What Will We Do in the Dark?
God, What Can I Do?
Photo By: FLickr/Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)
Remember the Pay it Forward type project we did in our parish during Lent two years ago? We matched money we would have spent on fast food, petty stuff or movies etc and put it aside for charity? Oh of course you don't, you lived elsewhere, I forget I have a very extended family now--so let me tell you about it. It is called "Share it Forward."
God is hard at it with me to do this now as the need is so great. Beer money, candy, ice cream, sodas, any unnecessary item that I compulsively buy without thinking--well now I am (ahem) gently told to send a donation to my charity on bill pay. (He knows exactly how to push my buttons trust me. He is also doing this as a motivation to stop compulsive eating habits.)
If you don't pay bills on the computer that way, put the amount on a piece of paper in a special container on the table and at the end of the week donate the total to a charity that feeds, clothes and shelters people everywhere. Okay? Okay. Its not me suggesting this, Momma and Daddy have spoken--I think we better listen and obey.
There are people right now hungry, cold, hurting, facing the most UNBELIEVEABLE SUFFERING in their lives and we may feel what can I do to help? Well, this is a very do able suggestion the WHOLE family of God can do. The next time you spend any money on ANY FRIVIOLOUS UNCESSARY PURCHASES or ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES—go home and match that amount and send it to a charity of choice. Don’t know any? Google Catholic Charities or give to the project your parish is supporting. Trust me the list is endless and so is the need.
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
