My Domestic Church

The family itself is the great mystery of God. As the "domestic church" it is the bride of Christ.

- Pope John Paul II, Letter to Families

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking and praying on my "domestic church." Since I got married, my husband and I have enjoyed serving the church together, as one with God. We enjoy all of our different ministries, that over the years we have become a part of. However, since our wedding 7 months ago, we have been enjoying the most important ministry of all- our marriage!

Like I have mentioned before, my hubby and I are very active in our church. However, we have been very conscious not to let our church ministries get in the way of our marriage. With both of us working full time and usually having our evenings packed with youth group and bible studies, it is very easy to lose sight of each other; Above all, I am a wife and he is a husband. We can't let all of our other obligations get in the way of our spousal duties! Being in the church, we have seen many marriages fall apart for similar reasons... people sometimes are very involved serving others that their domestic church is forgotten. 

I pray everyday that we continue having a healthy balance and that our domestic church is strengthened everyday. For me, it has been a personal mission of mine. See, I grew up in a single parent household. I did not know what a marriage looked like...let alone a marriage centered in Christ! When I went off to college, before my reversion, I did not even want to get married! I was supposed to be an educated, successful, independent woman! God had other plans. He laughed at mine.

When I came back to the church, I saw how beautiful it was to have someone, who was in love with Christ first. Now as a married woman, master's degree and all, I LOVE serving my husband. I LOVE our domestic church that we are nurturing everyday! Marriage is such a beautiful covenant between a man, a woman, and God but it is definitely something that needs to be taken care of. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are thrilled to open the doors to our home to our family. We are excited to share  with them our love and the many blessings that God has given us.

Here are a few pictures of my set up for tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed! :0)

My Mary and Joseph along with Thanksgiving decorations

Table for the food!! Love it!

I love my Target dollar spot napkin rings! 

Which one are you?

This week in youth group and in confirmation class, we focused on Thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks and praise to God. I prepared a lesson based on Luke 17:11-19, Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy. 

Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

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¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy^[a] met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

After reading and reflecting on the passage, we had a great discussion on which one of the men we related to. Are we like the one that ran back and thanked Jesus for healing him, and essentially giving him his life back? Or, are we like the 9 that got what they wanted and forgot to give thanks? 

Unfortunately, I think that sometimes it is easy to be like the 9. It is easy to run to our loving Father and ask, ask, and keep asking for everything we need. When in reality, we should be thanking and praising him for everything! Good and bad! He already knows what we need; He knows what we really need better than we do! Then why do we waste so much time asking and asking instead of thanking and praising? 

One of my teens in confirmation class today, said something that I really liked. She said, "I used to just ask and ask of Him, but now I make sure to start off my prayers by thanking Him for everything. Sometimes I get caught up in thanking Him so much that I forget to ask Him for things!"

Don't get me wrong..I know that our Father wants us to run to Him and I have faith that when we ask, we receive in His perfect timing. However, for this Thanksgiving season we need to remember that it is better to give thanks. In order to give thanks to Him, we must be humble. Humble to understand that we are nothing without Him and need to thank Him for our everyday breath. Thankful for the biggest sacrifice which is Him! After all, Eucharist means Thanksgiving...We need to be celebrating Thanksgiving everyday and not just once a year. 

What are you thankful for today? 

Blessings,

Clare

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

When my husband and I got married 7 months ago, we had a lot of fun making the house we bought our home. We painted it, decorated it, and made it OURS! It was exciting to have a place to call our home and to actually be living together for the first time was so exciting...and still is! 

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A few weeks into our marriage I had suggested that we should host Thanksgiving in our house. My family has been going through some transitioning and we have not had a Thanksgiving tradition for a few years now. (my mom, brother, and I all live in different states!) I really want us all to be in one place for the holidays and I think that our house is probably the best place to have it.   However, now that it is approaching, I am getting nervous. I have never prepared a Thanksgiving meal! My mom and my aunts used to always do it. My mom will be around to help me but I will be doing most of it because she won't be coming in until that day. I have to do all the shopping, prep work, and creating of the menu myself! 

If anyone has any suggestions or recipes, I am all ears! I am very excited to have my family coming over and to share the upcoming holidays as a newly wed with my husband. I hope this is the start of a great tradition. What is your Thanksgiving tradition? 

Be blessed- not stressed! (I am trying to make that my motto! Haha)

Clare

Just three questions...

Yesterday I attended mass after work at a church 5 minutes away from my office. I have attended mass service after work here in the past and I was always shocked at how short the service was. The priest who usually celebrates mass there does not perform a homily after the gospel nor is there any type of singing (all of which I am accustomed to). The entire celebration usually lasts 15-20 minutes. However, the most important part is the Eucharist and being able to receive it after work when I can't make it to mass in the morning is wonderful. 

Yesterday when I arrived to the church, I was surprised to see a new priest. I don't know if he was just visiting or if this was a permanent change. Either way, he gave a great service with an awesome homily. In the homily he reflected on the gospel where it stated, "In the same way,everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." He discussed how Luke is not telling us to become homeless and literally sell all of our material things. However, he is telling us the importance of making Jesus first in our lives. Then he asked us three questions...

1) Who wants to go to heaven?

We all raised our hands. Of course we want to go to heaven!! After all that is our ultimate goal, isn't it?? Then he asked,

2) Who wants to go to heaven tonight?

Only 3 people raised their hands and there were several chuckles throughout the pews. We realized the importance and reality of this question. Some of us are in love with "this" life so much more than we realize and that is going against what Luke is telling us in the gospel. Some of us might also think, Wait, I just need more time to prepare myself for the kingdom of God! I, myself, am guilty of thinking this at times. Then came the final question, in which he asked us to answer in our thoughts,  

3) Who is your best friend tonight?

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I automatically thought about my husband. I am always telling him he is my best friend and he is the closest person to me. However, I also knew what the correct answer should have been. Jesus. I am supposed to have Jesus as my best friend. The priest asked for a show of hands of those who thought of Jesus. Only a few. 

He continued to tell us an amazing story of a priest, who became a cardinal, who had been in the concentration camps for 37 years. However, I kept thinking about the questions. How do I make Jesus my best friend? How do I make Him a part of my every breath and not just my go to friend? 

Be blessed,

Clare 

No matter who is president...

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This image has been going around and I think it is worth re-posting. I know that a lot of prayers and rosaries were said for the election yesterday and I also know that there are a lot of us Christian / Catholics who may be disappointed with the results. However, as I brushed my teeth this morning I thought about how every prayer goes unanswered and everything is in His time and His will will be done. Not our time nor our will. I have complete faith that God heard our prayers. Nevertheless, I also know that there is much more work and praying to be done. Just because the election is over does not mean we stop praying for our country. Our nation needs our prayers... desperately! These past few months I have been reading blogs about people who have been praying the patriotic rosary, the rosary for America, fasting, and much more for the election. We need to continue those efforts. Our youth, our old, our unborn, and we need it! Just remember, no matter who is president, Jesus is King. 

Be blessed,
Clare

Is this my mission?

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Ever since I was a young girl I knew that I wanted to help people...I did not know in what capacity nor was I a practicing Catholic. All I knew was that when "I grew up" I wanted to help people. In college I majored in Human Development and Family Studies and went on to get my masters in Human Services Counseling/ Mental Health. While completing my bachelors degree, I came back to the Church and became even more passionate for helping people. While I was pursuing my masters degree I worked at a Catholic emergency shelter ran by nuns. I provided therapy for children who were being abandoned or removed from abusive homes. I loved my job there but unfortunately had to leave because of lack of funding...long story!

Since receiving my masters I have been working at the university I graduated from providing career counseling to students. Helping them with finding jobs and making sure they have great resumes to go into the "real world." I love my job- I get to assist students, alumni, and community members get on their feet and find something they love to do and get paid for it! At 24 years old I have a great job with a wonderful salary and benefits, and I am very grateful. However...however... everyday I know I could be doing more. Everyday I pray for my mission from God. How does He want me to serve him...? Am I doing what He wants me to be doing...?

Recently I have been reading blogs from people who are on missions across the world- leaving everything behind and spreading the Good News! Those people are are making a difference! When I read about the mission company I talked with my husband and we started praying harder and asking God for our mission.  We know that youth ministry is a huge mission but I wanted to be sure we were using our gifts that He has given us to the fullest potential;We joke that God hasn't sent us a child yet because He has sent us 40 teens instead!

I think last night God answered our prayers.

When we arrived to mass last night my husband and I went into the sacristy. We were both serving and like to get their a bit early to put on the robes and prepare. When we walked in one of our priest was there and as we got ready he said he had something to talk to us about..

"I wanted to ask you both something... I have been working with three teenage siblings who have lost both of their parents. These kids are yearning for love and to learn more about Jesus but are not ready to join the youth group. They are broken and only open up to each other and are not ready to open to an entire group. I mentioned to them that you two are the youth leaders and how would they feel about meeting with you outside of the youth group. Maybe to form a friendship with them where they can start attending the Eucharist and learning more about their faith from two young adults who are living it... they said they were willing to give it a try and I told them I would talk to you." 

My husband and I both looked at each other and agreed we needed to pray about it but we definitely knew we wanted to help those teens. Last night after mass my husband and I talked about how God works in mysterious ways...Here I was trying to plan a trip across the country to "help people" when there are people in my community just as broken and unaware about God's infinite love and mercy! Don't get me wrong, I still hope and pray that one day God has it in His plans to send us abroad as missioners, but for now we will continue serving Him here.

Clare

The power of the rosary!

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The past few days have been so hectic! Work has been crazy but my evenings have been beautiful- full of prayer with friends and family. Praying the rosary in our home with a group of our closest people has been a wonderful experience. My in laws, my godmother, a few friends, and even my priest have been joining us for dinner and prayer. It is beautiful praying in a group and sharing our home with them. Since we have been married I have enjoyed hosting dinner parties, but this makes it even better! Everyone sitting around my living room with a rosary in hand...I love it! We are actually having our youth group over this week to learn the story of Our Lady of Fatima and then pray the rosary. 30 teens in my living room praying the rosary-what a blessing!

On Sunday before my husband and I left for mass and to teach our religious education class we prayed the rosary...that day in my class I know Our Lady was present. I had prepared a lesson on the value of life. My confirmation class, comprised of teens, has been focusing on morality and how as Catholics they need to live by example and lead a virtuous life following the Faith. I had prepared to talk about respecting all life in the different stages of life...unborn, babies, adolescents, adults, seniors... I had planned to talk about abortions as well as respecting our bodies, however, that was not my main focus. However, Our Lady had different plans for me. We started the class with prayer and then we dove into the topic. When I started talking about abortion and respecting the body, I started talking about contraception, premarital sex and much more than I had planned to talk about! For some reason I just kept going deeper and my teens sat there listening to every word. After class I told my husband that I knew there was a reason why the Holy Spirit had inspired me to veer off my lesson plan.

Yesterday evening I got a text from one of my teens and she said that the lesson had really spoken to her...she has been struggling with respecting her body and our lesson gave her the wake up call that she needed to reevaluate how she has been living her life. That text not only confirmed what I love to do with the youth  but it confirmed how important prayer is, especially when you are working in ministry! I can't do it without Him guiding me and I know that if I had not been praying my rosary then I would not have been open to anything the Holy Spirit had  for me to share with the youth.

Clare

Our Lady of Fatima

Today I was blessed with the visiting Our Lady of Fatima. She travels from home to home, week after week. People gather in homes to pray the rosary and intentions are placed in an envelope that accompanies her to each house that she visits. I have been excitedly waiting to have her come visit this week.

It was very special praying the rosary with my family. My mother in law, grandmother, aunt, 2 sister in laws and my husband and I gathered around this morning to pray the rosary. It was beautiful. After the rosary we had breakfast and sat around talking.

My husband and I always enjoy great company, especially our family. I am excited that we get to have Our Lady of Fatima in our home for a week. Every evening, at 7, we plan to have friends and family over praying the rosary with us; each person with their own special intentions. We plan to have our priest over as well. It is a blessing to be able to host her in our home, and for people to gather in my living room to pray the rosary. I will be more than happy to offer a rosary for anyone with a special intention. Please let me know if you would like me to be praying for anything in particular...

God Bless,
Clare

Looking for a group...

In a past entry, I had mentioned how my my husband and I were looking for a formation group or a bible study to belong to. Well, we are still looking. :(

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Two nights ago, in mass, Father discussed in his homily the importance of belonging to a parish group. "In order to give, we have to be full..." Like I have mentioned before,  we have our youth group and we teach religious education on Sunday. So I am giving...but I feel like I am being drained. My husband and I have done various bible studies in the past, belonged to a few groups here and there but there has not been anything consistent or permanent. Groups in our parish don't last long because of lack of participation. It makes me sad when people just conform to a Sunday mass and do not seek to learn more of our Faith and our God.

I have been highly considering entering the Lay Ministry program that our diocese offers. It is a 4 year theological program that prepares you for ministry work. My husband might do it in preparation to become a Deacon and I would love to do youth ministry full time...However, all of that is in God's hands and it does not being until September 2013!

I need something NOW! Any suggestions?

St. Jude- Patron Saint of the Lost Causes

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the novena to St. Jude started on Saturday. Today is the third day and I plan to attend the daily mass our church is doing for the Novena.

Holy Saint Jude,  Apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, close friend of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present situation. In return I promise to make your name known. Saint Jude, pray for me and all those who invoke your aid. Amen.        

Lord, have mercy on us. / Christ, have mercy on us. / Lord, have mercy on us. / Christ, hear us. / Christ, graciously hear us. / God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us! / God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us! / God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us! / Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!

St. Jude, relative of Jesus and Mary, pray for us! / St. Jude, raised to the dignity of an apostle, pray for us! / St. Jude, who had the honor of beholding the Divine Master humble Himself to wash his feet, pray for us! / St. Jude, who at the Last Supper received the Holy Eucharist from the hands of Jesus, pray for us! / St. Jude, who after the profound grief which the death of your beloved Master cause you, had the consolation of beholding Him risen from the dead and of assisting at His glorious Ascension, pray for us!

St. Jude, who was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of the Pentecost, pray for us! / St. Jude, who preached the Gospel in Persia, pray for us! St. Jude, who converted many people to the Faith, pray for us! / St. Jude, who performed wonderful miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, pray for us! / St. Jude, who restored an idolatrous king to health, both of soul and body, pray for us! / St. Jude, who imposed silence on demons, and confounded their oracles, pray for us! / St. Jude, who foretold to a weak prince an honorable peace with his powerful enemy, pray for us! / St. Jude, who took from deadly serpents the power of injuring man, pray for us! / St. Jude, who, disregarding the threats of the impious, courageously preached the doctrine of Christ, pray for us! / St. Jude, who gloriously suffered martyrdom for the love of your Divine Master, pray for us!

Blessed Apostle, with confidence, we invoke you! / Blessed Apostle, with confidence, we invoke you! / Blessed Apostle, with confidence, we invoke you! / St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid me in my distress! / St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid me in my distress! /St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid me in my distress!

Are you doing the novena to St. Jude? One of my intentions that I am praying for throughout the novena is for my mom. My mom cradle Catholic, who after a divorce 20 years ago strayed away from the church. Growing up we did not attend church often nor did we pray as a family or give much importance to a Faithful lifestyle. She did make sure that my brother and I complete all of our sacraments but other than that we did not really do much else when it came to the Catholic church. Fortunately, there was always someone in my life such as my grandmother, or my godmother, who insured that we learned how to pray the rosary or knew the importance of our Faith. These teachings only got so far before I went off to school and completely forgot about who God was. Since my "reversion" to the Church (about 5 years ago) I have not prayed much for the reversion of my mom. I so desperately want my mom to return and fall in love with Jesus the way I do everyday but I can't help but to feel helpless when it comes to praying for her. Does that make sense? My mom is one TOUGH woman who is VERY stubborn and stuck in her ways. I think it is even hard for me to believe that she will come back to the church (which is not good because I need to have faith; nothing is impossible for God!) I feel guilty that I have not consistently prayed for her and this is some thing that I am trying harder to do which is why I have decided to dedicate the novena to St. Jude, patron saint of the lost causes. 

Clare

Teens, Bullying, and Suicide

Well I guess my 40 day journey is not what I thought it was going to be... I am not following a specific 40 day plan. I set out to try for the next 40 days to do something extra or something different that would draw me closer to my husband and to God. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely doing those things but the more I am in prayer the more that those things are just happening naturally and I am not really thinking about it. I guess that was the point, huh? Although, there is something about setting a goal and trying to accomplish it. I am very good at making "to do list" and crossing off things and getting that sense of accomplishment once they are completed. However, I quickly realized that I was trying to do that with this project. I should not make being a good wife to my husband or a faithful follower of God a task on my list. These should be things that need to be in prayer so that they can become who I am without the reminder on the old "to do list." I will say this though, the more conscious I am of my actions the more aware I am of how my relationship with my hubby and God are doing.

Last night my husband and I had our youth group. We are youth leaders to 30+ teens who meet every week to learn more about their faith and to have a support group of believers. The lesson/activities that we planned for last night were centered on bullying and suicide. My husband and I are continually amazed at what these teens go through everyday in school. With us being in our 20s we don't feel that we are too far off from their generation  however  when they share the latest trends or happenings in their school we are constantly in awe with how different our teens are growing up today.

Recently, in the news and all over social media outlets, a story about a girl named Amanda Todd was shared and how she committed suicide last week. This teenager was stalked, bullied, and harassed to the point that led her to commit suicide. (The story is more elaborate and intense and if you google her name you can read it in full detail.) So last night we discussed this with the teens and asked how they felt about it or if bullying was a reality in their schools. We also focused on how as followers in Christ we could be the light for those who feel desperate and alone. The conversation we had was truly amazing, and I am very proud of my teens for their resiliency and faith. I asked them if they knew someone who is currently cutting themselves or is suicidal and majority of the group raised their hand. We then educated them on the steps they need to take to provide resources for their friends when needed and how important it is to pray for them.

Aside from my faith, I am a  Mental Health professional who has worked with teens and now with college students so this subject is very near and dear to my heart. We often discuss heavy issues like this in group because we find that it allows our teens to have an outlet and a safe place where this can be discussed. After our conversation we took them to the chapel in our church where my husband had placed various candles at the alter by the tabernacle. When they walked in it was completely dark and we had them say a prayer for those who are suffering from depression, suicide, bullying, etc. Then one by one they approached the alter and lit a candle for someone or for a cause. At the end the sight was just breathtaking. Every teen was in prayer, some were in tears, some were comforting each other and others were just praising God. All the candles were lit and we discussed the importance of being the light in a sometimes dark world.

I thank God for our ministries because I know that these are blessings. HUGE responsibilities but my husband and I have been working with youth since we were just boyfriend and girlfriend and I know that we would not have it any other way. These teens need our prayers. They are the Church...not the future of the Church.

Clare

Day 3/40: Seriously?

Just when I thought yesterday was going so well...BAM! Isn't is funny how when things are going well it seems that the enemy just tries to destroy that peace and harmony right out of you! Work has been crazy lately- appointment after appointment 8 hours a day. This week for some reason students have been rushing to our office to meet with us and we have had no breathing room! However, I managed to stay calm and relaxed yesterday and was still on a spiritual high from mass with my hubby that morning. It wasn't until I got home that I just got really frustrated and impatient. Why? Who knows! My poor husband, who had cooked dinner and cleaned the house got the grunt of it. Within 5 minutes of being home I complained about anything and everything and then I stopped myself and thought "Seriously?!" I took a deep breath and apologized and thanked him for dinner and the house looking great. Being the ever understanding saint that he is, he just smiled and said he knew I had a long day and that it was ok to vent. I am so in love with that man and am so blessed to have him as my partner in life.

It is those moments that really bring me down. The fact that I don't seem to have control over my emotions and words that are flying out of my mouth make me realize I need Him so much more. I need that peace and purity in my heart.

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 

Matthew 15:18

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The bible talks a great deal about the condition of the heart and how it is important to cleanse and purify it. It is at those times when I am impatient and unkind that I wonder about the condition of my heart. And this my friends is why this is a journey that was never promised to be easy. But a journey worth living!

In other news, I am excited to start the Novena to St. Jude on Saturday to be able to finish on his feast day- October 28. For the first time, my church has decided to do a community novena where everyone who wants to participate can come together for the nine days at 6:30pm to participate in a mass and to finish off with the novena for the day. I have done various novenas in the past but never to St. Jude. I have several intentions in mind that I desperately need to pray for and I have faith that they will be answered in His time. Is anyone else thinking of doing the novena to St. Jude? 

Clare 

Day 2 of 40: Joy & Love

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Yesterday ended well. After work I decided to go to mass at a cute little Catholic chapel down the road from work. I love the intimate setting of the chapel and because it is a weekday mass at 5:30 there was only about 10 people there. The service is surprisingly very short- something I am not used to. Mass probably finished at 5:50. Even though it was short, I fully enjoyed being there in intimacy with my Jesus. Every time I receive the Eucharist I feel this warmth and fire burn within my heart. Even though I am not worthy I know that He is entering me and cleansing me as He passes though me. The more I get closer to Him the more joy and love I feel every time I am in His presence. I honestly believe that the Eucharist nourishes my soul! I teach the kids at youth group that we are a living tabernacle for the most Holy one! When we stop and think about what that means it is truly amazing! We have the chance to receive Him everyday and keep Him alive inside of us for as long as we are willing to be pure and clean. Is that not mind blowing to you? I may sound like a fanatic but I think sometimes the Eucharist and the mass turns into a routine and a habit that it is not really seen and appreciated for what it truly is!

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This morning I did not have to start work at 8:00, instead I started at 10 because I have to work a little later than usual tonight. (I work at a university and am salary so they don't pay overtime and instead flex our hours.) Usually when this happens I take advantage and sleep in a little later. However, this morning I decided to have an early start on my day 2/40 of being a better wife and a better follower of Christ. I awoke at my normal hour I would if I were getting up for work and I packed my husbands lunch. As he got ready for work I talked to him and made sure I told him how much I love him. When we left, I got dressed and surprised him by meeting him at mass before I went to work. He goes to 8:30 service every morning before work and I usually never can make it. He was so surprised and happy to see me there. It was very nice to be able to attend mass with my husband. I almost feel that it set the tone for the day. When I left he called me to make sure I had made it to work ok, and then he said, "I really enjoyed having you with me at mass this morning. I wish we could do that every morning!" :)

Clare

Day 1 of 40: Famished

The day is not over...it is actually only midway through. However, I have been doing good so far. This morning instead of rushing off and not enjoying my husband, I slowed down and spent some minutes with him before we walked out the door. It is hectic for us in the mornings- we both leave the house by 7:30 am to get to work on time. My husband usually prays in the morning and I know that he would love for me to pray with him but I have not done so since the first month of being married. This is something I struggle with. It is hard to get up and get ready and have time to pray together as a couple... I know I create a million excuses and I should make more of an effort. This morning I woke up, got ready, talked with him, gave him the sign of the cross and a kiss before he walked out the door and he did the same to me. Nevertheless, I should make more time in the morning to pray more with my husband.

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Even though I have not even finished my first day on this forty day journey of mine, I am very much aware of how FAMISHED I am for HIM. I thirst and hunger for His love and His word. I struggle to quench my thirst and satisfy my hunger because of x...y...and z. Excuses! Excuses! Excuses! For the longest time I have wanted to start a woman's bible study, a young married couple group, or anything that will allow me to be in a social environment with people who want to talk, enjoy, and adore Him. None of these dreams have come true in my life and I don't know exactly how to go about fulfilling them! I envy those that have such a good social network of Catholic friends who can sit around and discuss the Faith. Not to offend anybody but my friends and network of people at Church are all 60+. While I fully admire and learn from them I want people who are of similar age to my husband and me. We are 20 something, newlyweds who want to follow Christ and live for Him! We both teach religious education on the weekend and we run a successful youth group of teenagers who are also thirsty for Christ! While we LOVE and are so GRATEFUL and BLESSED to be able to be a part of these ministries, we have to find a way to nourish ourselves. We can't just keep giving without replenishing the tank. Does that make sense?

My husband attends mass every morning before work...there was a time when I did that as well. I plan to start again. However, I need and want more! Is that selfish? I just think that I we can benefit so much from having people of our age to share the faith with. Has anyone else found themselves in this predicament?

Clare

40 days

Why 40 days? In the bible there were some pretty amazing things that happened after a period of 40 days. For example: 

• Noah's life was transformed in 40 days
• Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai
• Jesus fasted and was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness
• Even an entire city was transformed in 40 days! (Nineveh)

There are more special accounts throughout the bible that I can list but I am sure you get the point! Also, there are some people that claim that it takes 21 days to make something a habit, some say 26 days, and some say 20. Well, whatever days you believe it takes, I believe that there is truth and power behind the number 40 as we can see in the Bible. 

I have reached a plateau in my spiritual life. I am walking but not living, I am preaching but not practicing, I am seeing but not believing. I need to step up my game and devote my life to Him-My one and only savior. As a devout Catholic I am finding it hard to make my spiritual life a consistent one. I struggle with truly breaking bad habits and most of all with truly transforming my heart. I don't want my life to resemble the following scripture:

" These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. " Matthew 15:8 

For the next 40 days I am going to embark on two challenges... It might be a huge undertaking but I am excited and ready! I plan to go on two missions... spiritual missions. My fist mission is for the next 40 days I am going to try to be a better wife! I recently got married to an amazing God fearing man six months ago. In those six months we have been learning how to live together, how to manage finances, and how to combine two lives with God in the center! I am sure that most of you who are married know where I am going with this! It is very easy to let pride, selfishness, and the mundane routine of daily life interfere with my marriage. So for the next 40 days I am going to try to be a better God fearing wife!

This is where the next challenge comes in... in order for me to be a God fearing wife, I need to be a God fearing woman!! A God fearing woman exemplifies the faith in all her daily roles. As a daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, co-worker, teacher, youth group leader, and the list can go on and on- I need to learn how to let go and let God! Becoming the light in the darkness for those around me and living with a heart full of joy and peace. 

The next 40 days should be interesting. I pray that I can accomplish this as I always find it hard to accomplish anything! (This goes back to my issue of inconsistency!) 

But I am ready for a pure heart. I am ready to life a life of conviction. But most of all I am ready to become a faithful servant of His. I AM READY FOR A CHANGE? ARE YOU? 

Clare