June 25, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lamentations 2:19
“Mothering has been my most challenging and rewarding vocation. What I share as a mother with my four children simply cannot be explained by DNA or human nature. The spiritual connection defines and challenges me even now, in my grandmothering years.
I am comforted and strengthened by Mother Mary. Like her, I held a newborn in my arms and pondered her future. I taught my child to pray and see God in the world. I delighted in her humor and corrected her behavior. I watched her grow in stature and in wisdom. And, also like Mary I lost her in a large crowd. thankfully, rather than three days later, I found her after 15 frantic and frightful minutes.
She who not only ‘kept all these things in her heart,’ also poured out prayerfully the contents of her heart in the presence of the Lord. When life‘s difficult moments threatened to steal my peace of heart, I turn to Mother Mary for comfort, example and advice. Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda

June 24, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
“Your love is beyond our understanding, O Christ. You hold us in loving regard and cherish our tears. You are like a mother who tenderly cradles her child against the pain and suffering of life. May your love poured out so freely upon us flow through us to all in need of mercy. Fill our hearts with your great love. Amen.

June 22, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the Lord, read out to them… the King made a covenant before the Lord that they would follow him…2 Kings 23:2–3
“King Josiah’s reign began at age 8 after his father’s assassination. At that time, many in Judah had forgotten and forsaken their covenant with God. Paganism was widespread. As a young man, Josiah sponsored repairs to the temple, during which time a book of the Law was found and shared with him. It was a turning point for the king. Josiah’s encounter with the Word of God led to repentance – ‘he tore his garments’ (verse 22:11.) knowing his kingdom had straight from the law, he renewed the covenant and led Judas spiritual renewal – restoring the Passover feast and more – while crushing idle worship and other abominations. Of Josiah it is said, ‘Before him there had been no king who turned to the Lord as he did, with his whole heart… nor did any king like him arise after him’ (23:25).
How is God‘s Word impacting my life? Pat Gohn
It is too bad that we don’t have leaders like that today.?

June 21, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“The world will not fall apart
or leave you behind
if you allow yourself a few moments of quiet.
There is no need for stress
and struggle.
Everything that is meant to be
will be –
with or without your help.
So relax,
find your balance,
and remember…
breathe.” Lisa Butler
Slow down, let go, and discover your inner joy.?

June 20, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Sometimes you think that you need to be perfect that you cannot make mistakes. At these times you put so much pressure on yourself. Try to realize that you are a human being like everyone else – capable of reaching great potential but not capable of being perfect. Just do your best and realize that this is enough.” Susan Polis Schutz

June 19, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Give Us This Day:
“Many prayers we say have been passed down to us for generations…..
These prayers are venerable, a history of the unchanging human spirit. But they do not guarantee that those who say them will ever be really ‘prayerful’ people. They tell us only that people pray.
Prayerfulness, on the other hand, is the capacity to walk in touch with God through everything in life. It is the internal awareness that God is with me – now, here, in this, always. It is an awareness of the continuing presence of God. It is my dialogue with the living God who inhabits my world in Spirit and in Mind.
Prayerfulness sees God everywhere.
Prayerfulness talks to God everywhere.
Prayerfulness submits the uncertainties of the moment to the scrutiny of the internal eye of God. It trust that no matter how malevolent the situation may be, I can walk through it unharmed because God is with me.
Prayerfulness is fostered by the simple consciousness that God is. That God is near us at all times. That God is closer to us than the breath we breathe. That God is available, a silence in the midst of chaos, a voice in the midst of confusion, a promise at the center of the tumult.
If I ask and I listen and I reach out and I fill my heart with the words of the One who is the word, then I will be answered. Somehow the path will become clear.” Sr. Joan Chittister, The Breath of the Soul
God is present with us in the good times and in the bad times. We just need to reach out to God.?

June 18, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
“ God of life, you gave us Jesus to be our food and drink. May we who share in the one bread and drink of the one cup strive for unity of mind and heart in sharing whatever we have. May divisions cease, and may enemies seek reconciliation. May the stranger and the outcast be welcomed at our feast. This we ask in the name of Jesus, our living bread. Amen

June 17, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Living Faith:
“Why bother praying if God already knows what we need? Prayer is more than asking for what we want. It’s not intended to be rote or transactional. Prayer is about connection and relationship, which begin with trust. When we pray, we have the beautiful opportunity to have a conversation with the Creator of the universe, the essence of power and divine intelligence. As we ask for what we need, we rise in our ability to perceive and receive it.
Some of my favorite prayers are expressions of advance gratitude, as I speak my way from fear and unknowing to trust and surrender: Father I thank you that you are healing my friend, you are comforting my child, you are increasing our abundance, you are lighting my path from confusion to clarity. When we shift from petition to thankfulness, the entire focus of situation is transformed. We can attend to what we need to do next, knowing that he has our greater good already unfolding.” Kristin Armstrong
Let us take time to let our relationship with God grow. That can only happen if we take the time to be present to God.?

June 16, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection:
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:8–11

June 15, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Bless you for being you. Bless you for inspiring others with your kindness and for caring enough to lift people up and accept them without judgment.
Bless you for your compassion, consistency, and understanding. You believe the best of others. You live your life by example and practice the golden rule.
Bless you for celebrating every triumph for consoling and comforting and sharing the pain of those who hurt. There is no ill will in your heart, no room for selfishness or resentment. You guide and enlighten, and you bring out the good in others.” Donna Fargo
Thank you God for the wonderful people in my life!?