This is the Carmelite Monastery

Rocket-Powered Friend

Like a friend of mine, this fellow's in a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop him from powering onward! And neither does it stop Cathy.

Cathy may as well be in a rocket-powered wheelchair. I hate to use a cliche, but she is a bit like the "Energizer Bunny" in that she keeps giving and giving and giving! She is determined to serve Christ to the fullest NOW, because she knows a time is coming when she'll have the will, but not the way. She has MS, but she rarely says the word "can't." When she uses her walker, she walks slowly, every step excruciatingly made, but her spunk-o-meter never settles down.

To say she is a beautiful example of facing a challenge head-on is far too tame a statement for her. Her weakened body is not her only cross. She has others. But she walks her path with dignity.

I have had the wonderful privilege of getting to know her better lately. Spending time with her always equals encouragement. Just thinking of her smile makes me feel warm. I am grateful for this woman, and for all who, like her, accessorize their crosses with grace!

Cross

In the last two days, the Lord has told me four different ways that what I was hoping to be rescued from is my cross to bear... at least for now. I can relate to St. Paul and his thorn in the flesh. He prayed three times for its removal, but it was there to stay.

This evening at Stations of the Cross, Christ's words showed me that it is my (difficult) privilege to carry a sliver of His cross. His quiet strength in the face of tormentors can bring me courage if I let it. It will help me be silent when everything in me is crying out to do otherwise. My prayer is to wear this cross beautifully. May I not resist, but follow His example. The good news is that when St. Paul discovered his thorn would not be removed, he also found this: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9)

Strength for the Journey

Tomorrow I will spend a precious hour before the Holy Eucharist in a sweetly hushed church. The smell of incense will be in the air, and our sung Latin will linger as memories in my ears.

I find such peace as I sit still before Him who created the universe. What will He say to me tomorrow, I wonder?

He who made the stars, hushed the storm, came to earth, bore the cross, resurrected, ascended to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit comes to us in a simple church on the back streets of a humble town. He visits His people in bread and wine. He enters our bodies and gives us peace. He has been here, always, through the ages, in the hearts of His people, just as He promised when He walked the earth.

I cannot wait for my appointment with the King!

Light

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." I Peter 2:9

Wow! Really? It's hard to think of myself that way. I sort of see myself as a little candle, like the one above, and even then my flame does not always flicker so steadily.

Many candles together can shine brightly for Him, like a holy nation. As Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

St. John calls Christ the Light. Think of it. Light… illuminating, warm, healing, dispelling darkness, revealing truth, filling all space… light.

And this great Light tells us we are His lights in the world, individually and corporately. What an incredible honor, what great responsibility! But take heart - even a little light chases away the darkness, and small sparks grow into great bonfires.

"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

Pathways

I once knew a woman who was intrigued by clotheslines. She had a photo collection of them in her home. In a similar way, I am attracted to pathways, maybe because I find them mysterious and hopeful all at once. This picture I found on the Internet is of a pathway in Scotland. The bright sunlight captured at the top of the photo seems to pull me in and beckon me forward.

In a certain area of my life, I am on a path with an unknown end. I am seeking God for answers and I do not know where He will lead. I do not know what God wants of me in the situation, and I pray I will be brave enough to follow the path He has for me.

A friend said this to me in an email yesterday: "We put our worries in His hands and then we are assured no matter what the outcome, it was for our best. This is the beauty of our faith." It was in relation to something completely different, and while I had no idea it would apply to me today, God did. :)

Psalm 119:105 says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

I will take heart in the light He gives now, and trust Him for more up ahead.

Blushing Bride

I love this picture: its sweetness, expectancy, innocence. I love the joy and anticipation in her face, as though she's looking at her beloved. It exudes purity.

Jesus makes me feel this way. He makes me feel pure and sweet, even when I've made choices that say otherwise. He gives me a new start, He wipes away my old mistakes. He wants the best for me, knowing I will stand before Him someday, along with the rest of His church. In His wisdom and mercy He brings me experiences, even painful ones, that teach me how to be His child. Slowly... surely... sweetly... He is making my crooked little heart straight.