Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Knowing Christ
Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:3)
We have to use our minds, to be thinking consciously as we move through the day how we can respond in the present moment the way Jesus would. We have to be mindful of when we are wasting time; of when our conversations become idle jibber-jabber; of when we are being pulled away from the duty of the moment by the glitz of Twitters, Texts, and whatever is next. At those times, we need to consciously pull ourselves back into God’s presence, into a silent dialogue with the Spirit, seeking how we can better serve God in that moment… how self-love can give way to Divine Love (and remember St. Paul’s definition of what love is (see 1 Cor 13:1-8)).
Friday, June 19, 2009
Being Mindful
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
USCCB - (NAB) - June 19, 2009:
"For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Father's Day
Father's Day : A Catholic Reflection:
"When Satan tempts us, he questions whether we are sons and daughters of God the Father (Mt 4:3, 6). Prayer is primarily expressing and deepening our relationship with our Father through the Son and in the Spirit. Prayer is a preoccupation with our Father's name, kingdom, and will (Mt 6:9-10). Prayer is an experience of our Father as Provider, Forgiver, and Protector (Mt 6:11-13)."
USCCB - (NAB) - June 18, 2009
USCCB - (NAB) - June 18, 2009
Gospel
Mt 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This is how you are to pray:
'Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'
"If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."
Time to get back to the simplicity of prayer. Sometimes we get so dry that we can't even pray for ourselves, and that is when having praying friends comes in handy...they carry you through the dark and dry times. That is what has been happening here lately.
Lord, I'm so grateful for all those that You have put in my life already, and please bring me more holy friends.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Weigh In Info
Weigh In Info:
"My Weigh in Report
You lost 3.5 lb (2.4 %) since you last weighed in on Monday, 01 Jun 09.
At that rate it will take you about 4 months to get to your goal weight."
I had my weigh-in at my doctor's appt. today and was amazed to see that I had lost a little...wow...and here I was in sweats and on the first day of AF. Not bad at all...woohooo.
YouTube - "Fingerprints of God" Steven Curtis Chapman
I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where theyre coming from
Theyre coming from a heart thats broken in two
By what you dont see
The person in the mirror
Doesnt look like the magazine
Oh but when I look at you its clear to me that
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
Youre a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And youre covered with the fingerprints of god
Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by gods hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what hes been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and
Just look at you
Youre a wonder in the making
Oh and gods not through no
In fact hes just getting started and
Chapter 5 Part 1 - True Confessions...
God Is Doing a New Thing: Chapter 5 Part 1 - True Confessions About Being "Reconciled" To My Body: "I have been putting off facing into this chapter, I think. I read the pages up to the place where the Mirror, Mirror Exercise begins. Funny how I did that...It is dated 4 days ago...haven't touched the book since."
Wow...this is EXACTLY where I've beenwith that too. Funny thing is how God has pushed me into it... my body has been poked and examined from every angle...by what seems like everyone that comes near me...lol. I was in the ER on Sunday suffering with anxiety...and had to go through a series of tests and x-rays and so forth. Today I go back to my own doctor for a follow-up. So this whole 'body' thing is getting a lot of focus. More then I'd like it to, really.
Here's one exercise that I did do when I was in the middle of an anxiety attack...I'd lie back (prefferably in a nice warm tub)...tense my body and then let it relax. I would then start at my toes and work my way up. Just drawing my focus to that particular area and give God thanks and praise, for how well it is designed and how healthy it is. Even the areas that I've had issues with in the past...specifically my tummy area and reproductive organs. I came to a place of forgiveness and even more then that...gratitude. Had everything worked the way it was supposed it, I most likely wouldn't have my two precious children in my life...who came to me through adoption. I think that I'm finally ok with my size and shape also...actually it is not so bad for a woman of my age. Ofcoure there could be some improvements on my general health...I especially need to add more recreation into my to-do list...but other then that, I'm very grateful. There are so many far worse off then I am.
So my friends...it is time to move forward...
One Day at a Time
USCCB - (NAB) - June 17, 2009:
"Reading 1
2 Cor 9:6-11
Brothers and sisters, consider this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work."
Just keep doing what you feel is God's will for the moment (without getting yourself in a tizzy over it...lol), and God will provide the grace you need.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fortitude in the Desert
Intercessors of the Lamb - 04-20-09 Desert Spirituality
"In the desert, in the times of waiting, of searching, fortitude, a gift of the Holy Spirit, works so powerfully within us because it gives us the power to change. It gives us the strength to allow God to change us. The Spirit is always saying, "That was okay then, but now I want you to do this or be this. Things have changed. Let this go. Let's do this.” There is always change. We are continuously in a growth process. And it takes courage to change. There will be tests; there will be dry times in prayer. There will be aridity. There will be real desert times. That takes courage. This is when we call on this gift of fortitude. This is when we find the Holy Spirit coming to us with this gift, as if to say, "Hang in there! Hang in there." Even the psalmist used to say, "Oh, Lord, how long? How long do I have to endure this?" Through fortitude, the Spirit tells us, “It is just a little while longer, just a little while. We are almost there." He knows how to give us hope, doesn't He? He knows how to keep us going. This is how the gift of fortitude works. We can persevere. We can stay faithful."
Excerpts from THE FRUITS OF HIS LOVE
Excerpts from THE FRUITS OF HIS LOVE
Mother M. Angelica
The Value Of Suffering
Suffering in any form was, from the beginning of time, a mystery, and a blot on the human race. It was feared, dreaded, and shunned—a sign of contradiction and a curse. Jesus came as man and, because He accepted the consequences of our fall and suffered as we all suffer, He elevated suffering, transformed it, gave it power, and considers the pain of each member of the human race His pain. So much so that when I alleviate the pain of my brother, or am compassionate with his life, Jesus considers this done to Him.
There was suffering, pain, hunger and thirst, before Redemption, and there is still suffering, pain, hunger and thirst after Redemption. Redemption gave me more than an exemption from pain: it gave me Jesus, grace, the Spirit, love, peace and joy. It raises me above pain.God does not will that I suffer, just as He did not will that Adam and Eve sin. But since they sinned and I inherit the weaknesses that are a result of that sin, I do and always will have something to endure.
Christ's Redemption merited for me a participation in His Divine Nature as God through grace, and a participation in His sufferings as Man, through the Cross.
He came down from glory to my suffering level that I might rise from my misery to His Glory. But to do this I must take upon myself the whole Christ—suffering and resurrected.
He took upon Himself my sins that I might sin no more.
He took upon Himself my weaknesses that I might have grace to overcome.
He took upon Himself my pain that I might hold His Hand in mine.
He took upon Himself my humiliation that I might be raised to His Throne.
He took upon Himself ridicule and insult that I might stand tall in persecution.
He took upon Himself the loss of His friends in His hour of need that I might never be alone in the hour of my need.
and then
He stood alone, abandoned by God and man, so that I need never feel desolate or rejected.
Now it is our cross—His and mine.
Now there is a reason behind each tear, each pain, each heartache.
Now the cross is no longer in the mud of despair—it is raised on high and on it is God's own Son.
Now it is no longer a sign of His vengeance but a sign of His love.
Now it no longer destroys but molds and renews.
Now it no longer oppresses my spirit but empties it so that it may be filled with God.
for
Each heartache empties my soul of me and fills it with Him.
Each tear washes my soul and makes it more beautiful to His Eyes.
Each disappointment strengthens my will to cling to Him alone.
*Each anxious day makes me look to Him for support.
*Each tension-filled hour makes me reach out to find serenity in His grasp.
*Each pain is added to His on the Cross to redeem the world.
*Each doubt makes me search for Truth and hold it fast.Each separation gives me an awareness of the one thing necessary.
Each time my love is spurned I know how He feels when I ignore Him.
Each time I am treated unjustly, I know His feelings when He was called a devil.
Each time pride, jealousy, or ambition rears its head I see His Crown of Thorns.
Electronic Copyright © 1999 EWTN
All Rights Reserved
Mother M. Angelica
The Value Of Suffering
Suffering in any form was, from the beginning of time, a mystery, and a blot on the human race. It was feared, dreaded, and shunned—a sign of contradiction and a curse. Jesus came as man and, because He accepted the consequences of our fall and suffered as we all suffer, He elevated suffering, transformed it, gave it power, and considers the pain of each member of the human race His pain. So much so that when I alleviate the pain of my brother, or am compassionate with his life, Jesus considers this done to Him.
There was suffering, pain, hunger and thirst, before Redemption, and there is still suffering, pain, hunger and thirst after Redemption. Redemption gave me more than an exemption from pain: it gave me Jesus, grace, the Spirit, love, peace and joy. It raises me above pain.God does not will that I suffer, just as He did not will that Adam and Eve sin. But since they sinned and I inherit the weaknesses that are a result of that sin, I do and always will have something to endure.
Christ's Redemption merited for me a participation in His Divine Nature as God through grace, and a participation in His sufferings as Man, through the Cross.
He came down from glory to my suffering level that I might rise from my misery to His Glory. But to do this I must take upon myself the whole Christ—suffering and resurrected.
He took upon Himself my sins that I might sin no more.
He took upon Himself my weaknesses that I might have grace to overcome.
He took upon Himself my pain that I might hold His Hand in mine.
He took upon Himself my humiliation that I might be raised to His Throne.
He took upon Himself ridicule and insult that I might stand tall in persecution.
He took upon Himself the loss of His friends in His hour of need that I might never be alone in the hour of my need.
and then
He stood alone, abandoned by God and man, so that I need never feel desolate or rejected.
Now it is our cross—His and mine.
Now there is a reason behind each tear, each pain, each heartache.
Now the cross is no longer in the mud of despair—it is raised on high and on it is God's own Son.
Now it is no longer a sign of His vengeance but a sign of His love.
Now it no longer destroys but molds and renews.
Now it no longer oppresses my spirit but empties it so that it may be filled with God.
for
Each heartache empties my soul of me and fills it with Him.
Each tear washes my soul and makes it more beautiful to His Eyes.
Each disappointment strengthens my will to cling to Him alone.
*Each anxious day makes me look to Him for support.
*Each tension-filled hour makes me reach out to find serenity in His grasp.
*Each pain is added to His on the Cross to redeem the world.
*Each doubt makes me search for Truth and hold it fast.Each separation gives me an awareness of the one thing necessary.
Each time my love is spurned I know how He feels when I ignore Him.
Each time I am treated unjustly, I know His feelings when He was called a devil.
Each time pride, jealousy, or ambition rears its head I see His Crown of Thorns.
Electronic Copyright © 1999 EWTN
All Rights Reserved
severe test of affliction
USCCB - (NAB) - June 16, 2009:
"We want you to know, brothers and sisters, of the grace of God
that has been given to the churches of Macedonia,
for in a severe test of affliction,
the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty
overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
For according to their means, I can testify,
and beyond their means, spontaneously,
they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part
in the service to the holy ones,
and this, not as we expected,
but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and to us through the will of God,"
This reminds me of the passage where Jesus heals Peter's mother in law and then first thing she does is gets up and serves the others there.
There are many graces that come through suffering...and we can glorify God by allowing those abundant graces to flow from us to others as it was intended. The main thing is to give yourself to the Lord first and then be obedient to His will as you give of yourself to others according to your means.
Monday, June 15, 2009
YouTube - Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real
It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender
(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly
Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...
(Chorus)
Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly
It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
The truth of femininity
USCCB - (NAB) - June 15, 2009:
"We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things."
Not sure why I'm still on this subject but the only reason I can think of is that God wants more to come out of it. The above passage is from today's readings...interesting.
As Christians fully living out our life of faith, the world will NOT see us as we trully are. We cannot be judjing ourselves by their standards.
Look at the picture below...this is what I'd consider femininity...fully embracing what God has called you to be and doing it in a way that does honor to your particular sex.
I went out to buy a skirt.
Conversion Diary: I went out to buy a skirt. - The diary of a former atheist
I thought this article (link above) was great. It really explains my own struggles with the whole shopping world...and the 'mirror' in particular.
I took one of those silly facebook quizes yesterday that asked 'how girly are you'...and I was slapped in the face with 'you are 12% girlie'...huh? I'm VERY girlie thank you very much. AH. Well...I think that what fully mature stay at home moms (maybe even homeschooling)that are focused on their kids think of as being 'girlie' or actually the term I like best 'feminine' and what the world things are two different things. Shopping for ourselves is pretty much non existent, hair and make-up? If I get to brush my hair and wash my face with ivory soap, once in the morning then I'm doing just fine thanks. Menicures? Sure...I cut the kids nails pretty regularly...or at least I used to...which reminds me. My own though...I guess they don't mean picking at them, do they? Heals? Sure I own tons of healed shoes...I might even be tempted to wear a pair to church...but quite frankly they are'nt that great for running after kids. I do like skirts though...and to wear my hair long(so be it if it is not colored)...and to take nice long hot baths, and I like pretty things around my home, and to watch chick-flicks...doesn't all that count?
Anyway...just some thoughts...
I thought this article (link above) was great. It really explains my own struggles with the whole shopping world...and the 'mirror' in particular.
I took one of those silly facebook quizes yesterday that asked 'how girly are you'...and I was slapped in the face with 'you are 12% girlie'...huh? I'm VERY girlie thank you very much. AH. Well...I think that what fully mature stay at home moms (maybe even homeschooling)that are focused on their kids think of as being 'girlie' or actually the term I like best 'feminine' and what the world things are two different things. Shopping for ourselves is pretty much non existent, hair and make-up? If I get to brush my hair and wash my face with ivory soap, once in the morning then I'm doing just fine thanks. Menicures? Sure...I cut the kids nails pretty regularly...or at least I used to...which reminds me. My own though...I guess they don't mean picking at them, do they? Heals? Sure I own tons of healed shoes...I might even be tempted to wear a pair to church...but quite frankly they are'nt that great for running after kids. I do like skirts though...and to wear my hair long(so be it if it is not colored)...and to take nice long hot baths, and I like pretty things around my home, and to watch chick-flicks...doesn't all that count?
Anyway...just some thoughts...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
YouTube - Shout to the Lord - Hillsong
I made it to Mass (in the midst of a anxiety attack)and by the Grace of God was able to stay through the entire thing. Shout to the Lord was the closing song (this was a traditional Catholic Mass...so it a bit un-usual...but God has no boundaries), I think I was the only one singing with arms up in the air and with tears flowing down my face...but oh well. After Mass I was able to receive the 'Annointing of the Sick'...what were the chances of that as well? God is so good!
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
Let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
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