As I reflect in the first week of Advent, I am in the cultivating of the soil of my heart and soul. I always pray for graces that will make me a better child of Papa God. Seeking temporal things are at the discretionary will of Papa but spiritual things are always in the will of Papa. He wants His children to have all they need to live this life here and to come home to Him when this journey ends. Like any other parent, He teaches and gives His children all the tools, (graces) and the guidance to see to the return of them home to Him. To ensure the door to home is easily accessible He sent His son to take the sting of death away a venue of His Children’s salvation. In all, that Papa’s Son did and said is recorded as to be our road map to home. Papa wants more than anything else for all His children to come home.
Now coming back to the cultivating of the soil of my heart and soul I have found when praying for graces it seems to be in vain. I understand Papa wants to shower me with all His graces but they are not always operational in my life. I know the graces are deposited and yet lie dormant. Through Papa’s guidance, I have started to understand the soils of my heart and soul need fertilizing and the rooting out those things that choke the grace from taking root. However, this knowledge presented me with yet another dilemma what is causing the choking? It is here I seek Papa for the knowledge. It is not always within me to have total truth of who I am. Therefore, I have left the problem to Papa’s heart understanding in His gentleness and love for His daughter the sin and junk within me He will root out as I pray this prayer:
Lord, may this grace, your word and all that is spiritual pierce my heart and soul. May the seeds of this grace take root and produce good fruits. Lord whatever it is within me that prevents this seed of grace from taking root, root that out of my heart and soul. Amen
May the Hearts of Jesus and Mama bless the hearts of all that read this.
Copyright 2007 Linda Mary Liotino MTH
Advent is a time of the year we can easily let pass by us without much thought. We allow the holiday season to take over our lives leaving little or no room for the real reason we celebrate, which is the birth of Jesus Christ.
Everything that bombards us starts way to early is about what gifts to buy, what food to cook, and what decorations will look good making Christmas perfect. We buy into the “Martha Stewart Christmas.” I am guilty of this forgetting that including the celebration of Jesus birthday it is a time of family. In the past of have given my all to having the so call perfect dinner, decorations and a program of the eventful day that should have sent everyone screaming and running from my home. I have since tried yearly to be less worldly about Christmas and move in the spiritual of the season starting with Advent.
I already have a testimony to share about this Christmas. My grandson Ayezeyah the apple of his Grams eye can be profoundly wise beyond his eight years. I deciding the Christmas dinner this year would be served buffet style ask the boy what he would like to eat for Christmas. His reply was Tacos and I wrinkling my nose just could not envision Tacos on the menu of the “Christmas” meal. I told the boy no Tacos and the boy looking dejected went back to what he was doing. I on the other hand pondered my answer and it was within a few moments I realized that the importance of the meal was the gathering of family, friends and the wishes of a little boy. Therefore, I told Ayezeyah I had a change of heart and Tacos would be on the Christmas menu. The boy’s face shined up like a Christmas tree and with a huge smile on his face said, “Now that’s the Grams I know.” It was then I understood forever in my heart to let Martha be Martha and I would forever be the Grams he knows.
Advent begins December 2, 2007 let us prepare for the season in contemplation of the true reason for the celebration of Christmas the birth of Jesus. I would like to suggest a book that allows for a few minutes of reading time and gives us something to ponder as we go through our days leading up to Christmas and through the completion of the season the Epiphany. The name of the book is BEHOLD, HE COMES Meditations on the Incarnation by Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
I also suggest if your family hasn’t got one, an Advent Wreath. One can be purchased for very little money or easily made. We must try to remember when bombarded with how everything should be on Christmas morning that which matters to our Lord is the heart of His children. I end with this last suggestion remember to bake Jesus a birthday cake.
May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You.
Copyright 2007 Linda Mary Liotino
