Women of Faith:
Merry Christmas!
As we prepare today for another family gathering I was thinking about the traditions, past and present, that we will have celebrated or been reminded of this Christmas season:
The imaginative decorating by children (young and old) of Christmas cookies, making and eating bean soup and oyster stew, placing Baby Jesus in the manager, eating an apple from Grandma and Grandpa Svoboda, driving to see Christmas lights, searching the bottom of the stocking, attending Christmas mass together, driving home thru a winter wonderland of snow (which we missed this year, and then praised that we missed), attending loud family gatherings and singing (in prayer-Silent Night; with joyfulness-the twelve days of Christmas; and nostalgically-Czech carols), and taking a family picture.
These traditions were started 2011 years ago at the birth of Our Lord in Bethlehem: a family who said yes to God and then protected their spouse and child at a great sacrifice; who had a simple home with simple food and simple belongings; who received gifts brought by earthly kings; who’s good news was spread with great joy by the angels; and who by the light of a star (the Spirit) guides us and gave us the mass—as in Christ.mass.
And then I wondered how well I was doing at keeping the true focus of the traditions of Christmas?
Do my traditions reflect Mary unselfishly saying “yes” to God—even though it could have cost her life(the penalty for adultery was to be stoned to death); Joseph, who protected his wife, Mary, by trusting her—even though it cost him his own prideful reputation; or the innkeepers with “no room” keeping my belongings for my own needs)? Am I happy with the simplicity of swaddling clothes and a manager for a bed? Do I spread the good news like the angels with rejoicing and gladness? Do I follow the three kings’ example by giving everything and protecting the life of every child, as they did Jesus from Herod?
And am I like today’s feast day saint, St. Stephen, the first martyr, who when he was laughed at for speaking of Jesus, and who kept his focus turned upwards: “But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Acts 6: 8-10
Dear God: Thank you for giving us Jesus, Your son, our Savior and Redeemer, to light the way, to guide us and to open the heavens for us. May we each be more like Mary, unselfish; more like Joseph, protective of life; more like the angels, spreading the good news; and more like the kings, giving up our possessions to those in need. Thank you for the traditions inspired by the Nativity scene. Amen.
May your family’s traditions of Christmas give you peace and joy, and fill your hearts and homes with the love of Christ,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Make God Real
Women of Faith:
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
But is God/Jesus REAL to me?
Am I seeing His signs, listening and answering God’s call in my life like Mary (and Joseph) who believed in God’s message and said yes to His call? “Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1: 26-38
Or am I like Solomon who ignored God’s signs, turned to the devil’s temptations, and created a façade which would be torn down—because it was a building of man (a temple) rather than a building of God (His people)?
When I started to write this reflection this morning I realized that it was no longer just a handful of signs that God has given to Stan & I—but rather that the signs that we are blessed with are more and more frequent—not earth shattering or lightening striking signs—although we’ve had a few of those, but rather “just” everyday prayers being answered.
And I don’t think it is because God is giving the world/us more signs and miracles that we are being blessed by them. Rather I think it is because we are praying for miracles, praying for signs, praying that God would be REAL to us.
I have had numerous people write to say that this writing was just what they needed to hear today—yet I can’t possibly know what all of you are thinking, praying for or needing to hear. I only put on paper what has meaning for me and what God puts in my heart to share.
But just as this particular reflection may touch you, so have we had our own prayers answered within minutes of asking God—“what do we/I do next?”--a song or show on EWTN or Christian radio, a message in this week’s sermon or today’s scripture, a single bible verse heard on KLYF 101.9, or a text message from a friend.
I have had nights with meeting conflicts where one event got cancelled or another rescheduled so that I could do everything I felt called too do.
Stan & I have met someone on the street, in the grocery store, or at a ball game just when I, or they, or we, needed to talk about or support one another in prayer.
We have had couples that have come into our lives thru an EWTN TV show “Marriage Works in Christ” –and an answered call to join www.thealexanderhouse.org . This ministry has enriched our lives as much as it enriches the marriages that we have been blessed to share their date night and coaching programs with.
And of course there are those “chance” happenings: a near miss auto accident, a conversation with a stranger, or an unexpected phone call. And we have learned not to force meetings or words with those we know—waiting instead for God to give us the chance meeting and the right words. (And sometimes our patience isn’t the best )!
Oh and yes, I have had BIG prayers answered, miracle worthy answers to a prayerful plea and I believe I have quite literally seen at least one angel
(in the form of a police officer, no less).
Yet not every sign has been what I expected or thought I would be blessed by. But I am learning more and more to TRUST in the signs; to answer the call; to heed his warnings. Sometimes it takes hearing the message 4 or 5 times; missing the answer to a prayer 4 or 5 times; or being patient to receive an answer. But eventually I have realized that it was God talking, God providing a solution, God setting up roadblocks, or clearing the path—I just have to follow His lead.
Heavenly Father, praise be your very REAL presence in our lives. Thank you for the birth of Your son and the giving of His life to save mine. May I continue to be blessed to hear, see and follow Your signs. And may all those who read this message be blessed to see that you are REAL. Amen.
May you be blessed with the REAL Spirit of Christmas,
Merry Christmas from the Upah family,
Charlotte
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
But is God/Jesus REAL to me?
Am I seeing His signs, listening and answering God’s call in my life like Mary (and Joseph) who believed in God’s message and said yes to His call? “Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1: 26-38
Or am I like Solomon who ignored God’s signs, turned to the devil’s temptations, and created a façade which would be torn down—because it was a building of man (a temple) rather than a building of God (His people)?
When I started to write this reflection this morning I realized that it was no longer just a handful of signs that God has given to Stan & I—but rather that the signs that we are blessed with are more and more frequent—not earth shattering or lightening striking signs—although we’ve had a few of those, but rather “just” everyday prayers being answered.
And I don’t think it is because God is giving the world/us more signs and miracles that we are being blessed by them. Rather I think it is because we are praying for miracles, praying for signs, praying that God would be REAL to us.
I have had numerous people write to say that this writing was just what they needed to hear today—yet I can’t possibly know what all of you are thinking, praying for or needing to hear. I only put on paper what has meaning for me and what God puts in my heart to share.
But just as this particular reflection may touch you, so have we had our own prayers answered within minutes of asking God—“what do we/I do next?”--a song or show on EWTN or Christian radio, a message in this week’s sermon or today’s scripture, a single bible verse heard on KLYF 101.9, or a text message from a friend.
I have had nights with meeting conflicts where one event got cancelled or another rescheduled so that I could do everything I felt called too do.
Stan & I have met someone on the street, in the grocery store, or at a ball game just when I, or they, or we, needed to talk about or support one another in prayer.
We have had couples that have come into our lives thru an EWTN TV show “Marriage Works in Christ” –and an answered call to join www.thealexanderhouse.org . This ministry has enriched our lives as much as it enriches the marriages that we have been blessed to share their date night and coaching programs with.
And of course there are those “chance” happenings: a near miss auto accident, a conversation with a stranger, or an unexpected phone call. And we have learned not to force meetings or words with those we know—waiting instead for God to give us the chance meeting and the right words. (And sometimes our patience isn’t the best )!
Oh and yes, I have had BIG prayers answered, miracle worthy answers to a prayerful plea and I believe I have quite literally seen at least one angel
(in the form of a police officer, no less).
Yet not every sign has been what I expected or thought I would be blessed by. But I am learning more and more to TRUST in the signs; to answer the call; to heed his warnings. Sometimes it takes hearing the message 4 or 5 times; missing the answer to a prayer 4 or 5 times; or being patient to receive an answer. But eventually I have realized that it was God talking, God providing a solution, God setting up roadblocks, or clearing the path—I just have to follow His lead.
Heavenly Father, praise be your very REAL presence in our lives. Thank you for the birth of Your son and the giving of His life to save mine. May I continue to be blessed to hear, see and follow Your signs. And may all those who read this message be blessed to see that you are REAL. Amen.
May you be blessed with the REAL Spirit of Christmas,
Merry Christmas from the Upah family,
Charlotte
Monday, December 12, 2011
I Believe
Women of Faith:
“I Believe.”
Usually when we see those words around Christmas they are associated with a belief in Santa Claus.
But, I believe, that those words have a far more reaching intention than my “belief” in Santa Claus or even my belief in the “spirit” of Christmas.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The reading is God’s asking and Mary’s “yes” to becoming the Mother of our Lord—from Luke 1: 39-47--
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
I remember often telling the kids, “If you don’t believe, Santa/Christmas/the gifts won’t come.” Their eyes would shine in their beautiful childlike faith—even to this day—and look at me to say, “I believe.” (They knew anything less meant no Christmas.)
So as yesterday’s reading proclaims: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances.” 1Thess 5: 16-24
Do we truly believe? Will we accept “less” than Christmas, less than the message of Jesus’ coming?
Do we believe?
In a God we cannot see: “By faith …he persevered as if seeing the one who is invisible.” Heb 11:27
In a God that is always for us: “If God is for us, who can be against us.” Rom 8:31
In a God that makes everything possible: “For human beings, this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Mt 19: 26
Do we pray not just when we “need” him because things aren’t going well, but at all times in praise thanksgiving for all that we have?
And do we show our belief in the decisions we make, in the actions we take, and in the words we speak?
Heavenly Father: I believe that with you all things are possible. Thank you for the gifts of a warm home and family and friends to share it with; for food on our table; for health that allows me to enjoy everything around me; and for the gifts and talents that allow me to serve others. Bless each of us with the patience and perseverance, the strength and the courage to believe in you, especially when the darkness of daily problems tries to overshadow Your presence. Help me to show my belief not just by my words, but by my actions each day. Amen.
May you have the patience and courage to live your life in, for, with and by your belief of the greatness of God and the miracle of Christmas!
Blessings,
Charlotte
“I Believe.”
Usually when we see those words around Christmas they are associated with a belief in Santa Claus.
But, I believe, that those words have a far more reaching intention than my “belief” in Santa Claus or even my belief in the “spirit” of Christmas.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The reading is God’s asking and Mary’s “yes” to becoming the Mother of our Lord—from Luke 1: 39-47--
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
I remember often telling the kids, “If you don’t believe, Santa/Christmas/the gifts won’t come.” Their eyes would shine in their beautiful childlike faith—even to this day—and look at me to say, “I believe.” (They knew anything less meant no Christmas.)
So as yesterday’s reading proclaims: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances.” 1Thess 5: 16-24
Do we truly believe? Will we accept “less” than Christmas, less than the message of Jesus’ coming?
Do we believe?
In a God we cannot see: “By faith …he persevered as if seeing the one who is invisible.” Heb 11:27
In a God that is always for us: “If God is for us, who can be against us.” Rom 8:31
In a God that makes everything possible: “For human beings, this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Mt 19: 26
Do we pray not just when we “need” him because things aren’t going well, but at all times in praise thanksgiving for all that we have?
And do we show our belief in the decisions we make, in the actions we take, and in the words we speak?
Heavenly Father: I believe that with you all things are possible. Thank you for the gifts of a warm home and family and friends to share it with; for food on our table; for health that allows me to enjoy everything around me; and for the gifts and talents that allow me to serve others. Bless each of us with the patience and perseverance, the strength and the courage to believe in you, especially when the darkness of daily problems tries to overshadow Your presence. Help me to show my belief not just by my words, but by my actions each day. Amen.
May you have the patience and courage to live your life in, for, with and by your belief of the greatness of God and the miracle of Christmas!
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 5, 2011
Do you see what I see?
Women of Faith:
Remember the song: “Do you hear what I hear? Said the night wind to the little lamb. Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb?”
As I get ready for Christmas, what do I see?
Do I see myself setting out boxes of decorations, or recognizing the beauty of a single shining star?
Do I see myself bustling around shopping for the perfect gift, or recognizing the joy in a small child’s delight of a glittery bow?
Do I see myself hurrying to get a list of food prepared, or recognizing the love and blessings of having time to be with my family?
How often do I miss seeing beauty, joy and love because my eyes are focused on the wants, the fulfillment, or the pleasure of what is just an earthly treasure?
In this week’s gospel- Mk 1: 1-8 John the Baptist proclaimed that he was not the Messiah, but only the one sent before him. In next week’s gospel we will hear again that we are not recognizing Jesus: "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." Jn 1: 19-28
Just like the people who flocked to see and be baptized by John the Baptist, but missed Christ, my eyes often fail to recognize the truly important parts of Christmas: a beautifully lit nativity scene, the sparkling eyes of a child reflecting the lights of a Christmas tree, and the sounds of conversation as our family gathers. Beauty, Joy, Love, Hope, and Peace.
Do I recognize and thank God for what he has given me: the wealth of health; the awe and wonder in the miracles of nature; the joys of giving without receiving; and most especially the real meaning of Christmas—his son, Jesus, our savior?
Do I graciously give love and praise with kindness, patience and humility? Or do I expect perfection in others and have a desire to get something in return? Do I recognize my blessings and share my treasures by serving those who don’t, can’t, or won’t give anything back to me?
Heavenly Father: Open my heart and my eyes to see Your goodness and recognize the glory of the gifts given to me by those I meet on this journey. Thank you for the gifts of family and friends who share the joy and peace of Christmas love. May Your Spirit be recognized by those who are lonely or who don’t recognize Your presence in their lives. Amen.
May we see and recognize the true presence of God in our life,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Remember the song: “Do you hear what I hear? Said the night wind to the little lamb. Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb?”
As I get ready for Christmas, what do I see?
Do I see myself setting out boxes of decorations, or recognizing the beauty of a single shining star?
Do I see myself bustling around shopping for the perfect gift, or recognizing the joy in a small child’s delight of a glittery bow?
Do I see myself hurrying to get a list of food prepared, or recognizing the love and blessings of having time to be with my family?
How often do I miss seeing beauty, joy and love because my eyes are focused on the wants, the fulfillment, or the pleasure of what is just an earthly treasure?
In this week’s gospel- Mk 1: 1-8 John the Baptist proclaimed that he was not the Messiah, but only the one sent before him. In next week’s gospel we will hear again that we are not recognizing Jesus: "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." Jn 1: 19-28
Just like the people who flocked to see and be baptized by John the Baptist, but missed Christ, my eyes often fail to recognize the truly important parts of Christmas: a beautifully lit nativity scene, the sparkling eyes of a child reflecting the lights of a Christmas tree, and the sounds of conversation as our family gathers. Beauty, Joy, Love, Hope, and Peace.
Do I recognize and thank God for what he has given me: the wealth of health; the awe and wonder in the miracles of nature; the joys of giving without receiving; and most especially the real meaning of Christmas—his son, Jesus, our savior?
Do I graciously give love and praise with kindness, patience and humility? Or do I expect perfection in others and have a desire to get something in return? Do I recognize my blessings and share my treasures by serving those who don’t, can’t, or won’t give anything back to me?
Heavenly Father: Open my heart and my eyes to see Your goodness and recognize the glory of the gifts given to me by those I meet on this journey. Thank you for the gifts of family and friends who share the joy and peace of Christmas love. May Your Spirit be recognized by those who are lonely or who don’t recognize Your presence in their lives. Amen.
May we see and recognize the true presence of God in our life,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Get in Shape
Women of Faith:
I set several “deadlines” this year to lose a few pounds, but I kept putting it off. I kept saying, “I’ll do that later.” And then the next holiday or special event arrived and the new outfit I bought got left hanging in the closet, tags still on, because it didn’t look quite the way I envisioned it looking on me when I bought it.
A new liturgical year began yesterday with readings which reminded me that it’s time to “get in shape.” Blessed Pope John Paul II said in a 1996 homily, “Advent is the liturgical season that prepares us for the Lord’s birth, but it is also the time of expectation for the definitive return of Christ.”
Christ’s coming is just 26 days away! It is time to get my life “in shape!”
I never know when I might need to wear that outfit, or when God will look to see what I “have on” in my faith. I shouldn’t wait for a New Year’s resolution to get in shape physically and definitely I shouldn’t wait spiritually. I should always be “in shape” and ready for Him. “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Mk 13:33-37
So this is a great time not just to get my body in shape, but also my soul; my physical body and my spiritual body; my relationship with Him and also my relationship with others; my heart internally and His temple--my body.
God’s plan for us is given to us in His Scripture and Spirit drawing a parallel, a correlation between our body and soul; between our relationship with Him and our relationships with our spouses (family, friends, or world).
"Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful….There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt. Yet, O LORD, you are our father, we are the clay and You are the potter: we are all the work of your hands." Is 64:2-7
God tells us that he will SHAPE us—mold us like clay. But our hearts must be open to change.
God tells us that even though we are sinful, if we cling to him he will deliver us. We cannot hide in our guilt. We are to trust His forgiveness and His will.
Lord: “Make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Rouse your power, and come to save us”. Ps 80: 2-3 May I always be ready for Your call. Help me to trust in your mercy. Take away my guilt and help me to feel Your strength, comfort, joy and peace. Thank you for Your eternal love. Keep me in Your care. Mold me with Your grace. Shape me with Your Spirit. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
If your body needs to be “shaped” be filled by the discipline of prayer, not food; be “molded” by God, not calories.
If your relationship with Him needs to be “shaped” give Him control of your life so that you may feel the power of His forgiveness, be released of shame and guilt and feel His love.
If your relationship with a loved one needs to be “shaped” open your heart to patiently trust in the conversion found through the graces received in the sacraments of marriage, the Eucharist, and penance.
May God’s will be done in your life this week and may we all be “shaped” by His perfect plan for our lives,
Blessings,
Charlotte
I set several “deadlines” this year to lose a few pounds, but I kept putting it off. I kept saying, “I’ll do that later.” And then the next holiday or special event arrived and the new outfit I bought got left hanging in the closet, tags still on, because it didn’t look quite the way I envisioned it looking on me when I bought it.
A new liturgical year began yesterday with readings which reminded me that it’s time to “get in shape.” Blessed Pope John Paul II said in a 1996 homily, “Advent is the liturgical season that prepares us for the Lord’s birth, but it is also the time of expectation for the definitive return of Christ.”
Christ’s coming is just 26 days away! It is time to get my life “in shape!”
I never know when I might need to wear that outfit, or when God will look to see what I “have on” in my faith. I shouldn’t wait for a New Year’s resolution to get in shape physically and definitely I shouldn’t wait spiritually. I should always be “in shape” and ready for Him. “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Mk 13:33-37
So this is a great time not just to get my body in shape, but also my soul; my physical body and my spiritual body; my relationship with Him and also my relationship with others; my heart internally and His temple--my body.
God’s plan for us is given to us in His Scripture and Spirit drawing a parallel, a correlation between our body and soul; between our relationship with Him and our relationships with our spouses (family, friends, or world).
"Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful….There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt. Yet, O LORD, you are our father, we are the clay and You are the potter: we are all the work of your hands." Is 64:2-7
God tells us that he will SHAPE us—mold us like clay. But our hearts must be open to change.
God tells us that even though we are sinful, if we cling to him he will deliver us. We cannot hide in our guilt. We are to trust His forgiveness and His will.
Lord: “Make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Rouse your power, and come to save us”. Ps 80: 2-3 May I always be ready for Your call. Help me to trust in your mercy. Take away my guilt and help me to feel Your strength, comfort, joy and peace. Thank you for Your eternal love. Keep me in Your care. Mold me with Your grace. Shape me with Your Spirit. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
If your body needs to be “shaped” be filled by the discipline of prayer, not food; be “molded” by God, not calories.
If your relationship with Him needs to be “shaped” give Him control of your life so that you may feel the power of His forgiveness, be released of shame and guilt and feel His love.
If your relationship with a loved one needs to be “shaped” open your heart to patiently trust in the conversion found through the graces received in the sacraments of marriage, the Eucharist, and penance.
May God’s will be done in your life this week and may we all be “shaped” by His perfect plan for our lives,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, November 21, 2011
Give Thanks from your heart!
Women of Faith:
Someone asked me these questions this week:
What if you woke up this morning to only those things for which you gave thanks for yesterday?
What if you gave thanks for as many things as you complained about? (Am I failing to see or look for the good?)
Appropriate questions for Thanksgiving week, a week of spending: family time and “shopping” time.
And the readings of the last few weeks made me think even more: have I used my talents for God’s glory (Mt 25: 14-30); and to serve “the least” of His people (Mt 25: 31-46)?
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' … He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' Mt 25: 43-46
I have so much I don’t appreciate, and I have so much I don’t really need—things that I wouldn’t even miss if they were gone. And I have been given so much that others would like to have—that others need, want and even pray for—certainly not just possessions, but the gifts of the Spirit and the love of spouse, family, and friends.
So in this week of Thanks and in this week of “shopping mania” let us give
God THANKS for His plan: in a vocation which allows us to give as a spouse, in the blessings of being a parent, and in the trust that His gifts of Eucharist and Scripture will be the only “daily bread” that we need to sustain us.
Let’s SPEND our time and GIVE our hearts to serving and changing our hearts and priorities to trust in God’s plan.
God does not judge me on the possessions I have or do not have, but rather on what I choose do with the gifts He has given me: physical, spiritual and emotional.
What is in my heart and to whom have I given it? For what do I give thanks to God today? Where am I spending my blessings, both time and money? Where will I “give” my heart, my time and my money this week? How am I “blessing” someone else this week? Am I more concentrated on “spending” love (that of God) or money (that of the world)?
Am I “complaining” about what I don’t have or appreciating what I do have?
Do I feel blessed for what’s in my heart (that which is a gift from God) or for what’s in my home (that bought with money).
Heavenly Father, Your glory is in things not of this world, but in what You SEE in my heart. Thank you for the blessings You give me that are not of this world, but those that are of life itself. Thank you for the talents I have—help me to share them with others. Thank you for the lives around me—help me to love without judging. Help me to spend my time this week shopping for what will fill my heart, not that which will fill space. Amen.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with blessings and your shopping be FOR a change of heart.
In Thanksgiving for HIS season,
Charlotte
Someone asked me these questions this week:
What if you woke up this morning to only those things for which you gave thanks for yesterday?
What if you gave thanks for as many things as you complained about? (Am I failing to see or look for the good?)
Appropriate questions for Thanksgiving week, a week of spending: family time and “shopping” time.
And the readings of the last few weeks made me think even more: have I used my talents for God’s glory (Mt 25: 14-30); and to serve “the least” of His people (Mt 25: 31-46)?
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' … He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' Mt 25: 43-46
I have so much I don’t appreciate, and I have so much I don’t really need—things that I wouldn’t even miss if they were gone. And I have been given so much that others would like to have—that others need, want and even pray for—certainly not just possessions, but the gifts of the Spirit and the love of spouse, family, and friends.
So in this week of Thanks and in this week of “shopping mania” let us give
God THANKS for His plan: in a vocation which allows us to give as a spouse, in the blessings of being a parent, and in the trust that His gifts of Eucharist and Scripture will be the only “daily bread” that we need to sustain us.
Let’s SPEND our time and GIVE our hearts to serving and changing our hearts and priorities to trust in God’s plan.
God does not judge me on the possessions I have or do not have, but rather on what I choose do with the gifts He has given me: physical, spiritual and emotional.
What is in my heart and to whom have I given it? For what do I give thanks to God today? Where am I spending my blessings, both time and money? Where will I “give” my heart, my time and my money this week? How am I “blessing” someone else this week? Am I more concentrated on “spending” love (that of God) or money (that of the world)?
Am I “complaining” about what I don’t have or appreciating what I do have?
Do I feel blessed for what’s in my heart (that which is a gift from God) or for what’s in my home (that bought with money).
Heavenly Father, Your glory is in things not of this world, but in what You SEE in my heart. Thank you for the blessings You give me that are not of this world, but those that are of life itself. Thank you for the talents I have—help me to share them with others. Thank you for the lives around me—help me to love without judging. Help me to spend my time this week shopping for what will fill my heart, not that which will fill space. Amen.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with blessings and your shopping be FOR a change of heart.
In Thanksgiving for HIS season,
Charlotte
Monday, November 14, 2011
Charm and beauty
Women of Faith:
Makeup, $15; Shoes, $35; Day at the spa, $150…..
The internal beauty of living God’s love and truth—Priceless.
We are created by God IN HIS IMAGE, our charm and our beauty are not on the outside, but rather on the inside –in the spirit we exhibit thru service to others given without promise of earthly rewards.
Wearing the “right” clothes and makeup or spending days at the spa will last only until soap and water wash away the mask and lotions at night or the clothes go out of style. This is an artificial beauty—beauty only by our own earthly standards.
“When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.” Prov 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Internal compassion, service, honor, respect and unconditional forgiveness are true values of life.
As Father Mike spoke yesterday, it is not just about what others see on the outside, but rather that our spirit is answering God’s call. It is not about just knowing what is right, but rather DOING what is right that makes the difference in our lives—in loving and serving with the “fear of the LORD” as our guide that brings us the rewards of blessed marriages, families and ultimately heaven.
Am I seeking inner change within myself rather than going through the outside motions? Am I praying to change myself rather than some circumstance or a person outside of me? (We can only change ourselves!)
It is through unconditional service and self-sacrifice that we become a worthy wife; a wife worthy of husbands who will protect us, provide for us and to whom we can mutually entrust our hearts.
Our husbands are to treat us as a prize, a gift from God—because we are God’s daughters. (Likewise—they are God’s sons—a gift to us.)
By our MUTUAL service, honor, and respect for each other, husband and wife, we will receive the richest of rewards—joy here on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Heavenly Father: May I look to your glory by entrusting my heart to your control. Help me not to be concerned with my outward appearance, but rather with the inner spirit you have given me. May my desire to please you inspire me to give you glory and honor through service to my husband, my family and all those around me. Help me to wisely and graciously use all of the blessings and talents you have given me. Amen.
May the gift of your inner beauty be given to someone you love in honor to God this week,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Makeup, $15; Shoes, $35; Day at the spa, $150…..
The internal beauty of living God’s love and truth—Priceless.
We are created by God IN HIS IMAGE, our charm and our beauty are not on the outside, but rather on the inside –in the spirit we exhibit thru service to others given without promise of earthly rewards.
Wearing the “right” clothes and makeup or spending days at the spa will last only until soap and water wash away the mask and lotions at night or the clothes go out of style. This is an artificial beauty—beauty only by our own earthly standards.
“When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.” Prov 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Internal compassion, service, honor, respect and unconditional forgiveness are true values of life.
As Father Mike spoke yesterday, it is not just about what others see on the outside, but rather that our spirit is answering God’s call. It is not about just knowing what is right, but rather DOING what is right that makes the difference in our lives—in loving and serving with the “fear of the LORD” as our guide that brings us the rewards of blessed marriages, families and ultimately heaven.
Am I seeking inner change within myself rather than going through the outside motions? Am I praying to change myself rather than some circumstance or a person outside of me? (We can only change ourselves!)
It is through unconditional service and self-sacrifice that we become a worthy wife; a wife worthy of husbands who will protect us, provide for us and to whom we can mutually entrust our hearts.
Our husbands are to treat us as a prize, a gift from God—because we are God’s daughters. (Likewise—they are God’s sons—a gift to us.)
By our MUTUAL service, honor, and respect for each other, husband and wife, we will receive the richest of rewards—joy here on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Heavenly Father: May I look to your glory by entrusting my heart to your control. Help me not to be concerned with my outward appearance, but rather with the inner spirit you have given me. May my desire to please you inspire me to give you glory and honor through service to my husband, my family and all those around me. Help me to wisely and graciously use all of the blessings and talents you have given me. Amen.
May the gift of your inner beauty be given to someone you love in honor to God this week,
Blessings,
Charlotte
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