COME, HOLY SPIRIT, INSPIRE SIMPLICITY IN MY LIFE Thus far, we have been learning about the elements of interior simplicity through honesty, obedience, prayer, and self-discipline. These elements are necessary for each of us to fulfill our God-given mission, unique and unrepeatable, as we strive for simplicity. (Remember the definition of simplicity? A spiritual discipline that trains the soul to fulfill its God-given mission.)
Did you know that we have been given a "short cut" to help us attain simplicity more easily in our lives? This "short cut" is the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is ask, listen, and act. When you ask the Holy Spirit to inspire your heart in regards to different situations in your life, you will not be led astray. The Holy Spirit will inspire you to move forward in the direction of God's will for you life. You must listen, have an open heart and be willing to go where you are being led. God gave you free will and you can choose to go that direction or not. If you choose the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, it does not mean that your path will be easy, but it does mean that when you act in faith, it comes with peace and simplicity. 3 ways the Holy Spirit can inspire your growth in interior simplicity: First, the Holy Spirit provides you with interior wisdom and guidance. By listening, you gain clarity on what is truly important and what you need to let go of. This can help simplify your priorities so you can focus your time and energy on what truly matters. Second, the Holy Spirit is always source of peace and calm. By tuning into the presence of the Holy Spirit interiorly, you will find a sense of stillness and centeredness amidst the chaos of daily life. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety, making your life feel simpler and more manageable. Finally, listening to the Holy Spirit also help you cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment. By recognizing the blessings in your life and focusing on what you have rather than what you lack, you will simplify your desires and find greater satisfaction in the present moment. The Holy Spirit provides: guidance, peace, gratitude, contentment, simplicity.
spiritual
Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." Luke 6:36-38 This passage from Luke tells it like it is...and it is so simple! We will never be able to comprehend the immensity of God's love and mercy for us. Every human being is God's beloved child and our charity towards others should reflect this and know no limits. Sometimes this kind of love towards others is difficult. This is where the Holy Spirit can be a huge help in the role of "Paraclete", coming alongside to guide and comfort us as we show mercy and forgiveness to others. He wants us to humble ourselves as we give and serve others this Lent. In return, He will simply give us all we need, and more, to do His will with love. Welcome the Holy Spirit today...
self
A few reminders... How are you doing with the Grayscale Phone Challenge? Keep it going! And if you need directions to change your phone to grayscale, click the link below.
Grayscale Are you getting 40 minutes of intentional movement every day? If you need something different for exercise, check out what Meredith from Fiat Fitness Project is doing.
Fiat Fitness Project Did you read about the Heroic Minute? If not, see the link below. This is so very hard for me as I like to stay in bed a bit after waking, but this week am making a concerted effort to be heroic in that first minute of being awake!
service
Did you get to Mass 10 minutes early yesterday? I know this is asking a lot, especially if you have little ones, and even big ones that like to take their sweet time getting ready!
This weekend, my husband and I were on retreat and had the privilege to sit with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament before Mass, so technically, I was an hour early! This was such grace and I am so grateful for all the people who pitched in (some at the last minute) to help us with our girls so we could get away.
Today, take notice of how you spend your time and make an effort to stay on task and see little projects through to the end. I have a little cleaning/organizing project awaiting me in the basement that I have been putting off since our big kids left after Christmas...yes, 2 months this little pile has been sitting there. It will probably take a whopping 10-15 minutes to take care of, but I just keep walking by and ignoring it. My Monday Rule is to get this job taken care of! What task are you going to bring to completion today?
today's recipe
Coconut Vanilla Chia Pudding I love this for a quick breakfast! St. Hildegard recommends something warm hitting our bellies for the first meal of the day. So,I will warm this up and add some frozen local cherries or huckleberries. 1/2 cup chia seeds 1 14oz can organic coconut milk 1 tsp good vanilla 1-2 Tbsp organic maple syrup (optional) 1 cup oat milk or almond milk In a glass quart jar, add the chia seeds, coconut milk, vanilla and maple syrup (if desired for a little sweetness). Stir together and top with oat or almond milk to fill jar to the top. Place a lid on the jar and shake to combine. Refrigerator overnight. You can eat this as is right out of the jar. Or, put desired amount into a small saucepan and warm up with fruit, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, or anything you might like with it. *Chia seeds are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
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