Remembering all you have been given

I am at day 5 of the book The Magic.  This book is an excellent reminder of all the blessings we have.  It also helps  me to be present to be a blessing to and for others.  If we really take time to reflect on all we have been given there is only joy that we can see. 

I am so very thankful for so many things and so many people.  Every day God blesses me with so much.  Today I recognize all those people that have been a part of my life; maybe for a moment maybe for a lifetime and I give thanks.

I challenge you to take time today and make a list of all you have been given and reflect on what you are most thankful for.  If we all choose to focus on our blessings each day we can continue to be a blessing for others.  

Great song to reflect on: Blessings by Laura Story

Love one another as I have loved YOU

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.~John 13:34

I have recently been reminded of this beautiful artist while reading the book Heaven is for Real. Akiane Kramarik.  https://www.facebook.com/jesusprinceofpeace.  I am awestruck by not only the beautiful work she creates but how God brought her to this work.  I hope you enjoy learning more about her.    http://miraclemama.com/2011/04/22/the-miracle-of-akiane-a-link-to-divinity/   It will surely bring a smile to your heart.

Have a beautiful day loving everyone... even the person that cuts you off on the road or steps in front of you in the grocery store line.  When we change the way we look at things the things we look at change.  ~wayne dyer  If we humble ourselves it is so much easier to love, because we make it not about us.   “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.”--C. S. Lewis

Blessings

How will you prepare?

40 days is a long time, however it gives us all time to reflect, pray and change our hearts.  I challenge us all to do something this year that truly makes a difference.  As young children we may have given up candy, gum etc.  Still as adults some of us are giving up candy and gum.  Let us all find ways to make this lent one of true giving to the Lord.  Here are some suggestions of ways we might make our lent one of true sacrifice and love.  

Maybe you have not been to reconciliation in a long time so you will promise to go.

You will attend stations of the cross.

Pray the rosary daily

Attend daily mass

Go to a soup kitchen

Feed my starving children

Visit residents in a nursing home

Do one random act of kindness a day

If you are a computer or tv junkie turn it off 

practice patience while driving

take more time with your family

send a card or letter to someone often

Honestly, whatever it is you might do should cause you to reflect and remember what our Lord has done for us.  One of the things I do is each time I do something I have promised for lent, I say a prayer for someone in my life that needs praying.  This becomes a constant reminder for me to think of people other than myself and my sacrifice.  Let us all try to fast and abstain from things that cause us to stay away from God and act in ways that bring us closer to Him.  I have made a habit of listening to only the rosary or christian music when I am in the car.  I started this years ago during lent and have continued it as a practice in my life.  Each of us knows what are greatest strengths and weaknesses are according to the Lord.  This lent let us all work on giving and praying in ways that is unlike any lent we have had in the past.  I pray for you and ask that you do the same for me.  

Blessings for a lent that truly brings you closer to our Lord.

"As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus' thirst...'Repent and believe' Jesus tells us. What are we to repent?  Our indifference, our hardness of heart.  What are we to believe?  Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor -- He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you."  -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Happy Valentine's Day.. show your love for others

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action. ~Mother Teresa

Wishing everyone a love filled Valentine Day.  Be sure to tell those people you care about just how much you love them.  Remember the best part about loving someone is you always have the chance to make them happy.  This Valentine Day send someone a note that tells them just how much you care about them.  It might be the best gift they ever receive.

Blessings to all....

How well do we LOVE?

Today I am reminded of how we are called to love one another. God's love for us is never ending and we should strive to love others in the same way.  I try to make my life about loving everyone where ever they are on the journey.  Every day I ask for God's love and grace in my life.  That I may love others as He wants me to.  Most importantly that I will not be in the way.  What I want and what I desire does not cloud my judgement and I am able to listen for what He wants from me.  That I may love with my whole heart and soul and bring His love to others.  

With Valentine's day fast approaching..  let us all make every day a day filled with love.  Shouldn't we be showing love and care for everyone all the time? Just think how much more awesome our world would be if we lived our lives without judgement & full of love each and every day.

Blessings and LOVE