Prayer-feel the love!

"The most precious moments of prayer consist in letting ourselves be loved by the Lord."

Brennan Manning, "Reflections for Ragamuffins"

I had something completely different to write about today, but, when I read this I completely changed gears. Just sitting and basking in the love of God is one of the most powerful and beautiful experiences I've had in the last several years. And it was relatively new to me. I previous thought prayer was about me talking to God...and talking...and talking! Kind of like I do with humans! But a real change occurred when I began learning silent/centering/contemplative prayer. I began to try to listen to the still, small voice of God. My prayer can still get so cluttered with intentions, but I always try to give equal time to just silent stillness. I try to turn off my head and listen with my heart. What's that? A tiny little whisper of love and peacefulness. The love of God can be overwhelming and yet, so quiet. In the hustle and bustle that is life this weekend, let's still ourselves and just revel in God's love! Love, heidi

Scripture that works!

"I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand;

It is I who say to you, Fear not, I will help you.'"

Isaiah 41:13

Through the years, this has become one of my favorite scripture passages. Because it works. Works? you ask...how can it "work?" Well, I really don't know how...just that it does. This scripture was given to me at a time I needed it most and it really helped me. We all know that fear is not of God, but it still creeps in from time to time. I combat fear with this verse. It reminds me that I am not alone in any situation that may seem daunting to me. It lets me know that help is right there at the end of my right arm...my hand is being held by the One who loves me more than I could ever imagine and who knows the end of the story. The One who knows how it all will work out. And it will all work out. This is one scripture I have committed to memory. Because it works! Love, heidi

Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Sometimes God's face must be feminine. Maybe it is only 'the Woman' who will be able to heal the wars, mistrust and status symbols that divide the children of God."
Fr. Richard Rohr, "Our Lady of Guadalupe"

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on which we commemorate that day in 1531 when Our Lady appeared as a young brown-skinned woman to Juan Diego in Mexico. Prior to that time the Christian missionaries had little success converting the native Indians to Christianity. But, this beautiful Lady spoke to Juan Diego in his own language and miracles began to happen. Roses appeared in December. Her picture appeared on his cloak. Within just a few years, thousands of people believed in the miracles, the Lady, and most importantly, Her Son, Jesus. It took a Lady, the Mother of God to help the people realize that Jesus is their Savior. And she continues to lead people to her Son today. Today may we appreciate the beauty that is within all cultures. May we celebrate the rich, amazing culture of the Hispanic people and celebrate with them, Our Lady of Guadalupe! Viva!
Love, heidi

Comfort and joy...

"Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God."

Isaiah 40:1

When God gave this message to the prophet Isaiah, the world was messed up for the Jewish people. When we read this message as part of today's readings, we may feel it was written for us here in 2012. It is a timeless message, this message from Isaiah. We may come across people on our path today who need comfort...or a kind word...or encouragement...or a shoulder to lean upon. It would be so wonderful if we could take Isaiah's message into our own hearts today and LIVE it! "Comfort, give comfort to my people!" Let's keep this in mind today and be vigilant, looking for those who may need a bit of comfort. The holidays aren't always a happy time for folks. It can be a very difficult time for those who have lost a loved one, who are alone, or who are struggling through the harsh stuff of life. Let's let comfort and compassion reign in our hearts today! Love, heidi

Now!

"Jesus does not ask us to wait until later, until the end, for help and healing. Hope is the good news of transforming grace now."

Brennan Manning, "Reflections for Ragamuffins"

I have never been a good wait-er (i.e. person who waits). When I was a kid, the anticipation of Christmas was almost too much for me! My mom always had an Advent calendar for me to open each little window to mark off the time until Christmas. And by Christmas I was usually so worked up I'd get sick and miss much of the festivities. So, thus, I am not a good wait-er. It is a relief to me, then, to read that Jesus isn't making me wait until the end of time or until my own death or until tomorrow even. Jesus wants to live fully in my heart right NOW! And, just like the feeble wait-er that I am, I refuse to wait a second longer! Jesus, come alive in my heart today! Look out of my eyes and see what I need to do in this space, in this time, to help you today. Walk in my shoes and guide me to who needs a bit of you today. Speak with my voice to say whatever someone may need to hear. I love you, Jesus, and I want you now! Love, heidi