Tuesday, March 16, 2010

ordinary person with an extraordinary soul

"Please God show me a small miracle today, inspire my children, radiate your love through my heart" - that is how I started my day yesterday.
After my morning prayer time, I went directly into the My Saint My Hero office to work with the team as we prepare for the launch of our website (yes our goal is still EASTER)!. We need all the prayers we can get to get this all finished by that deadline!!! Anyway, I was sitting in front of my computer for less then 10 minutes when Christine told me that her daughter received an e-mail from IMMACULEE! Yes Immaculee the author of the New York Times Best Seller "Left To Tell", yes the Immaculee that survived the Rwandan Holocaust and yes the Immaculee that has witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho first hand.
Christine's daughter was doing a Famous Person report and she choose Immaculee. She sent her an email with 3 questions and the answers that were returned are truly inspiring!
In that moment, I reached into my heart, felt God's presence and thanked Him for inspiring us all with people on this earth that are truly instruments of His peace.... read the dialog between Immaculee and Christine's daughter:

The questions were:

1) In what ways do you want to make a difference in your life, especially in the United States?

2) How do you feel when someone comes up to you to thank you for helping them let go of a grudge because they read your book?

3) What is it like when you feel God's presence?
Immaculee's responses:

Thank you for your kind email. Here some thoughts to your questions:

1) I am trying to be a good citizen of the world. I live in United States now and I know we are all the same at heart. I feel bad when people hurt, when people don't care for each other and in my heart I know people are capable of loving especially when we learn to forgive. So to see individuals, one by one happy is a great joy and something tells me that we all need to learn how to! People are not just mean, they learn to be mean and after a while they become insensitive to other people's pain. My goal maybe is to be in a small way, an instrument to peace and love among men, to love God and recognize that He showed us the way.

2) I thank God when people come to me and tell me that they were able to let go anger, it reassures me that yes peace is possible. We can't hope a good, long relationships, if people can't learn to forgive, we all hurt one another willingly, or unwillingly, out of bad habits or out of the wounds we previously carry in our hearts. We must learn to forgive for Hope in this life. True forgiveness is not different to love, to trust in God. But this is only possible when we love God above and we do all for His sake. He is the only worth loving, we crave to love so intensely and we must love first the one who will never wound us and then we can be able to love others with willingness to forgive.

3) Feeling God's presence is like you have reached, even though there is pain, you know you are taken care off, and nothing else matters anymore than, only the need to love, being grateful for all around you, and feeling sad for your sins. How can we hurt the one who loves us so much? That is the question I ask myself when I remember I didn't obey Him.

I hope your report is a success, and Our Father God be with you and breath His love in your soul!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

walking on This Side of Heaven

Well it's been a while since I last blocked and tons of amazing stuff has happened...Just for the record, the website is moving right along and it appears to be on track for launching by Easter!
Ever have a moment where you just feel down, not sure where it comes from or why, just want to sit in bed all day with the covers over your head. I was having a few of those days in a row a couple weeks ago and I just couldn't seem to get out of my funk until I got out of my own way! Yes, feeling blue on my way to work and then I got a series of phone calls asking for help, one from my kid's school, then one from a hospital that I volunteer for, and another for a charitable group. All three requests came at me in less then 1 hour. I buckled down, did my work, ran around to help out the calls, and by the end of the day I felt great! Who knows whether it was doing for others or just doing so much that my head couldn't think about anything... whatever it was it worked, and I felt like a new person! I am convinced that at times we need to get out of our own way and let God drive for a while!

Personally, times seem to be changing for me and the things that I used to be able to do everyday in habit don't have any meaning anymore. I am aware of my motions and then I am aware of my true purpose and if they do not match up, I just can't do it! The times of going through the motions are over, every moment matters and every moment I want to feel and be awakened by the miracles of life around me! I sit in quite prayer and feel the hope for the future balanced by the devastation of today... I wonder every moment what is my purpose here on "this side of heaven". Abortion is the new birth control, children are watching R rated movies on their TVs in their rooms, kids are playing shoot em up video games, and we are all going through the motions hoping that someone else will step in, someone or something else will teach them. We just keep on moving ahead, making more money and buying more toys, hoping that one day our children will just "get it". The faster we move, the farther we get from our true core connection... that scares me! Will I have the courage to stand up, speak up, and change? This life is easy... too easy. I feel as though I have been tempted and I have fallen into the trap and now, suddenly I am awake looking around and recognizing where I am! Thank God, I am awake, however how do I stay awake? How do I make a difference, and how do I show my conviction without falling into the trap of temptation?
Discernment, Peace, Truth, God's unwavering Love, Forgiveness... these are gifts, we are each given by God. I am opening these gifts right now, cherishing them and living with them close to my heart! We are human, we do have choices, we do fail however it is our responsibility to stand up in God's presence, claim who we are and walk forward in His image... this is my challenge and I stand tall in it right now and hold you in His Light!
May God Bless us and Guide us,
amy

Friday, February 12, 2010

a lesson from Daniel

The Website countdown is looking better and better... we really will have it up by Easter!!!
Last Wednesday I had on my calendar 3 conflicting things that I had to do... work in my sons 2nd grade class from 8 till 12, be at a Art class from 9 till 11, a vet appointment for my aging dog at 11:30, work in my office (always) and a bible study from 9 to 11. I didn't want to go to Bible study that day so the other obligations were an escape... Well, God had a different plan for me! I got a call in the morning that my friend wanted to go to the Art class in my place. Then an email came through asking if I could switch my teaching shift to Thursday... and well the vet at 11:30 meant I really could go to Bible Study! Looked around my house for my workbook and realized I left it at my office... Oh well no bible study for me... I'll just go to work at my office. God once again had another plan for me and my heart brought me straight to Bible Study...and what a DOOZY!!!!
We are studying the book of Daniel, and let me tell you it is FANTASTIC!!! who knew that I would love a book from the Old Testament... But I DO, and it is so perfect for my life today! Yes written in 605BC and it is applicable to my life today... that is GOD!
This is the core message: During a crossroads in our life, be it pain, illness, heartache, anger, etc... there are three possible outcomes with God:
1. We are delivered FROM the Fire (meaning we escape it by the grace of God) and our Faith is solidified.
2. We are delivered THROUGH the Fire (meaning we must endure and go through it) and our Faith is Perfected.
3. We are delivered BY the Fire (consumed) and we are delivered into the arms of GOD.

WOW - how profound yet simple! And let me tell you... I have been reflective on that ever since Wednesday... In fact my dear friend called me last night and basically has given up on God. To her, her life is a mess and God isn't around to pick up the pieces. My prayer for her is that she gets delivered through the fire! However it is up to her to give HIM her time and ask HIM for help!

A cool quote written in 1681 from a Carmelite Monk after a "conversation with God" - "The whole substance of religion is faith, hope and love, by the practice of which we become united to the will of God. ALL things are possible to him who believes; they are less difficult to him who hopes; they are easier to him who loves, and easier still to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues.

May God continue to Bless our Journey

Monday, February 8, 2010

I made it!

moving a little slow today... however better every minute:) the 1/2 marathon was amazing and yes I crossed that finish line and possibly even beat my old time! I had a inner goal of making it under 2 hours and I did it!!! All because of my dear friend and her constant inspiration! She was totally equipped and a true runner:) every mile and a half she would feed me yummy snacks - oh my gosh those energizing jelly beans are GREAT! just when you start to slide, you eat one of those and off you go:) - I truly had the runners high the entire run! The day was beautiful, the sun was shining and the waves were rolling, and my dear friend was by my side (actually several strides ahead but close enough to look back and give me a smile). Truly a beautiful environment! Step after step the rhythm allows for deep contemplation and prayerful gratitude for this amazing machine that we call our bodies. God gave us so much and keeps on giving... the ability to walk, the ability to run and the ability to be strong, our bodies are truly a temple for God and as I finished that race I felt the immense gratitude for God's fine gifts! This is my time to stretch the limits and reach for dreams... I am in my 40's, health is on my side and I am capable... what an amazing thought... it is so invigorating to know that it is my time to shine! And with the sunset on the horizon of life it is also motivating to do it now, dream now, and go for it now... so that when the sun truly does set... we can have a smile on our face and know that we lived with a purpose and dared to dream. May we always... Trust and Be Inspired

Saturday, February 6, 2010

an awakening

Saturday... day 5 of blogging... still accountable to the countdown of launching our website and my 13 mile run is tomorrow! AND...
Today I attended a funeral for my sister's friend's husband - close enough to be reflective yet not close enough to feel the pain of loss. He was a young 50 something and died of acute leukemia in basically 3 weeks. Had flu like symptoms, tired achy for 3 weeks, finally went to the doctor on January 18Th and walked himself over to the hospital for blood work...died on January 21st - wow... He left behind his family and friends and his one 15 year old son. The service was wonderful, my dear friend was the priest and he did a wonderful job, and the cantor was beautiful. We were all in the moment, grateful for the life of a dear friend and praying for a warm welcome in heaven. I looked over at the 15 year old son and saw a tall, handsome boy... surrounded by an entire pew of friends all dressed in suites and supporting their friend's loss of a dad. The son was so strong and accepted all of the condolences gracefully. Then at the end of mass, as everyone was trickling out the doors, the church grew empty and there on the alter remained his dad's ashes. His mom was talking to a few last people and I began to walk my mom out to the car - I went out the wrong door and we had to turn around and walk through the church again and go out the other door. The little detour had both my mom and I noticing that God must have wanted us to pass by the ashes one last time. As we did, we prayed and I turned to leave and there in the pew was the Son, this time the 15 year old boy was not standing tall and strong, but rather curled up in the fetal position and just lying there in the pew alone...alone with his dad...for one last time. Maybe that wasn't the proper thing to do or the socially correct way to be, however it was real, it was authentic and it was exactly what he wanted to do. Curl up in the quite and be... Peaceful yet sad...he was taking a moment. I feel so blessed to have witnessed this moment - how often do we want to take a moment to feel, yet we rush off to do what we think we should do??? May God bless this young boy as he continues to feel the pain of loss may he also feel the love and hope of eternal life. Personally I ask God for the courage to look deep into my soul and allow my emotions to flow through me. Goodnight for now...

Friday, February 5, 2010

Blogging from the iPhone

Day 5 and 57 days until Easter- yes 57 days till the lauch date of our website! Yes it has taken almost a year to prepare and now we are putting the pressure on to finish it! Oh my dream to get this company off the ground and see it thrive!!! Great ah ha for today- I must get down on my knees and pray daily!
Great moment today; I met with a friend and he was so inspiring about msmh- in fact he offered to be on our board and help us! Wow a Board and a friend that wants to help!
My 1/2 marathon is on Sunday - 2 days and it is raining so hard.... Yikes, no more chat- I must keep it deep- yet today that is difficult- off for now!
May God Bless us and guide us all

Thursday, February 4, 2010

step up and be

Day four and I am back. Yesterday seems like a month ago...Christine, Jackie and I re-arranged my office and turned it into My Saint My Hero space - we are preparing for the fruits of our labor in a big way! I am truly "in it" at the moment, thoughts are fast and my creativity is at a high - now the challenge remains to channel that creativity into finished products...
My Ah Ha moment for yesterday carried forward throughout today...When one person Steps Down the other must Step Up! That is a true partnership, the balance of family, work, faith and just plain life requires help. Some days we are on and thus "stepped up" and other days we are off - our "step down" moments. A true partnership - be it marriage or work - understands that dynamic, appreciates the moments and trusts in the balance. Tit for Tat gets us no where, honoring the flow gets us to our destination.
Count down to the launch date of our website... Less then 60 days away (with the intention of launching by Easter) We will accomplish this goal!!!(I hope and PRAY)
Let's continue to Share how God works in our lives!
Trust and Be Inspired,
Amy

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

What inspires us?

Day 2 of our journey together and I must say I am excited about writing! As I was leaving work yesterday, I sat in my car and began my conversation with God... Ok, I started my blog and I did it! (I heard back the following) - "Yes you did however you need to go deeper...share more of your true self, your soul...otherwise, why bother???"
What inspires me and why am I writing the blog? why am I embarking on the My Saint My Hero journey? Why am I not completely satisfied with my "real" job that I have been very successful with for the past 21 years?.. The answer is the restlessness of my soul. I am a seeker, I have read book after book on the Saints, I have walked where they walked and visited places around the globe where miracles have occurred, and I FEEL IT! I feel their simple yet beautiful Union with God and I want a conscious personal union between myself and God. I long for it and my heart seems to skip a beat when I get to that place in prayer! Yes it has been a journey and Yes at times I struggle, yet every time I start to doubt the journey, something falls in my lap to remind me I am on my path and that God is with me. Just two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to "retreat" with Immaculee Ilibigiza in Ohio (if you have not read LEFT TO TELL by Immaculee... READ IT), well to make an incredible story short, we ended up in the same hotel and met with her the first morning of our 3 day retreat! Immaculee and her dear friend Valentine are truly living Saints! I was walking with a living/ in real time/ Saint (not really Saints yet by Church standards however living the life right NOW) - Valentine receives apparitions of Mother Mary and Jesus! And there we were in the presence of these wonderful people talking about the Miracles of God! - We were stunned by the Grace of God and I have yet to absorb it all... I just know how I felt... and when Valentine spoke words of Christ, and sung a song given to her by Him, I fell to my knees in humble gratitude for the moment! The certainty of God's presence is odd to me... it is a feeling that is new, yet I feel Him and my heart has opened to Mother Mary's invitation to convert our hearts to Christ - All I want to do, is converse with God through contemplative prayer, read His words, and share it with others. And now, I have the opportunity to combine work with my hearts purpose... my hope is that it also fulfills my monetary requirements as well! Actually my hope is that My Saint My Hero exceeds my monetary requirement so that we can fund the various missions including the Basilica at Kibeho.
One last fun thought: Last night I called my 25 year old nephew and asked him to do a monologue for YouTube sharing his choice for Purity and his raw authentic struggles that led him to a deep relationship with his faith. I then called my 23 year old nephew and told him to film it! These boys are a cute as can be, they are hip, fun and amazing... I hope they are inspired and I hope that the finished YouTube clip inspires others to take the path of Devotion, Faith and Prayer.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Inspiration to begin today

Friends that say yes to starting a business together and really say yes to walking down a spiritual journey...this is me, one of the 3 friends that started a business last year with tons of passion, excitement and faith... little did I know what a ride I was getting on! Since February of 2009 we have been praying together, doing a zillion novena's and experimenting with the miracles of the Rosary. I decided to trust and go for it and since that time miracles have REALLY happened...REALLY... - in fact part of me feels that it is too late to blog now... maybe all the fun miracles have already happened and nothing exciting will occur to write about. YIKES... however during my run last night (yes at the age of 42 I also agreed to run a half marathon with my grade school pal - crazy but I am doing it! I will let you know how that goes:) - anyway on my run it was as if someone was talking to me... start your blog NOW. OK do I review all the amazing things that have happened up till now? No just start today and let the miracles begin. BLOG how... I don't have a facebook, I don't know how to Twit or Twitter - whatever, how will I blog... well here I am and I am a little scared... I feel very exposed. However, last night after my run, as I was glancing over the "Tidings" (catholic newsletter) right smack in the middle was a picture of Pope Benedict with a caption stating "I am asking you all to Blog, Twit and use the internet to share the wonders of God" - WOW OK - Here I am... TODAY my prayer request is to complete our company website www.mysaintmyhero.com before EASTER! We (my friends and work partners) are all saying our Seven Sorrows Rosary everyday with that intention... lets see if we can make it happen! Our original target date was October 2009... oops we missed that... let's see what happens next. You might notice that my signature at the bottom is Amy and Christine... Well I am Amy and Christine is one of my work partners... she will post at times as well. I will share a few of our dreams with you now so that we can track our progress: 1. To Get our Website up and running!, 2. To become the #1 hip, cool, and inspirational place for people to go when they are looking for faith-filled gifts and wearable blessings, 3. To bring the Story of Our Lady of Kibeho to the US in a big way! 4. To host Immaculee Ilibigiza for a weekend retreat in Los Angeles, 5. To share the miracles of the SAINTS in a 2 day Lifeteen retreat. 6. To write a book on the Saints... 7. To get some press:) - a story about us on TV or have a celeb love our stuff and begin to wear it and show it off:) YEAH, I think that is it for now... until tomorrow - I thank you for reading and May God Bless Us and Guide Us always.