Saturday, March 28, 2015

a driver's dilemma

It's funny how God puts things in perspective for you when you don't even realize it.  I'm driving down the highway of life.  While on my travels, I've been praying for something for a long time, and a possible opportunity to have it has been presented to me.  Now, let's slow down at the intersection.  I'm trying to get to this destination that is filled with riches.  I think I'm supposed to turn left.  I've been trying to go there but for some reason, no one is giving me directions to go there, so I can't exactly...get there.  There is no green light yet, so I'm just waiting at the stop light.  As I wait for my GPS to give me some general direction, an ad pops up on my app telling me there is an opportunity to turn right but it won't lead me to the riches I was intending to get to.  Instead, it's a place where I will find something that may give me more joy than the place with riches.

No turn on red.

Even though I think I want to turn left (where the riches are), there's something about turning right that is appealing.  There is something calling me to go that way.  Gut instinct?

All of a sudden my GPS works and I'm told to make a U-turn and then turn right on a different road.  This will still get me where I wanted to go originally, but all of a sudden I'm not sure I want to go there.  I think I want to take the road less traveled, turn right, and drive down the road to happiness though less riches.

Would I be happy if I turned left?  Possibly.  Or maybe not.  I don't know, but I know I wouldn't regret NOT knowing.  (Does that make sense?)  If I don't turn right, I think I'll regret not trying out the adventure on that side of the road.

With the cross traffic light turning yellow, I all of a sudden realized how much I wanted to turn right.  I'm just waiting for the light to turn green and my GPS will re-direct me.

Maybe that's how God puts things in perspective...

God:  "Oh you want this....? Are you sure?"

He shows me the two options, but side by side I want what HE wants.  I want something that will bear fruit and light.  It may bring less riches for myself, but I know it will bring more joy and peace.  In the end, I'm going to be in the right place...right where I'm meant to be.

Re-routing.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

man of honor

Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph, my friends!  Today is a special day in our Church because we get to celebrate one of the greatest unsung heroes of our faith.  Papa Joe's YES was so crucial, as he was the man chosen to not only foster baby Jesus but to also be the one to protect, provide, and pastor his wife, Mary.  The head of the household is such an important role.  It is one that gets lost in the chaos of today's world.  Godbless the men who stand up and lead the family in faith and holiness.  Thank you for following the footsteps of St. Joseph.  St. Joseph was a strong, silent man who was a great teacher to his son, Jesus.

I'm early because his birthday isn't until next week, but I want to honor the first "St. Joseph" of my life.  He is the first man I loved and one that sets the standards high.  He is a veRy imperfect man, just as all saints have pasts.  By God's grace and awesome plan, my dad was open to the Holy Spirit working in His life.  Conversion of heart led him to not only a life free of drunkenness and tarred lungs, but it brought him to a life where he gets to lead others to Christ.  I don't want to brag too much about this humble man, but his speaking abilities are so engaging.  He really attracts people to a life in Christ.  His advice is based on wisdom, a gift of the Holy Spirit.

My dad is so generous.  God is never outdone in generosity, and he uses my dad to prove that point.  My brother and I are grown adults, but it feels as though I'm insulting him whenever I offer to pay for a meal when we're all together.  My dad wants to provide.

He wants to talk to my brother and myself every day to make sure we are okay.  He watches the news and calls to tell us what drugs to look out for (so we don't get roofied) or how to avoid getting viruses in our computers and cell phones.  He wants to protect.

My dad texts me on Thursday nights of Lent to remind me to not eat meat soon because it will be Friday.  I can call him anytime and ask for any messages from the Lord that he feels inspired to share.  He always has the right words, thank God.  My dad wants to pastor.

This man takes great care of our family.  He is so loving and a blessing.  I'm so honored to have him as my father.  He is ALWAYS supportive and has my back.  If he didn't, I wouldn't have just spent my 7th year anniversary in Los Angeles ;)

Dad worries very very little (at least outwardly) because in any and every situation we face as a family or individuals, he always ends it with "Let God be in control.  Let God's plan and will be done."  I am sure his many "kids" can attest to that.  My dad is not a worry wort and always just leaves it up to the Lord.  This is a great example that I need to always be aware of and follow.  Thank you, dad, for loving us so much and praying for us 24/7.  Haaaappy birthday and cheers to many many more years to come.  I love you.

St. Joseph, please continue to pray for him and all men.  May they see you as a model of patience, humility, strength, and unconditional love.

Lord, it's always in Your hands.

Amen.

Friday, March 6, 2015

last bite

I have a silly story to share, but God speaks to us in these little ways and I want the world to know about it.

I was in line for a sandwich at lunch today.  I had my eye on a beef sandwich...and for some reason really wanted it.  I mean REALLY.  As much as, "Mama Mary, can I get that sandwich?" wanted it haha.  Yeah...don't ask me why.  I don't even know why I wanted it that much.  But anyway, I did ask for it in a prayer as soon as I felt this desire in my heart for it.

I get up to the counter and it was gone :(  Sad face indeed.  I figured it wasn't meant to be and just looked for the next best sandwich...turkey with bacon (nom....bacon).

As I got my sandwich, my friend looks at it and says, "Oh that looks good!"  I replied, "Yours does too" as I noticed she had one of the beef sandwiches I wanted.  She then proceeded to offer a trade because she felt like she would like mine better.  The only thing is that she doesn't like bacon, so she made me keep that part.

SO WAIT.  I got my beef sandwich AND bacon?!?!

WINNER.

Mother Mary and Jesus canNOT be outdone in generosity.  My heart's desires were not only fulfilled but over flowing with God's love.

I walked away laughing and feeling as if I hit the jackpot.  I realized that I needed to pray on the other desires in my heart that I've been holding on to lately.  He reminded me in this small way that we just need to ask and we shall truly receive.  His blessings do not delay.  Imagine how quickly I got the sandwich just as I thought it was already all gone.  Plus He is ready to give me more than I really want because He wants me to have the best.  Immediately I prayed for a few deep desired intentions.

Lord, hear my prayers.

Thank you, Jesus, for my friend's generosity.  Thank you, Lord, for Your generosity.  Thank you, Mama Mary, for bringing my prayer to Jesus.