Tag: Jesus

God’s Little Nudges

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

I’m short! Yes, I said it, I’m petite! At birth, my stats were 5.0 pounds and 18.5 inches long. In baby terms, that’s nothing to be concerned about, most babies appear tiny. So why am I focused on this now? Well, just yesterday, I learned that I have shrunk! According to the gal who did the measuring, I have lost 1.5 inches, bringing my new height down to 4 feet 9 inches! Of course, that hiked up (pun intended) the BMI, so now I have a new challenge ahead of me.

I know that none of that is earth shattering news, however what happened next, is worth sharing. In the moments following, I had the opportunity for a little quiet time, and I went straight to God for clarity. Not that this new height is detrimental to my health, but I needed to check in and discern if God was trying to tell me or show me something through this experience.

Sure enough! As I entered a prayerful resting state, God brought to mind a scripture verse. Though it was familiar, it is not one I typically pray with; until now.

“He must increase, but I must decrease”

John 3:30 NRSV

I chuckled at the timing of this verse because I had actually decreased. Taking a moment to laugh, I brought myself into focused prayer hoping to find the message hidden within God’s sense of humor. I considered what it was God might be guiding me toward and knew I needed to give a quick examination of my life in its current state.

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Perhaps, God is giving me a gentle reminder that He is to be in charge. I reflected on recent moments when I might have acted in haste without consulting the source of my blessings. I studied the days that disappeared due to being overly busy. In surveying them, I wondered if I had placed Jesus before all else.

In the verses before John 3:30, John the Baptist describes the joy he feels when he announces that Jesus is more than he. I placed myself at that moment and felt the awe-inspiring joy as I gave way to Jesus being front and center. “I can do this!” I whispered.

The lesson in this experience, which I believe God sent to my heart, is to slow down my pace and enjoy all the moments with God at my side—knowing that He is always one step ahead and will never guide me into anything He has not designed. 

I love the fact that God knows how to get my attention with humor. That is not always the case, but my spirit has learned when He is nudging me. This time, God approached me through a silly tiny nudge, rich with His Truth and Wisdom.

As I type this post, I am inspired by a song titled Just As I Am. For me, this song speaks to the presence of God as mightier than I. Take a listen and enjoy.

I’d love for you to share your experience or time when God used a strange circumstance to get your attention. Post in the comments section below.

Blessings,

Kimberly (Courageous Butterfly)

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Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

www.catholicmom.com/articles/embracing-your-reconciled-heart

This Lenten Season, take a little time out of your day to consider Mother Mary at the foot of the cross. I promise a beautiful and prayerful experience.

Sharing my most recent article published on Catholicmom.com

Blessings!

Kimberly

Advent 2020 – Christ’s Candle

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

Advent – Retreat 2020 – Christ’s Candle

I thought we had better wrap-up Advent in a meaningful way. As a bonus I am providing you with yet another script for prayer and meditation! I hope this retreat brought you into closer moments with God and peace to your heart. God Bless!

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💜The Christ Candle represents the light that the Son brought into the world when he was born a little baby, God in the flesh. The fact that the Advent candles remain on Christmas Eve puts the focus on this special moment of birth, the moment of transition from prophecy to fulfillment. On Christmas Day and the Christmas Sundays, the Advent candles are usually removed, but the Christ Candle remains. This reminds us that old things have passed away, and all has been made new.

💜Opening Prayer – Reflect on the Graces Prayed For:

To know the Lord more intimately in order to love and serve him more.
     “Here I am, Lord, Here I am”
To Love the Lord more intimately in order to make Him your greatest treasure.
     “I am yours Lord, I am yours”
To commune with God and experience true Joy.
    “My soul rejoices in my God, My soul rejoices”
To spend time with God in Perfect Peace.
    “May the gift of God’s Peace be within me”

💜Reflect on Revelation 22:16-17
“It is I, Jesus who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches.  I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”  
    The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”
    And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”
    And let everyone who is thirsty come.
    Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

💜Advent is a time to open our hearts for the coming of Jesus. We spent the last four weeks preparing our hearts and now we rejoice in anticipation for Christ’s birth.  We call out…”Come Lord I am thirsting for you!”  Christmas is the time when we receive the most precious of all gifts, unconditional love and our Salvation.  

💜As we live out our days on earth, God calls us to continually drink from the water of life, by immersing ourselves in His Holy Word; communication with him through prayer and worshiping in community with others.

💜Many this Christmas are isolated, ill and fearful.  God has sent His angel upon us, placing love in our hearts so that we can give these gifts to those around us:
    The gift of knowing Jesus
    The gift of Prayer
    The gift of sharing joy

💜Retreat Reflection/Journal Questions, use your responses as your closing prayer:
How has your relationship with Jesus grown or changed?
How has the meaning of Christmas grown or changed?

💜This Christmas we are faced with uncertainty, fear, illness and isolation.  God will get us through, when these feelings arise…Let us remember why we celebrate this day…Jesus is the Star…The Greatest Gift of All!

I wish God’s Blessings and the Grace of Peace for you and your families this Christmas Season!  

Share your retreat experience, comments, and suggestions in the comments.

Courageous Butterfly,
Kimberly