It enthralled me. I knew extraordinary miracles (Is that an oxymoron?) happen in places like Lourdes and Fatima and even unofficial places like Medjugorje but I have never heard of the miracles reported and confirmed like the ones in this book. I have visited one church in Quebec, St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal where crutches line the entry but I thought that was ancient history. I now find out, miracles are happening daily and I don’t mean the miracles of the sun rising or the leaves turning color. I mean the type of miracles where the blind see, the deaf hear, the crippled and maimed, are made whole; mind boggling events! I needed to hear this news. I needed to know there was concrete evidence of Jesus’ continued presence in this world today. Yes, all the miracles in “Miracles Today” happen in the name of Jesus. Not everyone healed is a Christian or even a person of faith but everyone healed is healed because of prayers to Jesus Christ. I have never actually asked for healing for someone in Jesus’ name. I have prayed for so many for their well-being, for their health, for remission, strength, hope. I have, however, never asked for a miracle and I’m not sure my prayer would affect that change but I have decided to give it my best. “In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask that you be fully healed.” It’s a prayer I’ve taken into my heart. I know it may not happen but I do believe that Jesus is alive today and perhaps my heart-felt prayer may happen and even create another miracle that Craig Keener can add to his list in his book. Now, that would be an amazing way to see a serious challenge turn into a blessing.
Creating Positive Affirmations
This site is dedicated to discussing how to make conscious choices about how you want to live life, what you want to change, what you want to improve upon and what you value and want to fully appreciate.
Monday, November 8, 2021
Discovering Miracles
It enthralled me. I knew extraordinary miracles (Is that an oxymoron?) happen in places like Lourdes and Fatima and even unofficial places like Medjugorje but I have never heard of the miracles reported and confirmed like the ones in this book. I have visited one church in Quebec, St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal where crutches line the entry but I thought that was ancient history. I now find out, miracles are happening daily and I don’t mean the miracles of the sun rising or the leaves turning color. I mean the type of miracles where the blind see, the deaf hear, the crippled and maimed, are made whole; mind boggling events! I needed to hear this news. I needed to know there was concrete evidence of Jesus’ continued presence in this world today. Yes, all the miracles in “Miracles Today” happen in the name of Jesus. Not everyone healed is a Christian or even a person of faith but everyone healed is healed because of prayers to Jesus Christ. I have never actually asked for healing for someone in Jesus’ name. I have prayed for so many for their well-being, for their health, for remission, strength, hope. I have, however, never asked for a miracle and I’m not sure my prayer would affect that change but I have decided to give it my best. “In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask that you be fully healed.” It’s a prayer I’ve taken into my heart. I know it may not happen but I do believe that Jesus is alive today and perhaps my heart-felt prayer may happen and even create another miracle that Craig Keener can add to his list in his book. Now, that would be an amazing way to see a serious challenge turn into a blessing.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Being Your Better Self
Affirmation: Every day I strive to be a “better” version of myself
“God loves me just as I am but He /She loves me too much to leave me there.”
Covid 19 has taken its toll on 2020. It’s like God has sent us to our knees. I know He/She has sent me to mine. My prayer list at the end of this year is longer than it has ever been before and several of those prayers revolve around people I know and love who are dealing with this scourge that has infected our whole earth. I am, probably like many of you, trying to listen closely to the messages from the Divine that seem to be coming in even more clearly than previously. This month’s message has been about being the best, or at least the better me possible.
Richard Rohr in his book, The Divine Dance, tells the story of sharing with his spiritual director that he would like to be more like Thomas Merton, the great spiritual guru of the 70’s. His wise director told him he should simply be Richard Rohr. He is an American author with over 50 books to this date, spiritual writer, and Franciscan friar based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. PBS has called him "one of the most popular spirituality authors and speakers in the world." (Wikipedia) It seems like the advice was well received.
I must confess to believing that if I persevere in some endeavor I will eventually accomplish whatever it is I’m trying to master and that I now know that is not true. I am not someone who regrets not trying to learn or do something of interest and over these many years, I have watched myself become the master of mediocrity at many many different skills. I won’t bother to list them all here but trust me, there are many. It’s not like I don’t try and it’s not like I have not invested a lot of time and energy truly believing that if I just hang in there, someday something magical will happen and I will be proficient at my desired talent. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed the learning process or the amazing people and perhaps places I have met and visited along the way. I have had many wonderful adventures in the pursuit of my different interests but I must confess, I simply did not have the God given talent to become a “good” fiddler, golfer, foreign linguistic, etc. I think Matthew is right. Some of us are simply suited to some things, designed for specific gifts, than for other. The challenge is discovering those gifts, those gifts that God has bestowed on us to benefit this world. Have you discovered yours? What a wonder to be young and find that “something” and hone that talent. I envy those people but “better late than never.”
The book I am presently reading is Julia Cameron’s, It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again. Her first book, The Artist’s Way, changed my life as I know it did many others. I discovered with the help of some of my dearest friends the gift of creating positive affirmations and of looking for and recognizing synchronicities or as she sometimes calls them, “ah ha moments.” When I began writing morning pages 30 years ago, I discovered something that fed my soul.That quiet time of sitting and writing has helped me develop the discipline to begin every day with prayer, meditation, Bible study and journaling. Within the journaling, I have left my petty concerns and discovered my passions and the joy of this blessed life.
There are times when I wonder if I’m being selfish by taking that sacred time in the morning but then, Elizabeth Fenske presented in her December writings her concept of Unity and Oneness in her daily meditation book, Spiritual Insights for Daily Living and everything fell into place, at least for 2020. She writes, “We forget that what we do about the inner self we also do about the world. No thing is separate from any other thing in the universe. The auric fields, often invisible to our eyes, are all woven together. With everything which happens, we can “feel” ourselves moving toward a deeper sense of the awareness. Often in the stillness we intuitively feel and know the interconnectedness and oneness we share related back to a common ancestry. We are the essence of life, cousin to the star and tigress.” This for me was an “ah ha moment.” My dear departed guide, Valerie Kelly, often reminded me that everything we do, everything we say and think, affects every other person in the world. What a responsibly!!! If I can maintain an attitude of kindness, compassion and generosity within me and for me, I can send those qualities out into this weary exhausted world and to everyone within it. My prayer time is not simply time for me, it’s time for you. The waves of grace and ease, gratitude and compassion, joy and dignity, hope and trust flow out of me and my connection to my Divine family, to my Lord and Savior and blanket all those who have tuned into the same frequency as I and perhaps to those who are simply turning the dial looking for the best station to the guidance about becoming the best version they can be.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
@Home October Retreat
You’re Invited!
Triangle@Home Monthly Morning Retreat
October 17th, 2020 9:00-10:00am
*Prepare your space: Find an area where hopefully you will not be disturbed for your quiet time. Perhaps you want a blanket for yourself (or a teddy bear?).
*Gather your supplies: Timer, note paper and/or journal, pen. You may want to bring in one or two inspirational books.
*Create an “altar”: Put a few meaningful items out, include a
candle.
*Opening Song - Come Holy Ghost or one of your choice.
(This is a link in case you want to listen to it & sing along) https://youtu.be/V_AKDFsvrPg
****(There is an Ad at the beginning of this link. I apologize. I don’t know how to copy the link and not have the ad show up. Please skip it as soon as you can.)
Lyrics:
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, And in our hearts take up Thy rest;
Come with thy grace and heav'nly aid to fill our hearts which thou hast made,
To fill our hearts which Thou has made.
O Comforter, to thee we cry, Thou heav'nly gift of God most high;
Thou fount of life, and fire of love, And sweet anointing from above,
And sweet anointing from above.
Chorus:
Be not afraid, where you go there I am with you. (2x)
O Holy Ghost, through thee alone, Know we the Father and the Son;
Be this our firm unchanging creed, That thou dost from them both proceed,
That thou dost from them both proceed.
Praise we the Lord, Father and Son, And Holy Spirit with them one;
And may the Son on us bestow all gifts that from the Spirit flow,
All gifts that from the Spirit flow.
Chorus:
Be not afraid, where you go there I am with you. (2x)
*Opening Prayers - The Sign of the Cross/Our Father/Hail Mary/Glory Be or your choice.
*Intention: This is a reflective, healing time and we ask that it be filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, the care of Mother Mary and the guidance of all our guardian angels. We are here to learn from one another and to support each other on our journey towards a closer, more intimate relationship with Our Lord.
*Write out a prayer request or a few and add them to your “altar.”
*Reflection - The world is still dealing with the Corona Virus. Nothing much has changed since March except Covid fatigue has now arrived. We are faced with daily decisions based on little information about how to take care of ourselves and our families and many are finding it to be very daunting. How are you doing? How have you continued to stay connected to God, the Divine, Our Lord? What has come into your heart and your life during this time of chaos and uncertainty, peace, hope, fear, compassion maybe even gratitude?
Using your journal write about any insights. (10-15 min.)
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
everyone who acknowledges me before others
the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
But whoever denies me before others
will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,
but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
*Journaling Time - What did you hear God sharing with you? What do you want to share with God? (10-15 minutes)
*Centering Prayer - 10 to 20 (recommended) minutes of silent time (you decide.)
*Centering Prayer - Guidelines
- Sit comfortably.
- Choose a sacred word on which to focus.
- Set a timer.
- Don’t judge, just observe.
- The phrase that often precedes Centering Prayer is: I let go of security, affection & control and fully accept this moment exactly as it is. (Optional)
- Take a few breaths at the end to return to the present moment and to reflect on the experience.
*Make it Your Own:
Perhaps you have an inspirational book you have been meaning to investigate but you just haven’t had the opportunity. Now is the time. If you have some time left before the end of the hour open it and see what other messages the Holy is sending to you.
You could also use this time to say the Rosary. Saturday in the Catholic Church is set aside as “Mary’s Day” and the reflection is on the Joyful Mysteries.
*Closing Prayer -
Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying: “Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest...
for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen
Excerpt from With Open Hands by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ave maria press, 2006
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
*Sharing a Word Exercise - choose a word from your reading or your quiet time (your sacred word?) and share it on an email to me. Feel free to share any other thoughts or insights you have gained from this sacred time. I will send out an email with everyone’s response around Noon today.
Thank you.
Jean Costa, MSW, RYT
Certified Spiritual Director
JeanAnneCosta@gmail.com
Saturday, September 12, 2020
@Home Retreat - September 19th, 2020
You are cordially invited to attend the:
@Home Monthly Morning Retreat
September 19th, 2020 9:00-10:00am
*Prepare your space: Find an area where hopefully you will not be disturbed for your quiet time. Perhaps you want a blanket for yourself (or a teddy bear?).
*Gather your supplies: Timer, note paper and/or journal, pen. You may want to bring in one or two inspirational books.
*Create an “altar”: Put a few meaningful items out, include a
candle.
*Opening Song - Parable or one of your choice.
(This is a link in case you want to listen to it & sing along)
Parable
To everything there is a season
A time to be born and a time to die
A time to plant and a time for harvest
A time to meet and a time to part
Nothing can grow in barren soil
Briars and ravens take their toll
Still there is grain a hundred-fold
From seeds that took root and grew
To everything there is a season
A time to be born and a time to die
A time for joy and a time for grieving
A time to seek and a time to lose
God's word is like the farmer's seed
Rooted in joyful, loving hearts
Growing like grain in fertile ground
A harvest that overflows
To everything there is a season
A time to be born and a time to die
A time to plant and a time for harvest
A time to meet and a time to part
Based on Ecclesiastes: -Mathew
*Opening Prayers - The Sign of the Cross/Our Father/Hail Mary/Glory Be or your choice.
*Intention: This is a reflective, healing time and we ask that it be filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, the care of Mother Mary and the guidance of all our guardian angels. We are here to learn from one another and to support each other on our journey towards a closer, more intimate relationship with Our Lord.
*Write out a prayer request or a few and add them to your “altar.”
*Reflection - It has now been over 6 months since the Covid virus appeared and while we had hoped this was a short-lived problem, it is still with us and our lives have changed. How have you continued to stay connected to God, the Divine, Our Lord? What has come into your heart during this time of chaos and uncertainty peace, hope, fear, compassion?
Using your journal write about any insights. (10-15 min.)
Responsorial Psalm
R. (14) I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.
Now I know that God is with me.
In God, in whose promise I glory,
in God I trust without fear;
what can flesh do against me?
R. I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.
I am bound, O God, by vows to you;
your thank offerings I will fulfill.
For you have rescued me from death,
my feet, too, from stumbling;
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
R. I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
*Scripture Reading for today - Lectio Divinia - Slowly read the following daily scripture three times. Read the passage slowly and carefully.
Gospel
When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another
journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable.
“A sower went out to sow his seed.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled,
and the birds of the sky ate it up.
Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew,
it withered for lack of moisture.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew with it and choked it.
And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew,
it produced fruit a hundredfold.”
After saying this, he called out,
“Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”
Then his disciples asked him
what the meaning of this parable might be.
He answered,
“Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God
has been granted to you;
but to the rest, they are made known through parables
so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.
“This is the meaning of the parable.
The seed is the word of God.
Those on the path are the ones who have heard,
but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts
that they may not believe and be saved.
Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear,
receive the word with joy, but they have no root;
they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.
As for the seed that fell among thorns,
they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along,
they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life,
and they fail to produce mature fruit.
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil,
they are the ones who, when they have heard the word,
embrace it with a generous and good heart,
and bear fruit through perseverance.”
*Journaling Time - What did you hear God sharing with you? What do you want to share with God? (10-15 minutes)
*Centering Prayer - 10 to 20 (recommended) minutes of silent time (you decide.)
*Centering Prayer - Guidelines
- Sit comfortably.
- Choose a sacred word on which to focus.
- Set a timer.
- Don’t judge, just observe.
- The phrase that often precedes Centering Prayer is: I let go of security, affection & control and fully accept this moment exactly as it is. (Optional)
- Take a few breaths at the end to return to the present moment and to reflect on the experience.
*Make it Your Own:
Perhaps you have an inspirational book you have been meaning to investigate but you just haven’t had the opportunity. Now is the time. If you have some time left before the end of the hour open it and see what other messages the Holy is sending to you.
You could also use this time to say the Rosary. Saturday in the Catholic Church is set aside as “Mary’s Day” and the reflection is on the Joyful Mysteries.
*Closing Prayer -
Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying: “Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest...
for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen
Excerpt from With Open Hands by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ave maria press, 2006
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
*Sharing a Word Exercise - choose a word from your reading or your quiet time (your sacred word?) and share it. Feel free to share any other thoughts or insights you have gained from this sacred time.
Thank you.
Jean Costa, MSW
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Covid 19 - My Day 40
Also don't miss John Krasinski's YouTube segments called Some Good News. It's the kind of news I wish were published by our mass medial. It's kind, funny and uplifting.
https://youtu.be/F5pgG1M_h_U
- Believe in a Divine Power that loves you and wants only your best. It may look nothing like you think it should, but work hard on trusting your God.
- Reach out either to help another or get help. Don’t hesitate to ask. Be humble. Pick up the phone, write an email or even more unique, send some snail mail.
- Exercise. Find a way. Take a walk, go up and down the steps, turn on a video, dance to a favorite song or two. It is a panacea for the blues.
- Laugh. Read those silly jokes or find a movie that tickles you funny. How about anything by Steve Martin but especially my favorite, My Blue Heaven?
- Eat some chocolate or a little ice cream. Be kind to yourself. Be compassionate with yourself.
- Take a bath, put some bubble bath in it and light a few candles.