Inner Strength

Psalm 138:3
When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.

How often do we instinctively cry out to God for help? Seems to happen quite frequently…at least with me. Seems we have a built-in need for Something bigger than us…Someone Who will always be for us…Someone Who would never leave us. Isn’t it interesting that this desire is “built-in“? Could it be that God loves nothing more than to come running to be with us in times of need? Yes…it’s true! Even when all seems lost…God is with us. As a matter of fact…God doesn’t come running because God is already here…in the fabric of your being…as close as your breath. Find strength and comfort in that.

Suggested song of the day—“I Will Give You Rest” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

Chosen

John 15:16
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.”

We all start out in life believing that we are the center of the universe and all things are here to cater to our every whim. It’s a good way to start out. Babies need constant care and attention to know they are loved and accepted. But as we grow we come to realize that we are not the center of the world. That takes “dying to yourself”…letting go of egocentric desires…and coming to know that God is at the center of all that is. It is not about me and my story…but about God and God’s story. Each of us was loved into existence by God to be tiny reflections of the One who made us. Each of us was chosen to be a unique reflection of our Loving Source…to bear the unique fruit that only each of us can bear and then to share it with all. Each of us is called to take part in the cosmic dance of creation.

Suggested song of the day—“Shall We Sing” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

The Only Thing That Matters

John 15:12
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

This one line is enough to keep each of us busy the rest of our lives without judging anyone else. Each of us is commanded to love one another…and that means everyone…even the ones who give us a hard time. Even our enemies! Jesus gave us the model for being human. He loved even when he was persecuted. He loved even when he was nailed to a cross. Jesus looked down from the cross at His persecutors and said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They had not even asked for forgiveness! Each of us has turned our backs on Christ. Each of us has chosen to put our ego-centric desires first. This same Christ looks at us and says, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Sit for a moment and reflect on the amazing, unconditional, saving love of God for you. Allow it to transform you…and pass it on!

Suggested song of the day—“May I Be Light” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

Sing Your Song

Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; announce his salvation day after day.

Ever listen to the birds in the morning? It’s like they awaken and immediately joyfully announce with all their being, “I am!” Each moment is a gift. Each breath is a gift. Each experience of our senses is a gift. God loved each of us into existence. Each of us is meant to be a unique reflection of our loving Creator. There is nothing we can do to merit God’s love. We do not have to prove ourselves worthy of God’s love. God’s love is freely given! Live in this knowledge. It will be your salvation. Allow it to set you free. Your very life will become a new song in praise of God!

Suggested song of the day—“Sing a New Song” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

Love Connection

John 15:5
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”

Jesus said that God is the vine grower and He is the vine. Each one of us is like a branch from that vine. When we are conscious of this divine connection and live in that consciousness we are truly living in the will of God. It is living in a constant flow of love and acceptance. However, when our egos take over and life becomes all about me…my will…my plan…then we are not consciously connected to the Vine. My own “private salvation project” as Thomas Merton called it will not lead to life that lasts (branches with fruit)…but to dead-ends (withered branches). Don’t forget that Jesus also says that God will prune the branches that bear fruit. That means that there will be some painful struggles that will lead to bearing even more fruit…if we remain consciously connected to the vine. How? By being present to God in all things, through silent prayer and meditation, receiving the sacraments and using your gifts and talents in the service of building God’s kingdom.

Suggested song of the day—“Breathe On Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

Way of Transformation

Acts 14:22
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

Paul and Barnabus were rallying the followers of Jesus in the aftermath of His death and resurrection. It was not easy to be a follower of Christ. Paul had literally been stoned earlier but somehow survived. Just because you are following Jesus does not mean an easy path as Jesus had warned that His followers would be persecuted. But following Christ is the path that leads to life. It means walking with my cross like He did. It means going through the struggles of life with Christ as my companion. It is the path of dying to myself…my false, ego-centered self, so that my true self can rise. Jesus showed us the path that leads to growth, transformation, wholeness and becoming our true selves. It’s the process where you begin to experience the kingdom of God. Surrender your control to God…let Christ lead you…and amazing, life-giving things will happen.

Suggested song of the day—“I Want to Follow You” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

Knowing God

John 14:7
“If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

We all have wrestled with the concept of “God.” Who is our Creator? This is all in the realm of mystery…so beware of people who have it all figured out! We see how people tried to get a handle on God all throughout the Old Testament. God seemed somewhat vindictive and harsh. This is because they were mirroring their own vindictiveness and harshness on God! Then we have Jesus telling his followers that you can know God…if you know Him. Is Jesus vindictive and harsh? No. Is Jesus arrogant, critical, judgmental and condemning? No. Jesus is loving, merciful, forgiving and compassionate. He reaches out and spends time with those who are “sinners.” The only ones Jesus does criticize are the Pharisees…the religious leaders who are always holding people to the letter of the law. If you are a sinner (and who isn’t!) then Jesus wants to be with you. That is Who God Is. This is Good News!

Suggested song of the day—“Salvation” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!