I believe that there are certain words we use that call us into a deeper level of spirituality. One of those words is the name Jesus utters for His father in heaven, “Abba.” Author Brennan Manning wrote, “My identity as Abba’s child is not an abstraction or a tap dance into religiosity. It is the core truth of my existence.” …
Side by Side – Day 27 “Too Young to Die”
I was convinced I was going to die young. I am still young so I hope that is not true physically, but it has already happened spiritually. God knew me before I was born and in the time I pushed aside His love for a worldly life, He taught me to die to myself so I could let Him increase …
Side by Side – Day 21 “Scripture”
I spent a lot of my early years being told what I should believe. I have to say, it wasn’t fair that people allowed me to think that is how a relationship with our Lord works. You must make an effort in your day to live in His word. It fills you in ways with grace that you cannot even …
Side by Side – Day 17 “Jealousy”
If there is one trait that can derail our progress instantly, it is jealousy; desiring and despising what others are blessed with in life. In our readings for this day we hear how hating someone else for what they have leads to murderous thoughts. As we talked about with the fifth commandment, in our lives, it might not be physical …
Side by Side – Day 12 “Valley Living”
The story of the Transfiguration is one of my favorite stories as it relates to how we react when God shows up in our life. Peter is so excited on the mountain to see Christ’s glory that he just wants to set up tents for everybody and stay there forever. However, once the clouds come over, he basically freaks out …
Side by Side – Day 11 “Keep Your Enemies Closer”
I must admit, forgiveness is a rough one for many of us. It’s nice in theory but the memories we have of our hurt make us never forget. This is exactly why it’s necessary. Yes, we offer forgiveness to loved ones to let them know we can move on. What about our enemies? We have to keep them closer in …
Side by Side – Day 10 “Taking the Fifth”
We are ten days into lent and we are hit with a biggie, “Thou shall not kill.” The short version of the fifth commandment can have us breathing a sigh of relief. “If I haven’t physically murdered anyone, I am clear of having to confess this one…” WRONG! The beauty of our Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of …
Side by Side – Day 7 “For Crying Out Loud”
Reverence in prayer is a beautiful thing. Surrounded by candles, lifting our soul up to God in quietness of the church so He can hear our desires. While that is a beautiful picture certain videos and movies depict, it’s not always reality. I would go deeper to say that it’s not what God wants all the time. He loves our …
Side by Side – Day 5 “Daily Battles”
One thing we don’t talk about enough is “Spiritual Warfare.” Anytime we desire a closer relationship with Christ, the devil will work harder to do what he can in order to persuade us away. The Father knew this would be part of our humanness, so the Spirit leads His Son, Jesus, into the desert to be tempted before he begins …
Side by Side – Day 2 “Hope”
One word that seems to be getting lost in our society is “HOPE.” People have become so accustomed to living in the moment, immersed in technology; they stop looking at the world around them to see the beauty. It also prevents them from looking past the struggles they are experiencing to understand there is hope for their future. Together we …