Posted on by Charly

Joy

This week we are reminded to rejoice. We have a savior and he has already won the battle for us. As we sang “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” this past Sunday at mass I noticed I was not paying much attention until the words “rejoice rejoice” brought a smile to my face as I realized I can have joy no matter what is going on in this crazy world because I have Jesus. It reminded me of a little acrostic that the kids brought home from school. The J is for Jesus. The O is for others. The Y is for yourself.

When I struggle to be joyful in a world full of darkness and despair I remind myself to put Jesus first in my life by engaging in mass, praying, reading the Bible, receiving the sacraments, spending time at adoration, and simply being hopeful in the Lord.

Then I focus on those around me, others. What can I do to help them find joy? Maybe just a smile or a word of encouragement. Maybe I need to cook, bake, or clean for them. Maybe they need to be lifted up in prayer. Maybe I can find joy again by serving others.

Last only because it keeps me humble and not because I am unimportant; is to look inward. To look and see if my needs are being met. Am I getting enough rest, nutritious food, exercise, and enjoyment?

When I am lacking in joy the answer is short and sweet. It is seemingly simple yet can be a daily struggle to keep in perspective:

Jesus

Others

Yourself

Posted on by Charly

Advent To Do List:

(Photo from pixbay)

I have been making lists for years.  Things always get checked off but the next day a new list is created.  December’s to do list is especially long and difficult to finish.  I started out this advent season listening to some podcasts while making my list of gift ideas.  Father Mike Schmitz always engages me and his homely the first Sunday of Advent was especially thought-provoking.  I stopped writing my list and listened carefully.

Father Mike Schmitz said, “You are going to die.  The date you will die is December 25.”  In other words that don’t get your attention quite as fiercely as those, “You are going to die and you will meet Jesus! So don’t just clean your house, decorate it beautifully, and buy great gifts for loved ones but prepare your heart for meeting Him! “Get ready now!’ He said.

My mom’s dying words were, “Lord help me.” She met Him. I know we will all meet Jesus. Whether we love Him or not we will come face to face with Him. I am working on getting my heart ready for that meeting whether it is December 25 or not I want to be ready.

We may meet Him before our death. Here was a new take on the second coming of Jesus. It was from Father James at mass this past Sunday.  He took a view I have never considered.  He said something like this; Jesus will have a second coming.  What if He is trying to right now through you?  Are you listening? Are you obeying? Do you love Him enough that others can “see Him through you”?

Can others see Jesus through me? As I let that settle in my mind it rattles me. I have knowledge of Jesus and even a deep relationship with Him but does that bring others to know Him? I have some sharing to do!

This year I am adding two things to my advent to-do list.  Two things that will be harder than decorating my house with all the little helpful hands I have.  Harder than finding and buying gifts for those in my life.  Harder than finding time to get my whole family together to get a Christmas tree.  Harder yet so much more meaningful!

Additions to my Advent to-do List:

  • Clean up my heart
  • Bring Jesus to others
Posted on by Charly

Is My Heart Drowsy?

Image result for sleepy heart(Sleepy heart by drawception.com)

Advent is fast approaching.  It is a time to reflect and prepare for the coming of Christ.  We were reminded last weekend that He is our king.  How do we sufficiently prepare for the king of the universe? It sounds quite overwhelming.  I’m sure it’s something like preparing our homes for the Christmas holiday but in a way that bears our true self not just the neat and tidy version.  This coming Sunday we will hear “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life…” Luke 21:34

Carousing and drunkenness do not seem to be issues I struggle with.  Usually when reading this passage of scripture I just skim it over and arrogantly think,  “I don’t become drowsy from those things, so I’m okay.”   I am not a naturally anxious person, even so the anxieties of everyday life can take over my mind. Thank God for this month of Advent to remind me to take a step back and slow down.  Not a time to worry about the perfect gifts to get, the perfect photos for the Christmas card, what we will all wear for Christmas dinner, or the most beautiful Christmas decorations, but a time to pray through each of these “anxieties”.  My trust needs to be in the Lord.

One word caught me off guard as I read this passage.  The word “heart”.  I am somewhat relieved it does not say do not let your eyes become drowsy because I often feel like closing them and catching a nap!  My heart though, what does it mean for it to get drowsy?  I’m sure it isn’t in the sense of it’s beating, as we can not control that.  It could mean in the sense of getting tired of loving.  There are people who are difficult to love.  I need to remind myself that the lord himself loves every human and although I may become irritated or frustrated by them my heart should desire their good.  It is time to prepare my heart for the coming of our king by not allowing it to get drowsy.  So while my focus may seem to be on preparing my home, my children’s gifts, and the annual Christmas letter I need to beware of the state of my heart!

Things to do to protect your heart from drowsiness:

Pray and read the Bible, strengthen your relationship with Jesus.

Receive the sacraments.

See everyone you come in contact with as a child of God.

Seek wisdom and knowledge from people whose faith is strong.

Give time, talent, and treasure.

Share Jesus with others!