Summary: Session TWO--Early World Part 1

Ok, ready to move onward? Remember that in this incredibly fast-paced but densely packed session, we went from the Set-up, to the Fall, to the beginning of Salvation history! There's SO much here that we could literally spend EONS on just these three chapters!! BUT, alas! this is just an intro to our story. We are going to "alight" upon the key parts of God's marvelous work since the creation of the world (as Cavins used to say: "like a butterfly resting upon and tasting of a few flowers as it visits the many huge fields that lay before it"). This is all about God's work in His unfathomable desire to make ALL men and women HIS children!

Here we go: Bottomline Truths for Session TWO:

(note: these are the things that stood out most powerfully to ME! So please please please add your thoughts, your musings, your "pearls" and aha! moments in a new POST or a new COMMENT!! I'm BEGGING you!!!)

Q1:  ONE CREATOR: ONE GOD FROM WHOM ALL THINGS WERE MADE 

Other Truths brought forth were that His WORDS are LIFE, POWER, TRUTH, AND AUTHORITY (also, by the way, the same things attributed to Jesus--the Living Word...aha!).  Also, that God is a God of order, deliberate thought, precision, completion and purpose. He ponders, creates, evaluates, then affirms. 

Q2:  TRUTH:  OUR SOUL IS OUR "IMAGE-OF-GOD" DISTINCTIVENESS

Corollary 1: in our own nature, He unites the material and the spiritual world--we are at once, corporeal AND spiritual, bound in ONE nature; in His image, we are capable of self-knowledge, self-possession, and of FREELY giving of oneself through FREE WILL and CHOICE with the capability for reason and understanding and deliberate action (ie not just animal instinct), loving and being loved in unity with each other, creation, and with God.  Also, although individually complete in all other ways, only in partnership can male and female unite to form "one flesh" and in this manner only, transmit human life. However, only the third "party" in this union (i.e. God) can transmit the soul. Thus we are made complete in the flesh by our human counterpart and in the spirit by our God! (whoa...still mind blowing to me. So totally cool.) 

Corollary 2: God so loved us that HE put His image within us--and did everything so that WE could share life eternally with...in...through...Him.

ok, so I have to say here that I LOVED CCC 358:

God created everything FOR man, but man in turn was created to serve and love God AND TO OFFER ALL CREATION BACK TO HIM:

"What is it that is about to be created, that enjoys such honor? It is man--that great and wonderful living creature, more precious in the eyes of God than all other creatures! For him the heavens and the earth, the sea and all the rest of creation exist. God attached so much importance to his salvation that He did not spare His own Son for the sake of man. Nor does He ever cease to work, trying every possible means, until He has raised man up to Himself and made him sit at His right hand." (St John Chrysostom)

Makes me go down in wonder and awe in the wonder of His love...for us!

Q3:  TRUTH:  GOD TAUGHT US "SELAH" (TO PAUSE AND REFLECT; to settle and 'let take root'; to REST and to ALLOW rest)

Corollary:  When God, as God, created the world, even He set aside time to ponder, REST IN and enjoy the greatness of His work, and perhaps even "swear Himself to" His creation in the perpetual covenant relationship of the Sabbath. We too, in His image, need to set aside time to do the same--not of OUR creation, since we are NOT God, but of HIS. 

I loved how CCC 2172 says:

"...the sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a respite. IT IS A DAY OF PROTEST AGAINST SERVITUDE OF WORK AND THE WORSHIP OF MONEY..."

whoa...selah on that one, ladies!

Q4: TRUTH:  SATAN WORKS HIS SCHEMES OVER MAN THROUGH DISTORTION, MISREPRESENTATION AND DECEPTION.

The rebellion of sin of any sort and on any level comes out of the seduction to "be like God" but "without God, before God, and not in accordance with God" (CCC398). The abuse of our "free will and choice" by choosing to walk away from God and apart from His nature in any situation comes primarily from OUR lack of trust in HIS goodness--and our decision to therefore "disobey" and literally "go it on our own".

We talked about the methods Satan used to "entice" Eve into a new and convincing perspective and "intentional rebellion":

-Undermine God's authority and wisdom and GOODNESS for her

-Weaken her FAITH in God

-Plant a SEED OF DOUBT in her mind--about God's intent, His motivation, the quality of His LOVE!

-Speak to her with FALSE AUTHORITY, presenting deceitful thoughts/ideas/acts before her and to her as if they were right and good

We also talked about HOW THESE STILL STAND TODAY in our daily and moment-to-moment battles and struggles...with the lies we believe about ourselves, about others, and even, perhaps, about God's goodness and plan for us and those we call beloved...!

Q5: TRUTH: SATAN IS A LIAR AND ALL OF HIS OFFERS ARE COUNTERFEIT

Not even sure what else I can add to this Truth. There's the whole aspect of why Lucifer fell in the first place and then why he hates God and man so much that he would constantly battle for our souls to NOT be with God eternally. But I think that's a discussion for another day.

Q6: TRUTH: STEPPING OUTSIDE OF GOD'S LIFE, LIGHT, AND LOVE OPENS THE DOOR IN US TO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT IS, WELL, NOT GOD.

We talked about how everything that is God and is of God, can be found in 1 Cor 13--the Love chapter. So, the immediate consequence of any movement, any thought, any breath, any word or work outside of God's light and love is...well, anything and everything we can imagine that is not...and more! These include things like losing one's true identity to shame, blame, condemnation, the darkness of fear, guilt, pride, selfishness...death of the soul, the light and life within us, the blinding of our thoughts and perceptions, etc

Q7: TRUTH: FOR EVERY TERRIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE, THE GOD WHO LOVES US BEYOND IMAGINATION ALREADY HAS A PLAN OF REDEMPTION TO BRING US BACK HOME

"Far from abandoning His wayward children, God announces a resolution to the problem (of our fall)...the very humans through whom Satan sought to attack God, (the very humans) who folded without a whimper against his first onslaught, will crush the Serpant's head. This pronouncement in Genesis 3:15 of ultimate victory is knows as the protoevangelium--"first gospel." (Cavins)... or, as he mentions in the dvd: "the first Good News!"

I love what Cavins says about love--and how God, in His great and unending love for us "turns" our bad into something so much better than good--a learning through our yearning, and a resolution through our lack: 

"And yet, at the heart of love, is the willingness to suffer and even die for the one loved. What better way to learn this than to suffer for love, for work, and for food--to suffer and learn that out of giving oneself comes new life."

Truly, we can see how, with this incredible pronouncement, God's promise to never abandon us (Joshua 1:9, Psalm 139), to work all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28), to graft us back into His fold (Eph 2:11-13,19, Eph 3:6, Rom 11:17-24), to save us from ourselves (John 3:16-17) all starts for us...here. This, ladies, is the beginning of our salvation story!

How awesome is that!

COROLLARY: when I choose to go it alone, I intentionally decline my union with God...along with all of that which comes in union with and in Him. We talked about how when I decide to separate myself from God's nature and His plan, declining my full union with and in God, it necessarily leads me to lean upon Me, Myself and I for fulfillment of desire, needs, wants, etc. I loved what Cavins says in his DVD: to satisfy my own desire IS the desire that will drive me...and I will seek to be fulfilled by things NOT good enough, never good enough, UNTIL I RETURN TO GOD AND MAKE HIS DESIRES MINE!

In another study, we are learning how this shift of dependency from God and onto...self or another person or something--invariably results in eventual disappointment and limited success...almost always with a feeling of lack and less than--a restlessness in our spirit. The author of that study says: "Significant rest comes to the soul when we accept that God alone is in charge...Trust in God is not a place of refuge to which the believer can retreat--or hide--from turmoil and the disappointments of the world. Trust in God is what we do IN the turmoil of life!"

Q8: TRUTH: SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST IS PARADISE REGAINED

In the Messianic Age, all that God has promised from the beginning is fulfilled through Christ's redemptive acts of incarnation in man, fellowship among man, sacrifice for and as man and resurrection and indwelling once again in man. What was lost in the Garden through our parents' first fall away from God, is restored in Christ and His kingdom within us and around us!

FINAL APPLICATIONS:

(I think I caught most of what everyone said for this one, but just in case, make sure to write in and add whatever I might have missed.) 

Ways we "hide from the Presence of God":

-Not making time for God. By not being intentional in time set aside for and with God, essentially in whatever space of my life that I might separate myself from Him, I become "clouded" in my discernment, "dulled" in my spiritual senses, "deafened" to His voice, "unaware" of His hands, "incapable" of participating knowingly in His plans for myself and for others

-Not standing accountable for my actions. Blaming others, not being self-aware (or being unwilling to be self-aware)

-Listening to sources other than God. We talked about how "sin" and "temptations" will not always look "ugly" to us! We must always be on our guard for distortion of Truth and misrepresentation of Truth...and truly recognize HIS quiet voice amongst the cacophony of voices clamoring for our attention--in our heads and in the world around us. To whom are we listening??

-Not calling upon God when I am unsure. The HolySpirit within us will put a "check on our hearts" when we are about to move into "wrong" territory. Whether we call it conscience or whatever, God is within us to guide us, shore us up, protect us, encourage and strengthen us...but to whom are we listening and whose desire reigns within us...especially when "we" already have a plan in mind about how to do it "our" way!

-Allowing the deceptions and distortions of the Enemy to literally baste us in lies...about ourselves, about God, about others. Shame, guilt, fear, doubt, anger, etc all prevent us from loving--and from being loved.

-Forgetting that WE HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE. With every step we take, every breath we breathe, every thought we have, we have a choice to make...it may not be the "right one" all the time, but God promises that through Him, with Him and in Him, we CAN have the power to stand and repent, to stand and withstand, to stand and just, well, STAND (Rom 6:13). All it takes is finally, gradually, always hoping in Truth, working toward full partnership with and in Him, knowing that HIS word and His WORD will be complete in each one of us.Trusting in HIS goodness...no matter what!

Ok--that's it for me! Please please please add your comments, or better yet--write a new POST!! It doesn't have to be as long as this--just a few words or sentences to continue to discussion and let us know what thoughts the HolySpirt placed upon your heart and in your minds for this week!

Prayers for steadfastness and courage to plod on!!

Genesis 4-11 is our new assignment.

REMEMBER: NO CLASS NEXT WEEK (Schools are off for Yom Kippur)!!

love

maggie

Welcome back, everyone!

Hi o Wonderful and Wonder-filled Red Tent Sisters!! Welcome back to a new year of study!!

So! Like, WOW--what a mind-blowing, spirit-moving, further-thought-provoking discussion we had on Wednesday, yes? I truly believe that the room was literally filled with His Spirit as we gathered in His Name to ponder and question--and ponder again!--the many facets of this lesson, the details of our faith's understanding, the hidden "corners" of our own thinking that drive our perspectives and, sometimes, our mis-concepts! But before I start our summary, I wanted to thank everyone for your patience and willingness: the openness of everyone's hearts and minds was so evident--despite some of the wonderfully confusing AND awesome concepts that we bumped into, tripped over and began to deliberately focus upon and consider--those truly mind-bending, heart-changing, and clarifying concepts that maybe, just maybe, we are beginning to...grasp!  So! Let's just remember for now that our Lord is bringing us back to the beginning SO THAT our foundation in Him is strong and steadfast...which can ONLY happen if our beliefs are based solidly upon HIS Truths, knowing HIS intent, following HIS purpose...trusting in Him and in HIS great plan of love--for US! 

When I finally threw in the towel during class as I furiously--and unsuccessfully--tried to take notes for this summary, I decided that the best way to "summarize" is to do as we did during our first run of this study: break down the questions and answers to the basic Truth it is teaching. In this way, we can keep our focus upon the main threads the HolySpirit may be trying to tie together for us--and help us not lose the forest for the trees. I know that all along the way, there will be definitional issues that may slow us up a bit--but I don't really consider them a distraction so much as a reflection of where we are along our journey, and how we each in our own way discover and uncover the many facets of our understanding...of God AND of ourselves.  And besides, in order to receive the Truths brought forth from a time not familiar to us (unfathomable to our current conceptions of even an ancient world) and upon which understanding has been determined and furthered by ages and ages of the sage and VERY hard debate among our many generations of forefathers, it will be imperative that we work our way through those issues that may distract us enough to prevent our grasp of the Truth within the story--and let go of the ones that, well, don't really matter so much...for now anyway!  

For instance, it is difficult to grasp the Truths within the creation story if we cannot get past the issue of the existence of a from-the-beginning-of-beginnings Triune God; or the Truths within the events in Paradise if we cannot get past the issue of the existence of Adam and Eve or even, perhaps on some levels, of the existence of Satan. Or, we can falter for a while as we try to fill in the cracks like when we posed for speculation on Wednesday: why WAS the tree in the 'middle of the garden' and not somewhere 'protected from harm's way'? or, where IS the soul--and what is the difference between the "soul" and the "spirit"?? and, then there's the question of "wait, what did we lose in the garden? What IS original holiness and original justice anyway--and why is that important to me now?? Oh, and btw where was Adam in all of this???" And, of course it doesn't help when one bible says "God" and another says "gods" (egads!!) ok, ok, we get the picture. But anyway, some of these, we will place in our "parking lot" for more in-depth conversation later (Yay for Fr Javier!!), but others we will necessarily stop and consider sooner, or even right away if possible, so that we can better grasp the relationship of man with and in God from the beginning of our story with Him. Just so we all know--no matter in what way we work through these concepts--or when--and whether it comes through intellectual understanding, fund-of-knowledge enhancement, or basic acceptance upon blind faith "for now", I am absolutely confident that our diligence in the study of all that is of the Lord will only strengthen our faith and fill us with a knowledge of God that is truly able to "move mountains" (or mulberry trees!!)...and hearts! 

Amen? Amen!

And finally, as we bumble our way through class "procedure", I am absolutely confident that HIS Spirit will drive us in the direction we need to go--and that He does not plan on losing a single one of us along the way. We will see how to best manage our time during class to provide for discussion and maybe even the DVD--so don't despair! God WILL provide--and lead us--in His faithfulness to us. In the meantime, I am hoping that everyone has had a chance to watch the DVD on your own this week. Please speak up and let us know what hit you--what questions were answered and what new thoughts were brought up--by the DVD presentation.

Ok so this has gotten pretty long already, so I am going to finish up here, and then start the summary as a new POST. But what I'd like us to remember is something Cavins said when we first embarked on our journey through the bible:

"Meeting Christ is the whole point of the whole bible... and, it is the whole point of our lives! He IS the secret to life! If we can understand that the bible is NOT a dead book about the past, but a living letter from God--to US--in this present moment...only then can we openly receive the living words HE is speaking to us! For this is not just a book; this is a love letter, written by God Almighty, to YOU, the individual...not just "junk mail" addressed to Dear Occupant! 
God says to each one of us "I have called you by name. You are mine!" (Is 43:1 and reiterated in John 15:16). The words "I love you" are words that change us when we hear them spoken to us. Just as Jesus revealed to each person He met not only Himself, but also themselves in a new way, so this book reveals both God AND ourselves. It is a mirror."

So--ready to embark on our journey through Salvation History? Let's get moving!!

See you soon in a later post!

love
maggie

Thoughts from our July interim session

What a crazy wonderful and wonder-filled meeting last night! Thank you, Helen, for hosting our gathering in your sweet welcoming home and sheltering us through the torrential storms last night! It was SO nice to see everyone who could come and join us...and share in the yummies that, once again, overflowed the tables and counters, and more than overfilled our tummies!! Thank you, Red Tent Sisters!!

So, I loved the diversity of responses to the book--from a definitive thumbs down to quite a few ecstatic both hands up! We were reminded that, in contrast to our usual "bible/scripture" study gatherings, this was a "book club" gathering, where differing opinions and feedback (both positive and negative) to the author's style, presentation, choice of words and phrasing (and liberal use of HUGE font!! lol) are great jumping off points for debate and agreement-to-disagree without judgment or condemnation.  I absolutely loved listening to everyone's perspective of the writing so that I could try to grasp why I did (or didn't!) feel the same way! It was an awesome exercise in self-awareness and perspective adjustment!

I also loved how some of us were impacted from the very beginning, some took a little while to warm up to it and then got totally engrossed, some kinda just held on with mild curiosity maybe ending with more of the same questions unanswered until the very end, while some maybe took a second read-through to get past whatever was bothering or blocking the first time around (ok ok that was me, I admit it!).

But, even better, I loved how, despite our potential differences in opinion about how much we loved (or didn't love) the writing, the presentation, the font! (lol) we all pretty much landed in the same arena when it came to hearing/finding/uncovering his bottomline message: the rippling and deeply effectual impact that occurs when we CHOOSE to WILLINGLY and FULLY (100%) partner WITH and IN God to make the most of every moment (however small), every breath (however quick), every thought (however fleeting), every act/word/step (however seemingly mundane or routine or un-special!)...even when it's hard or uncomfortable...or boring. Or scary.  Or not so timely. Or downright impinging upon the mediocrity in which I am wallowing right now!! (HAH!) 

Now THAT was HolySpirit stuff, yes?  

I also REALLY loved how each and every one tried really hard to hear what the message could bring into our own lives, to change something in our own perspective, to transform something within our own heart...and so be better able to live whatever part of the "bottomline message" the HOLY SPIRT desired to impress upon us! And that is where we fell nicely back into our usual "bible/scripture study fashion"...and THAT, ladies, was beautiful!!

Of course, I am still thinking about how the book impacted me--and how the HolySpirit might still be trying to work some of the MANY in-between or "lead-up" or "follow-up" messages into my heart.  And that is where I would love to hear from everyone in this thread or in a new post.  Write in and share what part of the message or the book impacted/spoke into you the most.

For me, it was the usual "relationship building" pearl.  When the author asked "How available ARE you to God at this moment? 20 percent? 50 percent? 80 percent? 96.4 percent? What prevents you from being 100% available to Him 100% of the time?" I was flabbergasted.  And I realized that even in my smallest most "mundane" moments, it only takes a millisecond--a mere "interruption" in thought--to literally lift my soul and my mind, my heart and my spirit into HIS hands...and make myself "available".  To hear.  To listen.  To desire.  To do...or sometimes, it's not so much "to do" as it is just merely..."to be".  And so, begin to turn every moment of "ordinary" into God-infused "extra-ordinary"!

How can I learn to differentiate HIS voice from the cacophony of voices around me and in my own head (mainly MINE!!) unless I learn to willingly step into HIS room and HIS heart 100% of the time...!

Anyway, when I awoke this morning, THIS was in my inbox! (of course!) So I thought I would share.

Comment away--or start a new post and share what is in your heart from this book!!

love

maggie

Our Extra-Ordinary Calling

by Alexandra Hoover

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB) I walked in through the door, exhausted from a long day of work. Traffic added to the stress of my day, as well as a handful of letdowns and hard conversations. It seemed as if disappointment was following me from one meeting to the next.  The day not only reminded me of all my unmet expectations in my career and dreams, but also poured salt over an open and hurting wound. I thought to myself, Alex, is this what life is all about? Is this it? Discouraged, I continued to press on through my day.  Putting my things down at the door, I hurried to let our babysitter leave for the day. I was grateful for her — how she loved on my kids and stepped into her job so well with our family. My babies ran up to me, excited and eager to tell me all about the ups and downs of their day. I waved goodbye to our sitter and commenced what I like to call, “the afternoon shuffle.” Then I made my way to the kitchen to prep for dinner. Deep breaths, I said to my weary soul.  I was quickly met with a resounding yet subtle conviction, an alerting from the Holy Spirit about my current heart posture.  I was so angry with my day, with dreams that seemed so far away, and I wanted God to tell me that my ordinary life was going to get better somehow. I wanted a whisper of, “Your dreams are coming.” Instead, He quieted my soul by giving me something I needed, a refreshing of His heart for me. I heard Him whisper, “That’s where I do My best work — in the ordinary.” It’s in the mundane, in the calling of your day-to-day. The Scripture of the Great Commission came to mind instantly. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” I began to understand that my calling wasn’t what I thought it was. I wanted God to tell me which job I needed to be working and which dream of mine He would bless so I could be “walking in my calling.” Yet in reality, whatever I choose to do with my life, whatever job I am blessed with, is right where God wants me and where He uses me and my gifts to make disciples and grow His Kingdom. It’s His greatest dream for all of us. My desire to be in my calling started to make sense, and my job and mothering suddenly began to look different to me. They were ministry, and God had called me to it.  And what better teacher to follow and learn from than Jesus? His greatest ministry was in the day-to-day, where He met the most ordinary people in the most ordinary places, offering them all an extraordinary life, simply because He’s a good and loving God. And He’s still in the business of doing that with us today. It’s the greatest calling of all — to live in our “everyday-ness” of life as a light, as a conduit to God’s bigger and more beautiful story. Just like my babysitter uses her gifts to bless our family, I use my gifts to bless God, to glorify Him. This is our most beautiful call. Let's answer it and steward it well. Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us in and calling us to be part of Your family and story. Remind our hearts while we’re living in the mundane day-to-day that we’re right where You want us, living on mission to build Your Kingdom. Give us endurance and strength as we steward our gifts well for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY Proverbs 19:21, “Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the LORD’s decree will prevail.” (CSB) Proverbs 21:21, “The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” (CSB) Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (CSB)

Dreaming Amidst the Shattered Glass

HI Ladies!

Woohoo!! It's been SUCH a long time since we've posted anything! Now that I have had some respite from (minor) medical issues and (major) travel, I am truly wondering: How is everyone doing? Where has everyone been wandering lately? Warm soul-healing places? I hope so! I am truly looking forward to meeting up with anyone who can come this week--I am literally PARCHED for some thirst-quenching fellowship in Red Tent Sister-hood!!

So, here's hoping that everyone has been able to get through the reading for this week's book club gathering (Matthew Kelly's book: The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity). I have certainly been thinking hard about what spoke to me...and what didn't! But, after having mused over, mulled over, seriously considered and reconsidered my thoughts, this popped up in my inbox. And I was thinking that what I really took from the book can be summed up by this little commentary. Loved the verses it brought to me throughout the article and especially in the end.

Anyway, thought I would share! Enjoy and let me know what you think about the book--especially if you can't make it to our gathering this week!

love

maggie

Dreaming Amidst the Shattered Glass

by Meredith Houston Carr

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)  It had been a particularly exhausting day. My special needs son was driving me a special kind of crazy. My daughters couldn’t share a single toy without erupting into ear-piercing shrieks. The to-do list multiplied. So in an effort to preserve my unraveling sanity and restore order, I called a time-out for each child. But my son didn’t see this time-out as a good thing. Emotion overwhelmed him, and he struggled to regulate the storm in his unique, autistic mind. In a flash, he grabbed a framed baby picture and hurled it onto the bathroom floor. Hard tile met fragile glass in a clash with no winner — only hundreds of jagged shards. After ensuring his safety and cleaning up the mess, I stared at that picture. Shattered glass lay in random bits and pieces across the image of my husband and me, gazing at our son’s newborn perfection. Hot tears bubbled up and spilled over, with liquid pain pouring down my face. This broken picture symbolized a deeper brokenness permeating my heart, for glass wasn’t the only thing to shatter in that moment. My dreams of what it would be like to mother this sweet boy shattered, too. The new mom in that picture never imagined autism becoming a part of her story. In agony, I cried out to my heavenly Father, and in His unceasing kindness, He brought to mind today’s key verse: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Those words, “immeasurably more,” pierced my aching heart. I was gently convicted of the small box I’d put God into — how I’d inadvertently transferred my own narrow vision of motherhood to Him.  In my pain, God opened my eyes to the reality that His plans reach far beyond what my fallible eyes can see. He overwhelmed my heart with love for moms and dads who, like me, face shattered dreams of their own. He infused me with hope that perhaps my pain could be the very thing that draws me into a deeper, sweeter fellowship with Him and with others facing a similar heartache. And He graciously reminded me that even when I’m staring down circumstances that likely will not change, He can always change me. His joy and hope stand freely available, even as I tiptoe along the broken path. When our dreams fall apart, it’s hard to imagine something better is possible. But the truth in today’s key verse gives us a powerful promise we can cling to in the face of disintegrating plans. Shattered dreams are no reason to stop dreaming. Because of His great power at work within us, we can keep on dreaming. For where we see brokenness, God sees “immeasurably more” than even our wildest dreams! Dear one, God is bigger than your greatest heartache and most shattering disappointment. He is undoubtedly good — even when your path is littered with broken glass. Broken glass is not the end of your story. Indeed, it may very well be the beginning. Today, may we humbly, and with hearts full of hope, bring God our broken pieces. And may we trust Him enough to keep on dreaming. Heavenly Father, thank You for dreaming bigger than we could ever dream for ourselves. Take our shattered glass, and turn it into something beautiful, for our good and Your glory. Help us trust in Your heart of goodness toward us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV) Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (NIV)

Daily Catholic Wisdom

Hello Friends.....Happy Memorial Day!! I was going through some old daily devotional and I came across this one from Daily Catholic Wisdom. My favorite part is at the end....for some reason it stands out to me and is something I'm really thinking about so I wanted to share....
Love and Hugs to all, Carol Ann

But Jesus, the Son of God, loved us so much that he did the most unexpected thing: he freely chose to give up his life for our sake, so that we could be reunited with him. And that’s what love does. It drives us to the most surprising levels of generosity, service, and sacrifice. The God who is love—the God who was so passionately in love with us and so desired to be united to us—was even willing to lay down his life for us. As Saint Catherine of Siena once said, the nails could not have held Jesus to the cross if love had not held him there first.

—Edward Sri from Love Unveiled: The Catholic Faith Explained