God equips the called...

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain."

John 15:16

 

One of the most powerful lessons I am learning lately is that God gives us what we need when God calls us to do something.  God equips the called, in other words.  I am seeing it powerfully in my own situation and I can read about how it happens to all those who answer God's call.  God's call may surprise us, initially, because we don't feel confident in our own abilities.  The old, "Here I am, Lord, chose someone else!" But, when we receive a call from God our job is to trust that God will provide whatever we will need to answer.  Think of Mary...the young girl who hears the angel's words that she will give birth to the Savior.  Mary responded, Yes, then she showed tremendous faith and trust that, somehow, God will provide all she needed to live up to her Yes.  Today, as we hear and accept God's call to us, let us remember that we may not feel equipped right off the bat.  We may feel others are better suited for that call.  But, God calls AND gives us all we need to do it!  Blessings on your holiday weekend! Love, heidi

Remain in my love...

"Remain in my love."

John 15:9

 

I thought a bit about what this looks like in my life and I invite you to do the same.  For some of us it may look similar, but it could look as individual and unique as we all are.  For me, remaining in Jesus' love looks like this on my late-May Thursday:

-speaking and showing genuine kindness to strangers

-being kind, loving, and helpful to co-workers

-getting my work done and not goofing off too much at the office

-praying before appointments and serving my clients with love and compassion

-driving patiently and carefully

-taking care of myself by eating health stuff through the day and getting to bed early!

-caring for my dogs and walking them even though I'm sooo tired!

-keeping Jesus close all day...

So, I invite you to think about what remaining in Jesus looks like in your life...love, heidi

Angel of God, my guardian dear...

"Right next to you, as near as your skin, is your guardian angel. Your angel has special responsibility for your life, watching over you and keeping a circle of light around your life lest any negative power take over you or damage you in any way."

John O'Donohue, "Four Elements"

 

I admit, it's been along time since I thought about my guardian angel!  I seem to have gotten way too concrete in my spiritual thinking, so, thanks be to God, I picked up this book for a book reflection for my class!  Spiritual matters shouldn't be so concrete.  It's sad when we miss, what O'Donohue calls, "the invisible" and just concentrate on the "visible."  In the spiritual life, the invisible abounds!  So, today, I'm going to reacquaint myself with my guardian angel.  I'm so grateful to have this dear being at my elbow.  I'm grateful for the circle of light surrounding me and keeping me from harm.  It may be invisible but I'm grateful to know it's there!  Love, heidi

Head. Heart. Feet.

"Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,

For all the benefits Thou hast given me.

For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,

May I know thee more clearly,

Love Thee more dearly,

Follow Thee more nearly."

St. Richard of Chichester

 

We had an amazing homily on Sunday, in Helena, based around this prayer.  Yes, it was part of the lyrics to a song from Godspell, but, before that, it was a prayer.  Broken down, how does this look in our 21st century lives?

Well, the "know Thee more clearly" refers to our head knowledge of Jesus.  Who do we think Jesus is?  What have we studied and learned about Jesus?  If we want to emulate someone we first must learn about the person.

Second, "love Thee more dearly" refers to our heart.  What does our heart tell us about Jesus? That Jesus loved us far beyond our comprehension.  Jesus showed us what real love is: sacrifice and mercy for others.  We feel Jesus in our hearts and that love can bloom and grow.

Finally, "follow Thee more nearly" refers to our feet!  Our feet walk the walk Jesus taught us to walk, that is, caring for the needs of others.  Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for those who suffer.  Jesus has no hands or feet but ours, and they need to be moving! 

Head. Heart.  Feet.  This is a lovely prayer that says it all, doesn't it?  Let's put it in our day today...love, heidi

God's love

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.'"

John 14:23

 

This morning on "Pray-as-you-go" the question was asked, "What are my experiences of God's love for me?"  I certainly didn't have to think too far back.  Yesterday, as I was driving out of Helena, I recognized the warmest sensation of feeling loved.  I felt so loved, in fact, it was almost overwhelming.  The wonderful time with dear loved ones just filled me to overflowing.  I knew that the love was expressed by my friends, but I also know that the ultimate Source of that love is God.  It was God's love coming to me through my Helena peeps.  The weekend before it was my own family who showered God's love on me.  It was their arms hugging me, but the ultimate Source of the love was God again.  God is the Source of all love in my life.  When I feel enveloped in the love of humans, God is still the Source.  So, I invite you to think about how you feel God's love in your day.  Is it in nature? God's love is vividly on display in nature--especially this time of year!  Anyway, give it a think.  It's enlightening to ponder.  Love, heidi