Month: March 2025

Posted in God sees everything

God Sees Everything

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

God Sees Everything: A Call to Authentic LivingDear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I want to remind you of a profound truth: God sees everything, knows everything, and is everything. In our lives, we may feel tempted to hide our actions, thoughts, or intentions from others, thinking we might fool those around us. But let us not forget – we are never out of God’s sight. He knows our hearts, our motivations, and our struggles.

The Invitation to Live for Jesus

In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul opens with a heartfelt plea: “I beseech you therefore, brethren.” This is not just a casual request; it is a passionate invitation. Paul begs us to consider our lives in light of God’s mercy. The imperative here is clear: God’s mercies compel us to live authentically for Him.

As we dive into this message, let’s take a moment to reflect on just how blessed we truly are, despite our trials or feelings of inadequacy. The very fact that we woke up today is a testament to God’s grace and mercy. His love is ever-present, and His heart yearns for us to respond in kind.

Understanding God’s Mercy

The term “mercies” in Greek (oiktirmos) denotes compassion, empathy, and the act of feeling deeply for someone. When God extends His mercy toward us, He grants us the opportunity for redemption — not because we deserve it, but because He chooses to love us unconditionally.

Consider Galatians 4:4-5, which reminds us that “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.” Jesus came into our broken reality to offer us adoption as sons and daughters of the Most High. This act of divine mercy is available to everyone, everywhere.

The Weight of Nakedness

In Genesis, we observe the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The serpent, cunning and deceitful, led them into temptation, causing them to dwell on their shame. When their eyes were opened, they recognized their nakedness — not merely in a physical sense, but spiritually, as they were now exposed before God. They tried to cover themselves with fig leaves, hiding in shame.

Isn’t it true that in our own lives, when we stray from God’s path, we often attempt to cover up our wrongs? We might camouflage our sins, pretending everything is okay when deep down, we know it isn’t. But just like Adam and Eve, our attempts to hide from God are futile. He knows where we are, and more importantly, He desires our honesty and confession.

The Importance of Confession and Forgiveness

When God calls out to Adam and Eve, asking, “Where are you?” it’s not because He doesn’t know. Instead, He wants them to acknowledge their failings. If they had confessed their sin, they would have received forgiveness and perhaps a covering crafted by God Himself.

Yet, instead of owning up to their mistakes, Adam shifts the blame to Eve, and Eve blames the serpent. This pattern of denial creates distance between them and God. It’s vital for us to recognize that God invites us to come to Him with open hearts, ready to confess our shortcomings, knowing that He will meet us with grace.

The Sacrifice of Love

Even after their transgression, God still loved Adam and Eve. He provided a sacrifice to cover their shame—an innocent animal whose skin was used to clothe them. This foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was offered for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God.

No matter the depth of our failures, God’s love remains steadfast. He sees everything, including our struggles and our pain. While He does not condone our sinful actions, He continues to reach out, urging us to respond to His call.

Live Authentically

As we move forward, let us remember that God sees us, and we cannot hide from Him. Whether we’re wrestling with shame, guilt, or the desire to live authentically, let’s approach God with humility and trust. It’s time to drop the fig leaves and stand bare before Him, allowing His mercy to envelop us.

May we beckon one another to a life of authenticity, extending the same mercy and grace that God has shown to us. You are not alone in this journey. God desires an intimate relationship with you. Today, let’s choose to embrace that relationship wholeheartedly, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love.

Amen

Posted in Uncategorized

Reflections on Ash Wednesday: Finding Peace and Kindness in a Hectic World

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Ash Wednesday A sacred time of prayer, reflection, and preparation for the joy of Easter. This day reminds us of our mortality and calls us to turn inward, focusing on repentance and renewal. It’s a gentle nudge to refocus our spiritual lives and embrace the teachings of Christ as we embark on this six-week journey of penitence.

Growing up in a Catholic school, I remember the profound impact that attending church every morning had on me. The first moments of each day were dedicated to worship, fostering a connection with God that still resonates within me. My heart was often moved by the Stations of the Cross, where each moment of Jesus’ journey resonated deeply. While many may have gone through the motions, I found myself lost in gratitude, contemplating the sacrifices made for us all.

Yet, my path through Catholic school was not without its challenges. I confess, I was no angel. As I navigated the halls with a mouth that sometimes overflowed with sass, I often found myself at odds with authority figures. A pivotal moment for me was when a stranger chased me near my home, Thank God I knew where to run and get away, but it was an experience that shattered my childhood belief in the goodness of adults. From that point on, I struggled to respect those I perceived as “elders.”

In my younger years, interactions with nuns and Monsignors often felt less like guidance and more like punishment. Their methods could be harsh, and the emotional scars lingered far longer than the actual reprimands. I remember an instance vividly: arriving at an early mass unknowingly conducted in Polish. Despite feeling a sense of God’s presence, I was met with disdain rather than understanding. Instead of being encouraged in my efforts, I faced criticism for not knowing the language. At times, it felt like the ceremony was marred by the drama that came with it.

I often pondered what Jesus would say to me during those difficult moments. I believed He would offer understanding, compassion, and reassurance that everything would be okay. Over time, my disillusionment pushed me away from the Catholic faith. However, as I grew older and encountered kinder souls, I found my way back to the church, albeit at my own pace, sometimes attending services at non-denominational congregations.

Today, on Ash Wednesday, I encourage each of us to reflect on our actions and strive to be better individuals. In a world often filled with hate and selfishness, let us choose kindness. The teachings of Jesus remind us of the power of love and compassion, urging us to uplift one another rather than tear each other down.

The Stations of the Cross serve as an incredible guide for reflection—not just on Christ’s journey but on our own. Each station calls us to consider our lives, the pain we endure, and the beauty we can create through acts of love and service. Remembering these stations helps to ground us and keeps our hearts open to empathy.

As we embark on this Lenten season, let us commit to seeking peace in our hearts and extending that peace to others. May this Ash Wednesday inspire us to rise above the noise, cherishing moments of calm and reflection.

Wishing you all a blessed, peaceful day filled with joy and love. Let us go forth, inspired and connected, striving to make the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time.

Posted in Easter

Shrove Tuesday: A Day of Reflection and Preparation

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is observed the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the final day of feasting before the Lenten season begins. Traditionally, this day was used to indulge in rich foods and use up ingredients like eggs, sugar, and fat, which would be restricted during Lent. However, beyond the delicious pancakes, Shrove Tuesday is also a meaningful time for reflection and preparation.

As you enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes (maybe topped with syrup, fruits, or chocolate!), take a moment to contemplate what you will give up during Lent. This period of fasting and sacrifice offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and deeper connection with one’s faith.

Reflective Practices for Shrove Tuesday:

  1. Set Intentions: Consider what habits or distractions you want to let go of during Lent. Think about how these changes can lead to personal growth or greater focus on spiritual matters.
  2. Make a Plan: Once you decide what to give up, outline how you’ll support yourself in this journey. Will you replace that habit with something positive?
  3. Share with Others: Discuss your Lenten commitments with friends or family. Creating a support system can help keep you accountable and make the experience more meaningful.
  4. Enjoy Community: Many communities host pancake dinners and gatherings on Shrove Tuesday. Participating in these events can strengthen bonds and provide a sense of belonging as you embark on this holy season together.

As you celebrate Shrove Tuesday, relish the joy of the moment while looking forward to the transformation that Lent can bring. and Happy Pancake Day! 🥞✨