FASHIONED FOR GOD'S PURPOSES

This is the talk I gave in August at our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in North  Augusta, South Carolina                                          

How many in this room feel called to go to the mission field?  I sure did until I discover they had animals. Father told me, “Ellen, NO animals.” I think he heard me wrong because we all know that priest cannot lie. Then the second obstacle came with the wardrobe. What would I wear?  Do high  heels work for my foot wear on the missionaries?  As you can see I am what is called, “Missionary Challenged. “ I was so sad to discover that the mission field was not my gift; when a miracle happened. Yes, my brothers and sisters in Christ miracles happen and the greatest miracles happen in your heart. 

Like the angel Gabriel who spoke to the Shepherds; I come to you today to bring you tidings of great Joy. “Good News.” I love good news. How about you? The good news is, “Today the entire world is a mission field.”  Yes, hearts everywhere are longing for the “Good News of Christ” to come into their fields. However, “The harvest is ripe but the workers are few.”  All of us are given the opportunity to be a missionary right where we are, in our little corner of the world.  We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, living the good news and preach the good news.  St Francis is quoted as saying, “Preach the gospel wherever you may go and when necessary use words.”   My friend, in the world today, where the dark is getting darker and the light of Christ is shining brighter, I find words very necessary. We must speak out for the truth of Our One, Holy Catholic faith or who will?  In order to make a difference, we must know: the how, what, where and why of our gifts. So how do I discover my gifts? In order to know your God given gifts, you must first get to know God? We are all searching. Let me tell you my story.

Every faith walk takes you on a journey; journeys where you are asked to take Jesus’s nail scarred hand and trust Him to lead you.  Jesus leads you to the very heart of our loving Heavenly Father.

I was born and baptized into the Catholic faith.  As a cradle Catholic my faith was nourished thru a praying grandma’s good example and the instruction of the nuns in Catholic School.  I can still remember the nuns saying, “Who made you?  God made you. Why did God make you? God made you to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him and to be happy with Him one day in heaven.” I grew to know and love my Catholic Faith.  I longed to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  What a glorious day it was, when I, dressed all in white as a bride, walked to the altar singing, “Jesus, Jesus, come to me.”  God knew it was truly my heart’s desire, and He answered that prayer.  As I received Jesus “Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity” for the first time, the truth of our faith was written on my soul.  Jesus revealed Himself to me.  I gave my life to Him and He began to lead me.  I went to daily mass, frequented the sacrament of reconciliation, sang to Jesus, and prayed about everything.  

 High School found me in a public school where it was not in vogue to be smart, nor acceptable to be a committed Catholic.  In order to be popular, I went undercover, but my faith suffered greatly.   We went to Mass on Sunday as a family and I continued to pray before I went to bed.  However, I had no support from other Catholics, no opportunity for daily Eucharist and I did not grow in the Faith.  The day I graduated from high school, my family moved back to the South.  I tried a college in Georgia and one in Florida, and both were a culture shock; drugs, drinking and sex were rampant, and I was appalled.  I knew it would be impossible for me to grow close to Jesus in this environment.   I moved to Florida, to fulfill my dream to be a stewardess with a friend.  We were soon flying the friendly skies as Flight Attendants for Air Florida.  Again my faith suffered, Jesus was no longer first in my life. The unfortunate part, I was not even aware of it!

At age nineteen I met and fell in love with the man of my dreams, Patrick, who was studying to be a physician at University of Miami.  He happened to be Peggy’s cousin.  During this season of my life, God tried to get my attention thru a dream.  In the dream I was stirring some cookie dough in a bowl.  As I gazed into the bowl, Jesus appeared, saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is thru me.”   Since this was not an ordinary experience for me, I sought advice, but did not get clear direction, so I dismissed it.  Pat and I married, on May 1, 1974.  After a one month honeymoon, and graduation, we moved to Gainesville, Florida for Pat’s residency. 

We were soon blessed with a little boy, a little girl and moved to suburbia.  In a worldly sense, we had made it.  I was so happy that I went back to Church.  In four year lapse of practicing my faith, the Charismatic renewal had evolved.  I went to a prayer meeting where a gal read the same scripture from my dream.  I knew I was home.  It was on that day that I gave my heart back to Jesus.  I promised Him that I did not care who knew I was a Catholic, I would live for Him.  When Pat decided to go into practice, “I prayed we would go to where Pat, then a pagan, would find Jesus.”  After a year in Vernal, Utah Pat gave his heart to Jesus too.   Together we made the decision to move back to the South to be close to family and to join Alleluia, a Charismatic Community in Augusta, Georgia.  God blessed us with many children, friendships, teachings and great graces.  God trained us up, nourished us, and established us.  In Alleluia people were trying to live radically for Jesus. Then God called Pat to become a Deacon.  We both embraced full time ministry and agreed to pour our lives into building the Church.

I believe God has called me to pass the faith down to the next generation and to help young mothers find the joy in their vocation as wife and mother.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to speak about Jesus on TV, radio, mom’s clubs, churches and thru the books and bible studies I have written.  

You never know where God will lead you.  I have journeyed to mountaintops of great joy, into valleys of tears and sadness, and thru deserts of loneliness, waiting until God parts the Red Sea.  I have learned that it in the crucible of suffering you get to know God for yourself.  He alone will teach you how to walk on the water, if you keep your eyes on Him. When you begin to sink, he will send a lifeboat in the form of other committed followers.  No one can walk the journey alone.  I wake up every morning to pray and seek the face of Jesus, and to take a strong hold of his nail scarred hand.  I listen for His still small voice; then try to do what He tells me.  I still sing to Jesus, pray about everything, try to assist at daily Mass go to confession often; as that is where His grace is found.  I know I need Him.  In God alone, I place my trust.  I want Him to be my everything!

 The first words I heard in the silence of my heart in prayer were, “I only give you good gifts.” My heart began to change forever. Yes, his words have proved true; they are always just my size and the desire of my heart.  God himself will help you slowly, carefully, and diligently, unwrap the presents he has placed in your heart; these gifts once revealed are to be used for his glory alone. In Psalm 139 God says, “I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.   He knit you together making us a unique creation of his love.  I don’t know the entire Baltimore catechism by heart  by any means but that one lengthy sentence has stuck with me for life. I think it describes our catholic faith in a nut shell.  I say it a little different now. I say instead to know God is to love God, for God is love. To truly love God is to serve God. Then we will be happy with him in heaven.

So do you know God? How can you know God for yourself?  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word.  The word of God also says "you will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with you whole heart. Has anyone ever played hide and go seek with their children or grandchildren. If you are playing with a four year old or under as soon as they hide they want you to find them. They might say here I am, Nana,  Nana here I am, why they want to be found. Jesus wants us to find him too. He wants to pop out and say here I am. When we embraces our faith and realize that He is who he says He is. Our faith travels from our head to our hearts it is then that we can't live for Him. The bible is no longer words on a page but rather our God speaking to us who believe.

Jesus is God’s gift to us. Our lives are to be our thank you gifts back to God in response to His unfailing love. Let’s see how some bible characters lived that out. God had a purpose for each bible character. We can learn from their example and also from the example of the Saints.

 David we can see his character develop and be transformed by the hand of God. David was affectionately called, “A man after God’s own heart,” although after reading his story, you might be surprised! Today his life would definitely make a juicy reality show or at least the best seller list. Hopefully none of us in the room would tune in or read about it. Although David was a great sinner, a mortal sinner, he knew that He served not only a holy, but also a merciful God. When David was weak; he knew that his God was strong. David knew where to go to get the grace need to be strengthened, that of course was in God’s presence.  David sinned big but He sought His bigger God, with his whole heart. He prayed, he sang, and he danced before his heavenly Father. He poured out his whole heart to God and most of all he trusted and depended on God for everything.  David found His God to be faithful and true. David knew God, not just knew about God; and because of his personal relationship with God he was able to praise God from His heart.  David did not just go thru the motions; he had a living faith in a living God. David’s heart was set on God and because of His character; God was able to use David.  The purpose of David’s life was to be king.

Abraham went from childless to the father of many nations with a little help from his wife Sarah. She laughed when God told her husband that she would bear a child in her 90’s. Whenever I read her story I still laugh. Watch what you pray for. God’s ways are not our ways. Abraham was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a purpose for Abraham’s life.

Joseph was favored by his dad Jacob. What did his daddy give him to show his love, a coat of many colors! What did his brothers get? Jealous!  Joseph went from,” Bragging Brother” to the man with the most Brotherly Love. God doesn’t always change our circumstance but truly he changes our hearts along the way.  He never departed from Joseph whether He was at the right hand of the King or given an unjust jail sentence.  You might say that, “In this world we have much tribulation but our God delivers us out of it all.”  Joseph lived out that scripture. God raised him up to be the right hand man to the Pharaoh, where he was able to provide for his family during the famine. God put him in the right place at the right time, with a small detour by way of a prison cell.  Joseph was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a plan for Joseph’s life.

Jonah was a prophet. When God spoke His word to Him, Jonah thought that he had a better plan than God. Where did it get him? He found himself in the belly of a fish. I think Jonah would attest to the fact that it was not a “whale of a good time.” Ask him when you get to heaven how it feels to be spewed out of the mouth of a whale. Jonah had a change of heart, and then obeyed God. When Jonah spoke to the people of Nineveh they listened and repented. Then God had a change of heart too. He did not destroy the people of Nineveh. Jonah was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a plan for his life.

Joseph was a gentle giant of a man. He was called to be the foster father of Jesus, God’s son. His role was to protect, provide and be the head of the Holy family. He was Mary’s husband in every way accept, physically.  Mary was a virgin. Joseph had the fruit of self-control. God chose a man who could parent His Son on this earth. Joseph proved trust worthy. Joseph was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had purpose for Joseph’s life.

Peter, although he walked and talked with Jesus daily, when his friend Jesus needed him most, Peter ran away. Yet, Peter went from being a disciple who was too afraid to stand alone for Jesus to being the first Pope. His name was changed from Simon to Peter to Peter the Rock.  It was upon that rock that God built our church, the one, holy, apostolic, Catholic Church. He may have run away in the early days but the Rock was a firm foundation which holds true to the faith until this day. God was faithful even when Peter was not. Peter was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a purpose for Peter’s life.

God had a plan for each woman in the Bible too.

Hannah, while barren, wept from the depth of her soul for a child. Her prayer was answered. She birthed a bouncing baby boy named Samuel. God fulfilled her heart’s desire but her prayer answer came at a price. Once Hannah weaned her son Samuel, she gave him back to God as she promised. Samuel was to be a great prophet and priest. Samuel was raised by the priest Eli, who also taught him the faith. Hannah’s sacrifice, of giving her son back to God, won souls to the kingdom of God.  Hannah was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a purpose for Hannah’s life.

Mary’s “Yes,” of surrender to God opened her womb to house the Savior of the world. His birth brought forth God’s plan for redemption. His death brought us life. What life will your surrendered, “Yes,” bring to this world? Mary was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a purpose for Mary’s life.

Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin though old in years, brought a young man into the world named John. He became the fore runner of the birth of Christ. His message became the Lenten message for all times. “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Elizabeth was fearfully and wonderfully made! God had a purpose for her life.

Was there purpose to the lives of these bible characters? Yes, definitely yes. There was purpose, meaning and there was abundant fruit in each of their lives. The purpose unfolded as they came to know, love and serve God. There is purpose to each of our lives too. It is worth the prayer, effort and surrender needed to get to know God for ourselves. This is “Good News!”

What purpose does God have for your life?  Do you know or are you still prayerfully seeking God’s plan for your life? He has one that I can assure you.  He wants to reveal it to you. “No eye has seen. No ear has heard, all that God has in store for those who love Him!”

Discovering your God given gifts as well your natural gifts will aid you in discovering God’s purpose for your life.  Be assured your purpose will fit your gifts, your talents and your personality. Knowing your purpose and working with the Holy Spirit to live out the purpose He reveals to you, will bring you the greatest joy and bear the most abundant fruit. I do not know many people in the parish, but truly Deacon Hookness and his wife have found God’s purpose for their lives. They walk in God’s plan for their lives. Their lives count; remember, so do yours! Our God’s love is so great that He loves you all best!

The purpose for your life may be as simple as raising godly children. Who knows, right now you could be raising a priest, a nun or perhaps a Saint? Your purpose may be as great as your becoming a Saint, like Blessed Mother Theresa or St. Pope John Paul II. They did not always realize their purpose either. Everyone begins sometime. They begin in prayer, seeking the face of God. This search never ends because God is infinite; so there is always more to know about Him. One thing I can assure you is that, you will never know your purpose unless you begin to seek his face.  You must go into the deep.  Be not afraid to seek God’s face. Scriptures says, “When you seek Him, you will find Him, when you seek Him with your whole heart.” 

This is a promise. The first step begins in humility, by knowing that you do not know all. No one knows all. No matter what stage of maturity you are in your spiritual walk, begin today to open your heart before Him and let Him reveal Himself to you in a new way. Let Him love you. Let Him heal you on the inside. Let Him take up residence in your soul, where He belongs. “He is the vine, we are the branches, apart from Him, and we can do nothing.” “If you abide in me and my word abides in you, you can ask anything and I will do it.”

When we read the about the different people in the Bible, what did they all have in common: the answer, they all sought God with their whole heart. They all became empty vessels and desired God to fill them. They all placed their trust in God alone. All came to a mountain in their lives that they could not move. They all came to a point in their lives where they knew, like St. Teresa of Avila, “God alone suffices.” They believed their faith with all their heart. They knew first hand that God is, and was and is to come. They knew and experienced the words of the song, “How Great Is Our God!!” Their surrender “Yes,” to God changed their lives forever. They continued to live their lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then they became an example of God’s love and grace in this world, actively winning souls for the kingdom of God.

 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Are you there yet?” Have you come to that point in your walk that your heart is crying out, “I need you now Lord?”  Are your hearts crying out with John the Baptist, “More of Jesus, less of me?” Are you lost in the desert, like Moses and the Israelites waiting for the Red Sea to part? Are you wailing in prayer like Hannah for God to give you the desire of your heart, and the wait seems way too long? Are you running away like Peter or are you afraid to go forward like Moses? Have you come face to face with a mountain in your life that you cannot move? OR have you already heard the Lord reveal His plan for your life deep in your heart like He did when the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary? However the plan seems too impossible to ever be fulfilled.

I come to bring, “Good News.” You are right, it is Impossible!  It is impossible to move the mountain, without God, that is. With God all things are possible! When we come to that place where we have discovered the world has nothing that will truly satisfy; when we have the desire to be a “Woman or Man after God’s own Heart,” like David, it is then that God begins to reveal our own hearts to us. We quickly realize how holy He is and how much we need to change.

Mathew had to change careers from a cheating tax collector to a disciple of Christ. Peter had to give up his pride. Paul had to change his religion. Mary had to give up her reputation. What do you have to give up in your life to make room for Christ?

When one enters a Catholic Church, especially if it is the first time, a sense of awe or reverence swept thru many hearts. It was a grace!  As I walked through those gigantic blue doors into our amazing house of God in all its beauty and splendor, I must admit, I felt very small. Like a child standing next to their daddy, my littleness was evident.  Our littleness should always be felt as we enter into the

presence of a very holy all knowing, all good, all powerful God.  We serve a God who is bigger than life itself. Our Heavenly Father created us, each unique. We are, fearfully and wonderfully made for His Divine purpose. It is in His presence that you come to know the real you. His divine purpose for your life is to do a work that no one else can do. Our God loves you, just as much as He loved David. He likes you too.  Your life counts!  You are in this world to make a difference. In this big world, no matter how small you feel, you were created to make a big difference for Christ. You are to touch lives. You are to be the hands and feet of Christ in your own family, in your own neighborhood, in Church.

The quest to know God is a lifelong search. To me it has become my life long goal. The Book of Job contains one of my favorite scriptures. Job, after asking God 20 questions approaches God with total humility saying, “I heard about you from my friends and now I know you for myself.” I bet you’ll thought that all Job got was a lot of pain and suffering and of course the fruit of patience. People often say, “Oh, the patience of Job.  I’d say that our friend Job received something more than the fruit of patience for all His pain and suffering.  You see in the midst of his trial by fire he got to know the living God of the universe first hand. Yes, He knew God for himself.  And, yes, God answered all his questions. God knew the answers. God wrote the book.  God will do that for you too.  So, ask away!

 As we spend time daily with our living Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, we begin to not only know him, but as St. Theresa says, “Know God and then know ourselves as well.” Then we discover our gifts. God is calling us all to be His disciples, just as He did when He walked the earth. He wants to call out your name. He wants to invite you with the words, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers ’of men.” You see the word disciple means learner. Jesus first will train you up and then he will send you out. How does He train you? He trains you up thru His Church, thru His Word and thru His people. God gives us the sacraments to gives us the grace we need to live each day for Him the definition of sacrament is: A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace. We are saved by faith working thru grace; it is not of our self but a gift from God. Grace is defined as unmerited favor, that is why we call it amazing grace.

As we receive Jesus daily in the Eucharist we begin to receive the grace we need to live the life he has called us to live. As we study the Word in our quiet time, He will teach us how to live. As we listen to the priest or Deacon preach in the homilies will begin to know how to apply the Scripture readings to our everyday life.  You can be assured that if you will seek him, you will find Him. The more you seek, the more you will find. When I came to the point in my life where I just wanted to know God; I sought harder, prayed harder and frequented the sacraments more often. Then I asked wisdom of wise old Deacon Pat, I said, “Honey, “that is what I call him behind closed doors, “I just want to know God.” I must have appeared a desperate woman because Deacon Pat answered promptly and he always thinks before he speaks. What did Deacon Pat say? He said, “Ellen, you can never know God totally. God is infinite.” “Wow, I’m glad I asked,” I said, I think I was trying to do the impossible.

 When you decide to go deeper with God and there is always deeper, He will reveal more of Himself to you. If you begin the journey in prayer to ask God; “What are my gifts? He will answer you. Jesus will unwrap  those  gifts and then call us to use them for his glory in his church and the world around us. As we receive the sacrament of reconciliation often we are able to empty ourselves of the sins that drag us down. Thru this sacrament we are given the grace to become more like Jesus. As John the Baptist said, “We must decrease so that he can increase in us.”  Paul says the same thing in different words, “I no longer live but Christ lives in me.”  Anyone in the room right there with St. Paul? Are you dead yet? It is tough putting the flesh to death. There is no magic wand. It is a daily choice. You must choose virtue over vice. Remember sometimes we can get so overwhelmed by sin in our lives that we forget that, “He that began a good work in you will complete it until the day of his return. I say, “He changes us within as we spend time with him.” God loves us into wholeness, so as we know him, we discover that he loves us and we in turn learn to love him back.

 So, how do we discover our gifts?  By getting to know him and getting to know his word. Do you want to be used by God in your gifts, ladies and to serve the church?  Now I am going to tell you how God can do that. I love the Mass.  It is so amazing that you can go to Mass day after day and then one day God can show you something that has been there all along, that moment of grace can change your life forever. You will never be the same.  That is what happened to me one day as Fr. Ring raised the cup in adoration.  God spoke to me as if from the Last Supper, “Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to t hem, saying, "This is my body, which will be given 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 blood, which will be shed for you.”  I in my mind’s eye reflected about that sentence.  Jesus blessed the Bread. Jesus broke the Jesus Bread. Then Jesus poured the Bread out to others.  I began to learn a truth about growth in Christ not a formula but a truth. Jesus does the same thing with His disciples. First Jesus blesses us, breaks us, then pours us out.  Through the proccess if we let Jesus, He fashions us for a purpose. On the road to maturity there is a road to holiness if you chose it. There is no magic wand.  You don’t have to take the road to maturity.  Some won’t even take it. If we surrendering to God daily and choose to grow; God can use us.

When we first come to give our whole heart to God he blesses us.  We walk around with a permanent smile that say Jesus loves me and I love him too.  We secretly think he loves us more than anyone on earth. Then after a long season of grace he begins to call us to a deeper walk of knowing him for ourselves like Job. Many are willing to praise and hail him as read in scripture Matt. 21:9-8. How many are willing to walk with him to Calvary, the walk that leads us to sit at the foot of the Cross with him alone.  He asks if we are willing to let him break us, “unless a seed falls to the ground and dies,” Just like the priest breaks the host at the Mass, did you know women that so many are willing to walk with God in the good times but how many are willing to walk with him in the bad times, the times of trial and suffering.  Just like the marriage covenant teaches us to stick together in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, as we walk toward maturity in the Lord, we learn to take up our Cross and follow him. During the time of suffering we need to be a willing vessel, to be broken like the clay pot, being molded and fired in the crucible of life. We begin to know another side of our God that he is faithful, that he will walk on the water if he has to, to save us.  If our boat is sinking he will carry on his back if he has to bring you to a place of safety. He will hold us in the palm of his hand. We also learn about ourselves, we learn that we are weak, but in our weakness he is strong, that we are human and need not only Him but, we also need the body of Christ. We learn that grace is unmerited favor, not something we earn. We don’t deserve it. We learn that we need Jesus to daily save us from our sin and from ourselves, not one time, but over and over again.  This missions my brothers and sisters in Christ, if you decide to take it, will bring you right to the heart of God.  You will not self-destruct.  I promise that you will learn, “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me, but apart from you Lord, I can do nothing.” You will learn that “I am nothing and you are everything.”  Then God will pour you out to love and serve the body of Christ, both in the Church and in the fallen world. 

So, do you know your gifts? I can assure you that you all have gifts and God wants to use every one. There is much work to be done! Remember the parable of the talents.  Before I go on I want to say that there are seasons in your walk with Christ in which your gifts will be used for different things.  For example, Pat and I have a large family and for many years we did very little in the Church because we put our whole heart into raising our children (the little church = family). Little did I know that the journey itself would take me into my ministry? I am now on the board for and blog for Elizabeth Ministry International. I also founded Sisters in Christ and Little Pink Dress Ministry. I mainly speak and write. My wrote a book is a bible study just for moms. I just finished writing a Bible Study for teens and tweens called, “Help, and I Want to Be a Godly Girl!”  I love the way God works. He works in the secret of my heart. So, as I daily laid my life down for my family, He was molding me for my ministry.  One thing I always say is, “your passion usually is your ministry.”  Mine is the lost art of motherhood and the vocation of marriage. It is still a worthy vocation. We Catholic wives and Mothers have the opportunity to be a Light to the world of doing it God’s Way.  Our marriages and our families should be Christ centered.  As Pat and I began to serve the Church, we felt more a part of the Church. One of our gifts as a couple is calling people on in their gifts, drawing on their gifts, discerning new gifts, having the welcoming committee plugging new people in. Your gifts are given to bless others.  Don’t bury your gifts or let others bury them.  Present yourself as a living sacrifice for Christ. 

As Christ laid down his life for us in sacrificial love, we too must lay down our life for others in sacrificial love.  To build the kingdom of God here on this earth. Does this sound familiar?  Did you realize that we say this daily in the Lord’s Prayer?  The words are, “God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.”  We need to be grateful, willing to be humble and daily abandon ourselves to God’s spirit.  Go where he wants us to go and do what he wants us to do.  The more you use your gifts, the more God will give you places to use them and they will improve.  There is much work to do in this world to bring light into the darkness.

“Do whatever he tells you.”  Do whatever he tells you had become my theme song. I must admit that, God has slowing my life down, to Holy Spirit speed, where I am able to hear His voice clearer and more frequently.   In my prayer time that day, I thought about how, obeying Mary’s word’s, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2) to the servant, took a lot of faith.  Mary already had the gift of faith. She understood the power of God, after all, had not she carried the Son of God in her womb, and then birthed the miracle Savior of this world, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Jesus was, “Bone of her bone flesh of her flesh” Thankfully, the servants had the faith and the obedience to do just as Mary said. When they approached Jesus, what did he say?  Jesus said, “Fill the jugs with water.”  Then the servants filled them to the brim.

In my bible the word BRIM translates to --to the tippy top--totally full. Then Jesus says, “Draw some out and take it to the head waiter.  Again they obeyed without question.

 I, then, began to contemplate the words of the scriptures. We too have to bring our empty jugs to God each day. We need to fill them with the living water of His word that He directs us to. We need to fill our jugs to the Brim. Then God will change the water into new wine of His Spirit. He will call upon us through out that day to pour out the word that was hidden in our heart to those we encounter.  To do as He tells us and speak as He leads us.  It will bring them new life. It takes faith and humility every day to empty our hearts of sin and flesh.  It takes faith and obedience to feast at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him. The Word made flesh.  It takes faith and obedience, to live what we read.  It takes faith and obedience to do what He tells us.  We like the servants have to listen daily for His marching order. We need to pray daily, “Not my will but Thine be done.” To be able to say, “If you want it God, I want it too.”  I have learned many things in my walk with Jesus Christ, but the most important thing I have learned is daily repentance and daily surrender.

Fill me up Lord, so I can pour out.  When God changes the water into wine, the wine is not only good, “It is the best wine.” “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one, but you have kept the good wine until now.”

God says, “Live a life of total surrender to me and to my word. Seek my face daily. Seek my face humbly.  The best wine to quench the thirst of the people, who I have entrusted to you, is yet to come.  As you seek my face fervently, I will, fill you to over flowing.  I will pour into you the words my people need to hear, for the days to come. 

Let us take some time today to prayerfully get to know God a little better, to get to love God a little more fervently, to decide to serve God a little more diligently. Let us set our hearts on the things above. Let us willingly and prayerfully seek His purpose in our lives.  Finally let us make a decision to work with His Holy Spirit daily so as to fulfill His calling on our lives. We are fashioned by God through His grace for a purpose.

               

SISTERS IN CHRIST AUGUSTA

Featured Speaker & Topic:    Barbra Jones gives her testimony- Do you believe in miracles?

Barbara Jones believes in miracles & the power of prayer.  Through her prolonged sickness with Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, God’s power was at work in her life as well as the lives of her family.  Join us as she shares her journey of hope & healing, and be ready to give your own testimony!

What:  Tour of Goodwill Industries, lunch at Edgar’s grille, testimony time

When:  Monday September 21, 2015: Tour begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Where:  Edgar’s Grille, 3165 Washington Road, Augusta, Ga 30907, phone: 706) 854-4700

Mission Statement:  The mission of “Sisters in Christ” is to provide an opportunity for fellowship for all women who believe in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.  As the Body of Christ we stand together united in a love for one another.  Let us learn from one another and together make a difference in this world!

Please RSVP to Ellen Mongan @706-833-3529, www.littlepinkdressministry.blogspot.com, or Facebook page;  “ Sisters In Christ Augusta”

Come and bring a friend, all are welcome!

THE CLOTH OF COMPASSION

  Newest Post from Elizabeth Ministry International www.elizabethministry.com

 

This week’s post comes from speaker and writer, Ellen Mongan. 

Jesus walked the path of suffering alone. Almost all His friends ran away. Some betrayed Him. Some denied Him. Some just stood by and watched from afar. Few who knew Him offered a helping hand. Then came a stranger peering from the crowd named Veronica. She knew she could not let this holy man suffer without doing something. “What can I, a poor peasant girl, do?” her mind questioned. She wrestled with her thoughts. Her mind raced with answers, “No Veronica, do not get involved. He might be a criminal or maybe even a traitor to the Jewish faith.  What would others think? What would happen to you if you tried to aid Him in some way?” She paused to process her thoughts, stopping dead I her tracks.  As the man passed by, her heart looked with pity upon His face. Veronica could see one drop of blood drip from the crown of His head to the middle of His cheek. Veronica noticed a tear of sadness in the stranger’s eye.  Her eyes stared towards Him with pity.  She wanted to cover her eyes, but somehow she could not look away. Now her heart was throbbing.  Her eyes filled with tears of compassion. Her eyes met with His. In that instant in that short glance, Veronica knew. She knew that He was not a traitor or a criminal. No not at all. She knew He was who He said He was. She knew that He would do what He said He would do.  He was the Son of God who would rise from the dead.  It was the Holy Spirit who quickened that truth to her. She knew that He was the fulfilment of the prophecy, “A virgin shall bear a son and He shall be called Son of God. “ She knew in the depth of her soul without a shadow of a doubt.  He is God alone. Not only that but she knew He loved her. Veronica’s heart won out over her mind. She knew that she had to do something.
Veronica was no longer afraid, as she pushed her way through the crowd.  Stepping forward, she remembered the cloth which was stuffed in her pocket. The very cloth that her mother had passed down to her.  The same cloth that her grandmother had given to Veronica’s mother.  This cloth was not only an heirloom but also a symbol of compassion in Veronica’s family. This was the cloth that mama used to dry her tears when she was just a girl. It was the same cloth that mama handed over to Veronica last month on her wedding day. In fact, Veronica was sure that the cloth still held some of Veronica wedding day tears of joy on it. Veronica wanted to treasure those memories forever. She could not bring herself to wash the cloth. Oh not just yet, but maybe one day, before she passes the cloth of compassion to her little girl; that is if she had a daughter one day. Veronica reached way down into her pocket where she had stuffed the heirloom.  It wasn’t a very big cloth in size but large enough to show Jesus she cared. Now she knew exactly what to do with it.  She pulled it out just as she reached Jesus. Veronica placed a kiss upon the cloth, just like she saw her Mama do when she used it to wipe the tears off her face.  Veronica tried to iron the cloth with her two hands as she stretched it out to the full extent.  Then reaching up towards Jesus she began to wipe His blood-covered face. She gently and carefully wiped the tears from His eyes.  No words were exchanged but two hearts were joined for all eternity.  It happened in an instant, in a twinkling of an eye, when His eyes met hers and her eyes met His.  It was then that she knew. Jesus was calling her by name.  Oh it wasn’t a voice from heaven in an audible sound. No it was knowingness in the stillness of her soul.  Veronica knew that she was being called to be His disciple. Veronica would be His disciple of compassion.  What is that burning in my heart she wanted to ask? Before she even uttered a syllable, Veronica knew the answer. As she wiped the tears from Jesus’ eyes, Veronica’s eyes were being opened to see His face.  She was touched with the grace of His love as Jesus whispered in her ear “I love you, Veronica. “ It was at that moment, that Veronica exchanged her heart of stone for His heart of love.  It was as if time stood still and fast forwarded at the same instant. All of her questioning had ceased; she knew just what to do. Veronica‘s “Yes!” was the YES of surrender.  It was total and complete.  She now could hear with the ears of His heart.  She could now see through His eyes.
She would continue the work of compassion laying down her life for others as Jesus did. She would follow in His footsteps.   Her life was now no longer her own; she was His alone. Veronica, His willing vessel, would go where He wanted her to go.  She would do what He told her to do. His death would bring her eternal life. Her life would carry His love to all she passed.  She would never forget this encounter with the living God; when His eyes met hers and her eyes met His.  It was at that moment that they shared one heart; a heart for God alone.
Veronica took the cloth from her pocket once again. She was about to use it to dry her own tears, which flowed freely from both of her eyes at once. She was so overcome with emotion. As she stretched out the cloth, to its full extend, she could hardly believe her eyes. Oh but it was true, the Man of God, He had not only left an imprint on her heart but on the heirloom cloth as well. This cloth of compassion would continue to be passed down in Veronica‘s family from generation to generation. The cloth would continue to dry tears and wash the sadness away. The cloth would continue to be passed from mother to daughter and mother to daughter, generation after generation, on their wedding days. The cloth would hold the bride’s tears and the memories of that day, as they did not want to wash those tears away. The cloth would now pass down something more than acts of compassion. The cloth would pass down a living faith, an abiding love and a joy that will never end.   You see hidden in the cloth was an imprint of a love which resides forevermore and is hidden in the soul. The cloth would always tell the story of meeting Jesus face to face. One encounter and you are never the same again. Surely, the gift of compassion will always bring us face to face with God.

    

MARY ---- WHO DO YOU SAY SHE IS?

We, as Catholics, call Mary, “Mother,” because she was the pure and holy vessel that God chose to be His Mommy here on earth. Mary is called Immaculate because she was conceived without sin.  As we begin to learn more about, and love our Catholic faith, we not only get to know Jesus; but also the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  As we contemplate in prayer the Scriptures, we see the many roles that Mary played during her life on this earth.   It is then that we come to realize why Mary was God’s choice.

The Roles of Mary:

1.       Mary was a daughter.  She taught me how to be a daughter too.  One day the Lord was dealing with me about my relationship with His mother.  It was 1979 and I was in the kitchen in my home in Vernal, Utah.  God said, “You do not love my mother, because you do not love your mother.”  The word from my Heavenly Father was spoken clearly, yet in in silence. It happened in an instance, I knew that it was the voice of God.  I also knew that God had read my heart.   I immediately repented.  Then I began a journey, of healing a wounded heart that only God could lead me on. A spiritual surgery that only He could perform.   In the spiritual l I sought pray and wise counsel.  In the natural, I made phone calls, bought presents, encouraged, visited, supported and listened to my mom.   I learned to know her, I learned to love her.  It was a slow but steady journey, with the Holy Spirit as my GPS.  God was right as my relationship with my mom grew, so did my relationship with His Mother.  Now I call Mary, my Mother too.  Now, my mom and I are now best friends. She is my daily laugh, just ask t Deacon Pat.  Okay, my mom will never be a Mother Teresa type, like I had secretly hoped; serving the Lord with Gladness and praying me thru life’s challenges.  Rather my mom is more like a Marie on the sit-com, “Everyone loves Raymond.” Liking her for who she was, and not wanting her to be who she was not; was key to my healing.  There is no perfect earthly mother.   I learned that when our earthly mother fails to measure up to our idea of a perfect mother; Mother Mary fills in the gaps.  She is blessed indeed.  God knew how much her children would need a Mother’s love.

2.       Mary was a Mother.  She taught me along with God the Father how to be a mother too.  When it came to motherhood, I was clueless.   Before marriage I did not even like children. I rarely even babysat.  In fact, I thought I would never have any children.   I had a long way to grow into a mother full of virtue and sacrificial love.  I guess you could say, as I was teaching my children character and virtue; Mary and Jesus were teaching me the same.  I needed all the grace and wisdom I could get. Trust me on this one.  Hanging in our home when I was a young mother was a picture of Mary hanging the laundry.  Okay, it was next to the picture from Family circle where the house is a total wreck and the caption reads; “I thank you God for my blessings, but I could use a little help around this place too!”  By comparing the look on that mother in the picture’s face with the look on the Blessed Mother’s face I was daily reminded how very human I was. Mary and Jesus to this day, I am convinced, look down from heaven at Ellen Mongan, mother of seven living children, and shake their heads at each other saying, “This truly this is the greatest miracle that we have done in her life. We have given Ellen a Mother’s Heart. “I thankfully agree; Jesus changed me completely; with a little help from His Mother.

3.       Mary was a bride.  She teaches us how to be a bride too.  It came easy to me being Patrick’s Bride, I was in love with him, and even though I had dated a lot of men; I gave my heart to Pat alone. I knew in my heart; He was the one. He’s still the one.  One of the first things Mary spoke to my heart was, “All I want you to do is be a good wife to my Son Jesus.” Oh, I said with a pause.  I thought to myself, being a bride to Jesus who I could not see, was a whole lot different than being a bride to Pat who I could see.  I learned to defer, honor, love and respect Pat, as unto the Lord, just like Mary did to her spouse Joseph.  In this way I was being Jesus’ bride too.  I also learned from the Saints and Mary, how to love the Lord thy God with my whole heart, my whole soul, my whole mind and my whole strength. Okay- I have to say there are days I fail Pat and Jesus miserably, but isn’t that why we need Jesus in the first place?  It is on days like that when the flesh gets the best of me that I thank Jesus for the grace that comes thru the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I embrace the grace, and then I pick ourselves up, dust myself off and start all over again.  My humility grows, each time I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to be quick to repent and to get to the Sacrament.  

4.       Mary built family.  She taught me how to build family too.  Mary great with child, goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin.  We call that, the Visitation and it is the second Joyful Mystery of the rosary.  Wow, that is true kinship, close cousins, it seems above and beyond the call of family duty to me.  I have been pregnant ten times and each time I was nauseated almost all of the long nine months.  If you do the month in gestation months it ends up being ten months long and that is a of a lot of saltine crackers  and sprite days.  If you are a mom, you know what I mean.  I never once considered hopping on my donkey and setting off for a family reunion.   Mary was a trooper, who was able to look beyond her delicate condition, to the needs of her newly pregnant older cousin, Elizabeth.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph built family, at the Wedding feast of Cana, when Jesus was lost then found in the temple, and even at the cross.  The rosary is in a way, pictures in our minds a photo album of the Jesus’s entire life, from the baby book to the final goodbye.  The rosary points us to Jesus.

5.       Mary was a confidant.  She taught me how to be a confidant too.  Mary treasured these things in her heart. Did you ever hear the expression, “Lose lips sink ships.”   Mary kept her boat afloat by not saying a word.  Mary guarded her heart and held her tongue, letting only words of kindness come forth.  I have a long, long way to go in this area of my life, but I’m determined to improve.  If you do not have a goal you miss the target every time.  Not only is Mary my good example in this area of prudent speech, but also my Mother-In Law.  Fran was a great example of women who knew what to say and what not to say.   I used to say to her, “Fran, you are the women I know that are the most like the Blessed Mother.   Then I had to affectionately throw in the words, “For a protestant gal, that is.” It always made Fran laugh. The Blessed Mother Mary and my mother in law Fran taught me how to have the law of kindness on my lips.  Mary and Fran when she was alive was the perfect person to confide it.  You see I trust them. They are like depends, they never leak.  Plus both of them are wise, wonderful and gentle too.

6.       Mary was a servant.  She taught me how to be a servant too.  My life as a mother was is diaper, dishes and doing the laundry too.  Mary’s life was no different.  Wait, a minute, Mary’s life was totally different.  Her motherhood years were way before microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryer, hair dryer or cloth dryers.  I guess you could say that we have nothing to complain about us women of these modern times.  I do not think the words modern conveniences, carpool mom with her lipstick on or fast food was even in Mary’s vocabulary.  There was nothing fast or convenient in her life.  She lived a no frills life.  Mary was a woman who was low on maintenance; but women who was high in virtue, in wisdom, in gentleness and grace.  In those areas she was overflowing.  Think back to the day of the birth of our Savior. Do you remember where Jesus was born ? He was born in a stable, yet Mary did not complain.  She was probably just so glad that that donkey ride was over.   She was nine month pregnant.  In fact, even at the cross she did not utter a negative word, not one.  She served God with her words and with her presence. “At the cross her station keeping, stood the holy Mother weeping; close to Jesus to the last.”  Her face was the first face that Jesus beheld, as she labored our Savior into the world; birthing her Baby Boy.  Her face was the face Jesus beheld as he breathed His last breath, and returned to His Heavenly Father.  Mary served Jesus throughout His life.  What lessons I have learned from the life of one so holy, Immaculate Mary.

7.       Mary was an intercessor.   She taught me how to be an intercessor too. “Holy Mary, Mother God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death Amen.”   As a Catholic school girl, I have repeated those words from the prayer Hail Mary more times than I could ever count.  Those words will hopefully never lose their importance, in my heart.  I will always need the prayers if my Mother Mary.   As an adult Catholic, I began to make those words, my own.  I came to understand the importance of the intercession of the Saints.  When Mary or the Saints pray for me, they kneel before throne of God and intercede.  Mary has become my intercessor, as I pray the rosary she prays along with me.   When I need an urgent prayer to reach the ears of God I say a quick novena of nine Memories, fervently in a row; that is if I do not have nine days to pray a novena.  Mother Angelica taught me that.  Now I know that God hears me His child as soon as I cry out to Him in prayer, but there is something comforting about having your mom by your side when you talk to your Father; at least I think so, especially if your Father is God Almighty. Our God who is all good, all knowing and all powerful.

8.       Mary was a compassionate friend.  She taught me how to be a compassionate friend too.  When a crisis or cross is presented into my life, I run to the Adoration Chapel.  It is where I feel close to God and where I can quiet my soul.  It is the place where the Eucharist is exposed; the Body the Blood the Soul and the Divinity of my Savior is present.  It is in God’s presence, all alone with my Father that I get answers and where I get peace.  One of the many times I was with My Heavenly Father in prayer, Mary came to comfort me, and oh if I told you the story you would know that I needed a mother’s love.  I knew she understood and that she would be my intercessor.  She who had suffered so much knew just what to say and just what to do.  There is nothing like the compassion of a Mother’s love.  It was in the quiet of that adoration chapel that I knew for certain that she truly was my Mother too.  Do you want to know what she said?  I do not know if I should tell you. I’ll try,   I was wailing in pray and yes there were tears.  I cried out from the depth of my soul, “Mary, help me. “ Again, I repeated the words yet with desperation, “Mary, Help me.”  Those were the only words that I could muster up; you see the cross was heavy, very heavy.  What was Mary’s gently reply?  She answered sweetly, “Ellen, Help me.” I tried to explain, “Mary you do not seem to understand?” I cried out again out loud knowing I was the only one in the room, “Mary helps me, “I cried out for the third time.   I knew she understood that I was devastated by the weight of the cross. A mother knows her child’s heart; Mary knew mine.  But she replied again, “Ellen, will you help me to tell the world about my Son Jesus.”  I was baffled at first yet, somehow I was given the grace to understand.  How could I refuse a request so dear to my heart?  You see I loved her Son Jesus too.   I answered, “Yes. “ As Mary comforted me that day, I began to learn how to comfort those that God places in my path. I comfort, with a Mother’s love.  I tell them about Jesus. I know that I don’t have all the answers but I know Jesus does.  I tell the world about Mary’s on Jesus.

9.       Mary knew how to stand at the foot of the cross.  Mary taught me how to stand at the foot of the cross too.  Many people were there to wave the palm branches and welcome Jesus, into Jerusalem.  BUT….. OH..., so few were waiting and praying just a few days later with the same Jesus at the foot of His cross.   Jesus was facing His toughest hours, His suffering, His crucifixion and His death, but so few, so few had come to show their love and their support for His. At His Passion, Jesus was quite alone, accept, His friends, John, Mary Madelyn and Mary, His Mother.  Isn’t that so the way it is today.   When a  new baby is born, a couple weds, or one  moves  into a new home; all friends and family alike come to  rejoice and celebrate;  eat, drink and make merry.  Then disaster strikes; sometimes like Jesus at the cross we are almost all alone.  Not only do we feel all alone, we are sometimes like Jesus, all alone.  Our friends are nowhere to be found.   Remember this friend, Jesus is there, and Mary is too. Also, those who have been taught to stand at the foot of the cross will be there.  Mother Theresa said, “ When you are at the cross, you are so close to Jesus that you can kiss Him.”  Do you want to be close to Jesus? Do not be afraid to stand at the foot of the cross.  You will find that that is where the grace is.  You will discover that even if you feel you are alone; God is closer to you there at the cross than ever before. You will be in good company because Mary is always willing to stand at the cross with one who is suffering.

10.   Mary always points to Jesus.  Mary always points me to Jesus.  When I was a young Catholic, I said to women who were mentoring me, “How do you get into Mary.”  I thought it was a great question but her response somehow told me I was off.  She said, “Ellen, Mary is not something you get into.” Then she added in a motherly tone, “If you look in my heart, not only does Jesus lives there but, Mary lives in my heart too. “  This conversation took place in 1976, but it seems as if it took place yesterday.  It is etched in my memory for all eternity.  This is when I began to search for my Mother, Mary.   I somehow felt like half a Catholic, without her.  But I was to learn thru my search; that just was not true.  The heart is a work of God; not a work of man.  We must seek, pray and wait.  We must be led by God’s Spirit daily, listen to His still small voice, then do whatever He tells you to do.  We must repent when we sin and surrender our hearts to Him. God will, as we yield, do a work in our hearts.  We must never rush a work of God.  As I was writing this talk, I began to see how Mary was in my life all along.  I just did not see her.  Why? I ponder?  I did not see Mary because she was never drawing attention to herself; she was always pointing me to Jesus. Mary has taught me so much she is a gentle woman, who teaches wisdom, and teaches us how to love. We as Catholics Christians are in the family of God.  We have both a Father and a mother.  Mary, our mother, has a lot she can teach us and she will; if we but let her. ARE YOU WILLING?

Jesus cries out from the cross, addressing His Best Friend John, “John, behold your Mother.”  Next Jesus, in unbearable pain addresses His Mother Mary, “Mary, Behold your Son.”  He says those same words to us today.  What is your answer?

SISTERS IN CHRIST MEETING--- ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Featured Speaker and Topic:    Donna Pierce, who will speak on “God’s Broken Heart” 

Donna was diagnosed with infertility 27 year ago, so she & her husband Bob adopted 4 children.  She quit her full time job as a Nuclear Medicine Tech. to become a full time mom & homeschool their children.  Shortly after her husband became an ordained Deacon for the Charleston Diocese.  They are both very involved in teaching the faith & marriage preparation at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.  The infertility and their oldest son’s drug addiction have been the two greatest heartaches they have endured.  Yet, these two tragedies have been the greatest triumphs for God in their lives.  They learned of the treasures of the Catholic Church as well as their utter dependence on Him.  They also discovered God’s intimate love, faithfulness, and His own broken Heart.

When:   Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:30 am

Where:  Honey from the Rock Café in the private room, 2621 Washington Road, Augusta, Georgia

RSVP: Ellen Mongan @706-833-3529 or 706-869-7455 or Tiffiney Salmons @ 706-469-0612, or on our Facebook page “Martha and Mary”

Mission:  The mission of “Sisters in Christ” is to provide an opportunity for fellowship for all women who believe in our Savior Jesus Christ.  Come and bring a friend, all are welcome!

THERE IS NO MAGIC WAND !!

I have a story to tell.  If you have been reading my blog you already know that by now. My daddy used say, "Don't do anything that you cannot write in the newspaper."  I always listened to my daddy. I think my daddy knew before I did that I would be a writer and a speaker. Although, I think that daddy thought I would have a talk show like, "The View." Instead, I speak on Christian television, radio, at moms groups and in churches about my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ.

St. Catherine said, “Bring people to Jesus and bring Jesus to people." I learned early on in my life that the Saints knew more than even my daddy, at least about Jesus. I always listen to the saints. Then I try to put into practice what they said. I also read about the saint and try to imitate what they did. The saints were friends of God. If you want to be a friend of God too, get to know the saints and learn from them.

I am here to proclaim Good News! The Good News is; Christ in us our hope of glory. The saints put their hope in God alone. They lived in Him and He lived in them. They did not only tell the Good News; they also lived the Good News through God's grace. If you want to follow Jesus you must set your heart toward heaven and live a Godly life by practicing virtue.

What is my Good News for the day? The Good news is, "There is no Magic Wand." I repeat, "There is no Magic Wand."  You may be asking, "What does that even mean?" You may inquire, “What are you talking about ? " Now I know you are perplexed. I can almost hear you saying, "What's up with that? " You may even be wondering why I am writing this nonsensical explanation of questions followed by unanswered questions.  Read on because I do have a point. 

What is the point of this blog? The point of my blog is to politely inform you that there is no magic wand. There you have it in a sentence or two. Now your questions begin again; this time only one. How is that Good New?  At this point some of you are sure you would rather have a magic wand right about now rather than Good News? You probably want to take that magic wand and say the magic words to make me disappear. No, don’t delete or you will never know the reason for writing this blog.  Anything that is worthwhile and fruitful takes focus, hard work, effort, because that is how one grows.

I blog about accessorizing in virtue. I speak about growing in character. So I thought you might want to know how you can become a Godly Gal. What is a Godly Girl?  A Godly Gal is a virtuous woman who walks in grace without a magic wand. Pray tell! I think I will. Ready, set, here I go. At the end of August my husband Deacon Pat are speaking on our favorite subject, “Discovering Your God Gifts.” We are sharing about how you can pour these gifts into to build the church. In preparation of this talk, I have been thinking a lot about the gifts. The gifts of the Holy Spirit which you receive at  Confirmation, are freely given and freely received. However you must know your gifts to use your gifts. I will post my talk in a later blog

The fruits are in a differ category altogether. You must grow the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life. God gives you the seeds but you are responsible to grow them. One must water, weed, fertilize and yes even harvest those fruits. Once ripe you are commissioned by God to pour them out to all you meet. Then if God calls you to, you can teach others how to do the same.

What are the fruits of the Spirit?  The fruits of the Spirit are in the book Galatian 5: 22. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How do you grow these fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life? You grow these fruits in your life by knowing what to do then by doing it through God grace. In other words, practice makes perfect. We must do what is right until it because a habit, a good habit.  We must patiently do the will of God. These fruits must become a part of our character. What does it take,it takes prayer, study, hard work, and practice. It also takes repententance and humility. If at first you do not succeed try try again. We must be willing to get back up when we fall. As Winston Churchill famous quote says," Never give, up! Never ever give up."

One day I was grocery store shopping and I happened to be in none-other- than the fruit department. I heard the Holy Spirit speak in His still small voice," I am going to give you the fruit of self-control."  I stopped dead in my tracks. I was so overcome with the fruit of joy that I was about to jump for joy. Instead I decided to ask a question, "How are you going to give me self-control, Lord," I was more of a dare than a question. I knew I desperately need that fruit, since I was lacking in self -control. The answer came before I barely got the question out. God said, "I am going to give you the fruit of the self-control just like I gave you the fruit of patience."  I decided not to jump after all, nor run, nor leap either. I just took a pause and a deep breathe. Then I took a trip down memory lane.

I recounted the day when God began to plant the fruit of patience in my heart. It was in the seventies. I, a new mom, had a two week old girl named Tarolyn and an almost two year old boy named Tyler. I was getting ready to buckle them both up for safety, when Tyler said, "Mommy I want to buckle up myself.” He said with an explanation point at the end of his sentence. This now became a daily choice to let Tyler buckle up all by himself. I purpose to exercise my self-control. I forced a pretend smile. Some days it was easier to do than others. Then on a good day I would respond rightly with a, "Sure son, go ahead. You are such a big boy." Tyler tried and tried again.  Try he did until he mastered the skill. Tyler became a, “I want to do it myself champion.”  Tyler lead the way and all of his sibling followed after him learning new skills, all by themselves. My children learned to do many thing; from toilet training to homework, from driving a car to living on their own. I was glad I chose to patiently let go and let them fly their wings. 

 Along the way I grew in patience as they grew in independence and responsibility. The results were good. Our journey together was step by step walking on an uphill road towards virtue. At first I found myself first counting ten under my breath, as my first born Tyler buckled himself.  As I grew in self -control, I was able to willing wait patience. I tried to avoid the temptation to hurry him towards success. By encouraging the growth in learning new skills instead of correcting, or rushing them; they learned quickly.

There was no magic wand to help me grow in patience. There was no magic wand to help my children learn new skills either. No magic wand to aid us in growing in virtue and becoming more like Christ. No magic wand. Growth in character instead is a daily choice. We must choose virtue over vice. We must learn from the words of St. John the Baptist, “We must decrease and He must increase within us.” It is then that we know, “Christ in us is our hope of glory.” Once virtue is mastered it is then that we can feed the multitudes the bread of life.

God was right I grew in self-control, just like I grew in patience. As I grew in virtue I knew that there is no magic wand. I learned instead that God is molding us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. Jesus gave His life for the whole world. Jesus walked in virtue and grace. The Father loves us so much that He will teach us how to walk in virtue and grace too. We must be still in prayer, let God speak to us in His still voice, then, “Do whatever He tells us.”

Keep on doing what is right and in due time you will reap a harvest. The harvest will be so great that it will feed the multitudes. What are you are you waiting for my friend. It is time to plant the seed of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost in your heart. Then take the time in prayer to learn from your Heavenly Father how to let it grow. Once you have matured in virtue; go tell the world the Good News. There is no Magic Wand!

DO YOUR PART!

 I Blog for Elizabeth Ministry International. This is my newest post.

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 This week’s post comes from writer, speaker, and Elizabeth Ministry Board member, Ellen Mongan. 

Pope Francis’s message about taking care of the earth brought a smile to my face. You see we just spent “Earth Day” with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We saw the Pope’s words put into action before he even wrote them. Our granddaughter, Elle, was doing her part to save the earth. I guess you could say Elle lives this message everyday of her life. Elle is always saving something. If there is a cause to be undertaken, Elle leads the way. She was very intent on her mission, like Jesus is about saving our souls.

Let me paint you a picture. Two very tired grandparents arrived in Louisville, Kentucky after a long trip over the mountains and through the woods from Augusta, Georgia. We were so glad to arrive just in time for dinner. Amanda, a Proverbs 31 woman, had everything already prepared and ready to eat. It smelled good, and was a welcome treat for these hungry travelers. We were so glad to see everyone. The non-stop talking, an art learned in most large families, helped us all catch up in half the time. My heart leapt!

After dinner we all agreed on a family walk. There is nothing like a walk on a spring day in Kentucky. Surprisingly there was a climate change, a burst of “Northern exposure.” When the temperature dropped drastically, it was my cue for a wardrobe change. I went from flip flops and a sundress to hiking boots and a winter coat. I had gloves on each hand, a cute hat on my head, and we had not even left the house yet. Okay, I do not do winters, but everyone else was just fine.

Leaving the home together here was the lineup; Dr. Pat walked with Dr. Kyle. Their conversation of course took a medical bent. Kyle was pulling “Princess” Lauren in her little red wagon. The princess was comfortable upon her throne with her servants two, Papa Pat and Daddy Kyle. Amanda and I pulled up the rear with Ava who barely left her Mama’s side. Where was “Princess” Elle? She was sandwiched in the middle of the family parade, riding her bike. Joy was in the air because the family was together at last.

We marched through the neighborhood in step with one another. Suddenly something seemed out of the ordinary. I noticed that Elle kept stopping to pick up trash along the route, and placing it in her bike basket. I was puzzled. “I have to ask,” I said, “What Elle is doing?” Amanda, our daughter, who we call “Joy” because of her middle name, gave a cheery reply, “Elle is saving the earth.” Of course she is, I thought to myself because Elle is always saving something. Elle collects, sells, gives and shares all. If you have a cause, Elle is your cheerleader, mouthpiece or promoter; from magazines to support the school to canned goods to feed the poor. Elle is the first responder for all. Money to donate to the Salvation Army at Christmas; Elle’s in with her entire piggy bank. Food baskets for the poor at Thanksgiving; Elle’s your girl. I almost forgot, for Rice Bowl collection at Easter she of course plays her part. Elle was born with a missionary heart. If someone has a need, Elle will find a way to fill it. Her generous heart could put many adults to shame. The amazing reason for Elle’s giving is that she’s got it? Got what? She is got the reason for the season, for any season. No matter what the season, Elle knows even at age seven that “Jesus is the reason.” She gives out of a love for Him.

            Elle – doing her part!

Though she lives in a well-maintained neighborhood with little trash, Elle had on her eagle eyes. She spotted every piece of trash in our path no matter how small. Elle looked high, she looked low. As she was doing so, Elle spied a piece of trash stuck to a branch, high in the tree. “Daddy, Daddy,” Elle shouted, “Lift me up so I can reach that piece of trash.” Daddy kept on walking. I, Nana, thinking Dr. Kyle had not heard, shouted all the louder, “Kyle, Elle is saving the earth one piece of trash at a time.” Daddy gave the look that meant, are you kidding me? Then mustered up the response, “On the way back Elle, we’ll catch it. “ Elle smiled. To Elle, her daddy is a giant of a man in size and in her admiration for him. We all marched on, circled the cul-de-sac and headed back to our tree for the “Earth Day” trash pick-up. Elle smiled with delight as her daddy approached her. He parked the little red wagon, which now carried two little ladies, Lauren and a very tired Ava. All eyes were on daddy, as he reached out his arms and boosted Elle up onto his strong shoulders. Elle’s surefooted cheerleader feet stood tall and bravely on her daddy’s shoulders. Elle extended her arms to the full extent; success was evident. Rising to her tippy toes and reaching further than she thought possible, the trash was captured by one “Earth Day” advocate. So was the attention of the audience, her family. We all applauded a job well done, and of course took a picture. Carefully Kyle sailed Elle thru the air like a bird in flight, safely landing her right near her bike.

As Elle mounted her bike for our final destination, home, I could not help but thank the Lord Jesus, for this little precious soul. I decided to capture a moment to speak to my son-in-law alone. “Kyle,” I said in my best southern accent, “You ‘all must be so proud of Elle. Why I have never seen anyone like her before. She has such a good heart!” I thought Kyle would just take a well–deserved bow, as any parent who had just been complimented, but he didn’t. His response caught me off guard. He smiled politely and with great admiration in his voice, responded, “Elle is the one child I know who makes me want to be a better person.” I, the wordy woman was dumbfounded and speechless. Later on that night, Kyle’s profound words remained, mulling around in my brain. Elle is not only saving the earth, I thought, she is also touching souls one person at a time. She is the “poster child” for putting Pope Francis’s words into action. This was an “Earth Day” that I will never forget. Elle is taking care of the earth and the people who live in it. Elle is making a difference. How high will you climb do your part for Jesus?

Accessorize with virtue readers. Everyone Do Your Part! Let 's Do It!