Blessed Mother – My World (and recipes too)

Blue Swallowtail Blessings

I can’t make this stuff up!

Usually while I’m having my cup of morning coffee, I am thinking about what I’d like to write about for the day. Because I’ve been contemplating starting this blog up again for a very long time, I have a lot of draft versions of blogs I’ve begun but not finished. So this morning without really thinking a great deal, I remembered a piece I wrote long ago entitled, “Metamorphosis”. I thought briefly about reprinting it, because this is how I”m currently feeling, but as soon as the thought entered my mind I decided not to. I’m trying not to go back in time to reprint blogs of days gone by. Besides this, I think of that blog as something to be posted during the Spring, because that’s when nature is re-birthing itself.

I finished my coffee, then pulled out my prayer journal. I sat for a moment, then wrote a few thoughts and ended with a five item gratitude list. One of the items I listed was this blog and how I am really enjoying writing on a regular basis. I’m thankful to God that I am able to express myself in this way and even happier when my words touch another person’s heart. Then I decided today would be the day I post my gratitude and invite others to do the same.

As usual, the drive to work brought more contemplation and my regular internal dialogue with heaven. I was expressing my gratitude for Charlie’s mother, for my mother, for my relationship with Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, who is Mother to us all. I didn’t really verbalize it but that “Metamorphosis” blog was still in the back of my heart. Again, I think this is what I am feeling lately, so it makes sense for it to be there in my heart.

I pulled into the parking lot at work where I saw two of my favorite people, so I hopped out and chatted a bit. Afterward I walked around the corner towards the door. From out of nowhere appeared a beautiful little Blue Swallowtail butterfly! She did circles around and around me and I squealed like a child with sheer joy! First of all, butterflies have always been special to me, but blues ones? They are my sign from the Blessed Mother! Hoping to get a photo, I dropped my bags just as she was flying off. I called to her (What? Did you expect me NOT to tell her to wait?) She actually landed and let me take this video! Look how CLOSE she let me get!

Then she posed for this photo! She wants you all to know how much you are loved, even when you aren’t feeling like it.

I walked through the door to my office knowing my first instinct was right. Someone out there needs to read about the journey to the cocoon. I could hardly wait to get home to deliver it!

Metamorphosis

I am no fan of the caterpillar.

Funny, as children we joyfully grab them from the pavement, talk to them, pet them, let them crawl on us and even try to keep them in jars. Forty years later the mere site of one gives me the heebie jeebies. Gross!

Last week after watching hundreds of these slinky silken beings travel across my deck and front porch-each of them in search of a safe haven in which to transform- I had an epiphany.

Maybe as children we intrinsically recognize the caterpillar as part of our own selves. I can remember feeling a certain empathy for these creatures, which is probably why I used to pick them up and carry them across the parking lot, assuring them a safe journey to the woods. I didn’t want to see a single one meet an untimely and squishy death.

Today I ponder the fact that we are all a part of the caterpillar and vice versa. In a sense we are all trying to make our way across the asphalt jungle of life, trying to get to a place where we can finally feel free enough to release our inner beauty. I look back on my own life and recognize there have been a lot of little kid hands lifting me up and carrying me when I didn’t feel I could make it across the lot on my own.

Over the weekend I saw a caterpillar making his way up my front door. I didn’t stop long enough to see where he was trying to go, nor did I really care. I was busy with my list of tasks for the day. A little later on, after I’d been in and out a few more times, I noticed something interesting. He’d spun his cocoon and gone into his chrysalis right on my doorbell button! What a fitting symbol for me at this time in my life.

The butterfly has been a personal sign of mine for many years (I’m sure I am not alone in this). Throughout my life I’ve had many experiences of cocooning, hiding myself away from the rest of the world, spun into my own little nest, trying to transform and emerge anew. Maybe this is why I recoil when I see a caterpillar. Eek, bluck, and gross. Sometimes it’s not easy remembering the journey to the cocoon, even when we have already transformed into butterflies.

That caterpillar deliberately placed himself on my doorbell so I would see him every day and be reminded that I am Blessed beyond comprehension. In just a short while, he will emerge a transformed being to fly off and begin anew. In much the same manner, I will be opening the door to a new and wonderful life as well.

The doorbell? Well of course you do know that “every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings”? (Couldn’t resist that one, sorry. Cough.)

The butterfly is a universal symbol for the transformation of life. It is a symbol of great joy and great change. But most importantly, butterflies remind us that the power of metamorphosis is always within our reach.

May you find a caterpillar at your front door very soon!

My Dearest Lord:

What an incredible day this has been! From the depths of who I am, I thank you. I am still in total awe about the very unexpected beautiful butterfly who absolutely made my entire day!

Today I lift my prayers to you for anyone out there who needs to feel Your presence and love. I know there are those who are still tightly wrapped within their cocoons, perhaps feeling lost, hurt, afraid or lonely. Let them know that they are in my heart and that I wish to share my faith and love with them. You are the great Universal healer. Please grant them courage to break free and emerge anew.

Thank you for enabling me to see the beauty in this life and for allowing me the grace to finally accept the things I cannot change and to blossom where I can…and to remember… I always can.

I love you.

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Stupid Old Boyfriend-Near Life-Sized Signs

Here is the part where all of you question my sanity. I’m okay with that.

Once upon a time I had a boyfriend who made the frustrated declaration, “Oh Bobbe, you think everything is a sign. Not everything is a sign from God!” This was twenty nine years ago and I can still hear his words ringing in my ears. I know exactly where we were, what the weather was that day; I even remember what I was wearing. I was completely flabbergasted. (Don’t you love that word?)

I have navigated my entire life by spiritual guideposts and feelings and I guess when he said that to me, it was the first time I realized that other people don’t. (I know there is more to life planning than floating about watching for signs. That’s not what I mean here.)

For instance. Last week was the first time in eons I started posting my spirituality blogs. I’d been feeling for some time that this is the direction I wanted and needed to take. I prayed a tremendous amount of time over it as well. I haven’t started talking about it here yet, but a strong part of my spiritual roots in later life, comes from my devotion to The Blessed Mother. (Yes, Mother Mary.)

I am on Facebook every evening and in ten years not once have I ever seen a post from anyone (but me), regarding messages from The Blessed Mother. Yet, on Thursday evening, I ran into the following post from “The Medjugorje Web”:

Message to Mirjana Soldo of August 2nd, 2018.
Dear children,
With a motherly love I am calling you to open hearts to peace; to open hearts to my Son, so that in your hearts love for my Son may sing, because only out of that love peace comes in the soul. My children, I know that you have goodness, I know that you have love – a merciful love, but many of my children still have a closed heart. They think that they can do it without directing their thoughts towards the Heavenly Father who illuminates–towards my Son who is always with you anew in the Eucharist and who desires to listen to you. My children, why do you not speak to Him? The life of each of you is important and precious, because it is a gift from the Heavenly Father for eternity. Therefore, do not ever forget to keep on thanking Him: speak to Him. I know, my children, that what is to come afterwards is unknown to you, but when your hereafter comes you will receive all the answers. My motherly love desires that you be ready. My children, by your life keep putting good feelings in the hearts of the people whom you meet, feelings of peace, goodness, love and forgiveness. Through prayer, hearken to what My Son is saying and act accordingly. Anew, I am calling you to prayer for your shepherds, for those whom my Son has called. Remember that they need prayers and love. Thank you.

Why is this significant? Because earlier that very day, I shared some of my very personal conversion story with a dear friend of another faith. I don’t mind saying that every time I relate my story, it’s a little bit frightening, because it’s so personal. She was so moved by it she encouraged me to pursue writing about it in depth. (Those closest to me know this has been a dream of mine for almost thirty years. It’s a dream I am currently, very seriously revisiting.)

Every part of that message up there speaks right to my heart and it’s what I’ve been putting in to practice daily for as long as I can recall. I saw it on Thursday. I saw it again on Friday. And on Saturday, an interesting thing happened on the way to the grocery.

Charlie and I wanted to go to visit Aldi’s to see if it’s a place we want to include in our regular shopping circuit. (It’s not, by the way.) We were driving along a beautiful street lined with pretty houses with well manicured lawns. I was enjoying the ride very much when we drove past a house with a huge picture window in the front. Imagine my glee when standing in that window I saw an almost life-sized statue of The Blessed Mother! I was so excited, I cried a little bit. I felt just like Mary herself had just given me Her nod of approval.

Blessings. They are coming to us all every moment of every day. The secret is to keep an open heart and mind and to accept them for what they are. Remember when I was talking about tuning into the heart? This is part of it.

We are not alone here. Whatever it is you’re struggling with or need help with or want to share, open your heart and talk to God about it. You will be heard.

Ask. Believe. Receive. Say Thank you.

Dearest Lord:

Today I want to pray for those among us who are struggling in this life with issues regarding faith, hopelessness, courage, self worth and even direction. I know that there is never a time when You are not present with us, listening to our prayers and loving us. Please help us all to begin recognizing the multitude of signs of Your love, mercy and grace.

Thank you for the gift of Your Beautiful Mother, who I love, adore and hold so dear.

Help us all to remember to practice putting good feelings in the hearts of the people we meet, feelings of peace, goodness, love and forgiveness and to pray for our Shepherds and Leaders, regardless of whether or not we agree with them.

I love you.

Amen.

“And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Revelation 12:1

Love One Another.

Wednesday, I was taking a break from work to run my little dog Jack, to Wendy’s for a cheeseburger. (Yes, he’s a tad spoiled but that’s another story). When I leaned over to unlock the car door, I felt a concentrated breeze pull together and shoot right up my nose.

god-listenings

I was popping through some of my old writing and I found the following recount of an experience I had back in 2008. I post this as a reminder that we are ALL special to God and if we are open to receiving signs, they absolutely do come in all forms.

There is never a time, place or situation where all of heaven are not present in our lives. We are most definitely not alone.

PS: I left the card reading that went with this story knowing full well I’m meant to leave it so it will speak to one of you the way it’s supposed to.
_________________________________________________________________

The following is the true account of an experience I had on Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Wednesday, I was taking a break from work to run my little dog Jack, to Wendy’s for a 1655_107595240572_1161_n cheeseburger. (Yes, he’s a tad spoiled but that’s another story). When I leaned over to unlock the car door, I felt a concentrated breeze pull together and shoot right up my nose.

The aroma? Roses.

I giggled with delight!

In that same moment I swirled around, nose to the air, giggling and sniffing like a lunatic. I was breathing in pure and utter joy. I knew what the roses were, but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t jumping to conclusions. (It’s spring-time and it could have been trees blooming nearby.)

But it wasn’t. No blooms anywhere.

I giggled some more and did a little dance right by my car.

The aroma of roses is just one of the signs The Blessed Mother uses to signal Her presence. I’ve smelled it many times before.

Typically, like yesterday, it’s when I least expect it or I need it the most.

I stopped and silently said these words; “I know. ‘Mary’s in the wind.’ Hello Mary! Thank you so much! I love you!”. I giggled some more.

Two seconds later I was in the car, carrying on with the tasks of the day.

Wednesday (the same night), I had the following dream:

“I am in an office feeling very VERY disgruntled and oppressed. Former colleagues and co-workers are milling about and I wonder why I am STILL here. I’m waiting for someone to tell me it’s my time to leave. I am impatient. I pace up and down the aisles just filling time. Finally, I receive word it’s time for me to go. I am to go find a particular Doctor and escort him. I have no idea who or where, but I leave to go find him.

I cross the threshold and step into another dimension. I am in a foreign country that feels “old worldly”, but this isn’t important to me. I am put out because I have to find the Doctor and no one bothered to tell me who or where he is.

I make my way up a crowded street, notice a huge group of people and I fall into line with them. I realize enough to know this is the line where I will find the Doctor. I follow the crowd up a grassy hill to a church-like structure.

“So many people”, I think to myself.

I hear someone say, “Pope John Paul II was supposed to be here too but he could not make it.”

I mutter to myself, “Yeah. That’s because he died. Awww. I always loved him. He was such a kind soul”.

I keep step with the crowd. We are moving forward at a pretty fast pace.

When I reach the point I can see it’s almost my turn, I can see I’m in the front part of a very old church. The architecture is fabulous. In the left corner, a girl stands at a card table. People go to her, she hands them their tickets and they go inside. I feel slightly uneasy. I know there is no ticket for me and I am not sure the girl will understand that I’m only there to find the Doctor. Will she even speak English?

When it’s my turn, all of the people vanish and it’s just she and I alone. I am thinking she will not have a ticket for me because I am certainly not on her list. I don’t even know what event I’d been in line for. I was only looking for the Doctor.

She picks up her pad, writes something, tears it off and hands it to me. My eyes lift to meet hers.

I recognize her instantly and crumble to my knees in humble tears.

“Oh my God. It’s YOU! You KNOW me? I cannot believe you remember me!”

(I support myself by holding her forearms and she is leaning over me slightly trying to bring me back up. She doesn’t want me to kneel before her.)

She says, “Oh course I remember you. We all do. We know you by name.”

I respond, “No no no. This place is reserved for special people. I’m not special. This is a mistake”. I’m crying…so shocked…so dumb-founded.

In a moment, I regain enough composure to catch site of the paper she’s handed me. It is a prescription slip from a Doctor’s prescription pad. I feel relieved. I know the Doctor’s name is imprinted on the paper. I’ll be able to read it and then be on my way to find him. I bring it up to my face to read, still holding onto Vicka for support.

I am awestruck again. This time I fall to my knees and bury my head beneath my hands.

“Oh my God, my GOD!!”, I begin to sob, “My NAME. My NAME is here and it is spelled right”.

I look at the page and my name is written, “B, Bobbe Crouch”. I begin to sob again.

Overcome, I rise to my feet and start to back away from the dear girl. I tell her, “No. I am not special enough to be here. I know what this place is. This is not my place!”

She raises her hand to beckon me forward, but she doesn’t approach me.

She says, “Yes. Yes, you ARE meant to be here. Come. Come. She still knows you by name. She loves you. We love you.”

I say, “No. No. I can’t go in there. Only the Holiest of Holy are allowed to be present. I am not worthy of it”.

She giggles and takes my hand. “Yes. You are. Let’s go ask Her. Let Her tell you Herself”.

I can barely breathe.

We step across the threshold of a packed Cathedral-like structure. I am so humbled and embarrassed and overcome with emotion. She leads me to the front, where I see another familiar face. It’s Mirjana about to have an apparition.

“I cannot be here. Why is she facing me? She shouldn’t be facing ME?”, thoughts just flood my brain faster than I can process them.

I am remembering ALL of the times I’d been present at the Marian conferences, when one of the visionaries experienced an apparition -ONLY the very ill and very Holy were invited to be present in the room. Yet, here I was and she was facing me about to speak directly TO me.

“I’m not special. I’m not worthy.”

Vicka whispers, “Oh yes you are. Our Lady loves you and She’s called for you especially.”

I can’t remember what happened next other than to say there was a dialogue and a long one. I woke up saying the “Glory Be” but I didn’t remember why until I got up and went down for coffee with Charlie.

When I remembered the dream I sat down on the couch and bawled my eyes out. Then I remembered smelling the roses the afternoon before the dream. OMG. I had completely forgotten that.

“I’ve come full circle. It’s time”. “B, Bobbe Crouch….that means: BE Bobbe Crouch! OMG”.

Yesterday I felt a peace I’ve not felt in a long while. Most of you are about to find out that my roots with the angels began with a journey I took with The Blessed Mother twenty years ago. Lately I’ve been feeling an inner pull to begin to talk more specifically about it, but I’m such a good human, I’ve been waiting for a certified letter from heaven giving me specific instructions on the where, when and how”. HA!

Yesterday, I came to the office and got on the web and did a search on Medjugorje. I wanted to find photos of the two women in my dream, so I could confirm for myself, what I all ready knew. Vicka and Mirjana are two of the six children (who are not children any more) to whom the Blessed Mother began appearing in 1981. The apparitions continue to this day; though for some of them, it’s no longer daily, but an annual occurence.

I went to the official website and not only found my proof, but I also found this:

“Our Lady has also been appearing to Mirjana on the 2nd of each month since August 2, 1987 for the express purpose of praying for all unbelievers. Mirjana tells us that it is very important that all of us pray for the unbelievers in the world, who are defined as those who do not yet know God’s love.”

Wednesday was the 2nd of April.

I’m going to end here with the promise that I’ll start explaining all this soon. In the meantime realize that we are all receiving signs at this time. It’s up to us to pay attention and to have enough courage to listen and act.

Before you ask me, yes. The Blessed Mother I speak of here is the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mother of ALL. Her message to the World is NOT just for Christians. Her message has always been one of love. She wants us all to find our faith and return to loving God and to loving one another.

This isn’t about organized religion at ALL. It’s about the conversion of souls. It’s all about LOVE.

From The Angels:

Enchantment: Recapture your childlike sense of wonder and awe. View the world as a magical place.

Remember when you were a child and how magical the world seemed? The sense of enchantment is the spirit of our inner child. Somewhere along the way, did you lose that sense of wonder?

The angels ask you to recapture your magical sense by remembering that a miraculous power surrounds you. Ask God and the angels to help you with anything (small or large). Don’t worry-you aren’t removing angels from “more important”tasks when you ask for their help with everyday situations. They truly want to support you so that you are free of worries. In that way, you exude the joy and wonder of children who trust that they are taken care of. And when you are joyful, your Divine light inspires everyone who sees you.

Power: You now allow yourself to express your power. Being powerful is safe for you, knowing that you express your power with love.

You have all of the power of your Creator within you! All the power of Divine love, wisdom, and intelligence is available to you. You have the spiritual power to see angels and the future. You have intellectual power to tap in to the universal wisdom of the One Mind. You have emotional power to empathize with others, and physical power that is truly unlimited.

The angels ask you to give them any fears you may have connected with being a powerful person. Your angels see a quiet and beautiful aspect of your true power, stemming from the only power in the universe: Divine love. Allow yourself to shine with this radiant love so that your true power can radiate out into the world in miraculous ways.

Archangel Micheal: This powerful archangel is with you right now. He gives you courage and helps release you from the effects of fear.

Through this card, Archangel Michael is making his presence known to you. He is the symbol of true courage, stemming from knowing that God’s love is the only power there is. Michael is letting you know that, as you make changes in your life and as you encounter challenges, you are safe and secure. God and the angels help you stay true to yourself during trying times.

Have heart-to-heart discussions with Michael often. Pour out all of your concerns to him. Don’t worry about overburdening him. Michael, like all of the archangels, is able to be with everyone simultaneously who needs him. He has no limitations of time or space,so he can help you and others concurrently.

Dearest Lord,

Help me to remember that there is never a time or place where you are not present with me. Help me to remember that you know the contents of my heart without my having to do a thing. Open my eyes and my heart to receive you better and to increase my faith more. Prompt me to open up and talk with you more. I know your grace is there.

Through you, I can do all things. Nothing is impossible.

Thank you so much for all that you do for me, seen and unseen.

I love you.

Amen

Fearless Hope

I hate feeling unsettled. One minute I am up and ready to take on the world and the next, there are things bubbling up and I’m screaming about nothing. It’s a precarious time for most all of us right now, especially in the USA where we are feeling an upheaval in our country with the upcoming election.

hope

I hate feeling unsettled. One minute I am up and ready to take on the world and the next, there are things bubbling up and I’m screaming about nothing. It’s a precarious time for almost all of us right now, especially in the USA where we are feeling an upheaval in our country with the upcoming election. It’s insane the amount of bickering and fighting going on. People who have been friends for years have parted ways because they do not agree on who should be President. The two candidates we have behave in deplorable ways. It’s a scary time for all of us, but for those of us who are ultra sensitive, it can be hard to get out of bed each day.

My husband and I cook for a church each Wednesday, a task I normally love and look forward to. This morning, I’m reaching for the strength to do it and to do it with a smile. I feel sad inside for a number of reasons. I have to keep repeating to myself, “This too shall pass.” I know it will. It always does.

There IS hope. We don’t HAVE to feel the effects of fear. For some, this is easier said than done, but it’s a matter of choice. I personally have no idea what is about to happen with the Government but I do know one thing…it’s up to me (and you too) to be diligent about praying for the people of our Nation and to ask God that our leaders begin to strip down to the heart for the good of this Country of ours. The time for greed is over. We’ve been seeing for some time now what greed is capable of doing and has done. I want no part of it.

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my past walk with the Blessed Mother and today I went through my books trying to find the ones that helped me best to strengthen my faith. I ran across a meditation book called, “Medjugorje Day By Day” (by: Richard J. Beyer), and opened it to October 26. This is what is says at the top. It’s part of one of Mary’s messages to the world as given to the visionaries in Medjugorje back in the eighties.

October 26:

The Blessed Mother Speaks of Grace today:

“Dear Children, pray during this month. God has allowed me to help you every day with graces, in order to protect you from evil. This month is mine. I would like to give it to you. Pray and God will give you the graces that you ask for. I will support your requests.”

(© 1993 Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana)

During a time in my life when I most needed a hand to hold , Mary was there for me. I am here to tell you She is here now again, and She’ll help anyone who reaches out to Her.

Once upon a time she foretold what is going on in this country right now and I will never forget what She said. She said this country has been given the most and we have the least gratitude [of all countries] for it. She also said “God help the mother’s with young children”. For whatever reason, that one quote has always stuck with me. All She has asked of me or anyone is to return to putting God first in all of our ways. She doesn’t specify what religion because frankly, God is God, no matter what name we choose to use.

At a time in my life when I felt there was no human on earth in whom I could place my trust, I took a deep breath and made a promise to hold Her hand and go where She would lead me. She led me to a deep faith and belief that through God, ALL things are possible. She specified that there IS still time to change our ways and that through the prayers of many, a lot of terrible things have been averted. They still are and still can.

So I ask you all to join with me in praying for one another, not just America, but for all people of all Nations. Pray that God sends an army of Angels to seep into the hearts of those who supposedly lead and want to lead this country and that whomever ends up being the decision maker(s) begins to lead with his/her heart for the good of all. The fact is that none of us truly know, we only have opinions on who is supposed to be in charge.

WE ARE ONE. It’s time to take the one true stand we can all take. Begin and end your days on your knees in prayer. Ask that God take the lead and show us all the right way. Ask that God’s will be done, not ours.

It doesn’t fail. I can promise you this.

My love to all of you!

From The Angels:

Answered Prayer: Fear not, beloved one! Your prayers have been heard and answered.

All of your prayers are always answered. Sometimes you may not feel this way, because the answer comes in unexpected ways. Perhaps you receive an intuitive feeling or a new opportunity appears-or a book falls off the shelf. The angels answer our prayers very often by giving us ideas or information in these everyday ways.

By drawing this card, the angels request that you be extra observant. Notice everything that you hear, say, think, and feel. Be especially alert to help that comes to you, and be sure to accept that help. You do deserve this assistance, and many times God enlists people to act as Earth angels who bring you answers to your prayers.

Harmony: Conflict is resolved in a situation that was troubling you. Know that you deserve this peace and happiness, and accept it graciously.

Beloved child of God, you are a peace-lover at heart. This card comes to you as a sign of new harmony that dawns upon you. Let go of viewing the situation as troubled, and see yourself and others through the eyes of your guardian angels. In this way, you’ll look past the surface and see the beauty and light that eternally shines within everyone.

By shifting your viewpoint to the angelic perspective, you become an Earth angel. Holding an elevated viewpoint sparks miraculous healing in all of your relationships. Conflict drops away, revealing the clean and new truth about everyone and everything.

Study: Don’t let the pressures of life push those dreams down. Stir up those dreams. Shake off every disappointment and press forward. This is a new day. Get a new vision. Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, you are going to keep pressing forward. This is an important time for you to learn new ideas or skills.

You are going to keep growing. You are going to keep learning. You are going to stay active. If you will stay passionate about life, knowing what your purpose is and being your best every day, God will pour out His blessings to you. Perhaps you feel guided to enroll in a class and this card confirms that feeling.

Make the choice to keep your dreams in front of you. Remember, you have a purpose. You have a destiny. You were created to make a difference to impact our society to make this world a better place. You are being guided to enroll in class, continue your education.

mary

Today’s Prayers:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee

Blessed art thou among women

and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.