Hearts Given

There is a moment that I pause and take in the beauty given to me.......this beauty often presents itself in the shape of a heart......

The Most Reliable Messengers

THE LIGHT WILL ALWAYS CAST AWAY THE SHADOWS OF DARKNESS

       In this world we can experience great sorrow.  In this world we can be filled with great fear.  In this world we must decide where we will be fed.
     What food store do we shop for our loved ones?  Do we seek out the best choices?  What responses do we offer our loved ones when they are hurting?  Do we seek the help of ANY OLD counselor or therapist?  Chances are if you are like me you seek the best for your loves ones.  When I seek out the best Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual food for my family I go to those who I see something in that I want!  I get referrals from people I trust.  Who do I trust?  I am NOT going to seek a good exercise program with a friend that I sit on the couch and watch movies all day every day with.  I WILL seek advise from someone with a disciplined nutritional and exercise routine.  Yes this person will be trustworthy.  
     I will not get sound and solid spiritual advise from someone who leads me to confusion and fear.  If I choose to participate in conversation with a person who is gossiping, slandering, and complaining then I will most likely be filled with fear and confusion.  Heck maybe I will even begin initiating this type of conversation myself.  If I seek out conversations with those who are speaking with kindness, compassion, mercy and love then I will mirror this and be filled with hope and trust.

    This world will tell me that what I think is truth.....IS TRUTH.......This is called moral relativism.  I have tried this way of thinking.  Often surrounded my self with other moral relativistic minded people.  This has ALWAYS led me to self centered self seeking thinking.   I WILL make mistakes.  I need the SOUNDEST TRUTH AVAILABLE...
 
     I seek the Spiritual choice of truth.

       There have been many times that I have closed my eyes and envisioned handing my children to Jesus.  I ask him to please carry them through their days.  I pray that my children will be overcome with great clarity as our Lord remains close to them throughout their days.  

        There is an abundant amount of input that attempts to distract my children from God's Love.  Their senses are bombarded from the moment they step foot outside of our home.

         There have been many situations that I was not confident that my children embraced the gift of faith given to them at their baptism.  I have learned that these situations are crucial in their individual relationship's with Our Lord.  They must fall to understand the beauty in the truth.  

                                                      "But the righteous live forever,

and their reward is with the Lord;

the Most High takes care of them.

Therefore they will receive a glorious crown,

  and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord,

because with his right hand he will cover them.

The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor,

and will arm all creation to repel his enemies;

he will put on righteousness as a breastplate,

and wear impartial justice as a helmet;

he will take holiness as an invincible shield,

and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation 

will join with him to fight against the madmen."

Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-20

                    Over the past few days I have been reflecting on the 

        beauty and clarity found in the light. 1 John 1:5 is beautiful and affirming.     

                        There is comfort, warmth, beauty, sustenance, and healing found in the light. This scripture reading brings "Beauty in the Truth".

Faith in the Light

"Let the day be darkness! May God above not seek it, nor light shine upon it"
Job 3:4

    

     In this photo my son Joseph and I are on an airplane returning from an interview retreat that he attended.  He was interviewing for a missionary organization called NET Ministries. If you have never heard of them I ask that you please CHECK THEM OUT! http://www.netusa.org  The experience was life changing for the both of us. 

     The photo of the sky in the distance is above the clouds. We were about ten minutes from the airport. It is hard to believe but just below the clouds it was dreary, sleeting, foggy and dark.

      I am confident that this gift of a moment was given to sustain Joseph and I. This image reminds us of the joy we experienced that weekend.  There is much work to be done in my relationships.  There are times that are so difficult to be the wife and mother I want to be. It is necessary at these times to remain humble. I find great hope through acknowledging that I do not see through the difficulties without the joy of the Gospel.

      Only when I surrender and accept the struggles of this life do I embrace the gift of faith.  The gift of faith brings great joy and hope into my life.  I am then able to imagine the beauty beyond the clouds.