Today was the last official RCIA class. Next week is the rehearsal for the big day. I can’t believe it’s almost here. I don’t think this blog post could capture how much excitement and joy thinking about the Easter Vigil brings me. I am so blessed.
Not only have I been able to witness the process of RCIA, met some great people and heard some remarkable stories, but I will also be a more concrete part of it. My godchild, Brittany, will be baptized, enter into the Catholic Church and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Not only will I be present for this, but also take part in it. I will be touching her when the Holy Spirit enters her. Today we talked about this, and she mentioned how she thought she might cry. I told her that when I was confirmed, I cried. It is so overwhelming to contemplate what will actually go on that day, how could you not cry?
Today I thank God for using me. Never would I have dreamed this would happen. When I met Brittany over a year ago, I never thought we would be here now. About a year ago, Brittany, me, and a few of our friends were out for ice cream, and something happened. Since that night I’ve prayed for her. Never would I think this is where we would be led to. I am so thankful for the chance to guide her, to be a part of her life, and I pray that we can continue in our journeys together.
Next Saturday is the big day. Her entire family (fallen away Catholics, devout Catholics, anti-Catholic Baptists) will visit and witness the same things I will. May we also pray for them. In these final days of Lent, may we reach up to Jesus, take His hand and go with Him wherever He goes. Its no use in asking Him where, just go!
Showing posts with label God's plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's plan. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Discerning the Will
Foreword: This post relates mostly to ROTC and knowing if joining the military is God’s will. I have a friend (who isn’t Catholic but is a faith-filled Christian) who is struggling with staying in the program. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Me and discerning have always had a funny relationship. Most of the time, I don’t even have to formally discern. I start praying (or even just go about a regular day), and God interrupts by telling me exactly what He wants me to do. Honestly, I wish I could say that I then go and immediately do it and all is well, but, unfortunately, I can’t.
Instead I think “Really? Are you sure? You must mean someone else, because I can't do that.” But then God roars back at me, “You can because I say you can.” Well, what else can I say after that? I shut up and go off, and lo and behold, He gets me through.
I blame myself for this predicament (although it’s a very nice, in a heavenly way, kind of predicament). I know I have problems trusting God, so almost every day I pray that God will do whatever He wants with me. I ask Him to ignore my whining, and literally drag me, if need be, towards Him and to fully trusting Him. I know this isn’t the attitude we are supposed to have, but I have to start somewhere. And since doing this, God has taken full advantage of my offer.
I have no clue as to what I’m doing. God tells me everything. Looking at what has happened in my life thus far, I’m astounded. Looking forward to where all of this is leading me, I am in frightened awe. For all my fighting, and bad attitude and attempts at sabotage, I’m still here, on the same path He put me on. I’ve never seriously questioned God’s will, at least for this aspect of my life. God is making me trust Him. And I thank Him everyday for that.
So what do you do to help someone who doesn’t know where God wants them? Trying to give advice is almost impossible. For me, it doesn’t take much to be hit in the face with God’s plan. But I can’t say that to someone who isn’t experiencing the same thing.
Discernment.
What a journey of patience and trust! Maybe that is why God has to be so “in my face” all the time. I lack both.
So, any suggestions on giving advice about discerning? My friend has good intentions, which I think is a great start. I know prayer is huge, but on time sensitive decisions, is there anything else that can move the discernment process along? Any tips (or comments on how bad a person I am) is appreciated. Thank you for reading!
Me and discerning have always had a funny relationship. Most of the time, I don’t even have to formally discern. I start praying (or even just go about a regular day), and God interrupts by telling me exactly what He wants me to do. Honestly, I wish I could say that I then go and immediately do it and all is well, but, unfortunately, I can’t.
Instead I think “Really? Are you sure? You must mean someone else, because I can't do that.” But then God roars back at me, “You can because I say you can.” Well, what else can I say after that? I shut up and go off, and lo and behold, He gets me through.
I blame myself for this predicament (although it’s a very nice, in a heavenly way, kind of predicament). I know I have problems trusting God, so almost every day I pray that God will do whatever He wants with me. I ask Him to ignore my whining, and literally drag me, if need be, towards Him and to fully trusting Him. I know this isn’t the attitude we are supposed to have, but I have to start somewhere. And since doing this, God has taken full advantage of my offer.
I have no clue as to what I’m doing. God tells me everything. Looking at what has happened in my life thus far, I’m astounded. Looking forward to where all of this is leading me, I am in frightened awe. For all my fighting, and bad attitude and attempts at sabotage, I’m still here, on the same path He put me on. I’ve never seriously questioned God’s will, at least for this aspect of my life. God is making me trust Him. And I thank Him everyday for that.
So what do you do to help someone who doesn’t know where God wants them? Trying to give advice is almost impossible. For me, it doesn’t take much to be hit in the face with God’s plan. But I can’t say that to someone who isn’t experiencing the same thing.
Discernment.
What a journey of patience and trust! Maybe that is why God has to be so “in my face” all the time. I lack both.
So, any suggestions on giving advice about discerning? My friend has good intentions, which I think is a great start. I know prayer is huge, but on time sensitive decisions, is there anything else that can move the discernment process along? Any tips (or comments on how bad a person I am) is appreciated. Thank you for reading!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Days of Graditude #11-17
I’ve had a lot to be thankful for this week. So, today I thank You God for…
Day #11
…men. One of the great joys in life is witnessing a man being a man. I saw at least one man doing just that tonight and it can only bring about more of the same. True men are a great thing indeed.
Day #12
…people who live honestly. There is something inspiring about a person who doesn’t attempt to cover themselves up with facades. We may hastily judge, but later when we see a weakness overcome it is that much more glorious! Truthful people testify to how things really are, in the bad but especially in the good.
Day #13
…God’s plan. Tonight I believe I caught another line of how God is using me. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, and if it comes to be true, then I’ll update about it. All I have to say, however, is follow EVERY ONE of God’s whispers. You truly will never know what He has in store for you.
Day #14
…sunsets. In Alabama. Do I have to say more?
Day #15
…random encounters that save your day. I ran into a friend who happened to mention that he was going to a meeting that I also was supposed to be at. I would have definitely missed it if it weren’t for him. That 10 second window saved my whole day, if not my whole week.
Day #16
…good company. Spending time with someone who is easy to be with beats even sleep. That was a hard thing to write for me, but it’s true. : )
Day #17
…never abandoning Your people. I admit Lord, I still don’t completely trust You. Even after all the signs and the kept promises, there is still something holding me back. There is still a part of me that questions. I thank You for still working on me. For letting me experience even more of Your perfect plan and mercy. You are changing me. I see now, that although the odds seem insurmountable and all hope is gone that You are God, and nothing stands in Your way. If we place our trust in You, no matter how imperfect, You cannot let us down. Thank you Lord for showing me that in the small tragedies of life, in the uncertain times, in the illnesses and deaths of loved ones, and in great disasters that You are there, working flawlessly to show Your love for us. You can only bring good.
Day #11
…men. One of the great joys in life is witnessing a man being a man. I saw at least one man doing just that tonight and it can only bring about more of the same. True men are a great thing indeed.
Day #12
…people who live honestly. There is something inspiring about a person who doesn’t attempt to cover themselves up with facades. We may hastily judge, but later when we see a weakness overcome it is that much more glorious! Truthful people testify to how things really are, in the bad but especially in the good.
Day #13
…God’s plan. Tonight I believe I caught another line of how God is using me. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, and if it comes to be true, then I’ll update about it. All I have to say, however, is follow EVERY ONE of God’s whispers. You truly will never know what He has in store for you.
Day #14
…sunsets. In Alabama. Do I have to say more?
Day #15
…random encounters that save your day. I ran into a friend who happened to mention that he was going to a meeting that I also was supposed to be at. I would have definitely missed it if it weren’t for him. That 10 second window saved my whole day, if not my whole week.
Day #16
…good company. Spending time with someone who is easy to be with beats even sleep. That was a hard thing to write for me, but it’s true. : )
Day #17
…never abandoning Your people. I admit Lord, I still don’t completely trust You. Even after all the signs and the kept promises, there is still something holding me back. There is still a part of me that questions. I thank You for still working on me. For letting me experience even more of Your perfect plan and mercy. You are changing me. I see now, that although the odds seem insurmountable and all hope is gone that You are God, and nothing stands in Your way. If we place our trust in You, no matter how imperfect, You cannot let us down. Thank you Lord for showing me that in the small tragedies of life, in the uncertain times, in the illnesses and deaths of loved ones, and in great disasters that You are there, working flawlessly to show Your love for us. You can only bring good.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Unexpectantly Beautiful
I have grown so much this semester. Looking back, it’s amazing to me to see what has happened and how I’ve changed within it. This semester will always be defined, at least in part, as the semester my mom was deployed. What a journey that has been (and it‘s not even over)! Just in talking with her, it makes me so proud of her, my family, my country and everyone else over there. Not only that but also everyone here who supports them. If you’ve ever sent a card, cookie or chipped in money for phone cards or anything else, know that it has made a huge impact in their life. It is greatly appreciated.
This was also the semester after field training. Many things in my life (internal and external) have changed because of it. I feel I can more maturely discern the military path now that I’m more entrenched in it. I’ve learned this semester, what I’ve felt all along: the military is where I belong.
Sporadically I’m asked why I want to go into the military. I’ve always have had a lot of reasons for it. Until recently they were mainly selfish (good benefits, see the world, keep in shape, steady job) but now I’ve been exposed to a whole new list of why I know this is what I’m called to do. Mostly it’s been realized through my mom.
Out of all her children, I’m the most like her. We both are pretty independent, we have flexible but strong ideas, and we have to be doing something. Thinking of her over there is a really strange idea. I questioned if this was really part of the plan. But how stupid I was! God had this planned the entire time. I can go through all the different foreshowings up to where we are now, but that’s beside the point. Something has happened to her during her time in Iraq. She has seen God in a very real way. She has learned what submission really is, and also how that translates to her marriage. Although not perfectly, she has learned how to wait, how to love, how to accept. I want to grow the way she has.
The mediation from Pope Benedict XVI (in the book Benedictus) for December 6th goes really well with this theme (I‘ll just give you the whole thing):
God, through my mother and more generally, through my experience with the military, has taught me to trust Him. Instead of questioning, I should be more inclined to accept, especially if I’m in the midst of a hardship. Instead of despairing, I should praise God! Really, everything does work out! Life is a great adventure, one that has God’s hand on it the entire way!
I’ve learned that not only does God have an awesome plan, that is being played out right now for you, but it also involves putting you exactly where (physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually) you need to be to experience Him and learn what you need to and grow in love for Him. Really, the military is prefect for that.
Just tonight my mom was telling me about a saying that gets thrown out a lot over there (I’m sure you’ve heard it): Let go and let God. This sentence becomes a way of life over there. You have a unique chance to really and completely trust God. I mean, what else are you going to do?
How often do we second-guess God? Do we really think and believe that what he has in store of us is THE best possible plan that could ever happen?
How much easier will this life be if we stop worrying about things we can’t change, and instead embrace each situation as the opportunity to grow closer to God. Indeed that is what every situation presents to us. How often to we pass it up? How often do we say, “not today God, I think I have it all figured out now, I’ll take it from here”?
This week, I’m striving to be like the kings, who saw the sign (the Star) and set off. Not really knowing where to go, or what may happen, they trusted. They didn’t need a long list of reasons (as I like to have) in order to be convinced. They had a childlike faith. A faith where they knew that no matter what happened, it not only would be okay, but that it would be the best thing that could happen!
God is great and so beautiful!
This was also the semester after field training. Many things in my life (internal and external) have changed because of it. I feel I can more maturely discern the military path now that I’m more entrenched in it. I’ve learned this semester, what I’ve felt all along: the military is where I belong.
Sporadically I’m asked why I want to go into the military. I’ve always have had a lot of reasons for it. Until recently they were mainly selfish (good benefits, see the world, keep in shape, steady job) but now I’ve been exposed to a whole new list of why I know this is what I’m called to do. Mostly it’s been realized through my mom.
Out of all her children, I’m the most like her. We both are pretty independent, we have flexible but strong ideas, and we have to be doing something. Thinking of her over there is a really strange idea. I questioned if this was really part of the plan. But how stupid I was! God had this planned the entire time. I can go through all the different foreshowings up to where we are now, but that’s beside the point. Something has happened to her during her time in Iraq. She has seen God in a very real way. She has learned what submission really is, and also how that translates to her marriage. Although not perfectly, she has learned how to wait, how to love, how to accept. I want to grow the way she has.
The mediation from Pope Benedict XVI (in the book Benedictus) for December 6th goes really well with this theme (I‘ll just give you the whole thing):
The human being does not trust God. Tempted by the serpent, he harbors the suspicion that in the end, God takes something away from his life, that God is a rival who curtails our freedom and that we will be fully human only when we have cast him aside… The human being lives in the suspicion that God’s love creates a dependence and that he must rid himself of this dependency if he is to be fully himself. Man does not want to receive his existence and the fullness of his life from God. He himself wants to obtain from the tree of knowledge the power to shape the world, to make himself a god, raising himself to God’s level, and to overcome death and darkness with his own efforts. He does not want to rely on love that to him seems untrustworthy; he relies solely on his own knowledge since it confers power upon him. Rather than on love, he sets his sights on power, with which he desires to take his own life autonomously in hand. And in doing so, he trusts in deceit rather than in truth and thereby sinks with his life into emptiness, into death. Love is not dependence but a gift that makes us live… We live in the right way if we live in accordance with the truth of our being, and that is, in accordance with God’s will. For God’s will is not a law for the human being imposed from the outside and that constrains him, but the intrinsic measure of his nature, a measure that is engraved within him and makes him the image of God, hence, a free creature.
God, through my mother and more generally, through my experience with the military, has taught me to trust Him. Instead of questioning, I should be more inclined to accept, especially if I’m in the midst of a hardship. Instead of despairing, I should praise God! Really, everything does work out! Life is a great adventure, one that has God’s hand on it the entire way!
I’ve learned that not only does God have an awesome plan, that is being played out right now for you, but it also involves putting you exactly where (physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually) you need to be to experience Him and learn what you need to and grow in love for Him. Really, the military is prefect for that.
Just tonight my mom was telling me about a saying that gets thrown out a lot over there (I’m sure you’ve heard it): Let go and let God. This sentence becomes a way of life over there. You have a unique chance to really and completely trust God. I mean, what else are you going to do?
How often do we second-guess God? Do we really think and believe that what he has in store of us is THE best possible plan that could ever happen?
How much easier will this life be if we stop worrying about things we can’t change, and instead embrace each situation as the opportunity to grow closer to God. Indeed that is what every situation presents to us. How often to we pass it up? How often do we say, “not today God, I think I have it all figured out now, I’ll take it from here”?
This week, I’m striving to be like the kings, who saw the sign (the Star) and set off. Not really knowing where to go, or what may happen, they trusted. They didn’t need a long list of reasons (as I like to have) in order to be convinced. They had a childlike faith. A faith where they knew that no matter what happened, it not only would be okay, but that it would be the best thing that could happen!
God is great and so beautiful!
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