Stay with Me

Saturday was the Solemnity of the Annunciation. 

The angel Gabriel brought word to Mary that she would become the Mother of God.  

The words, "Stay with me, Lord" from St. Padre Pio's prayer came to my mind as I reflected on the Annunciation.

I visualized Mary praying a similar prayer after the announcement of her unborn child, the Son of God. 

I began writing what Mary might have been thinking... 

Stay with Me 

I do not know what awaits my Son  

 I pray to my Son - Stay with me 

I do not want to lose him or be separated from him 

 I pray to my Son - Stay with me 

I do not want him to stumble or fall 

 I pray to my Son - Stay with me 

I will not be able to kiss him and make it better 

Again I pray - Stay with me 

I cannot prevent the evil that will kill my Son  

I want to protect Him 

But He does not need protection

He is the Son of God 

Still I pray

Stay with me 

I will look at my Son and my heart will be pierced

Through tears I pray  - Stay with me 

His crowned head pressed close to my heart 

In the silence of my heart - Stay with me 

But for now I'll keep him safe inside of me

Stay with me in my heart forever 

Painting by Erin K. McAtee 

Provide Peace

I'll be honest and admit I wasn't sure how to write a blog about peace. 

I feel like I am always searching for peace. 

Seeking and not finding. 

On the Solemnity of St. Joseph the word "provide" stood out to me as I read from my Lenten Companion and listened to the Pray 40 Lent Challenge on the Hallow app. 

Yes, the word stood out to me from both sources!

God will provide! 

I took my journal with me to Praise and Worship Monday night and wrote down the song lyric,

"I am the peace the world cannot give." 

The things that promise peace in this world will only last a moment.  

If we receive the false peace the world wants to give us, we miss the opportunity to receive what God desires to give us which is true and everlasting peace. 

"I am the One you are searching for. I am the One who can fill the emptiness inside... In Jesus, we come to see that we are searching for Someone not something... Trust His desires for you... So why not ask? Ask for freedom. Ask for peace. Ask for joy. Ask for more." Ascension Lent Companion Year A - A Personal Encounter with the Power of the Gospel

The Prince of Peace will provide! 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

For the Joy of it

"I shall say it a million times: if we truly wish to be saints, it is more a question of joy than of suffering. And how beautiful sanctity is when considered in this way!" Venerable Mother Mary Magdalen of Jesus in the Eucharist 

The Fruit of the Spirit I want to focus on today is Joy!

This morning I went to Mass and the word "Joy" was used in the song we sang. 

Total affirmation for this blog! 

Matthew Kelly suggests to make a list of 10 ordinary things that bring you joy. 

Here are my 10 ordinary things that give me joy! 

1. Quality time with Friends and Family

2. The sun-shining 

3. Reading a good book

4. Taking a bath

5. Listening to Music 

6. The Hallow App

7. Clean laundry

8. Writing

9. Cooking

10. Laughing

We can find joy in the ordinary things.

However, our true joy is found in Jesus.

In the Eucharist. 

What can you do today just for the joy of it? 

Today I enjoyed lunch at C'est la V's with my mom and dear friend Kathy Riener. I even tried something new on the menu for lunch! I tried the "Moe" with gluten-free bread and it was delicious! 10/10 recommend! Check out C'est la V's Facebook Page! 

No Greater LOVE

It's been a while since I last blogged. I have been busy with my two bible study groups and volunteer work. 

 Lent is flying by but it has been a fruitful Lent! 

I thought it would be a cool idea to blog on each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

The Fruits of the Spirit are: 

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.    

Today I will blog about Love.

Last night I invited my friends over to watch the Mother Teresa movie, No Greater Love. 

I have seen this documentary three times, and every time, I am blown away!

Mother Teresa was the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ. 

Everyone she met, she looked at with eyes of love. 

Mother Teresa poured out love, even when she herself didn't feel love. 

She gave and she loved even when it hurt. 

I am inspired by Mother Teresa in so many ways... 

Her example of love moves my heart. 

My prayer is to look at each person with eyes of love. 

Mother Teresa was filled with the Fruits of the Spirit.

 Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. 

I have no doubt she could not have done all that she did without the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

She received all that God was giving her and she shared it with the world. 

She did everything with love.

Love was Mother Teresa's greatest gift to the world. 

No Greater Love.