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[catholicwritergirl]

I love tea! High tea, scones and clotted cream, tea parties, tea sandwiches, cookies, 3-tiered stands. Time to stop and breathe. One of my two-year-old grandsons sets up tea parties for his kitty critters. It got me thinking. Https://www.arisedaily.com. Click on the devotion for April 21, A Tea Party with God. . . . . #christiandevotions #arisedaily #hopewriters #wordweavers #catholictwitter #catholicinstagram #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #radicallyinclusive #radicalfaith #instagood #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #goodvibes #wellness #mindfulness #christianauthor #chrissautermanion #writersnetwork https://www.instagram.com/p/CN8lPTRld2I/?igshid=1q5ud8dn1j14j

[catholicwritergirl]

Through the wavy rain streaks on the window, a pink-grey gauze passes by. Dawn is up and on her way to greet God. This writer is at her kitchen table letting God greet her in His word and with His cream-frothed coffee. Good morning! I love rainy days. They're cozy snuggle moments for me while our Creator quenches the thirst of the flowers and creatures He created. . . . . #morningprayer #rainydaysnuggles☔ #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #dosomethingbeautifulforgod #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #coffeeandjesus #gritandgrace #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #youareagoodperson #chrissautermanion https://www.instagram.com/p/CKgkdWDAnuz/?igshid=v5nsldwwqtm1

[catholicwritergirl]

They will be like a tree planted by the water     that sends out its roots by the stream.(A) It does not fear when heat comes;     its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought(B)     and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 What is your favourite tree? Are you a tree hugger like me? . . . . #treehugger #Jeremiah17 #adventreflection #innerhealing #gritandgrace #treelover #liftupyoureyesandbranches #chrissautermanion https://www.instagram.com/p/CI6NoLnF43Q/?igshid=1llzlc0njb679

[catholicwritergirl]

Our waiting is nothing compared to how patiently God waits for each one of us. Take a brief moment and tell God how much you love him. Then wait a moment. Don't hurry off. He always responds. Photo by @patriciatiffanymorriswriter . . . . #lamp #seekhimfirst #womenofgod #graceupongrace #dailyprayer #christianliving #womeninministry #gracenotperfection #relentlesslywhole #christiancommunity #dailydevotional #wellwateredwomen #shesharestruth #womenoftheword #morningdevotional #womensministry #womenwithvision #christianwomenleaders #shereadstruth #butfirstjesus #womenlivingwell #livebygrace #cpaawardwinner #catholicpressawards https://www.instagram.com/p/CIql7gvFcdN/?igshid=9q9f5t9wd4a9

[catholicwritergirl]

May we never cease to seek Him. Today I walk with my love amid evergreens choosing one to cut down and decorate with our son and his family. The ever green branches remind me of God's everlasting love and mercy. The trunk reminds me of the wood of the cross, the altar on which Jesus chose to shed His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of my sins. Children's voices, whimpers, and laughter remind me of His joy and delight in you and me, His creation. Of what we must let go to fully trust in Him. To be the children of God He made us to be. That is the gift He's waiting for. So many gifts God's given us. Life. Love. Forgiveness. Free will. Why choose hatred when it leads only to death and gnashing of teeth? Choose life. Choose love. Choose peace. . . . . #simplejoys #openyourheart #Adventpreparation #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #radicallyinclusive #radicalfaith #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #coffeeandjesus #gritandgrace #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #hopewriter #wordweavers #childofgod #Adventpeace #giveyourheartarest #followMe (at Williamson, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIId-ovlOgZ/?igshid=1a8ruf6z8h512

[catholicwritergirl]

Ever think about how the former Pharisee, St. Paul, had a year a bit like ours almost 2,000 years ago. Like us, his world was turned upside down. He lost his job, his status, the very ground of his being. For 3 years, he lived in isolation trying to revamp his thinking. Everything he thought he knew and learned by heart had blinded him. He learned humility being labeled by friends and enemies alike. He was distrusted as he shifted parties and allegiances. He had been righteous. So righteous. "Circumcised on the 8th day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the law, a Pharisee, in zeal I persecuted the church, As for righteousness based on the law, faultless." Phil. 3:5-6 God called HIM. Geesh! A bit full of himself. So sure he was right in all things. He'd studied in synagogue. He was on the side of the law. We can relate. Until Jesus asked that challenging question, "Why do you persecute me? "Who are you, Lord?" "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." How is God calling you these days? How would he answer you if you asked him Paul's question? The men traveling with Paul heard God's voice. Are friends telling you what they see or sense about you? Are they hearing God's voice? Are you listening or rejecting a change God may be asking you to make? Do not be afraid to change as the Spirit of God calls you. . . . . #writerprayerwarrior #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #donotbeafraid #radicalfaith #mystic #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #meandjesus #gritandgrace #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #morningdevotion #beingcalledtochange #christianauthor #chrissautermanion #discipleshipisarelationship #listeningisagift https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOOeRfFirG/?igshid=3cc4benvsxrk

[catholicwritergirl]

St. Julian was a mystic. Mystics are people who have a personal encounter with God. Jesus preached from Mt.Tabor that those who are pure of heart will see God. Therefore, mystics must be pure-in heart, in mind, in intention to seek God's will-when they are granted visions of God or heaven. Saint Julian of Norwich was granted such a vision of heaven and it astounded her so much that she said over and over, equivocally, "all will be well." It is often difficult to believe her words, especially in days such as these, when we have not seen what she saw. We resist or mumble something sarcastic under our breath. And yet, this Psalm prayer to be granted a clean heart allows us to consider and embrace the words despite our resistance to them. In the fitness world this is called resistance training. In the spiritual world, this is called purification. . . . . #spiritualfitnesstrainjng #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #acleanheart #radicalfaith #mystic #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #coffeeandjesus #gritandgrace #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #chrissautermanion #christianauthorandspeaker #growingintrustinGod https://www.instagram.com/p/CHI7XG4lqYl/?igshid=116lqecu8w1rq

[catholicwritergirl]

It was my word for this year. Gulp. 🌻 And yet, as my father always said, I work with the cards I've been dealt. 😊 When things are easy, we don't work at it as hard, no? I planted a wildflower garden just as covid broke out. 🌼 We used our pentup energy and worked out the flush of fears by digging a trench for a 4 ton rock river which we wheelbarreled in place over 4 days then tilled the soil of the front yard multiple times, mixing seed with sand which I hand tossed. We stomped the seeds into the soil. Then we waited. 🌧 It gave the whole neighborhood something to look forward to as they walked by it daily on their walks and bike rides. 🚲 Nothing happened for the longest time as the pandemic spread. Then one day, little greens appeared. Then a flower. 🌻 Then another. 🙂 Neighbors would comment on them. And smile. One city worker cutting grasses along the roadside got off his tractor in early summer, sat on our driveway and took pictures of the huge gloriosa daisies like a little child. It gave me such joy to know the flowers were making so many feel happy seeing the extraordinary beauty in God's creation. Sometimes, perhaps most times, joy comes from bringing pleasure and beauty to others, not trying to find it within ourselves. Let us do what we can to preserve the joy of flowers and trees. Plant butterfly gardens, tend yards and lawns so as not to kill our pollinators, then expand to cultivate charitable responses so as not to kill our souls or those of our neighbors, treat a woman with the same respect you would a man, help someone find a job, help all people feel welcome in your presence and your family. All of these are ways of praying and discovering the joy of making God happy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength and my shield." Psalm 28:7 . . . . #creativeleadership #radicallyinclusive #radicalfaith #findingjoy #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #coffeeandjesus #gritandgrace #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethought #tbt #throwbackthursday #follow #instalike #likeforlike #l4l #followher #wordoftheyear2020 #findingjoyinthelittlethings https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8NqknlhYt/?igshid=17z9mtx1y0vyu

[catholicwritergirl]

He didn't feel like tracing the letter of the week for his home schooling. He resisted. He rebelled. He pouted and said "No!" as emphatically as his little body could emote. So I traced the first one. Sometimes we resist what we need to do because we don't know how. BE willing to show others how to love. He traced a few letters then but claimed fatigue. Sometimes we need encouraging words to keep us on the right path. BE willing to offer an encouraging word to someone who's complaining or not engaging. I held the crayon for him and asked him to move my hand to form the letter. Sometimes we need someone to do the work with us, to find a creative solution to what we need to learn. BE willing to stand/sit/lay beside someone and join their effort or offer a creative approach to something with which they're struggling. This is how we live the greatest commandments: loving God with everything we've got and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. His letter was G. Give God the Glory. . . . . #homeschoolinggrandma #giveGodtheglory #theletterG #howtoshowlove #26letterstolearn #adayinthelifeofa4yearold #whenmommaneedstorest #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #gritandgrace #lovingkindness #creativeapproachtolearning #grandsofinstagram #chrissautermanion https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxfVIdFLHS/?igshid=vwce2hpwhd7g

[catholicwritergirl]

Our souls hunger to graze upon the beauty God feeds us. What draws us to butterflies? Is it their beauty? The lovely lightness of their flittery flights? Or is it the flirty way we catch only glimpses of the beauty that lies within their wings? Draw us in, they do. Just like God Who gives us glimpses all day long of His beauty and love for us which lies within His kingdom. Within us. I could not walk away from the delicacy of the white-crowned purple flowers of this Duranta bush. It mesmerizes me. Put a butterfly with them and I'm lost in the goodness and kindness of a Creator Who is pleased by my pleasure. This is the penultimate moment of divine communion: when creation represented by the butterfly and Duranta flowers reflect the Creator in their very existence and obedience; when God sees that what He created pleases us, and while He holds His breath, we drink in His beauty and know somewhere deep within, that He made it just for us. And we all sigh together. . . . . . #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #radicalfaith #mystic #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #layspirituality #laycontemplative #christianauthor #chrissautermanion #Christconsciousness #Godspatientpursuitofmysoul #listenwithyourheart #catholicculture #Catholiclife #discipleshipisarelationship #beingcalled #faithwriters https://www.instagram.com/p/CGf7n_6lvw8/?igshid=1wpbwcw1aemgh

[catholicwritergirl]

The criminal justice system finds a major intersection of art and social action in collector and philanthropologist Agnes "Aggie" Gund. Aggie, former head of New York's Museum of Modern Art, sold her beloved Masterpiece painting by Lichtenstein for $165 million in order to use the $ to start a nonprofit Art for Justice Fund for criminal justice reform. Art helps us see the world through others' eyes. I love women who perpetually defy what’s expected of them. I fully support the study of the arts in our prison system. The power of art includes healing; it helps us understand our inner self. Our daughter taught poetry and drama to prisoners during her college years. Although I don't fully agree with the sentiment "without empathy, you cannot have justice," I look forward to seeing the Sundance movie "Aggie," done by her grandchildren. Has art ever moved you? When I stood before Michaelangelo's David in Florence years ago, I wept. Being only 21, I felt embarrassed for I didn't know the power of art then. What art has made you cry? Or moves you to this day? Who's one of your favorites artists? . . . . . #artforcriminaljustice #aggiegundfilm #artforsocialjustice #empathymatters #philanthropyatitsbest #philanthropyforsocialchange #artthatmakesyoucry https://www.instagram.com/p/CGfspoqFeNw/?igshid=1knpo4kx77j13

[catholicwritergirl]

When St. Therese joined her obscure Carmelite convent in Normandy, each person chooses a symbol to mark things they use. Therese chose a reed to mark her belongings as seen on her clog in the adjoining image. "The reed shall not break." Isaiah 42:3. Perhaps you are experiencing a life similar to Therese's: suffering, darkness, disease, and disappointments. Perhaps God is renewing you, too. Therese was easily wounded, being hyper- sensitive (that sounds like me), spoiled, and a perfectionist (that could be me, too, though I'm loathe to admit it). She had to learn how to accept each moment as a gift from God and grow from her disappointments. Like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, also now a named saint (although many called her such when she was alive), a dark night of the soul gripped her for over a year before she died. She was denied Holy Communion because she could not keep it down due to her tuberculosis. In her absolute emptiness, she shared her deepest teaching: "Everything is grace!" God taught her He is present within every breath, experience, joy, sorrow, disappointment. And pain. Without a doubt, He is using this time of Covid isolation to teach us similar understandings. We long for resurrection and new life. Recall Jesus' first appeared when the disciples locked themselves in the Upper Room out of fear. Most of us know fear right now... We may be afraid yet one with everyone and everything. Certainly we become more deeply aware and believe God dwells in each of us. We go within to become more alive, more whole. Oct. 1. The memorial of St. Therese, the apple of God's eye. Just like you. Link to my FB live to Therese. .https://www.facebook.com/authorchrismanion/videos/2868356993446546/ . . #thereseofLisieux #StThereseoftheChildJesus #Carmelites #communionofsaints #butfirstJesus #chrissautermanion #servantleader #Christconsciousness #Godspatientpursuitofmysoul #listenwithyourheart #catholicculture #Catholiclife #discipleshipisarelationship #listeningisagift #livesofthesaint #attitudeoftheheart #faithwriters #womensministry #unshakeablefaith #whydoesgodallowsuffering #mindfulnesspractice #findingpeacewithin #thelittleway #livesofthesaints https://www.instagram.com/p/CF0DfK0lHLF/?igshid=766awh6tnz8q

[catholicwritergirl]

There is such beauty in the bark of slash pines. When some of its bark falls away, the tree is not harmed. The broken pieces become helpful garden mulch. God's beauty can be found within each of us. We may have some rough exteriors, but when we open our hearts to God, we see with new eyes of love. What He asks us to release will help His garden, His kingdom. Our broken pieces become mulch in God's garden. You are wonderfully, marvelously made. God knew you before you were born. Release whatever bark He pulls away. You will still stand stand tall and beautiful. Don't worry about your exterior like the Pharisees. It is the inside of your cup, the inside of your heart, your desire to please God that matters to Jesus. "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 . . . . #spiritualgrowth #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #chrissautermanion #radicalfaith #mystic #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #christianmicroblogger https://www.instagram.com/p/CFH_3v8ladA/?igshid=18513c3u2ubxs

[catholicwritergirl]

The identifying mark of a Christian is treating all others the way God treats us. Not easy. That's why it stands out. Sunlight is all around us. We don't notice the omnipresent sunlight during the day until it's filtered through clouds or tree branches. Then we take pictures. Then we remark upon its beauty. God is all around us. The world may not notice God's omnipresent love until it is filtered through us. Through our love despite our pain, despite being bullied, mistreated, called names, undervalued or unacknowledged. Filtered through our suffering, when we still choose to love--as difficult and painful as it is to love those who hate us--God's love becomes visible and breathtaking. . . . . #themostbasiclawofJesus #themarkofachristian #howwemeasureishowgodwillgive2us #letyourloveshow #chooselove #thinkwellofothers #christianspeaker #godneverholdsbacknorshouldwe #christiancharity #christdoctorsoursoul #christianethics #aswemeasuregodmeasuresus #makemyheartmorelikeyoursLord https://www.instagram.com/p/CFAEX8AFMcS/?igshid=1gx6u5nw36vgr

[catholicwritergirl]

Rest. Breathe. Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving even though so much is not right, unfair, and upsetting. Keep choosing gratitude for all things. Let us show God we trust him by this small act amidst our grief. If I can pray for you in any way, let me know below. . . . . #instagood #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #tbt #throwbackthursday #follow #instalike #likeforlike #l4l #followher #givethanksforeverything #labordaybreak https://www.instagram.com/p/CEsjQ2KlTcR/?igshid=1jb5ysiasualq

[catholicwritergirl]

I sit in my car outside a medical clinic truck, waiting for my appointment for a Covid rapid test. In June, we didn't have a rapid test option except prior to surgeries. I feel fine. The test is for our daughter's peace of mind before our visit. It's a small price to pay. A gift of love. Each person I see wearing a mask is also a gift of love. Every life is a gift of love from our Father above. Thank you for living yours well. For breathing peace into the world's air. If you look with a grateful heart, there is much to gladden it. And we need to look daily, for the principalities and powers of darkness would rather us not see the good, the beautiful. The Lord. I see you Lord. Everywhere. Thank you for eyes to see. . . . . #Christconsciousness #prayerlife #innerhealing #encouragingwords #speaklife #womenoftheword #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #readingcommunity #writers #writingcommunity #layspirituality #laycontemplative #christianauthor #chrissautermanion #writersnetwork #creativeCatholic #Godspatientpursuitofmysoul #listenwithyourheart #prayingthepsalms https://www.instagram.com/p/CEorcLpF86r/?igshid=1rfy2j13fl01x

[catholicwritergirl]

Joy. A challenging word for our times. It happens to be the word I chose for this year. Before all "this" happened. Do you think God knew what He was doing when He put that in my heart? I do. And I'm working on it. The work stretches me. It's meant to, don't you think? Looking for joy within me is part of my relationship with Love. He wants to gives us joy and peace. It pains Him when we refuse it. We have to want it to receive it. Love never forces Himself or His gifts upon us. There's the rub: do we want to find joy right now or do we want to wallow? "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." John 14:27 NIV When we accept the water of His peace in these desert times, joy blossoms from the dry soil of our souls. Then we look up and see all the wonders He created around us. And we gasp in awe. . . . . #helpyourbody #mentalhealthtips2020 #howtocopewithirritability #spiritualgrowth #contemplativelaylife #Catholiccreatives #catholicpodcast #catholicmusicians #Catholicwriters #Catholicspeaker #creativecatholic #spokenwomen #bissisterhood #proverbs31 #hopewriter #seekhimfirst #womenofgod #graceupongrace #christianliving #womeninministry #gracenotperfection #christiancommunity #dailydevotional #wellwateredwomen #womenwithvision #livebygrace #godmoments #simplejoys #soulcare #godsartwork https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcIGUIFX82/?igshid=m081wv5njlrn