When my daughter was younger she believed that if she covered her head with a blanket that she was invisible. If she couldn't see us - we must not be able to see her. Of course, we pretended that this was true.
Many people believe that they can hide from God. We cannot bear the spotlight of God's love shining on us. It can hurt, especially when the soul is blanketed in sin. Souls turn away...believing that they are invisible to the great I AM. Some cannot accept the fact that the omniscient God of all creation is utterly aware of them and all their miseries. They run from Him and hide themselves not realizing that this just increases their pain. The further they run, the greater their internal pain becomes. They use pacifiers to assuage their anguish. And the world is full of these. People often mock those with drug addictions or alcohol addictions without realizing that they themselves are still using pacifiers, also. The size of the pacifier just differs. We all do this to some degree. Eating too much. Shopping for things we don't really need. Over-exercising.The list is endless but I think you know what I mean. Granted...some do less damage than others. We can even become addicted to certain ways of praying. Yes, this can happen. God understands our fallen human nature, though. When we turn to Him, He begins to lift the blanket that we have covered our souls with. He usually lifts this blanket gently over time. As He begins to lift it the soul may feel some pain because it has been in darkness for so long. Kind of like waking up in the middle of the night to someone shining a flashlight in your eyes. It hurts! But only for a time. He continues to lift the blanket ever so gently and more light shines in. It still hurts! But only for a time. And on it goes until His child is fully uncovered and standing in the light. What first hurt the person now brings them great joy. God desires that all His children walk in His light.
I hope this makes sense. I was trying to find a simple way to show how much God loves us, pacifiers and all. He does want to get rid of the binkies, though. The blankets too :) Just as we wean our babies...so God does with us. (Don't think that He's finished after this - He's not!)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
The cure - PRAISE!
http://stumblingtowardheaven.blogspot.com/2010/04/sin-silent-cancer-spreading.html I wrote this today on "Out of Babylon" but decided to put it here, also. This "word" keeps coming up.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The power of one...the power of many
In many of my past posts I have written about words that the Lord has given me concerning the need for our nation to "Wake up!" This word continues to reverberate throughout my being. To be blunt:
If we don't wake up and turn whole-heartedly toward the Lord then I assure you that America will find herself in bigger trouble than she already is. A nation without God is a nation that cannot stand for very long. We must look at the past and learn from it. Does America believe that she is exempt from judgment? Is our pride so great? Pray for wisdom. Wisdom to see what is coming upon us if we don't turn back.
It is time for Christians to use the powerful voices the Lord has given us and speak out against the evil that consumes our nation. I have often heard the words, "Why bother? No one pays attention or hears us anyway." This attitude is not of God. It's called apathy. A better word for it is sloth and it is one of the seven deadly sins. The notion that one person cannot make a difference in the world is false. The Blessed Virgin Mary changed the course of history with her yes to God. Look at St. Joan of Arc or St. Teresa of Avila. Every "yes" to God makes a difference. It's may seem like tossing a pebble into the ocean... and yet it's effects ripple into eternity. Believe this with all your heart. This is faith. Faith in God and faith that He hears our prayers and answers them. One person speaking in faith is more powerful than an army with no faith at all.
Remember the story The Emperor's New Clothes? No one spoke up except for one little child who shouted out that the emperor was naked. Everyone knew that he was naked but no one would speak out this truth. It took a child. We need to humble ourselves and learn to speak the truth clearly and without fear.
Imagine the power of many yesses to God. Imagine the power of speaking the truth without fear. This is a gift that God gives to those who will accept it.
"Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel,
for the Lord has a grievance
against the inhabitants of the land:
There is no fidelity, no mercy,
no knowledge of God in the land.
False swearing, lying, murder, stealing
and adultery!
in their lawlessness, bloodshed
follows bloodshed.
Therefore the land mourns,
and everything that dwells in it
languishes:
The beasts of the field,
the birds of the air
and even the fish of the sea perish." Hosea 4:1-3
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light." Eph 5:14
Utterly Thine, O Lord!
If we don't wake up and turn whole-heartedly toward the Lord then I assure you that America will find herself in bigger trouble than she already is. A nation without God is a nation that cannot stand for very long. We must look at the past and learn from it. Does America believe that she is exempt from judgment? Is our pride so great? Pray for wisdom. Wisdom to see what is coming upon us if we don't turn back.
It is time for Christians to use the powerful voices the Lord has given us and speak out against the evil that consumes our nation. I have often heard the words, "Why bother? No one pays attention or hears us anyway." This attitude is not of God. It's called apathy. A better word for it is sloth and it is one of the seven deadly sins. The notion that one person cannot make a difference in the world is false. The Blessed Virgin Mary changed the course of history with her yes to God. Look at St. Joan of Arc or St. Teresa of Avila. Every "yes" to God makes a difference. It's may seem like tossing a pebble into the ocean... and yet it's effects ripple into eternity. Believe this with all your heart. This is faith. Faith in God and faith that He hears our prayers and answers them. One person speaking in faith is more powerful than an army with no faith at all.
Remember the story The Emperor's New Clothes? No one spoke up except for one little child who shouted out that the emperor was naked. Everyone knew that he was naked but no one would speak out this truth. It took a child. We need to humble ourselves and learn to speak the truth clearly and without fear.
Imagine the power of many yesses to God. Imagine the power of speaking the truth without fear. This is a gift that God gives to those who will accept it.
"Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel,
for the Lord has a grievance
against the inhabitants of the land:
There is no fidelity, no mercy,
no knowledge of God in the land.
False swearing, lying, murder, stealing
and adultery!
in their lawlessness, bloodshed
follows bloodshed.
Therefore the land mourns,
and everything that dwells in it
languishes:
The beasts of the field,
the birds of the air
and even the fish of the sea perish." Hosea 4:1-3
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light." Eph 5:14
Utterly Thine, O Lord!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A weak bladder and God's grace
Alright. I admit it. I'm one of those people that have weak, cranky bladders. It cries out for relief day and night. I kid you not...I go potty more than any person that I have ever met. Even the sound of water sends me running to the bathroom. As do long homilies. I rarely can make it through a Mass without getting up to go to the ladies room. The funny thing is:
God uses my weak bladder to help people in need. I'm serious. I swear that God plants people in the back of the church that need help and then gives my bladder a nudge... because it happens too often to be a coincidence. Even my husband thinks it's weird. I either run into someone sobbing in the back of the church [this was a woman who had no food for her kids among other problems], homeless people, or sick people. This past Sunday was no different. I almost skipped Mass because I was feeling so bad... but I hate missing Mass so I dragged myself in. Halfway through the Mass I had to go to the bathroom, so I got up and went to the ladies room. On my way back I ran into a little old lady. She called me over and said, "Can you help me?" and handed me a miniature wine bottle. She pulled a little cup out of her purse and waited expectantly for me to open the bottle. Her whole body was shaking. " Oh, Lord, what's going on here?" I thought to myself. I felt Him nudge me to open the wine bottle, so I did. I smelled nothing. Now, I have supersonic hearing and a supersonic nose so I realized that there was no alcohol in the bottle. Still, I asked her, "What is this for?" Much to my shock she started crying and her story spilled out between sobs. She had Parkinson's Disease and forgot to take her medication. The little wine bottle was filled with water but she couldn't get the cap off and needed help. I helped her take her medication and asked her if there was anything else I could do for her. She cried even harder. She looked me in the eyes and said, "I'm afraid to die." She was 86 years old and terrified of death. My own eyes welled up. I spoke to her for a while about God and promised to pray for her. [Actually, I was praying frantically in my head the whole time this was going on.] This seemed to help and gradually she calmed down enough to go back into the church. I hugged her and asked God to bless her and remove her fear.
Things aren't always as they seem. Perhaps God was showing me this truth and helping a frightened elderly woman at the same time. No wonder He tells us not to judge.
God uses my weak bladder to help people in need. I'm serious. I swear that God plants people in the back of the church that need help and then gives my bladder a nudge... because it happens too often to be a coincidence. Even my husband thinks it's weird. I either run into someone sobbing in the back of the church [this was a woman who had no food for her kids among other problems], homeless people, or sick people. This past Sunday was no different. I almost skipped Mass because I was feeling so bad... but I hate missing Mass so I dragged myself in. Halfway through the Mass I had to go to the bathroom, so I got up and went to the ladies room. On my way back I ran into a little old lady. She called me over and said, "Can you help me?" and handed me a miniature wine bottle. She pulled a little cup out of her purse and waited expectantly for me to open the bottle. Her whole body was shaking. " Oh, Lord, what's going on here?" I thought to myself. I felt Him nudge me to open the wine bottle, so I did. I smelled nothing. Now, I have supersonic hearing and a supersonic nose so I realized that there was no alcohol in the bottle. Still, I asked her, "What is this for?" Much to my shock she started crying and her story spilled out between sobs. She had Parkinson's Disease and forgot to take her medication. The little wine bottle was filled with water but she couldn't get the cap off and needed help. I helped her take her medication and asked her if there was anything else I could do for her. She cried even harder. She looked me in the eyes and said, "I'm afraid to die." She was 86 years old and terrified of death. My own eyes welled up. I spoke to her for a while about God and promised to pray for her. [Actually, I was praying frantically in my head the whole time this was going on.] This seemed to help and gradually she calmed down enough to go back into the church. I hugged her and asked God to bless her and remove her fear.
Things aren't always as they seem. Perhaps God was showing me this truth and helping a frightened elderly woman at the same time. No wonder He tells us not to judge.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Insomniac
I'm sorry if I haven't been moderating comments and visiting everyone's blogs. This time the insomnia threw me for a loop. I was afraid to post because I thought it would probably come out like gibberish. Fellow insomniacs can probably relate...the point where your brain becomes mush and body parts won't obey your commands :) It's not useless though because I've been offering it up. God brings good out of everything - that's something I'm certain of . I'll be back soon.
P.S.(Spelling and grammatical errors do not count when you're tired :) )
P.S.(Spelling and grammatical errors do not count when you're tired :) )
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Spirit-filled People
We must be a Spirit-filled people. The Holy Spirit sanctifies and pours upon us the Spirit of adoption. We are God's children and I think many people have forgotten this. The world is confused and searching in all the wrong places for peace. Peace will be ours when we let the head knowledge we have about God pierce our hearts. Our hearts will never be satisfied with anything less than God. Never. We were made for love and God's love is the only thing the human spirit can't live without. We try to fill this spot meant for God with all kinds of things that weren't meant to be there. Only one thing fits...God. He is the piece of the puzzle that finishes the whole picture. If we do not have Him - we have nothing. The good news is that God does give Himself to us. He desires this even more than we do because that is the nature of pure Love.
I went to an intercessory prayer group on Monday. I was late because I couldn't find the place but once I did the group welcomed me. They stand in the gap for those who need the Lord. They were explaining it to me, but I instantly understood because I do this at home, too. It's more powerful in a group, though. We all need to do this. We have to stand in the gap for those who are hurting and can't find their way to our Lord. Our prayers are very powerful because the Holy Spirit gives us His own power. We are not left powerless and alone. This is Satan's lie. God never abandons us, He is constantly knocking at the door to our hearts... but we have to turn the knob and let Him in.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees it nor knows it." John 14: 16, 17
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
I went to an intercessory prayer group on Monday. I was late because I couldn't find the place but once I did the group welcomed me. They stand in the gap for those who need the Lord. They were explaining it to me, but I instantly understood because I do this at home, too. It's more powerful in a group, though. We all need to do this. We have to stand in the gap for those who are hurting and can't find their way to our Lord. Our prayers are very powerful because the Holy Spirit gives us His own power. We are not left powerless and alone. This is Satan's lie. God never abandons us, He is constantly knocking at the door to our hearts... but we have to turn the knob and let Him in.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees it nor knows it." John 14: 16, 17
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Opening the Floodgates
I love Divine Mercy Sunday!!! May the Lord open the floodgates and drench each and every one of us with His INFINITE MERCY!
I love this devotion. After my experience in the presence of Jesus' mercy, I was still unaware of St. Faustina at the time so I didn't know about her diary, the novena or the chaplet. The minute I saw the book in a Catholic bookstore I was dumbfounded. The picture on the front of the book reminded me of what had happened to me and I bought it immediately. I've been praying the Mercy Chaplet and doing the Novena ever since. It's one of my favorite devotions. AND IT'S POWERFUL!
I hope everyone had a happy Divine Mercy Sunday. I'm off to pray the chaplet, now :)
I love this devotion. After my experience in the presence of Jesus' mercy, I was still unaware of St. Faustina at the time so I didn't know about her diary, the novena or the chaplet. The minute I saw the book in a Catholic bookstore I was dumbfounded. The picture on the front of the book reminded me of what had happened to me and I bought it immediately. I've been praying the Mercy Chaplet and doing the Novena ever since. It's one of my favorite devotions. AND IT'S POWERFUL!
I hope everyone had a happy Divine Mercy Sunday. I'm off to pray the chaplet, now :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sabbath Moments - The Fire of the Holy Spirit
Colleen at Thoughts on Grace hosts a weekly meme called Sabbath Moments. These are moments when we let go and let God. Sometimes it's hard to let go. We have fears and worries that we cling to, not trusting that God has everything under control. He does, though. He is all-powerful.
Yesterday I attended a funeral in the morning and a Mass and healing service at night. The funeral was one of the most beautiful that I had ever seen. It was for a priest and there were three Bishops there and about 30 other priests. During the Consecration they all surrounded the altar and every single one put out their hands when the bread and wine were changed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I had shivers from head to toe. Couldn't wait to receive, that's for sure! Powerful moment! I am still awestruck by it. Father Nick must have been smiling down from heaven :)
Speaking of awe, our God is incredible! The Holy Spirit was on the move last night. First there was a Mass and then prayer teams were set up. These are powerful prayer warriors with many charismatic gifts. They run the local Life in the Spirit Seminars. I attended one of these many years ago and have decided to go through another one. God keeps pouring gifts on me and I have been unsure how to properly use them. I asked the Lord to open doors for me and He has! When it was my turn to be prayed over I was a little nervous but that quickly passed, it's just leftover junk from my childhood. These were wonderful Catholics that I trusted. I didn't ask for a physical healing, I just asked them to pray that I be completely open to God's will for me. The physical illness keeps me pinned to the Cross with Jesus - I leave that one in His hands. It has produced a lot of good fruit in my life. I had to be careful as I walked through the Church so that I didn't step on anyone that got slain in the Spirit. The tiny lady who passes out everytime she receives Communion was there. On the floor, of course. I told her husband that I see her on the floor more than I see her standing lately! She went down twice last night. Funny...God has a great sense of humor :)
It felt a bit like heaven on earth last night. We were all filled with the joy of the Spirit. I remembered to pray for everyone both during the Mass and while I was getting prayed over. When my brother, a friend and I left and got into my brother's car it was 9:11. I guess this strange number thing is going to stay with me for a while:)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Mass and Healing Service
Tonight, I'm off to attend a special Mass and healing service. I will bring the intentions of all my blogger friends and those who have asked for prayers. The pastor's name is Father Grace :) Isn't that one of the best priestly names you've ever heard?! There is a priest at my parish who's name is Father Healy. I like that one, too. I'll ask the Lord to flood you all with grace. Peace be with everyone!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Recommendation - Time for Reflections
Here is a site I highly recommend to all who read my blog - Time for Reflections. Victor's stories about Father Ignatius are filled with wit, wisdom and always point out truths of our Faith. Once I started following Victor's blog I quickly got caught up in the character of Father Ignatius. I actually found myself wishing that more priests were like him! I linked to today's post which particularly touched my heart but I encourage you to go back and read the older ones, too. They are filled with treasures!
I also recommend Victor's book, Visions, which you can find more about by clicking on the link. Again, in his gentle, kind manner, Victor points to Our Lord Jesus Christ through the characters in his book. It will bring to mind much of what is happening throughout the world and the ultimate purpose of apparitions of our Lord (and his mother)...peace and reconciliation with God and our fellow man.
I also recommend Victor's book, Visions, which you can find more about by clicking on the link. Again, in his gentle, kind manner, Victor points to Our Lord Jesus Christ through the characters in his book. It will bring to mind much of what is happening throughout the world and the ultimate purpose of apparitions of our Lord (and his mother)...peace and reconciliation with God and our fellow man.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Lip Service
These words have been hanging on my heart for almost a week. "This people honors me with their lips though their hearts are far from me." I pondered on them for most of the week. It was easy to see the truth in them. These words are from Isaiah chapter 29. I went through and read the entire passage and understood why the Lord would bring these words to my attention. Lip service... but hearts that say, "We will not serve." Isn't this true? If it were not true, we would not see such widespread sin in the world. Most people believe in God, statistically speaking, but we don't live as if we truly honor Him and his commandments. What good is mere lip service? Is it just a form of fire insurance? The truth is... if I say I believe in God but do not follow his commandments then I am dishonoring the Lord. Plain and simple. We need to turn our hearts to God. He created us and knows all things. When we admit our sins and ask forgiveness with a whole heart we will be healed.
"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing and obey..." Isaiah 1: 18, 19
Like Babylon, the great harlot - America (and the world) has committed adultery. When the Bridegroom comes to meet His bride (symbolic of the Church and we, the body of Christ on earth) will our wedding attire be smeared with the scarlet letter A upon it? Or will it be white as snow? The choice is ours, for the Lord, in his mercy, is more than willing to wash us clean.
Utterly Thine, O Lord
"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing and obey..." Isaiah 1: 18, 19
Like Babylon, the great harlot - America (and the world) has committed adultery. When the Bridegroom comes to meet His bride (symbolic of the Church and we, the body of Christ on earth) will our wedding attire be smeared with the scarlet letter A upon it? Or will it be white as snow? The choice is ours, for the Lord, in his mercy, is more than willing to wash us clean.
Utterly Thine, O Lord
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Children of the King - Part 2
Last week I spoke about the insight and love God poured upon me when He shared with me the dignity of a human being in a state of grace. This left after-effects. When Randy and Michaela woke up I could see this beauty in them, too. I kept hugging them and thanking God for them. Randy knew something had happened, I had been up for most of the night and I'm sure he expected me to be kind of grumpy. He was shocked by how joyful I was until I explained what happened and that I was still seeing this beauty in him and Michaela, too. Randy understood somewhat, Michaela must have just thought I was in a super-duper great mood. I saw this beauty in the children at the bus stop, too. I don't think that I'll ever be able to look at a human being in the same way again. It was a life changing experience.
If what I saw was true [I really have no reason to doubt it as I was wide awake], we shouldn't be afraid of Satan if we are in a state of grace. He should be afraid of us. The Lord cloaks us with his own power! And it's incredible! I'm not saying that we should be unaware of the enemy, I'm just saying that his power is limited and the Lord's power is infinite.
Since this night, my entire outlook on life is changed. I'm trying to be much more gentle with myself and others. I'll probably flunk here and there but overall I think that my life seems smoother so far - as if some major stumbling blocks were removed from my path. I believe I received quite a spiritual healing that night and I thank God for it. The Holy Spirit is at work constantly in our lives. This was one of those AHA! moments. Moments when the light pours in rather than dribbles :)
After I saw Michaela off to school, I went home and took a nap. I fell asleep instantly and slept soundly for an hour and a half. When I woke up, the pain had returned to my body and I felt like plain ole Mary again, at least my body did :)
The warnings haven't stopped though, I'm still getting these regularly despite the difference in the way I am viewing things. I thought maybe they would stop because I am feeling so joyful and hopeful...but the warnings are as strong as ever so I have increased my prayers for our country and the world and I think it would be good for all of us to pray for many, many, conversions. And the word is, "Prayer is needed now more than ever."
Utterly Thine, O Lord!
If what I saw was true [I really have no reason to doubt it as I was wide awake], we shouldn't be afraid of Satan if we are in a state of grace. He should be afraid of us. The Lord cloaks us with his own power! And it's incredible! I'm not saying that we should be unaware of the enemy, I'm just saying that his power is limited and the Lord's power is infinite.
Since this night, my entire outlook on life is changed. I'm trying to be much more gentle with myself and others. I'll probably flunk here and there but overall I think that my life seems smoother so far - as if some major stumbling blocks were removed from my path. I believe I received quite a spiritual healing that night and I thank God for it. The Holy Spirit is at work constantly in our lives. This was one of those AHA! moments. Moments when the light pours in rather than dribbles :)
After I saw Michaela off to school, I went home and took a nap. I fell asleep instantly and slept soundly for an hour and a half. When I woke up, the pain had returned to my body and I felt like plain ole Mary again, at least my body did :)
The warnings haven't stopped though, I'm still getting these regularly despite the difference in the way I am viewing things. I thought maybe they would stop because I am feeling so joyful and hopeful...but the warnings are as strong as ever so I have increased my prayers for our country and the world and I think it would be good for all of us to pray for many, many, conversions. And the word is, "Prayer is needed now more than ever."
Utterly Thine, O Lord!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Easter Surprise
You're not going to believe what my little gift from heaven did. I'll give you a hint:
During the night
When all are asleep
A child wakes up
With nary a peep
Goes to the potty
Sneaks down the hall
Closes mom's door
With no sound at all
Around two A.M.
She flicks on a light
And gazes around
Eyes full of delight
Goes on an egg hunt
Plays with a toy
Tears into a basket
Heart filled with joy
then...
Stuffed with candy
Filled with delight
Crawls into our bed
In the middle of the night
Now, mind you, Randy and I had no idea that this was going on. I thought she crawled into our bed because she was frightened or something. She couldn't fall asleep of course, she was on a sugar high! Took her an hour and a half to fall back to sleep. When we all woke up the next morning, Randy and I were all excited to watch her open her basket and go on an egg hunt. I walked into the living room...no basket in sight. No eggs either. I turned to look at Michaela, "What did you do?" It took a while but I got the whole story out of the little imp. She woke up in the night to go to the bathroom and decided to peek and see if the Easter Bunny had come yet. He had. So she took herself on a middle of the night Easter egg hunt, opened her basket, stuffed her face with candy, and even tried to sign up her Webkin online! Seeing the shock on our faces she says, "Do you want me to hide all the eggs again so you can watch me find them?" I was giggling inside the whole time but I tried to act a bit stern so she wouldn't think it was okay to do this every year. Just another average day in the Nicewarner household :) Happy Easter, everyone.
During the night
When all are asleep
A child wakes up
With nary a peep
Goes to the potty
Sneaks down the hall
Closes mom's door
With no sound at all
Around two A.M.
She flicks on a light
And gazes around
Eyes full of delight
Goes on an egg hunt
Plays with a toy
Tears into a basket
Heart filled with joy
then...
Stuffed with candy
Filled with delight
Crawls into our bed
In the middle of the night
Now, mind you, Randy and I had no idea that this was going on. I thought she crawled into our bed because she was frightened or something. She couldn't fall asleep of course, she was on a sugar high! Took her an hour and a half to fall back to sleep. When we all woke up the next morning, Randy and I were all excited to watch her open her basket and go on an egg hunt. I walked into the living room...no basket in sight. No eggs either. I turned to look at Michaela, "What did you do?" It took a while but I got the whole story out of the little imp. She woke up in the night to go to the bathroom and decided to peek and see if the Easter Bunny had come yet. He had. So she took herself on a middle of the night Easter egg hunt, opened her basket, stuffed her face with candy, and even tried to sign up her Webkin online! Seeing the shock on our faces she says, "Do you want me to hide all the eggs again so you can watch me find them?" I was giggling inside the whole time but I tried to act a bit stern so she wouldn't think it was okay to do this every year. Just another average day in the Nicewarner household :) Happy Easter, everyone.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sabbath Moments
Sabbath Moments are those times when we let go and let God. This weekly meme hosted by Colleen at Thoughts on Grace reminds us to keep our eyes on the Lord and find our rest in Him. God's love for us is especially easy to find this week as we meditate on Christ's Passion and the gift of our salvation. I had many fruitful meditations and wonderful moments with God. Even the weather was gorgeous these past few days. Last night I even slept! Praise God! For me, that's a wonderful Sabbath Moment :) Earlier this week, two wonderful ladies with some beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit prayed over me. Years ago, I would never have allowed this. My brother had called me and asked if I would like to go with him to get prayed over after Mass last Sunday. I felt a strong desire to go, so I did. I'm glad I went. Not only was it beautiful hearing them praise our Lord, as the week went on I felt better and better. Thursday night I had the best sleep that I had in months! I only woke up once (during mercy hour of course), praised God for a little while, asked for mercy for our world, and then fell back asleep. What a blessing! Those who suffer from insomnia probably can relate; a good night's sleep works wonders, both for our bodies and minds. Thank you, Lord!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Divine Mercy novena begins today
Today I began the Divine Mercy Novena. The Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday and those who would like to join in can find the novena at EWTN's website. This is one of my favorite novenas and St. Faustina is one of my favorite saints . I guess this is pretty obvious from my blogs URL :)
A Good Friday Meditation
Check out this post at Living in the Shadowlands! Beautiful words from an early church father :)
Prayer request
A beloved family friend is in the hospital with heart problems. I wrote about her a few weeks back when I saw her at church. We prayed the rosary together and attended Mass. She said that she was feeling good (she has had heart trouble for years and has a pacemaker) but I just found out that she is in the hospital. Please pray for her if you could. Thank you :)
I'm also requesting prayers for my aunt who is having knee surgery Monday. I love her very much and I can see that she is worried and frightened. I know that many of you are powerful prayer warriors and I ask for your intercession for these two lovely ladies. Thank you and may God bless you all :)
I'm also requesting prayers for my aunt who is having knee surgery Monday. I love her very much and I can see that she is worried and frightened. I know that many of you are powerful prayer warriors and I ask for your intercession for these two lovely ladies. Thank you and may God bless you all :)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Forever
The Babe beheld his mother's eyes
As tenderly she soothed his cries
Filled with love and motherly joy
Mary caressed her baby boy
Throughout his life these eyes of grace
Followed Him from place to place
Until one day they mournfully
Followed Him to Calvary
Pierced by sorrow, stung by grief
She crawled beneath the witness tree
The Lord gazed down, beheld his mother
As one last time they looked at each other
Her eyes spoke forever, a love so profound
They rained their sorrow upon the ground
And those beautiful eyes first seen at his birth
Were the last eyes He saw as He left the earth
As tenderly she soothed his cries
Filled with love and motherly joy
Mary caressed her baby boy
Throughout his life these eyes of grace
Followed Him from place to place
Until one day they mournfully
Followed Him to Calvary
Pierced by sorrow, stung by grief
She crawled beneath the witness tree
The Lord gazed down, beheld his mother
As one last time they looked at each other
Her eyes spoke forever, a love so profound
They rained their sorrow upon the ground
And those beautiful eyes first seen at his birth
Were the last eyes He saw as He left the earth
The Hammer
For you, my sweet Lord.
The Hammer
A Babe was born one silent night
To bring to earth a shining light
O Wisdom! Truth! A young boy grew
To bring to all life anew
And yet throughout this Child's years
A hammer echoed in his ears
He cured the sick and healed the lame
Forgave our sins, took on our shame
Light pierced darkness, brave and true
Grace upon grace for me and for you
But still throughout our Savior's years
A hammer echoed in his ears
A judas kiss, a King betrayed
Upon the cross the Lamb was laid
The hammer fell again and again
For the human heart is full of sin
And a mother's eyes streamed with tears
As the hammer echoed in her ears
O Heart so sorrowful, I tell you true
...this hammer echoes in my heart, too.
The Hammer
A Babe was born one silent night
To bring to earth a shining light
O Wisdom! Truth! A young boy grew
To bring to all life anew
And yet throughout this Child's years
A hammer echoed in his ears
He cured the sick and healed the lame
Forgave our sins, took on our shame
Light pierced darkness, brave and true
Grace upon grace for me and for you
But still throughout our Savior's years
A hammer echoed in his ears
A judas kiss, a King betrayed
Upon the cross the Lamb was laid
The hammer fell again and again
For the human heart is full of sin
And a mother's eyes streamed with tears
As the hammer echoed in her ears
O Heart so sorrowful, I tell you true
...this hammer echoes in my heart, too.
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