“Too often discouragement, unhappiness, and stress take a toll on our lives and rob us of the joy we’re entitled to. It’s at those times that we must not take the power of prayer for granted; we should stop what we’re doing and focus on God. In stressful times, we should consciously back off from the situation and take a moment to reflect on what’s really important. A conversation with God has a way of putting things in perspective. He often helps us change our attitude, find a solution, or see humor.“ Barbara Cage

I certainly needed to hear this today. When things seem out of whack God puts them into perspective; if we take the time to listen to God.

… the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit… Romans 5:5

wesome mystery is hardly one that can be neatly defined. Every once in a while, I am inspired because the focus is on the love that moves through each of the three Persons and goes forth to embrace everyone. It is this Love that has been poured into our hearts to sustain us in good times and in the not-so-good. This Love is what I count on. I do not need a theological explanation to uplift and encourage my daily life. What I do need is the assurance of a God whose Love is so abundant that it pours like a full carafe of wine into my heart. Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

 Gods love is constantly being poured into our lives

“Savor each moment presented to you. Make certain you’ve taken the time to watch the sun both rise and set and have allowed yourself a moment to enjoy the night light’s game of hide-and-seek as the moon and stars peep out of the darkness.Stop to appreciate the new blossom on a flower as it’s beauty unfolds and colors the earth.

Be silent and listen to the songs of nature as they greet you. The music of the birds and creatures around us is a gift of Mother Earth.

Smile at the people around you. Be aware that none of us exists within a vacuum and that who we are, what we do, and what we say will have an impact on someone every single

day.“ Brenda Hager

Take time to savor every moment.

The God who answers with fire is God. 1Kings 18:24

“I put out a campfire recently. The flames had already died down, leaving only a lava-red glow. I’m not a veteran camper, so I was astonished when the bucket of water I threw at the scorching logs evaporated in a cloud of steam. I’d known since childhood that water puts out fire, but until that moment, I didn’t know that fire can put out water!

Elijah must’ve known it. Even though God seemed distant and silent to the people of Baal, Elijah knew that God could explode his sopping wet offering into flames. God can answer our call with fire too. God can make our hearts burn within us when we listen to his Word. He can burst into a period of spiritual dryness and ignite our faith anew. He can inflame our hearts with love for our neighbor, a desire for justice and the joy of the gospel.

Make your heart an offering to God and just see what he ignites in you!

Almighty God, inflame my heart!” Karla Manternach

It is amazing how God’s spirit can renew our faith. We just need to reach out and ask God’s Spirit to guide us.