On this Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking of you, Mom , more than ever because I cannot even visit your grave now that I moved . The day is bittersweet, filled with love and longing.
Mom, you are missed beyond measure. How I wish we could sit down together,, talk like we used to. Though we may be apart, know I still talk to you often. In moments of joy, and in moments of stress, you are always in my thoughts.
Your love surrounds me, guiding me, supporting me. Your presence is felt in every step I take, and every decision I make.
So on this special day, I want to express my love and gratitude to you, Mom. You are forever in my heart, forever cherished, forever missed.
I am adding pictures of my daughter and granddaughter because I love them with all my heart.
And even though we still do not see each other daily as we are in different parts of the state, I am beyond grateful to have a beautiful smart and intelligent daughter and wish we seen each other more.
But so grateful for my granddaughter who is just simply amazing in every way. I am so glad we see each other a few times a week.
Reflecting on my childhood, I recognize that my mother was not perfect – far from it. There were moments when her actions seemed harsh to me and her rules felt restrictive. I often grappled with feelings of frustration and a sense of being unfairly controlled by her protective instincts. I was an only child, and I know her and my father were very overprotective because they had to still burst and a miscarriage before I came along 10 years later after they tried to start having children.
I recall instances where I longed for more freedom, envying my friends who seemed to have more lenient parents. The curfew she enforced at age 14 felt suffocating, especially when compared to the liberties granted to others. Even at 16 my curfew was earlier than most. In those moments, I failed to comprehend the depth of her intentions; the love and concern that underpinned her decisions.
Despite these challenges, as I matured, I began to see beyond the surface. I realized that her what appeared to be strictness and over protective ways stemmed from a place of unwavering love and a desire to shield me from harm.
Her actions, however imperfect they may have seemed to me then, were rooted in a profound dedication to nurturing and protecting me.
Looking back now, I understand that perfection is an unrealistic standard for any parent. Flaws and missteps are part of the human experience, even for the individuals we hold in the highest regard. My mother, though flawed, was undeniably a good one—her love and sacrifices shaping me into the person I am today.
Today, as I navigate through life’s challenges, I am profoundly grateful for the foundation she laid, the lessons she imparted, and the love she bestowed. Despite our differences and the conflicts that arose, as I was a teenager who had a rebellion side: I know that her intentions were always rooted in affection and care. Imperfect yet unwaveringly devoted, my mother’s love remains a guiding light, shaping my journey with its enduring warmth and presence.
Good morning, dear friends. Apologies for my absence; life has been quite hectic lately. Amidst the whirlwind, we received word that our new apartment is ready. Although exhaustion lingers, I see this as an opportunity to create a fresh space.
Additionally, the recent loss of a dear friend has reminded me of the transient nature of life, prompting me to embark on a journey of downsizing and simplifying.
As I navigate through these changes, I extend to you all my wishes for a truly magnificent day.
A verse from the Bible to reflect upon: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
And a positive quote for today: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
May your day be filled with blessings and moments of peace.
As we approach Palm Sunday, the air is filled with a sense of anticipation and reflection. This day marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of profound significance in the Christian calendar. Amidst the waving palms and jubilant cries of “Hosanna,” lies a timeless message that resonates deeply with the human experience—the unwavering grace of Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey as crowds laid down palm branches in His path, symbolizing honor and adoration. Yet, woven into this scene of celebration is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the depths of divine love.
In the midst of the jubilation, there were those who hailed Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, while others harbored doubts or outright hostility. The same crowds that welcomed Him with shouts of praise would soon cry out for His crucifixion. In this paradox lies a profound truth: our ever-changing hearts do not alter the unwavering love and purpose of Christ.
The message of Palm Sunday speaks to the universality of human experience—the fickleness of our emotions, the frailty of our faith, and the tendency to vacillate between adoration and rejection. Yet, amidst our shortcomings and inconsistencies, Jesus remains steadfast in His love and commitment to our well-being.
Even as we, like the crowds of Jerusalem, may at times seek to snuff out His light with our doubts, fears, and sins, His heart remains open to us. His love knows no bounds, reaching out to heal and redeem even the most broken and wayward of souls.
Palm Sunday serves as a poignant reminder that no matter where we find ourselves on our spiritual journey, Jesus continues to work tirelessly for our healing and restoration. His grace is not contingent upon our merit or worthiness but flows freely and abundantly to all who call upon His name.
As we reflect on the message of Palm Sunday, may we be humbled by the depth of Christ’s love and inspired to respond with hearts of gratitude and devotion. Let us lay down our doubts and fears at His feet, trusting in His unfailing grace to lead us into wholeness and reconciliation.
In the midst of life’s uncertainties and struggles, may the timeless message of Palm Sunday resonate within our hearts, reminding us of the unchanging love and mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In John 12:25-26, Jesus reveals the essence of discipleship, urging us to weigh the cost and rewards. He emphasizes that clinging to our earthly desires will lead to loss, while embracing selflessness and surrender to Him yields eternal life. By serving and following Jesus, we align with His purpose, assured of the Father’s honor. These verses prompt introspection, challenging us to prioritize God’s will over selfish pursuits. They underscore the eternal significance of a life devoted to Jesus, encouraging obedience and trust in Him. Ultimately,
Jesus desires your joy, not your misery. He wants you to recognize that He is the ultimate treasure, worth sacrificing everything to obtain. In John 12:25, Jesus teaches that if we prioritize our own lives above all else, we will remain unfulfilled. However, if we understand the supreme value of Christ, we will willingly surrender our lives to Him. By following Jesus, even in the face of death or material loss as mentioned in verse 26, our lives will be dedicated to serving Him. In doing so, we will be honored by the Father and become fruitful trees, rather than lonely seeds.
John 12:25-26
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:25-26 calls us to count the cost, embrace selflessness, and experience the abundant life found in Christ.
In sisterhood, we stand tall and strong, Bound together, where we belong. On this day, our spirits soar, March 8th, as we explore.
United as one, in every way, Embracing each step, come what may. When one stumbles, we extend our hand, Lifting each other, helping us to stand.
In times of doubt, we’ll be the voice, Celebrating each other, our ultimate choice. For beauty resides in our unity, In every triumph, in every plea.
No room for judgment, no space for strife, We champion each other, in this journey of life. Through highs and lows, we persist and thrive, For we are women, strong and alive.
So let’s embrace our power, let it shine, In solidarity, our souls entwine. For together we rise, hand in hand, Forever sisters, together we’ll stand.
In Joshua 24:15, the verse “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” encapsulates a powerful declaration of faith and commitment. While the promise to serve the Lord is steadfast, it’s essential to recognize that this commitment doesn’t exempt us from life’s challenges. Instead, it empowers us with the strength and resilience needed to navigate through them.
Serving the Lord doesn’t promise a life free from problems, hardships, or trials. In fact, throughout the Bible, we encounter numerous examples of faithful individuals who faced immense struggles despite their devotion to God. However, what sets them apart is their unwavering trust and reliance on the Lord to see them through.
When we choose to serve the Lord, we are not promised immunity from adversity, but we are assured of His presence with us every step of the way. This presence provides us with the strength, courage, and wisdom necessary to confront and overcome whatever challenges may come our way.
One of the key aspects of serving the Lord is the transformation it brings to our perspective. Instead of viewing problems as insurmountable obstacles, we see them as opportunities for growth and refinement. Through our trials, we learn to lean on God’s strength rather than our own, trusting in His plans even when they seem beyond our understanding.
Moreover, serving the Lord fosters a sense of community and support within our households. When we make the conscious decision to prioritize God in our lives, we create an environment where faith, love, and grace abound. As a result, we can draw strength from one another as we journey together in serving the Lord.
Furthermore, serving the Lord enables us to find meaning and purpose in the midst of our struggles. Rather than allowing difficulties to overwhelm us, we can channel our energies into serving others and making a positive difference in the world around us. In doing so, we discover that our trials have the potential to become testimonies of God’s faithfulness and provision.
Ultimately, serving the Lord isn’t a guarantee of a trouble-free life, but it is a source of unfailing strength and hope. It’s a daily choice to trust in God’s promises, to seek His guidance, and to rely on His unfailing love. And as we journey through life with this unwavering commitment, we can rest assured that we will emerge stronger, more resilient, and more deeply rooted in our faith than ever before. So, let us echo the words of Joshua: “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
In the gospel passage for this Sunday, Jesus leads his disciples away from the bustling market to a serene mountaintop, a familiar place for him to pray. However, what unfolds on this mountain is extraordinary and unexpected. Jesus undergoes a profound transformation, his countenance radiant like the sun and his garments gleaming white as light itself. The disciples are surely awestruck by this spectacle, yet amidst the wonder, Peter manages to articulate his amazement with the heartfelt words, ‘Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here.’
As we traverse through Lent alongside Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, we recognize the impending trials he must endure—betrayal, denial, condemnation, and crucifixion. Sensing the disciples’ apprehension, Jesus offers them a glimpse of his divine glory, an assurance of what lies ahead.
This moment of glory, meant as an encouragement for the disciples, also resonates with us today. In times of fear, doubt, and wavering faith, we too seek reassurance and fortitude from Jesus as we progress through Lent. Our prayers, fasting, and acts of charity are not without purpose; they propel us towards the promise of Easter’s resurrection. Just as Jesus’ transformation foretold his resurrection, our participation in his suffering leads to sharing in his glory.
Amidst the Lenten journey, let us hold on to the hope that St. Paul speaks of in Romans—the hope of being raised to new life through our unity with Christ. When faced with the temptation to falter, let us gaze upon the transfigured Christ, envisioning the future of fulfillment in God’s Kingdom, not just at Easter but in eternity.
As we navigate Lent’s challenges, may we heed the divine call echoing from the mountaintop, “This is my Son, Listen to him.”
Good morning! Following Ash Wednesday, let’s delve into the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These pillars serve as pathways to deepen our connection with God during the 40 days of reflection, service, and prayer in Lent.
As we explore these pillars—prayer, fasting, and acts of charity—it’s essential to remember their significance in our Lenten journey. They are highlighted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and underscored in the Gospel for Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18), forming the core of our Lenten practices.
Before delving into these pillars, let’s grasp the essence of Lent. It’s a season of renewal, inviting us to revisit the fundamentals of our faith, hope, and love as disciples of Jesus. Lent isn’t just about adding extra tasks or making sacrifices; it’s about intensifying and refocusing our spiritual lives, cultivating enduring spiritual habits that endure beyond the season.
The word “Lent” itself derives from an old Anglo-Saxon term for Spring, underscoring its association with renewal and rebirth. It’s a journey—a “40 days and 40 nights” journey—leading us towards the holy mountain of Easter. And on this journey, we’re not alone. We walk alongside Jesus, reliving his temptations, transfiguration, ministry, and ultimately his journey to the cross and resurrection.
Moreover, we journey with fellow believers worldwide, sharing in the same Lenten practices and rituals across generations and borders. Special companions on this journey are the candidates and catechumens in RCIA programs, preparing for Easter, whom we hold in our prayers.
Lent is a penitential season, marked by purification and renewed conversion. Symbolized by purple vestments, solemn music, and simplified church decor, Lent calls us to repentance and inner transformation. The ancient ritual of receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday embodies this spirit of penance and mourning, echoing Old Testament practices.
Lent wants us to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving not merely as obligations but as avenues to deepen our spiritual lives and journey towards Easter’s promise of renewal and redemption.
In my next post we will go in dept on each pillar.
In the tapestry of Christian faith, threads of belief and action intricately weave together to form a vibrant expression of discipleship. James, in his epistle, underscores this union, stressing the inseparability of faith and works. Drawing from James 1:23-25 and 2:14-17, we’re reminded that mere hearing of the Word without corresponding action renders faith ineffective.
Faith, devoid of action, resembles a fleeting glance in a mirror, quickly forgotten once the observer turns away. Yet, true discipleship involves a deeper engagement—a persistent gaze into the perfect law of liberty, culminating in proactive obedience. This obedience isn’t borne out of obligation but springs forth from the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within believers.
James challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith by assessing our deeds. Merely professing faith while neglecting the tangible needs of others reveals a faith devoid of vitality. True faith, on the other hand, manifests in acts of compassion, service, and selflessness, mirroring the love of Christ.
As recipients of God’s unconditional love, we’re called to extend that same love to others through our actions. Our identity as disciples isn’t confined to doctrinal affirmations but finds its fullest expression in the way we live out our beliefs. Our lives become living testimonies—a tangible reflection of God’s grace and mercy.
Gathering for worship is essential, but it’s incomplete without the outward expression of our faith in everyday life. Our faith is authenticated not by words alone but by the transformative power evident in our deeds. Let us resolve to be not just hearers of the Word but active doers, bearing witness to God’s love in a world hungry for hope and compassion.
Faith and action are inseparable companions on the journey of discipleship. Let us embrace this truth wholeheartedly, allowing our lives to be living epistles, read and known by all, as we embody the love and grace of our Savior in both word and deed.
Joyful-Echoes 