Please help us share this video message. You never know who may need to see it. The video is just an invitation. It will lay unopened unless it's shared. Others will be inspired not by the video itself, but by your efforts to share your faith.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Did you ever have the feeling you should do something and you have no idea why? I love when the Holy Spirit gently leads me in a certain direction and I am not even aware that it is happening. This is exactly what occurred while I was on my vacation. We were supposed to be spending the entire day at the water park. Where else would you want to be on a 106 degree day? We were waiting in line to ride the Colossal Curl when a clap of thunder and lightening came out of nowhere. Next we heard a voice over the speaker announcing that a severe storm was in the area and all the rides would be closed down. I never saw a crowd of people empty a park so quickly. We went back to our accommodations and waited for the storm to pass. However to our surprise, the skies turned blue again and so we made new plans to spend spend the evening at Busch Gardens. My children were very excited to ride the roller coasters, but after I rode the first one, I realized my body did not seem to like the thrill as much as I did when I was younger. I encouraged my kids to go discover the next roller coaster with out me. I told them I was happy to just walk around and snap some pictures. As I was walking around I noticed people walking into the outside concert area. I didn't even see the sign who would be performing, but for some reason I thought I would just go in and check it out. As I sat and waited for the show to begin, I wondered if I should just get up and find my kids. I stood up to go when I had the feeling that maybe I should just stay. I had no idea I was about to have an amazing experience! After a short wait, the performer took his place on stage. Christian rock singer Jeremy Camp took the stage. He put on an incredible show! The crowd was completely energized with his music and moved with his own personal testimony between songs. I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be at that moment even though it was nothing I had even planned. It was incredible to be among so many people (most of them much younger than myself) praising Jesus through song with the sights and sounds of roller coasters in the background. It was a hand clapping, feet stomping, fist pumping energized group of people lifting their voices to Jesus! I had a great time! I left the concert so inspired and endlessly thanked the Holy Spirit for leading me here. I would definitely recommend listening to Jeremy Camps songs if you enjoy Christian rock. I would like to share a short clip of his song "Only in You" from his concert. I hope you enjoy!
Theresa and I have spent this past week on a summer intensive religious education program for our upcoming Confirmation class and our 6th & 7th grade Hebrew Scriptures program.. It was an amazing week! We thought we would share the end of the week project. The 6th graders were asked what message does the world need to hear today and how would you go about spreading it as a modern day prophet. This is what they came up with "we will spread this message by making an evangelization video featuring our singing, dancing, and other talents to convey our message. We will then post it on social media and go viral. Hopefully from it's popularity we will be asked to go on a TV talk show."
Theresa and I are hoping you can help these modern day prophets with their mission. Please share this video with everyone.
Sometimes as a parent or catechist you wonder if anyone is listening. And then there are moments like this, that you have to just sit back and smile. Maria was inspired to write a rap song and then bravely sing it in front of everyone at church. Besides being supportive and very proud, I had nothing to do with it. This moment was all hers. Maria is hoping to encourage others to get excited about their faith. She wanted to reach out to kids and encourage them to go to church. Please help Maria get the word out by sharing this song with others. She is hoping it starts something amazing!
As we walked back into the gym, Sister Clara invited us to find a comfortable place to sit. "I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed these last few weeks with you. I want to leave you with one last thought before our final meditation. Never take for granted your relationship with Jesus. Let your faith be 100% Committed to discovering all you can about Him."
This past weekend we packed up the car and embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge MA. After consecrating myself to Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, I had a great desire to visit the shrine. Perhaps it was the voice of mercy echoing in my thoughts, or my desire to thank St. Faustina, or the inspiring words of the Marian Fathers and Pope Francis that drew me to this spot. There was an overwhelming sense of peace as we walked the grounds of the shrine. There was beauty everywhere. We stepped out of the car and followed the footsteps of our loving Savior as we prayed beside the life size stations of the cross. This was a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for mass.
After we entered through the Holy Doors of Mercy, we enjoyed a beautiful mass, prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and received a blessing with a the relic of Saint Faustina. We prayed along side others who were on their own spiritual journeys. We were strangers, and yet we were brothers and sisters, searching and longing for one thing- God's loving mercy.
Although the mercy of God can be felt everywhere, sometimes it is good for the soul to take a break from everyday routines, and travel on a special path focused completely on Jesus. I would like to encourage everyone during this Year of Mercy, to put aside some special time to contemplate the mercy of God and how to "be merciful as the Father is merciful."
Merciful Lord open our heats so that we may hear your voice, Guide our steps, that we follow in your path, Use our hands as if they were your own, And let our thoughts be centered on you. Please bless us with your loving mercy. Check out this video of our trip to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy!
Recently I was inspired by the bible quote "I can do all things Through Christ who strengthens me." When we are weak, let us rely on Christ. Let us challenge ourselves and encourage others to be the very best we can be. Lent begins tomorrow. Let our love of Christ inspire others.
Just remember...I'm cheering for you.
Since this is our first Christmas for our blog Dwelling With The Spirit, we decided to do something special. We made a YouTube channel, and our first video is already up! The first video is called Looking For Signs Of Christ This Christmas, and is a finale to the series we have been doing on here. We went all over and took pictures of decorations, manger scenes, and things that were signs of Christ, and made them in to a video for all of you. We hope that you enjoy it, and it gives you some inspiration when celebrating today. Have a merry Christmas! God Bless, -Theresa and Susan
Dwelling With The Spirit is a down to earth, spiritual blog about discovering the powerful presence of God on a day to day basis. The blog started by a mother daughter tag team hopes to inspire you to find God's presence in your own life.
