Finding Grace in Getting Up

I fall down...a lot.  

Seemingly, I fall the most when I'm trying hardest not to...Like during Lent.

Time after time, I {almost} get discouraged by my wounded pride and almost miss the point.

The lesson is never in the fall but about getting up...

In getting up, God's unlimited supply of mercy and grace await, often carrying us to miraculous new heights with Him.
Hope rises again.

After all, this is why we celebrate Calvary, 
Where Jesus Christ, God Incarnate,
redeemed the world.

He carried the Cross, falling three times,

crucified, that we might have life...

A second chance...  

Grace to get up again,

time after time.

One of our parish deacons told me a story of how he recently fell down. (Literally)

He has had a very bad knee for a lengthy amount of years and could hardly walk without his cane.  He thought the fall had "done him in."  Much to his surprise, the fall actually jarred something in his bad knee (that had locked it up for so many years), knocking it loose again. 

Getting up, he realized that he could miraculously walk, jump, (and he says) run again, with renewed flexibility!  

What a perfect example and analogy for our faith walk...

+Amazing things happen when we get back up+

I also read a story about a monk who was asked by a curious seeker what one does all day long in a monastery.  The old monk gently replied: "We fall and get up, We fall and get up, We fall and get up."

Inspiring!

These have been good lessons for me not to get too bound up in the fall.

We all fall down but what do we do with our getting up?

Seeking reconciliation and forgiveness sets us free, lest we forget that God's mercy and grace are boundless.
Easier said than done but always worth a try...Sometimes, again and again.

We are just about half way to Calvary at this point in our Lenten journey...Yes, I've fallen a long the way.

Back on my feet and pressing forward, I'm finding grace in getting up again.
+I pray you do, too.+

A Cup Of Grace from Above

Dove Cloud Flying

Over our Parish Shrine to

Our Lady of Fatima

Feast of St. Padre Pio

9-23-10

What a cup of grace I received on my morning walk last week!  As I approached our Parish Shrine I was struck by the glory of this cloud that was flying above Our Lady of Fatima.

Can you see the dove?

I kept snapping photos with my phone, just praying I'd have some good pictures to keep and share!

I just loved this one with the sunlight reflecting...

This breath-taking dove cloud seemed to hover over the shrine for quite some time, not breaking up very quickly.  I was nearly frozen as I gazed upon this wondrous image in the clouds....Holy Spirit came to mind.

Thirty minutes later, I read this scripture before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: 

"But, as it is written, what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him, God has revealed to us through the spirit.  For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

~1 Corinthians 2:9-10~

WHOA!

Then I read this:

In the words of St. Therese of Lisieux:

(See Resource below)

"When...trials come my way...I shall remember what my eyes have seen today.  This thought will encourage me and I shall easily forget my own little interests, recalling the grandeur and power of God, this God whom I want to love alone."

Followed by this Prayer:

"So many times I have seen spectacular views and was amazed at Your goodness.  Thank You, Father, for this gift You have given to me.  Help me to stop more often in the middle of my busy schedule and appreciate all of nature's beauty around me.  Your creation is a treasure to hold.  Amen"

What can I say, I have no words... Just a heart filled with thanksgiving for this cup of grace from above!

~Excerpts taken from "Praying In The Presence of Our Lord with St. Therese of Lisieux"~

{All photos shown here were taken by the author of this blog}

*Please do not reproduce without permission*