I'm not talking about the square root operation or the irrational number. I'm talking about the extreme, not mediocre, not average way to live.
RADICAL.
Pause for a moment and think to yourself what does it mean to you to be radical.
To me it is the courageous and fearless attitude to not conform. Now this could be a two-edged sword. On one hand being radical and not conforming could be a hindrance to unity. But if we are United in the Spirit and the Church and are Radical for Christ then we fearlessly follow Him and are not afraid to stand out against society's suffocation of material, selfishness, and immorality, but courageously and joyfully live who we are which is Radical to society.
It pumps me up to see people of all ages and especially the young thirsting and trying to be Radical for Christ. It's happening. Don't believe me because you don't see it around you? Then you try and be a little radical today. Perhaps you can stand up for someone, something you believe in. Remember that we can be Radical and Not Afraid because Christ sent His Spirit in us. Not I Lord, but You that Live in me. RADICAL!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Communication Received is best Responded with a Smile.
E-mails from spiritual directors, religious sisters, and holy women of God equates to feeling extremely blessed and joyful! :)
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Snow Day.
The world stops for a moment, a morning, an afternoon, a day or two. In this silent and beautiful gift, people of all ages become children again. The excitement of such a mysterious sight, even though science and natural knowledge has long foretold and explained this precipatory event, is still a mystery.
It stirs the hearts of fond memories and days with family and friends celebrating togetherness. Plans are cancelled; care-free timelessness is shared; no longer are we anxious and busy with lists of to-dos. Rather, we are living simply, enjoying what seems to be the "more time in the day" that we always wish for albeit its mocking contradiction to physics.
How can it be so beautiful, so captivating?
It stirs the hearts of fond memories and days with family and friends celebrating togetherness. Plans are cancelled; care-free timelessness is shared; no longer are we anxious and busy with lists of to-dos. Rather, we are living simply, enjoying what seems to be the "more time in the day" that we always wish for albeit its mocking contradiction to physics.
Today we celebrate; a snow day!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Open.
I was talking to a beautiful woman today and the conversation went something like this:
Beautiful Woman: You just have to be open.
Me: Well sure I do and I can say, 'Yes Lord I am open,' but how do you really BE open?
Beautiful Woman: To be open is to read God in every day.
Ahh.. Being open to God is surely all of those things that you already know. Being patient, listening, and most of all trusting. But when perhaps you feel you are already doing all of those things it comes to your intention and your outlook. Where is God today?
He is EVERYWHERE. So in what ways is He speaking to you?
Be aware of them. Give God the Glory for them.
"And the Word became Flesh."
HE is present today. HE is in one another and HE is the author of all, writing a story right now. Enjoy. :)
Beautiful Woman: You just have to be open.
Me: Well sure I do and I can say, 'Yes Lord I am open,' but how do you really BE open?
Beautiful Woman: To be open is to read God in every day.
Ahh.. Being open to God is surely all of those things that you already know. Being patient, listening, and most of all trusting. But when perhaps you feel you are already doing all of those things it comes to your intention and your outlook. Where is God today?
He is EVERYWHERE. So in what ways is He speaking to you?
Be aware of them. Give God the Glory for them.
"And the Word became Flesh."
HE is present today. HE is in one another and HE is the author of all, writing a story right now. Enjoy. :)
Monday, December 06, 2010
HOLY SPIRIT!!!
No really, If my heart could explode on to this page (screen) I'm not even sure if it would come close to the magnitude the Holy Spirit consumes my life and the lives of those I love and am surrounded by.
Especially in light that the Holy Spirit is the Spouse of Mary (and the by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived a son, Jesus), it is beautiful to focus on the Holy Spirit as an indwelling in us. Ya know, "through Him, with Him, IN Him, IN the unity of the Holy Spirit..." In fact we are consumed with that same indwelling and in a sense are pregnant too, pregnant with the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we can be heavy hearted or feel that we are bearing a heavy load especially as a deadline, climax, or radical conversion point approaches. Well in fact we are. We, like Mary, are pregnant, long-expecting, bearing a load that may be trying but produces fruit like none before. The fruit we produce is the Fruit of the Spirit by the Gifts of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit has conceived in us by the Grace of Himself that is the Spirit while Mary produces THE Fruit of the World, Jesus Christ Our Lord.
So, we too, say YES and receive and then give of that Gift so that the Fruit in our lives and for our lives is a resounding hymn that speaks of our gratitude for Him.
All Glory Be to God, the Holy Spirit.
No really, If my heart could explode on to this page (screen) I'm not even sure if it would come close to the magnitude the Holy Spirit consumes my life and the lives of those I love and am surrounded by.
Especially in light that the Holy Spirit is the Spouse of Mary (and the by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived a son, Jesus), it is beautiful to focus on the Holy Spirit as an indwelling in us. Ya know, "through Him, with Him, IN Him, IN the unity of the Holy Spirit..." In fact we are consumed with that same indwelling and in a sense are pregnant too, pregnant with the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we can be heavy hearted or feel that we are bearing a heavy load especially as a deadline, climax, or radical conversion point approaches. Well in fact we are. We, like Mary, are pregnant, long-expecting, bearing a load that may be trying but produces fruit like none before. The fruit we produce is the Fruit of the Spirit by the Gifts of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit has conceived in us by the Grace of Himself that is the Spirit while Mary produces THE Fruit of the World, Jesus Christ Our Lord.
So, we too, say YES and receive and then give of that Gift so that the Fruit in our lives and for our lives is a resounding hymn that speaks of our gratitude for Him.
All Glory Be to God, the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Blessed in the Ordinary
Today was just a beautiful day of ordinary events.
I came to realize that all of the happenings of my life today were extremely ordinary, routine, day-to-day occurrences but the fact that I get to experience them is quite extraordinary. I am so blest! I don't think I can stress that enough.
It started with Mass (in communion with Awesome Saints like St. Andrew!), then prayer and Adoration (silence and time to gaze at The Most Beautiful, Christ Himself), followed by filling up my car with gas and grocery shopping filling my cart half with fall produce of 3 types of squashes and eggplant the other half with cheese and a little turkey and sausage and bread (how fortunate am I to leisurely grocery shop and run errands and not worry about not having food to eat or any means to go to work), next came dropping off the recycling (it's nice to feel like a good citizen of Mother Earth), and then to the post office (mailing packages to make someone smile always feels good), then breakfast (fed when most people in the world go hungry), work (yay for helping students understand Calculus), sending e-mails (the invention of the internet connects us and makes us able to progress so rapidly; it's incredible), quick hello to the roommate who was making dinner for both of us, prayer with Jesus exposed, dinner with the most amazing roommate with no other distractions and then a fun conversation of reliving our junior high and high-school days that made us feel like little girls again, a cookie and a brownie and a glass of milk for her and i respectively and off to bed for her and a little math homework for me and then prayer and bed.
I almost want to cry how simple but Beautiful it truly was. This day didn't have any life-changing moments or super-memorable points for years to come but it also didn't have any struggles, drama, tension, or difficulties. Today was such a gift from God who Loved me in each little moment and event.
I came to realize that all of the happenings of my life today were extremely ordinary, routine, day-to-day occurrences but the fact that I get to experience them is quite extraordinary. I am so blest! I don't think I can stress that enough.
It started with Mass (in communion with Awesome Saints like St. Andrew!), then prayer and Adoration (silence and time to gaze at The Most Beautiful, Christ Himself), followed by filling up my car with gas and grocery shopping filling my cart half with fall produce of 3 types of squashes and eggplant the other half with cheese and a little turkey and sausage and bread (how fortunate am I to leisurely grocery shop and run errands and not worry about not having food to eat or any means to go to work), next came dropping off the recycling (it's nice to feel like a good citizen of Mother Earth), and then to the post office (mailing packages to make someone smile always feels good), then breakfast (fed when most people in the world go hungry), work (yay for helping students understand Calculus), sending e-mails (the invention of the internet connects us and makes us able to progress so rapidly; it's incredible), quick hello to the roommate who was making dinner for both of us, prayer with Jesus exposed, dinner with the most amazing roommate with no other distractions and then a fun conversation of reliving our junior high and high-school days that made us feel like little girls again, a cookie and a brownie and a glass of milk for her and i respectively and off to bed for her and a little math homework for me and then prayer and bed.
I almost want to cry how simple but Beautiful it truly was. This day didn't have any life-changing moments or super-memorable points for years to come but it also didn't have any struggles, drama, tension, or difficulties. Today was such a gift from God who Loved me in each little moment and event.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Serving Joy
"The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ in this way pleases God and wins the esteem of men. Let us, then, make it our aim to work for peace and to strengthen one another." -Romans 14:17-19It has been too long since I have updated and today's reading from Morning Prayer is a great starting point to ponder. Especially on a day when we focus on eating and drinking, we give thanks for these things but, we are deeply grateful for those of justice, peace, and joy.
I, myself, am a fan of joy! I am a fan of all the forementioned virtues, but knowing that the kingdom of God is a matter of joy, a gift of the Holy Spirit, makes my heart burn deeply with gratitude and Love. In this time of joy shared by one another may we aim to serve Christ in whatever way He asks us to serve one another for the Glory of God and our Salvation.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
On my drive back from Tulsa late this morning I was surprised with how much beauty I had missed on the way up there. This always seems to happen after spiritual direction and really in any situation after unloading a heavy burden or even a slight inconvenience. When you let go of your burdens you are able to receive so much more which can include more responsibility sometimes but often includes so many gifts.
So back to my drive. There I was traveling along the 1 or 2 miles of side road that I travel before getting on the highway meanwhile spotting some absolutely breathtaking colors of fall foliage on the trees. When this question came to me.
Why is it that certain trees are purely brightly colored on every leaf while planted right next to a tree that is completely brown and another completely green? Do these cluster of trees not receive the same amount of light, do they not have roots in the same soil, are they not watered in the same way? Then why do they produce different colors?
You see though, we are very much like these trees. Though we experience different events and happenings in our lives we also share quite a bit of similarities. Many of us have similar upbringings (roots) and get educated in similar manners (nourished) and receive the same Love from the Father (the sun/Son). Yet we all show many different colors. Why is it that one or two trees outshine the others in the realm of beautiful colors. It is because they are receptive to the nourishment they are given.
Ahh. Receive. In a similar manner that I opened my eyes to receive the beautiful gift of the picturesque landscape before me, letting go of our burdens, our plans, our independence, depending on the Father and Trusting in the Lord allows us to receive whatever He has for us.
Receive the picture the Lord has for you and become a beautiful color of Love in this world.
So back to my drive. There I was traveling along the 1 or 2 miles of side road that I travel before getting on the highway meanwhile spotting some absolutely breathtaking colors of fall foliage on the trees. When this question came to me.
Why is it that certain trees are purely brightly colored on every leaf while planted right next to a tree that is completely brown and another completely green? Do these cluster of trees not receive the same amount of light, do they not have roots in the same soil, are they not watered in the same way? Then why do they produce different colors?
You see though, we are very much like these trees. Though we experience different events and happenings in our lives we also share quite a bit of similarities. Many of us have similar upbringings (roots) and get educated in similar manners (nourished) and receive the same Love from the Father (the sun/Son). Yet we all show many different colors. Why is it that one or two trees outshine the others in the realm of beautiful colors. It is because they are receptive to the nourishment they are given.
Ahh. Receive. In a similar manner that I opened my eyes to receive the beautiful gift of the picturesque landscape before me, letting go of our burdens, our plans, our independence, depending on the Father and Trusting in the Lord allows us to receive whatever He has for us.
Receive the picture the Lord has for you and become a beautiful color of Love in this world.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Perspective
Life is beautiful in one perspective, but sometimes looking at it through a different light can be quite breathtaking.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Phones are a fantastic invention.
God reveals so much in communication. Communicating in person, via letters, via technology of texting, facebook, e-mails, etc., and also over the phone. As I just mentioned to my spiritual director a few days ago, I love to talk. I love to listen as well. And more and more I'm realizing that I love to commune with others because God really is in all of us.
Rejoice, give thanks, and do not be afraid to talk to one another. Talk and LISTEN to God today. He has a beautiful way of sharing Himself.
God reveals so much in communication. Communicating in person, via letters, via technology of texting, facebook, e-mails, etc., and also over the phone. As I just mentioned to my spiritual director a few days ago, I love to talk. I love to listen as well. And more and more I'm realizing that I love to commune with others because God really is in all of us.
Rejoice, give thanks, and do not be afraid to talk to one another. Talk and LISTEN to God today. He has a beautiful way of sharing Himself.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Two Feet
I don't think I appreciate my own two feet enough.
When I left my office (which has no windows), I was somewhat surprised with how dark it was. So I walked back home in the dark but quite enjoying the weather. It was still warm from the day but a nice breeze was setting in. As I looked to the sky to see if I could see any light of the sun, I noticed the faintest tinge of pink in one of the clouds. I then proceeded to look behind me.
My eyes landed on one of the most beautiful scenes I think this earth produces. A sunset filled with pink-orange clouds filling a dark blue sky, swirled with the faintest bit of light left by the sun. Naturally I walked backwards a few paces, admiring the scene that was behind me this whole time.
You see, this is so much like my life. I look out onto the world and see it as dark. Perhaps, I see the many evil things of this world or perhaps am just gazing upon the numerous events, projects, and things I have to do and stressing myself out over getting it all done. But as soon as I take a different perspective, I see that there has been beauty all along.
I learned something tonight from the sunset. It is good to look back and appreciate what we have done. It's too often that I look at the woes that could come up in my life but I don't thank God enough for everything he has brought me through and quite frankly the past has left quite a beautiful image to behold now.
When I left my office (which has no windows), I was somewhat surprised with how dark it was. So I walked back home in the dark but quite enjoying the weather. It was still warm from the day but a nice breeze was setting in. As I looked to the sky to see if I could see any light of the sun, I noticed the faintest tinge of pink in one of the clouds. I then proceeded to look behind me.
My eyes landed on one of the most beautiful scenes I think this earth produces. A sunset filled with pink-orange clouds filling a dark blue sky, swirled with the faintest bit of light left by the sun. Naturally I walked backwards a few paces, admiring the scene that was behind me this whole time.
You see, this is so much like my life. I look out onto the world and see it as dark. Perhaps, I see the many evil things of this world or perhaps am just gazing upon the numerous events, projects, and things I have to do and stressing myself out over getting it all done. But as soon as I take a different perspective, I see that there has been beauty all along.
I learned something tonight from the sunset. It is good to look back and appreciate what we have done. It's too often that I look at the woes that could come up in my life but I don't thank God enough for everything he has brought me through and quite frankly the past has left quite a beautiful image to behold now.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
"When did you see the sunrise this morning break over this land,
warm my face and hands, bringing peace to my mind.
Did you see the sunset this evening, put the earth to bed
confirming in my head that another day is done.
And it's worth staying alive during the night to see the dawn
and it's worth staying alive during the day to see it gone
and when nothing else holds you, baby don't nobody carry on,
Stay alive, just to see the sun.
In all the pain and sorrow this world pulls us through
but all the joy and happiness and all the hope too.
In all that is false and all that is true,
may every sunrise bring a beautiful day to you.
But in all it's power, this world doesn't hold me
and only in the rising Son will my soul be set free
and it's worth staying alive during the night to see the dawn
and it's worth staying alive during the day to see it gone
and when nothing else holds me and I don't know how to carry on,
I stay alive just to see the sun.
I stay alive just to see the Son."
The Sonrise by Luke Spehar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCGnXNixYLg
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Past, Present, and Peace
While we do not live in the past, we can live fuller lives by it.
I am a person who loves to connect everything, not just connecting the dots, but connecting people, stories, ideas, theologies, history to current events, personalities based on parents, and the list continues. In essence, I like everything to be One. I see Unity as Peace.
And so I connect two ideas into one blog:
One) The Gospel of today from Luke on Jesus stating his purpose not for Peace but Division
Two) What we can gain from understanding our past.
And the beautiful thing is that they can be connected in Today's first reading from Ephesians 3:17-19
In hopes, that today "you may be filled with all the fullness of God" but moreso that whether or not today caused division or confliction in your life, you realize that Jesus pushes us sometimes to the uncomfortable and unwanted division as a means of understanding Truth and Eternal Peace.
Praise God!
I am a person who loves to connect everything, not just connecting the dots, but connecting people, stories, ideas, theologies, history to current events, personalities based on parents, and the list continues. In essence, I like everything to be One. I see Unity as Peace.
And so I connect two ideas into one blog:
One) The Gospel of today from Luke on Jesus stating his purpose not for Peace but Division
Two) What we can gain from understanding our past.
And the beautiful thing is that they can be connected in Today's first reading from Ephesians 3:17-19
"That you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."You see, there is a beauty in knowing your roots and to, in love, use our past and our ancestral past to inform ourselves on our entire personhood which bears fruit of courageously allowing us to truly Know the Lord. You see, the Lord is Truth. THE Truth which is sometimes not easy to hear and more than likely even harder to follow. But THE Truth, Jesus Christ comes for people to KNOW Him that they may have eternal Peace, not just in the past or present but FOREVER! Talk about Unity as Peace.
In hopes, that today "you may be filled with all the fullness of God" but moreso that whether or not today caused division or confliction in your life, you realize that Jesus pushes us sometimes to the uncomfortable and unwanted division as a means of understanding Truth and Eternal Peace.
Praise God!
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