God is Present in the Ordinary

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and

 the love of God and

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with all of us. Amen

2 Corinthians 13:13

Seasons change… Easter has concluded and ordinary time in scripture is upon us through the summer and into the fall. The ordinary activities of life, family and work can become dull and mundane leaving our hearts open to grace of God or the thrill of foolishness. Do not let the dullness of life’s chores leads us away from the true meaning of our life. God is present to us in our ordinary, sometimes tedious activities; driving to work, smiling at a stranger, preparing dinner, doing a hard days work, washing clothes, mowing the lawn, paying the bills, caring for the sick and parenting our children. Each of these moments can be moments of grace, expressions of love and fellowship for our families and honoring each day as a gift from God. It is the presence of Christ that empowers us to faithfully do what is right. It is the love of God that pours out of us so that we may serve joyfully. It is the companionship of the Holy Spirit that inspires, encourages and strengthens us every moment of every day. When we embrace every activity, no matter how ordinary or mundane, with faith, hope and love, we can be sure that the extraordinary grace of Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit are with us. May our life be the fulfillment of God’s Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, may I seek you as my salvation, my eternal companion and the love of my life so that I may live forever in your peace.

The Love of God Poured into Our Hearts

The love of God has been poured into our hearts

through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, Alleluia.

Romans 5:5

Love is a trigger word for many of us. It may trigger feelings of romance, deep care and commitment, and friendship as well as anger, distrust and resentment. We often base our feelings and expressions of love on past experiences and internal emotions. We may have experienced love as a means to control and manipulate another for personal gain and satisfaction. Love may have been used to excuse or deny inappropriate behavior. However, the love of God poured into our heart casts out fear, anxiety and distrust. Beginning first in our hearts as the loving presence of kindness, patience, forgiveness, compassion, comfort, peace and joy, we come to know the love of God as something beyond emotions and feelings. It is an unshakeable, unconditional permanence that embraces us in spite of our burdens, wounds, limitations and weaknesses. It is the love of God that is poured into our hearts, dwelling within and thus lifting us out of ourselves so that we may truly love others. Alleluia! I can love others because I  am open to the unlimited love God pours into me. Alleluia!.

Dear Jesus, open my heart to Your flow of love so that I may more fully realize how you dwell within me and offer that love to others. Amen

Joan E. Derrig-Heacox

Seeking God’s Presence – Healing the Wounded Heart

Spiritual Direction available in person or phone by appointment.

seekinggodspresence@gmail.com

330-760-6759            919-435-1694

No one has ever seen God.

Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,

and God’s love is brought to perfection in us. 1 John 4:12

Be Kind … Seek Goodness

Be Patient … Seek Peace

Be Honest … Seek Truth

Be Compassionate … Seek Forgiveness

Be Joyful … Seek Humility

Be Faithful … Seek Hope

Be the Presence of Love … Seek God

Dear Jesus, fill me with the gifts of the Spirit so that I may be the presence of Love and others will seek You through me. Amen

Joan E. Derrig-Heacox, MM

seekinggodspresence.com          [email protected]

Seeking God’s Presence – Healing the Wounded Heart

Spiritual Direction available in person or phone by appointment.

[email protected]     cell 330-760-6759     office 919-435-1694

Being God’s Chosen People

For the week ending on May 13, 2012   Sixth Sunday of Easter

.It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and

appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,

so that whatever you ask the Father in my name

he may give you. John 15:16

When we hear and open our hearts to God’s word, it is up to us to accept and respond as God’s chosen people. It is God that chooses, loves, inspires and appoints us to be the living, loving, forgiving presence in our home, work place and community. We are to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Self-control, Generosity, Gentleness, and Faithfulness. When we live in a way that gives glory to God, God will give back to us, respond to our prayers and needs out of divine love. Not because we earned love by our good works but because the fruit we bear remains as the living presence of the Kingdom of God in our midst.

Dear Jesus, help me to accept myself as your chosen people and purify my heart so that I may to bear the fruit of your love in my life.  Amen

Joan E. Derrig-Heacox

Joan E. Derrig-Heacox

Seeking God’s Presence – Healing the Wounded Heart

Spiritual Direction available in person or phone by appointment.

[email protected]

330-760-6759 or 919-435-1694