Making Love and Peace -- Not War

Last week, I saw my 4-sisters cousins' photo of them in front of the Colosseum in Rome while they were on a trek through Italy. I quickly found my photo when I was there last year because it stirred up a passion to share about the end of a barbarous era when hate and violence killed at least 400,000 gladiators (slaves, criminals, Christians) and a million animals for “sport”. The Colosseum was eventually shut down because someone refused to stay silent about the atrocities. He paid a high price for his passion and courage, but that price changed the course of history.

Telemachus, a monk, lived in a cloistered monastery in the 4th century. He sensed God saying: “Go to Rome” so he packed up his possessions in a sack and went there. As he arrived, people were crowding the streets. He asked why all the excitement and was told that this was the day the gladiators would be fighting and killing each other in the Colosseum, the day of the games. He thought to himself, “Four centuries after Christ and they are still killing each other, for enjoyment?” He ran to the Colosseum and heard the gladiators saying, “Hail to Caesar, we die for Caesar” and he thought, “This isn’t right.” He jumped over the railing, went into the arena, got between two gladiators, held up his hands and said: “In the name of Christ, STOP!”

The crowd protested and shouted, “Run him through. Run him through.” A gladiator hit him in the stomach with the back of his sword. It sent him sprawling in the sand. He got up and ran back and again said, “In the name of Christ, STOP.” The crowd continued to chant, “Run him through.” Another gladiator came over and plunged his sword through the monk’s stomach and he fell into the sand, which began to turn crimson with his blood. One last time he gasped out, “In the name of Christ, STOP!” A hush came over the 80,000 people in the Colosseum. Soon a man stood and left, then another and more, and within minutes all 80,000 had emptied out of the arena. It was the last known gladiatorial contest in the history of Rome.

That, is what I call heroism and St. Telemachus is who I call a hero. He gave his life to make peace. Peace often comes at a high price. Four centuries before, Jesus Christ suffered a brutal death of crucifixion on a cross – as One Who died because His destiny was to exemplify His peacemaker's heart.

Since the beginning of time, peace has been fought for and here we are in this 21st century and the brutality, anger, animosities, hatred, and violence is still happening because of the one common theme of trying to silence the voice of peace and love. It’s a real tug of war between hate and love and this world is far from peace. The accounts of unsteadiness are abundant.

Since the beginning of time, peace has been fought for and here we are in this 21st century and the brutality, anger, animosities, hatred, and violence is still happening because of trying to silence the voice of peace and love. It’s a tug of war between hate and love and this world is far from peace. We are surrounded by a war between love and hate. Like St. Telemachus, I want to reach my arms out between both sides and say: "IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, STOP!!!"

Franklin Graham said: "I have no hope in the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. The only hope for this country is God." The solution that we as citizens have control over is how we respond to these conflicts. We must do our part on a daily basis to not get into word wars because the only thing that can fight hate is love. We have every right to fight for what we believe in; it's our right as citizens. But it starts with love.

Whatever message we should be conveying -- in good AND bad times -- boils down to one primary theme...LOVE. We are faced with a choice. We can let the horrible tragedies weigh on us until we are angry and in fear and we ask..."How can LOVE be the answer when there are those who are filled with so much hate, bitterness, sick minds, and spirits?" It's the same answer when they killed and crucified our Savior: "Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do." That is the love we should all desire.

On Sunday, my pastor spoke these words of St. Francis of Assisi. If we took these words, meditated on them and sincerely prayed them with all our hearts, just maybe we could be the catalyst for change:

"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen.

Trust Me! I’ve Got This!

Being over-zealous to find community when I first moved to Frisco, TX, I sought out ways to get involved at my church. I sent emails and made calls. I even sent a letter to the new pastor in hopes to meet with him for a few minutes to not only find out about him, but for him to know me and the great joy I have in serving God. Those efforts didn’t fall into place as I had expected, so I took matters in my own hands and started volunteering and getting involved in several ministry areas at the church. But, I never had the occasion to meet with Fr Rudy.

Here’s how God taught me yet another lesson – for my own good. At the retreat I attended this weekend, it was a joy to have our new pastor, Fr Rudy, with us much of the time. One of the sweetest moments, for me, was when Fr Rudy came into the dining room, got his food and set right beside me. It was just the two of us for a few minutes -- the minutes I had hoped to have had when I sent that first email. We found that we had places and friends in common, and such great conversation was had in those few minutes. When others joined us at the table, questions were asked of him, that we all gleaned from his responses. Once again, loud and clear, I could almost see God with his hands cupped around his mouth, and belting out to me….”Donna, trust ME. I’ve told you, time and again, ‘I’ve got this!’” I got His message. When will I stop trying to open doors that are unnecessary to open? God opens the right doors at the right time, when I let go and let God.

One of our mutual friends is Bishop Dan Mueggenborg (hereafter referred to as "M" for sake of brevity), who formerly pastored in Tulsa at Christ the King Church, but is now in Seattle. I shared this story with Fr Rudy. Bishop "M" holds a special place in my heart. Before his pastorate at CTK, he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. That's how Fr Rudy knew him as he attended North American College where Bishop "M" was on the faculty. So, when my husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary, Bishop "M" was so gracious to give us a grand tour of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants. Fr Rudy knew exactly which restaurant that was.

One of my fondest memories of Bishop "M" was his story about his visit with Mother Teresa. On one of her visits to Rome, he had a private breakfast with her. 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 to push the envelope a little further, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries. She signed the second card. Bishop "M" 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." Bishop "M" asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "No, not an original. You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one." Bishop Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY? I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that treasure that you threw away!"

Bishop "M" went on to compare that precious treasure of being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and His trust-worthiness in our lives. We dismiss the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.

I remembered this story as I sat with Fr Rudy and when I heard God tell me “Trust Me!” I sincerely desire to live with all-out trust in Him and not take matters into my own hands. 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. And, the desire He has for our relationship? For me to trust Him more; to love Him more; to let go of my GOOD ideas and trust in His GOD ideas that are always on time – His time -- every time.

God Reaching Out to Man; Man Reaching Out for God

At the discipleship training I attend on Tuesday nights, this beautiful picture of Michelangelo's painting of "The Creation of Adam", on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, was shown on a large screen. This famous image is God and Adam reaching for each other with their arms outstretched. It took Michelangelo four years, from 1508-1512, to paint the entire ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with a series of frescoes that portrayed several biblical stories.

I was in Rome for the second time in June of this year, and I was no less in awe and wonder when I witnessed the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel again, than I was the first time. Michelangelo was 33 years old when he undauntedly “created” and painted the chapel. Though he had apprenticed with a well-known fresco painter in His youth, his talent was in sculpting (i.e. his David and the Pieta statutes). He was a brilliant sculptor, not known for his painting, but that changed when he was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. Can you imagine painting, standing on a scaffold (that he invented) for hours on end with his neck blocked to paint that ceiling? He suffered so much pain during the process. We know that God orchestrated that creativity, and from his works of God, he knew God.

That photo was shown to us to point out God’s finger reaching out to Adam and Adam reaching to God. Since the beginning of time, God has been reaching out to man. We heard two conversion stories of God reaching out to point the way. The first was about the tax collector, Matthew, and how he was hand-picked by Jesus, who probably pointed his finger at him and said “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9-13). Imagine that experience. Matthew immediately got up and followed Him. He was #7 of the disciples chosen by the Master to be on His elite disciple team! The second conversion we heard about was Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman who was coming to draw water at the well at noon day. This day, at noon, the brilliance of the sun, rather THE SON, was brightest. John said in 4:9, “Jews had no dealings with Samaritans” and being a woman presented another obstacle. Jewish men didn't speak to women in public (John 4:27), But Jesus still reached out to this woman and through His love and tenderness led her to her truth and HIS truth and she became the first evangelist as she spread the word about Jesus. Matthew was touched. The Samaritan woman was touched.

Since the beginning of time, God has been reaching out to His creation to touch and be touched. In so many conversion encounters Jesus reached out to all, but, particularly to those who were broken, hurting, rejected and the worst of sinners.

I was inspired to write this post when I saw that painting and that depiction of God reaching out to man, and man reaching out to God. Oh, that we would be that man reaching out to our loving and caring God. No situation is too difficult. All it takes is a humble heart; an attitude that we depend on the guidance and strength of God our Father and the saving grace of the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. When Jesus pointed His finger to Matthew and said “Follow me”, Matthew followed. The Samaritan woman responded to that hand reaching out to her.

That hand is outstretched to you and me. May we reach out to Him today. He’s there, able to help us in our time of need. He is our great healer. May we reach out to Jesus and be comforted. May we reach out to Jesus and find rest for our souls. Use this photo of God's hand reaching to you, and visualize you reaching back to Him. God is always there with His arms open wide.

Next Stop: Rome

Good Tuesday Morning, dear friends and family! We've just landed in Frankfurt, Germany for our transfer to Rome. We should be in Rome by noon (we're 7 hours ahead of you while we're in Rome.

God does orchestrate our steps because the first couple I met in Houston on this tour, is a lovely Philippino couple who are absolutely God-sent. Mick & Sheila went to Rome three days ago to be with Pope Francis in celebration of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Golden Jubilee -- the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church that started during the "Duquesne Weekend" on February 17-19, 1967, so we'll meet up with them there. So God sent me two precious angels to sincerely treat me like a family member. Ruby, exuded such joy as we casually talked in the beginning. I learned of their love for God and serving Him in so many capacities. Tony is a Director of Christian Education at their church, sings in the choir and she is a teacher in a Christian school. As I learned more, I learned that Ruby just received the "all clear" report from her long treatments of cancer. She never stopped teaching and serving in their church and now, they are celebrating their faith and answers to prayer on this pilgrimage. What a blessing to have met them.
While we waited for our departure from Houston to Frankfurt, I became known already as Miss Congeniality (as dubbed by my fellow travelers.) LOL!. I figure "If you want friends, show yourself friend!" I introduced myself to all those going on the pilgrimage. So, on our long 10 hour flight, all those folks would pass my seat and say "Hi Donna!" We all agreed, "for all the things we've ever done wrong in our lives, we must have done something right for God to afford us this amazing pilgrimage opportunity."

As only God could orchestrate, the seat between myself and another tour traveler, a handsome young 20-year old man, Omar, sat between us. He fasted through our dinner meal, refused water or drinks of any kind. I asked, "Did you eat before the flight?" He said, "No, I'm fasting." My curiosity peaked! "Why are you fasting -- a health issue or spiritual?" His reply..."Spiritual. It's Ramadan (a month-long, sun up to sundown fasting) and I'm Muslem and I am searching for the truth. I want to read the Bible. I sincerely want a spiritual life again." Me: "What does your fasting accomplish?" Omar: "I fast for those who have no food or who live in poverty." Me: "I admire your dedication and your quest for truth." Our conversation continued with his view of Christ as a prophet, and my faith and knowing Christ as Messiah and Lord of all. Then, as only God would line up -- he read his Quran in Arabic as I read my Bible. As we parted ways, I sensed God's love for that young man and I encouraged him to read our New Testament so he will come to know Christ as more than a prophet. I pray Holy Spirit draws Omar to Himself.

As we waited for our flight to board, this beautiful Swahili girl sat across from me. She knew just a little English, and when I asked about her huge trophy, she just won it in the Marseille France OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE for first place in running.

Here's what I've come to KNOW and declare so far: "Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white -- they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world!"
Until tomorrow......my love to all!

My Faith Journey Pilgrimage Begins TODAY!

ucket list) trip. I’ve prayed that it would exceed being a tourist. I am purposefully seeking a spiritual experience and deepening of my faith that as I’ve heard others say “You’ll never be the same.”

Our first four days will be in Rome. Though my Sweetheart and I were there for our 40th anniversary, and had so many “God” moments, especially the opportunity to be on the fourth row, embracing the incredible opportunity of attending the ordination service for deacons and priests at St. Peter’s Basilica that was celebrated by Pope Benedict. We visited so many of Rome’s historical and holy treasures. But, on this trip, I’ve purposefully been studying the Apostle Paul, his missionary journey to Rome, his hardships, imprisonments for his faith, his accomplishments, his writings and staying steadfast in his faith. This time I expect a grace-filled and joyful experience of breathing in the spirit of Paul. He was a former persecutor and tormentor of Christians and through his conversion, became the greatest advocate for Christ, writing nearly 1/3 of the New Testament. BTW -- if Paul could become a stalwart and committed follower of Christ, don't give up on those you are praying for to become believers!!

I’m joining with my besties, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, and others on a pilgrimage, from our faith and for our faith – not for deepening of more theological insight or becoming more knowledgeable about the facts and beliefs of our Christian faith. Like Abraham (the Father of our Faith), who was the first to call the land “Holy” who was driven by his faith and “seeking the face of God”, I pray that for myself and our travel companions. More than anything, I know Jesus will be our companion on this pilgrimage to the places that were made holy by His life. He is the goal of my pilgrimage – a deeper and more faith-filled life as I walk where He walked, as I envision Him walking on the Sea of Galilee when we are there, and as my heart burns with passion for Him as I walk the Via Delarosa where He carried the cross for my sins and for my eternal life with Him.

I’ll be praying for you, my faithful and dear FB friends and family, and though I know Christ sent the Holy Spirit to live in us and it doesn't matter where we are, our prayers are as effective, I am still expecting that being where Jesus was on this earth, my faith will be “turbo-charged” to agree with you for answers to your prayers. My “expector” is off-the-charts, so I might as well EXPECT that since the Word declares it, I might as well believe it….”NOTHING is impossible with God”.

Our itinerary today is Dallas to Houston; Houston to Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt to Rome. I hope that I’ll be able to take you with me on this pilgrimage as I plan to journal my experience right here on my daily post. My posting time, most likely, will be random, unlike my 6 am (+/-) daily posting I make in the central time zone. Now, in the meantime.......
"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
XOXOXO

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.