In God's Glory

 

I was listening to a speaker and he mentioned doing everything in the Glory of God. That really hit me. I l reflected back on my past days activities and realized how many things I did that were not honoring God or helping build my relationship with Him

What I did well:

• I prayed and read the Word of God in the morning
• I prayed the Rosary on m way in to work
• I worked
• I offered up my struggles and blessings to God

Where I fell short:

• Spent too much time shopping for a camper
• Had an extra alcoholic drink 
• Got frustrated with people
• And many more

Resolution - my time is important and should be used to the betterment of myself or others. This can be accomplished by reading, praying, fellowship, and resting. It typically cannot be done through watching mindless TV for hours, scrolling social media, or drinking more than I should, to name a few examples.

Lord, walk with me daily as I try (and sometimes fail) to do all things in the Glory of God. Help me to remember my Guardian Angel is always present and is there to to light, guard, rule, and guide.

Amen

Abbey of Gethsemani - Silent Retreat

I arrived Monday April 14th for my first silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. I knew that I needed to spend some quiet time reflecting on my life and how I could make some improvements. I was unsure what to expect or even where I was supposed to go check in. God sent an angel to guide me, Jim McCord. He is an old family friend (baby sitter) and we saw each other in the parking lot and since he had been down here many times before, he took me under his wing to show me around. The first hurdle was over.

During the first day, I attended the prayers the monks do throughout the day and figured out what book God was calling me to read.

Once I got settled, the silence kicked in. 

Tuesday morning I ventured out for a hike on the trails across from the abbey. The woods are beautiful  and being in nature provided the serenity I desired. I was able to pray, reflect, and get the guidance from God, that I needed. I came upon a statue of a person in distress. 

I reflected on the statue and realized I feel the same way he did many times before. As I continued to hike (up a very steep hill), I came upon a cross. The symbolism was powerful - as we suffer through distress, if we keep going, Jesus will be there with us.