The prophet Jeremiah saw that the clay in the potter’s hand needed to be just what it was, supple and moldable, to become a work of art. We don’t have to “invent” ourselves, but we must discover, accept and participate as the person God created each of us to be. It’s the creative and exciting work of our lives.
But letting go of control can make us terribly anxious.
St. Alphonsus suffered from high anxiety, which took the form of scrupulosity: the torture of never feeling sure you have the one thing you really need—God’s love. In such an anxiety, a person tries every which way to be certain they’ve done everything they need to do to win God’s love. Of course, this is impossible! Love doesn’t work that way. For those who suffer from scrupulosity or other forms of anxiety, St. Alphonsus is a beautiful patron saint.
Thank you Mary for a very thoughtful reflection this morning. The part that really resonated with me was that we don’t have to invent ourselves, but must discover, accept and participate as the person God created us to be. Coming from a life of people pleasing in order to feel accepted by others, I wish I would have realized that many years ago. I am extremely grateful that Our Lord has given me the opportunity to realize my gifts and time to cultivate them for myself, my family and the community. Asking for prayers as my son Jeff launches his musical software program and will be presenting it at a good size event this evening. He’s worked tirelessly ( and with much anxiety) over the past 5 years and my husband and I couldn’t be happier for him. It’s for musicians, educators, and people who would like to be the best they can be with the musical gifts God has given them. Way to go, Jeff ❤️
This is awesome Peggy. Lifting Jeff!
Peggy, sending prayers for Jeff and your family. May the Lord be with you all. And what proud parents, you must be.
"The Cross will not crush you; if it's weight makes you stagger its power will also sustain you." St. Padre Pio
Irene I love Padre Pio's sayings I read them every day. VickyG thank you for your contributions to this group I agree you could be a motivational speaker. Living faith family please pray my friends nephew Dennis and his wife Shelly. They found two spots on his lung and are going in to check them out. He also has COPD and kindey problems. Ken
Mary thanks for your comments and reflections this morning and for all you add to this site. Like to share this with the living faith. Prayer to Jesus Christ for the Holy Souls by St. Alphonsus Liguori O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them O Lord O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them. O Lord. (Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions) Blessed Souls, we have prayed for thee; we entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for us miserable sinners, who are in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Let us pray: O God, the author of mercy, the lover of the salvation of mankind; we address thy clemency, in behalf of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, who are departed this life, that by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and of all the saints, thou wouldst receive them into, the enjoyment of eternal happiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen Ken
Thank you Ken, for sharing this beautiful prayer with all of us. You’re always kind and considerate. Lifting Dennis and Shelley in prayer as they move forward with finding the source of his problems. Dear Lord Jesus, please give them the strength they need to navigate this difficult time for them. Please let them feel your Love and compassion.
Ken...what a beautiful prayer! As always, thank you for sharing!
Amen! St. Alphonsus, please pray for those of us who battle anxiety.
It’s the picture today for me. Look how messy working with clay is. And as a crafter I can tell you it ain’t easy washing that off your hands or cloths! People are “messy” and it is impossible to wash away the hardened earth ourselves, that was Jesus’ mission after all to wash away what we never could. We have to let Him do so because only with clean heart can we be shaped into that new thing. Talking about songs lifting us yesterday, for all of us that grew up with the late 60’s and early 70’s folk masses there is an album called Earthen Vessels by the St. Louis Jesuits that you can’t help but let your soul be lifted up. Keep praying my friends…. with my new norm I feel like my new motto is “your needs are my prayer mission” lol but if that’s what He wants from me I’ll try to be as moldable as possible!
Earthen Vessels by The Saint Louis Jesuits was a wonderful album.
Vicky G, I always love your remarks and I too think you would be a wonderful motivational speaker or writer. Just think if you needed testimonials for your work, we would all be there for you. Blessings always, Rita.
Vicki G, have you ever thought about writing for Living Faith?! Beautiful reflection. To the rest of the LF family. I have been following your comments for a long time. The community you have formed is a perfect reflection of your faith. Loving, kind, supportive, and encouraging. Thank you.
Vicky G. ~ have you thought of being a motivational speaker? Seriously. Your words make the light brighter for me, as I know it does for the rest of our LF Family. Sharing the journey of the road you've traveled, brings such hope to so many still traveling down the road. God Bless YOU And All Who Love You (that would be "us"!).
How do you do it, Vicky? You are such an inspiration to all of us we are so grateful for your uplifting messages and prayers. Thank you so much! I will search out the song you suggested. Miss those 60’s and 70’s days!!!
Amen! I'll look for that music and thank you for sharing! God bless.
Mary your words are so true and are a struggle for many as change is very hard. Maybe that is why they say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." LOL Change is so very hard and self reflection even harder. I pray each day for God to guide me in my struggles! Blessings to all the LFF, especially those needing an extra hand these days. May we all go out and spread the love of God to all the world, even yes Bill L., here in the Southwest and all this heat. AAUGH :)
We took our granddaughter to the shoe store. She resisted every attempt to try on shoes. We left the store without purchasing shoes. She was not willing to be “molded”.
Good Morning Mary, you gave us so much to reflect on….the concept of high anxiety as it is tied to ultra worry, control, earning love - and the term scrupulosity. I’m sure many of us can relate to this when it gets the best of us. Letting go of what we think we should be and embracing our gifts and talents to become the best version of ourselves is very liberating. So happy to hear of successful surgeries and healing. May our medical profession continue to advance the many therapies and procedures needed to bring God’s healing presence into the world. Asking for prayers of courage and strength as I walk the road of announcing my retirement at work. After 28 years, there are many relationships built and routines that will change, but I am looking forward to what 2025 might look like for me and my family! Me and my family are excited as I will transition out at the end of this year. It will also be liberating to announce that and plan my transition over the coming month. Thank you all so much for seeing me, lifting me and caring for me these past few months. It has made a big difference and comforted me tremendously.
Jane, congratulations on your decision. Not long now. Blessings, Rita.
I never looked back, Jane. Enjoy this new chapter in your life.
Woo Hoo Jane...Free at last! Or at least soon to be! Mixed emotions I'm sure, but I can feel the relief in your words. Enjoy it all!!!
Jane, prayers for a successful retirement. It took me 3 tries to fully retire! Your life choices are truly your own. Retirement is wonderful!
Congratulating you and lifting you in prayer as you transition into retirement, Jane. Oh how freeing it must be to have come to this decision. You have so much to offer your family, friends and colleagues and you’ll have so many opportunities to try new things that have been on the back burner all these years. Something I did in the beginning of my retirement was to take walks and pay attention to people’s yards, look at the trees, savor God’s creations and blessings and it brought me much comfort. Wishing you a wonderful new chapter and many more to come. God bless you, Jane
Jane great news and I agree you're going to be more busy then when you were working, but the choices are yours. Relaxing for the first few months don't over commit. Ken
God bless your transition to retirement and plans for 2025. May He guide you every step of the way and encourage and strengthen you. I'm sure your family is happy that you'll have more time for them! You are an inspiration and I admire your capability of handling every situation with our Lord's help!
Oh Jane I am so happy for you in the relief of a decision made. Stormy is right—you will have room on your plate & like Thanksgiving dinner there will be so many varieties of service to fill it up that the plate can become heavy and overflowing but exciting and fresh. May these last days before retirement be fruitful and filled with happy memories.
Jane may your transition be a smooth and happy one. Just one word of warning.......I am busier in retirement than while I was working. LOL I now wonder how I got so much done while working hee hee Prayers for you during this time.
Changes are almost always difficult, good or bad. I pray that you will be able the open a new door and find greater happiness.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Moving on from the hottest July on record here in the desert southwest, I pray for and celebrate the August birthdays/anniversaries of the LF family. I also add 'a sinner's' prayer for you. ***Amen! Thank you, Holy Father, for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you, Holy Father, most of all, for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. Amen Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies' frequencies (airwaves). Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the power of God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits that prowl about the earth seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
Thank you Bill, for giving us A Sinners' prayer. I miss her.
Thank you Bill for quoting A Sinner's prayer. I may have taken this prayer for granted seeing it every day but I now miss it. God's peace to everyone.
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Sharing with you, “DAY THIRTY “Look, I am coming soon!” *** READ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7 “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21 *** REFLECT Revelation concludes with a glorious, resolute finale. Jesus will return! Revelation reminds us that God’s purposes are always good. He strengthens believers, even when they suffer. The glimpses of heaven and God’s just judgment encourage all God’s people, especially those who must persevere when persecuted or rejected. The Spirit of God speaks to Jesus’s Church, giving His Word, His comfort, His strength, and His call to reach out to the lost. God intended the book of Revelation to strengthen believers’ faith today and give hope for tomorrow as we long for Jesus to return. Revelation reveals beautiful aspects of God’s character that draw us near to Him. In our upcoming study, you will discover more about who God is from this wonderful book He inspired. *** PRAY In our final devotion, reflect on what you have learned about God during the past 30 days. Consider the depth of His justice, the wonder of His glory, the height of His majesty, and the finality of His grace. Praise Him for those attributes you have discovered. ******* SHARE Revelation also compels us to share the truth about God’s judgment, His grace, and His Gospel with those we love. Ask God to reveal the people in your life who need to hear this message. Pray for an opportunity to share! Not sure how to begin? Consider inviting them to study with you in BSF this year. Invite them to your class or an online group. Sharing joinbsf.com is a great place to start!”