The Adventures of L and H (part 1)

This weekend one of my closest friends, Laura Ann Steed, returned to town. We met in college at U of I and we spent this past year until May living together. In May, she moved to NC to begin Grad School at Duke. She is a first year Divinity student. Our friendship has been a blessing since day one. I am continually amazed at how we can go months without seeing each other, but when we are together it seems as if no time has passed at all. We are two peas in a pod and I treasured this time that we had together. I thought I would share some of our adventures with you! The picture above is from our meeting place halfway between Laura's parents House and Indy at this huge candle shop.
The weekend was filled with meeting up with people that we both love dearly. It began with Coffee and holy conversation with Sr. Jennifer. Three things that I love dearly!!! We had a great time. Upon our departure, we went to the monastery and met up with Sr. Nicolette. We had dinner and than played rummy with Sr. Catherine and Sr. Eugenia. We had a lot of fun, but it did get a little competitive. I was threatened at one point that if I went out one more time that I would no longer be prayed for. haha. Laura won both games, which Sr. Eugenia said that they always let guest win. I love that I am no longer considered a guest and I can not wait to enter. I desire that so much...if only I could figure out a quicker way to pay off my student loans. It is really nice to have friends that are open to going and hanging out at the monastery. It is a reminder to me of how blessed I am to have supportive friends and family on my journey. After that we met up with my sister and some friends at b-dubs. We hung out for quite some time and than went back to the burg (aka our house). I will share more about our adventures later this week..........

Seek God in the Ordinary

This past Sunday Father Paul talked about seeking God in those ordinary moments of life. It is interesting because lately it seems that every homily I hear the message is exactly the words that I needed to hear. Words that encourage me to change so that I can be more loving, kind, and compassionate. Words that help motivate me to continue to seek God and his will with all that I am. Words which make me fall more deeply in love with Jesus everyday. I am blessed to have an incredible priest that speaks the word of God in a manner that challenges me to not only hear the word of God but to live the word of God.
This Sunday the first reading told the story of Elijah going up on Mount Horeb to seek God. He was looking for God in extraordinary things like the wind, an earthquake, and fire, but he did not find God in those things instead Elijah found God in a quiet whisper in the ordinary. Father Paul encouraged us to begin each day with the mindset of seeking God in the ordinary. He encouraged us to look for God's voice in our friends, family, and even in the co-worker that may drive us crazy and to be an example of God's love to them as well. This was where God touched my heart and challenged me to be more loving.
Lately things have been so busy at work and we are working towards making a lot of changes. Change is not always easy on everyone and gossip has been running like wild fire throughout the walls of this building. Judgements are placed on those who are working for the changes and at times it has been very discouraging to me. I know it is hard to believe, but I am not loved by all (haha). The words that Father Paul spoke to all of us at St. John's on Sunday has changed my entire work week. I came in with a more positive attitude and it was my prayer that God would help me to see Him in my disgruntled co-workers and that I may be more loving, patient, and kind in my interactions with them. It has not been easy everyday, but I am challenged each day to try and love all whom I encounter with the love that God has poured out abundantly on me. I am blessed by all of you who journey with me. I am daily encouraged by you. Know of my prayers for each of you and my love.