Last Saturday the "Women Rejoicing" Conference had over 120 in attendance, and the response was incredible! Women really did attain a spirit of rejoicing. Many women told us they were inspired and empowered. There was a renewed spirit as women came to realize the vital importance of their God given gifts as an individual and as a woman. There was new understanding about feminism and our role in our families, our community and our church. The message by Pope John Paul II spoken through Katrina Zeno made us aware of our dignity as women and how crucial our role is to society.
As a whole, the conference was fun, spiritual, inspiring and empowering. Praise God, mission accomplished! But as an individual, what did you experience while at the conference? Did God lift a cloud that was hanging over your head? Did you feel touched spiritually? Did you grow closer to Christ? Have you been a better mother, wife or sister? We want to know. So, please, add your comments to this blog. Your comments will only serve to inspire other women.
What did I get out of it all? I was pleased to see God's hand in it all and to see so many women from my generation who care about their faith. I was reminded of the fact that my identity is in Christ not by the wounds of the past or how others have perceived me. I was reminded that I am a daughter of God's first...that means that I am taken care of and fully loved just as I am. What about you?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Catholic Mother's Conference - last chance to attend
Are you still debating about whether or not to attend the Catholic Mother's Conference? Well, I could go on and on with all the reasons that I think you should attend, but I think it would just be best to show how I have seen God working to create this conference.
I believe that God placed a strong desire in my heart quite a few years ago to do this conference. I sat on this feeling for a long time praying and asking God when. Eventually the feeling was so strong that I could no longer stand it, so I thought it was time to move forward. I didn't know where to start, so I began by asking the diocese permission to do a conference like this on my own. As I shared the idea with the diocese, their hearts were open and they offered to provide some financial support, which was amazing to me #1 because they said, "yes" and #2 because I didn't know how I would cover the cost of such an event.
Next I went to my friends and said, "You know that idea I've been sharing with you, well I'm going to do it, do you want to help?" They said yes! So I was part way there. The entire time I kept asking God to provide what we needed.
After that, God's blessings just kept coming. I had women I didn't even know contacting me asking to help. And each woman called filled the void that we were missing to pull everything together. Each woman offered their service to me at no cost which was a blessing because I started with no money for this conference. Once I even found, by chance, a blog that was advertising this conference. I didn't even know who the woman was, but she signed her blog Mary and that was good enough for me.
I also had people who offered financial assistance, without me asking, to pay for advertising. Which would have been a huge cost. Once again these were people I did not know and again, God provided. Amazing!
I did not know what I was doing when I started this whole process, but God guided me every step of the way from the help I needed prior to the conference, and the things needed during the day to all the financial concerns, and I now have 100 women attending which should cover any remaining costs.
Although I think this day is going to be awesome, it is evident that God's hand has been in it every step of the way. Which means that he has big plans for this day. So why not come and see what he has planned for you? It's a day away you won't regret.
I believe that God placed a strong desire in my heart quite a few years ago to do this conference. I sat on this feeling for a long time praying and asking God when. Eventually the feeling was so strong that I could no longer stand it, so I thought it was time to move forward. I didn't know where to start, so I began by asking the diocese permission to do a conference like this on my own. As I shared the idea with the diocese, their hearts were open and they offered to provide some financial support, which was amazing to me #1 because they said, "yes" and #2 because I didn't know how I would cover the cost of such an event.
Next I went to my friends and said, "You know that idea I've been sharing with you, well I'm going to do it, do you want to help?" They said yes! So I was part way there. The entire time I kept asking God to provide what we needed.
After that, God's blessings just kept coming. I had women I didn't even know contacting me asking to help. And each woman called filled the void that we were missing to pull everything together. Each woman offered their service to me at no cost which was a blessing because I started with no money for this conference. Once I even found, by chance, a blog that was advertising this conference. I didn't even know who the woman was, but she signed her blog Mary and that was good enough for me.
I also had people who offered financial assistance, without me asking, to pay for advertising. Which would have been a huge cost. Once again these were people I did not know and again, God provided. Amazing!
I did not know what I was doing when I started this whole process, but God guided me every step of the way from the help I needed prior to the conference, and the things needed during the day to all the financial concerns, and I now have 100 women attending which should cover any remaining costs.
Although I think this day is going to be awesome, it is evident that God's hand has been in it every step of the way. Which means that he has big plans for this day. So why not come and see what he has planned for you? It's a day away you won't regret.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Is Fear Holding You Back?
Is fear holding you back? Is fear keeping you from living the life you've been dreaming? I've spoken with many people who are afraid to try something new. They are afraid that they won't handle the situation just perfect, or they are afraid of rejection. If your fear is based on a lifetime of rejection or failures then it's imperative that you seek counseling and/or coaching to help you deal with these serious issues. But if your fear is merely based on you because you are moving out of your comfort zone, then it is time to face your fear.
Ask yourself: If I do this...what will my life look like if I succeed? How will things change? What will this mean for me?
Then ask: If I do this....What will my life look like if things don't go as I had hoped? Does my life change? What are the alternatives? What would I have learned or gained from the situation?
Every situation in life whether it works as we planned, or not, are all situations that bring personal growth and learning. Every situation whether we win or loose can bring us closer to our ultimate destination.
Do you remember the saying, "It's better to have tried and failed than to have failed to try." ? By trying and failing you've still gained something...you've learned which only moves you forward. By not trying...you've gained nothing.
Ask yourself: If I do this...what will my life look like if I succeed? How will things change? What will this mean for me?
Then ask: If I do this....What will my life look like if things don't go as I had hoped? Does my life change? What are the alternatives? What would I have learned or gained from the situation?
Every situation in life whether it works as we planned, or not, are all situations that bring personal growth and learning. Every situation whether we win or loose can bring us closer to our ultimate destination.
Do you remember the saying, "It's better to have tried and failed than to have failed to try." ? By trying and failing you've still gained something...you've learned which only moves you forward. By not trying...you've gained nothing.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Confession
When was the last time you had a good confession? Or any confession at all for that matter. It can be so easy to put the out of routine spiritual sacraments on the back burner, but they really need to be placed as a priority.
It's funny how ignorant we can be sometimes. We wander around complaining about why we are so grumpy or why we can't seem to move forward spiritually or even overcome the bad habits we've acquired in life, but then we ignore the graces that God has placed right in front of us, available at least weekly. We continue to in our day to day struggles trying to carry these giant or little burdens of sin believing that it is easier to carry the sin and live life rather than confessing them to God and letting them go and living life. Now which is easier to you? Doing everything you have to do all day carrying 10 bricks on your back or carrying none? I know that when I receive the sacrament of reconciliation I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I also feel a sense of freedom and the ability to overcome my struggles so much easier. Why is that? Because of the grace that is received in the sacrament.
You may or may not be Catholic reading this. If you are...take the time to go to confession, it will do you a world of good. If not, take the time to offer a special time to God to just reflect and confess your sins, or you could give Catholic confession a try once. You might be surprised how wonderful the experience is. Just call your local Catholic church and ask about their confession times. I'm sure they'd be glad to help.
It's funny how ignorant we can be sometimes. We wander around complaining about why we are so grumpy or why we can't seem to move forward spiritually or even overcome the bad habits we've acquired in life, but then we ignore the graces that God has placed right in front of us, available at least weekly. We continue to in our day to day struggles trying to carry these giant or little burdens of sin believing that it is easier to carry the sin and live life rather than confessing them to God and letting them go and living life. Now which is easier to you? Doing everything you have to do all day carrying 10 bricks on your back or carrying none? I know that when I receive the sacrament of reconciliation I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I also feel a sense of freedom and the ability to overcome my struggles so much easier. Why is that? Because of the grace that is received in the sacrament.
You may or may not be Catholic reading this. If you are...take the time to go to confession, it will do you a world of good. If not, take the time to offer a special time to God to just reflect and confess your sins, or you could give Catholic confession a try once. You might be surprised how wonderful the experience is. Just call your local Catholic church and ask about their confession times. I'm sure they'd be glad to help.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's All About Attitude!
What is your attitude today? What has it been the past week or month? Would you say overall you are pretty grateful for what you have and who is in your life? Or do you find yourself wishing for something different, something better, a permanent change? If you find yourself frequently dwelling on how everyone around you needs to change or how every situation around you is aggravating, maybe you need to look at the common denominator....YOU! Perhaps your attitude is a bit skewed and it is you who needs to change.
Sometimes I find myself blaming all those around me because my life isn't perfect, but when I really look at the heart of it, it all comes down to my own selfishness and ingratitude. When I start to live in a way that stops focusing on myself and starts focusing on those around me....life is better. Life becomes more fulfilling and more joyful. But it all begins with the choice of which attitude I want to carry each day.
Sometimes I find myself blaming all those around me because my life isn't perfect, but when I really look at the heart of it, it all comes down to my own selfishness and ingratitude. When I start to live in a way that stops focusing on myself and starts focusing on those around me....life is better. Life becomes more fulfilling and more joyful. But it all begins with the choice of which attitude I want to carry each day.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Practice
I've often had people ask me, "How do you make time for yourself?" Life can be so hectic and with so many things to do how do you do it? How do you make time to sit on the couch and watch a TV show or just read for a few minutes?
Sometimes the answer is in becoming more organized and better with time management, but mostly the answer lies in making a choice to just do it. It means you set some boundaries with those around you. You say "no" to some things so that you can say "yes" to yourself.
Many feel guilty if they were to sit and do something for themselves even if it's just for a few minutes, but in reality by spending a few minutes for yourself you are actually helping those around you. Because a few minutes to yourself can be just enough to help you regain your perspective. A few minutes could be enough to give you some needed rest so that you can be at your best. A few minutes could be all you need to change your mood.
O.k. Now you've made the decision to do a little for yourself...how do you really do it. You practice it. You just try it. Admist all the things you need to do, you stop for 10 - 15 minutes, set the timer and sit. Let everyone know that this is your time to relax and they can interrupt you when the timer goes off. It's amazing, during that time, no one in your house will starve, more and likely no one will experience any life changing event (however, make sure all the little ones are in a safe place prior to doing this). Chances are that you will not be any further behind than you were before you started. Practice this daily and you will be surprised how this will begin to feel normal and o.k. Practice!
Sometimes the answer is in becoming more organized and better with time management, but mostly the answer lies in making a choice to just do it. It means you set some boundaries with those around you. You say "no" to some things so that you can say "yes" to yourself.
Many feel guilty if they were to sit and do something for themselves even if it's just for a few minutes, but in reality by spending a few minutes for yourself you are actually helping those around you. Because a few minutes to yourself can be just enough to help you regain your perspective. A few minutes could be enough to give you some needed rest so that you can be at your best. A few minutes could be all you need to change your mood.
O.k. Now you've made the decision to do a little for yourself...how do you really do it. You practice it. You just try it. Admist all the things you need to do, you stop for 10 - 15 minutes, set the timer and sit. Let everyone know that this is your time to relax and they can interrupt you when the timer goes off. It's amazing, during that time, no one in your house will starve, more and likely no one will experience any life changing event (however, make sure all the little ones are in a safe place prior to doing this). Chances are that you will not be any further behind than you were before you started. Practice this daily and you will be surprised how this will begin to feel normal and o.k. Practice!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Stepping Stones
Do you ever look at what you have or are doing in life, and compare it to what someone else has or is doing in his or her life and think, "I wish I had that" or "I wish I was doing that"? If so, why? God's plan is perfect for each of us, regardless of our circumstances, and we must look at what we have and what we are doing as stepping stones towards where God is leading us. His plan will never be fully revealed to us unless we willingly step onto each stone and stay there a while. When God feels we are ready, he will put the next stepping stone ahead of us and it will then be time to move.
But we get impatient...we want to jump from the first stone to the last stone. Realistically, if we did that, we would fall into the creek and perhaps be carried away by the waters. We need to take God's step, one at a time! We need to be comfortable there, take a look around and see what God is offering to us in that moment. We need to praise God for where he has us and where he is leading us.
Be patient!
But we get impatient...we want to jump from the first stone to the last stone. Realistically, if we did that, we would fall into the creek and perhaps be carried away by the waters. We need to take God's step, one at a time! We need to be comfortable there, take a look around and see what God is offering to us in that moment. We need to praise God for where he has us and where he is leading us.
Be patient!
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