Through Our Faith -NO Weapon Formed Against US Shall Prosper.

I have had all I can stand of naysayers and fear mongerers. (Yes I know that’s not a word.) GOD and goodness always prevail.

And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.  -Matthew 17:20

Once upon a time I felt so alone and unable to trust even one human being that I spent nearly a year of my life quiet inside. Feeling I couldn’t tell another living soul what was happening with me; I drifted forward -some of those days uncertain I could last even one more day on this earth.

One day, on the way home from work I felt compelled drive across town, completely out of my way to stop at was once my favorite church in the city. I followed my intuition. Soon enough I was kneeling in a beautiful grotto reduced to tears, unable to pray, unsure of just about anything. All I could muster was, “Please help me.” Minutes later a warm hug came into my heart that said, “Do not be afraid. I am with you. Pray. Pray. Pray.”

I went home and began to do exactly that and my life changed in miraculous ways.  Almost forty years later, I am here to tell you that prayer is still one of the most, if not The most powerful tools we each possess.

By definition, the word, “pray” means: 1: to make a request in a humble manner; 2: to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving. For me, it has always meant constant conversation where I listen and pay attention as much as, if not more, than I speak.

When I first started writing this blog (it has been sitting here for weeks unfinished), I was upset by the number of people saying that we will never be the same again after this pandemic; that we would never recover. I was mortified hearing people say that we could never sing in church again and that we might never be able to have large gatherings.  The worst I heard was that Grandparents may never see their families in person again because of the risk.  I am always against broad generalizations, but these…they stuck in my heart BIG because I know how powerful God is. 

This was of course, before George Floyd was murdered. (Yes, I know there are others and I know their names.)

I hate it when monumental things happen and ordinary people like me decide to weigh in and explain what is happening and what we should be doing. The truth is, the only legitimate answer I continually come to for myself is prayer.

Spare me your lists of things I ought be doing.  Truth be told, I was already doing them eons before any of this stuff happened. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to look for the beauty and the good in people, because it’s present in all of us. It doesn’t take a lot to stand with those who need inclusivity, assistance, justice, acceptance, equality, a voice and/or especially love -because it’s what is expected of ALL of us. 

It is still true that hearts and voices joined together, lifted to the heavens land squarely in the lap of the Almighty. God hears us and He STILL answers prayers. I will continue to use my knees as I always have and while I’m at it, I’ll be praying that your prayers are joined with mine.

PS-You’re missing out if you don’t click through and listen to this beautiful song!

 

When We Pray by: Tauren Wells

Lyrics:

People hurting, people broken
Beaten down and feeling hopeless
Wonder if it’s gonna always be this way
Who will speak up for the captive
Show some love and heal a past that
Binds the wounds we think will never go away
But what if we could be a people on our knees
As one before the King
‘Cause we believe
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray
Oh, when we pray, oh
I see revival rising
I see hope on the horizon
As a generation stepping out in faith
Because we will be a people on our knees
As one before the King
‘Cause we believe
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray
Oh, when we pray, oh
Let Your kingdom come, Lord
Let Your will be done

In Jesus’s name (when we pray)
In Jesus’s name (when we pray)

 

From The Angels:

You are part of an awesome and powerful team of benevolent beings. They surround, guide, and love you constantly. If you are in danger, they will intervene with warnings or lifesaving measures. If you are afraid, they will comfort you with the energy of Divine love. If you are confused, they will whisper guidance in your ear.

Your angels and guides ask you to talk to them more frequently. Have mental conversations with them about everything, and you will soon see evidence of their existence. Soon, the angels will enlist you to help other people. If you ever feel doubtful about your ability to help others, ask the angels to help you release these fears.

God, the angels and the ascended masters who love, protect and guide you are watching over you right now. YOU ARE NOT ALONE and YOU ARE SAFE!

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.

The angels request that you be extra observant at this time. 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.

Fear not, beloved one. Your prayers have been heard and answered.

Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.”

Matthew 19:26 GNB
 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord,

It feels gloomy outside today, even though the sun is shining and it’s trying to enter my soul. Please help me to defeat it. When I was down and scared and I reached for your hand, it was there. I know it’s there right now because I believe even though I cannot see.

Please send the light of your love into every person’s heart. Enlighten us and enable us to see one another through the eyes you intended us to use all along–the eyes of love, compassion and understanding. Help us to recognize that we belong to one another and that it’s up to each of us to take care of one another.

Help us to listen to and finally hear one another and let us do so with the intent of finding our similarities instead of our differences. Reform the hearts that need it; open the hearts that need it; heal the hearts that need it.

Help us all to shine in the light of your unending and all encompassing love and forgiveness.

In your Son Jesus name, I humbly pray.

I love you.

Amen

 

Take Heart!

Yet another time God places exactly what I need right in my path. So beautiful!

While the entire country has been quieted and people all over are staying healthy at home, it seems like my professional and personal life has ramped up to be busier than ever before. There aren’t enough hours in my days lately. I am beyond grateful for this, but often it makes this little blog of mine have to take a back seat.

As so often happens, when I am looking for the words I want to say, God places them right in front of me in the most beautiful ways. This morning, it’s a song. Please consider this my love note to you today and always. AND if you need to send a love note to someone, by all means share this.

God Bless you!

Love, Bobbe

 

 

From the Angels:

The angels know that you’re busy, with many Earthly demands on your time. They want to help you with your responsibilities through the process of balance. Whenever our schedules become disproportionate, our energy drops. Lowered energy creates the illusion that there isn’t enough time in the day, so a vicious cycle of time limitation ensues.

Your angels ask you to add regular doses of meditation, exercise, and play to your days. They know that balancing your life between, work, play, spirituality, exercise, and relationships helps you to grow and feel joy. If you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, don’t hesitate to ask God and your angels to lift your burden.

The angels guide you to immerse yourself in beautiful music. Music lifts your spirit above earthbound concerns and elevates your thoughts to Divine Love.

You have angels with you who want to help you through the healing properties of music. They ask you to add more music into your life. They guide you to play soft background music while you dress, work, and play. They also ask you to whistles and sing more often.

You may have your very own musical gifts. Have you felt guided lately to comprise a song, participate in a musical play, join a singing groups or band, or play an instrument? These inner nudges may be coming from your angels, who can see your God-given gifts. They know that your musical talents will help others. So, they ask you to be an Earth angel by expressing your gifts of song and melody.

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Spending time alone in nature is important for you. Even five minutes in a garden is healing for you right now.

Interact with nature more often, every day if possible. Your angels and the nature angels are helping you discover and give your gifts to the world. Help them to help you by spending more time in nature.

You are extra sensitive to energies and emotions right now. Honor yourself and your feelings.

Sensitivity is a beautiful and powerful gift, and there’s no such things as being “too sensitive”. Your sensitivity helps you know the truth about situations and people, and it’s important for you to trust and follow these hunches, intuitions, and impressions. Spend some time alone in nature to further develop your sensitivity. Avoid harsh situations and chemicals. Ask heaven for help in choosing life-affirming foods, beverages, companions and activities. Know that its safe for you to feel deep emotions, as they’re a part of your sensitivity. Visualize yourself sealed in beautiful bluish-white light. This light dissolves lower energies, transmuting them into love.

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Today’s Prayer:

Oh my Jesus,

It is true that in this world we DO have trouble and lots of it. It’s very easy to see only the darkness. It is very easy to fall into despair. We are separated from one another; isolated from our friends and loved ones; worried about staying well; afraid for those who aren’t. I could continue but you know exactly what’s in my heart.

Today I want to ask you to keep reminding us that you HAVE overcome the world and this pandemic will be healed by your capable hands.

The other night I laid my head upon your knee and as you stroked my forehead you told me that “all will be as it should” and I believe.

Lord Jesus, help us all to be your instruments. Though it may seem as though our hands are tied, may we be reminded that it’s an illusion. There are always things to be done in order to show our love for one another.

Thank you for protecting our loved ones and for your unending presence in our lives.

We love you and we pray in your name.

Amen

 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 
 
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 
 
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
 
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 

Church Lady Woes

In a nano second my mind wandered away, thinking about how much I love my work and the many positive experiences I get to have while working in a church that isn’t of my denomination.

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This morning before I got out of bed, I laid there in an attempt to pray. I was lying there asking God to take care of my loved ones and to keep everyone happy, healthy and secure. Also I was seeking help on my current employment situation. (I am just not sure I am supposed to be where I am any more.)

In a nano second my mind wandered away, thinking about how much I love my work and the many positive experiences I get to have while working in a church that isn’t of my denomination. I am Catholic. I work for a liberal Baptist church. Their hands are in everything imaginable and it’s a beautiful thing to witness and on occasion, to get to be involved in.

What has always interested me about this job is what goes on behind the scenes. Growing up a Catholic girl, I only experienced Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Masses, funerals and Weddings. Aside from the one time as an adult that I joined a new church, I don’t recall ever setting foot inside a church office.

(Wait. There was one other time where I visited a favorite Priest to talk with him about my experience with The Blessed Mother and the Angels. That was a lovely experience I will talk about another day.)

The point is that I don’t think I ever thought about what goes into running a church. Who makes the decisions;how do things operate; how do the bills get paid; where does the money come from? Who steers the direction? Who decides what events to have, etc. Does “The church lady” really exist?

It is mind boggling. (She does exist, by the way, and she has lots of church lady friends.)

Catholics look to the clergy and the clergy have a very clear hierarchy. Most Catholic Churches have a Parish administrator who handles the business end of their affairs and there isn’t much wiggle room. This is not the case where I work. Everything done within my workplace is done by committee. One team handles personnel, another team handles, finances, another team handles worship, another team handles memorials and so on, and on, and on. Every three years the teams rotate.

For the most part everything works out just fine, but there are some years where the tides turn and I start to feel frustrated when things are done that I personally do not agree with. Usually problems occur when someone appears to be acting out of ego instead of what’s in the best interest of the church. This is where I am right now. I don’t like ego-driven anything especially when it interferes with my work happiness.

For the first time I find myself seriously questioning whether or not I am in the right place. It makes me sad.

Returning to my prayers with apologies to the Lord for being so distracted, I hear in my heart:

Dear Child:

Be still and know that I am near. You will hear my direction when your heart is clear and the time is right. For now, offer your best in all that you do. Do take better care of your temple. In this, you will find your joy.

Breathe in. Fill yourself with my love. It is there.

All is well.

God.


Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  Matthew 6:25-34


From the Angels:

divine-timing Divine Timing: Change can be fast, yet keep in mind the importance of patience and Divine timing, developing a trust in the unseen mysteries of spirit working in your life.

The more that you can approach your own shifting with loving kindness, the smoother your road of change will be. On some days it may still feel like a roller coaster ride, yet your self-love can help you to have the necessary steadiness within.

Pay close attention to doors that are open to you. As you continue the journey of rediscovering your Divine nature, angels surround you with their love and blessings.

imageHealing: The highest purpose of your healer guides is to restore your self-awareness and self-esteem as children of God and help you accept the love and unlimited blessings that God grants you.

Opening your heart and mind to your worthiness is the best healing of all.

harmony Harmony: Strife, confusion and conflict be gone. A difference of opinion has clouded your thoughts.

If you change your focus and look for the common ground of peace, you can bring harmony into your relationships again.

You know that one of the most powerful ways you can fight for your relationships is to be a peacemaker? Beloved child of God, you are a peace-lover at heart. You are bringing unity into your relationships.

Focus and look for the common ground of peace, you can bring harmony into your relationships again, you become an Earth angel. Remember, God and the angels tells us that blessed are the peacemakers. When we dwell together in unity, we honor God and open the door for His hand of blessing in every area of our lives!


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Life is a tapestry: We are the warp; angels, the weft; God, the weaver. Only the Weaver sees the whole design.

 

Day Three – More on Community

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I grow weary of hearing people say, “All organized religion is nonsense created by humans, for profit and control”.

First, I hate generalizations.  It’s funny because I can remember a time growing up when that’s all my father used to say to me, “Stop generalizing”.  At the time, I didn’t really understand what he meant, but he was right.  I used to make statements like, “You always find fault in anything I say”; “This person is always wrong.”; “You never listen to a word I say.” etc… At fifty, I finally understand what my Dad meant.

I admit for a time, when I was being lazy in my faith and wallowing in self pity, I used to say things about organized religion too. I would tell myself that I didn’t need to go to church because God lives in me, etc.  “Church is a building”; “Faith is what’s in my heart.”; “God lives everywhere, I don’t have to go there to talk to God.”, etc.”

I was right (on some level), until I landed in the finance office of a church that isn’t of my own religion. (I laugh these days, because God absolutely does know what He’s doing at any given time.) I started there as an account temp because they lost their finance secretary to a full time job. I thought this job would be pretty clear cut: I’d do their finances and leave each day. NOT.

I never expected that as the finance secretary of a church, I would be the only person who got to see what good “a church” actually does in a community. As a lifelong Catholic, my only experience with church was going to Mass on Sundays, receiving the Sacraments and tithing each week or month.  I never stopped to think or find out just where my tithes went.  I thought they were supporting the church building and the school, period.  I never went beyond this in my thinking. Why would I? I just showed up on Sundays, gave what I could, and left.

Until I landed at my current work place.

Yes, it is true that tithes do go to the upkeep of the building and the staff. Church’s are non profit organizations, which means that they do depend on weekly/monthly tithing and gifts from estates and outside entities.  Without the kindness and faith of others, they don’t get to exist.

I worked for about six months just trying to find my way in the finance office. No one could help me because the business of the finance office of a church is completely confidential. Thankfully, my life long accounting background afforded me the experience and knowledge to be able to create the statements etc.

What I did not expect, however, was learning just what it means to be a church.  What I get to experience every single day is happiness and love.  While we do have a small number of staff, who are paid, the place where I work is largely governed and staffed by volunteers who give of their time freely and willfully day in and day out.  This doesn’t mean that they just write checks to the church.  It means that they come into the office to answer phones, they write thank you notes when we receive memorial donations, they go out to visit the shut-ins and those who are hospitalized, they organize visits to the home-bound, they plan picnics for new members, they create ministries for the elderly and the youth and the children, they buy beds and clothes for people new in the country, they walk in parades, the list is endless.  In short, wherever there is a need, they are there.

My “ah-ha” moment came one day the first year of my employment, when a random envelope of cash was received and on the outside it simply said, “Please give to the church”. It was a substantial amount of cash and we worked hard to find out where it had come from so I could give tax credit. In the end, a random person had given this envelope to a congregant who was leaving Sunday services…he didn’t care about “credit”.

The day we finally figured this out, my heart just opened and I cried. Not knowing the story, I envisioned some stranger saving his pennies until he felt he had enough and then he gave it to the first person he saw coming out of services. The person who received this money and turned it in could only say that this was a foreign person who offered the envelope.

My workplace caters to foreigners and refugees and I love it.  Several times I’ve gotten to use my Spanish to help visitors looking for the “English as a Second Language” classes, which are hosted by the church. (I have a degree in Spanish yet have never gotten to use it for any reason until now.) (PS-Thanks God!)

The Minsters of this place work 24/7.  If a person has a medical emergency in the middle of the night, they jump up and go. Often times during the day, I witness the Minsters going on countless “appointments” to pray with the sick, the lonely, the depressed or those who are trying to figure out “God”, period. They go when they are called, period, and it doesn’t matter how many times per day they are called…they GO.

In short, I’ve been at this place for three years part-time. I’d be there full-time in a heart beat because I’ve finally learned what a church really is. It’s LOVE actualized.

Yes, you can love and pray and worship God all on your own and HE IS there, but a church is a community of people all working together to help others.  At least, this is MY experience.

Lots of times I’m the only person who gets to read beautiful letters attached to checks that talk about what this church has meant and why “this donation” is being made and I feel so honored.  I look at it as God entrusting me as the go-between.  I make sure the donation gets where it’s supposed to, I get to write the thank you note and I get to keep the secret of who gave it.  (That’s between God and me and the donor and it’s so fun!)

So.  Yeah, I’m weary of hearing that organized religion sucks because it doesn’t.  I didn’t even mention all of the money that my workplace donates to local charities OR what it does to take care of refugees from other countries. We receive calls daily from people wanting help on their rent or utility bills and we work in conjunction with other area charities to help as much as possible. I’ve seen our Ministers (and members)buy clothes and shoes for children  (sometimes out of their own pockets), buy a bus ticket to get a stranded traveler home, deliver food to those who need it; I’ve even seen them invite a person in to sit in our church parlor to eat a meal and just chat with a fellow human. I could go on and on.

If you think, for one moment, that organized religion sucks.  I hope you will do some more research.  We give away most of what comes in and what we don’t have to give away, we make up with our own money, time and effort.

I’m so Blessed.

Those who used to know me on Myspace have to KNOW that God led me here to this place and that I’m happy as a clam.  I don’t make much money, but my heart is FULL times infinity.  I haven’t even scratched the surface here.

I think it’s time for all of us to either re-discover or discover for the first time, what it’s like to be a real member of a real community.  Church might just be the first stop.  No. I’m certain it should be.

Praise God. (I do.)

 

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