Sunday Wisdom

Today’s gospel reading is a popular one and some may say that Martha gets a bad rap just because she is trying to be hospitable. I believe the reading today are to remind us of two things. First, it is important to keep a healthy balance between doing or service and being or contemplative prayer. The old saying you can’t give what you don’t have is so true. This is precisely why Jesus would wonder off and be found in quite prayer to his heavenly father. He was recharging!

Second, it is important to offer our service and hospitality if you will, with love. It is not that Jesus did not appreciate what Martha was doing, and he certainly did not think that Mary was better than Martha, but let’s face it, Martha was grumbling. Instead of going about her duties with great love, she was concerned that Mary was not helping her. Perhaps because of her lack of contemplative prayer balance, she was feeling sorry for herself and feeling over worked.  We’ve all been there. When we don’t take time to meet our Lord in quite prayer, we can turn inward and begin feeling unappreciated for all the things we do. 

So, the next time you feel agitated, overwhelmed, or even unappreciated, turn to your heavenly Father. He has all you need to fill up so you can of yourself in service to others.

Be Still And know that I am God ~Psalm 46

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time, be blessed, Renae

This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad!  Today is a glorious day and one that is filled with hope.  And even if your days still feel dark and empty, Christ is with you walking beside you, in your despair, in your emptiness, in your hope, and in your joy.  Step by step he is leading us to His kingdom in heaven.

It is a time to reflect on the truth of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. He truly is alive in our hearts. He is with us in our darkest fears. So let us call on the Holy Spirit to renew our hope and remain steadfast in prayer.  Let us celebrate God’s unfathomable love, grace, and mercy and allow it to transform our faith with a renewed hope for a joyous future.

Have A Blessed Easter Season!

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time, be blessed, Renae

The loss of a loved one can be devastating for those left behind, especially when a parent has to bury a child. Yesterday we said good-bye to our beloved angel Hayley.  She was my youngest brother’s oldest child, and yet she was only 23.  It is hard to understand why her life was cut dramatically and suddenly short, but our faith tells us this is not the end for she has gained eternal life with our Lord.  Hayley was a strong, courageous, and joyful young lady who will be so missed. 

Sometimes when God does not answer our prayers it feels like He has abandoned us, but despite our doubts, the fact is, He never leaves us.  He loves us and walks through the valley of darkness with us. In these times when nothing makes sense, let us pause and ask God what He is trying to reveal to us, even in the midst of our suffering.  Let’s open our hearts to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to move us with love and compassion for others.  One of the best ways to honor a loved one who has passed is to allow them to pass freely into the next life and then live on in hope that we will one day see each other again.

Hayley is now in the loving embrace of her Savior who was and always has been waiting for her with open arms.  So let us allow the Holy Spirit enter into whatever pain is on our hearts. Let’s allow that Spirit to heal and transform us. We can be confident that Jesus is always with us, working in your lives, even when we do not understand how. Psalm 18:3: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress”.

Hayley was such a loving soul and God’s joy in her was a beacon of light for others. As we continue the final weeks of this Lenten season, I choose to honor her spirit by uniting my suffering to Christ on the Cross and to continue to spreading Christ’s love, joy, and mercy to others. I invite you to do the same.

Lord Jesus, give us a heart of wisdom and compassion.  Open our eyes to see your presence in our lives.

What is the quality of your heart this week?

Today’s gospel can be challenging as it calls us to look at our own faults before judging others. In order to bear good fruit we must continually pay attention to what is in our heart.  Do you see the good in others or do you look for what is wrong or imperfect? It is important to remember that recognizing good in others, acknowledging someone’s gift does not diminish the gifts we have been given. We are all needed to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth.

To grow in holiness, we need to look at how often we wound our Lord with unkind words, actions, and even judgment of others.  The season of Lent is upon us. Now is the time to grown in understanding of our own failures, and to turn to God in humility, so we will be open to receive His Mercy.

Let us be a witness of compassion and surround ourselves with friends who speak words of love, encouragement and blessing instead of resentment, bitterness, and gossip. Remember, the quality of fruit we bear will be determined on how well we care for the quality of our heart.

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time, be blessed, Renae