Ants, Bees and God

Bugs seem to be the thing of spring 2011 for me. I live in the basement (a dry basement I might add – never seldom is there moisture) and this spring more than ever we’ve had bugs. Just enough to be annoying. I found ants on my laptop – going under the keys. It freaked me out thinking that I had some sort of infestation. Then I found ants in the laundry room. I promptly bought ant bait…and haven’t seen any ants at all.

I take that back. I have seen ants. They are all over the bathroom at work. I thought sugar ants were in search of sugar? What kind of sugar is in a bathroom? Or a basement for that matter?

As I was going to the bathroom at work today I watched the ants scamper around. While I was finishing up in the bathroom I had a thought – I should somehow make a blog post about ants and God and come up with some sort of correlation between the two.

I couldn’t really find any – ants can sometimes serve multiple queens in their “hive” (is that what they live in – a hive? a nest? a tunnel? What is the correct terminology?).  So  from ants, I moved onto bees…why I don’t really know. All I know is that I’m afraid of bees. This little tiny creature terrifies me stiff. I become paralyzed whenever they are around. I’ve also been known to hyperventilate with an over abundance of bees around.

Scared. Stiff.

As I was thinking of a blog post though, the ant to bee thought process got me to thinking about how bees are very much like us. They work and work and work – always coming back at the end of the day to report to their “queen”. While we don’t have a queen (well…technically Mary is the Queen of heaven and earth, but lets overlook that for a moment), we do have someone who we “report” to: husband, wife, friend, mother, father  – but most importantly God.

Everything that we do in our lives effects the lives of others. Maybe not directly but indirectly. Everyone that you are in contact with is effected by the decisions you make and the things you do…because it shapes who you are as a person. If you converse with another about your experiences, that too has an effect on someone else. And when we start to effect the Body of Christ – which could be both a good way or a bad way – God is in the center of it all.

The way we behave – the things we do – the words we say – can either bring people closer – or farther – from God. We are all a part of the Body of Christ and when one part of the body suffers, so does others.

It sounds pretty simple: live life the way God intended us to. Follow the rules of the Bible and of the Church. Remain faithful and surely your reward will be great. It’s a lot easier to say that than to do that.

God knows we are all going to stumble. We are all going to make mistakes. We are all going to do things that are going to be detrimental to the rest of the Body. But as one Body, while one part is injured, another part is there to overcompensate – to pick up your slack until you’re back on your feet.  We are never alone. Even when we feel we have done something completely incomprehensible. God will always place the people in your life that you need.

This past week I sinned – greatly. I realized the detriment of my actions and I immediately felt guilty – and devastated.  God provides the right person for each circumstance though – and He didn’t disappoint this time either. His loving embrace showered me. His forgiveness overwhelmed me. Peacefulness and joy swelled within me. And someone who I was so ashamed to be present with showed me what it’s truly like to be a member of the Body of Christ.

It’s easy to get caught up in life – trying to please everyone and make everyone else happy. I’m a worker ant – always there to serve the multiple “queens” that surround me. I want to be a worker bee – serving only one – God Himself.

Are you more like a worker ant…or a worker bee?

The buzz in Catholicism #Catholics

Everyone is talking about it.

Catholics everywhere are all excited about it – it’s the center of our lives for the next 40 days.

Lent.

4 little letters but a very powerful word.

Growing up, lent was a time of giving up stuff. Sure I learned about lent in CCD, but it wasn’t reinforced in it’s entirety at home. At home we were always required to give stuff up – and it had to meet the approval of our parents. Everyone knew what the other was giving up and we had great joy of keeping watch over the other person to see if they were going to fall – just so we could tell on them.

So, so wrong.

Lent isn’t about who is giving up the most or the best thing.
Lent isn’t about who has the most willpower.
Lent isn’t a test of faithfulness- if you fall you obviously don’t have faith in God!

That’s not lent.

Lent is a time of prayer. Of almsgiving. Of sacrifice. To unite one closer to God during this time of repentance. The 40 days leading up to Easter is the most sorrowful time period in the Church. It’s when we take a look at ourselves and our sins – and how we are each responsible for those nails that hung our Savior on the cross.

It’s a tough reality to deal with, but we seek solace in knowing that the Risen Lord is on His way!

In all reality though, shouldn’t we live our lives like this everyday?

• We are called to love one another – to bear each others burdens – to walk side by side with our sisters and brothers, daily. Giving ourselves to one another in love. Almsgiving. Do we?
• We are called into a personal relationship with God. He wants nothing more than to spend time with us. In order to do that we must seek Him. Prayer. How often do we do that?
• We are called to give of our time, our talent, and our treasure to the Church. Sometimes this can be a decision of whether to have time “for yourself” or to do service to others. Sacrifice. Are we selfish or do we sacrifice our time for the sake of furthering His kingdom?

The Church gives us these disciplines to further our relationship with God…to become closer with Him. It’s up to us to do the leg work though. Are you “giving something up” that will allow you to draw closer to Him? Or are you giving up something “easy” to just fulfill your obligation and be done with it?

More than anything, God wants us…to do His work, to spread His gospel but most importantly, to LOVE us. He desires more than anything, to have a relationship with YOU.

Are you obliging?

Blessed

First of all, I just wanted to state that I’m now listed in the Catholic blog directory! (discovering discernment) Also, I came across an awesome website to examine one’s conscience: CatholicsConfess.it. I checked it out and my eyes were opened to all sins I have committed!

I’ve mentioned previously that I had a big youth group event that I was planning. It took place on Friday into Saturday. It was a great weekend, even without eating for 30 hours! Very little drama took place, and for the most part, the kids seemed to enjoy themselves and left with a greater awareness of just how blessed they are.

The purpose of the weekend is to go 30 hours without eating to raise awareness of Haiti. My parish is very fortunate enough to be able to be twinned with a parish in Les Palmes, Haiti. We have a very active Haitian Ministry who all helped in preparing this past weekend to make it the success that it was. Very similar to World Vision’s 30 hour famine; except 100% of our fund raising goes straight to Haiti!

Throughout the weekend, not only did the kids get to learn about how little others have sometimes; and how devastating problems to us, aren’t all that devastating after all (i.e. not passing a driving test the first time; not being able to afford to go to the college of your choice, etc.) and there are people much, much worse off than we are. What a great reminder right before Lent begins!

On Saturday morning, I broke up the groups to go to 5 different local organizations to do community service projects. All the projects varied, but most all of the kids came away with a greater awareness of how the world is outside their little bubble. I was a chaperone to the food kitchen. I have never been to a food kitchen before, but it was a definite eye opener.

I often times struggle to make ends meet; trying to find the money for this bill or that bill. What I’ve come to realize though is just how blessed I am despite it all. I may not have the best electronics or the name brand clothes, but aren’t we all taught to not compare ourselves to one another? We must be content where we are at, whether that be wealthy, poor, or destitute: we all need to make use of every situation that is presented to us, and to spread God’s message of love to everyone. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget that.

As Lent approaches, I’m going to make a more conscience effort to remind myself that while I may not have the latest and greatest and I might not be financially comfortable, that it’s all okay. I’m here for and because of, God – and not anyone – or anything else.

The power of the habit

I recently wrote an entry on my blog about wearing a habit…and why it’s so enticing to me.

Today I stumbled across a blog entry written by Little Catholic Bubble…about the power of a nun in a habit. Here is a little excerpt. Please continue to read the rest at her blog!

“Power is a secular value, and many spend their lives chasing after it in one form or another. Women in particular are told that the key to ensuring our own empowerment is “reproductive rights” —  i.e., the right to abort our unborn children.

But what is true power, and where is its source?

Who possesses real power?

Like so many of you, I have been engrossed in Abby Johnson’s book, Unplanned, for a few days now. I read a chapter or two whenever I can steal a quiet moment, and every page has compelled and educated me in surprising ways. However, there was one scene in Chapter 9 that stopped me in my tracks…” source

A good habit

I was recently asked the question: what is the meaning of a habit? What do they represent? Why do you wear it?

I had written an entry regarding the habit and all things that I was looking for in a religious community a while back: creature of habit, but none of the above questions were answered in that post. I shall try to answer them now.

Catholicism is rich in tradition as well as Scripture. As mentioned before I am a traditional person. Traditionally, nun habits were worn as a sign of their consecration to God. Canon law states:

Code of Canon Law: “Religious are to wear the habit of the institute determined according to the norm of proper law as a sign of their consecration and as a testimony of poverty” (Canon 669, 1).

When one is wearing a habit, not only is it an outward sign to others that they have consecrated their life to God (much like the cassock a priest wears), but it’s a sign of unity to the specific order they belong to.

For an example: Franciscans are commonly known for wearing brown. Dominicans, white…just to name a few.

There are orders out there that don’t wear habits. After Vatican II, the mandate for a traditional habit changed. Orders were allowed to adapt and revise their “habits”. Those orders that you don’t see wearing habits anymore, will have some sort of symbol; a particular cross, certain color clothes they wear, a pin…something that unifies them as a congregation. The problem (IMO) with the “non-habited” nuns, is the lack of witness in the world. Those orders who do wear habits, automatically have a certain respect (or hatred…depending on the person) given to them. People see them and they know who they are; maybe not what order they belong to, but they do know that they are a religious sister who has given her life solely to love, serve, and honor God. They don’t even have to speak and they are witnessing to others. Those without the habits, may not be so “threatening”, but there is no visual “in your face” representation of who they stand for.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not stating that non-habited nuns are not a witness to those around her, my opinions and feelings are that those who are habited have an initial visual impact by default, just by what she is wearing.

Modesty is another reason…never having to decide what to wear ever again, is probably the best reason yet! When becoming a religious sister, all the trivial things of the world are no longer an issue. Money, clothes, shelter, food…all of that is provided to you with many blessings from God. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5). He will always provide for your needs if you give yourself to Him in service and in love. That is what we are all called to do. Some people just like to be a little more extreme (or literal) than others. My life IS in service to God…and once I enter there will be nothing distracting me from that. I will be able to give my all: body and soul to my wonderful Creator.

It doesn’t get much better than that!

Stubbornness

Some people, are just plan stubborn.

A couple of days ago, I wrote a post about atheists. The post had mixed reviews…even among those who do believe in God.

Today I found myself reading from Exodus in the Bible. Chapter 8 to be exact…the beginning of the plagues. For those who aren’t too familiar with the story, God sent Moses and Aaron as His “messengers” to Pharaoh to let the people of Israel out of Egypt. Each time Moses confronted Pharaoh on behalf of God, Pharaoh stated that he’d let the people go, but only if….

No matter how hard God tried to get Pharaoh to cooperate, Pharaoh just didn’t believe and would go back on his word each and every time.

After reading that I took a minute and thought about how that story is relevant in todays world. There are quite a few people that I know, myself included, who are stubborn and set in their ways. It’s their way, or no way…and don’t even bother to tell them otherwise.

The great thing about God is that it doesn’t matter how many times you may push Him away; He’s still going to love you anyway. He gave us all free will…to be able to make our own choices. Sometimes that choice also means pushing Him further and further away. Luckily our God is a mighty God, who doesn’t necessarily want to be separated from His children, will accept your decision anyway.

So what does this have to do with atheists?

At times I feel as though I’m one of God’s messengers. We are all called to preach the Gospel to others…to spread God’s word. Our toughest target are atheists. I don’t know if I’d call them being stubborn, but the fact that atheists deny the existence of God, can be understood as a form of stubbornness…of not wanting to believe in Him…much like Pharaoh did all those many years ago.

The Bible is supposed to teach us lessons, so as not to make the same mistakes over and over again. It just seems that we have the same characters, with a different plot, in a different time period and different people.

How do you reach those who refuse to believe?

Personal changes

We are called to do the will of God. We are called to glorify Him. Often times though, our humanness gets in the way. Our wants and desires overshadow the voice of God. We do what is pleasing for us…and not necessarily what is pleasing to God. Sometimes, we might get lucky and the two might mesh together, but often times, we do what we want to do and think of God secondary.

It’s important that we put God first…we are called to love God above all else…but I can honestly say that there are many times where I’m not giving God the pedestal He deserves…pushing spending time with Him till “later”. (Which of course, never does come)

In order to have a relationship with someone,  you need to spend time with them…converse with them…hang out with them. The same goes with God. He doesn’t just call us to be here. He doesn’t  just call us to just sit and worship Him (He’s got angels to do that!), but He invites us to converse with Him…to spend time with Him…to have a relationship with Him. Often times people see God as this all knowing, all powerful being (which is true), who doesn’t want a relationship with little old me. (which is not true)

What things in your life do you need to eliminate to make room for God? For me, it’s the internet. The internet is such a time waster for me. I find that I’m on it all day at work (because I need to be…), and then the first thing I do when I get home is turn on the computer to go on facebook (which is blocked from work). I’m constantly on the computer…which leaves no time for God. Even in the morning time when I awake, the first thing I do is turn on the computer to check facebook. It’s scary. Think about how much time you “waste” doing things that really aren’t good for you, or your relationship with God. Granted, you CAN use such tools as the internet to further His kingdom and to minister and reach out to others (this blog is one, for an example), but our lives are not made to be constantly ministering. I’m a sucker for that. I always want to do do do for others and never stop to fill myself back up…or do for me. Right now, the most important thing I can do is spend time with God. (I’ve got a new bible, a new catechism, and bible tabs coming arriving on Saturday…and I couldn’t be more excited to start my daily time with God!)

I want to live to please God. I want to do what He asks of me. I want to do what is right. One of the things I’ve been convicted with lately is my thoughts. I grew up in a very negative and hostile environment. Sadly, some of that negativeness has rubbed off on me and has penetrated my way of thinking. If you think negative thoughts, you invoke negative upon yourself. The more positive thoughts one thinks, the more positive things that comes your way. And if you don’t believe in the good vs. bad when it comes to thinking, think of this: if you are a Christian…following the word of God…and you wish to preach the Gospel…do you think a non-Christian who observes your negative demeanor is going to want to jump on the “Jesus bandwagon” if you’re not reflecting the positiveness of Christianity?

The answer would be no. I know I wouldn’t anyway. So today, I come before you to declare a bunch of changes that will be coming forth. Changes in my attitude, behavior, and time.

Being the procrastinator that I am…I’ll wait to start tomorrow though.

Strive to be examples of Holiness

Today’s Saint of the day: St. Bartholomew
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=390

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

I came across this passage from a blog that I follow…and it totally hit home. I’m going to break it apart, and shed my thoughts upon this verse.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
A great cloud of witnesses. I’m sure we all know people who have helped us along our faith journey. People who are in every sense of the word, every day witnesses to Christ and His love, and His example. The more we surround ourselves with people like that, the deeper our relationship with God will grow.
We all need mentors in our lives…people that we look up to…people to help lead us. There have been people who have gone before us who fit that mold as well as people who are still here lifting us closer to our Heavenly goal. I have two people who, in my opinion, served the Church, the world, and God with all that they could: Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II. If you don’t know much about their great works, I’d invite you to learn more about them. They were human, as you and I were, and had their faults, but they left an incredible mark on the hearts of so many people, and have left a legacy of holiness.

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles
Sin. It’s everywhere. No matter who you are, how devout you are towards God, how holy you lead others to believe, we all sin. It’s our human nature, passed down from generation to generation from the very beginning of time. Our goal though, is to void ourselves of sin…to avoid any sins that we may be tempted to commit. It’s much easier said than done, but it’s what we are called to do.
In Catholicism, we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During Reconciliation (also known as Penance), we confess our sins to the priest, who is the visible Christ. The priest is there as a physical representation of Christ. Christ is the only one who can forgive us our sins…and is done so through a process called absolution. (For more information on the process, and history behind the Sacrament of Reconciliation, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11618c.htm) Once our sins are confessed, the stains on our soul are wiped clean. We are given a Penance to do (some sort of prayer to recite or an action to perform), and our confession is done. With our humanness though, it doesn’t take very long for our soul to be dirtied up again…walking out of the confessional thinking un-Christlike things about the priest or another person, and BAM…you are no longer clean.
It’s very easy to get entangled in sin. It’s important to keep yourself surrounded by those who hold similar values and faith, and who will hold you accountable for your actions and faults.

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Perseverance. To persevere is to keep on going…not to give up or give in. I think that’s important on any faith journey. Our eye needs to be on the prize…on the goal…and that is an eternal happiness with our Lord. Only God can declare who is worthy enough to enter the gates of heaven. Are you worthy? How do you know you’re getting into heaven?

Let us all strive to be examples of holiness…to one another, and especially to ourselves.