A Wake-Up Call

                I like to be creative and decorate my own notecards.  I have a few leftover that I was not able to give out this past Christmas.  With pastels for the background, I used calligraphy to write “Now is the Time.”  Talk about having a Christmas card to wake you up!  I didn’t always know why I made some of them like this, but I can also appreciate the challenge I could give to people.  It is a summoning for anyone whose path it crosses, to restart life, real and ready.  And isn’t Jesus’ call to His disciples an example of this?

                He called people to “repent and believe in the Gospel.”  He strengthens our belief by performing miracles and making a difference.  It is my hope that every Christian, including me, always finds time to start over every time we need a “makeover” and build up His Kingdom.

The Gift of Baptism

            On this blessed Sunday, we see Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist.  As a quick note, it was not necessary, but Our Lord wanted to set an example for us, and the importance of making us Children of God. 

            I have recently read from other sources that it is also important for us to celebrate our own baptisms.  My niece will be celebrating her first anniversary soon, and I intend to also celebrate this precious day, as her godmother.  What can we do to make this day special?  Spending some time with Our Lord in Adoration can allow us to observe this day head-on. 

            Lord Jesus, thank you for instituting the gift of baptism!

It's Still Christmas!

            Christmas has arrived!  The Gloria is sung at Mass, we see our relatives and friends, then we open gifts….  And guess what?  It’s not over. 

            Soon, it will be New Years Eve, sending us into the big 2020 (I know, right?!)  Even as we consider taking down the Christmas Tree and the festive decorations, it is so important to keep up the spirit of rejoicing at Christ’s birth.  I had the joy of seeing my niece, an adventurous toddler, on the big day.  Because of her presence, I like to think of how the Baby Jesus must have looked at that age.  After all, who can pass by a baby without being drawn to him/her? 

            So keep singing “Joy to the World” and “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” with the spirit of gratitude in our hearts.  Merry Christmas!

Today and Now

Let’s make today the day,

When we choose to be different.

Deciding when we will have what it takes,

Or let it wash away.

                It doesn’t have to be Christmas, or even a holiday; but the ordinary One that determines if we will change.  Mind you, I’m writing this for myself too.  Can we be brave together?  Maybe take a risk?  It’s about stepping closer to the truth and love of what is good.  What our mind, body, and soul are for.  Let’s no longer give in to slack.

Let today be your day.

Preparation and Reverance

      It’s a busy time of year, making presents, attending parties, and putting up lights.  But have we ever paused in our steps to recognize what Christmas is all about? This is why the advent season is here, to prepare our hearts for the Child Jesus’ coming. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be with loved ones, for truly, it is a time for gratitude.  Just remember that it is also a time for encouraged reverence at some point of each day. Believe me, I am striving to remember this too.  So together, let us prepare for the day of celebration of Christ’s coming into the world. 

      Maranatha!  Come, Lord Jesus!

Welcome to Advent

          Welcome back to In the Presence of God!  I would like to officially welcome you to the Advent Season.  It’s the beginning of a new liturgical calendar, and we also flip our “regular” calendars to the month of December. 

          It’s a joy to see Advent Wreathes not only in our churches, but also in homes where our families can take the time to begin Christmas traditions.  Every evening this week, my family lights the first candle to reflect on the coming of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, hidden away in a stable located in Bethlehem.  Please join me in urging the Christ Child into our lives:

          Maranatha!  Come, Lord Jesus!

Life's Chapters

Today, I would like to talk about life’s chapters.  I don’t mean those from a book, but the idea of sectioned off pieces of the different parts of our lives.  I used to think they had to be profound transitions, like entering a monastery, at long last.  But they don’t have to be as intense or broad, to be a unique chapter. 

It’s been a few years since I left that beautiful place, yet it wasn’t until recently that I started to look at things from another perspective.  We can make each day a new chapter, to help us stay present.  Or we can see it as a means to personal holiness because of the new opportunity.