OFFER IT UP (TO GOD)

I don’t know what your experience was but for my sis and me, we had a praying mom who had many short phrases that have stayed with me over the years.  One of her favorites for when we were facing something challenging or if we got hurt was “offer it up.”  I can’t recall how she explained what exactly that meant however, over the years, I tried to make sense of it in various ways.  

In this short video that Matthew Kelly posted yesterday, I received a new understanding of what my sweet mother might have been trying to impart to us.   

Perhaps as we open our hearts and our minds to nudge closer to the One who wants us to entrust all the little details of our lives to Him every day ~ hour by hour ~ we will realize that in His presence we are covered by Grace no matter what the day brings.    In so doing, we will remember that we are not alone and our small offerings to Him are transformed by a mighty God who intimately desires to give us all that we are ready to receive.  

https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever/2021/transform-everything-into-prayer.html?utm_source=pardot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ble%202021&utm_content=032321%20button

Thanks, Mom. 

And thank you, for reading and watching. 

Lori

#MatthewKelly  #OfferItUp  #MomWisdom  #CarmodyStateOfMind

BUDDY

 

HOW CAN I SAY THERE IS NO GOD?

We were hiking up a strenuous incline recently.  We passed a man who had stopped, we assumed to catch his breath, on his descent.  He spoke to us as he motioned to the valley below saying that there were some Big Horn sheep just beyond sight.  He suggested that we keep an eye out for them as we climbed.  Then, with his staff in hand, he returned his gaze to the valley. 

We progressed up the hillside not giving his advice a second thought. 

On our way back down, a good hour or more later, we came across him again.  He was sitting on a large boulder.  Somewhat excitedly he began a conversation with us.  “Look down into the valley!  There are three grazing Big Horn sheep.  They travel in packs for protection against coyote.  Usually they are in larger groups; never alone.  Here, you can borrow my binoculars if you would like.  I have taken pictures of them on this small camera.  I have taken this camera to Africa.  It takes great pictures….”

Gradually we went from a quick pause along our hike to entering a conversation with this stranger named Buddy as he helped us appreciate the world God placed at our feet.  Without thinking or planning, we were literally invited to stop and witness the miracle of these beautiful creatures and the valley they were grazing in.  Because of Buddy’s joy of nature, wild animals, and hiking, we got a glimpse of God’s vision of the world.  How can I say there is no God?

In a small way, I believe Buddy is living out Jesus’ call in John 13:1-15 for us to be servants to one another; to “wash one another’s feet”.  As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper, so we too are invited to serve others by how we live.  Buddy opened our eyes to beauty.  How has someone “washed your feet” recently?  How have you been the one to serve so that someone proclaimed, “How can I say there is no God?” 

I so much want to be aware of God’s vision of the world and my part in it.  Time and again, to do so requires an openness to the “Buddy’s” that show up unexpectantly in my day-to-day life, and also to be willing to serve others and the world.  I say “yes” to both and I believe because, as the song says, how can I say there is no God?

https://www.andiesisle.com/magnificent/creation_calls.html

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#John13:1-15 #IBelieve #BigHornSheep #CarmodyStateOfMind

GOD SHOWS UP

 Yesterday I witnessed God showing up. 

I was having a cup of coffee.  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a young guy watching a movie on his phone.  Near him was an elderly gentleman with his phone, a set of Bose earphones and some cords in his large, rough hands.  He approached the young guy and asked him a question.  My curiosity was peaked.  I could not hear what he had asked.  The young guy, seemingly a little annoyed, pulled his own earphones out of his ears and started explaining to the gentleman how to set up his phone so he could watch a movie.  The gentleman thanked him and began fiddling with his phone while the young guy went back to listening to his movie. 

Having my attention, I observed the two for several minutes.  The young guy seemed oblivious to his surroundings.  However, much to my surprise, moments later, out came his earphones again, and he paused his movie.  He reached for the gentleman’s phone and, with much gentleness and compassion, explained to him how to work the devices again.  It took several minutes (perhaps 10 or so).  I could hear because he was loudly speaking this time so the gentleman could clearly hear him. 

After the tutorial was complete, they continued their conversation ~

“My daughter gave me these because I am lonely some days.”

“I am a freshman in college.”

“I like to learn new things but these newfangled phones are confusing to me.”

“My psych class is confusing to me!” 

I had a front row seat to witness God showing up in the compassion of a young guy and the vulnerability of an elder. 

And I thought I was just having a cup of coffee. 

 

2 Corinthians 12: 5  My grace is enough for you because power is made perfect in weakness.

Psalm 95:8  If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

 

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#godshowsup  #carmodystateofmind