I am a cradle Roman Catholic, that always had the knowledge of God. I, however, did not have a relationship with him and thus, was empty inside. Now through asking him to come into my life and going to prayer groups etc., I have had a renewal in my faith. Protestants may call it being "born-again". I now find what I thought was a BORING Mass to be the ultimate enjoyable experience that brings me closest to our Lord....besides of course Eucharistic Adoration, which is awe inspiring. The Church Fathers took me deeper into my faith which is when I came back completely-like a boomerang, thus my blog title. I understand why I am a Catholic/Christian. It is not just a religion. It IS God, it IS love.
I might not be an English scholar and you might edit me in your head. But, I do have something to share and I hope you will join me on the journey and maybe discover something new to think about. Blessings+
I sing this song at the top of my lungs in my car as I drive about. I just got back from a drive and my vocal cords are raw and my heart is pounding with love. This is a love song.
Audrey Assad is my favorite Christian/Catholic female artist. I find this song just breathes life into me. But, of course it does...with every inhale, I breathe in God as I sing it:)
Yes, I like the wind. You heard right! Sounds crazy after all the wind storms we have had lately. I also like the heat of a burning fire. OK, let's cut to the chase, I love the Holy Spirit. I am happy to be celebrating Pentecost today!
That sounded a bit strange didn't it? Well, the Holy Spirit is often times refereed to as being a mighty wind and a fire. So does that mean that to experience the Holy Spirit that we need to be roasting marshmallows on a windy day at a campfire? Then "Whamo" you get the Holy Spirit?! NO...though I suppose you could ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life and move in your life while these scenario's play out. However, you might get on fire in the wrong way. There is a better way to be on fire. That is...be on fire for God.
"Oh no", you say, "not me...I don't want that Holy Roller thing happening to me!" I know, there is always this fear of the unknown. I definitely had those feelings and then some. But there came a point in my life when I was feeling so empty and that something was lacking. I went reluctantly to a prayer group one night, and heard things about the Holy Spirit. So, one day I surrendered and asked for this Spirit to move in my life. The spirit of God. I was willing to ask Him into my life, as that is the only way the fire can build up inside of you. That is, a raging fire of love for God. I always had the pilot light on, but, it wasn't serving any purpose until I allowed the flame to grow.
Once I opened myself the the Spirit of God, to move and take control of my life -He came in like a raging wind. Powerful and life changing. Like the McDonald commercials sing "I'm lovin' it"! I became forgiving, fulfilled, content. But, I can't do it on my own. I already tried to be in charge in the past and I that didn't accomplish much. By the Spirit, I am now a happy sinner, that sins less *smile*, and sleeps well at night. I am content knowing that I have a Redeemer that lives and His Spirit lives in me:D
He is in charge and when I finally let go of my pride and gave my life to Him, my life changed. I was really worried though, that my life would have a lot of rules and it would be misery doing the "Christian thing". Well, honestly, I can now say, I really had no clue that life could get really awesome. For me being a practicing Christian is a heck of a lot easier way to live than not being one. "Happy Happy Joy Joy" (Ren and Stimpy fans get this).
Christmas, Easter are great times of celebration in the Church. Pentecost is treated like an ordinary day. Yet, it is a very very important day! Pentecost (50 days post Easter, thus the name) commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended on Mary, the Apostles and 1,000's of people. The Birthday of the Catholic Church.With no Holy Spirit to move in our lives there would be nothing. With the Holy Spirit- we can pray and have the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control amongst many other gifts of the Spirit can manifest in our lives in life changing ways. It's like Christmas with gifts under the tree just waiting to be unwrapped.
Veni Sanctus Spiritus/Come Holy Spirit. A simple and powerful prayer, you can say, allowing the fire and wind to sweep through your soul. To blow out and burn up the sadness, hurt, pain etc.that you are carrying inside. Then, the fire set ablaze in your soul, will radiate true love and true happiness. The mighty wind of the Spirit will breathe into you new life.
