Mother's Day Reminder

A Newborn's Conversation with God


A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have
to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand
when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words
you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach
you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

First Code of Conduct: To Live in Christ

How many of us love our children more than our own life? (Yes, even after the tantrums, boogers on the walls and constant bickering with their siblings!!) I know I can sit here and rattle off 10 names of people I would do anything for without hesitation.

In my quest to begin a new era of my life and live more "in Christ", I have written down 10 things, or "personal commandments", to aid in my journey. I looked over my list of people with pride and realized one person was missing....Me. I am not putting myself on the list in a narcissistic or selfish way, only to help me be better and appreciate myself and my role as a child of God. If I don't love myself, how can I love others the way God wants me to?

John says the same in the bible. "To love is to live according to his commandments: this is the commandment which you have heard since the beginning, to live a life of love." (John 2:6) Living a life of love, for all things God has created on earth, to be a steward for the children he has given me, to be a caretaker for the earth and to respect and love all creatures here. Not just to live it, but to emulate it in every action and thought.

The first rule I will bring into my life is to devote all of my being and service to God. I will strive daily to be consciously aware and allow Him into my life; living each day as pure and thankful for the gifts I have and the path He has me on.

From this moment, I am surrendering my fears and faith to God and to feel nothing but love from Him and for Him. I know the number one rule I teach my children, is to never judge, but more importantly never judge a person for where they are in the moment you see them at their weakest. Because at that moment, you never know if they are sent to test your love for God. They have come to know that when they look another person in the eyes, they are seeing the love of Christ in that soul. It always amazes me that I taught them that, yet, it is always my children who remind me of this important lesson. My lesson from them is to be more consciously aware of this in my daily life and prayers. To have a greater love for myself and not be my hardest critic...not an easy thing for a mom to do!

"We have recognised for ourselves, and put our faith in, the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." (John 4:16)

Reflection for the Easter Weekend

We reflect during Lent on what it means to us, the sacrifices we make and recognize of all the ones Christ made for us. The three days of Christ’s passion, within the Church referred to as the Triduum, we are given another opportunity to reflect on our lives and Christ’s role within it. During this time we should consciously commit to live more like Christ; as we remember His death, the greatest sacrifice on Good Friday, which is a moment that forever changed - and still changes – all human History through the great self gift from the Son of God who did for us what we could never do for ourselves, giving us eternal life by conquering death for us. Most Catholics tend to think of Easter as only having to reflect and commit during the 40 sacred days, with the most important on Easter Sunday. We tend to go back to our normal habits on Monday and never see the overall importance of the Easter Triduum in the whole season.

Easter Triduum might not be a term we use in our daily lives; however, most of us are very familiar with it. It is the three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ - beginning on Holy Thursday, His Death on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. While mass is not served during those days, there are special services for the incredible occasion which took place just under 2000 years ago. As the Vatican Council II states, "Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: in dying He destroyed our death and in rising He restored our life. Therefore the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire liturgical year.

I guess I had never thought of the Easter Triduum is a new beginning for us all. Without Christ's love and sacrifice for us, we would not get the chance to live and reflect it each year. But why each year? Why is it that we have to have Easter to remind us how much we are loved by God each year. What can I learn this year differently tht will affect my life for years to come? What if I took that love and extended it throughout the year, so that next year I didn't have to start over each Easter. I could rejoice each year in the love and affirmation for myself that Christ has for me, not just think about what small sacrifices I would make over the 40 days, just to go back to my life until Lent next year. Being a wife and mother, I am usually busy putting the needs of others first; would it be selfish this year if I started with myself? I know that I can never be spiritually whole or fully be aware of the sacrifices Christ made for me if I am not aware of and do not value the love that I AM. If I am not whole, how can I fully give of myself to my children, my husband, my family, all of humanity or all of God's creations on our amazing planet? I know what I need to do this Easter season, I am going to create my own personal commandments to live by, not in lieu of the original 10 Commandments, but rules to apply to which I will surrender all that I am and trust all of my fears to God. If I do not own all that I AM or love myself as God does, who will and how can I surrender to His will? That sisters, is what Triduum of Easter will forever be to me. I challenge you to do the same? Reflect this weekend on your journey to live in Christ daily all year, for the rest of your lives, not just for the 40 days of Lent.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

A friend sent this to me and I thought I would share it for today. What a great way to reflect and think about how our actions and thoughts affect so many around us.
Peace and Blessings!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

(Author Unknown)

I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW
WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT...

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others.

Bravely Looking into the Mirror

I was trying to think about what to write about in relation to examining our human consciousness. I had so many ideas on what to write about and how this discussion would go. I decided they all needed to wait. It hit me last night as I was getting dressed to go out. I was looking at my closet, nothing fit the way I wanted it to, nothing jumped out at me and nothing made me feel "great". I was mad about the state of my physical appearance, how is that I did not look like I did in college anymore? Looking in the mirror, I did not see the person I imagine myself to look. On top of that, I had had a long day with the kids, tantrums, homework, laundry, cleaning, packing for our trip in a couple days. I was so busy trying to take care of my family's needs that I had completely neglected my own. That is so easy to do when you have four kids who need your attention, I know in time they will be more self sufficient and I will wish that I had them back, but a small part of me was feeling resentful that at that moment I did not have any time for myself. I oscillated between going out or just giving in. It would be much easier to be mad at home in warm-ups with a book. Yet, I missed my friends. So I went out, not completely happy with how I looked, but then I said to myself, it does not matter, you have way too much baggage for someone to notice anyhow.

I ended up having so much fun and I did not once think about how I looked or felt earlier in the day. On my way home, I realized what I would have missed had I given into my ego and feelings of not being free to do what I wanted. I thought about what it really came down to, it was my free will to be where I was in life and I needed to thank God for the opportunities and grace He has given in my life. But what is free will really? If we all have it, then why are we so trapped all the time with the things in our lives?

I am not sure if it was an Epiphany moment or just a bit of the leftover margarita in me, (I did drink responsibly, in case you are wondering!) But in that moment of clarity I could feel it, not just thought I knew it, but actually let it be received in my heart. Only God has free will; humans have their egos and think free will is to do as they please, it is not until we all understand and awaken our consciousness to be one with God will we attain pure free will. That included my feelings for my self and my life. God gave me the free will to make good decisions and love who I am, but it has been my ego that has controlled all that I do. I was feeling bad about my appearance because I had chosen to be a mother, to take on responsibilities and to grow up. All the while, I was making excuses as to why it was happening and letting God become more distant from my divinity with Him. So when I came home, I challenged myself to something I don't think I have really ever done before, except for the sake of vanity and pretense. I looked into a mirror. I reflected upon all that I was, all that I wanted to be and all that I AM.

Yes, there are imperfections to my body, age to my face, extra weight and stretch marks from my children. But I also know that I would not change that for anything, because that has been from the grace of God to bring me closer to Him. I looked at my body, it has been abused over time, hurt accidentally, taken advantage of by my actions and those of others. It has endured numerous back surgeries, it has hosted and fought cervical and breast cancers, it has been a vessel for God to provide me with four amazing and completely loved souls. It has nurtured them, fed them and taught them about life, being a steward of the planet and a seeker of all things true, good and with love. It has endured life altering situations, some good and some bad, it has been bent and twisted. But never broken. Through all of it, I am still here, embracing and being embraced by my family, my friends and my husband. Never being more harshly judged by anyone other than myself. What an amazing accomplishment and all I ever saw was the imperfections and hardships it carried. That has not been free will, that has been my ego. Why is it that we want so much for those we love, but are too afraid to ask for it ourselves? Why are we so afraid to say to God, please take this from me so I can become better and truer to you? I cannot be an example of Christ for my children and others if I do not see it in myself. Waking up this morning has put a different perspective on who I want to be. My body has been a vessel for God's plan all along. It is sacred and I am the only one who will cherish it. This is where I want to be, all of the other superficial things will fall into place. Once I allow myself to be loved as much as I deserve, I will be able to make more time to take care of me, my children and my responsibilities as a steward of God's world.

Please take a moment dear sisters and look into your own mirrors, it is not horrifying, I promise you will be changed.

New Feminism...what does this mean?

In the next few blogs, I will explore how women can impact cultural change, what roles and responsibilities as mothers we have to humanity and God.

"When you empower women, you empower the future for generations to come".

This quote hangs inside the foyer of a fistula clinic in Rwanda, Africa. For those of us who do not know, a fistula clinic provides medical attention to women and girls who have had the most unimaginable birthing experiences. Some girls as young as 9 are there because their bodies were too young and small to have a child, yet they still were married off and became pregnant. Fistula's develop because the girl cannot push the child out and it tears her from the inside out. Usually the bladder and intestines are torn, causing her to lose control of her body and causing her to leak and live in awful stench. Many girls walk for days in pain to reach help and seek medical attention. Many more die before they get help. If a woman has a fistula and does not receive care, she is shunned in her village and not attended to. Many girls who do not get help are destined to live a life of solitude and in poverty. Most of them have also lost the babies that they carried as they died during childbirth.

This is unimaginable for us to even think about, why would I want to blog about it? Two words: human dignity. We as a civilized culture wonder how it could happen and why it does not change. It is so easy for us to judge and stay silent to the suffering of women worldwide because we can retreat to the comforts of our suburban lives. So we ignore it, we maybe say a prayer for them and then continue on in our daily existence. What impact does it have for us in America or any first world country, except for the fact it makes us be thankful our daughters were born here, that we were born here, nothing more. When we live in a world that is sheltered because of not wanting to know, we become immune to the trauma that our sisters across the world live on a day to day basis. When we do not speak up or acknowledge their human suffering, we essentially are allowing that cycle trauma to continue. I know we are not all really sisters, but we are all children of God, in that, we are family with all of humanity. We sometimes forget that because our egos get in the way. We cease to understand other people and their cultures, we judge what we do not know and then we fear what we judge. That is not only the American way, it is the way of most human beings when they are not affected. Most of all, we wonder how our society has become so degraded and so far off what really resonates in our hearts and our souls.

Dear sisters, we have the power to change this. We are talking about a societal change, it may take years, but we have to raise our conscious levels to bring humanity back to the way God intended us to live. This means setting our egos aside, no more judgement or fear of things we cannot control. We have the power to raise our children to be better than we are, we have the power to set examples for them daily and we have the power to impact those around us to radiate who we are. That sisters, is free will. It will take time, but in questioning that it cannot be done, we are already surrendering to the change. It is easier to live daily in our existence, to do good when we have time and to forget what we are called to do, not just as Catholics, but as women of Christ. Pope John Paul II talks about the term "New Feminism" in his 1995 Encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), 99.

"In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place in thought and action which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to promote a "new feminism". Women first learn and then teach others that human relationships are authentic of they are open to accepting to the other person: a person who is recognized and loved because of the dignity which comes from being a person and not from other considerations such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change."

When we separate ourselves from others, either socially, spiritually, or egotistically we become unequal as human beings. We are not then open to receive God in all totality, we are putting Him on our level and are limiting him to our own ego. We are the change that needs to happen, among our homes, our children, our thoughts and the world. This term is not a political term hijacked to get someone elected, it is what we are called to do to return to our consciousness. This is New Feminism and it is not something that we can take for granted.

In the reflection for the next couple of days, egos aside, how are you affecting or hindering the awakening that God has called out for us?

Blessings and love.

What Does Lent Represent to You?

I was baptized Catholic but never understood anything about it, nor did I have the role models to provide me with a strong foundation or teaching of Catholicism. I saw people do unspeakable things to other people, then go to Mass on Sunday and pray for redemption, just to do what they wanted again on Monday. I never understood Lent, why should I give anything up when I was already suffering in my childhood? It did nothing more than to affirm my conviction that when I grew up, I was going to control every thing about my life and the environment of my children and future husband. I learned to not count on anyone, especially not God, yet I could never figure out why I always had a void in my daily life. It took almost 28 years to realize that nothing is ever perfect or completely controlled, even less when you have a significant lack of faith. I did grow up; unbeknownst to me God had my path planned out. I became so blessed to marry a man who loves and embraces Christ, cherishes his family and understands the complete and pure roots of his faith. We have also been blessed to have 4 children. Having an amazing marriage and building relationships with my husband and children awakened something in my heart and put me on a journey to learn and embrace my Catholicism.

I remember Lent 3 years ago, in particular. Life had quickly consumed us, between diaper changes, stacks of laundry, homework and extra curricular activities; my husband called to remind me that we could not eat meat on Fridays, so I should remember that when I fixed meals. I was annoyed at the thought of giving up something when I did not understand the symbolism or sacrifice. But I decided I would make an effort that year and needed to choose what to give up. The obvious were sweets, caffeine, to exercise more and definitely try to fit in more “me” time. They were all superficial things that everyone other good Catholic was doing, but I just could not choose. I just had an empty feeling; there was something major missing. After all, I did have everything in control; our schedules, our meals, the bills, the kids education, our marriage, our faith…Why did I feel like I was failing? I did not like the lack of control I felt in not figuring out something so easy to give up. I was frustrated, then a little angry, then I just didn’t think that I should try to be Catholic anymore.

I remember breaking down and just asking God to give me a sign as to what I should give up. I remember feeling a huge weight lift off of me, it was so clear, everything. Offer everything to God. In that moment, my spiritual life changed. Lent has become so much more than just giving up something that I should probably do with out on a daily basis. Lent is something that I no longer focus on just the 40 days before Easter; I try to live it all year long. It means that daily, I offer up with every fiber of my being to God- my heart, my feelings, and my choices. It means that I have to surrender all control of what I wanted for the things in my life. Especially in my family, I had to have complete trust in my husband in our marriage. I had to have complete trust that the foundation we have built for our children is solid enough for them to make good decisions even when we are not around. It is the realization that I do not “own” my kids, they are gifts from God, merely given to my husband and I to raise and be examples of Christ’s love. Most of all it is living to know. So many times I would say that I hoped God was listening, I hoped God would provide or I hoped God would answer me. It is deeper than that; it is surrendering to my hope and believing in my faith. To know that God will provide and forgive me through all of my imperfections. It means that I no longer fear God, I no longer get angry when I cannot control what He wants for me and I no longer judge His plans for my life. Feeling grateful and understanding the love and sacrifice God and Jesus Christ made for us. That is what Lent means to me. Oh yes, I also do give up something superficial each year as well. This year it is sweets, I finally understand the symbolism of the sacrifice and it is worth it everyday.

Dear God

Dear God,

Please guide me in my wisdom, experiences and truth. I know that you listen and answer, even if it is not what I want to hear, you know what is best for me and you know my souls destiny. I am placing my heart and trust in your hands. I surrender all of my fears, anger and judgement towards my fellow human beings. I will become who you intend for me to be and just by my pure self. My free will is not something I can take for granted, you did give me free will, to choose to do your work. It is not something I have for narcissistic or self-serving attainment. This is the beginning for me to awaken my consciousness and raise my awareness to my true divinity, to the Christ hood that is within me. You are love and light, that is the only energy I will emit and give to others, whether I know them or not. You did give me free will over my choices and to be a steward of your earth. I will care for all of your creations and be an advocate for those who do not have a voice. I will share life and nurture it, I will keep it in balance and be responsible for my actions in which harm or help it. I will own all that I am and all that I think, do or say. I will live each day in the I AM presence, one with you and follow your son, Jesus Christ's example on humanity. For I know that in the end, it will never be about what possessions I have, which places I visited or how many friends I have. In the end, it is merely between you and I. Thank you for being with me.

Your loving Child