Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day: Louisiana Nature Scenes

I just found out about the new Louisiana State Parks app. I was excited to downloadit and realize how close I am to a nice little park called Fairview on the Tchefuncte River.

It is so pretty there and I made it there and back while my gas light was on. I am always in need of a connection to God in nature.

The Sinner's Scarlet Letter

^^^^ CHARITY ^^^^

I am seriously thinking of getting a letter 'P' strung around my neck as a reminder that my scarlet letter is for my huge pride problem.

If one could have a love affair with pride, that would be me.  Pride manifests itself in so many ways and as the meditation read tonight, 'never forget the devil is on the prowl like a lion waiting to feast."  So true, so true.

But on the OTHER HAND... the meditation also read that there is more grace to be had than sin.  Once again, Jesus Christ redirects from the gaping hole of original sin that leads us, i.e. me<--- astray.="" p="">
Christ states His emphatic, unparalleled, overcoming, all-encompassing love.  Love is a big thing, not a small thing and it is shown in charity.  Unfortunately, many do not know charity and what it really is.  But Jesus Christ lived it.  If only I could hold my tongue and only speak when necessary like the great Son of God.

So much to learn and so far to grow! In the mean time, I did stop at Target to get a 'P' necklace.  They didn't have one.  Maybe I'll just sew an actual HUGE letter on my clothing and witness to my sin as I go.  Or maybe, I'll just try to live what Christ has witnessed too, a life of charity.

Prayer for a Friend

I am not a good writer. I do not practice temperance well. I struggle with restraint. I contend daily with the urge to SAY something when nothing needs to be said. I am at fault. I love Jesus.

Those are reasons why I am compelled to write a prayer. I promised to write a prayer for a friend about various things, but I told her it would take time.  A word spoke to me during mass last weekend and it is the inspiration for the following.

Lord,
Transfigure my interior
Transfigure my exterior
Transfigure my courage
Transfigure my weakness
Transfigure my doubt
Transfigure my sight
Transfigure my love
Transfigure my strength
Transfigure my soul
Jesus,
Make me more like you.
Amen.

Traveling Meditation

On my nine hour drive today I was thinking of the cross we are called to carry.  If we did compare with others, I think we might see greener fields at first.  But on closer inspection the strength required to carry another's cross might be too much to bare.

Instead of asking 'why do I have to carry this?', the question should be 'How is this going to help me grow into the disciple Christ needs me to be?'

It's okay I think if you have to ask that question many times before you know the answer. Jesus Christ will answer.

And if you are seeking an answer in order to grow closer to Christ then you will definitely gain the strength you need to hold that cross up.

He will make it okay and temper the storm upon you.