth was the right thing to do, regardless of the what would happen.

I think this reading helps us to understand the virtue of humility. Humility in believing God. Humility in listening to those around us. Humility in being a reminder of the love of God and his deep desire to heal us.

How can you work on being more humble in these areas in your life?

Ask and it will be given to you. Do you trust in His promise?

Today's readings: Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138: 1-3, 7-8; Matthew 7:7-12

The readings today are pretty challenging for me. 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

The words of Jesus have been the same promise God has been making throughout Salvation History. Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. He is reminding us that God is on our side. He wants us to be successful.

Jesus is also reminding us to trust. And this is where it gets difficult for people. Once we ask, we HAVE to believe that it will be done. After all, 'if we know how to give good things to our children, how much more will your heavenly Father give you good things'. Why do we doubt that this is happening? I know in my life, I ask God for something and often times live in a way that doesn't show I believe He will give me the good things I need. It is in these moments that I worry so much about the future and what is going to happen, that I don't even pay attention to all the beauty, support and love around me.

Christ is trying to help us. He wants us to understand that He has our back. He wants us to believe not only in our ability to turn to him, but in His ability to know what and how to give us the things we need. We do not need to worry!

In the last 7 years I have really had to learn this reality, and often times I still fall flat on my face worrying too much. I am a work in progress. With all the physical issues I've had and still have it is hard to understand what it all means and how I will be able to live a fulfilled life. My life is not what I thought it would be growing up. I feel vulnerable and stretched every day.

We all have times in our lives that we are being stretched. And if we pray like Jesus taught us: 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...give us this day our daily bread' then we will likely be stretched often because God wants us to be as happy, joyful, and free as possible but we have to get out of the way, we have to stop interrupting that success. 

A teacher of mine once told me that the best way to live out this promise of Christ's is to make sure we trust. Once we ask for something, we should act as if the request has been answered. DO NOT GO BACKWARDS, BUT ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD. We should not delay in believing it is done and living in a way that believes it. We should not be the same person after we ask, seek, knock...because God is changing us for the better. 

To go along with learning to trust that God answers our needs, we need to also remember an even more challenging reality: When we ask for something like patience, generosity, wisdom, etc. we need to remember that God will answer those prayers by giving us opportunities to grow in it. He will give us what we need to be successful, but we will have the opportunity to respond to that grace and grow in that quality. This is rough because usually we just want to be patient, but don't really want to have to use patience. We want to be joyful, but find it hard when faced with even more times in which joy is needed to get through a difficult situation. God knows that this will help us the most, as it is important to build good habits and that is done by doing the act.

No matter what it is that we are asking, we must believe and live with the trust that God answers us. Jesus promises to be with us and to give us all the good things we need. We need to take time each day making sure that we trust in the promise of God, that we believe He is here. And as we grow in our trust we will see how our worries and uncertainties diminish so that we can more fully live a life of holiness.What a great thing to work on today and every day!

A sign for this generation...how will you respond?

Today's readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32

In today's Gospel, it seems that Jesus is calling us to task. He says that the people of that generation are looking for a sign and won't get one except him. I think the same is true for today. We were given the greatest sign, Jesus Christ, but how many times do we ask for another sign? We want more proof before we are willing to give any more of ourselves. We aren't satisfied with everything God has already given. But why? Why do we demand a sign before we act? Plus, how did Christ not show us enough about the love of God and the true happiness and freedom we can find in Him? What more can he show us to get us to believe? If His life was not enough, what is?

All of the readings discuss this connection for our need for repentance and change so that we do not live in sin. We all need to repent as we are all in need of mercy. We were given the greatest sign of mercy and we just need to turn to Him and repent. 

In addition to repenting and changing, I have found in my own life that often times that God asks us to make a change in life, not necessarily because we are currently in sin in that situation, but because the change will help us to grow deeper in love with God and ourselves. It will cause us to rely on God more as we enter into the unknown. We will see the beauty in our strengths as we become more vulnerable and open to the challenge.

During Lent we get the opportunity to refocus on our relationship with God and others. We get a chance to take a look at the demands we put on God. Do we try to force God to give us unnecessary signs? Do we put contingencies on our love for God and others? 

How do we respond to the times in our lives that God gives us a sign to repent and go and serve? Do we respond with hesitation or are we like the Ninevites who immediately repented when they were called to task by Jonah. He had made it 1/3 of the way through Ninevah proclaiming that if they did not change, the city would be destroyed. Immediately the people called for a fast, and when the news got to the king he 'rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.' (Jonah 3:6) 

How often do we respond with that much faith? If you are asked to make a change in life, do you drag your feet? Do you try to find a way to stay where you are? Or do you get up and work toward that change?

I am not a person that likes change. I find a lot of comfort in the known. But, I have also learned in life that stretching myself in the unknown is a wonderful thing for me. I get learn so much about myself and my strengths. I have truly become a better person as I go through those moments of change and repentance that I'm grateful for the opportunities and openness to become vulnerable.

God doesn't want us to stay complacent because that is then that the devil tries tempt us into destruction by convincing us that we do not need to change and that we do not need God. We have to take time often making sure that we are responding to the signs and wonders that Christ has given us, so that we will grow in true freedom.

How has Christ been a sign to you this Lent? What are ways that you are being asked to get up and make a change in life?

The Father knows what we need

Today's readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19; Matthew 6:7-15

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.


How often do we pray this without considering what we are saying? This is a powerful prayer! Lives would change dramatically, if we meant and lived into this prayer as often as we pray it.

I love that before teaching us this prayer, Jesus reminds us of the love of the Father. Jesus tells us that the Father already knows what we need before we ask. I am reminded of my earthly father. He is a great man, and one of the greatest qualities about him is his huge desire to help his children and grandchildren whenever possible. Many times we will mention a situation or frustration going on, and a few days later my dad has not only come up with a solution (often times consulting with my mom on details), but he usually has created or purchased the things we need to help us. All of us feel so very fortunate to have parents that listen to the things we say and continually find ways to care for us.

But, they don't know what we need before we tell them. They are impressive in so many ways, but they can not read my heart and mind. However, my heavenly Father does! He knows all about me! He knows what will help me better than I will even know! Just because he knows this, it doesn't mean he doesn't want us to tell/ask him. He wants us to desire to share our heart with him. He wants us to approach him with open arms and allow him to help us. He desires us!

In reminding us that the Father knows what we need before we ask, Jesus is reminding us that we will be most fulfilled when we seek out the Father's will. Again, he knows what is going to help us better than we do. So, why not try to be the best and most complete person?

In this beautiful prayer, Jesus gives us the opportunity to ask God for our daily bread. I've always found that a difficult line, as it requires so much work on my part. Often I feel like He trusts me more than I trust myself. Or, I really want something to happen and worry that it isn't going to be the thing that will help me grow. I think that is probably a reality for most people. We want to be happy, but we don't want to have to work at it. We just want it to come to us. But, that may not always be the thing that helps us the most. 

When I played sports, I had to go to practice every day. Even on the weekends, if I wanted to be good at soccer, basketball, or swimming I had to spend some of my free time working through all the small details of the sport so that I can be successful. I had to work, even when I didn't want to. 

The same is true for the rest of our lives. If we want to be holy (which is should be the goal of everyone), then we need to work at it. We have to practice holiness daily. Luckily, God knows what we need today to be holy! What a great reminder every time we pray this prayer that God wants our best, and he is only going to give us the things we need today to take care of today.

Thank you Lord for giving me my daily bread!

Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy

Today's readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Matthew 25: 31-46

Both of the readings today are so powerful. We 

desire happiness and community, and at the heart of the 

message of God we find how to live this. But, it is very challenging because it requires to put other people first. To consider the heart of the other, regardless of who they are. When I think of the times where I have taken time to help another person, I walk away feeling like I got so much from that experience. A more rich understanding of the world, a deeper reminder of crosses of others, and a greater understanding of my part to play in the kingdom. We all have a vocation to holiness, and we live that out in our friendships with God, others and ourselves.

But, oftentimes (at least in my life) we fall short in understanding how to love like we should. We get to a certain point and feel like we should be getting something in return, or that we are caring more than other people. It is a great temptation that causes us to grow frustrated or even envious of others.

God knows our true desires, and he also knows our weaknesses. He wants to help us in our relationships because of His infinite love for us. He reminds us of what love, and holiness is so that we can have an example that can be understood. He shows us Himself, His heart, His desires. He gives us a way to understand the depth of our value. He points us to fulfillment.

But, we have to move toward that. We have to choose that path. We have to believe in our ability to love.

God does not abandon us even in this. Many times throughout history he has given us examples of how to live out holiness. Not as a way to punish us or make us toe the line, but because He wants to help us! It has been his promise all along. He loves us and he wants us to live in the glory of that love. He knows it is going to be hard, but He is rooting for us and so willing to help.

I was moved by the reading from Leviticus. He begins with reminding us that we are called to be holy because He is holy. Then he gives us some reminders of how we are to treat other people. Again, not because He wants to hold us to some tough guidelines, but because in order to have a good relationship with another I have to be able to love them. These are the ways that I want to be treated, and so does everyone.

As you read the reading (I included it below), think about how you can grow in all of your relationships. Maybe you don’t see a blind or deaf person, but is there someone that you try to make life more difficult for? How can you recognize your worth more and your ability to love…not because you have to, but because you want to.

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.

“You shall not steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the LORD.

“You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your day laborer. You shall not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

“You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment. Show neither partiality to the weak nor deference to the mighty, but judge your fellow men justly. You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake.  I am the LORD.

“You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

Why do we ask why?

Today's readings: Isaiah 58:1-9; Psalm 51:1-6, 18-19; Matthew 9:14-15

I have been blessed to get to spend a lot of time with my family over the last year and in the process I've been around a lot of children. It is funny how much they want to know. They are so intrigued with everything and want to find a way for them to get to participate. One of the most common questions is "Why?" Even in my classroom, the most asked question is "why?"

I have learned that often times, adults are the same way to God: Why now?  Why me?  Why not me?  And the questions could go on.  Although many times it is out of frustration, I think often it is simply because we want to understand.  We want to learn.  We want to accept.

John’s disciples seem to be a lot like us.

Fasting was a common part of their life. So, it makes sense that they would question why devout Jews were not fasting. Perhaps they may have been a little jealous. Jealous that they did not feel they could stop, but didn’t want to fast if other people were not. They wanted to be like Jesus’ disciples. Maybe they were a little frustrated because their way of life was being threatened.

Throughout the Gospels it seems that the people that question Jesus the most are the ones that are trying to trick him. But, these were John's disciples. It doesn't appear that they are trying to trick Jesus, but to understand what they were doing and why. They were being like little children, honestly seeking an answer so that they can better live. It seems that it is a sincere question.

And then the response:
“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)


What?  Is he answering their question? Why mention a bridegroom? What is he really answering?

As a child there were many times that the answer I received from my parents or another adult didn't seem like a very exact answer. Often times the answer given was to lead me to look farther into myself so that I would get the answer, but more importantly to make a change and understand the change.

Is that what Jesus is doing? He could have just said that they weren't fasting because he was with them. But, it appears that Jesus is also trying to teach them about the reasons for fasting. It sounds like they fast because other people taught them to. But, why do we really fast? What is the goal of fasting? And when is it better to celebrate than to fast? 

Jesus knew they were really wanting to understand the purpose to their fasting. But, he also took the time to teach them more about himself (the true bridegroom) and what we have to look forward to...the great wedding feast. He is going to show them that it requires the greatest act of love...the gift of self.

They were taught the importance and necessity of fasting. That it helps them to grow in humility and relationship with God and others. Jesus was helping them to understand that he is the Son of God and when we are with Him, they should be living in the celebration of the relationship.

But, He says that once the bridegroom is gone, it will be time to mourn and fast. That means we will once again need the act of fasting to help us to grow.

What is fasting?  I think it gives us a way to learn how to yearn.  But, I think it also is an outward sign that we are not complete.  So, we deny ourselves some things to remind us this world will not satisfy!  It is a reminder that our groom is not here.

During Lent we focus a lot on penance: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  It is time to open ourselves to vulnerability.  Pray through your weaknesses, take them to Christ in the Sacraments, offer things/actions up for others and yourself, give to other people.  Allow time to get out of yourself.  Admit that you need God.  Grow in love with Christ. 

Preparing for the great wedding feast in Heaven takes a lot of work on our part (well, at least I have a lot of work to do on myself). Christ tells us that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. In our pride and selfishness, it is difficult to pick up our cross and trust in God. Fasting gives us the time to center our compass again, to remember our great need for God. And the love of the Lord gives us strength and hope to carry our cross more faithfully.

Lent is a reminder of the work I still have to do, how much I need the Lord to help me joyfully be true to myself, and how I should live the rest of my life.

Because God desires all of us to be with him, he will constantly put himself in our path.  He will not tell us to stop asking questions, but he does ask that we listen for an answer.  

He has given us a wonderful act…fasting…to remember that this world will not satisfy us.  And the hunger that comes through fasting should be transformed to a hunger for eternal life…a yearning for our true and most perfect groom.

I pray today that you find a way to continue to fast and yearn for the love of God.

Carrying our Crosses

Today's readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

Crosses are very painful things to carry. But, when we offer our cross to Christ, he is able to bring the greatest good from the pain. Christ is telling us today what it takes to be happy, fulfilled. To be completely fulfilled, we have to let Him fill our hearts. That happens as we empty ourselves of pride and selfishness. It seems weird how often we struggle with giving our life to Christ. Why do we hold on to the hurt so much? Why aren't we as willing as Christ to carry our cross?

I am reminded of two people when I think about what Jesus says in today's Gospel:

   If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?

Those two people are my grandpa and one of my nephews.

Today, my grandpa is getting buried in California. I remember him being a very confident man and always wanting to make sure that things were done a certain way. Him and I had a great relationship and I felt he always had my back. But, I also remember him being a difficult man. In fact, many people struggled to keep a relationship going with him. He struggled a lot when my grandmother died in 1996, and it seemed that he never really felt at home anywhere. He moved around a lot, in hopes of finding that one place where he could truly find comfort. It took many years, but in the end he found great comfort in letting go of the pain. Although we knew he struggled a lot with this pain, he tried to not let it control the outcome of any day. He was a strong man and loved to help wherever he could. Whenever asked how he was, his response was always "fantastic". He would say that although he had struggles that he was working through, he knew that today was going to be good. I always felt that even if he didn't admit it to anyone, he was working on denying himself and trying to carry his cross. The last weekend I was able to have a conversation with him, he talked about how he was having a lot of physical pain but it was helping him somehow, so he was fantastic. Even when he was angry with God, he was committed to his faith. He continued to work through his frustration, never being satisfied to live in it. A few days before he passed, he shared with one of my brothers that he had found forgiveness in his heart!

I share this because I feel at times I get so frustrated with the crosses I am asked to carry. It is so overwhelming and often times I feel very alone and get frustrated with the "whys". When looking back at those times I find that my attitude and outlook were negative. I put a lot of burdens on myself and at times I don't allow myself to look up at all the people around to help me carry my crosses. I love my grandpa dearly, and had a very close relationship with him. I felt like we could always talk to each other, and I enjoyed hearing any story he wanted to share. There are countless things I have learned from his positive influence in my life. But, I would be lying if I didn't say that I have learned a lot of things from his struggles. The biggest thing is the need to let go of anger and hurt, to allow joy and charity abound more.

The other person that comes to mind is one of my sweet nephews. He was born with muscular dystrophy, which has been affecting him since birth. He has been in a wheelchair for a number of years, and these last few years he has gotten very sick many times. But, that does not seem to stop his inner happiness. He has one of the most kind souls ever. He loves being a kid (well, teenager now). He is so proud of his younger siblings. And he is simply a joy to be around.

My nephew has so many crosses to bear, and I feel like he carries them with such great ease. He is not able to care for himself, and has had to take on total dependency which most teenagers would never allow. He is so humble and gentle. He has such wisdom about life and what the important things are. He has shown me what a super hero really is. I don't understand where he gets his inner strength, but it gives us all strength in the process. 

Whenever I am most in need of a reminder of how to carry my cross, I look to my nephew. I know that I can carry my crosses with pride and joy, allowing God to work through me to help others. 

They have both shaped my life tremendously. Whether it is through the example of admitting my frustrations and working through them, or having such a sincere and joy-filled heart to live for love.

We want to be happy. How do we do that? Each day we must strive ever more to deny ourselves so that Christ can fill us up and transform us from the inside out.

Maybe there is someone in your life that you are called to be an example of joy and happiness to. Maybe you are called to help someone carry their cross, so that their load may be a little lighter. Maybe you are called to let someone in your life to help you carry your cross. Are your eyes open to all the possibilities that you are given?

HERE WE GO AGAIN! WHAT AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO?

It's another season of Lent. There has been a lot of changes in my life, and a number of things that have helped me to look more inward. As I've been trying to find something to offer up this Lent, I kept feeling like all the ideas fell short in challenging me to grow in the most beneficial ways a midst these recent situations.

While deciding to try to add more silence in my life each day I felt that would help with nap time, but may not be that productive spiritually. That was when I ran across my old blog that I began a couple years ago. I remembered the daily struggle and joy I got from reading, praying, and reflecting on the daily Bible passages. When I started it then I knew that it would lead me in exciting and new ways, but I didn't really consider just how much it was going to open my eyes and heart to the growth and possibilities I encountered.

After much consideration, I'm once again going to embark on this challenge to reflect daily on the Bible passages. God wants to speak to us, He wants to be in relationship with us, He wants us to be happy and fulfilled. He knows the best ways for this, but we have to open ourselves up to it.

So, this is me becoming vulnerable again and opening myself to what this Lent can bring. 

God is amazing, and uses people in crazy ways to help share His love. Which is why I am taking on this journey again. I don't fully know how He will use me through this, but I approach His love once again and offer Him all that I have and let Him do what He wants with it. If you find yourself reading these reflections I pray that God will use my words to help you on your journey, wherever you are.

It is hard to start something so daunting, even after having done it before. I'm excited to learn about myself more, but worry about all the ways God will ask me to change.

With that being said...Here we go!!!

Below I included part of the introduction from one of my first posts.  It has been updated a bit. It is a little introduction to me and why I chose the name of the blog.

Welcome! Let me tell you a little about myself :)

My name is April.  I grew up in a really exciting, crazy, fun, safe family.  I have 11 brothers and sisters (yes, I said 11).  We had so much fun playing outside, making up games, and finding ways to support each other (although it did include a lot of yelling...like I said, there are 12 of us).  Today I have 21 nieces and nephews...and counting!  They are the most beautiful people I know.  Each of them have a wonderful story, some include a lot of pain, but all of them smile and show how life can be so much fun when you live as a child.  My nieces and nephews are some of my heroes and have given me so much support.

I graduated College in 2003, and have made friends with some of the truest friends ever to exist.  They show me that a friend's love is multi-faceted...and must be unconditional.  They have been my back bone and support system during many difficult times.

I have 2 amazing jobs where I get to share my love for the Lord and His Church with many people.

Some other things to know about me...

• I am one of the most extraverted people…but also one of the shyest
• I love competition…but it doesn’t bother me if I win or lose
• I LOVE cleaning and it relaxes me…but in the last 5 years I haven’t been able to do much
• I love “killing” movies (action) but also chick-flicks

The Great Challenge:

God has challenged me this Lent.  He is challenging me to think differently about how I am to be His ambassador.  He is challenging me to open myself up and become vulnerable.  This blog is my Great Challenge to do acts of prayer and alms giving…

We all have stories to share, and although mine can be compared to a crazy roller coaster, I feel called to share a little of it. Fortunately, I’m not going to just write about my life. I LOVE Scripture! So, this blog will be a reflection on different Bible passages each day. It will definitely include sharing part of my heart and life with you (yikes!).  I may not get to it each day, but that is my goal. 

Every day we should find a way for Scripture to change our lives. God has placed it on my heart to become vulnerable (and trust in His timing and promptings), and share my reflections through this media. My biggest hope is that as you are reading these reflections, your heart will be challenged to look at how the passage can change your life, and give you the encouragement to take a step in faith and hope!