April Catholic of the Month

Surname: Mariposa

Parish: Saint Barbara Parish

Occupation: Nanny

I am proud to announce April's Catholic of the Month, my dear friend and role model Mariposa.  I meet her on May fourth of two-thousand-and-seven the day that I officially returned to the Catholic Church.  She was my small group leader during a Jovenes Para Cristo retreat and since then our relationship has blossom into a very close friendship.  Mariposa is such a neat person and her faith and commitment to service really inspires and motivates me.  It's hard truthfully living out my faith especially when I am living in a largely anti-Christian world and having friends that are truly trying to lead authentic, faithful lives really inspires me- especially in my moments of weakness.  I love that I can always count on Mariposa to share my experiences, especially my struggles and know that she doesn't judge me, but encourages me to press on.  God has been so good providing women of such great character to walk with me, below is a glimpse of what this young Catholic girl is doing for the Kingdom (smile).     

2007 Retreat of Initiation Small Group

What was your first encounter with God like? 

It happened at the very beginning of my life, am not sure how to explain it but since I have use of reason God has been part of my life.  He’s always kept me close to Him and has never allowed for me to wonder far from Him. My mom always took me to Mass, spoke of God, taught me to pray and that filled my little heart with faith.  Since I can remember I loved going to church.

What has been your experience living/practicing your faith?

After I received my first communion I offered myself as an assistant catechist.  At the age of thirteen I had my own group of small children to teach catechism. Since an early age, God has given me great responsibilities!  When I turned eighteen I lived my retreat of initiation and that experience strengthened my relationship and commitment to God even more. As a twenty-year-old I became the coordinator of the pastoral ministry for Jovenes Para Cristo and was leading men and women older than I to Christ.  After that God allowed me to serve as the sub-coordinator of the entire JPC group for my parish.  That was the biggest responsibility by far!   Yet, I could not help repeating the words of the Prophet Jeremiah,  “But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.””

Family plays an important role

How do you nourish your faith? How does your faith help you grow?

Currently I coordinate the RCIA program and that experience has been necessary for my spiritual growth.  God placed me there and I love leading the ministry.  It fills, motivates and excites me!  I just love helping adults and am blessed to be part of the process by which God brings people who want to receive their sacraments and come into the Catholic Church.  As I learn from them through their stories, struggles and their desire to find God, God encourages me to continue in His path. I nourish my faith through my service!  God gives me so much that I cannot remain without giving back and sharing His gifts. 

Friendship in Christ Club

How do integrate your faith in you daily life?  What do you love about your faith?

In the last year or even months my faith has matured especially during the various adverse circumstances that I have gone through; because of the trials and pain I have recently experience, God has shown me that He is a living God!  While I struggle and experience tremendous hurt I know that God uses it for the better and I stay strong through the intercession of my loved ones who pray for me.  I love knowing that in His eyes I am His favorite and His beloved (as we all are).   

With her Goddaughter and her Fiance 

Why is your faith important to you? What does your faith mean to you?

I simply would not be happy without my faith in God and as cliché as it sounds I wouldn’t change it for the world! Sometimes people associate all things faith related with boredom especially the youth, but I never saw it that way.  My joy comes from God and my faith in Him.  To me, my faith is everything and all I want to be.  I love being part of the Catholic Church and am so proud!  I love the doctrine, the teachings, His love which guides us and that God is present body, soul and divinity… 

Isn't she amazing!  I am truly blessed to have her as my best friend! Praise God.

Should Christian’s be Fashionable?

Though I don’t always dress fashionably I love fashion!  I love make-up, glitter, lace, pretty clothes, funky shoes, soft fragrances and sparkly, shiny jewelry.  My Latino culture is loud and doesn’t know the meaning of minimalism- in all matters more is better (smile).  Overdressing is our cultural weakness, yet I am also Catholic and Christianity motivates me to not give so much importance to my physical appearance.  That bears the question, can Christian’s be fashionable?  There are believers on both sides of the spectrum; some who encourage plain and outdated styles, zero make-up and no jewelry.  Then there are those, like me, who understand Timothy One, “women (are) to dress modestly, with decency and propriety… ” as the freedom to be both stylish and faithful.  There are a few references in the New Testament that advice women to be careful not to gain their sense of beauty or identity from adorning themselves.   That a person’s value should never derive from their physical appearance and I think that this fear that women will fall prey to superficiality makes many apprehensive about giving too much attention to the flesh. 

As Christians we believe that we are all beautifully made in the image of God and we should strive until we depart this world to work at perfecting our inner self – to become more like Christ until we breathe our last breath.  Yet, I don’t think that dedicating some time to also work on our exterior is sinful.  I mean there’s no commandment in the Bible that states: Thou shalt not be fashionable!  I love dressing up and looking good especially for Mass because I am single and God is the one I want to please.  However, if God blesses me with a boyfriend and eventually marriage I want to look good for my beloved.  I want date nights where we occasionally both get fancy (like I do so now for Sunday Mass) as part of our wooing process. 

Merona Dress-Yard Sale $1, Steve Madden Flats- Thrifted $6, Betsey Johnson Necklace- Yard Sale $1

I am visual.  God made me so and He gave me an eye for fashion and am sure He didn’t do it to be wicked.  There’s a lot of Christian women like myself that want to read Catholic Magazines that dedicate time to styling themselves.  There’s a need to openly talk about how to follow trends modestly, how to wear make-up, dresses, shoes in a Christian manner.  In almost every store that I walk-in there are magazines with beautiful women appealing to the eye – yet they all have worldly articles and styles; but, since there are no Christian Fashion Magazines I wait until the periodicals make it to my local used bookstore.  I buy them because I like to learn about silly details like what color is in and what I should pair my denim shirt with – does that make me less Christian?  Of course not!  I still pay way more attention to  inner beauty and spiritual growth.    

I have friends that ask me for tips on how to accessorize an outfit for a special occasion or to help style their hair... I have a gift for styling and I am finding ways to use that for the kingdom.  A while ago I went into Saint Francis Senior Home and gave all the women in the home manicures.  I, along with some helpers gave manicures to over fifty ladies. Who knew that covering fingernails with pinks and reds did marvels to the feminine soul.  God meant for us to enjoy everything that He gave us - the key is moderation and thoughtful creativity.   

10 Do’s and Don’ts of Catholic Fashion

“When I wear loud colors my heart smiles,” my momma often repeats and she constantly motivates me to add color to my wardrobe so that I can push away the blues.  She claims that a doctor once told her to wear bright colors especially when she’s feeling low and eventually the happiness of the rainbow will reach her inner spirit (smile).  Thus, you will rarely see my momma without an article of clothing in a brilliant shade.  Part of the reason I love fashion is because it was passed down to me by my her; yet she came from a loving Catholic home and her conservative values were something else I inherited.  Thus, I decided to write a fun post full of the wisdom I have learned from my fashion-forward momma. 

The Following is a List of 10 “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Catholic Fashion     

1.    Do Wear Color it brightens the soul and God said it was good, He covered creation in an abundance of hues. Don’t Show Off; wearing clothes, accessories and modifying our appearance to impress others violates our Christian yearning for humility.   

2.    Do wear high heels they are fun and feminine.  Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk-in remember you have to be ready for service at all times.

3.    Do Put Thought into Your Outfit looking frumpy and unkempt doesn’t translate to spiritual maturity.  Also, carefully choose your pieces, when wearing slogans and pictures on your t-shirts think first whether the messages you are promoting are Christian. Don’t try Every Trend they are not always supportive of Christian modesty and they are fleeting.

This is offensive.

4.    Do Dress Accordingly, what you wear to the beach, a sports event or to relax at home will not necessarily be appropriate for Sunday Mass.  Don’t Exploit Your Body since Adam and Eve, God designed clothing to cover our whole body not just our private parts (smile) and He created us in His image not as objects or play things.

5.    Do Invest on Quality, Classic Pieces that will enable you to creatively recycle the outfits for years to come.  Don’t Become a Fast-Shopper treating clothes like fast-food and buying constantly without concern for the planet, creating piles of waste violates our call to be earthly stewards.

6.  Do Wear Pieces that Flatter Your Body, learn to sew up a hem or invest in tailoring so that your clothes fit you perfectly.  The right size and fit make all the difference. Don't Waste Money on pieces just because they are on sale make sure you are going to wear the item.    

7.    Do Think of Your Shopping Actions consider what you are supporting with your purchases; for example, are you encouraging the use of exploitative labor, perverse ad campaigns among other problems within the fashion industry? Don't Imitate Your Friends learn what looks good on you and what you feel your best in.  

8.    Do Focus on Your Inner Conversion More Than on Physical Beauty, remember that modesty is first a matter of the heart and our desire to please and obey our heavenly Father.  Don’t Lead Others Away From God by distracting them with your clothes rather let your carefully chosen fashion choices radiate God’s goodness and pure love.
9.  Do Learn How to Take Care of Your Clothing proper washing and storing will add life to your pieces.  Don't Hoard if you haven't worn it in a year or if it no longer fits find an organization or thrift store that will benefit from your donations.

    

10. Do Invent Your Own Style reflective of who you are in Christ, we are starved for originality so get creative. Don’t Let the Fashion Industry Dictate What You Should Wear while it's fun to learn tips from the pros on how to dress better, how to apply make-up and style your hair guard your creativity...  There's nothing more beautiful than a woman confident in her fashion choices.  Your clothes should say, that girl has really good taste and she truthfully follows God, I like her balance (smile).  

Mexican Funerals Rich in Tradition

Last Wednesday, my cousin lost his wife to cancer.  As I sat in his home surrounded by family and friends I realized how fortunate I am to be part of such a caring culture and family.  In the small town in Mexico where I was born death is celebrated in a very positive, nurturing and Catholic way.  It begins with friends and relatives immediately going over to the one left behind to give our condolences or pésame.  The pésame is always done in person and holds a lot of significance and is unique to the Mexican culture.  It literally translates to your loss weighs on me too and I am here to help you carry it.  My cousin’s small house was full of people in mourning if it weren’t for the somber atmosphere it could have been mistaken for a party.  Once the house was pretty full we started a rosary for the soul of the departed and after shared hot chocolate and pan dulce. 

As I sat getting my rosary ready for prayer I recalled traditions we used to follow in Mexico as a sign of respect for both the deceased and the family. We would go through a period of deep mourning or luto. During this period of luto we wouldn’t watch TV or turn the radio on, we would wear black for forty days and avoid parties as an alliance of mutual mourning – we also followed these rituals during Good Friday of Lent.  It’s almost as if we united in grief with these outward actions and paid tribute to the deep void left by the departed.  The day after the velorio (the wake) and burial we begin the novenario (the novena) at the house of the one closest in kinship to the deceased.  For nine days we will visit my cousin and show our support by uniting to pray the rosary.

The Power of Prayer...

Maybe I am biased because traditionally the above is how I am used to celebrating deaths, but I really see a lot of goodness, giving and sacrifice in our way of dealing with death.  God created us to live in community and what better way to unite than in the hardest of times.  It requires a lot of giving and self-sacrifice to leave one’s duties and be present to give our pésame, to attend the wake, the burial and to commit to a nine day prayer in another person’s home.  It’s physically taxing for both parties, but oh so good for the soul.  Especially during the firsts days of loss to see how the life of your loved one touched so many and to feel the love of your family and friends it’s an experience that one never forgets.  My cousin expressed how grateful he has been to not have to face this alone, to be distracted while he attempts to come to terms with his loss and I totally understand.  There’s nothing one can do to lessen the pain of loss, but one’s silent presence always helps lift a little.     

         

Spring Fashion Tendencies

Leggings, Maxi dresses & Stripes

Every year women are bombarded with the new fashion trends for the upcoming season.  This coming spring and summer: crop tops, cutout- jeans, sheer dresses and t-shirts with slogans are some of the leading tendencies for the warm seasons.  What is a Catholic-fashion-loving girl to do to remain true to her faith yet embrace her love for things pretty and feminine?  Living ten minutes away from the beach in a city that is warm almost year round and so close to Hollywood everywhere I look I see creative people embracing the changing trends.   Girls in short (and I mean short) shorts, tiny tops, tight dresses, revealing necklines are a dime a dozen.  Yet, my mother taught me better! 

Embellishments like beads and feathers are really popular.

Betsey Johnson Statement Necklace

As a Christian woman I also have a higher calling I am the daughter of the King of Kings and holding a position of spiritual royalty means that all of me including my exterior needs to reflect my conversion.  Does that mean that I can’t follow the trends or that I need to choose plain, boxy, lose and long clothes that hide my body?  Absolutely not!  Belonging to Jesus is not an exclusion from living and experiencing everyday life it’s an invitation to take Him everywhere that I go and to share His love with others.  Dressing as a person that is loved by the King requires thoughtful creativity (smile).  Not all trends will coincide with my modesty guidelines, but am a firm believer that I can still dress fashionably without compromising my spirituality.

Stripes are so in.

On this post are a few examples of outfits appropriate for godly women that incorporate some of the leading trends for this warm weather and that take into account some of the more wearable tendencies like stripes, lace, full skirts, statement necklaces, embellishments- even leggings!  I think the key is to find classic staples and incorporate one or two trendy pieces to liven the outfit and to express your unique personality.  It’s all about finding balance between the physical world and the spiritual because we are human beings alive and momentarily belonging to both spheres (smile).   

   

Softball & Overcoming Anxiety

One morning early last week I was deciding how to continue motivating myself to lose weight; I was seriously pondering the idea of joining a ballroom dance class so that item twenty-three of my 33 before 34 could be crossed off when I got an unexpected email from my best friend.  She asked me very nonchalantly if I might be interested in joining a softball team.  At first, the idea didn’t really appeal to me since memories from my former teenage athletic self, recalled my inability to hit a ball with a bat.  Yet, I later found out that a group of my coworkers had started the company team and they needed one more person to be complete.  In an impulsive moment I accepted the challenge and signed up.  Miracles still happened in these modern times because during our first day of practice I manage to hit almost every ball that was pitched to me--- with a BAT!  I couldn’t hide my joy nor my shock.  Now my hope is that it won’t be a one-time occurrence, but that I will manage to hit the ball on game day too (smile).  Tonight is our first game under the City of Irvine Softball League so prayers are welcomed.

Number 33 for Jesus

I love getting older, I am more comfortable with myself and more daring.  As a young person who suffered from untreated social anxiety I never really took risks- most of the time I was hiding and making excuses to avoid people.  Now, after some years in therapy and stability on medication I surprise myself.  Little accomplishments like joining a softball team (while knowing from past experiences that I couldn’t hit a ball) make me so exceedingly grateful.  While for most people there’s nothing grand about trying new things those who suffer from anxiety understand the nervousness of new things can be crippling.  Sometimes the fear of new situations can be so overwhelming that many sufferers avoid leaving the comfort of their established routine in order to avoid those unpleasant feelings.  Therefore, it’s fitting that variations of Do not be afraid are mentioned in the Bible more than three-hundred times.  God knew that we would need to be reminded again and again (some of us a little more than others) that if God is for us who can be against us?  Thus, through the grace of God and the doctors He provided I am becoming quite a fearless woman (smile).

Let the games begin.

Life is beautiful, especially for those of us who suffer from anxiety and rise above it!  We who face the hardships of our dark struggle are humbled by His continuous deliverance.  I am able to appreciate God more and my dependence in Him strengthens knowing that I need His ever present power every single day. Amen!  I am learning to love my weaknesses because they are the areas in which the Holy Spirit is most present and most obliging (smile).  As time goes by these weaknesses and struggles are redeemed and healing continues to occur giving me more peace and strength to live to the best of my abilities.  Everything in me is made new: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.  The old is gone; a new life has began!” (smile) 

We Didn't Lose We Just Ran Out of Time

Wives Submit to Your Husbands

At the Renaissance Faire

In my rebel days, I had a discussion with my ex-boyfriend about what he wanted in a wife.  He immediately quoted Ephesians, “wives be submissive to your own husband...”  Instantaneously my entire body cringed and I knew that our relationship was doomed because he wanted a woman he could rule over.  I couldn’t get past the word “submissive” which translated to becoming a slave and rendering my power to my spouse.  His dated patriarchal mentality offended the feminist growing in me…  Recently in Catholic circles the topic of women ordination has gathered a lot of momentum and I noticed that because the church has denied women that honor there has been a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the role of women within the Catholic Church.  Some have gone as far as to think that God doesn’t value or love women with the same depth He does men.  Like the former me, people fail to see the entirety and goodness of God's plans for gender roles. 

We found Jesus!

From the story of creation and throughout the entire Bible, we come to see God as a God of order.  When He created Eve He did so to provide a companion for man and to bring happiness to both.  As we travel forward in time many women play important roles in preparing the way for Jesus and when Jesus takes center stage He shows us the special place women have in the faith.  During His ministry He does preach about women being submissive to their husbands, but that statement continues to husbands love your wives as Christ also love the church.  Jesus loved us so much that He died on the cross and that’s what He is telling men they must be prepared to do for their wives.  He gives clear and definitive instruction to both male and female.  Yet, He does make the man the leader, but only because within a family unit there must be one person that takes the lead for the sake and progression of the relationship.  Just think of that romantic, indecisive date you have been on where he asks you, “were do you want to go eat” and you answer “I don’t know where do you want to go.”  This exchange continues back-and-forth until one of you taking the lead decides where the two of you will be having dinner.  Decisions must be made, leaders must exist and He gave man that role, yet throughout history men have violated that right.

Great shows!

Today, submissiveness has a negative even antiquated connotation because of the past violations against women, but God intended it to be beautiful.  He says that the husband is the head of the wife, but God gives clear indications of how the husband must love his spouse.  The husband’s role is equally challenging for he must love his wife as he loves himself working towards her betterment and her sanctification.  The husband must follow Christ and be like Christ in the marriage.  When both men and women follow the well-established plans of God, submissiveness comes naturally out of love and respect for our beloved (smile).    

My girls!

Heaven is for Real Movie Review

Part of my Easter morning was unexpectedly spent at the cancer ward of UCI Medical Hospital visiting my cousin whose wife is getting ready to depart home.  I sat in silence knowing that none of my words would help alleviate his pain and remembering how death always feels so miserably unnatural.  Memories of my first experience with loss flooded my mind.  It’s been ten years since my brother left us and though now I bear it - the scar will never lose its sensitivity until we meet again…  People kept arriving in Easter attire to accompany my cousin and to pray over his wife.  As I sat forgotten in a corner of the waiting room I gave thanks to God for we are so fortunate to live in post-Christ times.  We have the truth of heaven and the knowledge that death has been beaten on the cross.  Christ is our passage home.  What better day to be reminded of this monumental truth than on Resurrection Day.  Thus, before I left the hospital I reminded my cousin of the truth of heaven and life after death hoping that it would give him the solace that it had given me the day I was forced to say farewell to my brother.

My Easter attire.

On Friday, my sister and I watched Heaven is for Real and while it dealt with the mystery of life- after-death and offered great hope I didn’t really enjoy the film.  The movie is based on the real life account of a four-year-old boy, Connor, who has a near death experience and travels to heaven.  He returns to the world and shares his experience with his father.  While the details of heaven offered by Connor are beautiful (I especially enjoyed learning that animals are also present in heaven (smile)) the way the film depicts Pastor Burpo’s obsession and even exploitation of his son’s personal encounter really bothered me.  Moments after Connor privately shares some details of his celestial journey with his father, Burpo approves a press interview and the little boy’s experience becomes broadcasted to the entire town.  The acting is stronger than your typical faith based film, but the storyline is super cheesy.  Most of the film’s transitions are forced especially the issue questioning the credibility of Colton’s experience to a sudden conversion by the entire congregation.  A simple Burpo speech during a press filled Sunday service makes believers of all including the atheist psychologist.  I really wanted to like this film, but as someone who has not read the book I thought it would be more about heaven or even more about Connor- but it turned out into a story about Pastor Burpo taking a beautiful experience and using it to his advantage.  As the film closed presenting a picture of Jesus with green eyes and hippie highlighted hair and claiming that, that’s what Jesus really looks like it was too much...  Though, on a positive note, it’s great seeing more faith-based films making it to the box office (smile).

Easter Vigil

The Catholic Church in Orange County welcomed over 1000 new believers this Easter.

The issue of heaven and life after death is what brought me to the feet of God.  It’s what caused my initial adult conversion and prompted my return to the Catholic Church and that might make me an uncompromising critic on the topic.  As I mature and my life continues to experience loss it is heaven that motivates and inspires hope.  Knowing that every time one of my loved one’s departs the angels throw a party at their arrival in heaven and resting in the promise that because of Jesus I will see them again always uplifts me.  Heaven is for real I just need to look at the cross to know so.  Praise be to God!

Creativity in the Catholic Church

Jesus said that He had to leave in order for His Spirit to come to us, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  Not only did God become man to offer us salvation He also told us that along our journey home He would be with us always!  Now some people who have perused the Catholic faith from a distance (usually the younger generation) have shared with me that they find godly things boring.  To them I say, how can a God who created the universe with such imagination and attention to detail be boring?  As if wasn’t enough to be surrounded by all this natural beauty, He left us the greatest legacy: His Holy Spirit.  Pope Francis said that the Holy Spirit is extremely creative, and while the traditions of the Catholic Church will forever remain authentic the Holy Spirit inspires us to use our imaginations in our efforts to reach others for Christ. 

A few weeks ago I saw a video of religious sister participating in Italy’s The Voice.  The show is a reality television singing competition that begins with blind additions.  The coaches (judges) are turned away from the contestant and if they like what they hear they press a button that turns their seats and simultaneously casts their vote in favor of the participant.  As the judges turned in their seats and saw Sister Cristina singing “No One” their stupefied reactions - simply priceless.  The video of this singing nun has become an internet sensation.  As the judges pressed her with questions like: whether she was a real sister, what she was doing on a secular show and finally if the Holy Father knew she was on television.  She joyfully said that she was just following orders to evangelize, that she was sharing her gift with the world and she hoped that she would get a call from the Pope (smile).  Sister Cristina has garner a lot attention simply following the creative power of the Holy Spirit.  She also mentioned in an interview days after the show that many people had written to her sharing that she motivated them to return to the faith, to pray more and to see faith differently. 

My creative Easter Nails!

Goodness and everything authentic tends to spread and God challenges us to use our gifts for Him and the Kingdom.  If holy things appear boring, God is not to blame it’s us who haven’t tapped into our creativity that are lacking, for “Jesus can also break through the dull categories with which we would enclose Him and He constantly amazes us by His divine creativity. Whenever we make the effort to return to the source and to recover the original freshness of the Gospel, new avenues arise, new paths of creativity open up, with different forms of expression, more eloquent signs and words with new meaning for today’s world.”  The saints knew that God appreciates variety and innovation look at the many different religious orders that have won millions of souls for Christ.  Though the TRUTH never changes the methods can be modified especially to reach a falling young generation.  There’s a lot of work to do, how is God calling you to assist Him?    

Giving up Netflix Changed My Life

It’s important to have a grateful spirit.  To look at life and everything in it as a gift from God.  This Lenten time away from Netflix I am so thankful for books and the easy access (I have) to periodicals and all types of writings.  These past forty days I have read an abundance of literature on the saints, the Pope’s Exhortation, Christian spirituality and just plain fun pieces.  I have learned a great deal, but most importantly have gotten to know God deeper…  In the past I never really understood the power of fasting and abstinence nor the fruits that come from such a sacrifice.  This is the first Lent (since my conversion) that I seriously observed in true Catholic form.  I learned the power of following the traditions of the Catholic Church. You see, our church is very wise in offering us simple ways to celebrate the different times in Jesus’ life.  However, sometimes the simple ways get so diluted and distorted that no fruits are produced and instead of blaming ourselves for our inadequacy we blame the church and its "old ways."

I never understood fasting until this year.  Giving up Netflix really changed my life!  I never imagined that abstaining from awesome BBC Television Series would teach me the true meaning and effects of a fast done right (smile).  It was a struggle, especially because during the forty days I went through a depressive phase where I had very little energy to do anything at all.  Many days I almost fell into the temptation of watching a show thinking that breaking the fast wouldn’t hurt a soul; but, instead I offered my sacrifice for various intentions and occupied my time following my Lenten plan.  As I look back now, with still a few days remaining, I know that my small penance in addition to my dedication to prayer and almsgiving really brought transformation.  I learned that fasting without prayer doesn’t work!  That in ordered to reap the rewards of the Lenten Season I need to follow the ritual as the Catholic Church instructs me.  If I follow the indications of the church (in fasting, praying and almsgiving) then I am inviting Jesus to remain in me- to occupy more of me and I am allowing the change that is occurring in me to affect my community.  This happened to my seven-year-old nephew, he joined me in my Lenten lifestyle and he began to want more of God too!

Spending time at the Library and used Book Store....

This discipline of fasting and abstinence really inspired my faith, my prayer life increased and I am so looking forward to Easter!  It helped me realize that though it takes tremendous discipline - taming the body is possible.  That fasting and abstinence quiets the body so that our minds can open up to the realities of the spiritual realm…  In the pains of wanting to satisfy my thirst with a cold Coka-Cola I understood that I have the self-control to give up unhealthy foods.  This discovery motivated my desire to shed weight and I grasped that I can temporarily hurt for the betterment of self.  These past six weeks have been a time of such blessings and all because I followed the wisdom of my church.  During my prayer sessions, God spoke to me personally and gave me the strength to press on.  I realized that change can be good and that we always have areas that need more of God and thus more conversion!