The Real Life Saint In All Of Us

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:6

Although we celebrate Halloween, I always feel the need to go to church the next day. We started early on Sunday morning to make the 8 AM mass for the Feast Of All Saints.

I was touched by the priest's sermon this week, just as I was last week. These guys are on a roll lately! He discussed how we all know real life saints in your everyday lives. They might not get the international kudos of official saints, but they are doing His work just the same.

What makes a person a real-life saint? They see a need and instead of walking away, they help. A real-life saint is motivated by His grace and the desire to do good rather than a feeling of obligation.

Often we do something helpful or nice because we feel we "have to". If we turn that around and see it as an opportunity to experience and share His grace, we can become real-life saints, too! It made me examine my motives. From now on, I will see opportunities rather than obligations.

Do you know any real-life saints? Are you working on being a real-life saint yourself? How does it make you feel when someone offers help with love rather than a sense of obligation? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts at Gathering4Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Can You Really Regain Your Virginity?

But if the wicked will turn from all sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekial 18:21

On Sunday, I went to a different church and mass. It was a youth mass and the young preacher was very effective. At one point during his sermon, he let the young people know they could get their virginity back.

After the initial shock, I realized he did not mean technically or scientifically. The preacher meant a person could spiritually regain their virginity by confessing, asking for forgiveness and doing what is right from that point forward.

We all have the same opportunity for rebirth. Yesterday I asked everyone what we could learn from George Michael's song "Faith". We know Michael struggled with sexuality issues and addiction. He still realized in his song he needed to wait for something more.

None of us should settle but we need to get actively involved in our redemption. Jesus died on the cross so sinners could be forgiven. All we need to do is ask for that forgiveness and go forward following His laws.

Each day is a new opportunity to do better. He gave us all the gift of redemption if we really want it and reach for it. No matter what your sins of the past, your present and future can be bright. It's up to you.

Have you ever felt your sins were so bad you could not be forgiven? Did you ever feel the burden lifted when you asked for forgiveness? Have you turned away from a sinful life and how does your new lifestyle make you feel? Please feel free to comment or share your own posts at Gathering4Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

What Can George Michael Teach Us About Faith?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Last night my son shared this with us after the evening prayer. When I woke up this morning, I read a couple of blog posts about faith. What a wonderful thought to end and start a day!

Faith is what we hope for and want. We believe it will happen although we cannot see it and have no proof. It comes from the strength of the spirit within rather than external forces. Faith is our invisible get spiritually tangible connection with Him.

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

Hebrews 11:3

This disproves the old saying, "You have to see it to believe it." Faith is all about believing what you feel rather than what you see, smell, taste, touch or hear.

What can George Michael teach us about faith? When the word kept popping up, I could not help remember the catchy lyrics of "Faith", a popular 80s song. He wants to touch the body of the one he loves but resists the temptation. He also says, "I need someone to hold me but I'll wait for something more."
Faith is about waiting for something more and knowing it will arrive. Because you believe, there are no worries or fears. You know it will all work out well because He is with you every step of the way.

Do you believe it if you can't see it? Does the concept of faith make sense to you? Has your faith lead you to "something more"? Please feel free to comment or share your own posts at Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Here is Faith by George Michael:

What's In Your Heart?

"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."

Acts 15:8-9

This Sunday I visited a different church. The priest was inspirational, encouraging us to start on a good note everyday. We can change, be pure and start all over again in faith. We each have the Holy Ghost and He is with us.

When we give ourselves to Him, we become pure again. Our sins are washed away because of Jesus' death on the cross for us. All we need to do is seek Him and He is there.

People make mistakes. Feeling guilty and unclean harnesses you to the error, now allowing you to move on. Confessing to Him cleanses us, relieves us of sin. He is there to hear you anytime and help you get back on the right track.

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Acts 15:11

All we need to do is believe and live by His word. His love is wonderful!

What is in your heart? Do you feel you are a sinner, unworthy of redemption? Have you ever confessed your sins to Him and felt cleansed, renewed? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Do You Know Your Christian Music Personality?

I just stumbled upon a fun Christian music personality quiz in my email inbox. It is only 15 questions and determines your Christian music personality. I thought my results were pinpoint and was amazed by the accuracy of this little quiz.
What is my Christian music personality? Here goes - and no surprise to me:

Old School Rocker:

You were there at the dawn of Christian rock music and understand how artists like Larry Norman, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry McGuire, the Talbot brothers and Keith Green shared the gospel using culturally relevant music. You love all styles of music, but rock is really your thing, and at heart you're a bit of a hippie for Jesus.

Alright, how did they know I was a young hippie? Rock is my thing and I do think of myself as a bit of a hippie for Jesus. I also relate to culturally relevant music and its evolution. I even sang in a Christian rock band for awhile when I was a teen!

Here are other possible Christian music personalities:

Secularly Saved:

You don't really identify with the whole Christian music scene. Sure, you like Christian artists that are known in the mainstream, like Switchfoot, Relient K, and Flyleaf, and you can see why Christians are into U2, but your music library consists of a variety of artists on both sides of the musical divide. Spiritual content isn't a priority; music is for entertainment.

Justice Jammer:

You're looking for more artistic value in your music, and want your music to challenge you spiritually as well as awaken your creative senses. You don't pay attention to the "Christian/Secular" labels and you put your faith into action by reaching out to the needy. Sara Groves, Derek Webb, Cademon's Call and The Wrecking are just some of the artists who've inspired you, and you're probably on the mailing lists for International Justice Mission, Love146, World Vision, Food for the Hungry and/or Compassion International.

Christian Music Fan:

You love Christian pop music, from Amy Grant to newsboys, because it offers you a clean alternative to mainstream Top 40. You also like Southern Gospel, and have maybe even been to a Gaither Homecoming event. Your kids probably sing along to VeggieTales in the minivan, and your teenagers preordered Skillet's newest CD (an album you probably also couldn't wait to get your hands on). You're an avid supporter of your local Christian radio station and don't listen to any secular music.

Gospel Glorifier:

You want your music to pick you up and make you move, and you don't care who's watching. You're happiest worshipping God with clapping hands and dancing feet and the power of the Holy Spirit moving through you. Artists like Andrae Crouch, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, and even Aretha Franklin really help you get your gospel groove on.

Worship Warrior:

You want your music to help you enter a place of worship, regardless of the style. Whether you're listening to Chris Tomlin in the car, raising your hands in praise at a Hillsong event, or grooving to Israel and New Breed, the music you love is more for the church than for the mainstream and is part of your devotional time with God.

Why not see which one you are? Check out the quiz at What's Your Christian Music Personality? Jesus is joy - have a beautiful, blessed afternoon!

My Mouth Will Make It Known

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever; with my mouth I will make known thy faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 89:1

Sometimes we get tired and lose inspiration. While my faith remained intact, my motivation was down lately. I didn't make time to sing His praises and it started to show in my daily life and attitude.

We went out to celebrate my mom's birthday yesterday and decided to stop at a different church in the area. There was no time to make it back for mass in my town. It was a reminder to shake it up a little sometimes, keep reaching for the inspiration.

It was a youth mass with a guest preacher who grew up in the neighborhood. This young priest had insight beyond his years. He spoke to us as if he knew us all personally. It made me realize every day is a new opportunity to do it better and praise Him.

The singer accompanying the preacher was like an angel. Her bell-like voice filled you with His spirit and made you sing even if you usually don't. You could feel her faith in every note.

Often I go through the motions during the singing. Some of the songs are slow or a I don't know the words. This mass featured an upbeat selection of inspirational songs. The ushers handed out a sheet with the words so you could sing along. Before you knew it, I was singing His praises and feeling better than I had in weeks.

We were all singing, promising to love Him forever and share our faith with the generations. I felt light, happy and back on track, ready to sing His praises everyday.

Have you sung his praises lately? How does it make you feel when you sing or talk about Him? Do you ever reach for inspiration when you can't seem to find it in yourself? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Spring Cleaning Your Sins

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Proverbs 28:13

With sunny days comes the inspiration to spring clean your house and yard. The additional light reveals all the dust, leaves and debris that built up over the dark, lazy winter. While it might be easy to see the telltale signs of neglect around your home, it is often more difficult to pinpoint the sins that surmount on your soul.

Exhaustion and pessimism often go hand-in-hand with unconfessed sins. Perhaps one day you gave in to gossiping about a friend, co-worker, family member or associate. Maybe you got angry and said something you regret. Possibly you lied to your boss about being sick to get a day off. Or your sins could be something else. Everyone has their own faults and makes mistakes.

As human beings, we are subject to sin. This is the reason God sent his only son Jesus. The final error is not in the sin itself but in failing to confess the sin and give it to Him. If you do not release the sin and let it go to Him, you cannot enjoy His forgiveness and mercy.

Recently I was called to confess my own sins. I participate in more than one church for several personal reasons. I was raised a Catholic and my children are getting the same religious education along with activities at another Christian church for a broader perspective.

My daughter made her first reconciliation last Sunday. I had not attended confession in over 12 years. A friend sitting in the pew in front of me admitted she had not gone for 10 years but felt so light and free after a recent confession.

My mom and the religious education coordinator (another friend) encouraged me to confess myself. A traveling, Spanish-speaking priest was present and he looked pleasant and approachable. I remembered him conducting a lovely Spanish mass I attended at our church a couple of years ago so I felt comfortable about talking to him. Visiting our regular pastor felt intimidating and I just wasn't ready.

While of course I wont go into the details of my confession, it was a wonderful experience. Much like everyone said, I felt a great weight lifted from my shoulders after speaking with Jesus through the priest.

The priest was compassionate and understanding. He let me know while he was there to help, I could relieve my burdens and sins directly to Jesus anytime. My "penance" was to take an hour alone at the beach every week to let go of personal burdens in a journal. This was definitely the best "penance" I ever received!

I learned Jesus is there for me whenever I need to let go of the sins of yesterday. I also discovered I felt lighter, freer and more capable once I confessed my sins to Him. The joy of forgiveness and His mercy overcame me and fueled my week in a wonderful way.

Now that spring is here, it's time to spring clean your spirit so you can walk in faith and love again. Are sins and personal burdens dragging you down? Has it been a long time since you admitted your sins to Him? Did you feel relief when you finally gave your sins and burdens to Jesus? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!