tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.comments2018-06-26T07:07:48.874-07:00Life- here, there and everywhereAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-8012433675720239292012-11-02T17:57:47.488-07:002012-11-02T17:57:47.488-07:00And the final bit:
I think another key component ...And the final bit:<br /><br />I think another key component to engaging God in a relationship is humility. Humility is tied to our recognition of how much we need God in our lives. It is much easier to converse with God when I set aside my ego and desires and seek out Him. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't necessarily hear God in an audible way, but I hear him in my heart. I hear him in the people around me. I hear him speak to me through his written word. I see him in the faces of the people I serve. <br /><br />As I stated in this column, I grew up with Jesus as a personal friend. I strayed from Him a few times in my life, but my relationship with him has always been familiar. Coming to a relationship with him as an adult is not something I have experience with, so maybe I can't relate to you as well as I hope to. <br /><br />You mentioned that your protestant friends are telling you about this personal relationship. If you are not getting this experience in your parish, there is nothing wrong with going to a praise and worship service at a protestant church. Just beware of what they preach. Their theology isn't sound and they do not have the Eucharist. But there is nothing wrong with worshiping and praying with them. However, keep going to Mass. Keep getting fed by proclamation of the Word and the Eucharist. As your relationship with Christ grows, the Eucharist will become more and more central to your spirituality and life overall. <br /><br />I don't know if any of this helps you, but I am more than willing to converse with you more about it. Feel free to email me at loribethmiller@gmail.com. Have a blessed evening!!!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-23076368758184717052012-11-02T17:56:59.493-07:002012-11-02T17:56:59.493-07:00yes, blogger has a limit... here is more:
Engagin...yes, blogger has a limit... here is more:<br /><br />Engaging Christ in a personal relationship isn't as hard as we sometimes make it out to be. For me, all it takes openness. My close friends in whom I confide and pray with say that I am a very open to the holy spirit. Now that sounds a like it would be hard but really it is not. I am open to the idea that not every thought that enters my head is my own. I have a vivid imagination and I am creative and I think the Lord uses these characteristics to speak to me. I am not afraid to let go of control and admit that God is influencing my thoughts, words and actions- probably even as I type this. <br /><br />I have a few practices that I use to feed my spirituality and relationship with Christ. First, I love to worship with praise and worship music. God speaks to me through these songs and I also use them to pray to him. Praise and worship music is a great source of conversation and communion with Christ. When we worship, we don't add anything to God's greatness. But rather, we recognize our own need to be near God and feel his love and peace in our own lives. Secondly, I can not speak high enough about the practice of Lectio Divina which is praying with the scriptures. It is a great way to hear God speaking to you through his word. Studying scripture is a great way to get to know who God is. The more we understand and know God, the deeper we can dive into relationship with him. Thirdly, when I pray, I talk to God as if he were a friend. Sure all the formal devotions are great and fulfilling, but just talking to God is essential. When we are vulnerable to God and tell him what is really in our hearts, then we dive deeper and experience his love and mercy in new ways. I tell the youth all the time that God is like your best friend. He desires to spend as much time talking with you as your best friend does. Oh, (almost forgot)and a fourth way is through service. When we surrender to the will of God and serve him as he is calling us to serve, our relationship with him grows even more. I serve as a youth minister and Mom. Some serve the poor. Some serve the sick. Some serve those on the internet. It just depends upon how God wants to utilize your talents for His greater glory. <br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-45612716865709572962012-11-02T17:55:51.909-07:002012-11-02T17:55:51.909-07:00Whoa! I wonder how long blogger will let me make ...Whoa! I wonder how long blogger will let me make this comment:) <br /><br />First of all, I am really excited to see you on this journey. It sounds as if Christ is at work in your life in a real and profound way. Conversion is an experience that takes place over a life time. Although I engage Christ in a personal relationship, that doesn't mean I don't have my moments of distrust and doubt about his influence in my life. Also, my experience is not the same experience everyone has. There are MANY ways to engage Christ in a personal relationship and what works for me may not work for my friend two pews over. We are all unique creations and Christ meets us where we are and desires for us to meet him- despite of our fears, doubts and reservations. <br /><br />So, now that you have my disclaimer, here are a few things that work for me. I think all conversion experiences begin when we recognize our great need for God. We realize that there is something greater at work in this world and in our own lives. Deep within our souls is an unquenchable desire for the divine. We are not made for this world- we were made for and by love itself. We are made to love and to participate in the great exchange of love one can only find in a relationship with God through Christ and with the Holy Spirit. When that desire wells up with in us, we are at unease. We are restless. We seek fill the God-sized hole in our lives. Christ hopes we fill it with Him.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-864107649690293482012-11-01T16:47:09.736-07:002012-11-01T16:47:09.736-07:00Bah, phone-typing.
going through the motions*
eve...Bah, phone-typing.<br /><br />going through the motions*<br />eventually sort* itself outМariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01891573139699283296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-71993507348665735902012-11-01T16:45:01.675-07:002012-11-01T16:45:01.675-07:00For background, I was born into a (practicing) Cat...For background, I was born into a (practicing) Catholic family, went to a Catholic school, and sort of fell away when I joined to military at nearly 18. Didn't really start up again til a couple years ago, now that we have three kids I'm responsible to raising in the faith. I really do think part of what made falling away and staying away easy was the lack of personal relationship. It'd always just been my parents setting the expectation to go to church and that was gone..<br /><br />Also, this very issue occurred to me back when I first started attending mass regularly again, and I've inquired around, to priests, the internet (catholic answers), a spiritual director, etc., and I've essentially been told that I should continue going through the notions and praying and all will eventually post itself out. I'd be okay with this approach if it weren't for various Protestant friends and family who speak of these personal relationships that seem to be missing in the lives of a lot of Catholics. One thing they seem to do better with ;] And honestly, I'd attributed it to talking themselves up/exaggerating slightly, but then I read your post! And you seem safe to ask, as you're Catholic, ha ;] So asking I am..Мariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01891573139699283296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-47598700928684224682012-11-01T16:36:32.624-07:002012-11-01T16:36:32.624-07:00Comments were not working on your Catholic mom pos...Comments were not working on your Catholic mom post, so I'm going to ask here, if that's okay..<br /><br />But I'll keep it short.. I retyped the whole original response about six times and I figure I'll learn from that and keep it short and sweet. <br /><br />So, how exactly would (did) you go about "developing" a personal relationship?Мariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01891573139699283296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-64390672986698402622012-10-15T18:40:18.145-07:002012-10-15T18:40:18.145-07:00Thanks! God Bless!Thanks! God Bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-78603496309414983632012-10-14T22:06:53.143-07:002012-10-14T22:06:53.143-07:00Well said...I'm bookmarking Your page. Thank u...Well said...I'm bookmarking Your page. Thank u for sharing ...acr1211https://www.blogger.com/profile/07600353832089697275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-48647532259922405742012-09-07T20:23:12.133-07:002012-09-07T20:23:12.133-07:00Thanks! My job is so much easier surrounded by su...Thanks! My job is so much easier surrounded by supportive parents and wonderful kids- like your family:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-15863459147525788162012-08-15T10:49:40.673-07:002012-08-15T10:49:40.673-07:00When I worked in the Church, I always felt like yo...When I worked in the Church, I always felt like you can easily lose your faith by working in the church, if it is not strong enough or humble enough or nourished enough. It is one - tough- job! But, you have done great! I am so super-pleased with the programs my kids are in. I feel so blessed!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01889650575894749132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-69391084847696170072012-03-26T06:12:31.301-07:002012-03-26T06:12:31.301-07:00Thanks Christine! You are wonderfully awesome! I...Thanks Christine! You are wonderfully awesome! If you bring me coffee, I'll probably follow you around like a puppy dog:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-54177532871539945622012-03-12T20:45:12.988-07:002012-03-12T20:45:12.988-07:00Awesome post! Really, really well-written and well...Awesome post! Really, really well-written and well-said!<br /><br />If you come play at the Easter vigil, I will have coffee waiting for you at the end!<br />:)michatio<br /><br />ChristineAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01889650575894749132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-6978084335710619092012-01-07T07:59:32.192-08:002012-01-07T07:59:32.192-08:00Thanks Brian for your encouragement! many blessin...Thanks Brian for your encouragement! many blessings!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-5630036748455526242012-01-06T22:56:38.425-08:002012-01-06T22:56:38.425-08:00Lori, Thank you - AGAIN.Lori, Thank you - AGAIN.Brian Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-61264977367020882752011-11-10T12:42:08.766-08:002011-11-10T12:42:08.766-08:00I wouldn't put off confession any longer. I t...I wouldn't put off confession any longer. I think going to your priest for confession is probably a good idea that would build trust. Go ahead and make an appointment, or if you have a youth scheduled event on confession evening, ask if you could meet with him a little early, then tell the kids about how it felt to go to Reconciliation, since lots of people have fallen away from the sacrament. This will be a good teachable moment and an occasion of grace. God bless!Trisha Niermeyer Potter @ Prints of Gracehttp://printsofgrace.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-61113705587469724922011-11-04T22:22:50.333-07:002011-11-04T22:22:50.333-07:00i'd say make the appointment with your priest....i'd say make the appointment with your priest. if you've been working on building trust with him, doing confession is part of that.jenhttp://grace-filled.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-15966234347563804912011-11-04T12:15:41.590-07:002011-11-04T12:15:41.590-07:00I was kind of hoping they would go the way of the ...I was kind of hoping they would go the way of the Mavericks who proved that the second time was a charm. Of course, now we are not playing basketball. I wonder if they will figure it out or if they will kill the season.<br /><br />Thanks for trying to find the silver lining:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-90182525571046691962011-11-04T11:03:43.424-07:002011-11-04T11:03:43.424-07:00Ross Douthat had a blog post about the Rangers'...Ross Douthat had a blog post about the Rangers' lowing the World Series in which he argued that this is actually going to be good for them in the long run. Basically, he argued that it will mean their fan base will be larger and more loyal, something akin to the Red Sox. On the downside, if they go the Red Sox route, it's gonna be a while before they finally win it.Dr. Sandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01210899232931814200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-34084172194303719822011-10-28T11:33:32.601-07:002011-10-28T11:33:32.601-07:00So glad to finally see a quick takes post that men...So glad to finally see a quick takes post that mentioned Game 6! I honestly was hoping for a Tigers/Brewers matchup, but have sided with the Rangers now (family from Texas, previously Washington Senators). Excited for Game 7!Alliehttp://hereisthechurch.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-28177763464185235732011-08-26T23:40:53.510-07:002011-08-26T23:40:53.510-07:00I really am so happy to have found your blog. I do...I really am so happy to have found your blog. I do not have time to stop and read just yet, but I know I will be back soon. Welcome to Catholic Mothers!Catherine Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06483004889144796699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-28905891190757967732011-07-29T10:43:59.435-07:002011-07-29T10:43:59.435-07:00I found The Third Testament was a fun book to read...I found The Third Testament was a fun book to read. The short stories about moments from the lives of the saints alone makes it worth the read.Dr. Sandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01210899232931814200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-13638384671769334962011-07-29T09:17:59.715-07:002011-07-29T09:17:59.715-07:00I love this: By his overreaction, I have to conclu...I love this: By his overreaction, I have to conclude he thinks I am stealing his manhood or something. I certainly would not think he was stealing my womanhood if he did some laundry or cleaned a bathroom.lindahttp://linda.curious-notions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-43485947981179074312011-07-29T07:22:24.996-07:002011-07-29T07:22:24.996-07:00But if he didn't even want you mowing the lawn...But if he didn't even want you mowing the lawn, imagine what he'll think of pulling out the drill! ;)<br /><br />My parents are farmers in mid-MO and I'm kind of worried about their crop, too, but it hasn't been as bad here as in OK (yet). Bad enough, though. Bad enough. We got a rainstorm last night and I wanted to go dance in the street.Kathleen@so much to sayhttp://www.kathleenbasi.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-83471674925095657182011-07-25T06:05:35.040-07:002011-07-25T06:05:35.040-07:00Thanks Jill! Welcome to blogger world:) Thanks f...Thanks Jill! Welcome to blogger world:) Thanks for the prayers for my son and our family and I will keep yours in my prayers. My prayer is that Our Lord will be glorified in Christopher's story. Check out www.whyimcatholic.com. Here, you will find great stories of people finding God. Have a great week!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597833569855016700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070149943125355590.post-45336911874173078502011-07-24T20:05:33.216-07:002011-07-24T20:05:33.216-07:00Hi, Lori! I'm very new to the world of bloggi...Hi, Lori! I'm very new to the world of blogging...but not so new to teenagers. I like what your Fr. Larry said about reminding our kids that they are beloved by (of?) God! In fact, tonight at bedtime I was telling our youngest, aged nine (what a sweet age, I wish it would last forever!) that her brother David's name meant just that: "beloved." He is 18 and is currently a self-declared atheist. Furthermore, his middle name is "Christopher", which means Christ-bearer. I have recently started praying scripturally for him every night and I believe that his eyes will be opened again, in God's time. I have often prayed in the past that God would prepare me for whatever lies ahead in life...so I have to believe it is He who enables me not to lose heart. So I am encouraging you as your journey into teenager-dom begins! <br />Also, I like your thinking about shopping - save on the clothes, then go buy books!:)Jill P. Morleynoreply@blogger.com