Miracle Moments

My 28 year old son Johnny left for Liberia tonight. That's right, Liberia on the ivory coast of Africa. He is flying on the wings of grace to his new home, an orphanage for needy and abandoned children, where he will join other missionaries from Comunita Cenacolo. Johnny is planning on staying in this mission house for the next two years barring any health issues or unforseen problems. As you can imagine, I have been and will be praying for the wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit to descend upon my child as he walks with the Lord in this distant land. I will also be asking for the Lord's protection as he faces the many challenges that will naturally come his way. Yes-I am proud of my oldest son, and awed by the immensity of his decision and the depth of his faith. It really is amazing! From drug addict to missionary. It doesn't get much better than that! Four and a half years after entering Community life, Johnny enters into the heart of the church as a miss...

Suffering is inherent in intimacy...with Jesus Christ. It is the pivotal path to fully unite with his sacrificial love. I never understood that when I was younger. I felt removed from the image of my Lord hanging on a cross, bloody and bony and suffering. Intellectually I understood what he did for all of us, but there was a spiritual disconnect. I did’t know that the very image that has repulsed many, has been the one vision that would draw people closer to him...that would draw me-into that sacred place, "His" sacred heart. I imagine it takes most of us a lifetime to really get that. When we are suffering we are selfishly seeing only our own needs and desires. Because let’s face it, no one wants to suffer...really suffer and I doubt any of us would ask for the kind of suffering that Christ experienced-for us. That’s what happened. He loved us so much that he agreed to the ultimate suffering. He gave us the gift of his life so that we might have life and love...

Today I begin writing again. It is time. The following entry does not contain my writing, however it does reflect my feelings. I received these words of wisdom in an email this morning and I loved them immediately! So-I want to share with you the power of these statements and after you read them, I think you'll understand why they really touched my heart! Enjoy! "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living." Quote: "Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received ...