Today marks a shift in Advent. We see the rose colored candle lit at Mass, reminding of that it is Gaudete Sunday! Gaudete comes from a Latin phrase found in Philippians 4:4-5 meaning, "REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!" So, my friends, rejoice this day. As we shift our focus from reflecting on Christ's second coming to the Joy of a newborn, our Saviour made flesh--let your hearts dance and sing with joy. Remember that joy is a hope that cannot be shaken by circumstances. So in all moments, no matter how difficult, our joy remains and we are sustained by the grace and love of our God and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5

Hot Dogs, High Fives, and Incense

A few days ago, we kicked off youth ministry at the parish I serve at. Our theme this year is Fearless. I don’t know about you, but this theme really resonates with me. When I think of what I am afraid of, I will (reluctantly) tell you that I am afraid of swimming in lakes at night and tickling…random, I know, but true nonetheless. There are many common fears: heights, public speaking, death, clowns, confined spaces, flying, loneliness…however, when really given a chance to reflect, do we not have fear each and every time we lack trust? Are we not letting fear consume us when we do not do something that God is asking of us? When we fail to love and when we lack compassion? We closed our night with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and were given an opportunity to lift our hearts to God, to Adore our Creator’s greatest gift, and to let Him adore us—to let Him speak right into our hearts to direct us in our challenge and our challenge is this: to allow the Holy Spirit to consume our hearts so abundantly that we have to room for fear, no room for questioning the grace that has been given to us, the love, the blessings, the suffering, the joy…whatever it is, we are challenged to let God consume us so freely and completely, that these things will be all we can focus on. Even among the thorns of life, we will see the joy that God has laced the challenge with. All of our bumps along the road are intended to draw us closer to the cross, so that, as Mother Teresa said, we may be close enough to the bowed head on the cross that Jesus can kiss us. It is in these moments that we feel the weakest and our trust in God is challenged the most that we have the opportunity to grow the most in the love of our Savior. I’m embracing this theme in my personal life this year, facing things I never thought possible. Will you join me in facing your fears and truly living out loud, fearlessly following the will of God for your beautiful heart? Create two goals for this month: two things that would challenge you to grow and blossom, right where you have been planted. Stick to them for 30 days and see what fearless changes you have made by the end. Do not tackle 10 things, just one or two at a time and give yourself a month to firmly establish the habit. Post your two things below to help create some extra accountability to stay on track. Fearless steps eventually turn into fearless miles. You will have trekked cross country before you know it!

Check out Isaiah 26:3-4 for a great scripture on trust!

FEARLESSLY FACING THE STORM

 

Jesus calls us to walk on the water. He doesn't stop the storm, instead the bears its burden alongside is. He fights each tormenting wave, every lick of cold, harsh wind, each blistered hand, sore back, or strained muscle, every last moment of weakness. Jesus bears it all with us. Next time you're wondering why Jesus isn't stopping the storm that you seem to be stuck in, remember that it's because He is alongside you: weathering the cold and suffering because He knows the strength it brings about that you never knew you had within you: building muscles you never thought you could develop and courage you thought was impossible for your frail heart. He is with you on your journey to fearlessly face the storm, knowing that you too, just like our brother, Peter, can walk on water if you relinquish you fear and replace it with pure faith and trust. Remember that each step is a struggle and you can't give up, but that if you have a moment of weakness, He will take your hand, calm the storm for a reprieve and challenge you to push a little further. A little harder. To be a little stronger. He is calling your name, reaching to the depths of your heart and challenging you to take that next step. He is calling your name, asking you to be fearless in the storm.

 

Read on: Matthew 14:22-33—click here.

Listen on: Listen to Britt Nicole's Song, "Walk on the Water"—click here.

Facing Your Lion

Just over a year ago, I was struggling with my weight and health issues, particularly my back and joints. I woke up one morning and could not move. I could not roll to the other side and could hardly breathe, let alone pick up my 5 month old son. It was pain beyond description. My husband was home, gratefully. We waited. It got worse. We ended up having to call an ambulance because when he tried to lift me…well, let’s just say that wasn’t going to happen. It turned out that I had a chipped vertebra and five slipped disks on top of the problems I already had. Long story short: when you mixed all this together, my entire abdomen spasmed and torqued itself for quite some time.

Following this experience I had some humbling months where I had to rely on others to care for my son, home, and self. I was just coming out of post-partum depression and this just kicked it right back into full gear. I am truly glad that chapter of my life is closed now. However, I cannot help but sing praise for this lion in the middle of my path I had to fight fearlessly to move on and continue my journey with God.

On this day, July 17, in 2009 I made a list of resolutions for myself (yes, you can made those outside of the month of January). I feel like I'm finally starting to live this one, almost four years later: "Love yourself! In that, you love God! What power self-esteem holds! Embrace it, love it, spread, and share it! This includes taking care of the beautiful mind, body, and soul The Lord has blessed you with! Rejoice!" You can tell I wrote this for myself--lots of exclamation points. That’s how I remember things! With! Lots! Of! Exclamation!

Holding me back from becoming the woman God was calling me to, was my health. I disregarded its importance and looked upon my body as something to be used for the purposes I desired. I respected it in many ways, but as far as maintenance and upkeep, I had to idea of its value. There is a reason that God created our bodies with a need for sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. There is a reason we do not feel well not just physically, but mentally and spiritually,  when we neglect these things. We can pray all we want, we can reach for God. He will reach back. He will care for us. But, He also expects us to care for ourselves. This enriches our relationship with him in so many ways.

I began my journey to a new and healthy me: a new creation that serves His kingdom more joyfully, efficiently, and gratefully. If health is holding you back, I ask you: why? Are gluttony and sloth the anchors tied around your neck? If not, what is written on the anchors that are tying you down? What is holding you back?

Fear not the Lion in your path. Face it fearlessly.

Need more support and encouragement? Look no further than the Living Word. Read about Daniel in the Lion’s Den here.