Holiday travels

I am not a fan of airplanes. But compared to driving 14 hours with three kids in the car, an airplane ride is nothing. I still don’t like the traveling. Last year Christmas travels included driving 2 hours  to Kansas City, flying to New Orleans, fighting with Enterprise about not being able to take the rental I booked with my debit card (because I didn’t have a credit card on me), then driving two hours to my moms.  

This year, we flew from Manhattan to Dallas, then Dallas to Lafayette. I thought it would be much easier. I learned a bunch more lessons on this trip. First: don’t bring powdered protein mix in a plastic bag in carry-on back pack. Since we usually carry our suitcase on the plane when we fly Southwest nonstop to New Orleans, I didn’t think any different this time flying American. I packed all our liquids in 3 Oz bottles, had them all in a quart size bag as required by TSA. I didn’t think twice about my protein powder. My backpack went through security and was pulled to the side. No problem! They used the wipe to check for explosives and it set off the alarm. Well dang it. So then I had a pat down and all of my luggage was wipe down and tested. Including the other items in my back pack (my Bible, Isaiah study book, 2 calendars with pictures of kids for grandmas, and iPad). My 4 year old laid out on the floor of the security area asking when I would be done. Did I mention it was 5:00 AM?  The security guard was very nice about the whole thing, and I did my part by not fussing or making a scene. It’s my fault for bringing the powder.

We make it to the plane and fly to Dallas. We arrive at 8:10 AM at gas E37. I receive a text that we have to go to B38 for our connecting flight, boarding at 8:25. So we retrieve our bags (AA gate checks small luggage, and doesn’t let you carry it on the plane with you), and rush to get to the Skywalk train. The 4 year old tries to jump on the up escalator, misses the step and scratches her legs. Of course there are lots of tears, but we don’t have time to stop. We have to get to the gate! We get on the train and ride to gate B area. She the proceeds to panic and scream as we try to get on the down escalator. My 6 year old also panicked and so I took 3 small suitcases and tried to get on the escalator to calm my kids. But I couldn’t! A stranger came and offered to help me get the luggage down while I hurried to get to the kids (bless him!). Second lesson learned: take an elevator.

We finally made it to the gates, and the kids have to use the bathroom. We sit down right around 8:25. I don’t see a sign for the Lafayette flight, but I figure they will call us in a minute. At 8:40, I realize they never called the plane to be boarded, and went up to the desk asking about the plane. I was told the flight was leaving from gate E38, and the doors were already closed. They would not be able to hold the plane for us to get back to that side. I started crying. The next flight wasn’t until 12:20. I explained about the text I received showing this gate. The gentleman proceeded to tell me that I should check this specific website for the flight an hour before it’s set to board. I told him (rather loudly, I’m afraid) that an hour before, I was on the flight heading here with my three children. Third lesson learned: take a second to check the big screen monitors for correct gate. In my defense, I was fearful that we would not make it across to B, and didn’t waste time looking at the monitors.

We made it back to E (we took the elevators this time) with plenty of time to spare. We found some food and sat for 2 hours until boarding time. All of this back and forth was done while toting 4 suitcases with us. Fourth lesson: check 1 big suitcase on plane instead of 4 carry on when having a lay-over. Once we finally got on the plane, I learned this plane (as well as the one we were on to get to Dallas) lacked running water and had no coffee. I also learned my stewardess was on day 4 of a 4 days straight work schedule, and was finally able to get back to her family to celebrate Christmas once they flew back to Dallas. I realized my situation could always have been worse. We made it to Lafayette without any other issues, and my parents were there to pick us up. Alls well that ends well I guess. And we still made it to Lafayette well before we would have if we would have flown to Nola and driven in.

If I would have taken the second to check to monitor when we landed, lesson 2-4 would have been negligible. Because we were right next to our gate. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and I apologize for lack of posts lately with the holidays.

Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - JOHN 3:16 

That’s sometimes hard to fathom, the love God has for us. He loves us so much, he gave his only Son to the world, only for the world to put Him to death. 

Abraham showed that kind of devotion and love to God, when he brought his son Isaac to the offering table as instructed. Abraham has prayed for Issac for so long, and was willing to give him up to show God that he loved God more than anything. That’s the same thing God was doing for us! He wanted to show us He loved us more than anything, so he offered up his son for our love. 

Jesus gave us unconditional love. He willingly followed God’s plan in his life to be able to take away our sins so we may have a chance to be with God in heaven. And that love is for everybody! It doesn’t matter who you are, what condition you come from or how much money you have. If you allow Jesus to give you his love, you will have it!

Jesus gave us his love unconditionally and wants us to do the same for others. He wants us to show others love without strings attached. Not because of who or what they are. But just because of Him. There are conditions where it is hard to give love away. As a mom, I’ve been in most of situations where it is hard to show love at a moment. I know I can just ask Jesus to give me love so that I can pass it on, and I am overwhelmed by it, and it settles my emotions so I can love my children as I should. The same goes with people who have hurt us. We should still offer them love as Jesus did for us. We just may go need to pray for the strength to do so.

This is Christmas week, and there is no better time to give our hearts away to others. Christmas is about giving, loving, putting others before ourselves and expecting nothing is return. Ask Jesus to be with you with every person you meet this week. Smile at strangers. Say hello to those you normally wouldn’t. Hold the door open for others. Show Jesus in your actions. It’s the best way to show His love. 

Father God, Thank you for Your generous love to me. Thank you that You see the abundance in my life rather than all the shortfalls I have. Help me to offer that same gracious love to those I mingle with this Christmas season. Pour Your love into my heart so I can give it away. May they know I am a follower of Jesus by my love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

Joy

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, ‘Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.' But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Then the angel told her: ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.'

 Luke 1:26-33

I love this scripture reading. I think I love it more now being a mother, knowing the joy of learning you are pregnant, the joy of feeling those first movements, the joy of holding the baby for the first time. Though there were lots of pain, tears, frustration, confusion in between all that joy, seeing my children just makes the joy shine brighter.

This week, while adding the pink candle on Gaudete Sunday, we added a new fun tradition to help us is Advent. We made pink “hot chocolate” , though it was strawberry milk and no chocolate was used. The kids loved the pink milk and pink and purple sugars to resemble the Advent candles. 

https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-hot-chocolate/

A very important thing to understand about joy is that it is different than happiness. Happiness can change in an instant. Joy is a choice. God offers us joy in the presence of a newborn baby, who grew up to be our Savior. We can choose to accept that joy or not. Accepting the joy of Christ as our Savior doesn’t mean we have to accept everyone’s burdens as Jesus did. We just need to trust and accept the calling, as Mary did. 

We will have many forks in the road in our lives. And making decisions will be scary. If we put our trust in God, telling Him we accept His will, the ending will always turn out for the better. And then we can relish in the joy of the life God has planned for us, keeping Jesus in the center of it. 

What is something you need to trust God in handling this Advent season?

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discard, union.

Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

— Prayer for Peace of St. Francis of Assisi

~Ada LeDoux~

Joy

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

The shepherds were afraid when they first saw the angels. Can you imagine if you are out, minding your own business and your sheep, and an angel just pops out of nowhere? The scariest thing before this may have been watching out for wolves. Then after this angel speaks, there is a whole multitude of heavenly angels singing "Glory to God in the highest!" What a night! And these shepherds aren't even the ones who had the baby.

Months before this, Mary accepted God's call. An angel approached her, also saying 'do not be afraid,' and told her she would be the mother of the Savior. A young girl, her whole future changed in an instant. Though she didn't know she was designed for this future from the beginning. Her reply? “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) She was filled with joy. 

As Christmas comes nears, the "joy" is dependent on things: lights, festivities, presents, etc. Even young children who aren't taught the true meaning find joy in the idea of Santa Claus, reindeer, how many presents they will get, etc. And how long do these presents suffice? A month or two before the next super cool item comes out? About 3 months after Christmas, most toys and presents are no longer in use, if they lasted that long. And the "joy" from Christmas is done.

Our joy in Christmas is about that young girl who said "yes" 2000 years ago. Our joy should be our continual "yes" we say each week at Mass. Our joy should be today, as God asks us to continue that "yes" and spread the good news. 

Here are some questions to ponder as we begin this third week of Advent:

• Joy means happy, delight or rejoice. What are some things that bring us joy at Christmas? (family, gifts, parties, etc.)
• Why did the angels say that the news of Jesus’ birth is great joy? (Because he came to be the Savior of all people.)
• The Christmas carol Joy to the World includes the line, “let every heart prepare him [Jesus] room.” Have you prepared room in your heart for Jesus by trusting in him as your Savior? Have we prepared room in our Christmas activities for him?

Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus who came to be the Savior for everyone who trusts in him. Help us to remember that Jesus came to save us and help us to share the great joy of this good news with one another. Amen.

Peace and preparation

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” (Isaiah 40:3-4)

We read Isaiah 9:6, we know Isaiah foretold “a child will be given.” God was giving us a present- His son. Each year, in Advent, we get to experience the joy of waiting and preparing to celebrate. Part of this joy is the Advent wreath. We light ours at night, before dinner, and review scripture and questions for my kids to think about. This week, as we look into peace, here are some questions to consider:

What are some areas we don’t always have peace in our lives?

What are some things that keep us from having peace with God?

We need to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ. Just as we should prepare our hearts each Sunday before Mass to receive Him. We also need to prepare our hearts and minds for the new year, and how we need to allow more time for God. Here are some more questions we can consider in preparing for our new year to come:

1. How have I delighted in God this last year?
2. What ways may I increase my delight in God in 2020?
3. What books might I think about reading to stretch my mind and heart on the things of God?
4. What are my plans with God’s Word in this coming year that I might fuel my delight in God?

Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

In Genesis, the serpent tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. This deception brought havoc into the world. Because of their choice, sin and death entered the world. But, God told the serpent, “[Her offspring] will strike at your head.” 

Well, over 1400 years later, Jesus was born, Eve’s offspring, and brought peace against death. He crushed Satan, crushed death, and gave us salvation. 

People can struggle with peace in two forms, inner peace and peace with others. Anxiety is a big crusher of inner peace. People who struggle with forms of anxiety don’t always feel Satan creeping in, and then can’t get him out. I would tell someone struggling with anxiety to reach their hand out for God. He is there. Grab His hand and take one step out of the darkness at a time. Inner peace begins with a connection to God, when we allow Him to fill us. 

Peace with others is also a choice. God has called us to be peacemakers in the world. Maybe there is a strained relationship that needs mending? An apology to be made to break the top long silence? We can bring peace by making the choice to listen to God’s calling this Christmas. This is not to say you should put yourself in a toxic relationship or situation. But if you can bring peace back to the table, then try. 

Let us pray the prayer of St. Assisi this week, and be the peacemaker in our home, our jobs, our family this Christmas:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; and Where there is sadness, joy… Divine Master; Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Hope and endurance

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I don’t like watching the news. I used to be an avid news watcher, needing to see what was going on in the world. When I worked at the crime lab, I began to realize every crime I was seeing on the news would be coming into our workplace the next week to be solved. And I was seeing just how evil people could be. So I stopped watching the news to know ahead of time what I would be working. I just let it fall on my desk.

On the news, we can see just how much humanity has failed each other. The struggles, lack of empathy and compassion, the brutality of nations can really bring your soul down. And I think it’s because we put too much hope in other people. Even in daily life, we hope that our car can be fixed. We hope that the doctor can help our child. We hope that our children don’t suffer at school. We ask family and friends for advise in our personal situation. And then sometimes we are let down when those things don’t come to pass. 

Psalm 33:20 says We put our hope in the Lord, He is our help and our shield. Instead of putting hope in a broken world or in other humans (because we are all humans and will fail each other), we should put our hope in God. Our disappointment in our situations might just be because of our misplaced hope. 

It was pointed out to me that a synonym for hope is faith and endurance. So hope is the faith or expectation.  Endurance means the ability to withstand hardship. I’ve noticed more often lately that the people of the world want things now. We don’t like to wait. I recently wrote a blog post  (http://aworkingmotherssoapbox.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-life-of-ease.html?m=1) about how easy we want things. It’s much easier to shop online than suffer and endure the time it takes to go through a store for what we need. We don’t want to have to suffer to get the things we want. It’s easy to just think about giving up and going with the flow of the world instead of being looked down upon because of our faith.

If we switch our word in the above verse, “We put our endurance in the Lord” that makes it a bit different. Or what about Psalm 39:7 “What do I hope for?” Becomes “what do I endure for?”

Jesus hope and endured for us. He suffered the greatest when he laid down his life for us. We need to focus our hope on God in our greatest and weakest needs. We need to endure in life, because this is not our forever home. 

Hope

Verse to read: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […]
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.”

This week's Advent topic is hope. Hope is a feeling of expectation and a desire for a certain thing. The people of Israel were hopeful, expecting a savior. They were walking in darkness, hoping to find the light. I don't think they were thinking their savior would be born into the world. I don't think they realized they would have to wait for the Savior to grow up. I imagine all those years of wait and hope consisted of them with an image of a man coming to save them. So, the birth of Jesus, the birth of a baby, didn't seem so important to some. They had no idea...

In preparation for Christmas, we prepare to celebrate the eternal life of our Savior. We know he was born a baby, raised, suffered and died on the cross for us. Our hope now lies in much smaller matters (though we may not see it that way). Hope for tomorrow to come. Hope for an end to pain, an end to suffering. Hope to make it to the next paycheck. Hope that we can find the answers we are searching for. Keeping our hope in Jesus can free those expectations we hold in our hearts. 

We must come to Him to ask for help. If we don't open our hearts to Him and tell Him our needs, do we truly need it? If we can't confidently say, "Jesus, I broken. I am searching. Please help me keep hope," we may not find ourselves. With hope in Jesus, we can overcome great obstacles that we see in our way. With hope in Jesus, we can find the strength to finish the journey that feels to much for us to take. His grace is sufficient for us! Hope in Jesus can also give us hope in our afterlife. 

"Dear God, I have gone my own way and have put my hope in so many things that have disappointed me. Thank you that you sent Jesus, that first Christmas long ago, to be my Savior. I believe He came for me. Forgive me and lead me today. Show me how to live in the confident expectation of how You can impact my life, my character, and my circumstances. I place my hope in You right now and ask You to make Yourself known to me in my life right where I walk. I thank you. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen." 

What is your Advent hope? Pray this week that you can find your hope in Jesus. 

Blessings!

A life of ease

The holidays are coming! How much easier does it have to be? We get to shop online for all the wants and needs and desires for family and friends. We don't have to get up, get dressed, get kids in the car, go to the store, fight the crowds, search for the magical item that everyone else wants, keep our kids in line to purchase a few things. We can just go online (still in our pajamas if we please) for all the wants and needs and desires for family and friends. Long gone are the days of the big catalogs that kids get to circle or dog-ear pages for their list. Black Friday sales begin right after Halloween, so no need to stand in line for hours to get that toy your kids wants.

We complain that there are no jobs in American for people, yet we are putting the jobs for cashiers out of business by doing online shopping. We had self check-out lanes open at the grocery store, because no one wanted to get stuck behind the person who had a large cart of groceries. Now you can place your whole grocery order online, someone else shops for you, and you drive up and have them load them in the car! Now most stores have large online shopping available, and in store shopping has decreased so much that long time big brand stores are having to close their doors.

Back in the early settlement of America, things were difficult. But they did them anyway. Sewing by hand, making homemade soaps and candles, walking to get buckets of water, tending their own farms, preserving their own foods, having to do trades for others goods, no electricity, etc. We take a lot of these things for granted today. The availability of modern medicines, of paper products and goods. The availability of someone to haul our trash away. Or do shopping for us. These nifty vacuums that constantly keep floors clean.  Where we no longer have to get up and actually do things.

I have heard people push for these new things so they have less work to do. And what do the majority of Americans do with their free time? Play on their super cool phones and scroll social media.

I am not throwing stones here, because I have done the online grocery shopping. At the time it was easier than taking three kids to the store, spending over an hour to shop, and spending more money than I needed. I have done lots of online shopping myself, again because it is easier to get clothes in my kids size online (let's not even jump into how our standard sizing has changed) and the fact that they don't have many department store options in our small town. In fact, I have our whole Christmas list on Amazon at the moment, because I figured it would be easier to have them all coming from one website. I will actually see if Target in store and Walmart have these items, and go start shopping in the next few weeks in store. I want to give the opportunity to the cashier who desperately needs that job. I don't want to be part of the group who is inevitably killing the American dream.

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love. 

O: With all Paul has taught in 1 Corinthians, his main fo us is God’s greatest commandment: love. Every spiritual gift given should be used with love, or it means nothing. 

A: One of the things I try hard with (and fail most often) is doing things with gratitude. You know, 3 kids make a lot of laundry and dirty dishes. They do take care of most of it, but it’s the times where I feel overwhelmed (bc I didn’t ask for help) and get all grumbly about doing all the work. I forget how blessed we are: we have a dishwasher and a washing machine. I’m only really doing half the work. And I can’t even do that with love. I’m trying to teach my children not to grumble, but I know they get it from me. 

Our works and love for the church needs to be in our houses also. I need to show my children how to be on guard against the devil, stand firm in my faith, and one of these small these is to not grumble about the chores. Instead I should show love and respect for all that I am given, and that will continue on to my acts for the church. 

K: Lord, thank you for all the things in my life that you have blessed me with. Thank you for the people and the literal things that make our life easier. I pray I can stand firm in every act I do and show your love through my works. Thank you for the opportunities you presented to us and I pray you guide us down the right path. 

"The Corinthian church needed clarity on many issues inside the church that were causing divisions. As Paul closes out his letter, he reminds them one last time to seek to do everything out of a heart of love for one another.

This is the same message we need in our churches today.  There would be so much less division in our churches, if we would simply let all that we do, be done in love.  In what ways can you show more love inside of your church? Write a prayer below asking God to help you apply all that you have learned through the book of 1 Corinthians in your life." "https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/

1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:58 Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Chapter 15

"Because death has been swallowed up in victory and we have a hope of resurrection with Christ, we can stand firm.  We can be immovable. We can work hard serving the Lord knowing that all of our labor is not in vain. There is a sure hope of eternal life with Jesus one day!

Do you have days when you are weary from serving the Lord, that you are tempted to feel like maybe it’s not worth it?  How does remembering the truth of our future resurrection with Jesus, help you to not give up and to abound in the work of the Lord?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

Do I have days when I am weary? ABSOLUTELY! I know I am serving the Lord in may ways, being a mother for my children, a wife, keeper of the home which includes so many individual daily chores that seem unending and relentless... and this all on top of how I serve in my church. Some of the days of chores that never end, and once all the dishes are washed another magically appears on the counter (because they can not get in the dishwasher on their own), I wonder if it is worth it. I wonder if it even makes a difference. If I make a difference. 

Then I remember all the sins I have committed. And I wonder if God ever wondered if I was worth it, if forgiving me would make a difference. Friends, I am so glad God never gave up on me. I am so glad Jesus didn't take himself off the cross (because I am sure he could have) saying we all weren't really worth it. All of His suffering was not in vain! Because of it, we get to go to heaven. Jesus tore the veil, so we may enter. So how can I ask even once if all my blessings are worth it??

Philippians 2:3 tells us to "Regard others as more important than ourselves." That is just what Jesus did! He considered every single one of us as more important than himself. So I should also consider these little people God has given me as more important than myself. 

Slow down

Have you ever had those mornings where you had the day planned, all kinds of things you needed to get done, and then one of your kids throws up? I am sure we all have. I remember this happening several time when I was getting ready to head to work when we lived in Little Rock. And it was always me who had to call in, saying I couldn't make it in because I had a sick child. I can remember a certain person who worked there with me that had the notion that women should be at home, and would always make small remarks about it when I (or another working mother) had to call in for a sick day. "Another day off? Well, my wife doesn't need days off for sick kids because she gets to be home every day with the kids." It was so frustrating because I felt like I shouldn't have to defend my decision (or our need) for me to be working. Especially working at a job I loved, helping solve issues most people can't fathom. I was just so aggravated to have to call in and put my work on hold because my child couldn't go to daycare. I felt that I was being judged by others for my failure to show up (besides my own casework, I was also the Quality Manager and Trainer for my section, so I wore a lot of hats) as 3 young kids, two born 18 months apart, require a lot of time off.

So, now back to today, I was so frustrated because I had plans to do things with the kids (as school is out today, and they are all home) and now they are on hold. I feel defeated because I don't get to do things for them and didn't get to do things for me and blah, blah, blah. Instead of falling into the frustration laid out in front of me like I used to, I stopped and prayed. And in those moments, I saw every time I was sick as a child, and my mother put her life on hold for me. And I remember I am not alone in my struggles. I am doing an online study of Isaiah through the First 5 app, and one of the quotes posted this week was "I want to quiet my heart to hear God's voice above my fears."-Lyli Dunbar.  This week, I read how the people of Israel turned to their neighbors for help when they feared an intrusion of their enemy, instead of turning to God. And so God allowed their enemy to attack them. Instead of being quiet and listening to God, instead of having faith and trusting in God, they turned let their courage fail. "Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm" Isaiah 7:9b

So I need to trust in God's plan. I need to not let my courage fail because I didn't get my way, and things are not always in my control. As I prayed about today's undoings, I realized that God wanted me to just slow down. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens." God made everything under the sun for us. Every detail was planned, and God's timetable is perfect. Whether I get to finish all the plans I had made for myself, I need to realize it is not about me. God gave me these precious children to take care of for a time. And if one is sick, I need to slow down and tend to him as God would for me.  Whether things happen when I want them to or not, God has plans for me. 

I wish back when I was working, I could have had this Women in the Bible study. As I am reading through the Women Leaders, I could have prayed for courage like Esther had and the humility that Phoebe, Damaris, Euodia and Syntyche had in regards to my work, my coworkers, and my faith. Even today, humility and patience in our work without seeking recognition is a big bite to swallow. I need to remember that I can do nothing without God. Everything we have was a gift from Him. I need to slow down, quiet my heart, and trust in His Will for my life. Even day to day.

A quote from Kelly Brown from my Isaiah study, "The greatest gift to mankind- salvation- also required the largest sacrifice- Jesus's crucifixion." Our lives may be temporarily difficult, but these lessons can be eternally significant. I can sacrifice my time for someone else's needs, especially when that someone is my sick child. 

1 Corinthians 14

This whole chapter talks about those who speak in tongues. I don’t personally know anyone who does, but I’ve heard a friend of a friend does, and I’ve heard people “speaking in tongue” at a religious conference before when I was a teenager. I’ve never understood the tongue part, because it didn’t make sense if someone was (what seemed like) babbling on but no one could understand what they were saying. How could that be interpreted? Well Paul very week explores that same thought in this chapter. Do you or do you know anyone who speaks in tongues?

1: Corinthians 14:26 So what is to be done brothers? When you assemble, one has a psalm, another instruction, a revelation,  tongue, or an interpretation. Everything should be done for building up.

O: Paul stayed earlier in the chapter that the gift of tongues was being used to build the self up, since no one was interpreting for them. Those who has it were allegedly getting closer to God themselves (inflating themselves). Whereas the gift of prophesy builds up the church, because it is used for others to grow in faith and get others closer to God. 

A: We learned in chapter 12 we were all given gifts. Am I using my gifts to build myself up or to build up the church? I think when I am using my gifts of administration with my group, I am helping build up the group. Can that help in turn build the church? I need to pray on that for sure to see if there is a more direct way that I can use my gift for the church’s purpose if I’m not already. I also want to look more closely at the gifts to see if I have another one that I could use more as well. I shouldn’t need to have someone around to “interpret” what I do so others can see God through the work. It should be done so He shines brightly.

K: Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me. Help me to use these gifts for your favor, so your light shines through me and the church, so the unbelievers may see you.

"Paul was reminding the Corinthian church that all worship and use of spiritual gifts should be done in an orderly way and for the edification of all believers.  Also, they were not to just passively receive a word of encouragement.  He wanted them to participate and give as well.  The goal is that we all learn and are all encouraged.

God wants us to yield the use of our spiritual gift to the Spirit’s leading.  We are not to selfishly use our gift whenever we feel like it. This can lead to confusion and disorder.  If you have been in the church long, most likely you have seen someone cause disorder in the church because they were asserting themselves and their desires.  How can you avoid being the person who causes this?  Write a prayer below asking God to guide you as you use your spiritual gifts." (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

1 Corinthians 13

So I, like many teenage girls, fell in love with this chapter when the movie “A Walk To Remember” came out in 2002 (or those who read the book in 1999). Many people have this chapter read in their wedding ceremony. Love is patient, Love is kind. Love never fails. But bigger than those words is how we show it. If I speak Gods word, describing everything I know about God and my faith but don’t show love, I am nothing. 

I used to think like a child, thinking these words of love were meant for another human. But now I understand these words of our love never failing is meant for God. Our love for Him is the greatest love. His love for us is even greater. His love for us will never fail, even when our knowledge and tongue stops.

Our love for God should be patient and kind, even when we don’t see our prayers happen as fast as we want. Our love for God should not have jealousy over what our neighbor is blessed with. Nor inflated with what our gifts may be. Our love should not harbor resentment when we suffer or struggle in life. Our love for God should not rejoice over someone else’s punishment for wrongdoing, but should rejoice in the truth that our Lord keeps his promises. Our love for God should endure all things we are handed in life, because he has told us He is always by our side. 

The greatest gift we are given is love. How can we use that gift better today?


"While our spiritual gifts are wonderful, it is faith, hope and love that we all must pursue.  All of the New Testament speaks to the pursuit of these but the greatest of the these is love. Love trumps faith, hope and our spiritual gifts.  Without love, our gifts are useless. One day when we see Jesus and we will no longer need faith or hope.  But we will experience love for all of eternity!

In 1 Corinthians 13, love is not defined as a feeling but rather as an action.  Love is not fragile, and it is not proud. It is humble and it endures forever.  Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and evaluate yourself.  In what ways do you need to be more loving to those closest to you and to those in your church?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

So if you read my blog Monday, I posted on 1 Corinthians 11, which also talks about women wearing veils in Mass. I haven't seen women wearing veils in Mass in many years at the Church Parishes we have lived. I know my friend started wearing a mantilla veil several years ago in Mass, after she was married. I thought it was a beautiful symbol. I remember peoples comments (Who does she think she is, oh Mrs. Holier-than-thou, that is so out-dated, etc.), and never wanted to join in her sentiments on it, though it is a beautiful representation of devotion to Christ. 

Well, now that I have read this chapter, I am curious as to the current thought on veils in Mass. So I have googled and found this website which has some explanation as to the current "rules" or lack there of regarding veils https://www.veilsbylily.com/frequently-asked-questions/#vaticanii

The church no longer mandates it, as it is not written as a requirement in the current Code of Canon Law. I do like the thought of the veil, and what it means. After hearing the comments made about my friend, I am ashamed to say I would worry what other people say if I chose to wear one. This post mentions fine examples of things said which deterred me at the time: https://www.catholicstand.com/why-women-wear-chapel-veils-and-should-you-too/

I've also heard people comment that because of their young children, they don't want to wear one right now, as it would be more of a distraction (the kids keep pulling it off). My kids are older, and I do admit this was a fear of mine also. Looking back now, I think if I would have worn one while hold kids, I could have managed. It's also teaching the children about Mass, and what the veil represents, and the importance of not touching it. Like how we teach them the rosary is not a weapon to be swung at their siblings...

I have made the decision to purchase one from Veils by Lily. I got this one https://www.veilsbylily.com/new-starter-infinity-veils/ in Twilight Blue. When checking out, there is an option to get the little comb to help hold it in your hair. I didn't get it, but I think I will be going to JoAnn's to get one after wearing it last week. There is also an option to get FREE cards regarding veiling. I did get both sets offered, and have placed them in the church by all the other church pick up flyers.

I talked to my children about wearing it on the way to church that morning. I wanted to explain my choice so they would be surprised when I put it on in the church, and hopefully wouldn't be tempted to play with it. I chose to sit towards the back (We usually sit up close so the kids can see the alter), because I was still having worries about what people would say. My friend I mentioned earlier passed away nearly 3 years ago. In Mass, I felt her presence near me, and was brought to tears. In these last few years, I have wished I could seek her input and thoughts on several things. But I know she is in heaven, and hears my thoughts and concerns. I won't be sitting in the back next week.  I'm not wearing it for people to see. I don't want to wear one to be an inspiration to others. I want the sight of the veil itself to be an inspiration to others. I am submitting to Christ's love.

1 Corinthians 12

Tis the gift to be simple
'Tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
It will be in the valley of love and delight

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
'Til by turning, turning, we come round right

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges us to “live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” Once we can find that which is our gift in the Holy Spirit, we can receive it (appropriate) the answer to that need. There is a reason we were given the gifts. Someone is in need of our gift. Some people will see our gift and not appreciate it. But there is someone out there who’s day or life can be changed because of it. Do you know what yours is? Here is a quiz to try and find out. Let us know what yours is! 

https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different working but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

O: God has given people gifts to be used in their life. They are all different, but they all come from the one. It is up to the individual to figure out what gift they were given and how it is intended to be used.

A: We were all given gifts to work differently, just as all our own body parts work differently. But when working together, we can function as a whole. We are all parts of Christ’s body, as it mentions in verses 27-31.  We must use these gifts with one another to serve Christ and show his love.

My main gift is administration. Which makes sense. I do like to jump in and take charge when necessary, to help keep things organized. I am a co-leader of a moms study at my church as well as this one. I need to pray and learn how I can use administration for God

K: Lord thank you for my spiritual gifts as well as the physical, mental, emotional gifts you have given me. Show us the way to continue leading your war against darkness. Let us light the way for others to find you. Today I thank you also for modern medicine to help with the sniffles.