Remember the Holy Souls

This month we especially remember the poor souls in Purgatory. It is so important that we pray for these souls, as some have no one to pray for them. Imagine being locked in a dark room all alone knowing only someone on the outside could get you out. So it is with the souls in Purgatory; they can only be released with our prayers and sacrifices.

When you're having a bad day, offer it for them. Whether it be a small annoyance or a great suffering, all can be offered for their rest. When we do this, these souls in turn aid us by praying for our good interests. Their power to help us is immeasurable.

One day, we could be a soul in Purgatory and if we are generous to the souls there now, I have a hunch that we will be repaid one hundredfold.

The Lord is my Shepherd

Does it seem like something is missing in your life? How often do we try to fill in that void with material things, yet they never seem to satisfy. We must realize the only source of true joy is Christ in your heart. Even on my worst day, I have hope and joy because I know that Jesus is with me and guiding me and will not lead me astray if only I trust Him completely.

Stop looking for that imperfect love and learn the truest love of all - not the love of self as the song would say - but the love of the one who died for you, the one who forgives you over and over again. God loves us in a way we cannot comprehend and wants us to love Him back. Seek nothing but Him and that void will be no more.

Pray the Rosary!

How are you feeling these days? There sure is a lot to be worried about. Besides the normal precautionary measures, we have a great gift given to us by our Blessed Mother: The Rosary. The power of the Holy Rosary is beyond our imagination. I can attest to that fact for it has brought myself and others many graces.

Think of the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was huge and could easily overpower David. It was the power of a mere slingshot that defeated Goliath. I believe that slingshot represents the Rosary. A small, yet very powerful weapon that can overpower the greatest evil.

It can seem overwhelming at times - having to say all of those prayers; how can we find the time? Well, you see, God is never outdone in generosity (a favorite quote of our pastor). The more time we give Him, the more He gives us in return. Don't believe me? See for yourselves. This is the perfect time to begin on this day of Our Lady of the Rosary in this month of the Holy Rosary.

Nothing can bring more peace than meditating on the lives of Jesus and Mary. Give it a "shot"!

Words to Live By

St. Therese: "Why should we defend ourselves when we are misunderstood and misjudged? Let us leave that aside. Let us not say anything. It is so sweet to let others judge us in any way they like. O blessed silence, which gives so much peace to the soul!"

A Prayer to St. Therese

O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces, in your unfailing intercession I place my trust. From the Heart of Our Blessed Savior petition these blessing of which I stand in greatest need (mention here). Shower upon me your promised roses of virtue and grace, dear Saint Therese, so that swiftly advancing in sanctity and in perfect love of neighbor, I may someday receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.

A Grateful Heart

How many times do we find ourselves envying others? "Sara" has such a great life or "Tommy" has it made. When we do this, we are adding a drop of poison to our souls and insult our Creator. If we are sure that we have done God's will to the best of our ability, then who are we to wish for anything different. If we have not been faithful to His laws, we still have a chance to turn our lives around.

Envy will take the soul to a place it does not belong. Once those doors are opened, the devil comes marching in whispering words of hatred and despair, convincing us that we are worthless and that others don't deserve what that have. Don't drink the poison. You can't imagine all the crosses that others have to silently bear.

Remember the old phrase, "count your blessings". This is so important. Everyone has something to be thankful for. Focus on those blessings and thank God for them. Thank Him for the sufferings as well because He has either given or allowed them for the good of our soul. Don't look for the reasons, just know that you are being guided by a loving God who could not have made you any more perfect than He already has. By perfect, I mean that God does not create anything or anyone in error.

God even uses our weaknesses for good. Think about it. What usually happens when catastrophe hits? The first response seems to be to pray! Also, when we see sickly children, our hearts burn with love for them and we want to help them. In the same way, our Lord loves us all the more when we are sick, whether it be mentally, physically or spiritually. He wishes to heal us if we desire it. Just like a doctor cannot cure an illness if we do not receive his prescription, God cannot heal us if we don't accept his commands.

So, take a look at yourself; you won't need a mirror. Look deep into your soul. Are you thankful? Are you at peace? Thank God for the beauty that He created and that beauty is you.

A Note from Me

Thank you for following "That's the Spirit". Please bear with me in posting as my schedule is quite full. Although I must say your comments encourage me to post more often, so keep them coming! Also, any comments on how this site can be improved or changed are welcome. Many blessings to you all +