When God took me to a different church, he gave me a memorable homily begging to be shared. It taught me to never underestimate the nudgings of the Holy Spirit!
Click the link above to read the article.
If you would like to learn more information about Catholicmom.com and how you can contribute your passion for sharing God’s Glory through writing, click the link here: https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us
God Bless!
Kimberly
Heat, humidity, and July activities are sure signs that we are in the depths of Summer! It is in July when I secretly long for the arrival of Fall, anticipating less sticky and slower days. The celebrations this time of year are always a welcome blessing, yet I can tolerate only so many hot dogs and hamburgers before I begin to crave homemade soup.
Perhaps the biggest challenge I have during this time is that I grow another year older. To change things up a bit, I gave God my birthday this year. Enjoying a Sabbath Day at my local retreat house, I devoted the day to the one who gave me life. One cannot argue with a day off work, quiet time for prayer, and even an hour spent on mindful creativity. It all sounded wonderful until I checked in, looked around, and muttered to myself, “why am I here?”.
As per usual on the sacred grounds of this place, God did not waste any time in responding as He guided me to a journal entry written in March of this year.
“Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of My grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would temptation.”
Exerpt from The Surrender Novena
Settled on an outdoor bench beside a water fountain, I set my phone on silent, closed my eyes, and basked in the glorious sounds of nature. I opened my eyes only to glimpse a bird bathing in the waterfall. The water looked refreshing as the bird immersed its face and then fluttered about to cover its wings. Seemingly enjoying the water feel, yet staying only long enough to fulfill its purpose.
I figure God must have given the bird reason to stay and enjoy for that brief moment, and perhaps the same would happen to me. The sound of the water invigorates my soul, allowing me to close my eyes once more, relaxing my body and spirit.
Not having a schedule for the day felt strange. However, lunch served at a specific time helped me to stay on track. Following my silent meal, I made my way to the creativity room. Intimidated by the urge to want to create a masterpiece, I let my mind go back to the sounds of the fountain.
The peacefulness of this day was proving to be fruitful in many ways. I felt connected to God, the sacred place, and my spirituality. Then it happened. I checked my phone to see what time it was, only to glimpse a special email gift. Staring at the screen, I debated whether or not I should open it. After all, I promised myself I would not look at anything outside the present moment. The Holy Spirit then gave me a nudge as I realized I was reacting within the confines of the here and now.
Inhaling a deep breath, I clicked the email, and there it was, the final approval and release form for my novel. This retreat house, a gift unlike any other, served as the epicenter when God revealed His plan for Bella’s Beautiful Miracle. A flurry of emotions befell as I considered the length and breadth of Bella’s journey.
I hesitated only for a moment, unsure if I wanted to sign in the presence of family or bring this to fruition in the sacred space where it all began. I dove into a prayerful conversation with God, and within minutes, I printed the page, signed my name, and scanned it back to the publisher.
Breathing in the stillness of the accomplishment, years of work, and God’s influence, I was carried away on the flowing current of God’s Grace. It was only after the initial shock wore off that I realized an inscription on the pen holder upon the library desk.
I pray God will continue sending opportunities my way which reveal His Goodness and Glory! One way I know for sure is always to consider if the action, consideration, or event is pleasing to and praising God.
On a side note, that particular email was the only one that came as an alert on my phone that afternoon. A reminder to pay attention to heart nudges, as they are often gifts and insights from the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Kimberly
“Someone with a bible which is falling apart, lives a life which is not.” A direct quote from a recent sermon of which I had the privilege to listen.
God’s Word can come to us in many ways. As American’s, we are blessed to freely hold in our possession God’s book of wisdom, truth and light. Personally, I have become somewhat of a bible hoarder! A sentimental fool of sorts, I have a new passion for leafing through bibles at antique shops. I look for hand written notes in the margin, while inhaling the scent of the aged paper. I often wonder and think about the number of blessed tears that have graced its pages. In these moments, all of these subtleties create an encounter with God.
Perhaps, the one who held the bible before had only opened it once or twice. On the other hand, it could be the opposite. Sometimes the pages are too fragile to turn and other times they are crisp and clean. Those are the times when I wonder, and ask myself, “What does God want my bible to look like?”
“I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13) a verse echoing in my heart today and bringing about thoughts of friendship. I am going to date myself here, but when I think of God as my friend, images come to mind of somewhat historical friendships. Take for instance, Tom and Jerry; Laverne and Shirley; Laura Wilder and her lovely dog Bandit.
These relationships portray the best of friendships however, not always glamourous or warm and fuzzy. Each also contained many instances of miscommunication, sadness, and periods of silence. Yet, at the end of every episode, tensions were released, fences mended and their love for one another outweighed any of the turmoil.
So, now you are wondering what does all of this have to do with God and the bible, right? Today I invite you to begin a new friendship with God. Choose one of your favorite historical friendships as a model and re-invent how you spend each day, and every moment with God.
I invite you to begin today and ware down that bible of yours. Dust it off, pray in it. Let your tears stain the pages. Allow your heart to feel God’s word in and through you. Don’t be afraid to write your thoughts in the margins; the space is there for a reason!
Reflection moment: What does God want my bible to look like? What does my friendship with God look like? How can I strengthen my walk with God?
Are you praying with a worn out bible or have a family heirloom? I would love to hear your comments in the section below.
Many Blessings,
Kimberly
Courageous Butterfly
Out of the Chrysalis 