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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!

 

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“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.”

https://castingcrowns.com/

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

 

 

 

 

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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!”

Casting Crowns

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!

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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

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Simply stated, Love.

” Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy,

it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record

of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with

the truth.

It always protects, always trust, always hopes,

always perseveres.”

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Conor

Find a way!

Continue reading →

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Love and Forgiveness

We are all called by God to live a just life following the Laws of God, and I believe the most important, can be summed up in Love and Forgiveness. The laws of The Commandments; “Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not kill… speak of what not to do, and yes, we need to obey. However, they “don’t move us to love more; they just keep us from failing to love.

True love overtakes us and leads us to do more than we ever thought possible of ourselves. We can develop patience, forgiveness and kindness over and over. It allows us to Forget, truly Forget grudges and past wrongs. What God is asking of us, is no more than he is doing for us and our failings.
What are some small ways we can move forward showing our love especially for our neighbors, or those strangers that cross our path every day for a reason? And how can we show it whether they see it or not?

It is a love with patience for someone who doesn’t get it or is incapable of understanding. It is understanding someone who has a different opinion or perspective than we do. It is that act of kindness like holding the door for someone and smiling at them. A few kind words to someone you pass by, as that maybe the only person they have in their life that day to talk too. A compliment to someone you don’t know to make their day, or just a simple thank you. A kind word of “Keep Smiling” that always evokes a surprise and a smile from them. Hopefully, you have made their day!
An easy scripture to remember that you can carry with you all day is ‘You shall love.” (Romans 13:9) Yes, I fail at times, as there are people I have tried to live with what I have noted above. But in a particular case, I have failed for years with a certain neighbor. But, I am still called to keep trying as these situations ring true to me: “Make us know the shortness of life/that we may gain wisdom of the heart.” (Ps. 90:12)

I recently participated in the Year of Mercy by attending the ceremonies and Mass for the relics of St. Maria Goretti. A very moving time and an overwhelming experience of forgiveness. Learning how to forgive and forget. Many miracles of recent times were shared with those in attendance, and in this special time, it was impossible for anyone to leave and not further embrace Love and Forgiveness.
I am noting some very powerful words that speak to Love below by Etty Hillesum:

“There is a passage in the Bible from which I always draw new strength. I think it goes something like: “He that loveth me, let him forsake his father and mother:” Last night I had to struggle again not to be overwhelmed by the pity I had for my parents, since it would paralyze me if I gave in to it. I know that we must not lose ourselves so completely in grief and concern for our families that we have little thought or love left for our neighbors. More and more I tend toward the idea that love for everyone who may cross my path, love for everyone made in God’s image, must rise above love for blood relatives. Please don’t misunderstand me. It may seem unnatural-and I see that it is still far too difficult for me to write about, though so simple to live.”

(Words by Etty Hillesum from Amsterdam, Holland and put to death in Auschwitz.)
And as the time ended with the ceremony for St. Maria Goretti, the Saint Child who shows us how to forgive, a speaker ended on this powerful and reflecting note. For those who pray the Our Father every day, and does not subscribe to forgiveness as we are asked, the speaker said: “I dare you pray for forgiveness; yes I dare you to pray for forgiveness.” As it goes in the Our Father, “give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespasses again us.”

So how do we ask God for forgiveness, when we are not willing to forgive. We will see.

Conor
Find A Way!!

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Novena for the victims at Emanuel AME Church (Charleston, SC)

“Lord, we pray for those who have been debated

by recent tragedies. We remember those who have

lost their loves so suddenly. We hold in our hearts

the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring

them consolidation and comfort. Surround them with

our prayers for strength. Bless those who have sur-

vivid and heal their memories of trauma and divas-

tation. May they have the courage to face the days

ahead. Help us to respond with generosity in prayer,

in assistance, and in comfort to the best of our ability.

Keep our hearts focused on the needs of all the

community. We ask this in the Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Please pray a novena for the victims of the massacre.

Monsignor Steven Brovey

Conor

Find A Wa

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Fathers with Daughters

Fathers with Daughters

Dad,

“A father holds his
daughter’s hand for a
short while, but he
holds her heart forever.

Today a bride,
Tomorrow a wife,
Always your little girl.”

With Love,

Erin

Conor
Find A way!

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An Apology

An Apology

Instead of an apology, when the words “I’m sorry” are too difficult to find,

sometimes it may not be necessary.

The response—I love you is all that is needed.

Conor
Find A Way !

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For the willing and unafraid

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
“Find A Way”
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Time with God

We need to take time every day to quiet our many concerns, fears and responsibilities so that we can hear the Spirit’s whisper, oh so gentle in our hearts. “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power and love and self control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

It is easy to be occupied mentally, to busy physically, to have excellent reasons why “now” is not a convenient time. Still, God is inviting you! He’s worth rearranging your schedule for Him, just as you would cancel all your appointments if you were invited to an important dinner or if you had the chance to meet someone, who you had always hoped you would, and now you get the opportunity.

Pray to God to stir your heart to make the changes and find that quiet time you will never stop or give up, once you have heard that whisper in “your quiet” time.

Conor
Find a way!

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Emily the Elephant (MY Christmas Wish)

Emily was a couple of years older than Edward. She knew so much more than Edward and told Edward that every day. I mean everyday! That did not bother Edward though, as he really liked his sister. He loved her and liked following her all around the fields looking for food. He liked meeting all of her friends too. They were so nice to him. Sometimes better than Emily. She could be a mean sister!

One day as Emily was supposed to be watching Edward, she got involved with her elephant friends and lost sight of Edward. He must have wandered away, she thought. She looked around and did not see him. All of a sudden she got scared, as Edward was too young to be out here in the fields all by himself. She thought, “What am I going to do? Where do I start looking for Edward? Oh No! What have I done?

Emily was having so much fun with her friends; she had no idea how long Edward was gone. As often as she told Edward how much more she knew than him, she felt real bad about losing Edward. She became real sad! She was worried! She knows the danger with other animals here in the jungle.

Edward was off running around, and guess what! He found a bunch of puddles and could not wait to get in them. He was having so much fun just rolling around and getting muddy. Boy, did he love being muddy!

Edward did not realize that Emily was not around, because all he was thinking about was rolling in the water and dirt. He loved doing that and he liked filling up his trunk, again and again with water! But then Edward looked around and realized what he did—He walked away from Emily and got so involved with the puddles, that now he doesn’t know where Emily is. He cannot see her anywhere. Oh no! Where am I?

As Edward got up from the mud, he heard noises from other animals that he did not know. It sounded like quite a few animals. He heard elephant yelling too! They were yelling at each other and at the other animals too. What was going on? That is Emily and her friends!! I hear Emily screaming! I got to find her!
Edward started walking slowly towards all the noise he heard in the distance. He then started to run, because he was worried about his sister. What am I’m going to do? I’m scared! Then he remembered what his mother told him after he got in trouble last time with the puddles. She said, “It is ok to be scared. We all get scared sometimes, but we must be brave and always do the right thing. We must always help family and friends, and other animals too that need help. And yes, you always need to listen to what Mom and Dad tell you.”

Edward then started to run even faster now. The noises were louder and he could not stop thinking about Emily. She’s my sister! My sometimes mean sister! He got behind the trees and he could see 3 young lions running around the elephants trying to get one of them alone. They were much faster than the elephants, but the elephants were bigger. It looked like they were trying to get Arnold, my friend, one of the smaller elephants like me.

Edward just watch them trying to figure out what they were going to do next. Edward slipped around the side where there were more trees, so he could get even closer. He knew he had to surprise the lions, so the other elephants could help him chase the lions away.
Edward thought and knew what to do. He was so glad he did what he always loved doing in the puddles. He had filled his trunk up to the top with water. Now, he was ready!

Edward waited for the right moment and then charged the lions. Emily saw Edward, so she charged from the other side towards Edward. The lions were caught in the middle! The lions saw elephants coming at them from all sides. They knew they had to run and get away or they would be hurt.

It worked! The lions left. Emily could not wait to get to Edward and say how sorry she was for not looking after him. She promised that it would never happen again. And she told Edward she was sorry for always telling him she knew more than him. She was wrong. Emily also told Edward, that because of what he did, he saved everyone from getting hurt. Yes Edward, you knew more than me today. I am so proud of you! Thank you for helping and I want you to know, I love my little brother. She put her trunk around his head and gave him a hug!

The elephants all gathered together and started a line to go back home. Edward was feeling pretty good for helping, but it meant so much to him, to hear his sister tell him how much she loves him. Emily means so much to me and I love her too!

Edward now couldn’t wait to get home and tell Mom and Dad what he did.

“Find a way.”
_Conor

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“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”

― C. S. Lewis

Affection

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Branch 2 *Perfection

Dear Souls,

I write as I once did to no one, and everyone, with God in Mind
and Spirit. The inner sanctum of our souls need to be strengthened
and nourished incessantly………

When you doubt someone’s love for you, you are also considering
your personal worthiness of love. You are asking if you are
adequate of praise and/or deserving.

God loves you because of His Grace and Mercy. He has the
discretionary honor of pardon. He shows us leniency. He is
tender, soft, compassionate and of course righteous. He is the
epitome of all things Good.

He didn’t say He would only love us if we like His favorite colors,
green or blue. He didn’t say He would only love us if we hang our
towel straight, eat all our vegetables, or take the garbage out
every Wednesday night. (smile)

God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect, because He merits
Perfection. Does that mean we can do anything we want? Certainly
not! We are told in 1st Timothy 6:11 to “Pursue righteousness,
Godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

*If our God can forgive our imperfection, exemplify us as worthy
of love, and we long for righteousness, couldn’t we do the same for
others?

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Guest Contibutor

I’d like to take the time and noted the following article from our guest contributor, Lyn Stearns. She is a published author of spiritual writings, funny short stories of her childhood and moving reflective poems.

She spends her free drawing and painting and continues research on various health issues and healthy living habits. This is the first of short writings.
Thx.

Conor (Find a Way!)