Why Do Catholic's Worship Statues and pray to the Saints?

A post from Faith Explorer Online inspired me to add to their post. I am asked this question many times and it then leads to more questions. One question..it leads many to ask, " They were all human and only God is omnipresent..He is everywhere. Humans do not have that ability. So..how can Mary pray for you and hear you, she is not omnipresent like God?"   I will share with you my thoughts today as I blog from my heart.  

Faith Explorer Online (Touching and Connecting lives) posted this on facebook: Protestants and Other Anti-Catholics say That Catholics Worship Statues and The Saints. Are Catholics Worship Images The Saints And Mary? When you have a picture of your Girl Friend in your wallet and when you miss her you take it out and look at it and even talk to it and kiss it is that idol worship ? Catholics do NOT worship statues or worship saints! A statue is merely a representation of someone who was once living, or in secular terms it can also be a sign of something, such as independence. What about that picture of your family that you have on your desk at work. Your picture helps you to remember and it brings back memories. Are you worshiping your picture every day? Of course not! Nowhere in the catholic books, Library archives, Catechism, and ancient writings that says we must worship to Mary, Saints, and Idols Praying to Saints is really asking the saints to intercede for us since they are closer to God but we do not worship them. The same way when you ask a friend to pray for you to God because you have a final test coming up. This is called intercessary prayer or asking someone to pray for you to God. To show that we are only asking to pray for us, lets take a look of the Hail Mary Prayer Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of god, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen If you notice we are only asking Mary to pray for us exactly the same when asking friend or a relative to pray for us when you are sick or has a test. We ask the Saints or Mary to pray for us because they are closer to God. In Fact Martin Luther was devoted to our Lady. You can also pray to God directly if you want. Praying to Saints is only optional like if you need extra help so your prayer will be heard by God. Veneration is showing respect or honor, not worship. Veneration of Saints is asking them for intercession. The only one worthy of worship is God, and God alone! If a Catholic did worship a statue or saint, they would be excommunicated from the church. You must remember that the Catholic Church is traced back to the apostles. They could not take a picture of Jesus and carry it around in their pocket--cameras did not exist. But in the early Church, one way of remembering was by erecting statues of those of importance, such as Jesus, Mary, etc. Why do you think that it is so odd that Catholics have statues in their churches and no other denomination does? Because Catholics carried the tradition from the early Church! If statues were so taboo by God, then why did God command Moses, while in the desert, to put a serpent on a pole? Num. 21:8 And the Lord said unto Moses, make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten when he look upon it, shall live. Then what about the construction of the Ark of the Covenant? Ex. 25:18 God said to Moses - And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat (vs. 20) And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look at one to another… 1Kings 7:23 He made also a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round all about; the height of it was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about. 1Kings 7:24 And a graven work under the brim of it compassed it, for ten cubits going about the sea: there were two rows cast of chamfered sculptures. 1Kings 7:25 And it stood upon twelve oxen, of which three looked towards the north, and three towards the west, and three towards the south, and three towards the east, and the sea was above upon them, and their hinder parts were all hid within. 1Kings 7:26 And the laver was a handbreadth thick: and the brim thereof was like the brim of a cup, or the leaf of a crisped lily: it contained two thousand bates. Now, there is an instance when God forbids statues, and that is the well known incident in Exodus 32-8 when the people created a molten calf. This calf was not a reminder but it was created to be a God so that it could be worshiped. As you see, a statue is harmless if it is being used as a representation of someone or something, but when the statues becomes a God that is worshiped, then there is much harm and those who worship as such are wide open to the wrath of God. Idol Worship... This is another argument aimed against the Catholic Church since it has statues of Jesus and Mary, and other saints. Aren't all those statues in the Catholic Church the same as worshiping graven images? EXODUS 20:2-6 Ex. 20: 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. First, one must understand what a graven image is in the context of the Old Testament. To make a graven image is to create an image out of some medium, such as clay or wood, and worship it as a God. The statues or pictures of Mary are not worshiped as a God. If a Catholic worships a statue of Mary as a God, they are guilty of idolatry.

The Lord did not forbid the making of images. In fact, God commanded Moses to shape a brazen serpent. This serpent was able to cure the people of the serpent bite, if they looked upon it Numbers 21:8

Later, when the people turned to idolatry of the serpent, Hezekiah had it destroyed (II Kings 18:4).

Here you see the balance. Images are good, if they are helpful, but not if they encourage idolatry.

Moreover, the Lord commanded that the image of two Cherubim be constructed on the top of the Ark of the Covenant on either side of the Mercy seat. Was this the sin of idolatry? I think not.

Mary is the mother of God and the saints are the friends of God. If keeping their pictures or statues helps to inspire us to a more holy life, then it is a good thing. Don't you have pictures of your family in your home? Is this idolatry?
Or when someone dies, should you destroy all images or pictures of them, lest you be guilty of worshiping them?

My thoughts: I really like the way this is all explained concerning this subject and this is the way I share my thoughts with folks when asked this question.  It always inspires another question by Protestants after you answer them.  How can Mary and all those who are in heaven hear us? They were all human and only God is omnipresent..He is everywhere. Humans do not have that ability.                                                                                                                                                                

My thoughts; We are all connected…we are One… we are all a part of His Body..through the power of the Holy Trinity. Scripture time and time again explains the mystery of Our Heavenly Father’s plan to connect us “As earth as it is in heaven.”  The Apostles’ Creed dates back to the Apostles, an ancient liturgical reading from the early church that proclaimed the faith, was before the New Testament was canonized:  It states very clearly….We believe in the Communion of Saints. Many mainstream Protestant churches say the Apostles’ Creed every Sunday during their service. Christ taught his disciples, that He is One with the Father and the Holy Spirit and if we believe in Him we become “one” in Him. If we become “one” in Him through our faith this unites us to the Holy Trinity. Eph. 5:31-32:  
Because we are members of His body. 
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 
This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.  Notice this scripture is about how a man and wife become “One with Christ”.. but it ends with explaining the great mystery..but I speak in regard of Christ and of His Church.

John 14: 5-11 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way? 
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me. 
If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father? 
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works. 
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

John 14: 18-20: I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you. 
Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also. 
In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. 

1 Cor. 6: 15-16: Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. 
Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh.

Luke 3: 21-22: Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The Holy Trinity is unity and no doubt a mystery and we are a part of the mystery in the unity. I think this is beautiful to see how our Heavenly Father orchestrated His Kingdom to be connected. It is through the Holy Trinity. We are not alone. Those that are in His presence are pouring out prayers for us all on earth.   

                                                                                                                                                              Rev. 5: 6-8 And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
And he came, and he taketh it out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

We are “one” in His Kingdom, connected together within the loving arms of the Holy Trinity. One of my favorite scripture stories where I can visualize this communion is in Rev. Not only does this story teach the unity of the Holy Trinity, it is a vision of Heaven and Earth coming together and partaking of the Holy Eucharist.                                                                                                                                                            

 Rev. 19: 6-10: And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunders, saying, Hallelujah: for the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigneth.
Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The Lord’s Prayer is answered in our lives when we pray: Matt. 6: 7-14,  Your Kingdom come..Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Being an ex-Protestant, I know the Protestants view of the Lord’s Supper and it is only a memory to remember. They do not understand that a miracle takes place, and our Lord is present in the Eucharist and we are at the wedding feast every time we attend Mass. They look at this passage as a promise to be a part of the wedding feast when He returns. Not understanding His Kingdom was ushered in with the resurrection. Jesus speaks more about this wonderful gift He will be giving His church to be united in the Kingdom (heaven and earth) in the Gospel of John. The Eucharist unites us as “one” when we partake. John 6 26-27:  Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. 
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed. 

John 6: 54-58: He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 
He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him. 
As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he that eateth me, he also shall live because of me. 
This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as the fathers ate, and died; he that eateth this bread shall live forever. 6:60-67: Many therefore of his disciples, when the heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? 
But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble? 
What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before? 
It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life. 
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. 
And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father.
Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 
Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away?

To all my church family all around the world and to my family in heaven..Mother Mary and all the angels and saints..pray for us and we look forward every time we go to Mass seeing all of you in the  Eucharist, the Wedding Feast of the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Thank-you Jesus!

Rembrandt's "The Prodigal Son/Father"

Facebook has been a wonderful tool for us, it has opened a door to learn from others, “the huge picture” of who Christ is to this big ole’ world. We have chosen wisely folks from all over the world that share this love of Christ… that we may share with them and in turn they can share with us. One such person we have become FB friends with lives in Malta and he is an artist. He posted something so interesting and thought provoking… I just had to share it. I asked him to post it on my wall, so I could share it with all my FB friends.  He was more than willing, but it would not post as a new post. He was able to post it in an area of one of my old post? I then tried to cut and paste it as a new post and it would not copy.. hmmmmm what is going on here? I guess his privacy settings have created this problem? I was so determined to post this….so I painstakingly hand wrote it…then typed it. Why? I am crazy for Sacred Art! Did you know that before there was television, radio and the printing press folks were entertained by artist and learned about things, “like” faith and God. This is what our Artist friend in Malta shared and we just thought it was so cool! Update 11/01/11: Tony has a blog now and you have to visit it: http://wordofgodalmighty.blogspot.com/2011/10/sacrifice-of-holy-eucharist.html

This is what he wrote this morning to us and sharing so you can understand  “why” we wanted to share w/you. “Very Good Morning in the Lord. I shall try and post it as you asked., but, remember J&J, everybody's Life Story IS interesting and there is a lot one can learn from each other. Re Sacred Art, whenever I have a commission or paint a subject for my one satisfaction (very rarely), I always pray and meditate before I start, and try to put all my knowledge of the Scripture in the painting. God bless us all.”

Little bit about this Artist that I copied from his profile:

Am a full-time artist/painter. Participated in numerous exhibitions, both locally and abroad. I produced, to date, over 800 works. These are found in Museums and Private Collections in U'K., Germany, Australia, Canada, Ireland, California, Italy, New York, Scotland and Spain, besides Malta.
I am interested in History of Art, appreciate Classical Music and Gregorian Chant.
I take great interest in the study of the Holy Scripture and study of Biblical Commentaries. I hold weekly talks on the Sunday Gospel, with special reference to the contemporary life of Jesus, the Jewish History and Culture so as to understand better the message found in the Bible, a lot of hard work and study.

His Post we loved: Rembrandt, is here reminding us of Prophet Isaiah's words: "Can a mother forget her child ? Even if she does, I will never forget him. His name is written on the palm of my hand."

Why have I chosen, as my Profile Photo, a reproduction of Rembrandt’s famous ‘Prodigal Son/Father Father’ A very straight forward answer because it is ‘The story of my life’, not to say “Everybody life.’ I believe that this is the best photo, snapshot, I could produce, of my being… hugged and welcomed with LOVE by my MUM and DAD. “Ah, those were the days”, some might answer. You are right to say so, with one slight correction, these are the days. I returned Home when ever I decide to, and with God’s help, and still be warmly hugged by Mum and Dad. Now let’s get one thing is this possible? I am, ‘Thank be to God,’ 76 years old, ‘so how on earth am I going to be welcomed and hugged by Mum and Dad? Certainly, because in God we find the Maternal and Paternal love. The repentant son represents each and every one of us, as long as we return to the Father’s house. We are always welcomed back, and what a welcome that would be. That is the message of this well known Parable, which many scholars believe, was Christ favorite.

We have, for sure, very often misbehaved and acted insensibly and, I dare say, without showing any sign of responsibility towards ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’, and they, for sure deserve better, we are much indebted to them.

This message is found for the hidden a message. Just look at the pair of hands, and arms of the old man the father. They are different from each other. Look at them well. The left hand is surely a man’s hand, strong, virile, muscular,, note the shadows on the back of the son, he is using pressure, he is encouraging him, inspiring him with hope and the start of a new life, sort of. ‘Come on get up, don’t worry, we shall start anew, be brave.’ This is surely the father’s behavior.

Now look at the other hand, on the right. That is not a man’s hand, that, for sure is a woman’s hand ‘full of’  grace, genteel, refined, using little or no pressure, as if patting the face of her new born babe, scarcely touching him, and yet full of love and consolation. The fingers, unlike the man’s are close to each other. Yes, here you, and I, have found Mum and Dad, in God’s embracing love, that’s what I meant when I said in God we find the Maternal and Paternal love.

Rembrandt is here reminding us of Prophet Isaiah’s word, “can a mother forget her child? Even if she does, I will never forget him. His name is written on the palm of my hand.”

DO YOU HAVE JOY?

I wrote the following in 2005 the summer we had all the hurricanes hitting the gulf coast which included Katrina. The impact it had on our area was felt...many victims found refuge in our town. It brought our community together to help feed and give shelter to those who lost their homes. Felt a need to post it as a reminder. Pray for those in Japan and also for all those that are sick and lonely and dear to our hearts.

Sept 13, 2005

To my friends and family... just a note to encourage, wherever you may be? With trials and hardships we all experience in this life, sending a reminder that we do have a hope. The hurricane aftermath and many other situations I know of concerning friends and family who are sick or struggling prompted this writing. The Lord reminded me of several testimonies in His written word that encourages our faith and this is the reason for me sending this to you. I pray it will encourage you this day as it has encouraged me. Galatians 6: 2: Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

The book of Philippians was written by Paul, remember Paul’s history? He was once Saul the religious zealous Jew who killed early believers because of their faith in Christ. Jesus loved Saul, “ right where he was“. Acts 9: 3-6, As he reached Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord? Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied." Pondering on this verse I wonder how many prayers were being prayed by the new Christian community to our Father for help in safety and protection from Saul. I wonder how many early saints, “such as Peter, John and Matthew “ were on their knees praying for Saul’s conversion and asking the Father to forgive him, just as Christ was hanging on the cross, asking the Father to forgive us, “ for we do not know what we do” Luke 23: 34. See the hope we have for our friends and family who have not come to know Christ as of yet? For those who are not living as the Lord would have them, God does have a purpose and a plan for each one of them... Just keep pleading in prayer.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. Even though he was writing in prison this writing is filled with joy. The words “joy” or rejoice” are used fourteen times. Philippians 4:11-13: I am saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances, I know what it is to be in need, & I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any & every situation, whether well or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Paul writes in chapter 1, starting in verse 3, I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this , that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. As I ponder this writing in scripture, I picture Paul in prison and the atmosphere in which he is living. Is Paul cold or is he hot as he writes, do they let him use the bathroom elsewhere, does he have a bed or does he sleep on the hard ground, how much food do they feed him or is he hungry? I then think of the prisons in my life and none can compare. What a testimony in hope with Paul’s life, while in prison he is encouraging us on the outside. He knows the hope we have in Our Lord and he is reassuring us that whatever our situation is in life, God will not abandon us. Our Lord started a purpose, a reason to live out our allotted time and He will be with us to completion. Whether we are in prison, grieving, hurting, sick, fearful of the future or whatever.... Paul while in prison again writes to Timothy, 2 Timothy 4: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith... Many Christian circles talk about faith and if you only have faith things will work to our advantage. Paul’s faith was that of, “things would workout to God’s glory and God’s purpose for Paul life”. Even in prison he encourages us with his faith and the fruits of joy and rest are very evident in his testimony. What a testimony!

Another great man in the Bible that had ups and downs in this old world was King David and he shares in Psalms 112:6-7 Surely he will never be shaken, a righteous man will be remembered forever He will have no fear of bad news his heart is steadfast trusting in the Lord. Psalms 46: 2 God is our refuge & strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way & the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it’s waters roar & foam & the mountains quake with surging.

Jeremiah was a young man called by God. His first 20 years under Josiah, a good king who tried to bring the people back to God, gave Jeremiah his learning field a good start. After this Jeremiah was often in danger because of God message for God’s people. Through it all God protected Jeremiah so Jeremiah could continue God’s plan and purpose. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you & not harm you, plans to give you hope & a future....

In closing my thoughts to God in prayer:

Heavenly Father thank-you for your word and the encouragement it gives us. Teach us, Help us all to have the faith as Paul, David and Jeremiah. In time of need, give us your power and grace to keep our eyes on you and show us your joy. We pray for the joy of the Lord in our lives, even in our own personal prisons. We need the joy that is complete, a joy that endures, a joy that can only come from You. Lead us all in the race You have set before us and give us Your strength to finish it as you would have us. Teach us all,” the secret” you taught Paul while in prison of being content in any and every situation. Gently guide us and show us where we need to grow in you. Sanctify us with the work of your Spirit and through belief in the truth. Lord you have the answers to life and help us to listen. I pray for all those who are without a home due to the hurricane. Be with them all and meet their needs daily. I pray for my love ones that are sick, heal them, but most of all give them Your Joy. For my loved ones who have lost a precious loved one and are grieving, Lord I pray you touch their minds and hearts and show them, their future in the race. Give them the strength each day they need and encourage them with Your love. Give us all Joy and a Faith that will continue to grow in You and that endures forever........ AMEN

Love To All, Julie

LET'S BEGIN

Why a Blog? I've learned in life you will not become the person God wants you to become unless you comfront your past and learn from its history, then let the Lord use it for His glory.

 I joined facebook the other day for many reasons. Wanting to keep up with friends far away, find old friends and "family and friends" that are in my life daily.. well, hopefully facebook will connect us more often during our weekly routines in which life takes us daily. This journey of finally signing up to facebook also prompted me to start a blog. Hoping to share my faith journey as I continue to grow and learn about my Lord every day. Facebook has its limits when we want to share our most intimate details in life and hopefully this blog will create a space to share my Jesus with you.
 I started out my Christian journey as an infant when my parents baptized me in the Methodist Church. This was only the beginning and it continues to grow each day. My journey has been much like a tree, beginning as a seedling. The seed needed lots of love and water along the way and times of growth were stunted during many spells of droughts in my life. I hope to share many things here in the blog spot. I will love to hear your thought and inputs in this journey of faith. Keep in mind I am still growing and have so much to learn. My Christian journey took me into the Catholic Church three years ago and the Graces are special in my life. I will start with posting some things I have written the past few years... hope this will catch you up and I will continue to add to this Blog when I feel the inspiration bug calling my name.  In Him, Julie

IN HIS TIME / Finding the One

 I self published my first book in August 2009 called

"Finding the One" In His Time. Does God have a special

plan for us in finding a mate? A three+year project in searching

scripture, asking folks the question (does He have a plan?). 

Started the book not knowing an answer to the question myself

to conclude the book.

I finished the book and feel good about the results in which

I came to a conclusion. A few inserts below of my book.

                    There Are Many Shades of Green

    This world in which we live is a complex place and is not always easy to know which direction to go or what is truth? This book is composed with the knowledge of truth that I have discovered in my small world. If we compare it to an early summer drive in the country, after a long period of spring rain. The colors are so alive with life and the dimension of each shade, though the same color is different from the others.  My mother has commented many times during a summer’s drive, “Look at the trees and all the different shades of green they bare, for an artist to paint this they must see all the shades of green."  Not only greens, Our Creator designed blues, reds, yellows, purples, and the list goes on. How did God maker of heaven and earth create so many shades of green? The colors of our world are such a small part to life, but they are so enormous in number, with each shade making the world go around. Have we even taped into them all and identified them by name? I know paint companies are still finding new colors everyday.

                             Love as a Wild Assault

One of my favorite books as a young adult was based on a true story called “Love as a Wild Assault."  Harriett Potter a women whose life drama unfolded in the piney woods of east Texas, a pioneer lady.  As a child I grew up running through the same woods her drama unfolded and I connected to her story. She was a brave woman and endured much hardship in life before, during and after the war between Texas and Mexico. She is very much apart of the history when Texas became a state. Her hardships were a byproduct of wrong choices she made as young women. In her senior years she became very close to a granddaughter. This granddaughter reminded her of herself as a young lady. Harriett’s love for her granddaughter was the driving force to write her memoirs in hopes she would not make the same foolish mistakes she had as a young lady. Harriett in her old age would write as time allowed each day, and then stuff her writing into her feather mattress. She instructing her granddaughter occasionally on how to clean the mattress and then made her granddaughter promise to clean it in the future, the day before she married. That day finally came and her granddaughter found her beloved grandmother’s writings in the feather mattress. What a treasure to find!

This past 10 months my questionnaire has become a treasure to me as well. Some of my elder relative’s who would not fill out the questionnaire, though participated and blessed me with their stories in conversation in how they found “the one”.  We reminisce about how it was way back in their days. All these family members I admire and the longevity of each ones marriage has given me some good material for this book. History is so much apart of whom we are today (good and bad). When we look at the history of the United States and how our forefathers fought for freedom, we see the result today. When I look at the questionnaires and the history of several generations I see the result today. My oldest family member to partake in my questionnaire was 93 years old. This gave me a glimpse of almost 100 years of how the different generations found “the one”. They even shared with me how their parents “found the one”. I really think we can learn from each generation. Each one has something to say; we can learn from their mistakes, triumphs, hardships, victories and what made it happen or not. We live today in a broken world when it comes to the game of marriage and family. No time in our history has divorce and single parenting been the norm. No time in history has crime, drugs, porn, alcoholism, crisis pregnancies been the forefront in our daily lives. Morals are on a decline and they have been for sometime. I will own up to my part and what my generation did for this decline in morals. I was part of the 1960’s-70’s generation when I was a teen.  What does this all have to do with “finding the one”? EVERYTHING!

Diversity is a really cool word today. Companies are starting diversity class for its employees. Diversity is changing the work place and making it a place of security for their employees. The word diversity is being used in politics, social issues and even schools are putting it in their curriculum. The word diverse means; of different kind, diversify; to introduce variety into, to vary. This is all good and it is helping with tolerance. I want to make this very clear I do think this has over all been a “good” thing. 

I also know just like the shades of green that our world is diversified in religion and culture.  I can not speak for other religions or cultures, only Christianity and my roots of growing up in Northern Louisiana. The world is so big and this book is to not judge any faiths or cultures. This book is about my faith and culture and for those who live or claim my stake or part of this very diverse planet. I am a believer in Christ. Just like the shades of green, “Christianity is diversified”. Many reason for this division and that would take another book or series of books that could encompass volumes that would fill the largest library in the world.  My faith is simple and I truly believe that if we could put all our difference aside, seek God in prayer, read His Word daily for guidance and stay connected to the Body of our Lord the “Church” could be a stronger influence for the planet. I have been a Christian for over 34+ years and I am saddened by how many who claim to be “Christian” have never picked up a Bible, the multitudes that have never attended a Bible study, never had a prayer life, claim to be a Christian and do not know who Christ really is according to His word. I’ve listen to several  “resumes”, concerning Christian credential over the years, “Oh I am a Baptist or a Methodist”, “We are Catholics, my family has been Catholic for generations”, “My Mom and Dad are Presbyterian and I was raised Presbyterian”,   so what! Affiliation to a church or your parent’s church is not being a Christian. Look up the word Christianity in the dictionary and it reads; being a Christian, belief that Christ was the incarnate son of God. How can you claim to be a “Scout” if you never attend the meetings and work on the scout badges? The belief that Christ was the incarnate son of God is the definition of a Christian though Satan believes this too. Satan is inspired by those who claim the belief and the multitudes that have never earned a badge or entered a church door. It makes his life easy.

 So, what does this have to do with dating, marriage or “finding the one in His time?”  Be patience, I will bring this all together hopefully in “His Time”.   I want you to understand my foundation in Christ, who I am in Christ.  I am a sinner redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I need His Grace daily, that only comes from Him, that helps me walk in His truth, not perfect but trying to finish the race He started in me so that one day it might be complete.   I want you to remember one thing as you continue to read this book. I am not the same person I was 34+ years ago. My faith in Christ, how I see morals and values today is my testimony of where I was 34+ years ago. My testimony is about a God that loved me just where I was, baggage and all, Jesus expected nothing from me except to trust Him.  Did not have to clean up my act, run down and join the local church, give up all my unhealthy vices or even clean up my language. He loved me just as I was, unconditionally, no stings attached. He had no reason to love me. I was the most unlovable, self center, selfish, spoiled rotten, lazy unfocused person He ever created. This is my opinion.  I can still remember the love Christ poured out in buckets when I finally gave up and said “Yes”.  “Yes, I can not do it alone anymore”, “yes, I will trust you”, “yes, I know I have messed things up in my life”, “yes, I believe”! I believe you are my Savior, the Christ Child, the promise One, who our Heavenly Father so freely gave that we might have life, eternal life. This surrender of “yes, yes and yes” happen seven years after I confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. I was a stubborn one and it took awhile to stop doing it my way. The buckets of love and encouragement He poured out when I finally surrendered it all gave me hope, a hope for a future. I was so hungry to continue in this state of unconditional love and feeling His presence. I had never experience anything like it before and have not to this day. My circumstance concerning my messed up life did not change over night it took years, but I now had a peace and a reassurance in time my Lord was taking me out of Egypt to taste the promise land. I opened a Bible for the first time to learn about my new love. I had my Daddy’s Bible that I used. My Dad had died 9 years early when I was 14. I started reading the Bible, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."  I look back to that time and rejoice in that unconditional love that was being poured out in “buckets” buckets of living water flowing into my broken spirit. It was real and it is still real today as it was then. I have had many challenges in life, good and bad. I have had successes and failures, lose of love ones, disappointments, great opportunities, ups and downs. Life is not fair at times, but there is one thing I will never loose, because nothing can take it from me. It is my testimony in knowing I am loved by My Heavenly Father. As the old hymn goes, “He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own." Just like Harriet Potter I hope future generations especially my children and hopefully their children will learn from an old crooked road my Lord took me as I pen from my heart.

WHERE IS JUDAS?

A question that came up a few weeks ago at a Bible Study we attend and then being snowed in a few day later started me writing and pondering. The discussion was about Judas, the disciple who betrayed Christ and the different inputs made me question myself and look into what the church teaches. Discussion: Is Judas in Hell?

This is what I found out and also did a little more research on my own.

Is Judas in Hell? The Catholic Church teaching on this question is; the church has no opinion and uses Matthew 7: 1-3 Stop judging that you may not be judge. For as you judge so will you be judged, and the measure will be measured out to you.

When I learned about the Catholic Church’s answer to this question, I wanted to understand more about this matter. I then went to some Catholic websites to get a bigger picture. The following are discussions going on in these sites. Seems other folks have the same question. The questions are answered by the staff of Catholic Answers.

Catholic Answer website: www.catholicanswer.com

Q.

Since Judas's betrayal of Jesus likely was a grave sin, why did Jesus give him Communion at the Last Supper? Or had Judas left the table by that point?      

A.

If Judas did receive Communion—as Scripture appears to indicate (Lk 22:19-23)—then there may be any number of reasons why Christ allowed it even though he had already been plotting Christ’s betrayal (Lk 22:3-4). Two possibilities include: Christ may have hoped that the grace of Communion ultimately could save Judas’s soul. Judas did indeed feel remorse for what he did (Mt 27:3-4), although he chose the wrong means to demonstrate that remorse (Mt 27:5). Or perhaps Christ respected Judas’s free will, just as he respects our free will, and so did not deny Judas Communion even though he apparently did not have faith that it was Christ’s body and blood (Jn 6:66-71).

Q.

Since we know that the only sin that is not forgiven is the sin against the Holy Spirit, could Judas Iscariot have sought forgiveness instead of falling into despair and hanging himself?      

A.

Yes, of course. Bishop Fulton Sheen, in his book Life of Christ, devoted a chapter to the betrayal by Judas, contrasting it with the betrayal by Peter—with which it was similar in some respects—and concluding that the tragedy of Judas’s life was that even after the betrayal he could have been St. Judas Iscariot if only he had repented instead of despaired. The sin against the Holy Spirit, the one that cannot be forgiven, is the sin of final impenitence. God can forgive any repented sin, but man must repent of his sins before he can be forgiven. As only God can judge hearts, we cannot know whether Judas was impenitent to his very death, but we can know that he did not demonstrate the heroic virtue of Peter, who repented his betrayal of Christ rather than allow despair to consume him.

Q.

Did Judas go to hell?      

A.

Jesus said, "Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born" (Matt. 26:24). While this statement implies that Judas’s final destination was hell, it cannot be known whether or not he repented of his sins before his death, and so it cannot be said with certainty that he is in hell.

The reading below was on the same site:

In recent years there has arisen a movement that might be called "neo-universalism," according to which it may be that all men, without exception, go to heaven. Advocates of this movement often say things like, "The Church does not teach that anyone is in hell," and they cite statements from Church leaders and documents which sound—taken out of context—as if they teach this. If one reads the documents carefully, it is clear that the Church is not saying that no one at all is in hell but that it has not taught that any particular individual is in hell.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is asked, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" He replies by stating, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:23-24). Given the question that prompts it, Jesus' answer cannot be interpreted to mean anything other than that many will not be saved. There is nothing conditional about the question or Jesus' answer. He does not say, "If someone does this then he will be damned" or "Anyone who does this will be damned." He says that there are many who fail to enter—and the context is salvation.

Finally, although the Church does not teach that any particular individual is in hell, I believe that Scripture indicates that Judas Iscariot is in hell. (I acknowledge that other orthodox commentators may disagree on this point.) Jesus says, "The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had .not been born" (Matt. 26:24). If Judas ended up in heaven rather than hell, it would be difficult to see how it would have been better for him not to have been born. Going through any amount of temporal pain and disgrace is not worth comparing to the joys of heaven (Rom, 8:18), and, if Judas went to heaven, matters still came out infinitely to his benefit. Only if Judas went to hell, it seems to me, would it have been better for him not to have been born.  

After searching the web I decided to look up scripture concerning this subject and find my conclusion in this topic.

What does scripture say about judging and judgment?

Matthew: 3: 28-29 Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.

Romans 14:13 Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

James 4:12 There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?

2 Tim. 4: 1-5 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word: be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient: convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to truth and will be diverted to myths.

1 Cor. 4:3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.

Romans 2: 15-16 They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge people’s hidden works through Christ Jesus.

What does scripture say about Judas?

Luke 22: 1- 5   Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near, and the chief priest and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand over to them in the absence of a crowd.

Luke 22 19- 22 Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, which will be given up for you; do this in memory of me. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my body, which will be shed for you. And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.

Matthew 27 3- 9 Then Judas his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priest gathered up the money, but said, “ It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, “ And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me.”

Acts 1 15- 20 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers ( there was a group of about 120 in the one place). He said, “ My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. This became known to everyone who live in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language ‘Akeldama,’ that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.’

My thoughts after looking at Catholic websites and the scriptures:

As we say at Mass: “Lord have Mercy, Christ have Mercy.” I cannot judge Judas any more than I can judge my neighbor. God is the JUDGE. I agree with the church teaching on this subject. I have no opinion. But, as I read the story of Judas in scripture it saddens me that a man who walked, talked and ate with our Lord could fall so far from grace. Showing me how important our Christian journey is and applying the scripture, Php 2:12-13 Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Do not get me wrong here, I am a firm believer in Ehp. 2: 8  it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God prepared in advance, that we should live in them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Yes, Christ bought my salvation on Calvary. I cannot earn it, nor do I deserve it. Though this statement does not eliminate this scripture, James 2: 14-17 20-26  What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and in lack of daily food and one of you say to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 20-26 Do you want to be shown, you foolish fellow (that is you ignoramus), that faith apart from works is barren? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works and faith was completed by works and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘ Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’; and he was called the friend of God. You see that man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and spent them another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead?

When I think of Judas’s life I conclude with these last scriptures, I ask for God’s grace and help so that I may apply them to my faith journey and use Judas’s story as a reminder:

Hebrew 10 : 26 If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries.

Hebrews 6: 4-6

For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding him up to contempt.

Jesus’ own words in Matthew 24: 10-13 And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evil doing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come.

Well sorry for the long winded reflection… That’s what happens, when I get snowed in and no place to run.

In Him, Julie

A Christmas Letter Summer 2010

Dear All,

Felt led to share my journey of faith as it unfolded this summer.

End of June, Jim was laid-off from his job with 6 weeks pay. Oh my, was my faith tested and gave me a chance to sit back and really examine the important things in life. Six weeks of pay, how far will that take us before we will have to start using everything we have saved for retirement? Jim’s age was a concern. Last time he seriously had to look for a job (hated the one he was in) it took a year. The news every night paints a picture of many in our Nation who cannot find work. Boy was that in the back of my mind continually as well as the fact we now live in Arkansas, land of not many opportunities. I also thought about my grandparent’s and parent’s generation. They grew up in the depression with their luxury being the food on the table at each meal. My grandparent’s never made big corporate salaries, lived in simple homes (paid for), they owned one car they shared, (no frills & paid cash for it) never had a credit card, died with money in the bank and money to bury them. Very few women worked in those days and today most American families have a hard time making ends meet on two salaries.

I thought of all the stuff we have bought over the years that were wants and not needs. Have to “have” and really could have lived without it just fine. If we had lived like my grandparents, I am sure we would be billionaires today.                                                     

Our world tells us we need the latest fashion, IPods’, designer tennis shoes, granite counter tops, leather furniture, boats, television in every room of the house, big screen, surround sound, and on and on.

Jim and I have built our own little castle and if he cannot find a job, all this “stuff”, all of a sudden, seemed to feel more like bondage.

A friend of mine that just got back from a mission trip has been remodeling her home. She has remodeled with top of the line, every aspect you could dream about, the latest, grandest fixtures, appliances, hardwood, granite, tile and decorated every room like it was built for a queen. She has one more room to go, her master bath. She went to Belize on her mission trip with a team of doctors, dentist, hygienist and dental assistants. They ministered to 4,000 people. They pulled teeth and they witnessed every illness you can think of. For 10 days they worked non-stop and treated these desperate poor people with the limited supplies they had. They stayed in a compound with no A/C, no running water, mosquitoes pestering them continuously, and filth everywhere. My friend has never seen conditions like this in her entire life and then lived in it for 10 days. As she is telling me this story I am beginning to think she was sorry she went. So I asked her, “Sounds like you were in hell and wish you never went?” “No!!” was her reply, “It was the best experience I ever have done in my life. It showed me how blessed our nation is and you know my Master Bath? When I came home it was the most beautiful bathroom I have ever seen and I could care less if it ever gets remolded.”

This is where the Lord finally took me a few days after the shock of this lay-off. We start with nothing in this world and we sure won’t be taking it with us when he calls us home. If we are to go down with the ship, “It is well with my soul”. To be truly honest with you my prayer was “help me Lord to accept the things I cannot change and show me ways I need to change.”

We are blessed and we only went three weeks not knowing what our future held. We only knew who held our future. The three weeks seemed like six month, but in the end Jim’s ex-employer wanted him back, they pulled some strings (really God was pulling them) and he is back with his old company.

I am humbled by the outcome of our story because so many in our Nation are out of work. I pray that things will turn around, but I know it is going to take sacrifice for it to happen. We have all become the McDonald’s generation… We want it now and we do not have the patience to wait. I know through this experience He showed me the ways I need to change. I will ask myself more often when I go buy something, “Lord is this a want or a need?” This was our valley we walked through this summer and praise my Lord, He carried us. Though my story is not over, for He then carried us to the mountain top, the summit.

The month of August for many of us has been very busy; vacation, getting ready for school, getting married. The list goes on. Our month of August turned out to be a time of rest & a time we escaped the world to learn more about our Lord Jesus. I have felt like I have been on the mountain of transfiguration with Jesus, Moses & Elijah.   Occasionally hollering down to Peter, “Yes, please do build the tent around all of us… because I do not want to come down.”

Starting out this spiritual journey, our family went to the Catholic Charismatic Conference in Little Rock with great speakers; Our Bishop Taylor was there with his family which included his parents, siblings, nieces & nephews. This was the last day of the conference when they attended. They were all there because that week-end he was celebrating 30 years as a Priest.

Jim and I then traveled up to Eureka Springs to Little Portion Retreat Center and spent a weekend with Michael Card discussing the Book of Luke. Folks from Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Colorado & other parts drove many miles for the retreat. We were the only ones from Arkansas. Great time!

Last week I went with Jim on a business trip to Huntsville, AL. We drove it and my plans were, while he works, I get to play & visit some old friends. We lived in Huntsville 6 years & still kept up with a few friends there.  About 45 minutes outside of Huntsville I saw a sign… big sign… Shrine of the Most Holy Sacrament. We were ahead of schedule and I asked him to follow that sign. Did not know what it was that and my adventurous spirit wanted to know. After 19 miles of nothing, Jim is getting a little annoyed I took him off our Huntsville destination. He is picturing a shrine of stacked rocks with a cross that someone built and 19 and 19 is almost 40 miles we will have driven to see stacks of rocks. Then all of a sudden out of nothing, nowhere…  was this most beautiful place. On 380 acres of isolated farmland encircled by the Mulberry fork of the Warrior River sits The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In 1996 Mother Angelica, who started EWTN, visited Bogota, Columbia and while praying next to a statue of the Child Jesus had a vision or word from God. “Build me a temple and I will help those who help me.” When she returned from her trip, she began looking for land in Alabama. She found over 300 acres that belonged to a 90-year old lady and her children. They were not Catholics, but when Mother Angelica told her what she wanted the land to build a temple for Jesus, the lady responded, "That's a good enough reason for me."

December 19, 1999: Consecration of the Shrine took place - in the Bible Belt, where Baptists are the majority and Catholics are only 2 percent of the population. I used the term Bible Belt in a restaurant in Alabama & the manager corrected me “It’s the Bible Zipper.”

Five donors paid for the property, all the construction costs, and materials.  This is a miracle. The architecture is 13th Century.  Mother Angelica wanted the marble, gold, and cedar for the temple that God commanded David to build him in the Bible.  The ceramic tile came from South America, the stones from Canada, and the bronze from Madrid, Spain. The floors, columns, and pillars are made of marble.  There is a rare red Jasper marble from Turkey that was used for the red crosses in the floor of the temple.  The wood for the pews, doors, and confessionals was from cedar imported from Paraguay.  Spanish workers came to build the doors. The stain glass windows were imported from Munich, Germany. The Statutes of the Stations of the Cross were hand-carved.

One of the most striking parts of the temple is the gold leaf wall.  There is an eight foot stand with gold plated top for the consecrated host. Two nuns pray in 1 to 1 1/2 hour shifts 24 hours a day behind the gold leaf wall in the temple.  The cloistered nun’s purpose is to pray and worship Jesus. They pray for those who don't pray for themselves. The nuns stay focused on silence, solitude and prayer. 

Jim and I were both touched by our Lord at this place. You knew you were on Holy Ground. You could feel Shekinah Glory “Yahweh’s Presence”. I was overwhelmed by it all and before we went and entered the temple to pray before the Most Blessed Sacrament, I called my Aunt to share with her this journey, only to find out my Uncle was in intensive care, again. He is my second Dad and he has had heart disease for 20 years – 2 bypass surgeries, stints, balloons… you name it he has had it. For six months now his heart has kept him in the hospital numerous times – in and out of intensive care. The several Cardiologists who have cared for him have been going in circles trying to figure out what to do for him. They have told us, surgically nothing can be done. The area of the heart that is causing the problem contains vessels and arteries that are very small. Medicine is the only hope, and the medicine was not helping.

I entered this Holy Place with a heavy heart, but got as close as I could to the Eucharist and looked upon the Host. I knew Jesus was with me. I shared with Him my heart and a peace filled my spirit and I knew whatever the outcome was I trusted it and knew He was with us.

I learned later, a few hours before I was on my knees at the Shrine, a nurse came into my Uncle’s room and told him about a Cardiologist in Ft Worth that might be able to help. So while I was on my knees my uncle’s Cardiologist came to his hospital room & gave the okay to transport him from intensive care to Ft Worth. This was Wednesday afternoon. Friday afternoon my uncle went into surgery and 2 stints were placed in this area of the heart that no other doctor would tackle. Sunday morning my uncle was at his Parish worshipping his Lord.

Why do I want to share this with you? 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11; He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Sr. Ann Shields who spoke at the Charismatic Conference has many Catholic Books and DVDs out there. I bought a DVD of hers titled “The Fruit of Suffering In Our Lives”. Very good DVD. One thing in the DVD that stood out and spoke to me the most was this statement: “Most Catholics do not like the word evangelize. It threatens them in so many ways.  But in the whole scope of this world we live in, we are all being evangelized. Who is evangelizing you? Is it the television, the media, the Internet, your peers, your friends, or is it your Catholic Faith?  Parents, I ask you the same question, who is evangelizing your children?

As most of you know I am a new Catholic. I was baptized as an infant in the Methodist Church, married in the Presbyterian Church and grew in my personal relationship with Jesus in many Protestant churches that I have attended over the years. Do you know every time I dip my hands in the holy water as I enter a Catholic Church, I thank my parents for that act of obedience to God they did for my own personal journey to start life as an infant in the Christian faith? To say that I am Catholic today is not, in no way, saying to you or anyone, “I am a convert to Catholicism.” I have been on a journey of conversion, growing in my Christian faith since the day my parents baptized me in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Christianity is a lifetime of one’s journey in growing and knowing we are only here for a speck when you take into account, eternity.

On your Confirmation day you said to Jesus, “I will follow You.” We are to pick up our cross and follow Him; to learn about Him, to grow in Him and to help others know this treasure we carry in our hearts and this treasure we partake of every time we come to Mass.

This August 2010 I will always have fond memories of the special times I shared with my Jesus and so many others in the Body of Christ. Life is full of mountain tops and valleys. I look forward to the next summit. I end with James 1:4; Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I encourage you all, rise up in the valley, get involved and seek the summits Jesus has for you. God Bless.