The Stone Rejected
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Many years ago, at the age of seven, I was diagnosed with near sighted vision and was fitted for my first pair of glasses. "WOW—trees have leaves!!" I remember thinking that thought as I came home wearing those glasses.
It was many years after that as I lay under a tree, glasses off, talking with God---I asked Him, "Why didn’t He heal my eyes so I would not have to wear these glasses anymore?" (Glasses seemed to get more expensive every time I bought a new pair. Raising a family—money tended to play a major part of conversations with God and when I prayed.)
The reply that came back to my heart was “You have a vision that others do not—you see what I see. And, you need to trust in Me!”
I knew what He meant, as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Wisdom and the grace to always find hidden meanings in events, people’s actions, and in His Words of Scripture.
As I continued to look up at the blurry branches and leaves above me---I gave Him thanks for my eyes, my vision, and especially for my gift of seeing as He sees.
Now, to write that God spoke to my heart, some may think I am 'bragging.' However, dear ones--"My sheep know my voice!" As I mentioned also--His Voice is an inner Wisdom, Discernment, Understanding and Knowledge: all gifts of the Holy Spirit that came when we were Confirmed. I was confirmed about age 8 or 9, and as Jesus had to mature quite a bit more. :)
How many of us when we are confirmed realized what receiving the Holy Spirit really meant? Did we have a "Pentecostal experience as the disciples did? I don't believe so.
To truly hear, know His Voice---and to truly have the gifts of the Holy Spirit alive and active in our hearts and lives--here is what you MUST do.
Open your hearts completely and ask Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come into your life. "I am a servant of the Lord, Father God. Be it done unto me as YOU WILL."
Say these words/prayer and mean it with all your heart, all you mind and spirit. Then as with Mary, Jesus will be alive in you!!
At Subiaco on a retreat, I did just that and was forever 'changed' and God was alive in my life. I KNEW there was a God and He was real and everywhere!!!
People who went to Cursillo or Renew or any type of retreat where they were led to say--"Here I am, Lord, do with me what You Will" --- They know and experience the total awesomeness of GOD alive in their life--now and forever!!
God does speak to us, in dreams too, and walks and talks with us all the day long! But, first He said, we need to ask to receive, seek and we will find, and knock and He will come right into your life like never before!!
Question is, do you want to be a zealous servant, filled with overflowing joy, radiating His love from your face as you go forth into the world.
Sadly, many have said--"nah, that's just not for me."
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
