Joy In The Journey

  Our Frist Christmas together in Texas - 1982 It's Christmas Eve morning and I am excited for whatever the day brings especially the coming of the birth of Jesus and the blessings and grace that await each new day.  This morning I’m also reflective with emotions and thoughts about my dad who died 23 years ago on Christmas Morning and my mom who died 27 years ago in November. In my heart I know that they are together in heaven celebrating with Jesus and all those I love who have gone home to glory and that brings peace and comfort to my heart. My heart is also filled with so much gratitude because my parents left us with so many wonderful traditions and family memories, family was everything to them. They always instilled in us a spirit of gratitude and unconditional love, and I am so grateful that never was there ever a time that I talked to my mom or dad that I did not tell them how much I loved them. I was by mom’s side when she drew her last breath and I saw the lov...

This morning I did my prayers and readings in my prayer room and then went outside to enjoy some time in the backyard oasis while I shared my reflections on today's Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  And today's reading always reminds me of one of my favorite books " Hinds Feet on High Places" by Hanna Hurnard. I believe that the journey to the mountaintop, the experiences along the way, the gorgeous views and the beauty that it seen on the climb enriches the experience not only along the way up and when I get to the top and take in the beauty of God's nature all around me.  It also fortifies me for the climb back down. While I would love to stay on the mountaintop, I know that I will have to make the trek back down.  And what a blessing to take it all with me on the way down and and beyond for whatever comes next I am back in the valley.               

  Choose Joy! We have choices, depending on the circumstances I'm not always so quick to jump right to joy, or finding joy in the situation or circumstance, but by His grace I eventually get there. Thank you Jesus and may you give me the grace to bless you in all things!!

 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"  John 13:35 I love the Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis. So much wisdom and no matter how many times I have read it, and my books are worn, there is always a new take away and another perspective and insight. This morning I took the time to dig into the scriptures that were referenced to share them as part of the reading. I hope that you too are blessed by His word.

  I love a quiet and relaxing start to my day and time with Jesus in the morning.   This morning I was up early, praying, reading and journaling and I was drawn to a prayer book that used to be a constant, but that I don't pray with as often as I used to. And in particular, a prayer that was one of Mother Teresa's favorites that was written by Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman called "Radiating Christ".  

  A little break from making St. Joseph's bread for a reflection on keeping my focus on Jesus.

Today's resounding message in my morning readings and reflections is to let go of control and to trust and surrender all to the ONE who created me and as scripture says .   "For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you."   Jeremiah 29:11-12   Can you relate? Trust and Surrender