Reaching Your Child's Heart - at any age...
Have you experienced the difference between disciplining children for outward behavior and disciplining to reach the heart?
What are ways that you can reach your children spiritually when they have reached an age when their peers are their greatest influence?
What are your goals for your children?
To help in determining your goals, think about your vision for the kind of man or woman you'd like your child to grow up to be. (Goals could be academic, spiritual, physical, emotional...) After listing your goals for each child, circle each goal that has eternal value.
What activities and priorities are most likely to get in the way of you taking the time to offer your children spiritual guidance and nurture? Are there things in your family that need to be removed or pared back?
Are children aren't just learning from what we say, they are observing how we act.
How do the following verses challenge you as a parent?
Proverbs 14:1
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down"
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
Colossians 3:12-15
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another... and over all of these PUT ON LOVE, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful."
While some seasons of parenting are fulfilling and full of joy, others can be exhausting and discouraging. Underline portions of the following verses that you find encouraging. Write your favorite of the verses on an index card to carry with you!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 37:23-24
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him. Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
Ephesians 4:20
"Now all glory to God, who is able through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Philippians 4:13
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your worries on (God) because he cares for you."
Let us Pray-
Dear God,
Help me to have your perspective on the importance of my role as a parent.
It is so easy to get caught up in what society and everyone around me says about raising children.
Help me to care most about the things that are important to you.
In five, ten, or twenty years, what will I wish that I'd done differently today?
Help me to parent in a purposeful way.
I know that no matter how hard I try, I won't be a perfect parent.
For all the times when I fall short, I thank you for your grace.
Thank you for you infinite love that draws straight with crooked lines.
Amen
What are ways that you can reach your children spiritually when they have reached an age when their peers are their greatest influence?
What are your goals for your children?
To help in determining your goals, think about your vision for the kind of man or woman you'd like your child to grow up to be. (Goals could be academic, spiritual, physical, emotional...) After listing your goals for each child, circle each goal that has eternal value.
What activities and priorities are most likely to get in the way of you taking the time to offer your children spiritual guidance and nurture? Are there things in your family that need to be removed or pared back?
Are children aren't just learning from what we say, they are observing how we act.
How do the following verses challenge you as a parent?
Proverbs 14:1
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down"
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
Colossians 3:12-15
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another... and over all of these PUT ON LOVE, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful."
While some seasons of parenting are fulfilling and full of joy, others can be exhausting and discouraging. Underline portions of the following verses that you find encouraging. Write your favorite of the verses on an index card to carry with you!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 37:23-24
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him. Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
Ephesians 4:20
"Now all glory to God, who is able through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Philippians 4:13
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your worries on (God) because he cares for you."
Let us Pray-
Dear God,
Help me to have your perspective on the importance of my role as a parent.
It is so easy to get caught up in what society and everyone around me says about raising children.
Help me to care most about the things that are important to you.
In five, ten, or twenty years, what will I wish that I'd done differently today?
Help me to parent in a purposeful way.
I know that no matter how hard I try, I won't be a perfect parent.
For all the times when I fall short, I thank you for your grace.
Thank you for you infinite love that draws straight with crooked lines.
Amen
Are You Being Dumped On?
How would you feel if there was a garbage pipe dumping trash and sewage into your home? What if even more garbage was being dumped into your children’s bedrooms or your bedroom at night? Even worse, you remove the trash but the stench that lingers just isn’t going away. Like the trash in the kitchen from the day before… it just lingers because you forgot to take out the trash! Yuck
Consider this...
Every time a "screen" is turned on in your home trash will be dumped. When I say "screen" it can be more than a dozen devices today! Here is a quick list. How many "screens" are presently dumping into your home? Dumping into your children’s bedrooms?
Smart phone
Cell phone
Television
Wii
XBox
DVR
iPhone
iPad
iPod
iWatch
Surface
Kindle
Apple TV
Lap top computer
Desk Top Computer
At the Adams Homestead we have 14. Fourteen!!! This number includes my husband's work "screens", two old TVs that are seldom on and three old cell phones we pull out for the kids when we travel. But geez, they are in our home, so I think they should be counted too. We have 14 "screens" & tech devices in our family of five. It's ridiculous, It's too much. I was dumbfounded and I seldom even watch television!
If I try and pin down how much "screen" time I have now, I would need to work at it. Here is why... I check the time, I check emails, and I check text messages. I also take pictures with my smart phone. I check the school website, church website, email teachers, ladies in Walking With Purpose, family and even friends when there is time. My smart phone is my cell phone, BUT it is my traveling computer now too. IT GOES EVERYWHERE WITH ME. I search the internet, listen to podcasts, get driving directions, listen to music, read news articles, and locate spots of interests when traveling like finding a grocery, restaurant, zoo, bowling alley, or even church times. There is probably more, but guess what? I do it all day long. Off and on, ALL DAY LONG!
Recently, God called me to minister to not 30 women in our new Walking With Purpose Ministry, but instead, almost 100! The Holy Spirit took flight in the hearts of these women and I was flying high on the Holy Spirit right along with them! What he has done at our parish is truly awesome. But, Holy Cow my phone is going nonstop. This incredible scripture study for women began this week and when Thursday came I was struggling to keep up.
So, off to adoration I go. You see I LOVE ADORATION!!! I can go there and be filled with so much of God’s Grace that I cannot deny it. I experience true healing in the chapel and it takes place in my body, in my mind and in my soul. But yesterday I experienced something new. God gave me his Grace in a new way. After some time, he pushed me out the door! He pushed me out of adoration? I even had 15 more minutes that I intended to spend there. Why was I being called to leave? Is that even possible? God wanted me to leave adoration? I needed his grace and strength TODAY!
I listened, but I was a little sad when I left. I wanted to sit there longer. I NEEDED to sit there longer! You see I had set no boundaries with my screen time! My leadership team, the ladies participating and myself are on fire with the Holy Spirit and his plan, but I needed to set boundaries, because my family time was being taken over by my smart phone and I was tired. So God told me again… go home my child. Go to bed and then... SET BOUNDARIES! Thank the Lord my prayer time didn't cease during the planning because it was there in the silence that I finally “got it”. God is helping me set new boundaries! I have a pre-tween and screens are hot topic in our home. Everyone has one, right? God needed me to see that I needed screen time boundaries, so that I can in turn set screen time boundaries for my family.
Here is where I started-
Have everyone set their phones down in the same spot every time they walk in the door at home.
At the same time every night, silence ALL your phones.
Set real screen time hours in your home for ALL electronics.
Learn to use the DO NOT DISTURB feature on your phone.
Talk with your family members about real solid Family Screen Time Boundaries over ALL mealtimes for a week… so when garbage does get dumped into your house you can discern the good from the evil and you will have taught your children to do the same. Anything that pulls you from your faith and your family is questionable.
A perfect example of time well spent over the uncomfortable conversations at home…
This summer, my son handed me a magazine in the grocery while we waited in the checkout line. He said, “Mom this is pornography, isn’t it?” I was floored. I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone had heard him use that word. I took a deep breath and looked at his face, he was serious! He handed me the magazine. “Yes, this IS pornography buddy”. I continued with God leading my words because I was filled with disgust. “This is why we talk about it at home. It is everywhere and we have to learn to TURN AWAY from these things”. My son is six years old. I then said, “Do you think this picture makes that girl feel good about herself?” He looked at me sadly, and said “no”. Then, he slowly put it back on the shelf, but he turned it backwards. I was a very proud mom that day. Not because of what I had done in educating him, but because my son was brave enough to call it what it really was, pornography. He taught me a very good lesson that day.
If you can’t see Christ in the television show you are watching, find a new show or turn it off.
If you can’t see love & a respect for life in the video game you and your kids are playing, find a new game.
If you can’t see Christ in your online pop ups, put a filter on your computer.
Do your apps irritate you or pull you away from holiness? Delete them.
Anything that puts negativity and fear into your heart isn’t from God.
Anything that is not of God is too small for you!
Trust your gut; because that nudge you are getting…it’s probably the Holy Spirit trying to guide you.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Stand up for your family.
Protect yourself and the ones you love.
No more evil dumping in our homes.
Let’s strive to be holy families.
Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, guide us so that our eyes will see what you see.
Food For Thought: www.holyredeemerchurch.org
His Word: Matthew 5:14-16… you are the light of the world
Read: 52 Things Kids Need From A Mom, Written By: Angela Thomas
Online: www.covenanteyes.com
Consider this...
Every time a "screen" is turned on in your home trash will be dumped. When I say "screen" it can be more than a dozen devices today! Here is a quick list. How many "screens" are presently dumping into your home? Dumping into your children’s bedrooms?
Smart phone
Cell phone
Television
Wii
XBox
DVR
iPhone
iPad
iPod
iWatch
Surface
Kindle
Apple TV
Lap top computer
Desk Top Computer
At the Adams Homestead we have 14. Fourteen!!! This number includes my husband's work "screens", two old TVs that are seldom on and three old cell phones we pull out for the kids when we travel. But geez, they are in our home, so I think they should be counted too. We have 14 "screens" & tech devices in our family of five. It's ridiculous, It's too much. I was dumbfounded and I seldom even watch television!
If I try and pin down how much "screen" time I have now, I would need to work at it. Here is why... I check the time, I check emails, and I check text messages. I also take pictures with my smart phone. I check the school website, church website, email teachers, ladies in Walking With Purpose, family and even friends when there is time. My smart phone is my cell phone, BUT it is my traveling computer now too. IT GOES EVERYWHERE WITH ME. I search the internet, listen to podcasts, get driving directions, listen to music, read news articles, and locate spots of interests when traveling like finding a grocery, restaurant, zoo, bowling alley, or even church times. There is probably more, but guess what? I do it all day long. Off and on, ALL DAY LONG!
Recently, God called me to minister to not 30 women in our new Walking With Purpose Ministry, but instead, almost 100! The Holy Spirit took flight in the hearts of these women and I was flying high on the Holy Spirit right along with them! What he has done at our parish is truly awesome. But, Holy Cow my phone is going nonstop. This incredible scripture study for women began this week and when Thursday came I was struggling to keep up.
So, off to adoration I go. You see I LOVE ADORATION!!! I can go there and be filled with so much of God’s Grace that I cannot deny it. I experience true healing in the chapel and it takes place in my body, in my mind and in my soul. But yesterday I experienced something new. God gave me his Grace in a new way. After some time, he pushed me out the door! He pushed me out of adoration? I even had 15 more minutes that I intended to spend there. Why was I being called to leave? Is that even possible? God wanted me to leave adoration? I needed his grace and strength TODAY!
I listened, but I was a little sad when I left. I wanted to sit there longer. I NEEDED to sit there longer! You see I had set no boundaries with my screen time! My leadership team, the ladies participating and myself are on fire with the Holy Spirit and his plan, but I needed to set boundaries, because my family time was being taken over by my smart phone and I was tired. So God told me again… go home my child. Go to bed and then... SET BOUNDARIES! Thank the Lord my prayer time didn't cease during the planning because it was there in the silence that I finally “got it”. God is helping me set new boundaries! I have a pre-tween and screens are hot topic in our home. Everyone has one, right? God needed me to see that I needed screen time boundaries, so that I can in turn set screen time boundaries for my family.
Here is where I started-
Have everyone set their phones down in the same spot every time they walk in the door at home.
At the same time every night, silence ALL your phones.
Set real screen time hours in your home for ALL electronics.
Learn to use the DO NOT DISTURB feature on your phone.
Talk with your family members about real solid Family Screen Time Boundaries over ALL mealtimes for a week… so when garbage does get dumped into your house you can discern the good from the evil and you will have taught your children to do the same. Anything that pulls you from your faith and your family is questionable.
A perfect example of time well spent over the uncomfortable conversations at home…
This summer, my son handed me a magazine in the grocery while we waited in the checkout line. He said, “Mom this is pornography, isn’t it?” I was floored. I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone had heard him use that word. I took a deep breath and looked at his face, he was serious! He handed me the magazine. “Yes, this IS pornography buddy”. I continued with God leading my words because I was filled with disgust. “This is why we talk about it at home. It is everywhere and we have to learn to TURN AWAY from these things”. My son is six years old. I then said, “Do you think this picture makes that girl feel good about herself?” He looked at me sadly, and said “no”. Then, he slowly put it back on the shelf, but he turned it backwards. I was a very proud mom that day. Not because of what I had done in educating him, but because my son was brave enough to call it what it really was, pornography. He taught me a very good lesson that day.
If you can’t see Christ in the television show you are watching, find a new show or turn it off.
If you can’t see love & a respect for life in the video game you and your kids are playing, find a new game.
If you can’t see Christ in your online pop ups, put a filter on your computer.
Do your apps irritate you or pull you away from holiness? Delete them.
Anything that puts negativity and fear into your heart isn’t from God.
Anything that is not of God is too small for you!
Trust your gut; because that nudge you are getting…it’s probably the Holy Spirit trying to guide you.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Stand up for your family.
Protect yourself and the ones you love.
No more evil dumping in our homes.
Let’s strive to be holy families.
Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, guide us so that our eyes will see what you see.
Food For Thought: www.holyredeemerchurch.org
His Word: Matthew 5:14-16… you are the light of the world
Read: 52 Things Kids Need From A Mom, Written By: Angela Thomas
Online: www.covenanteyes.com
Silent and Listen have the same letters… Coincidence?
10-08-2015
Is the Holy Spirit trying to tell you something?
Have you been feeling a nudge to go in a new direction recently?
Has your heart been heavy and you can’t seem to put your finger on it?
If you are able to quiet your busy day and find peace for some prayer time, you may be hearing something loud and clear. If not, I encourage you to go to adoration for a vacation. Yes, I really said GO to ADORATION for a VACATION. I say vacation, because there are NO televisions, NO cell phones, NO tablets, NO teachers, NO bosses, NO parents or spouses to give you chores, orders or projects to complete. Everything is silent in adoration. If there are any children in the chapel, they are quietly reading and coloring. Believe it! At the chapel, children seem to be ok with sitting quietly with God. The children I have seen in the chapel are feeling God’s presence. As a mother of three young children, I have seen it happen…this kind of silence is a miracle of the Holy Eucharist for sure!
The sweet little chapel in our back parking lot… it is there for YOU.
Saint John Vianney Perpetual Adoration Chapel is a retreat from the outside world.
It is no coincidence that SILENT and LISTEN have the same letters!
Is SILENCE uncomfortable for you? If silence is uncomfortable, please do not let that keep you from coming to Christ.
I challenge you to take a mini vacation this week and find time, especially during this month of October, the Month of our Most Holy Mother Mary. If silence is too much for you, please take a prayer journal or a notebook to doodle. Maybe you just need to grab a book off the chapel book shelf and read to relax for a bit. It takes awhile for the craziness of our days to fade away, for our minds to be calm and clear.
Do you have a rosary? If so, dust it off and bring it along. There are little pamphlets in the chapel that will teach you how to pray the rosary. You aren’t required to stay for ONE ENTIRE HOUR. Just stop by to say hello to your friend, Jesus Christ, the lover and protector of your heart and soul. Your Heavenly Father is there waiting for you, not because he wants or demand your time. He simply enjoys the presence of His beautiful child - YOU!
Food For Thought: www.holyredeemerchurch.org
Ignite Your Learning: Galatians 5:22-23 … please take a look again this week.
Read: Holiness Revolution, by Dan DeMatte
Is the Holy Spirit trying to tell you something?
Have you been feeling a nudge to go in a new direction recently?
Has your heart been heavy and you can’t seem to put your finger on it?
If you are able to quiet your busy day and find peace for some prayer time, you may be hearing something loud and clear. If not, I encourage you to go to adoration for a vacation. Yes, I really said GO to ADORATION for a VACATION. I say vacation, because there are NO televisions, NO cell phones, NO tablets, NO teachers, NO bosses, NO parents or spouses to give you chores, orders or projects to complete. Everything is silent in adoration. If there are any children in the chapel, they are quietly reading and coloring. Believe it! At the chapel, children seem to be ok with sitting quietly with God. The children I have seen in the chapel are feeling God’s presence. As a mother of three young children, I have seen it happen…this kind of silence is a miracle of the Holy Eucharist for sure!
The sweet little chapel in our back parking lot… it is there for YOU.
Saint John Vianney Perpetual Adoration Chapel is a retreat from the outside world.
It is no coincidence that SILENT and LISTEN have the same letters!
Is SILENCE uncomfortable for you? If silence is uncomfortable, please do not let that keep you from coming to Christ.
I challenge you to take a mini vacation this week and find time, especially during this month of October, the Month of our Most Holy Mother Mary. If silence is too much for you, please take a prayer journal or a notebook to doodle. Maybe you just need to grab a book off the chapel book shelf and read to relax for a bit. It takes awhile for the craziness of our days to fade away, for our minds to be calm and clear.
Do you have a rosary? If so, dust it off and bring it along. There are little pamphlets in the chapel that will teach you how to pray the rosary. You aren’t required to stay for ONE ENTIRE HOUR. Just stop by to say hello to your friend, Jesus Christ, the lover and protector of your heart and soul. Your Heavenly Father is there waiting for you, not because he wants or demand your time. He simply enjoys the presence of His beautiful child - YOU!
Food For Thought: www.holyredeemerchurch.org
Ignite Your Learning: Galatians 5:22-23 … please take a look again this week.
Read: Holiness Revolution, by Dan DeMatte
Vocations can be BIG for some of us,
but for MOST of us they are small… but mighty!
Our lives change when our habits change.
Set your alarm for 8 minutes earlier tomorrow! I know. No way right? That is what I thought! Put a pen and an old notebook in a quiet spot in your home, then, set your alarm just a little earlier, but do it tonight! Tomorrow comes, the alarm goes off. Now what?
Don’t do it… don’t hit the snooze button, not this time! Perhaps you head to the bathroom first. Ok that is fine, but off you go to your prayer space, that quiet chair with your pen and paper. Breathe in the calm and quiet of a fresh new day. If you have a blank, tired brain, start with a prayer you know and love like a Hail Mary or an Our Father. If you are willing, say a prayer from your heart?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know you love me, BUT I need MORE today! I am tired.
Please, please let my burdens become yours this morning as I try to write.
Under the protection of your Holy Trinity… guide my heart and my hands.
Write what is on your mind and what is in your heart.
It does not matter what it is…the Holy Spirit will guide you!
It is written that Saint John Vianney would listen to countless confessions …daily. Countless!
From the time he awoke to the end of the day. It was his life’s work. It was his ministry, his vocation! He brought God’s people to Jesus Christ through confession… confession that offers Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical and Emotional Healing.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Perhaps we need to re-visit something we were taught some time ago, the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
You do not need a special prayer to talk to a priest. Sure it is nice; yes, the Act of Contrition is part of the Sacrament. But do you really think Father will ask you to leave if you cannot recall the last time you made a confession? Do you really think Father won’t listen to you if you cannot recite the Act of Contrition? Do you really think that what you have to confess is too much for Father to hear? Do you really believe God will not forgive you? Give it all to GOD; let Him carry your burdens. Father always has a little prayer card waiting… waiting just for you!
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His Name. My God Have Mercy.
Ignite Your Learning: Psalm 42:11 & 1 Peter 2:21-24 & Psalm 18:16-19
Read: Becoming The Best Version of Yourself by Matthew Kelly
Set your alarm for 8 minutes earlier tomorrow! I know. No way right? That is what I thought! Put a pen and an old notebook in a quiet spot in your home, then, set your alarm just a little earlier, but do it tonight! Tomorrow comes, the alarm goes off. Now what?
Don’t do it… don’t hit the snooze button, not this time! Perhaps you head to the bathroom first. Ok that is fine, but off you go to your prayer space, that quiet chair with your pen and paper. Breathe in the calm and quiet of a fresh new day. If you have a blank, tired brain, start with a prayer you know and love like a Hail Mary or an Our Father. If you are willing, say a prayer from your heart?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know you love me, BUT I need MORE today! I am tired.
Please, please let my burdens become yours this morning as I try to write.
Under the protection of your Holy Trinity… guide my heart and my hands.
Write what is on your mind and what is in your heart.
It does not matter what it is…the Holy Spirit will guide you!
It is written that Saint John Vianney would listen to countless confessions …daily. Countless!
From the time he awoke to the end of the day. It was his life’s work. It was his ministry, his vocation! He brought God’s people to Jesus Christ through confession… confession that offers Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical and Emotional Healing.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Perhaps we need to re-visit something we were taught some time ago, the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
You do not need a special prayer to talk to a priest. Sure it is nice; yes, the Act of Contrition is part of the Sacrament. But do you really think Father will ask you to leave if you cannot recall the last time you made a confession? Do you really think Father won’t listen to you if you cannot recite the Act of Contrition? Do you really think that what you have to confess is too much for Father to hear? Do you really believe God will not forgive you? Give it all to GOD; let Him carry your burdens. Father always has a little prayer card waiting… waiting just for you!
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His Name. My God Have Mercy.
Ignite Your Learning: Psalm 42:11 & 1 Peter 2:21-24 & Psalm 18:16-19
Read: Becoming The Best Version of Yourself by Matthew Kelly
What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Cradle Catholics like myself memorized the “Gifts Of The Holy Spirit” as children, but oh, how quickly we forgot! Ask your children. If they attended our CATHLETICS vacation bible school program this summer, they may even sing it for you! Where do you shine in the gifts listed below?
What if you are not sure that you have a talent at all? Are you feeling useless? Thinking that you’re too old? Too young? Perhaps you’re still seeking a rewarding career. Were you turned away by something or someone at your church at some point? Maybe your marriage feels like it is failing. Does addiction rule your days? Maybe you just lost your zeal for life and depression has taken over your mind and body. Does your family feel broken?
I am willing to bet that if you pray about your little shining spot, that happy place, that source of great comfort your heart so desperately desires… your talent will soon show itself in an extraordinary gift!
Childlike Faith Version:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Self Control, Faithfulness
Adult’s Catechism/ Biblical Version:
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, Fear of God (wonder & Awe)
Let us PRAY for our own unique GIFT to be made clear.
But let’s take it a step further this time and begin to practice “Centering Prayer”.
God in all His Glory resides in your heart and soul.
Ask God to guide you in choosing a sacred word as the symbol of your intention. This will help you consent to God’s presence. What about a sacred picture if you’re stumped with a word. What is it in the Mass that brings you to God? The golden Monstrance with Christ’s Body; The Holy Eucharist, The Tabernacle, Holy Mary and the 12 stars encircling her like a crown? Perhaps your vision is of Father Paul holding the Eucharist above him during the liturgy of the Eucharist.
Choose what warms your heart and holds you tightly in God’s hands.
Sit comfortably with your eyes closed & introduce the sacred word or picture. If your thoughts and daily routine come into your mind, return gently to the sacred word or picture. Allow the feeling and light of the Holy Spirit back into your being.
Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the Fire Of Your LOVE.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have a great and loving plan for our world and for me.
I wish to share in that plan fully and joyfully.
Help me to understand what it is you wish me to do with my life.
Help me be attentive to the signs that you give me about preparing for the future.
And once I have heard and understood your call, give me the strength and the grace to follow it
with generosity and LOVE. Amen
Ignite Your Learning: Galatians 5:22-23 & Acts 2:1-13 & Isaiah 11:2
Read: Intimacy With God, An Introduction To Centering Prayer, by Thomas Keating
What if you are not sure that you have a talent at all? Are you feeling useless? Thinking that you’re too old? Too young? Perhaps you’re still seeking a rewarding career. Were you turned away by something or someone at your church at some point? Maybe your marriage feels like it is failing. Does addiction rule your days? Maybe you just lost your zeal for life and depression has taken over your mind and body. Does your family feel broken?
I am willing to bet that if you pray about your little shining spot, that happy place, that source of great comfort your heart so desperately desires… your talent will soon show itself in an extraordinary gift!
Childlike Faith Version:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Self Control, Faithfulness
Adult’s Catechism/ Biblical Version:
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, Fear of God (wonder & Awe)
Let us PRAY for our own unique GIFT to be made clear.
But let’s take it a step further this time and begin to practice “Centering Prayer”.
God in all His Glory resides in your heart and soul.
Ask God to guide you in choosing a sacred word as the symbol of your intention. This will help you consent to God’s presence. What about a sacred picture if you’re stumped with a word. What is it in the Mass that brings you to God? The golden Monstrance with Christ’s Body; The Holy Eucharist, The Tabernacle, Holy Mary and the 12 stars encircling her like a crown? Perhaps your vision is of Father Paul holding the Eucharist above him during the liturgy of the Eucharist.
Choose what warms your heart and holds you tightly in God’s hands.
Sit comfortably with your eyes closed & introduce the sacred word or picture. If your thoughts and daily routine come into your mind, return gently to the sacred word or picture. Allow the feeling and light of the Holy Spirit back into your being.
Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the Fire Of Your LOVE.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have a great and loving plan for our world and for me.
I wish to share in that plan fully and joyfully.
Help me to understand what it is you wish me to do with my life.
Help me be attentive to the signs that you give me about preparing for the future.
And once I have heard and understood your call, give me the strength and the grace to follow it
with generosity and LOVE. Amen
Ignite Your Learning: Galatians 5:22-23 & Acts 2:1-13 & Isaiah 11:2
Read: Intimacy With God, An Introduction To Centering Prayer, by Thomas Keating
Having Trouble Finding your Gift? Can't Find Your Talent?
By: Sarah Adams
9/11/2015
You have a gift.
Remember God’s gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?
The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity. It is a tough concept, I know! I was born and raised Catholic, attended Catholic Schools and still struggled to explain the Trinity as an adult. Finally, I had children and it clicked recently when my sweet friend Amy shared her love of the bible and what scripture has to say about God’s LOVE for us through the Holy Trinity. So, here is what I tell my children… right or wrong it works for us. The Trinity is kinda like Daddy. Dad has lots of working hats in his day. Dad is your Father and you are to obey him. Dad is a loving son to Grandpa too. Dad also has work to do at his job, in his church, within our community and at home with our family.
The idea of the Holy Trinity is much easier to grasp when we use childlike faith, isn’t it?
Your Heavenly Father has three roles in your life… God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
God gave us the Holy Spirit so that he may remain in us/with us here on earth after his son Jesus Christ returned to Him in heaven.
You CAN NOT extinguish the flame of your Heavenly Father’s UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for you!
It may dim. In fact, it is probably dim right now. We do that to ourselves. It is easily dimmed when life gets in the way. We are too busy to hear the Holy Spirit much less feel it guiding our lives. We turn from the Holy Spirit and attempt to do it all ourselves. Superman and Superwoman are American heroes and that is what we attempt to be. We do it all! How is that working for ya? Doing it all?
We drive from activity to activity and from sport to sport, so much so that we lose sight of the real JOY God intended for us that day. Where is the LOVE of Christ in our days? Is God with you when you rise? Is He there as you drive to school and work? Is He with you at mealtimes, bedtime, and work? What about your new career in retirement? Is He with you when you run your errands? YES, He is always there because the Holy Spirit was a gift, it cannot be returned. But, oh, how we dim the FLAME OF HIS LOVE. We push that voice inside our hearts to the side… we can barely make time for God just one hour a week at Mass on Sunday.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Our lives change when our habits change.
YES, our lives WILL change when our habits change!!!
Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful.
Enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen
Seek it out in your Bible:
Galatians 5:22-23
Acts 2:1-13
Isaiah 11:2
9/11/2015
You have a gift.
Remember God’s gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?
The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity. It is a tough concept, I know! I was born and raised Catholic, attended Catholic Schools and still struggled to explain the Trinity as an adult. Finally, I had children and it clicked recently when my sweet friend Amy shared her love of the bible and what scripture has to say about God’s LOVE for us through the Holy Trinity. So, here is what I tell my children… right or wrong it works for us. The Trinity is kinda like Daddy. Dad has lots of working hats in his day. Dad is your Father and you are to obey him. Dad is a loving son to Grandpa too. Dad also has work to do at his job, in his church, within our community and at home with our family.
The idea of the Holy Trinity is much easier to grasp when we use childlike faith, isn’t it?
Your Heavenly Father has three roles in your life… God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
God gave us the Holy Spirit so that he may remain in us/with us here on earth after his son Jesus Christ returned to Him in heaven.
You CAN NOT extinguish the flame of your Heavenly Father’s UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for you!
It may dim. In fact, it is probably dim right now. We do that to ourselves. It is easily dimmed when life gets in the way. We are too busy to hear the Holy Spirit much less feel it guiding our lives. We turn from the Holy Spirit and attempt to do it all ourselves. Superman and Superwoman are American heroes and that is what we attempt to be. We do it all! How is that working for ya? Doing it all?
We drive from activity to activity and from sport to sport, so much so that we lose sight of the real JOY God intended for us that day. Where is the LOVE of Christ in our days? Is God with you when you rise? Is He there as you drive to school and work? Is He with you at mealtimes, bedtime, and work? What about your new career in retirement? Is He with you when you run your errands? YES, He is always there because the Holy Spirit was a gift, it cannot be returned. But, oh, how we dim the FLAME OF HIS LOVE. We push that voice inside our hearts to the side… we can barely make time for God just one hour a week at Mass on Sunday.
Our lives change when our habits change.
Our lives change when our habits change.
YES, our lives WILL change when our habits change!!!
Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful.
Enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen
Seek it out in your Bible:
Galatians 5:22-23
Acts 2:1-13
Isaiah 11:2
Unhappy with Church?
By Sarah Adams
sehwarren@sbcglobal.net
Do you find yourself unhappy, angry, or even frustrated during Mass, at church or even school?
Consider this...
Is it your disappointment or is it Christ's disappointment that your feeling?
Perhaps your not listening to your heart.
Could it be that he is disappointed in you? Maybe!
Ouch that hurts doesn't it?
Is God really just calling you to minister in his church?
Is God calling you to help his people?
Could your complaint be your disconnect? Your excuse?
Could you be walking away from something that your heart & soul really desires?
God's LOVE is unconditional.
His FORGIVENESS unending.
CLOSE YOUR EYES. PRAY. BREATHE. BE STILL. LISTEN.
Is God calling you to something more than sit in your pew?
When you are your happiest what are you doing?
Who are you with?
Where is God in that happiness.
I bet you'll find a very special gift.
PRAY. BE STILL. LISTEN
BE bold. Be Catholic.
No one ever said that being a Christian was going to be easy.
sehwarren@sbcglobal.net
Do you find yourself unhappy, angry, or even frustrated during Mass, at church or even school?
Consider this...
Is it your disappointment or is it Christ's disappointment that your feeling?
Perhaps your not listening to your heart.
Could it be that he is disappointed in you? Maybe!
Ouch that hurts doesn't it?
Is God really just calling you to minister in his church?
Is God calling you to help his people?
Could your complaint be your disconnect? Your excuse?
Could you be walking away from something that your heart & soul really desires?
God's LOVE is unconditional.
His FORGIVENESS unending.
CLOSE YOUR EYES. PRAY. BREATHE. BE STILL. LISTEN.
Is God calling you to something more than sit in your pew?
When you are your happiest what are you doing?
Who are you with?
Where is God in that happiness.
I bet you'll find a very special gift.
PRAY. BE STILL. LISTEN
BE bold. Be Catholic.
No one ever said that being a Christian was going to be easy.