Have you ever been with someone who embodies the spirit of God, who “serves the Holy One”—one who is clearly “embraced by the Lord” (vv. 12, 14)? No lecture or preaching is necessary; his or her mere presence manifests the love of God. Many saints have been described with similar words. Yet, there are also ordinary people in our midst proclaiming the presence of God by how they live. At the top of my list is María de Jesús Páez Clausell, my mother, whose 94th birthday is today.
I could tell you stories about her courage as a refugee in a foreign country—at the age of 30, with two kids in tow. Or how she had to repeat her university degree because she couldn’t prove she already had one. Those are remarkable facts. But it’s her confident trust in God’s providence and unwavering belief in prayer that has molded my own heart. I see my mom’s inheritance, and her legacy, in the faith of my adult children and grandkids.
Maria, a very Happy Birthday to your mother! And may we all keep Pope Francis in our prayers all day long. May we bombard heaven with our prayers. Ken, we miss you.
Maria, may God continue to Bless you, your Lovely Mother and family! I love your posting!
Happy Birthday Blessings to your mother, Maria. 94 years, what a blessing! I have similar feelings about my mother who died many years ago but is still in touch with me.
"Lean on your Beloved because the soul who abandons themselves in the hands of Jesus in all they do, is carried in His arms." St. Clare of Assisi
"Lean on your Beloved because the soul who abandons themselves in the hands of Jesus in all they do, is carried in His arms." St. Clare of Assisi
Maria…thank you for sharing the foundation of your faith - María de Jesús Páez Clausell! It’s a tribute to the Generations of Love your family has been blessed with. All of God’s best blessings to your Mom in her 94th year, Happy Birthday!❣️
What a beautiful tribute! Happy Birthday and many blessings to your beloved mother.
AMEN!
Maria blessings to your mother on her birthday, you and your whole family. What a great story of encouragement and love for God. It gives me great reflection on my life and my future. Thank you. Blessings to all the LFF especially those with extra needs and may we all trust, believe and share his love through all the world.
Amen. :)
I give thanks for the blessing of parents that with wisdom taught me to love and serve others. I am now blessed to see my children passing those values on to my grandchildren.
Amen!
what a beautiful testimony to your mother. blessing to her on her birthday !
*** Where does true wisdom come from? Google? You? Accomplished people? Genius? Your idols? Famous people? Your God and His Word? *** Here is a clue for me in Proverbs 2:6, "The Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from His mouth!" *** Where can I find the Lord first and foremost? In His Word!!! ******* What wisdom do you get from this verse? John 14:6, "Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (Jesus)!" *** Wisdom from today's Psalm in finding "peace!" 1. Psalm 119:165, "Those who love Your law enjoy great peace. Nothing can make them trip and fall!" 2. Psalm 119:167, "I obey Your covenant laws, because I love them greatly!" 3. Psalm 119:171-172, "May my lips pour out praise to You, because You teach me Your orders. May my tongue sing about Your Word, because all Your commands are right!" *** Hebrews 4:12, "The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate bones from joints. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart!" *** My prayer in Psalm 119:89-91, "Lord, Your Word lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens. You will be faithful for all time to come. You made the earth, and it continues to exist. Your laws continue to this very day, because all things serve You!" Amen!!! ******* Thy Word by Amy Grant https://youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig?si=nF8Tu6fNKUiRlgiW
Wishing your mother A Blessed Happy birthday. Continued prayers for Pope Francis
Maria - Thank you for your reflection and may God Bless your beautiful Mom on her 94th birthday . What a magnificent example of Gods love ❤️ and her witness of faith and his faith presence in her life . Amen Enjoy and blessings to LFF . Michael
Wishing your mother continued blessings on her birthday. A lesson for us all. What will we pass down?
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them 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.
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Happy 94th birthday to your amazing, wonderful mom, María... must have been a truly great life with a mother like yours... her love of our Lord is infinite