Category: Musings

88) Real Presence in the Eucharist

The Eucharist began to really come alive for me when our son Stevie was in the second grade.  His class at Sacred Heart was preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Communion, and would come to the celebration of Mass together to learn more about it.  Because of some renovating going on in the main church, daily Mass was being held in the basement of the Center, and there usually weren’t too many people besides the second graders in attendance. As it was open to adults though, I attended to be with Stevie and his class.

      On one occasion, Fr. Len hadn’t expected any adults to be present, but an older couple and myself came to the celebration.  He hadn’t brought any Hosts from the tabernacle in church, as the second graders weren’t ready to receive yet.  So at the conclusion of the liturgy, he said he would go over to the church and bring some Hosts for us adults.   I didn’t know the older couple, and felt somewhat out of place; I had errands to run and things to do, so I thought I’d just leave and be on my way.  It was  snowing outside, so I was brushing the snow off my car when it occurred to me: if the Church teaches that Jesus Christ is truly present in the consecrated Host, what on earth am I doing walking away without receiving Him?  Fr. Len had returned to the Center, so I went back in, but he thought I had left, and so had consumed the Host he had brought for me.

      This really got me to thinking about what I believed. 

I had recently read an article about faith, which had encouraged a doubter to just “act as if” what he professed was true, whether he felt like it or not.  “Act as if.”  If my faith tells me that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, how should that affect my life?  Would I ever leave Mass without receiving Him?  Would I be casual about the Blessed Sacrament?  

      I began to attend daily Mass as often as I could, and often reflected on how my life should look if I truly believed that the Lord of the Universe, the Author of Life, my Lord and my God was present and available to me each day.  And as I prayed and read, the recognition grew that this awesome God wanted to come to me; He thirsted for souls to love and receive Him.  More than just being “available,” He deeply desired union with us, His children.

     The mystery of the Eucharist is so deep and multi-layered, I can only be amazed and incredibly grateful for the grace to believe that Jesus is truly present to us, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament.  So often God has revealed a truth to me through our children, and often through Steve.  The best thing I can do is pray, and the greatest prayer I can offer is the Mass… 

      Lord God, thank You for the incredible Gift of Yourself, offered to us at each Holy Mass.  May we never take You for granted or neglect the opportunity to attend the sacred liturgy, keeping participation in the Mass at the center of our lives ~

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ********************************

  While kayaking on the lake one summer day, I leaned on the side of my kayak and tipped over in the water.  I had both my camera and my cell phone with me – the cell phone died, but the camera survived, altho it sometimes produced spots on the photos as if to remind me of my water adventure.  The camera still worked pretty well most of the time, so I was using it to take some photos of the monstrance in order to promote Adoration in our parish of Sacred Heart.  As I looked at the images, they were appearing with a big dot right above the monstrance, which looked just like a huge Host.  I had seen dots appear before, but never like this one, and in such a perfect location. It seemed to me as if the Lord were magnifying His Presence in the Host, and the image has been a beautiful blessing for me. It’s not a photoshop trick – it’s a gift from God   

We only had the tabernacle with Mary’s statue in this position for a short time before the tabernacle was moved to a position under the mosaic behind the altar – the “spot” wouldn’t have showed up there like it does on the brick wall.  Perfect timing, perfect positioning… Lord God, thank You for this beautiful surprise and declaration of Your Presence in the Blessed Sacrament!  May our hearts grow to welcome you and Your Presence be magnified in our lives ~

87) The Presence of God

While visiting with friends, I joined them for Sunday Mass. I don’t like to spend time critiquing a service, but rather to be grateful for the Mass, to give thanks and intercede for loved ones, to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament! I love to sing the hymns, and it was good to be there with those I love.


This day, however, I found myself grading everything – the pastor, the choir, the congregation – not what I want to be doing. The pastor was not a native and it was a real struggle to understand him, along with a sound system that wasn’t working correctly and was fluctuating between loud bursts and silence. The music leaders were difficult to hear, and tricky to follow. I was finding it challenging to enter in and be fully present to the liturgy, being distracted by what I was perceiving as a less than “quality” service. I’m ashamed to even admit it, as I recognize how uncharitable my attitude had become.


The moment came, however, when that all changed! It was at the time of consecration – the priest was saying the sacred words that changed the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ – and the atmosphere changed! God showed up! I could sense it in a very real and tangible way – His peace was there, His Presence permeated the room, and the liturgy became alive! I don’t know if others experienced this as I did, but it changed the entire service into a time of worship and gratitude, shifting my critical attitude back to one of thanksgiving and appreciation to be there! Praise God!


As I thought about this, it reminded me of other times when I had experienced God breaking through, and indeed changing the atmosphere. We used to have a small jail ministry that met monthly with the county prisoners, to offer them a time to gather and hear God’s Word. I clearly remember that almost without exception, about half way through our time together, God would show up! I would know this, and would let others know: God is here! He’s with us, and He wants us to know that He’s here! This seemed to usher in a time of grace, when the inmates became more open, and there were beautiful sharings of sacred moments in their lives.


It reminded me too of David Wilkerson’s book, THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE, about his calling to minister to the street gangs of New York. He would rent a space for a meeting, and would invite the gang members to attend. They were a very unruly bunch, to say the least, and his initial efforts to preach were met with loud interruptions and cat calls, and total disrespect. But then, something would happen! As he realized that his human efforts were ineffective, and of himself he could not control this crowd or succeed in sharing God’s Word, God Himself would show up! Not in the flesh of course, not that others could see Him, but He would make His Presence known. A hush would come over the room, the gang members would often find themselves in tears, and God would begin the work of changing hearts.


This is what I felt at that church service with my friends. It was as though a hush came over the congregation – you could hear a pin drop, and sense that something beautiful was happening in people’s hearts. We all left having been blessed and renewed, in God’s tender quiet way. I know in my mind that He is there with us always, but what a grace to truly know this in a deeper way that changes everything!

Lord God, thank You for Your Presence, with us always! Thank You that in unexpected and delightful ways You sometimes make that Presence known in a sensible fashion. Would that I may be open to recognize You at that time, to proclaim Your Presence and invite others in to receive Your Love and Mercy…

 Lord God, thank You for Your Presence, with us always! Thank You that in unexpected and delightful ways You sometimes make that Presence known in a sensible fashion.  Would that I may be open to recognize You at that time, to proclaim Your Presence and invite others in to receive Your Love and Mercy…

86) Sweet Hour of Prayer

How often the lyrics of a song come to mind with just the right words to bring hope and comfort when I need them! Or they may be words of peace and joy, of playfulness or mercy – not pre-meditated, but erupting spontaneously from the files in my memory bank. Many of them are hymns learned through the years, sprinkled among popular or folk music, contemporary praise and worship – so many blessed words!

What comes to mind today is a memory of a time of difficulty, many years ago, yet it remains so clear in my mind. The specific occasion of the trial eludes me, all I remember is driving aimlessly out in the country, fighting back tears and a deep sorrow from a relationship difficulty. In Ignatian terms, this would be a non-spiritual desolation, which could lead either to spiritual consolation, or spiritual desolation. Because the words of a hymn came to mind, the grace of spiritual consolation was given to prompt me to turn to God and receive His help to weather this current inner turbulence. The hymn is “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” written in 1845 by William Walford.

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

How often I need the reminder of the graces that come from the consistent practice of a daily hour of prayer! Prayer that is grounded in Scripture, where the living Word of God has the power to transform and re-align my clouded vision to conform to God’s perspective in any situation! As I heard the words of the hymn in my mind, and struggled to sing them through my tears, His holy peace began to filter back into my spirit, and I regained His perspective on the current time of distress. He knew, He was with me, and He would help me through this!

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting heart to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Even as I remember this moment from many years ago, it becomes present to me now to remind me of the gift of prayer, and to strengthen the peace that God has put in my heart. He bids me seek His face, believe His Word, and trust His grace! “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you,” is His Word from 1 Peter 5:7. With Your songs in my heart, may I keep singing now and into eternity!

Thank You Lord, for inspiring men and women through the ages to put the truths of Your Word to music! Thank you for their transforming power to change the spiritual atmosphere and restore Your peace where there is anxiety and discord. May I not neglect daily time in Your Word to honor You and to receive Your grace to live a life of blessing for others…

85) Poem – God is Here

Saturday May 31
Driving from Plymouth to Madison
Talking out loud to Jesus in the car
“Jesus, I want to KNOW You!”

And my words stopped
Trailing off
My heart was moved
And I had to stop speaking

Billboard on the side of the road
“God Is Here”
“Random” billboard
With words I needed to see

God’s Word to my heart
Assurance of His Love
Of His Presence
Of His Love

Over and over
All I need to do
Receive His Love
And give it back to others

How do I do that?
Receive His Love?
In Adoration
At Holy Mass

In His Word
In praise and worship
In letting myself be loved
By those in my life

By remembering God’s faithfulness
His care for me
All through my life
All through my life

So Thank You Lord praise You
For stopping me
Even as I spoke
I spoke the words out loud

I think You want me
To do that more often
To say it out loud
And know that You hear me

I love You Lord
I want to KNOW You!
To know You, Jesus
With all that is within me…

84) I See You

On a recent pilgrimage / retreat, we were matched with a fellow pilgrim, whose identity we wouldn’t know until the end of the journey. It was suggested that we hold that person in our hearts, and during one of the quiet times during the trip, ask God for a word or image that would be meaningful for them. I had received words and images from others in prayer ministry, and recognized the gift this can be, so happily set aside a quiet moment to receive this grace for my secret fellow pilgrim.


As I prayed, the image of someone standing under a white blossoming tree came to my mind, and the Scripture where Jesus sees Nathanael under a tree and recognizes him as someone in whom there is no guile. I felt the Lord was saying to this person, “I see you. I know you. I know what’s on your heart. Come close to Me.” To test this thought and image, I returned to the exercise several times before the end of the pilgrimage, and the image and words remained true, and clear.

At the end of the pilgrimage, we gathered together and discovered who our secret partner was. I didn’t know her, and had not interacted with her on the trip. We were instructed to share what the Lord had given us for this person, so I told her what I had seen and heard. When I began, telling her Jesus had seen her standing under a white blossoming tree, she was visibly moved! She explained that at home she had a lilac tree that every other year had displayed beautiful purple blossoms, but for an unknown reason, this year the blossoms were white!


The words of Jesus, “I see you. I know you. I know what’s on your heart. Come close to me,” along with the image that was so very personal, were a blessed gift from God for my partner! There was no possible way I could have known she had a tree like that; God in His love and tenderness wanted her to know that He sees her, He knows her, He knows what she carries in her heart, and He desires that she come closer to Him! How much the Lord wants us to know that He knows everything about us, that He cares, and He desires an intimate relationship with us!


As is always the case when the Lord gives us the gift of bringing a blessing to another, the image and the words blessed me as well. God’s Word is filled with assurances of His love and and care for us. Ps 139 comes to mind here: “I have probed you and I know you. I know when you sit and when you stand. Your journeys and your rest I scrutinize. With all your ways I am familiar…”. These words from Scripture bring peace to our hearts, and when coupled with an image that only God could know, they are a powerful witness to the truth of His personal knowledge of us.


The second part of this word was the story from John 1:47 where Jesus declares “here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no guile.” I looked up the word “guile” and found this definition for the spiritual meaning of guile: “to be free of deceit, cunning, hypocrisy or dishonesty in thought or deed.” Ps 32:2 says “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit (guile).” My partner struck me as just this sort of soul, which added another dimension to the story. The Lord knows her heart, and wants her to know she is blessed by the Lord for her pure spirit.


Praise God for this little prayer exercise that brought blessing to us both, and to others I have shared it with. How we desire to be seen, to be known, and to be called into deeper intimacy with Him! I’ll remember it whenever I see a white blossoming tree!


Thank you Lord, for your gift of the Holy Spirit which puts into our minds a word or image to bring blessing to another. Grant us this gift of the Spirit that we may be agents of Your love and mercy to our brothers and sisters, drawing us both into a deeper intimacy with You…

83) It is Well

Our parish hosted a recent Day of Reflection focused on the theme “It is Well.” The theme corresponded to the beautiful hymn, “It is well with my soul,” written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. I was especially blessed with Fr Wratkowski’s reflections about just what it means “to be well.”


He began with the story of the writing of the hymn, a tale of deep faith in God in the midst of tragedy. Horatio and Anna Spafford had experienced financial disaster after the Great Chicago fire, but were now able to plan a trip to Europe to visit family and friends, and to celebrate Christmas in Paris. Horatio had to wait to finish some necessary business, but bid Anna and their four daughters bon voyage and Godspeed on the French steamer SS Ville de Havre.
Off the coast of Newfoundland their vessel collided with an English ship, the Loch Earn, ripping a huge hole in the hull, and causing so much damage that their ship sank within 20 minutes. Fr Wratkowski spoke of how before the ship sank, Anna gathered her children to pray, seeking God’s help. She prayed not only to be spared, but “for the grace to endure whatever might come.”

What came was the tragic loss by drowning of all four of their daughters, with Anna alone surviving. She was rescued by a life boat, and ten days later arrived in Cardiff, Wales, where she sent a telegram home to Horatio with the simple message “Saved Alone.”


He took passage on a ship to join her as soon as he could, traveling the same sea route where his children had perished. The captain of the ship called him when they came to the very spot where his daughters had drowned, and it was there that Horatio looked not down at the sea, but up to Heaven where he trusted his loved ones to be, and the words of the beautiful hymn, “It is well with my soul,” began to live in his heart.


He arrived and joined his grieving wife, and also met with their close friend, evangelist Dwight Moody. In relating their story to him, they were able in faith to say, “It is well. God’s will be done.” This phrase remained in Horatio’s heart, and was the kernel of grace that produced the words of the hymn. There’s much more to the story, and well worth reading, as from this tragedy the Spafford family’s life bore great fruit in service of God’s people.


There’s a beautiful YouTube presentation, with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the hymn, and a theatrical re-enactment of the story that includes “the rest of the story.”

There are so many hymns that we’ve come to know and love. How much more this one means to me now that I’ve heard the story behind it’s composition. I return again to one of my favorite Scriptures, Romans 8:28. “All things works together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Praise God for His Word, for HIs Promises, and for the grace to endure whatever may come, knowing that nothing is outside of His Providence.

Thank You Lord, for the beautiful witness of faith that has been handed down to us throughout the centuries, and inspires us to trust You in all circumstances. Help me to remain close to You always, and know that indeed, it is well with my soul…

****************

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

82) Candles

      I’m here on retreat at Christ the King Retreat House watching the candles burning in the chapel.  So many candles, so many prayers being lifted up to the Lord!  Each one representing someone’s need, or thanksgiving – each one seen and the prayer heard by the Lord.  I believe He sees each person as they consider lighting that candle; He knows what’s on their heart, He knows the faith that is calling them to light a candle, and He’s ready ahead of time to answer that prayer – always in His perfect timing, and in His perfect provision.  Not always in the way the candle lighter envisions it, but always in the way that is best for the intention.  I thank God that He’s given me the faith to believe that, for I’ve lighted many candles in my life, and to know in my heart that each one was seen and received by the Lord is a great consolation to me.

      Being raised Protestant, the candle lighting had not been a part of our family’s religious practices.  I first became really aware of it when Bill and I made our first retreat at Holy Name Retreat House on Chambers Island.  It was a spiritual turning point in our lives, and re-set our course to a more serious look at our faith and how we practiced it.  We were facing bankruptcy and all that entails, and were so deeply blessed to hear the wise counsel of the retreat director, Fr Leon, advising Bill to let it go, as the loss of the business was killing all of us.  Bill received this counsel, and the beginning of peace in his heart which he needed to begin again.

      We were in the chapel of the retreat house, looking at all those candles burning, and we lit one – both in gratitude for this holy encounter, and in supplication for God’s help moving forward.  And we took a candle home with us, to light when we felt called to come to the Lord for help.

     That was when we lit it at first – just when something special was calling for prayer.  It might be a birthday celebration, or a need for healing, or safe travel, or….  As time went on, we lit it more and more, until it became a perpetual light near our little Mary space, with a statue of the Blessed Mother and a flower in her honor.  This holy practice has become a part of my devotional life ever since, and it’s been 45 years since we lit that first candle.  

     When I go to the cabin, I light the candle on the fireplace and keep it burning til we go home, asking God to bless our family time there.  Prayers for safety, for the healing of any strained relationships, for traveling mercies, for any family member in most need of help, in thanksgiving for Gma & Gpa Fellman who made the place possible!  So many petitions lifted up to the Lord, and He hears each one!

     At home now in my office room, the candle is lit when I get up in the morning, and I usually blow it out at night, to make the candles last longer.  The Lord knows that the candle is lit in my heart 24/7, with the flame of love from the Holy Spirit keeping me warm and connected to God’s burning love for His people.  I thank God for the gift of candle light, and for the greater gift of “His Light shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5). And it never will!

     Lord God, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus as the Light of the world!  Thank you for the gift of candles, the little lights we can ignite to remind us of Your great love and provision in the ups and downs of our lives.  May we always keep a candle lit in our hearts, trusting in Your perfect care and mercy for us and for all we hold in our hearts…

81) Sunsets and Clouds

At our weekly Bible study, we were sharing thoughts about how the Beauty of Creation fills our hearts with consolation.  One of the ladies commented about a friend who had a great view of the outdoors from his house, and often took photos of the sunset and then sent them to others, with a note of gratitude for this gift from God.

     One of the fellows made a joke about cloudy skies, how they obstructed that lovely sunset.  This was countered with the claim that often the clouds actually enhanced the beauty of the sunset.  Her comment, “without clouds it’s the sun going down, and that’s it, but with the clouds the sunset lasts longer and is even more beautiful.”

     We had also been speaking of the faith of those who experience many and grave trials, yet stand firm in their faith; perhaps stronger than if there had been no trials.  All of this seemed to lead naturally to the reality that for our faith to grow strong, we need these trials and challenges.  How we respond hinges on many variables, leading to the importance of developing an attitude of praise and thanksgiving before the hard times come.

     The book PRISON TO PRAISE by Merlin Carothers was shared with me almost 30 years ago, and has helped me immeasurably in adopting this attitude of praise!  I practice it in the small and simple difficulties of daily living, and now when bigger challenges arise, my response of praise rather than complaint comes more quickly.  The Christian classics repeat in so many ways that to really trust God means to thank Him for each and every trial, as well as for the obvious pleasant blessings He brings us each day.  If we really believe that “all things work for good, for  those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28), then to praise and thank Him in all circumstances is the appropriate and sole response we are to give.

     Sometimes when surprised by a trial, I forget!  That’s when I need friends who also want to live praising God, and who will remind me of this Truth, and set me back on the right path.  I’ve come to appreciate the cloudy sunset even more as I experience that it is indeed evermore beautiful, and that it lasts longer!

     Lord God, thank You for sunsets, thank You for clouds, thank You for teaching me how to live a joy-filled life praising and thanking You in all circumstances!  Thank You for companions on the journey to remind me and lift me up when I forget!  May I live a life of praise, trusting in the Good God in every kind of weather…

80) Praying for the Dead

November is a month dedicated to prayer for the dead, with visits to a cemetery on my “to do” list.  I’m grateful for the wisdom of the Church to teach me about this, with the reality of communion with the holy souls awaiting our prayers to speed them on the way to purification and union with the Trinity.  Knowing that they in turn are praying for us, for me, is a source of comfort and deep gratitude as I acknowledge the truth of the communion of the saints!  The veil is often so very thin, and I’m especially aware of this amidst the gravestones.

     I’ve always loved cemeteries!  This was especially true during the covid isolation days.  We couldn’t congregate indoors, and the parks and public spots available for social distancing were often crowded.  I desired more space, and found the cemeteries to be the perfect answer – quiet, few people around, and the awareness of being on holy ground with the saints 🙂  I’ll stop and read some of the epithets, wondering what their life on earth was like, and what it’s like to be united now with those who have gone before them.  Homecoming celebrations in Heaven are the best kind!

     Again and again I’ve been reminded of the great value of “remembering death,” memento mori.  This last week our Marian Servant community was blessed with a Day of Reflection led by Fr Daniel Klimek, who confirmed this beautifully as he spoke of the value of meditating on Christ’s Passion, uniting our sufferings with His on the Cross. This leads so naturally to the reality of our own death, and desiring the help of the saints to live this life well and so be united with Christ in Eternity.

     I’m headed out soon to pray in the cemetery at our parish church, and   one day this week I’ll join a friend to pray by her husband’s grave.  Mentally I’ll spend some time visiting the family graves back in my hometown, praying for the repose of their souls, and seeking their intercession for family and friends who don’t yet know the Lord, His Love and care for them.  

    Lord God, may I be ever mindful of the shortness of this earthly life, grateful for this gift of life, especially eternal life with You!  May my prayers help to speed holy souls on their journey to you, even as they offer prayers for us here and now.   “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.”

79) Keep Holy the Sabbath

     Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy…. I’ve been reminded often lately of the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath.  Not just a suggestion, or a good thought, but a commandment of God Almighty! 

     I’m home alone most of today, with those words echoing in my thoughts as I go about various low key activities.  Blessed of course to begin the day spending some quiet time in my bedroom, praying my daily morning offering prayers, followed by holy Mass with my daughter and the little ones, always an adventure!  Of course, donuts after Mass, and meeting new parishioners was another good part of our Church time 🙂

     The words from the homily stuck with me today – the absolute necessity of daily prayer time!  As the rest of the family was headed out for various adventures, I took out my journal and asked, what next?

     I set my timer for 30 minutes and savored the words from tomorrow’s Gospel of Luke: “whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and the one who receives me receives the one who sent me.” Repeating these words over and over, my desire to receive the Father was strengthened.  I want to welcome Him into my heart, into our home, into every aspect of our lives. 

     Keeping these words close to my heart, I made a phone call to my sister-in-law to plan a visit, a text to secure an overnight bed, took a walk outdoors on this beautiful day and prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet, followed by a nap!

      Refreshed in body and spirit now, some time was spent on small household tasks, to help make life a little easier for this busy little family.  Prepping some fruit as I listened to Christian music, sweeping up a bit around the front entrance with the music still on my phone in my back pocket, picking up a few of the odds and ends that are wanting to find a home 🙂  “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is a phrase I’ve heard all my life, and whenever I manage to tidy up a spot or create more order, I know it’s pleasing to God and helps us all on our path to holiness 🙂

     It’s hot out today, so I sat down with a cool drink and did a little spiritual reading.  Today was Renewal Ministries monthly newsletter about their mission to Uganda, and was truly inspiring and encouraging to hear of the faith of the people there. Ralph Martin’s sense that the “hour” of the church in Africa has arrived spoke to my heart, and reminded me of the blessings of our visit to Zimbabwe, where we visited our friends who were doing medical missionary work there.  It also reminded me of my great niece’s mission work in Egypt now, and to pray for her and their family as they discern the next step hearing God’s call for a new location.  This prompted me to spend a little more time lifting certain recent intentions to the Lord, knowing He hears and answers each one as only He truly knows best.

     I was interrupted in thought by a text from our daughter in Canada – we had a phone date on the calendar for this afternoon, and she was checking to see if the timing was good!  I had forgotten!  But God hadn’t, and His timing was perfect!  We had a short chat, and were blessed to remember the gift of growing up in our little family in the early years when we had no money and our recreation was focused on simple outdoor adventures: going to the park, walking in the woods, spotting glow in the dark mushrooms!  We each spoke words of appreciation and encouragement, and especially gratitude for each other 🙂  

     Well, I just hung up and felt the next thing to do was to jot down these thoughts about keeping the Sabbath holy.  So here I am, with peace in my heart and deep gratitude for the gift of a day to “be still, and know that You are God.”  Indeed, Your gift of a Sabbath rest is essential to live a holy life that will bring blessing and healing to this fast-paced society we live in. May I keep the remainder of this day as a Day of the Lord, for His praise and Glory!

     Thank you Lord, for Your commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. How much we need this time to slow down, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the beauty of Your creation!  To gather for worship and prayer, receive Your Word, and seek to live it each day in gratitude for life itself, and all the blessings you provide.  Be with me now as I listen and follow Your lead to whatever You desire of me next…

PS – “next” included playing in the sandbox with my grandson and helping with apple peeling and dinner dishes, all wrapped up in evening prayer.  I feel like this is what is looks like for me to keep holy the Sabbath 🙂 Thank You Lord!