Being Perfectly Loved

Just look at these 64 radiant women, all aglow with God's PERFECT love shining through, after the most amazing 4 days of enrichment and basking in such epic and special times together. Sincerely, those 4 days were life-changing in so many ways. Our love for God, and His love for us, went to a another level as we praised and worshipped Him together.

One of the highlights of the retreat was hearing Msgr Dan Mueggenborg speak these words of Jesus "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) Then he said, "There you go, someone else is expecting you to be perfect. Your parents, your husband, your children, your boss -- all expect you to be perfect, and if that isn't enough....NOW GOD!" To that, the chapel was filled with women bursting into laughter. He went on to describe how the world portrays beauty and perfectionism by the way we should look -- all polished, manicured, slim and trim, dressed to the T and carrying ourselves fully together and PERFECT.

But the fact is -- we are all less-than-perfect. Does God really expect us to be perfect as He is perfect? How is that possible? The God Who IS Love made us in His image. We were made to love as He loves. Colossians 2:10 says "And you are complete in Him (Christ)....." By that one word "complete", we're shown that we have in Christ whatever is required of us. 1 John 4:16 says "God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God, and God abides him." We'll never, on our own, be perfect on this side of heaven, but as we live in Him, the PERFECT ONE, we have the ability to love as He loved. Perfection becomes an ongoing goal -- day-by-day, year-by-year. Not in the world's sense, but on our own journey to become perfected in love (God is love) and to grow in becoming more like Him -- the PERFECT ONE.

"Make me more like You, Jesus. Make me more like You. Give me a heart that's filled with love, and make me more like You."

It's the REAL THING!

Day 54 of Photo Inspirations -- It's the REAL THING!
There were so many "awe and wonder" moments at the ACTS Retreat that I attended last weekend, but one of the highlights was hearing Monsignor Dan Mueggenborg, a gifted and eloquent speaker.  Msgr Dan holds a special place in my heart.   Currently he is Pastor of Christ the King Church in Tulsa, but, formerly he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. He was on the faculty of the North American College (Seminary) when my sweet husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary.  He was so gracious to give us grand tours of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants.  Such sweet memories for me, accompanied his amazing "talk".

He shared that when he was studying Theology, as a student, years before at the North American College, Mother Teresa would often come to Rome and he had the tremendous opportunity to meet with her.  In fact he had a private breakfast with her -- just her and him.  He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked:  "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you.  Would you please sign this prayer card for me?"  And, she graciously did, and being slightly forward, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who sincerely loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries.  She was so kind again, to sign the second card.  Msgr Dan framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other  signed card to his priest friend.  He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did.  Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card.  His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one."  Msgr Dan asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one."  Msgr Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY?  I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that card and you threw away an ORIGINAL!     IT WAS A PRECIOUS TREASURE!"

He went on to compare that precious treasure being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.  He is the REAL treasure.  He is THE ORIGINAL.

After that beautiful, inspiring talk, I felt on-purpose to do my best to keep Him in a place of honor, as the HEAD of my household and my life.  He's the REAL deal!  I believe in Him.  He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.