Encouragement

I had a really bad week where it was a huge struggle to be motivated. I was hurting so much that all I could do was pray and focus on getting through each moment of each day without collapsing.

Today, I was given new strength to overcome the particular cross that is so heavy.  I felt that these verses spoke to what I am going through and encourages me to look past the hurt and suffering.

My child, if you are gong to serve the Lord, be prepared for times when you will be put to the test. 

Be sincere and determined. 

Keep calm when trouble comes. 

Stay with the Lord; never abandon him, and you will be prosperous at the end of your days. 

Accept what ever happens to you. 

Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient. 

Gold is tested by fire, and human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation. 

Trust the Lord, and he will help you. 

Walk straight in his ways, and put your hope in him. 

All you that fear the Lord, wait for him to show you his mercy. 

Do not turn away from him, or you will fall.  

All you that fear the Lord, trust him, and you will certainly be rewarded. 

All you that fear the Lord, look forward to his blessings of mercy and eternal happiness. 

Think back to the ancient generations and consider this: has the Lord ever disappointed anyone who put his hope in him? 

Has the Lord ever abandoned anyone who held him in constant reverence? 

Has the Lord ever ignored anyone who prayed to him? 

The Lord is kind and merciful; he forgives our sins and keeps us safe in the time of trouble. 

But those who lose their nerve are doomed- all those sinners who try to have it both ways! 

Doom is sure to come for those who lose their courage; they have no faith, and so they will have no protection. 

Doom is sure to come for those who lose their hope. 

What will they do when the Lord comes to judge them? 

Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his commands; those who love him will live as he wants them to live.  

Those who fear and love the Lord will try to please him and devote themselves to the Law.  

Those who fear the Lord are always ready to serve him. 

They humble themselves before him, and say,"We place our destiny in the hands of the Lord, not in human hands, because his mercy is as great as his majesty." 

-- Sirach 2:1-18 

Watch Your Thoughts

June is my favorite month, mostly because it is my birthday month. :-)

 As I thought about what I want to do for my birthday and who I want to spend it with, I reflected upon what I did last year for my birthday.

Last year a friend bought me a huge bouquet of red roses and hosted a party for me. He even made the dinner and cake himself! The whole thing was wonderful... until I blew it with my thoughtlessness.

For awhile I was harboring some resentment for some plans we were making for the summer.  I was really frustrated by a particular situation.  The discussion of the summer came up at the party and I blurted out something that completely humiliated him and brought me to shame. It was almost as if an evil spirit came out of me. My resentment and self-centeredness just poured out. What I said was only about two or three sentences worth, but it was enough to hurt him. It was a mortifying experience. While this friend was putting forth the effort to give me a great birthday, I showed ingratitude.

This year for my birthday, I wish to improve myself so that my soul isn't that ugly anymore.  I sometimes feel like Dorian Grey.  This time next year, I want to reflect back on my year and be happier at the choices I made.  This past year has been filled with many regrets, I made many foolish and selfish decisions.

Consequently, my birthday present to myself this year will be humility. I am going to spend the month examining and practicing this virtue.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

-Author Unknown