Embracing the Christmas Spirit

I am always impressed by the kindness and good energy people share during the Christmas season. People just seem to naturally go out of their way to go the extra mile to make everything just so for the Holidays. They donate more freely to the poor and those among us in need, and remember the sick. They send cards to share the warmth of the season, and place beautiful bows on gifts they give to others.

On Christmas day, they go out of their way to make sure that everything is really nice as they elicit memories from holidays gone by from years past. The good linen comes out, and, for some, the exquisite china. People go to great lengths to make sure that everyone has their favorite holiday cup of cheer: That is, mulled cider, special wine, mixed drinks or Shirley Temple’s for children and non-drinkers.

We light candles and extend extraordinary hospitality, some even try to embrace good will, opting for forgiveness in the name of Christmas.

In fact, the hospitality seems endless as we go from place to place sharing and experiencing the Christmas Spirit.

Is it possible that in the midst of all the holiday trappings, we find the true meaning of Christmas takes us right back to what Jesus told us in the Gospel right from the start:

Love God with all your heart above all others, and love one another.

In a way, this season serves as a reminder that behind all the gifts and excitement, behind all of the hustle and bustle, we are all in need of God’s love and love from one another. In my mind, there is no greater medicine than kindness, compassion, empathy, and encouragement.

Is it possible that annually, through the ‘Christmas Spirit’ indeed, that we discover, yet again, that we are loved & lovable and therefore naturally more loving?

Now imagine this for a moment. Imagine what this world would be like if we extended such love to one another all year through? What if we regularly tried to make amends with those we don’t love as we should, and spent our days looking for opportunities to lighten the load of others?

What if we took the opportunity to pray regularly for those in most need of God’s mercy and care? Perhaps it would be a big step towards having the ‘Christmas Spirit’ extend throughout the year.

Today, I stand before you, and pose a challenge that I also intend to try to live out. Let’s all try a little harder to forgive others this year. Perhaps if we strive to become encouragers of others, we may even succeed at it! Let’s try to avoid unkind gossip and try to build each other up. Let’s try to complain less and become better listeners for each other.

You see, through the eyes of faith, the Christmas Spirit is actually the Holy Spirit of Jesus, meant to be embraced and extended to others year round. As followers of Jesus, it is how we were meant to be. We were not put here to gossip, complain, envy or loathe each other. We are here to love each other and be supportive of others, rather than always being on the receiving end. The mystery here is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, everyday can be filled to some degree with the ‘Christmas Spirit’ of Jesus love for us.

May Our Dear Lord bless you and your family profoundly this Christmas season, and may He bless you with the Christmas Spirit throughout the New Year.

Adele M. Gill Copyright 2014

REJOICE!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

According to M. Scott Peck in his book, The Road Less Traveled, ‘life is difficult.’

Clearly, this is truth, as sometimes things happen in life that may be out of our control. And sometimes things are challenging even when we are seemingly in control. Yes, life is difficult at times, but the saving grace is that as Christians, we can and do have the power to choose to place our trust in Jesus to help us. And He does!

Almighty Healer, Protector, Comforter, Savior, and Lord, Jesus is with us paving the way through our day in silent and unpredictable ways, providing abundantly for all who seek him in earnest. It is, indeed, a wonderful thing to place oneself in the Lord’s care! Worthy of our trust, Jesus is ever-present like no one else in this life could ever be for us.

The focus of all our gratitude and praise, He goes before us, behind us, and walks side by side with us through this life as we place our trust in Him. Steeped in unconditional love, pulling ever closer to us in our times of great need, He wraps His loving arms around us offering us practical support, shelter, protection, encouragement, salvation from life’s cares and salvation for all of eternity.

Yes, Jesus, also known as Emmanuel--God is with us-- gives us great reason to rejoice in Him as we strive to make Him The Center and focus of our lives. For beyond the deafening sounds of a hectic and chaotic life, Jesus stands in wait for us to step aside from mayhem and share our heartfelt pleas, our asking for His help, in any and every circumstance.

This close relationship with Jesus is the reason for Christian rejoicing. With awe-inspiring peace and joy in Him, we have ample blessings to share with others. Because of this close relationship with Jesus, even, and especially in times of great turmoil, we can more easily see the good in others, even the undeserving. We can handle difficult situations, feel His love, and reach out to encourage others to seek Him with confidence as we proclaim:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!” 

Copyright 2014 Adele M. Gill

www.theinspiraationcafeblog.blogspot.com

Rejuvenation

"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength,

 they will soar on eagles’ wings..." Isaiah 40:31

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In my life, when I have found myself facing really tough life challenges, I used to hope and pray that the Lord would help me 'get through it' and keep me hopeful; able to move forward from the grasp of disappointment, frustration, pain and infirmity. However, that has changed exponentially as my belief in the saving power of Jesus has evolved. As time changes all things, so it goes with my prayer focus.

Hope is always a good thing to pray for, but now I set my sights a bit higher, while praying for stronger faith, contentment, peace and joy in every circumstance. I find myself growing in acceptance of 'what is' --even if just for today. I have learned to reconcile with life on its terms, with the divine confidence that God is in control of my life since I placed it all squarely in His loving, healing hands.

For, to take on today and the 'what ifs' of the tomorrow would be far too intimidating and overwhelming. Simply put, mankind was designed by God to handle just one day at a time. That's it!

Even, and especially, in the face of tragedy, this much is true: The Lord can best use us to build His Kingdom when we are simply living out each day, depending on Him at every turn to the best of our ability. 

The world will tell you you are in control of your own destiny, but I suggest that is far overstated. Actually, as human beings, we are in control of our free will alone. We decide what we choose to think about, what we do, where we go. And we decide to stand down and give up, or step up in prayerful confidence and seek God's help during devastating times. Hard as it may be to believe, we have the power to elicit Jesus' holy intervention at any time for ourselves and others.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is closest to the blessed sick, the poor, the broken-hearted, and the grieving, those in most need. Rest assured, when you need Jesus the most, He is there with you and for you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit He is working out all things for good, [Romans 8:28] despite how things may appear to you at any given time.

So go on...Take a deep breath and rest assured that you are never alone in your times of great need. Omnipotent Almighty, the Lord is lifting you up on eagles' wings and strengthening you for whatever is ahead. Pray for whatever you need, and trust Him... He has the master plan and holds you in the palm of His righteous hand.

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2014

3 Easy Steps to Stronger Faith

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that 

God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved..."  Romans 10:9

 www.theinspirationcafeblog.blogspot.com

 Perhaps I have, in the past, been easily distracted from prayer, but in recent years, I have learned a whole new way to pray and deal with the stresses of daily life. I have learned that there are 3 simple things that I can do, that can make any circumstance more manageable, while strengthening my faith. In fact, through reading and studying the Bible, I have discovered an easy way of dealing prayerfully and effectively with the ups and downs of daily life.

Simply stated, I call it: Pray  /  Read   /  Believe & Trust

I don't know about you, but at times in my own life, when things go awry, I forget to pray first before doing anything else. When negative, difficult or challenging things start to happen in my life, I may pace, begin to worry, knit, sew, call a friend, or run an errand ~ anything to distract myself, rather than sit quietly and prayerfully ask for God's help in the name of Jesus Christ.

However, I have discovered 3 easy steps that calm me down quickly and make any situation a faith learning experience. Perhaps you may find them helpful, too:

1)  Pray, Pray, Pray

In I Thessalonians 5:17, the Holy Bible tells us to, 'Pray without ceasing' for whatever you need. In that way, we are able to stay closely connected to God in every circumstance. Some people pray in the morning and the evening, some throughout the day. Yet others solely pray in times of desperation or only when in Church. This Scriptural prescription from Thessalonians suggests we need to make God an ever present part of our day, rather than an afterthought. When we pray, we are focused squarely on the Lord rather than ourselves or our circumstances. Truly, there is unlimited power in prayer as it has the capacity to change all things for the better.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20, 'Where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.' This Bible promise actually lets us know that uniting in prayer with others is truly powerful. Whether in person, or even via the phone, it is possible to pray together with others, with the understanding that Jesus is truly present in your time of need. I like to join with others in prayer as often as possible to get the full benefit of God’s intervention in my life and that of others.

     2) Read the Bible Daily

When you read the Bible daily, you soon find that what was written some 2000 years ago is truly relevant and important in daily life today. I like to pray to God through Jesus Christ, then read my Bible, and the answers to my prayers often seem to leap off the page. Many report that reading the Bible makes them feel like God is talking directly to them... And He is, as Scripture is alive today and has the potential to be life-changing!

     3) Believe & Trust That God Will Act on Your Behalf

When you pray through Jesus Christ, you begin to grow in a life-changing, personal relationship with Him. You come to the realization that you are never alone, despite how you may feel, and that He is there for you to help you at every turn, simply for the asking. You are able to grow in contentment in your daily life, with the quiet knowing that Jesus Christ is at the helm, regardless of circumstance, as you place your life squarely in His Almighty, loving hands.

According to Nehemiah 8:10: "The Joy of the Lord IS your Strength!" Praying and believing that the joy of the Lord is your strength is a great lesson in humility. Even and especially in times of weakness, this truth stands. Alone, we can do nothing. We are nothing. We have nothing. The Lord is everything. Friend, Omnipotent Almighty, The Great Healer, Provider, Comforter, Protector, Savior and Lord. With Him at our side, we are able to pray with great confidence, and as Scripture tells us we can move mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed… 

The Inspiration Cafe Blog  | Adele M. Gill  |  Copyright 2014

Prayer Is Life-Changing

Pray without ceasing

I don't know about you, but at times in my own life, I forget to pray first before doing anything else, when things go awry. When negative, difficult or challenging things start to happen in my life, I may pace, begin to worry, knit, sew, call a friend, or run an errand, anything to distract myself rather than sit quietly and prayerfully ask for God's help in the name of Jesus Christ.

There is unlimited power in prayer. Prayer has the capacity to change all things for the better.

 Highlights

By Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CC

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

LOS ANGELES, CA - Perhaps I have in the past been easily distracted from prayer, but in recent years, I have learned a new perspective and way to deal with the rigors of daily life. I have learned that there are some simple things that I can do, that can make any circumstance more manageable, through prayer. In fact, through reading and studying the Bible, I have discovered a Systematic Scriptural Approach to dealing prayerfully with the ups and downs of daily life. This 7 point system has changed my life in all the best ways, and I am confident it could do the same for you!

1)  Pray Without Ceasing
The Holy Bible tells us to, 'Pray without ceasing' for whatever you need. [I Thessalonians 5:17] In that way, we are able to stay closely connected to God in every circumstance. Some people are so busy, they must relegate prayer to the morning or the evening. Others pray when outside in the beauty of nature, yet others solely pray in times of desperation or when in Church. This Scriptural prescription suggests we need to make God an ever present part of our day, rather than an afterthought. When we pray and get into His Word unceasingly, we are focused on the Lord throughout the day, and it is helpful in growing in gratitude to God for our abundant blessings.
'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' I Thessalonians 5:16-1

2) Read the Bible Daily

When you read the Bible daily, you soon find that what was written some 2000 years ago is truly relevant and important today in daily life. One of the mysteries of the Bible is the understanding that it is a tremendous vehicle to hear the Word of God in the here and now. In actuality, I often experience God speaking to me in a sort of dialogue through Scripture. I like to pray to God through Jesus Christ, then read my Bible and the answers to my prayers often leap off the page. Many report that reading the Bible makes them feel like God is talking directly to them... And He is, as Scripture has the potential to be life-changing... 

3)  Where Two or More are Gathered

In the Bible in the New Testament, Jesus tells us, 'Where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.' [Matthew 18:20] This Bible promise actually lets us know that uniting in prayer with others is a powerful way to approach prayer. Whether in person, or even via the phone, it is possible to pray together with others fervently, with the understanding that Jesus is with you, He is truly present in your time of need.

4)  In The Name of Jesus

Though prayer need not be comprised of eloquent speech, I have found that praying to God, in the name of Jesus, is vitally essential. For the Bible tells us in Colossians 3:17, 'Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.' That is, we are to pray fervently to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, with petitions, praise and thanksgiving

5)  Believe: I can do all this through 'Jesus' who gives me strength.

When you pray through Jesus Christ, you begin to grow in a life-changing, personal relationship with Him. You come to the realization that you are never alone, despite how you may feel, and that He is there for you to help you at every turn simply for the asking. You are able to grow in contentment in your daily life, and with the quiet knowing that Jesus Christ is at the helm, in control of your life, as you place it squarely in His loving hands.

'For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.                                                       I can do all this through [Jesus] who gives me strength.'                                                                        Philippians 4:11-13

6)  Time to Celebrate: The Joy of the Lord IS my Strength!

This Scripture is tantamount to Nehemiah 8:10: "The Joy of the Lord IS my Strength!" It is pure joy knowing that your strength is from the Lord. Even and especially in times of weakness, this truth stands. Alone, we can do nothing. We are nothing. We have nothing. The Lord is everything to me. Omnipotent Friend, Almighty, Healer, Provider, Comforter, Protector, Savior and Lord. With Him at our side, we are able to pray with great confidence, as Scripture tells us we can move mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed!

'Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'  [Matthew 17:20]

7) Pray the Rosary

 

As Christian Catholics, we have a treasure trove of time tested prayers to choose from at our disposal. Specifically, praying the holy Rosary is a deeply powerful way to pray to God through Jesus, and ask for Mary's intercession. This form of prayer may be done alone or with others, and has been credited with many miracles.

Yes, there is unlimited power in prayer as it has the capacity to change things for the better. Whether you are a new pray-er or a lifelong prayer, following these 7 easy steps will bring you closer to The Lord, and prepare you to serve Him as a fervent prayer warrior, an evangelist, if you will, as it enhances your faith life and promotes a strong and lasting personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

© 2014 - Distributed by THE NEWS CONSORTIUM / Catholic Online

4 Powerful Steps to Prevent & Ease Depression

^“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  

Philippians 4:8-9

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In recent years, it has been reported that there are 20.9 million Americans in the US that live with various forms of depression including Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depression, and major depression. Depression may be caused by a difficult situation or circumstance, the loss of a loved one, a chemical imbalance in the brain, a negative side effect to some medications, a medical condition such as thyroid disease or multiple sclerosis or MS, or even by a genetic predisposition.

However, clinical depression is when a person has experienced untreated depression for three weeks or more, lending to chemical changes in the brains neurotransmitters or serotonin levels in the brain. Since the mind and body are so closely connected, untreated depression may present as sadness, teariness, sluggishness, fatigue, malaise, deep muscle pain, or even as a physical problem such as gastric upset or even migraines. People with depression sometimes experience difficulty with relationships, memory, focus and slowed cognition, as well as, accompanying anxiety. Manifestations of depression may be subtle, or easily recognizable as when someone talks about thoughts of suicide. The continuum for depression is broad, but the need for help is there either way.

With depression so prevalent in American life—the likes of epidemic proportions-- perhaps it is time to really look at our lives and make some positive, life-giving changes that will improve quality of life for those living with depression and for their loved ones. Here are some things one can do to prevent and/or ease the impact of depression:

Embrace the Power of Positive Thinking

Today’s Scripture reminds us that we are in control of what we think about. Even when experiencing depression, each of us has the power to consciously ‘change the channel’ on his or her thinking, redirecting their thoughts, if you will. By so doing his/her part to help promote inner peace and well-being, despite feelings of depression. This Bible passage, Philippians 4:8 advises us to focus on:

^“8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 

According to this Scripture, the outcome of shifting one’s focus to what is noble, right and true replaces what is worrisome or anxiety provoking with positive thinking, brings great inner peace. Personally, when I worry, I like to envision being at the beach. I find it extremely relaxing and it has even helped lower my elevated blood pressure!

Exercise and Diet

Be sure and eat a well-balanced, nourishing diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise daily. Exercise is important to get the most out of the chemical endorphins found in your body that provide depression and pain relief.

Reach Out to Others

We were born to serve God through others. As Christians, we are taught to prioritize our lives…God is first, family is second, work and Church are third, and everything else comes after that. Reaching out to those in most need among us is a wonderful way to move in a positive direction, stemming the ebb and flow of depression, and serving God. Through random, and not-so random, acts of kindness, we are able to extend warmth and care to friends, family and others, thereby also benefiting oneself by expanding our sphere. Reaching out to others is a Win-Win. Becoming involved at Church in various ministries is just one way to enhance one’s mood through helping others, and volunteering in one’s community is another way.

Seek Medical Care

Sometimes, despite ones best efforts, the blues persist. In the event that you or a loved one experiences sadness or depression for three weeks or more, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible from your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. Additionally, if you have any thoughts of suicide, it is important that you go to the closest emergency room and tell them how you are feeling. In this instance, above all, safety always comes first.

Most of all, as you seek medical help, stay calm and try to be kind and gentle with yourself. Antidepressant medications may be ordered by the physician, and you will feel relief from depression soon. Before you know it, you will be feeling your old self again!

Copyright 2014 Adele M. Gill / Distrubuted by News Consortium / Catholic Online

Jesus' Great Invitation - 'Come Unto Me All Who are Weary'

By Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CC

10/1/2014 (Now)

Serve God by embracing Jesus with both arms.

Have you ever met someone who you just know is a Christian? Of course you have. They are the ones who consistently personify and exhibit abject peace, love, joy, forgiveness, goodness, faithfulness, constancy and steadfastness. They are the ones you turn to when you are hurting, your 'go to' person in times of need. They are the people you know you can trust when times get tough; those who you can share your brokenness, imperfections and shortcomings with. 

When we become humble enough to accept our imperfections and frailties, we become strong in Jesus.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - Sometimes life gets complicated, and we all get bogged down in a myriad of life's challenges. Failing health, protracted disability, aging, job stress, dwindling finances, turmoil in relationships, marital discord. And the list goes on and on. Regardless of the specific challenges you are facing, we as Christians are called to live out the Gospel messages to the best of our abilities, to put aside our plight(s) and to love God and one another without reservation.

Jesus has so much in store for each of us, as Jeremiah 29 tells us in Scripture, that He has a blessed plan for each of our lives - For us to prosper, not for woe. He not only has a plan, but he walks with us through 'learning times' - spent in the Valley of Darkness, every Dark Night of the Soul, and returns us over and over again back into The Light. In that way, growing in faith is the remedy to poverty, infirmity, fear and anxiety, isolation, and feelings of depression in this world.

Please Get Involved NOW - Give hope to Persecuted Christians in Iraq and Syria

The Great Companion, Friend, Healer, Provider, Comforter, Protector, Savior and Lord, Jesus will never interject Himself into your life against your will; rather, He accompanies us through this life through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the asking. The Bible tells us we must simply ask for Him to be with us, and follow His ways to reap the benefits of being a part of His Kingdom right here on Earth. Ever the gentleman, Jesus will never impose Himself on you or subjugate your God-given free-will. Rather, He stands in wait for your outstretched hand in times of need.

All who come to Jesus will be saved.

By prayerfully accepting The Great Invitation of Jesus Christ, 'Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.' we open ourselves up to receiving the fruit and the gifts of His Holy Spirit. When we become humble enough to accept our imperfections and frailties, we become strong in Jesus. When reach for His hand in times of need, we reestablish the bond between ourselves and our Savior, re-igniting the flames of the Holy Spirit within. In essence, we become what we seek, and are, thereby, able to serve God by embracing Jesus with both arms, and through reaching out to others in need. Through acts of service, praying, walking in the Word, and growing in wisdom, we are able to exemplify Jesus through our humanity, thereby helping the broken among us heal. 

For to be a Christian is really all about love. In a word, love is how we can readily recognize other Christians. As followers of Christ, Christians are able to humbly bring strength in times of weakness and weakness in times of strength. They are able to look for the silver lining when all seems lost, and shake the dust from their feet when rejected, before moving on. They are able to pray in times of struggle, and dependably, get what they need from God to press on through any circumstance. 

Most of all, Christians know where their security and strength come from. Even in these harrowing modern times, Christians can have awe-inspiring clarity and peace, as they stand for what is biblically good and right, noble and true.

                     © October 1, 2014 - Distributed by THE NEWS CONSORTIUM /Catholic Online

A World in Crisis: 5 Easy Ways to "Be Not Afraid"

Be not afraid. According to the online Bible Gateway, a helpful Bible reference resource, this phrase is used 97 times in the Holy Bible, and for good reason.

Be not afraid, regardless of how the world appears, we must 'walk by faith, not by sight.'

 Highlights

By Adele M Gill, RN, BSN, CC

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

9/22/2014 (Now)

Published in Blog

Keywords: mental health, health, fear,anxiety, ISIS, Al Qaeda, persecuted Christians, faith, love

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As with the case of the Christian persecutions in Syria and Iraq by ISIS, this all leaves news readers and media viewers feeling afraid, uncomfortable, unsettled, and weary, wondering if the world has gone mad, and if these may be biblical 'End Times.' One can even quickly get that sense from going on Social Media such as Twitter, Facebook, and by reading various blogs.

As Catholic Christians, among others, we must find a way to unplug a bit and regain our composure lest our blood pressure rise, our physical health fall, and mental health suffer, as well. For fear is an insidious, life-changing toxic enemy that can leave one feeling hopeless; and it is the precursor to depression. Fear often manifests as anxiety first and foremost, extinguishing hope, while building up obstacles and walls within oneself and eventually spills over into relationships leaving the fearful in a state of feeling utterly alone. Clearly, fear is a dead-end road that is to be avoided at all costs.

So what is the polar opposite of fear? It is faith in God. Here are some easy ways to quell fear and put it in its place:

5 Easy Ways to 'Be Not Afraid!'
1) Important Bed Time Reading
Gone are the days of watching the news just before going to bed, for the ramped up intensity of the local and global events can easily thrust one into a protracted case of insomnia, preventing one from getting a good nights' sleep, and setting the stage for daytime anxiety. However, reading a daily devotional such as Our Daily Bread, or Bible passages at bedtime, such as the Psalms or Philippians are positive steps in fighting fear and faith building.

 2) Limit your Exposure to Global News
Too much of anything can become a problem, and may even stoke the fires of fear, anxiety and depression. And watching news for more than 1 hour per day may be bad for your physical and mental health. Be sure and be aware of just what you are exposing yourself to on a daily basis. Also, when obtaining news, try to put aside your political affiliation, and look at things through the lens of biblical truth. It likely will decrease any ambivalence you may have about biblical truth and the World at-large.

 3) Join a Bible Study or faith-sharing small group
The Bible shows us again and again how important and helpful it can be to have regular contact with a striving faith community. If you attend church, great! If not, you may want to consider joining one to surround yourself with other believers.

 4) Pray in Gratitude to God
When praying, be sure and ask God for whatever you need, and be specific as possible. If you are specific with God, He will be specific in answering your prayers. Also, incorporate gratitude to God into your prayers. Gratitude and praise are the cornerstone to a grateful, fearless heart as you come to realize that God is in control!

 5) The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength / Nehemiah 8:10
Lastly, walk in the confidence that 'The joy of the Lord is your strength. On our own, we can do nothing, but "If God is for us, who can be against? "For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son.

Regardless of how the World appears, we must 'walk by faith, not by sight.' As Bible reading Catholic Christians, we know how the story ends; Satan and evil cannot dispel the fact that God is in charge of Heaven and earth. Period!                                

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© 2014 - Distributed by THE NEWS CONSORTIUM  / 
Published on Catholic Online 9/22/14

Today we are focusing on PEACE, a blessed treasure bestowed on us by Jesus Himself. Peace within you, peace emanating from you, peace surrounding you, peaceful decisions, all things peace. For without peace in our hearts, what chance do we have for peace in this world?

Before Jesus left the apostles, on Pentecost, He sent an awe-inspiring gift to them, the Holy Spirit, and His Holy Spirit continues to profoundly bless His people with the 9 Fruits of the Spirit, even today. And what are the fruit of the Spirit? The holy Bible tells us they are "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." There will never be an effective law that will prevent you from being kind and good and loving to others, and believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord, because such qualities are from God Himself!

People will come and go in your life and mine. Some will live peaceful lives and follow Jesus and others will choose not to do so. However, you will know those who are Christian by their Holy Spirit fruits...By their love. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit allows us to experience a taste of the afterlife right here and now. When we see people who are kind, who turn the other cheek when someone hurts them... When you see a person with great love, gentleness, and deep abiding peace, even  in serious adversity...When you see someone lay down their guns and knives to help another in need...When you see someone share their humble meal with another who is hungry and thirsty or give another their coat...These are all signs of Jesus' Holy Spirit at work!

After hearing this, some of you may feel a stirring in your spirit to live a new life. Some of you may even feel called to give your life to Jesus Christ today. If that is the case, please bow your head and pray aloud with me now:

Dear Lord,
You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Though I am a sinner, I repent of my sins now, ask for your forgiveness and invite you to come into my life as my personal Lord and Savior. Send the Fruit of the Spirit into my heart and mind this hour, this day, and help me live my new life in you. Amen!

Adele M. Gill  2014  Copyright

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect."      Romans 12:1-2

Today's New Testament Scripture reminds us that the ways of the world, and God's way, clearly lead us onto different paths in life--and different ways of thinking--as this world takes all kinds...The world tells us in so many subtle and not so subtle ways that we are always expected to be strong, confident, 'perfect,' and right at every turn; and a worldly view focuses more on survival of the fittest than turn the other cheek. The world often defines a person through the lenses of allegiance and past mistakes, while the Bible tells Christians to look beyond and recognize that good and blessings exist in every person, and every circumstance.

"All things work for good for those who love God."  Romans 8:28 

Faith-filled followers of Jesus are called to lovingly accept others for who they are in the here and now without making snap judgments of them in days gone by. They are more apt to embrace reconciliation with others as an opportunity, rather than reiterating the shortcomings of others and 'building camps' to the detriment of all involved. 

Beyond trials and strife, as calmer heads, benevolence and true wisdom prevail, and it always does in the end, what matters most to believing Christians is what is God's Will in challenging circumstances. 

For "If God is for us, who can be against us?!?"

And to that end, even if they must at times step away from those who hurt them, believing Christians are mandated to put aside hurt feelings and all discord, and try their level best to leave the proverbial door open for reconciliation with friends and enemies alike.

                                                              Adele M. Gill   2014  Copyright

5 "The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7

Of all the people surrounding and following Jesus, Mary Magdalene is one of the most interesting of all. In fact, she is my favorite saint! Even at His crucifixion, Mary Magdalene stood and wept with Jesus' mother Mary. In this Scripture today, we see that she is the one at Mary's side that Jesus chose to tell humanity about His resurrection. He could have chosen anyone to herald this startling and life-giving news, but it was His close friend, Mary Magdalene, who had this awe-inspiring privilege to see the empty tomb, even before the apostles, and send them on to Galilee!

Partly why we can learn so much from Mary Magdalene is that she was a woman of great faith with a storied past. Yet Scripture tells us there is no sin that cannot be forgiven in Jesus name. There is no sin so dire that it is beyond God's healing reach.

In essence, Scripture leads us to believe that she  'did a lot of living' before coming to Jesus' side as his close, blessed friend and confidant. In that way, she was a commoner, a repentant sinner, that was welcomed by Jesus with open arms despite her seeming past.

Jesus' had a profound love for Mary Magdalene, and she became a big part of his unparalleled ministry to humanity as Savior of the world. In fact, that is the very same love He has for you and for me, my friend. What greater love can there be than to lay down one's life for mankind?
                                                         Adele M. Gill   2014  Copyright