“Today it is very fashionable
to talk about the poor.
Unfortunately, it is not fashionable to talk
with them.”
Is that who we want to be seen as by others?
Or do we want them to know by our actions,
what it is in our hearts?
Thee Conor
Keep Smiling!
Category Archives: Love
“Make me a River”
” In the morning when I rise, Jesus be my eyes. Before the day rushes in, with you is where I begin.
As you Sing over me with your love,
I will sing praise for all you have done for me.
Fill my heart as I hunger for you-put my mind with your wisdom and truth.
Father, make me a river. Come living water, flow through me. You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water, flow through me!
You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water flow through me!
Guide every step I take
Fill every word I speak
Touch the world with my hands, they are yours.
Let my love show the lost you are the Lord.
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!”
The thanks we can give back is only pale in what we receive. The joy and love we experience makes our hearts pound with anxious thoughts of doing. Our hearts and mind changes, but that is what drive us to do; drives us in action. Our thoughts and words seem to change. The way we look at things is just different, not noticeable to anyone but you. Our conversation with God changes, frequency changes and it is not a thought in the morning, but becomes and goes with you throughout the whole day.
Your change is radical, different and all internal. It is like its being hidden from other , for now, but is just for you. And then slowly, the thirst becomes stronger. It moves to the head of line. All else, is behind you , but with you. Yes, its you but the change that start continues to grow more and more everyday. The slow growth turns into a thirst that is not quench. In some cases, and for a period of time, it becomes quite. Seems lost no matter what you say or how hard you pray. But change continues, and the trust and faith that was nourished and needed to go forward, finally fills the thirst and the quite. And the love you have knew, comes back with overwhelming changes that now is a love and closeness you have never experienced!
So what does one do? Yes, continue on and let your soul be abandoned to our Lord and continue to ask the Lord to “Melt and Mold you”. But also, words need to said. The words of “Jesus I love, Jesus I thank you, Jesus I trust in you, and Jesus I hope in you.”
Time to walk with Our Lord.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com
TheeConor@Twitter
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to
meet you
May the wind be always at
your back
May the sun shine warmly
upon your face
And rains fall softly
upon your face
And until we meet
again
And until we meet
again
May the Good Lord hold you
in the
Hollow of His Hand.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com
TheeConor@Twitter
Daily Prayer
“In prayer
we attend to the things
about life that
are essential.
Prayer is first and
foremost about
a relationship
and this relationship fills
our life with meaning
and purpose.
Prayer, therefore,
is not so much an
exercise of piety as
it is an exchange
of love.”
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
TheeConor@Twitter
Make Me a River!
I will sing praise for all you have done for me.
Fill my heart as I hunger for you-put my mind with your wisdom and truth.
Father, make me a river. Come living water, flow through me. You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water, flow through me!
You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water flow through me!
Guide every step I take
Fill every word I speak
Touch the world with my hands, they are yours.
Let my love show the lost you are the Lord.
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!”
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
TheeConor@Twitter
Love
“Love has not met a lost cause.”
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Peace Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace:
where there is hatred let me sow love,
where there is injury, pardon,
where there is doubt, faith,
where there is despair, hope,
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master grant that I may no so
much seek to be comforted as to comfort,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
Because it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Franciscan Short Way Of The Cross (7-9)
Seventh Station
The Second Fall of Jesus
By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.
Eighth Station
Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem
My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: “Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much.”
Ninth Station
Third Fall of Jesus
O Jesus! When weary upon life’s long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.
Conor
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https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Franciscan Short Way Of The Cross (4-6)
Fourth Station
Jesus Meet His Mother
O Jesus! May no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.
Fifth Station
Simon the Cyrenean Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee.
Sixth Station
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy Sacred features upon Veronica’s veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Get Lost In Love
Warmth, a touch, a hug, sunrise, smile, a wave, Saying Hello, a wink, a glance, a helping hand, train whistle, a toot! A bark, squirming, toes, being alone, fire in our hearts, Our Lord, a helping hand, a moment to listen to someone, talking to the lonely, holding the door for someone, a thank you, I love you, Sorry Please pardon me, back of the line, being stealth, a veteran, children, an old man, scars, wounds, Casting Crowns, Bee Gee’s, an outstretch hand, scraped knee, not afraid, humility, understanding, Believing, Life, Doing the right thing, Family, friendship, prayer, Lighting Bugs! and
Silence!
Just a sampling! Carry it with you always.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Prayer of Abandonment
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
And in all your creatures –
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
For I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
To surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence.,
For you are my Father.
Charles de Foucauld
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Franciscan Short Way Of The Cross (1-3)
First Station
Jesus Condemmed to Death
O Jesus! So meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignations in trials.
Second Station
Jesus Carries His Cross
My Jesus, this cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee.
Third Station
Our Lord Falls the First Time
O Jesus! By this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.
Conor
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https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Franciscan Short Way Of The Cross (10-12)
Tenth Station
Jesus Stripped of His Garments
My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus with the garb of penance and contrition.
Eleventh Station
Jesus Nailed to the Cross
Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them.
Twelfth Station
Jesus Dies on the Cross
Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Reflection On Forgiveness
- “The first to apologize
is always the bravest.
- The first to forgive
is the strongest.
- The first to forget
is the happiest.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Lack of Love
It seems in today’s world, those simple words maybe be lost, and may be gone in so many life situations. And, when one reflects on all the meanings of Love, one can see how integral it is in all parts of our life.
We see the lack of love every day manifested in road rage and in our political arena, but more importantly, in our own dialogue with others. Difference of opinions are no longer acceptable or tolerated, and discussions with compromise are virtually nonexistent. One’s Selfishness and I know it all attitudes, becomes the answer and the end to the discussions.
We see hatred taking front and center in many situations attacking people’s looks and physical handicaps. Why and how has it gotten to that point in our world today. Some blame it on the internet and obscurity it provides, which allows one to say what is really in their heart. The saying “what is in one’s hearts are the words that come across our lips.” It’s that person in their pajamas in the basement of their own house or their parent’s house, and also “in the name of comedy.” Oh yes, freedom of speech.
” Whatever you did for one of these least of my brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40). We’ve heard this quote quite often as it pertains to the poor and the homeless. We all have driven by the hungry begging for food, or one standing out in the cold and wondering should we have stopped? Do they really need help or are they just looking for handouts? Sometimes we drive by for no known reason, or not even thinking or seeing them. Sometimes we don’t want to go near them for “fear” of what we may get. So how do we change this, and again, why do we think that way? Lack of Love!
One easy answer is the person who lost everything and landed on the streets. He is the one forced to beg to eat; to survive. He has no place to clean up and no money in his pockets for anything. Yes, and they cannot go home for a variety of reasons for which we should not judge. But, by the grace of God and reasons unknown, some were chosen or helped and blessed, to be able pull up his boot straps and climb back; never to forget the one’s still out there trying to get out. The focus of me, money, success and “my needs” blinds one eyes to the others around us. Again, this can be some of the reasons for the hatred in our discussions and dialogue. Does any of this apply to you? Yes, is the probable answer for most everyone, and for me sometimes.
I would offer up to you to make time, even 5-10 minutes a day, and talk to the Lord. He doesn’t ask. He waits for us to start the dialogue. It’s hard to start, finding the words and not knowing if it will make a difference. Speak with the love in your heart and then be quiet and listen. Be patient, and your life will change. Peace and happiness will find a home in you. The thirst will be overwhelming. And with these changes, hopefully 5-10 minutes is not enough time.
Years can be shorter than days! Just start and trust. Let the love grow in your heart and be sure to share it!
Conor
Keep Smiling!
https://www.tasteofloveblog.com/
@TheeConor(Twitter)
Mother’s Day!!
Where there is love, there is no labor.
To all the Mother’s on this day, we thank you for this love and that source of strength for us!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Let your heart speak today!
What kind of shape is the spirituality of your heart in? How can we tell and really know for sure? So many unknowns, endless questions and “things” I cannot fully understand. How do I change it?
I believe the adage is true which goes like this, “The words you speak, reflects what is in your heart.” We see today the bad, the ugly, or simply stated, the lack of love in many individuals today. Many today that are highlighted in the public spot light go from politicians to Fake News and to Hollywood stars. However, we can all see the good and kindness from people from all walks of life. You can hear their words of love and kindness and see it in the actions, and yes, on their face. You may grant me these points, but the overarching questions is “What about me?”
What if I gave you everything? What if I stopped holding back from you? What if I went out of my safety zone; that uncomfortable space that is not mine? What if I truly had to test my trust? No half-baked trust, but the real thing, of giving your all with no turning back or taking it back? Trusting with your all!
Words like trust, love, a God who relentlessly pursues you and forgives you for all your wrongs. Intimacy with God, knowing His presence, experiencing His overwhelming love, all needs to be reflected on. Knowing your nothingness and giving all nothingness to Him, leads the way for you. This is your start!
It may be a time of silence, prayer or music that touches you. Find that time, hopefully in the morning, if even for just 5-10 minutes. Talk to God before you open the day to the world, news, or other people. It is your private quite time. It is your protected space and time. Make the commitment and with patience, hold on and you will know. Make it yours and own it. Remember God doesn’t ask you; you need to ask Him! Let it go, because now you have turned it over to God. Trust Him. It is up to God now. He will not fail you. And yes, keep that dialogue going.
You and your heart will never be alone again. You may even experience a heart that never stops speaking and that is ok, in fact, that is what you want. You may find a smile on your face without even knowing it, or a skip in your step, and an overwhelming feeling of love. And yes, others will notice.
Be happy. Be thankful. Ask God to guide your every step! Embrace “For all You are.”
Finally, for those important people in your life, always share your love, and don’t miss an opportunity to tell them “you love them.”
Conor
Keep Smiling!
“What if I gave everything?”
” Am I afraid of the cost to follow?
Why am I still standing here?
What if I gave everything to you?
I need to stop holding back!
Are you calling me out to deeper waters?
Why am I still standing here?
What of I gave everything
I am tired of standing here
I want to see some mountains moved.
You have given the faith needed to move mountains and more.
Ready to give everything.
Good-Bye to standing here.”
O my Lord, I am ready to say good-bye. I am ready to move forward, but where do I start. How do I know this is the way; the way to you. As you know there were many paths before that I took. And yes, I knew best only to quickly find out the opposite. Hard to admit, but when you at the end of nowhere, you know are totally lost and don’t know what to do. No idea to how to get back, or do I go forward hoping for that off ramp. How do I find you Lord? I know it is you want. My heart tell me to keep searching; don’t give up, but how do I know that I will not repeat mistakes of the past. I’m tired Lord and do not want to end up nowhere again.
Why did I not see the obvious? How could I be so wrong, when the answer was in front of me all the time. Why did I let myself get in front of myself? Yes, did I put myself in front of the answer?
It is like looking at a painting of words that is black and white. It appears all jumble up; means nothing. You stare and stare and it always looks the same. And yes, I finally see what it says. And ever time I look again, I can only see it this way now. Never will see it as it was before.
And yes Lord, I abandoned my soul to you through faith and trust. I took myself out of always knowing the way or the best answer. As I walk now on a new path, I know and feel, it is the correct way. The picture is clear. It is the only way I can see it now. With my soul abandoned to you, it is clear Lord.
“All of me, for all You are.
Conor
Make Me A River
“ I will sing praise for all you have done for me.
Fill my heart as I hunger for you-put my mind with your wisdom and truth.
Father, make me a river. Come living water, flow through me. You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water, flow through me!
You are, the one I thirst for; Come living water flow through me!
Guide every step I take
Fill every word I speak
Touch the world with my hands, they are yours.
Let my love show the lost you are the Lord.
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!
Let the River Flow
Make me a River!”
The thanks we can give back is only pale in what we receive. The joy and love we experience makes our hearts pound with anxious thoughts of doing. Our heart and mind changes, but that is what drives us to do; drives us into action. Our thoughts and words seem to change. The way we look at things is just different and hard to explain and not noticeable to anyone but you. Our conversations with God changes, frequency changes, length changes and nothingness is important. It is not a thought in the morning, but becomes and goes with you throughout the whole day.
Your change is radical, different and internal. It is being hidden from others for now. It is just for you. And then slowly, the thirst becomes stronger while the thirst is being removed. All else is behind you, but with you. Yes, it’s you, but the change that started continues to grow more and more every day. The slow growth still has a thirst that is still not quench. In some cases, and for a period of time, it becomes quiet and dry. Seems lost no matter what you say or how hard you pray. But the change continues, and the trust and faith that was nourished, is needed more to go forward. Finally, the thirst fills and the quite dry is no longer. And the love you knew comes back with overwhelming changes; that now is a love and closeness you have never experienced! A presence around you.
So, what does one do? Yes, continue and let your soul be abandoned to our Lord. Renew that commitment every day. Continue to ask the Lord to “Melt and Mold you”. But also, the simple words need to be said. And repeated as we go forward. The words of “Jesus I love, Jesus I thank you and Jesus I trust in you.”
Time to start a walk with Our Lord. Flow through me.
Conor
Keep Smiling!
Trust
Trust was a word that was a large part of our actions and relationships, but today that word has seemed to vanished. It was, and is, a necessary part of ourselves and how we deal and interact with those around us. We can relate to many examples of trust from the young child standing by the swimming pool and the mother saying, “Just jump, I’ll catch you.” A friend saying, “Don’t worry, I always got your back,” and a spouse saying “Honey, don’t worry everything is going to be alright. Just trust me.” Yes, that lost friend, saying nothing, not even a word, ……and just doing something. Forgive, forget and repair the distance that has come between you.
We may not realize it , but the days are getting longer, and the years are getting shorter. And what are we doing for our part? Are we struggling to get it organized and not knowing where to start. Repairing and dealing with “stuff” on so many fronts: all from neglect and not making the time, (Rock and Sand.) But most importantly, filling the thirst within us that is so dry. The thirst that evades us. The thirst that is part of all of us. How do I do it? That feeling of not being satisfied, frustrated, always something coming at me. No Peace! Please help me!
It’s that something that was in our society that now is gone, and the guardians of its void, are always there to thwart its return. Quickly making sure it does not enter back into our society as it once was. What is needed is having and knowing the presence of our God in our lives, our Creator, as the center of our life. This time of the passing of Billy Graham, and seeing his history, the crowds and the examples of the many looking to quench their thirst, shows us the different world we live in today.
So I am going to ask that questions again, what are you going to do about it? It starts with you, and me, realizing the void, the thirst we are looking to quench, and it starts with trust. It is what we were made for. Trusting in the Lord and knowing that He knew and loved us before we were made. Knowing that He loves us more than we can comprehend. You do not have to go to Him for that Love; He will come to you. Trust and know the Love and the peace that comes with it. Take 5 with Him everyday. “Friend Him.” Watch and be patient. And yes, you might see Him if the person crying out for help on that street corner or underneath that overpass, when you stop and see what you can do. And maybe, its just listening to him. You may be his only friend. Thank him before you leave (he has not heard anyone thank him in years), tell him to keep smiling, as God loves you! And yes, the thirst you’re looking for, will be filled many times over. Cherish and protect it. Let it fill you up until you feel your chest is about to explode.
Show them who you are!
” Joy is unspeakable. Faith is unsinkable. Love is unstoppable.”
Anything is possible! “We were made to thrive.” Fill that heart with Love.
Conor
