Everyone is like Job

Hi everyone. I just finished reading the book of Job. Everyone, at one time or another, is like Job. Something goes wrong in their life and they complain. Who do they blame for their situation? More often than not, they blame God.

"God, why did you bring this into my life? You do great things for people. Why are you making me suffer? I'm innocent; I did nothing wrong," Job complained.

God answers Job in a very powerful speech, using symbols and metaphors. God told Job that he is not in control. God has power over everything, not humans. God explained that we gain a lot from our struggles. It builds character and persistence in us. It builds character by thinking of others; some people have it worse than us. We have a strong desire to help those in need. We develop persistence by never giving up when the "going gets tough".

God also said that it is wrong to think we're innocent. Everyone sins, believers and non-believers alike. When we get sick, God warns us to turn from our evil ways else we die.

In our struggles, it is ok to complain to God. He understands and can help us.

A very powerful woman

Hi all. I just got done reading the book of Esther in the Old Testament. I was pleasantly surprised that a woman could do so much! Women did not have any rights in the "old days" and even less influence. Because Esther was queen, her husband- the king- took her seriously. The king found out that Haman, part of his royal guard, planned to kill every Jewish person. Esther did not want that to happen so she devised a scheme that worked. Haman died and the Jews were safe. All women should look to Esther for confidence, to do the right thing.

Esther has given me confidence. I thought about writing to Scott Walker, Milwaukee's County Executive. He is doing a good job, except for the bus system. He just eliminated 2 bus routes and I have thought about writing him a letter of complaint. Esther gave me the confidence to write it. I will pray that God speaks to Mr. Walker and changes his views.

Happy new year!!

Hi everyone. I stayed up until midnight last night, something I have never done. (I wanted to see 2009 leave.)

When I got up this morning, I was thinking about New Year's. Some Americans only think about the secular part of the new year... "What can I change about myself?" But there is so much more! I was pondering life this morning; how things in our life happen for a reason. Sometimes we see it, but most times we're left to wonder about the meaning.

Case in point... my unemployment. I realized why God brought this. I am learning to depend on Him, more than my family and friends. When I arise from sleep, I read the Bible for one hour. This helps immensely! The rest of my day is peaceful. I also discovered I have a new talent. When I'm done applying to jobs, I spend 2 hours beading. Right now, my main focus is creating necklaces.

Remember, there are positivive things in the midst of struggles.

Relationships

Hi all. I have recently been thinking about relationships.

All relationships are important. It does not matter if it is a romantic relationship or just friends. I will stress, relationships are important. We all learn things from each experience. When a relationship ends, we are upset and that is normal. I have had a few relationships that have ended. In each relationship, I have learned a lot about myself.

There are a few important things that are important to any relationship, be it romantic or friendship. Respect is a key part. If the two people don't respect each other, it does not work. You don't neccessarily have to agree with everything, just understand that the other person has their opinion. Another critical thing is listening. Many people in today's society have a problem with listening. Listen with your whole heart. Listen to understand what the other person is saying and offer advice, if asked. If two people don't listen, then there's nothing.

And the idea that you MUST have a romantic relationship to be happy is silly! Yes, you read correctly. It is silly if you think the only thing that will make you happy is a romantic relationship! The media will have you think: "The only way I will be truly happy is in a romantic relationship". No, no, no!

The true thing, that will make you happy, is God. Having a relationship with God WILL make you happy. You can talk with Him and He will listen to you. Pray to Him and He will hear your prayers.

All relationships are important.

Bible lessons on money

Yesterday I finished the New Testament and am now studying the Old Testament. Many people say the New Testament gives concrete advice on how we should live and the Old Testament is nothing but history. That is simply not true.

Right now, I am reading 2 Kings. It discusses how kings, in the past, ruled. Many of the kings disobeyed God. If you look deeper, 2 Kings tells us what angers God. One king is similiar to many leader's in today's world. King Menahem bribed the emperor of Assyria with money. The king died a short time later.

King Menahem shows God's anger with money. Money, in and of itself, is not bad. (It can help people out of desperate situations.) However, the motives behind money is important. When someone accumulates wealth, but does nothing with it- that is evil. When someone a leader has lots of money, and bribes someone- that is evil.

Money must be used for the good of all people.

A Small Miracle on Thanksgiving

Hi everyone. This small miracle happened on Thanksgiving 2009.

I went to the early Thankgiving mass at my parish to watch my dad give his first homily. I prayed for my Grandma G. (She passed away 4 years ago and always joined us for our Thanksgiving meal.) I prayed that she was happy and at peace with God in heaven.

When we got back home, my brother and I walked into the living room. He looked out the window and into our crab apple tree. He saw 2 things and asked me what they were. I wasn't sure so he yelled to our mom, who was in the kitchen. She saw woodpecker and something else. (It was bright red.)
She took out her binoculars and then she saw it... It was an apple! She then called my dad and he also saw it. We all were in amazement that a regular sized apple was in our tree!

The red apple in the tree represented "Grandma G". She IS happy and will be with us for Thanksgiving, in spirit.

Have you experienced a miracle in your life?

Actions speak louder than words

I'm sure someone has told you that at least once in your life. But have you ever wondered about the meaning behind it?

I have been told that twice in my life. My ex-boyfriend told it to me, towards the end of our relationship. And, just recently, my platonic male friend told it to me. I began to wonder what the line truly means.

It's GREAT to read the Bible and memorize some key verses. When you read the Bible, do so slowly in order to grasp the meaning. When you understand the meaning, write it down in a notebook. The simple act of writing helps us remember what we learned.

After writing it down, we must then live it. I can attest to the fact that it is not easy. Last Thursday, one of my friends invited me to her birthday dinner. (My platonic male friend was also there.) My platonic male friend brought his 2 year old daughter along and she started crying, so he took her to another room. I looked at his empty chair and started thinking. I debated, for several minutes, wheher or not I should talk with him. I finally made up my mind and did not. (I thought he wanted time alone with his daughter.) He e-mailed me 2 days later and was upset; he thought I ignored him. I explained my thoughts and he wrote back saying: actions speak louder than words.

Yes, actions DO speak louder than words. We must live what we learn from the Bible. If we do not, we are the same as non-Christians. I'm not saying living our faith is easy, because it's not! We should pray "God, you know how I struggle with life. Give me the courage to live my faith this day and all rest of my days. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen."