Simple Small Things done with Love, You might Overlook

I have a friend who loves giving gifts. They’re mostly small things, like a book or a candy bar, but they let us know he’s thinking of us and cares for us. It’s usually not so much the gift itself that strikes me as it is the love I know is behind the giving. 

-Megan Arteaga, LoyolaPress

How do you show your love to your spouse, your kid(s), your family?

Whatever it is, I honor you for that. Showing your love for your family is showing the love of Christ to His people.

As important as showing love to your family, so is receiving the love from your family also. Receiving the love from your family is receiving the love from Christ himself.

The challenge is to recognize the love in every action from each member of the family. That maybe a hug, a kind word of affirmation from your spouse. A kiss from your kid. A candy from your little child. A flower given to you from your husband. As simple as opening the door for you. Accompanying you in the grocery. Holding hands while walking. Quality time. A touch. A high five. The laughter. The ear, when you needed the most. Being there when you just wanted to cry.

May you be watchful and thankful in every opportunity of love in action.

Lord Jesus, help me to see every action of love from my family and friends from this moment on.


You're amazing!

Geared Forward
Bringing your family life to a higher level.

How Love Works Despite Ridicule Persecution Rejection

Sharing with you this 3 Minute Retreat from Loyola Press. A three minutes a day retreat.

Three minutes a day can give you 24 hours of peace.
You can start you own by visiting their site at LoyolaPress.com, a Jesuit Ministry.

Today is about How Love Works.
Inspired by the Bible verse John 15:12 which says, "This is my commandment: Love one another as I love you."

"Ridicule, persecution, and rejection filled Jesus' time on earth. Yet Jesus still treated everyone with respect, forgiveness, and compassion. His hands always remained open, palms up, ready to give and receive. This is how love works. Jesus left us an example to follow. The disciples witnessed the great love Jesus had for them, and have passed that down to us. Now it's our turn to make Jesus' love visible for our time and place."

Reflection:
What prevents me from loving others with Jesus' love?
Who could use my love right now?

Prayer:
Compassionate Christ, you gave us a difficult example to follow. Help me to overcome my selfish ways and live as you did. Amen.

Source:
http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm

Freedom Requires Effort, Guided Prudent Choices

Sharing you this reflection from the 3 Minute Retreat of the Loyola Press, a Jesuit Ministry.

This may help you in your journey towards freedom and prudent choices you may encounter in life.

This inspiration comes from the Bible verse, a letter of Paul to the Galatians.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
-Galatians 5:25

We live in a world that encourages individual choice and personal freedom. We might think this freedom entitles people to do whatever they want. As Paul notes in his letter to the Galatians, true freedom means following the Spirit. When we live in the Spirit, the Spirit helps us to make prudent choices. We can't just assume that being led by the Spirit requires no effort on our part. It's our responsibility to form our conscience. Then we'll be prepared to follow where the Spirit leads.

Reflection:
What is my definition of freedom?
When was a time that the Holy Spirit guided me to make a prudent choice?

Prayer:
Spirit of Life, you bring life to all of creation. Help me to follow where you lead. Amen.

Source:
http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/Bookcovers/5271_follow-the-spirit.swf