Everyone seems to make room for dessert. Whether dessert is jell-o, a slice of pie, a scoop of ice cream, a piece of chocolate, etc., very seldom do we turn dessert away. Truth be told, many of start our meals with dessert. Not willing to wait til the end of a meal, we move the good stuff up front. In keeping with moving the good stuff to the front, I want to challenge us to move into the desert before we celebrate Easter (dessert).
By spending some time in the desert, we allow the barrenness to lay bare/expose our barriers, weaknesses, frailties, faults, etc., so that we may better deal with them. The desert helps us to strip away defenses and masks that would otherwise have us lying to ourselves, others and God. In a big way, the desert serves to detox our spiritual self, removing from us the impurities that inhibit the taste buds, thereby dulling the magnificent taste of the dessert.
Create a desert for yourself. Don't make it the traditional one (heat, sun, dryness) if those things bring you comfort. But chose the space that makes you uncomfortable, that propels you into vulnerability. Sit quietly for at least 15 minutes meditating in that place. Seek to purge your spirit of obstacles and barriers. Open yourself to the possibility of a new you.
Then you don't have to make room for dessert. You will already have room.
31 March 2009
30 March 2009
Another Level
Below is another gift from someone.
I am your loving Heavenly Father, and you will always be My dear child. That relationship will never change--but how we relate to each other will go through seasons of change as you grow and mature. Some of the ways that I have met you in the past were never intended to be permanent ways for us to interact together. As you grow in Me and as your ability to perceive in the spirit increases, I will begin to reveal more of Myself to you. And at times, that will require a change in how you relate to Me--and even in how you seek Me and where you find Me.
As you grow in Me and as you come to better understand My Holiness, some things that used to be permissible in your life will no longer be allowed. I never abided in some of the places where you went to look for Me--I was simply meeting you where you were because I desired to be found by you. But as you grow to become more like Me, I will hold you to a higher standard. At times I will require a higher level of dedication and obedience from you, and I will require a higher level of holiness from you. I will ask you to behave more like Me and to act more like I do. I will start asking you to refrain from some things that you did not even realize displeased Me when you were at a lower level of spiritual maturity. And at times I will no longer be found in some of the ways that you are used to meeting with Me.
The transition times from one level of maturity to another may seem frustrating at times. But as your relationship with Me matures, I will bring you to a higher place where there is more opportunity and where you shall taste of Me in a much greater measure.
So again I say to you, dear one, do not fret as our relationship begins to grow and mature. When you cannot find Me as easily in the old ways, press in and seek Me all the more. I will lead you and teach you and show you how to find Me at the next level. As you get to that place, you will experience a greater level of My presence and I will show you more of My glory and reveal more of Myself to you. So come, dear one, press into Me and grow and mature in our relationship together.
I am your loving Heavenly Father, and you will always be My dear child. That relationship will never change--but how we relate to each other will go through seasons of change as you grow and mature. Some of the ways that I have met you in the past were never intended to be permanent ways for us to interact together. As you grow in Me and as your ability to perceive in the spirit increases, I will begin to reveal more of Myself to you. And at times, that will require a change in how you relate to Me--and even in how you seek Me and where you find Me.
As you grow in Me and as you come to better understand My Holiness, some things that used to be permissible in your life will no longer be allowed. I never abided in some of the places where you went to look for Me--I was simply meeting you where you were because I desired to be found by you. But as you grow to become more like Me, I will hold you to a higher standard. At times I will require a higher level of dedication and obedience from you, and I will require a higher level of holiness from you. I will ask you to behave more like Me and to act more like I do. I will start asking you to refrain from some things that you did not even realize displeased Me when you were at a lower level of spiritual maturity. And at times I will no longer be found in some of the ways that you are used to meeting with Me.
The transition times from one level of maturity to another may seem frustrating at times. But as your relationship with Me matures, I will bring you to a higher place where there is more opportunity and where you shall taste of Me in a much greater measure.
So again I say to you, dear one, do not fret as our relationship begins to grow and mature. When you cannot find Me as easily in the old ways, press in and seek Me all the more. I will lead you and teach you and show you how to find Me at the next level. As you get to that place, you will experience a greater level of My presence and I will show you more of My glory and reveal more of Myself to you. So come, dear one, press into Me and grow and mature in our relationship together.
27 March 2009
Recall Notice
I didn't write the following but just had to put it on my blog. It says so much in a few words. Let me know what you think. My own work will be back really soon. Check back frequently or just send me a note to get me writing.
Recall Notice
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
• Loss of direction
• Foul vocal emissions
• Amnesia of origin
• Lack of peace and joy
• Selfish or violent behavior
• Depression or confusion in the mental component
• Fearfulness
• Idolatry
• Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'. Because He Lives!
Recall Notice
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
• Loss of direction
• Foul vocal emissions
• Amnesia of origin
• Lack of peace and joy
• Selfish or violent behavior
• Depression or confusion in the mental component
• Fearfulness
• Idolatry
• Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'. Because He Lives!
16 March 2009
Waiting on the "Big" Jesus
The first reading for today, 2 Kings 5:1-15, made me think about our search for the "Big" Jesus. Naaman, a leprosy sought a cure for his aliment but couldn't imagine his cure coming through simple actions. I started thinking about us and our desire to have Jesus show up in a "Big" way in our lives to move things around, to save us, to set us free from our circumstances. And quite often, Jesus is in the simple things; the ordinary things; in the way we say hello to someone; in the way we smile; in the way we help another.
How often have we allowed Jesus to pass us by because we were looking for Him in the fireworks display?
May this Lenten Season continue to encourage us to slow down and see Jesus all around us. May we use this time to see Jesus and offer Jesus in small ways. Perhaps our small actions will lead to big ones.
How often have we allowed Jesus to pass us by because we were looking for Him in the fireworks display?
May this Lenten Season continue to encourage us to slow down and see Jesus all around us. May we use this time to see Jesus and offer Jesus in small ways. Perhaps our small actions will lead to big ones.
10 March 2009
Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and there's a whole lot of talking and educating happening all over the country in honor. Luvvie and Karyn started The Red Pump Project out of their desire to make a difference and ask others to do the same. When they put out the call for bloggers to join their cause, they never really imagined something like this! 95 bloggers have contacted them so far and asked what they could do to help! Their goal was 100.
The Red Pump Project will be an ongoing effort and a resource for information about HIV/AIDS and its effect on women. Click on the image and you will be directed to the website where you can subscribe to the page in order to continue to get information on the happenings. You can reach us at redpumpproject@gmail.com
Don't forget...
*There are two Red Pump happy hours happening in Chicago and Kansas City! You can also visit the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day website to find events happening in your area.
08 March 2009
Are You Preparing for Transfiguration?
As I listened to the readings today at Mass I was struck by a new understanding of transfiguration for us today. The deacon who preached aligned the transfiguration with the metamorphoses of a butterfly. And I began to think, Jesus isn't the only one who is to be transfigured. I realize that my journey to my own transfiguration is wrapped in my journey towards peace. As I move closer to God there are things (behaviors, habits, thoughts, etc.) that are changing, being stripped from me to get me ready. I don't do what I used to. Notice that about yourself? I like to say that "I'm growing up in God."
What about you?
What about you?
02 March 2009
Bread of Life
Bread of Life
-broken and given daily that I may be made whole
-I cannot move without You
-sustainer
-I become full, leading me to share, to see and do differently - Better
Life
there is no end in You
When I think about the financial strain we are all facing, I am drawn more closely to the daily sustenance freely given from God. God's grace is sooooo happening now. I'm finding sure ground under my feet when I seek God amidst this chaos. Now is the time to speak up and out about the goodness of God. Someone near you needs to hear of God's compassion. You just may need to hear it resound in your ears as you speak it.
-broken and given daily that I may be made whole
-I cannot move without You
-sustainer
-I become full, leading me to share, to see and do differently - Better
Life
there is no end in You
When I think about the financial strain we are all facing, I am drawn more closely to the daily sustenance freely given from God. God's grace is sooooo happening now. I'm finding sure ground under my feet when I seek God amidst this chaos. Now is the time to speak up and out about the goodness of God. Someone near you needs to hear of God's compassion. You just may need to hear it resound in your ears as you speak it.
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