#discerment

[tears-that-heal]

Not of the World, but In the World. ✝️ ❤️ 🌎

Our World’s Politics and Governmental structure is Keep & Run by Man. Therefore highly influenced by Man. As a Follower of Christ, my primary source of guidance and life’s direction is in God’s Word; the Holy Bible. Political parties & etc. mean very little me. It’s mostly noise and distraction from this world’s deep rooted issues. It basically all began in the garden of Eden. Despite the path chosen by man that brought us to this day, we were given these stewardships by God….

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.” ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬, ‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

It was in the garden, God granted humanity (Adam & Eve) the authority and stewardship over all the earth. Simply put, it’s humanities’ duty to care for our plant and all of its inhabitants.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

As Christians, we’re called to follow the laws of the land. I understand this is a touchy subject for many, which makes it even more prudent to bring up. Trust in the Lord on who He permits to be in our government leadership (in the USA). Will it always be someone you like? Or someone that you will always see eye to eye? Honestly No! Yes, we are called to care and be good stewards of this land and its people, but not one individual or an entire government can replace the sovereignty and wisdom of the Almighty God, YHWH. In other words, God is the only Righteous Judge. He’s Omnipresent, He alone can see man’s heart and its true intentions. Christians need to be involvement in how our world is cared for, which includes our government system, but be vigilant to not fall into placing your hopes on man alone. Sadly politics is one clear venue that all the world can see the full spectrum of humanities’s imperfect and selfish nature played out, repeatedly.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.” ‭‭(Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ NLT‬‬)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

God does not change! He’s the Alpha & Omega; the beginning and the end. He is and has been forever the same! His faithful promises will never be altered or changed. This the absolute truth! Keep choosing to trust in Him always. 🥰 You’ll never regret it!

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” ‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

AMEN ❤️

[whatisontheheartmindsoul]

Careful What You Say

There was a girl who learned that being honest was a good thing. So, she made it a point to just say what was on her mind. One day this girl returned to her hometown and visited her old school. As she peaked through the window of a classroom that her sister was in, she noticed an old friend in there too. As she observed her, she looked to her twin sister and told her, “Oh look, Erica has changed some, she has gotten bigger, and look at her shirt doesn’t it look cool. Oh wow, you can tell she is still popular. She looks so pretty and cool still.” Not knowing there was someone listening, except a tall man. 

She went on her merrily way, walking to the middle school she would soon go to, and looking at the changes of the town. Her sister came home from school extremely mad and said," What is wrong with you? Someone told Erica that you said she was FAT! She cried and didn’t understand why you would say anything about her!” The girl explained what she had said and didn’t mean to sound offensive that she only said she got bigger and that she still looked cool. Her sister said it doesn’t matter what else I said, it matters that she made a comment about weight and that Erica was going through some things.

As her sister explained, this girl felt bad and wanted to apologize, but was so embarrassed. Her mother then talked to her about discernment. In how it’s not what you say, but how you say it. It is good to be honest, but there are ways in how you say something. Everyone is different and you need to speak to them in a way that makes them understand without hurting them.

The girl never went back to the school, nor did she ever apologize. One day this girl was out with her father and sisters and a burger joint. As they sat at the booth waiting for their order, her sister said, "Is that Erica? You know she is still mad at you.” The girl hid in shame, and was afraid that if she approached Erica, that there would be a fight and she didn’t want her dad to get upset too. Her father looked at her weird, when he got back from putting their order in. He told the girl to sit up right like a lady. The girl did but had her head down in shame.

As weeks turned to months and months turned to years, she still wishes she would of went to the school and apologized, even when she had a chance to make it right at the burger joint. She had two opportunities to make it right, and apology. But out of fear and shame didn’t. That moment in time will always haunt the girl, she wishes for one more chance to apologies. A day that may or may never come.

As the girl works with children, now that she is older now. She tells them of this story in her life, and tells the children, “Always be careful what you say, you can hurt someone deeply if you don’t.” She then lets them know about discernment and how we should talk to each other, no matter if you like or do not like someone, because we do not know what the other person is going through. Always be quick to forgive, but always be quicker to seek forgiveness.

 Apologize and own your part in what you speak and do. Once you are done take it as a lesson learned and move forward.

[smokeyloki]

Friendly reminder that vocations are not entirely on you to figure out. It's a cooperative effort, and God's timing and Will play a very important part in guiding you.

He will show you when both you and Him are ready. Not a moment sooner. Don't be dismayed for not having the clear, step-by-step plan early on in life.

[pamphletstoinspire]

The Five Foundations for Discernment On the Path to God’s Peace

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  - Romans 8:5–6

I have struggled many times with aridity in prayer. I didn’t even know the term aridity until I stumbled across it and my eyes were opened to this common spiritual challenge. When I became Catholic, I experienced a rapid heal­ing — in particular through the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and a Jesuit priest, Jean-Pierre de Caussade.

In Teresa I found a kindred soul — one that understood what a real relationship with Jesus looked like. In de Caussade I found a way to see a vision of God in all things, in every moment. These writers helped to reinforce my commitment to prayer and to filling my mind with truth. This helped me to better see God and yield to Him as I experienced circumstances and situations that brought fear, anxiety, and despair to the surface — to be healed.

Next I encountered the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola through the indispensable writings and reflections of Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. This was the beginning of the end of the final strongholds that seemed to be too strong to be overcome.

My aim now is to move from my personal story into what I would call a simplified understanding of the practice of discernment of spirits.

Foundations of Discernment, Path to Peace

Some important foundational truths must be understood. They are what I would call a Paradigm of Ascent and are the necessary foundations of discernment and the path of healing and peace that God has provided for all of us. These truths are foundational in that if they are not all present in some substantive way, the practice of discernment of spirits is impossible to follow and the promise of peace is impossible to experience.

First Foundation: A “Yes” to God

The first foundational truth is that we must have an authentic “yes” in our heart to God to begin and complete the journey of healing in heaven. It is not enough to merely know about God or even to practice our faith — we must know him intimately. This is the path of the mystics, but it is also the path to heaven.

This path is often obscure to most Catholics because it is not common for someone already in the Church to hear a call to conversion. However, this call to conversion and even the warnings of hell were offered frequently by Jesus to those who were His close followers. Though we have been baptized and confirmed, we still must constantly recognize our need for God and for the conversion of life that draws us ever more closely to Him.

Second Foundation: Confession & the Eucharist

The second foundational element is the most important sup­port for our “yes” of the heart, and it consists of two of the sacra­ments, the Eucharist and regular confession. The Eucharist is the most powerful sustenance of our faith, and we should pursue participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as frequently as possible.

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is also absolutely necessary to support our “yes.” Too often we underestimate the power of this sacrament. We might think of it merely as a remedy for sin, which is vital and true, but it is also a great grace to strengthen us against falling into sin. The Sacrament of Penance both provides forgiveness of sins and strengthens us in our efforts to fight sin. Regardless of either emphasis, if we are not reconciled to God and not living in a state of grace, we are cut off from the life of grace and will not be able to discern the difference between the inspirations of God and the temptations of the devil.

Because of the poor catechesis of our time, I must be clear. Living in a state of grace means that we are living without having unconfessed mortal sins, and we are following the teachings of the Church.

Third Foundation: Daily Prayer

The third foundational element to authentic and effective discernment is daily prayer. The most powerful daily prayers are twofold: mental prayer and the Rosary.

Sts. Teresa of Avila and Alphonsus Liguori consider daily mental prayer as necessary for salvation because of the impact on the soul of those who daily draw near to their Savior. The Rosary, as revealed by our Blessed Mother, is necessary both for our salvation and that of the world.

Together, these two daily prayers provide both protection and a kind of shield and nurturing to our “yes” that allow us to move forward in faith.

Fourth Foundation: Ascesis

The fourth foundational element to our discernment is ascesis. This ancient Greek word simply means “exercise.” In our usage, that exercise is to exert daily and deliberate effort away from sin and toward self-giving to God and our neighbor. Ascesis is simply self-giving and self-denial — saying “no” to the draws of our lower nature in order to say “yes” to giving ourselves completely to God and to those whom He has placed in our care or circle of influence. Ascesis is simply what it means to truly follow Jesus.

This final element completes what I like to call a “saint-making machine.” These basic elements are in place in the life of every saint and everyone who makes progress in the spiritual life toward God and peace and away from sin and the sorrows of sin. This Paradigm of Ascent is also the necessary basis for beginning to distinguish between the voice and influence of God and the voice and influence of the enemy of our souls.

As we begin to implement these practices, we will lay a founda­tion that is, in and of itself, the most powerful healing force we can know. We will begin living by what is known in Catholic Tradi­tion as a “rule of life” or what we call in our community a “plan of love.” A plan of love is simply a set of concrete commitments that we make to God on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. A simple plan of love might look something like this:

1. Daily Mental Prayer — Wake up at 6:00 a.m. and pray for ten minutes, focusing on the Gospel Reading of the day. 2. Daily Rosary — Pray one decade in the car on the way to work. 3. Attend Mass every Sunday without fail. 4. Go to confession every other week.

Fifth Foundation: Review Your Day

The final step in our foundation is what is known as an exa­men prayer:

https://jesuits.org/Assets/Publications/File/The_Daily_Examen.pdf

or an examination of conscience.

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm

I encourage practicing the examen in a way that is focused on God’s redemptive power and mercy, not only our weakness. As St. Paul recalled, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ . . . for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The approach I recommend looks something like this. At the same time every night before going to bed, take five minutes to review your day. Slowly go over your day from morning to evening, asking two simple questions:

1. What have I been able to do, by the grace of God, that is honoring to Him and others? When you discover these things, express praise to God. This can be as simple as “Thank you, Lord, for the ability to pray according to my plan of love when I didn’t feel like doing so.”

2. How have I failed to honor God and others in my life? When you discover these things, you still pray in thanksgiving something like this: “Thank you, Lord, for revealing my sin to me so that I can be forgiven and strengthened to overcome this sin in the future.”

Now, this may seem very simple — and it is. However, don’t be fooled. This powerful practice is no less important than a compass to someone seeking their way through the wilderness. It keeps us awake to our progress on the narrow way to heaven, and it helps ensure that we stay on the path.

BY: DAN BURKE

[reikifromlourdes]

The Reiki in this photo is for discernment/insight. Here is a link to the corresponding video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5cbqmybP0g&t=98s  Blessings, Lourdes

[tears-that-heal]

This is the Incredible Power & Authority of God’s Word, the Holy Bible!!! Can you visualize this metaphor? Can you see any sharp object be able to cut between joints and marrow? Even a surgeon’s scalpel has its limits to accomplish such an act. Yet, God’s Holy Scripture does it in one, accurate and perfect swoop.

📖❤️🗡️

[tears-that-heal]

NEW Blog Post Series…. 🚩

Red Flag Symbols for Christians #2

My vacation to California had me get a little behind on my posts for this series. Lol Actually my time in Cali reminded me of another symbol used by many modern artists. This post will focus on the spiritual meanings of the Moth. Both the Chinese Lunar moth and the Death’s Head Hawk moth are two types of moths being used and seen in current witchcraft-related, pagan and gothic art.

From wikiHow: moth symbolism

Moths can represent change, transformation, and growth. Many cultures see moths as symbols of death and believe they bring messages from the afterlife. Others believe that moths symbolize your intuition and encourage you to trust your inner wisdom.

The Chinese lunar moth is used heavily along side the moon phases image and specific plants like mushroom and other herbal plants. Simply with the name of the moth makes sense why wiccans love them so much. Lunar equal “luna” is spanish for “moon”. These specific types of moth artwork are mainly for nature worshipers, pagans, witches and wiccans Other symbols to be aware of like in the second image is the “third eye” at the bottom, the snakes (x2), crystals and of course, the moon on top. The “third eye” usually represents the ability to see beyond/what’s ahead/foreseeing. Crystals are believed to posses the power to heal, a trend that’s been building in popularity in our society. This believe has already been debunck by science; future blog post to come.

Just to point out in the image above, many artists who use moths and etc. symbols in their artwork are sometimes feminists and naturalists as well. Which is why the witch girl in the image above has slightly hairy arms and legs; they choose not to shave. I personally don’t see anything wrong with this choice, but I have noticed the pattern in women who choose to do this are making a conscous statement towards society.

Now onto the Death’s Head Hawk moth which symbolizes as an omen of death. This believe isn’t limited to this specific and rarely seen moth, but moths in many cultures have this similar folklore that foreshadows death. We knew moth follow the moon light at night and dwells is dark corners during the day. In many tribal cultures moths, and sometimes butteries, are able to cross into the spirit realm and return with messages for their ancestors. As Christians, we know this doesn’t match with our beliefs and what’s written in God’s Word.

Hope this blog post was helpful to you, my brothers in sisters in Christ! I continue to strive and post on this blog series every Wednesday. Bless You All, and have a Wonderful Merry Christmas!!!! 🎄💖 ✝️

[beautifulsoul247]