Trusting The Great Artist is an idea that keeps resurfacing in my readings, and most recently at the Morning of Reflection on Friday. It reminded me of a journal entry I wrote about being a "good paintbrush," a few months back. (It's funny to me that most everything I write makes its way from my little green journal to you, eventually.)
Anyway, God must think we're pretty awesome. We get to do, and be, everything that God uses in our transformation! It's fascinating to me that we are both the canvas on which God, The Great Artist, creates His masterpiece, and the paintbrush He uses to make it. We are the tool, the medium, and the finished product. Our job as tool and medium is the same. To respond.
September 18, 2013
Help me to be a good paintbrush, Lord. Content to be in Your Hand for as long as You deem necessary. Help me to remain docile and content, to paint only the picture You have in mind. For I know paintbrushes don't have eyes, with which to see what the Great Artist intends.
Just as no one thinks "of praising the quality of the brush an artist used when you look at his painting, but instead admire his skill in using it," help me be deaf to the praise of others, for it is praise of You alone.
Help me to be blind and deaf to everything but You, and to rest comfortably in Your hand, or wherever You set me down.
A paintbrush has no life of its own. Help me to be a good paintbrush - One who doesn't fall into the trap of trying to be "powerful, relevant, and spectacular" (Henry Nouwen). Amen.
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Four Supremely Important Questions
"Redemption, salvation for every individual, consists in doing the will of God, no more and no less." Fr. Walter Ciszek, He Leadeth Me
Redemption and salvation are THE two most important things for any human life. Consequently, it is supremely important to understand what the will of God looks like in our daily lives, if that is the means to obtain THE two most important things.
But, "It's hard to know what God wants!" Right?
Wrong.
According to Fr. John Devlin (one of the retreat masters from my silent retreat), "We must choose between the reign of Christ (loving God and others) and the reign of the devil (whatever increases self and creates distance from God)."
Luke 16:13 and Matthew 6:24 tell us, "No one can serve two masters." Fr. John agrees, yet points out the reality in our daily lives. "Sometimes, we serve two masters within the same hour." Can you identify with this? For most of us, we are constantly choosing self or battling to resist. We often have an internal struggle on our hands.
He reminded us that after following the Ten Commandments, fulfilling the duties of our state-in-life (spouse, parent, single, religious) is our primary pathway to holiness. As good as other opportunities and activities are, they must not interfere with the calling we have already received, and the duties which accompany that calling.
So, a few practical questions are very helpful as we navigate our daily lives:
1. Who am I serving?
2. Will this get me closer to Heaven?
3. Am I doing what I should be doing right now?
4. Is there anything better that I should be doing?
I have found the answers to these questions, throughout a day's time, to be very illuminating. Since returning from my retreat and pondering these questions, I have changed several things in my life that previously I did habitually and unconsciously. Specifically:
1. I silenced the text alert on my phone, so I am not continually being distracted by it, and interrupting what I have already determined needs to be done. (Instead, I check it and catch up in a quiet moment when I am not otherwise engaged).
2. I took Facebook off of my phone. Way too easy to kill a minute, or 5, or 10, several times a day. Now, I only get on Facebook when I intend to, because it requires me to plop in front of the computer (which I don't like to do).
3. I stopped checking blog statistics in between posts. I am writing for God, and to God I am leaving the results. I was "stealing time" for something that belongs to God anyway.
4. I am keeping one day commitment-free and limiting the length of other engagements, so that my schedule reflects that my family is my first priority, after God. I was not doing anything to safeguard the time that is necessary to fulfill the duties relating to my state-in-life, as a wife and mother: Housecleaning, planning well for meals, jumping on the trampoline, building Legos, and just "being"...
God can also lead us by the circumstances of any given moment. Often, what we should do next demands to be done, and involves no thought at all. However, Fr. John reminds us, "We do not answer to the circumstances of our lives. We answer to the Lord."
"He [God] writes His own Gospel in the hearts of the just. All their actions, every moment of their lives, are the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. The souls of the saints are the paper, their sufferings and actions, the ink. The Holy Spirit with the pen of His power writes a living Gospel, but a Gospel that cannot be read until it has left the press of this life, and has been published on the day of eternity. Oh! great history! grand book written by the Holy Spirit in this present time! It is still in the press. There is never a day when the type is not arranged, when the ink is not applied, or the pages are not primed." Jean Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this sunny day, time with the women in my women's group this morning, priests who devote themselves to You for the salvation of souls, and for any clarity we gain on our salvation journey. Thank you for extended quiet where You are most easily heard, and for all of the lights, graces, and consolations You bestowed upon me during those 3 days of silence.
Lord, please help me to be honest with myself, so that I may be honest with You and others. Help me to know myself well, so that I may cling to You ever more tightly, and to my own pride, less and less. Thank you for being so gentle with me, and revealing areas of weakness in times of abundant grace. I love You. Amen.
Redemption and salvation are THE two most important things for any human life. Consequently, it is supremely important to understand what the will of God looks like in our daily lives, if that is the means to obtain THE two most important things.
But, "It's hard to know what God wants!" Right?
Wrong.
According to Fr. John Devlin (one of the retreat masters from my silent retreat), "We must choose between the reign of Christ (loving God and others) and the reign of the devil (whatever increases self and creates distance from God)."
Luke 16:13 and Matthew 6:24 tell us, "No one can serve two masters." Fr. John agrees, yet points out the reality in our daily lives. "Sometimes, we serve two masters within the same hour." Can you identify with this? For most of us, we are constantly choosing self or battling to resist. We often have an internal struggle on our hands.
He reminded us that after following the Ten Commandments, fulfilling the duties of our state-in-life (spouse, parent, single, religious) is our primary pathway to holiness. As good as other opportunities and activities are, they must not interfere with the calling we have already received, and the duties which accompany that calling.
So, a few practical questions are very helpful as we navigate our daily lives:
1. Who am I serving?
2. Will this get me closer to Heaven?
3. Am I doing what I should be doing right now?
4. Is there anything better that I should be doing?
I have found the answers to these questions, throughout a day's time, to be very illuminating. Since returning from my retreat and pondering these questions, I have changed several things in my life that previously I did habitually and unconsciously. Specifically:
1. I silenced the text alert on my phone, so I am not continually being distracted by it, and interrupting what I have already determined needs to be done. (Instead, I check it and catch up in a quiet moment when I am not otherwise engaged).
2. I took Facebook off of my phone. Way too easy to kill a minute, or 5, or 10, several times a day. Now, I only get on Facebook when I intend to, because it requires me to plop in front of the computer (which I don't like to do).
3. I stopped checking blog statistics in between posts. I am writing for God, and to God I am leaving the results. I was "stealing time" for something that belongs to God anyway.
4. I am keeping one day commitment-free and limiting the length of other engagements, so that my schedule reflects that my family is my first priority, after God. I was not doing anything to safeguard the time that is necessary to fulfill the duties relating to my state-in-life, as a wife and mother: Housecleaning, planning well for meals, jumping on the trampoline, building Legos, and just "being"...
God can also lead us by the circumstances of any given moment. Often, what we should do next demands to be done, and involves no thought at all. However, Fr. John reminds us, "We do not answer to the circumstances of our lives. We answer to the Lord."
"He [God] writes His own Gospel in the hearts of the just. All their actions, every moment of their lives, are the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. The souls of the saints are the paper, their sufferings and actions, the ink. The Holy Spirit with the pen of His power writes a living Gospel, but a Gospel that cannot be read until it has left the press of this life, and has been published on the day of eternity. Oh! great history! grand book written by the Holy Spirit in this present time! It is still in the press. There is never a day when the type is not arranged, when the ink is not applied, or the pages are not primed." Jean Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this sunny day, time with the women in my women's group this morning, priests who devote themselves to You for the salvation of souls, and for any clarity we gain on our salvation journey. Thank you for extended quiet where You are most easily heard, and for all of the lights, graces, and consolations You bestowed upon me during those 3 days of silence.
Lord, please help me to be honest with myself, so that I may be honest with You and others. Help me to know myself well, so that I may cling to You ever more tightly, and to my own pride, less and less. Thank you for being so gentle with me, and revealing areas of weakness in times of abundant grace. I love You. Amen.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Regarding Unmet Expectations As "Stables"
I'm reading a book called Spiritual Mothering, by Susan Hunt. She makes a great point this morning and I want to share it with you.
She is talking about Mary's clarity of purpose (and she isn't even Catholic!). She discusses the extremes in Mary's life after the angel told her she was going to give birth to a son...the Son of the Most High. A king. Most specifically, giving birth to a king - not in a palace, nor even inside, but outside in a stable with the sheep and goats.
She tries to imagine Mary's possible disappointment about the conditions in which she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus, but more than that, her realization that it must be this way. "Throughout the Old Testament salvation and sacrifice were inseparably linked. To be the Savior meant that He would be the Lamb - the Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of His people." She imagines Mary saying, Of course, where else would a lamb be born except in a stable! Lord, you think of everything!
"In defining herself as a servant, Mary had relinquished control to God. Her purpose was not her convenience but God's glory...For many women today, their purpose in life is shaped by their desire to attain the personal happiness they are told they deserve. So they are not only disappointed by unrealized expectations, they are defeated."
The key here is to recognize the why behind our existence. We are here to glorify God. How do we do that? Just like Jesus did for His Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do"... (John 17:4)
We simply have to do the work He has assigned us (From my experience, this always boils down to loving and serving). For parents, this is pretty straight-forward, there is always something to do! For everyone else, it is not as hard as it sounds. Tell God that you want to do His will and ask Him to reveal it to you. Look around. Don't be surprised if He is asking you to serve exactly where you are!
At the end of each chapter, Ms. Hunt offers a challenge. She asks, "Can you honestly say that you want God's glory to be your life-purpose?" Can you? If not, what is holding you back?
Lastly, she offers a little exercise that can bear great fruit if it is thoughtfully done:
Write the statement "I am the Lord's servant" at the top of a piece of paper.
a. Under that statement, list any hurts, expectations, disappointments, etc. that you are struggling with.
b. Now ask God to enable you to interpret everything on your list in light of His will for you. Ask Him to show you how each person, circumstance, or event is your platform to reflect the glory of His grace that has been poured into you.
c. Ask the Father to help you discover the treasure He has for you in your "stable."
Dear God, Thank you for giving purpose to the "stables" in our lives. Thank you for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph who have had these experiences before us. Please give us eyes to see the places where we are hurting because our expectations were not met. Lord, help us to realize that our expectations are often not based in truth and the only thing that ever matters is glorifying You, and that is always possible. Help us to see the people and painful circumstances in our lives as part of the treasure You intend for us. Our growth is an essential part of Your plan for our salvation, and in Your wisdom You know that we often don't grow unless we are uncomfortable. May You be glorified in everything I do. Amen.
She is talking about Mary's clarity of purpose (and she isn't even Catholic!). She discusses the extremes in Mary's life after the angel told her she was going to give birth to a son...the Son of the Most High. A king. Most specifically, giving birth to a king - not in a palace, nor even inside, but outside in a stable with the sheep and goats.
She tries to imagine Mary's possible disappointment about the conditions in which she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus, but more than that, her realization that it must be this way. "Throughout the Old Testament salvation and sacrifice were inseparably linked. To be the Savior meant that He would be the Lamb - the Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of His people." She imagines Mary saying, Of course, where else would a lamb be born except in a stable! Lord, you think of everything!
"In defining herself as a servant, Mary had relinquished control to God. Her purpose was not her convenience but God's glory...For many women today, their purpose in life is shaped by their desire to attain the personal happiness they are told they deserve. So they are not only disappointed by unrealized expectations, they are defeated."
The key here is to recognize the why behind our existence. We are here to glorify God. How do we do that? Just like Jesus did for His Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do"... (John 17:4)
We simply have to do the work He has assigned us (From my experience, this always boils down to loving and serving). For parents, this is pretty straight-forward, there is always something to do! For everyone else, it is not as hard as it sounds. Tell God that you want to do His will and ask Him to reveal it to you. Look around. Don't be surprised if He is asking you to serve exactly where you are!
At the end of each chapter, Ms. Hunt offers a challenge. She asks, "Can you honestly say that you want God's glory to be your life-purpose?" Can you? If not, what is holding you back?
Lastly, she offers a little exercise that can bear great fruit if it is thoughtfully done:
Write the statement "I am the Lord's servant" at the top of a piece of paper.
a. Under that statement, list any hurts, expectations, disappointments, etc. that you are struggling with.
b. Now ask God to enable you to interpret everything on your list in light of His will for you. Ask Him to show you how each person, circumstance, or event is your platform to reflect the glory of His grace that has been poured into you.
c. Ask the Father to help you discover the treasure He has for you in your "stable."
Dear God, Thank you for giving purpose to the "stables" in our lives. Thank you for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph who have had these experiences before us. Please give us eyes to see the places where we are hurting because our expectations were not met. Lord, help us to realize that our expectations are often not based in truth and the only thing that ever matters is glorifying You, and that is always possible. Help us to see the people and painful circumstances in our lives as part of the treasure You intend for us. Our growth is an essential part of Your plan for our salvation, and in Your wisdom You know that we often don't grow unless we are uncomfortable. May You be glorified in everything I do. Amen.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Following Those Little Inspirations
I had a beautiful experience yesterday. I followed the inspiration I received the day before. On Saturday morning, I was getting ready for Our Lady's Brunch when a thought flew into my head - "Buy flowers for you neighbor for Mother's Day." I thought to myself "That's a nice idea." and went about my day. The thought wouldn't go away and then it dawned on me who the flowers were to be from.
My neighbor's daughter was killed in a car accident 6 years ago. She wanted me to give her mother flowers from her for Mother's Day. When I realized this, I was excited to do this for her, but afraid, too. What if I was wrong? What if it would be too painful for her Mom? What if my neighbors think I'm crazy?
I pondered these questions for most of the day and asked the Holy Spirit to confirm this for me, if I was really supposed to do this. Nothing concrete came and I knew I had to ask my husband what he thought. He said, "Theoretically, you could just give her (our neighbor) the flowers and not say anything about your inspiration, but in reality, you won't be able not to tell her everything." He knows me so well.
So, that was the green light. I wrote her a card explaining the thought and my revelation about the thought. After re-reading it several times, I was pleased with the verbiage, but still thought my neighbor might think I was crazy, so when I took the flowers to her, I left the card behind.
She was so surprised to see me and my boys with 6 white roses in hand (I wanted yellow, but my hubby said they were out) and I told her "Happy Mother's Day!" Then I said, "The truth is, these really aren't from me. I believe your daughter wanted me to give you these from her on this Mother's Day." A tear fell down her cheek.
She said "I think you're right." Then, she proceeded to tell me she had a long cry over her daughter the day before and how Mother's Day was hitting a lot harder this year than in year's past. I told her I had written a card to go with the flowers and since she didn't think I was crazy after all, that I would go get it."
I did that and when I returned, she invited me in. She showed me the prayer quilt her daughter's church made for her shortly after her death and she showed me a beautifully framed print entitled "Mother", which described how a mother shows her children God's love. This framed tribute stays wrapped up in the prayer blanket. It was her daughter's final gift to her. Her daughter ordered it before she died and my neighbor received it after her death.
So, having experienced her daughter's love and thoughtfulness after her death on another occasion, it wasn't so shocking to her that this could happen again.
What happened to me yesterday is described beautifully In the School of the Holy Spirit by Jacques Phillipe:
"God grants what He commands. When God inspires us to do something, at the same time, He supplies the ability to do it, even if it is beyond our capacity or scares us at the start. Every notion that comes from God brings both the light to understand what God intends, and the strength to accomplish it: light that illuminates the mind, and strength that gives power to the will."
Dear God, Thank you for the Holy Spirit and the Communion of Saints. Thank you for my neighbor. Thank you for inspirations and the courage to follow them. Please console all mothers who long to see their children again one day and bless them abundantly. Amen.
My neighbor's daughter was killed in a car accident 6 years ago. She wanted me to give her mother flowers from her for Mother's Day. When I realized this, I was excited to do this for her, but afraid, too. What if I was wrong? What if it would be too painful for her Mom? What if my neighbors think I'm crazy?
I pondered these questions for most of the day and asked the Holy Spirit to confirm this for me, if I was really supposed to do this. Nothing concrete came and I knew I had to ask my husband what he thought. He said, "Theoretically, you could just give her (our neighbor) the flowers and not say anything about your inspiration, but in reality, you won't be able not to tell her everything." He knows me so well.
So, that was the green light. I wrote her a card explaining the thought and my revelation about the thought. After re-reading it several times, I was pleased with the verbiage, but still thought my neighbor might think I was crazy, so when I took the flowers to her, I left the card behind.
She was so surprised to see me and my boys with 6 white roses in hand (I wanted yellow, but my hubby said they were out) and I told her "Happy Mother's Day!" Then I said, "The truth is, these really aren't from me. I believe your daughter wanted me to give you these from her on this Mother's Day." A tear fell down her cheek.
She said "I think you're right." Then, she proceeded to tell me she had a long cry over her daughter the day before and how Mother's Day was hitting a lot harder this year than in year's past. I told her I had written a card to go with the flowers and since she didn't think I was crazy after all, that I would go get it."
I did that and when I returned, she invited me in. She showed me the prayer quilt her daughter's church made for her shortly after her death and she showed me a beautifully framed print entitled "Mother", which described how a mother shows her children God's love. This framed tribute stays wrapped up in the prayer blanket. It was her daughter's final gift to her. Her daughter ordered it before she died and my neighbor received it after her death.
So, having experienced her daughter's love and thoughtfulness after her death on another occasion, it wasn't so shocking to her that this could happen again.
What happened to me yesterday is described beautifully In the School of the Holy Spirit by Jacques Phillipe:
"God grants what He commands. When God inspires us to do something, at the same time, He supplies the ability to do it, even if it is beyond our capacity or scares us at the start. Every notion that comes from God brings both the light to understand what God intends, and the strength to accomplish it: light that illuminates the mind, and strength that gives power to the will."
Dear God, Thank you for the Holy Spirit and the Communion of Saints. Thank you for my neighbor. Thank you for inspirations and the courage to follow them. Please console all mothers who long to see their children again one day and bless them abundantly. Amen.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Voice for Jesus
March 6, 2012
I want to be a voice for Jesus. After speaking to my women's group about my experience at the foot of the Cross and emailing it far and wide, it is hard for me not to look for the harvest. I planted the seeds out of obedience and know God wanted me to, I know my intention is pure at the outset. But, then I get too eager to see how God is going to use it. Who is it really going to penetrate and change - bring closer to Him?
I know I need to leave the results to Jesus. He is the Divine Farmer - the harvest is His business. I only have to plant seeds. He will handle the rest. Jesus, please give me the grace to let go of the results.
I also feel like Jesus is asking me if I am willing to be "nobody" and do "nothing" for Him. Nothing, in that it will be seen nor heard by anyone and will be contained within the four walls of my home.
Yes! If that is what He wants. I feel called to be an apostle, but I can live in silent obscurity, as well. My will is God's will.
God be praised!
I want to be a voice for Jesus. After speaking to my women's group about my experience at the foot of the Cross and emailing it far and wide, it is hard for me not to look for the harvest. I planted the seeds out of obedience and know God wanted me to, I know my intention is pure at the outset. But, then I get too eager to see how God is going to use it. Who is it really going to penetrate and change - bring closer to Him?
I know I need to leave the results to Jesus. He is the Divine Farmer - the harvest is His business. I only have to plant seeds. He will handle the rest. Jesus, please give me the grace to let go of the results.
I also feel like Jesus is asking me if I am willing to be "nobody" and do "nothing" for Him. Nothing, in that it will be seen nor heard by anyone and will be contained within the four walls of my home.
Yes! If that is what He wants. I feel called to be an apostle, but I can live in silent obscurity, as well. My will is God's will.
God be praised!
Conversation with Christ
February 25, 2012 - In the Adoration Chapel for the last time on retreat
Me - Jesus, I don't want to leave. I want to stay with You.
Jesus - You can stay with Me, but you cannot stay here. Take Me with you, everywhere and in all things. Your conversations, your car rides. Everywhere you are, I AM. I love you. Remain with Me. Take Me to your children, your husband. Take Me to the women of your parish. Take Me to your friends who are unbelievers. Take Me to your family. People need Me. You can bring them to Me. I need you to do this for Me.
Me - Yes, Lord. I will do as You ask. Show me the way. I love You and never want to be separated from You.
Jesus - I know.
Me - Jesus, I don't want to leave. I want to stay with You.
Jesus - You can stay with Me, but you cannot stay here. Take Me with you, everywhere and in all things. Your conversations, your car rides. Everywhere you are, I AM. I love you. Remain with Me. Take Me to your children, your husband. Take Me to the women of your parish. Take Me to your friends who are unbelievers. Take Me to your family. People need Me. You can bring them to Me. I need you to do this for Me.
Me - Yes, Lord. I will do as You ask. Show me the way. I love You and never want to be separated from You.
Jesus - I know.
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