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Dec 30, 2014

Are Catholics Christians?

     I have heard it before, "Catholics aren't Christians." I am sure you all have heard this before. If you are among the various Protestant or non-Catholic Christians you may actually believe this statement. That is what this post is all about to answer the claim that Catholics aren't Christians. My first thought is how could anyone make such a claim in the first place. Don't all Christians love Christ? Don't all Christians profess a belief in the death and resurrection of Christ the Son of God our Savior! For the Catholics I can say YES WE DO, and the faithful Catholic like the faithful Christian thinks no different on these points. 
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor..."
To learn more about the marks of a true Christian refer to Romans 12:9-21.

Christ through Saint Paul in the book of Romans gives us the standard that we must follow. Being a Christian is not just something you believe in it is also something that you do! Believing is one thing, but we are called to act on what we believe. The Catholic and the non-Catholic alike are subject to these standards which are Christ's! There are so many more verses that I could show you here to make the point, but I think you will get it.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 
Now that we know what a Christian is and DOES, lets take a quick look at a verse that tells us what a Christian most definitely is not.
"Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son." 1 John 2:22
Along with not acting like a Christian another way to NOT be a Christian is to be "antichrist" and not a Christian. Any denomination that denies Christ is "antichrist." Catholics as well as other Christian denominations do not fall into this category who profess a belief and obedience to Christ at least most of the time
"for all have sinned and fall short to the Glory of God." Romans 3:23
Romans 3:23 is no excuse to do what you wish even commit sin because our Lord also says, "You therefor must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Matthew 5:48 The thing here is we as Christians are called to a higher standard and must do our very best to meet those expectations if we want to reach the goal which is heavenly perfection and the beatific vision (seeing God as he is.) This is where the Sacraments of the Catholic Church come in which I will talk a little bit about. This article is not about Sacraments so I strongly encourage you to learn more about them. 

A little bit on the Apostolic Church. The Catholic Church is The Apostolic Church which was founded on the Rock of Christ who then passed on this authority to Peter his first Apostle who is also a rock to act in "Persona Christi" (in the person of Christ) for his Church here on earth.
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”" Matthew 16:18-19
This Church was to be an everlasting Church that exists both in heaven and on earth simultaneously encompassing all believers from all corners of the world, a Universal Church founded by Christ himself! This Catholic Church is given by Christ the authority to "bind and loose." In other words to bind the things of heaven right here on earth like the seven Sacraments (Baptism, etc..) and to loose also as in the nullification of a marriage, etc.. Regarding Sacraments this is how I define it, "a Sacrament is the physical reality of a spiritual good." You can also say that they are channels God uses to distribute his Grace. Catholics are in fact Christians as all who have faith in Christ the Son of God are. Don't you ever let anyone tell you other wise especially if your Catholic! Give this article to them or others like it. This is a common misconception among non Catholics. Here is a little history on the word Catholic being used to represent the early Church Christ founded. The word Catholic comes from the Greek word for "Universal" you can look it up in the dictionary to see that. It signifies the Universal Church that Christ established through the Apostles which included not only Jews, but Gentiles as well. In other words Everyone! 
The reason why Catholics are called Catholic is to differentiate the Catholic with the non-Catholic. Starting in the first century of Christianity there were a lot of people claiming to be Christians, (not much has changed) but were not among the sect of the Apostles. And in many cases teaching something other than what the Apostles taught.
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15
 "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." 2 Thessalonians 3:6
The term Catholic was coined to identify those Christians who follow Christ's Church through the Apostles (Apostolic Church) and the others. The earliest record of the early Church being Called Catholic exists in the writings of Saint Ignatius of Antioch and later writings from many other Fathers of the Church contain the term Catholic as well when referring to the Apostolic Church.
"You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. Nor is it permitted without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate the agape; but whatever he approve, this too is pleasing to God, so that whatever is done will be secure and valid."
This Saint Ignatius quote is taken from a very early Christian erra--- (LETTER TO THE SMYRNAEANS - ST. IGNATIUS BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, AD 110 (2nd century) The Faith of the early Fathers page 25, section 65.)

Saint Ignatius' quote is also interesting because he was Bishop of Antioch in the 2nd century less than a century after Acts of the Apostles was written. Antioch is also the place where the followers of Christ are first called Christians.

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts 11:26
Also notice that Ignatius also mentions that this early Church consisted of bishops, presbyters (which are priests), reverence to the deacons, and the validity of the Sacraments, like Eucharist, baptism and the mass in the Catholic Church alone. Which confirms what scripture teaches us about there being one faith and one baptism!
"one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Ephesians 4:5

There is so much more I could say on this that I could write a book on it. In fact many books have been written on them as well. Let me recommend first anything by Scott Hahn. Please take a look at my recommended reading page on this blog for a nice list of books that I have read. You may also want to refer to the Catholic answers website and most importantly the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information. The Catechism link above that I have provided you will take you to the Apostolic succession page in the Catechism. I think you will find it helpful if you will take the time to read it. Also keep in mind that the Catechism is always available online for free for your reading pleasure.

Many people make lots of claims about the Catholic Church claiming to know what the Church teaches on one teaching or another. I have found that most people have a lot to say regarding what the Catholic Church teaches and most are acting upon misinformation that has been given to them sometimes even among Catholics them selves. 


Unfortunately many Catholics have not read much of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I want to urge all Catholics and non Catholics alike to pick it up and study it along with your bible. 


The Catechism helps us to study scripture in the light of Christ resurrected and in light of the almost 2,000 year history and tradition of the Church! I also often wonder how many people who claim to know what the Church teaches actually have read the Catechism. From my experience those who appose the Church's teachings have not read even one line in the Catechism, and do not understand the biblical origin of her teachings. 


How about you? 


Speaking for my self I have it, and read it often, and love it. I make it a regular part of my spiritual reading. I have just gotten it also for my Kindle for more convenient reading that way anytime I promote a religious or spiritual view it is in line with authentic teachings of the Apostolic Church. I find it a very beautiful, Theological book which loves and honors Christ.


For more information about the early Church Fathers like Saint Ignatius is The Fathers Know Bestby Jimmy Akin. You can also read many of the writings of people like Saint Ignatius online just by doing a search.


Please also take a look at these previous posts:


Eucharist in Scripture Study Guide


And feel free to take a look at the Bible Study page at the top of this blog :)

Thank you for your time and the likes to this page.


God bless! From Joanne Utke


Quotes used in this article:


Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 7:21
1 John 2:22
Romans 3:23
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 16:18-19
2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6
Acts 11:26
Ephesians 4:5
LETTER TO THE SMYRNAEANS - ST.  IGNATIUS BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, AD 110

All bible quotes are taken from the English Standard Version of the bible which I happen to love!



Dec 23, 2014

God's Birthday

                                                 Christmas and God's Birthday

       Is December 25 really the true date of Christ's birth?

Was December 25 chosen to replace pagan celebrations like Saturnalia or Natalis Solis Invicti which means Birthday of the Unconquered Sun?

The answers to these and many other questions about the date of Christmas explained in this wonderful ebook called God's Birthday by Taylor R. Marshall. A must read for the holidays for any one who questions the date of Christ's birth!

I suggest that you get this book right away Taylor Marshall does an awesome job  in this book! Every year I read about Christmas and the debates over the date of December 25, but no one puts it into such common sense as Taylor.

This book is short it is an ebook, but it is packed with historical facts proving the date of December 25 for the birth of Christ. I also learned some other interesting dates in this book.

Did you know that Christ is believed to have died and been conceived on the same day March 25? I also learned that Saint Hyppolytus' in his works titles Chronicon the earth is said to be created on what is identified as March 25, 5500 B.C.!

There is one for the creationists :)

"Thus, March 25 was identified by the Church Fathers as the Creation date of the universe, as the date of the Annunciation and Incarnation of Christ, and also as the date of  the Death of Christ our Savior."

This makes 9 months earlier from March 25 exactly December 25!

Every year I am reminded about the many Christmas nay sayers out there who do not want to believe that Christ was born on December 25. These same people tend to shoot out all of the other myths concerning Christmas as well, for one reason or another.

I have found that there is more proof to support a December 25 birthday for our Lord than any other date. But, don't take my word for it. You can read the book and see the proof for your self.

I strongly encourage you to get this ebook by Taylor Marshall especially if you have any dought about the birthday of Christ. This book is also a must read for those who believe that December 25 is not really Christ's birthday.

Anyway, thank you Taylor Marshall for writing this book! Get God's Birthday ebook for FREE a limited time only! Just click the link and in the post there is a link to get the book.

Thanks for reading my post :)

Joanne Utke

Dec 22, 2014

Holy Day Season

Have a Happy Holy Day Season!  


    Christ's life is a mystery that we can begin to understand with the help of the Holy Spirit leading us through the scriptures with the eyes of faith. This Christmas lets continue to contemplate on Christ's life starting with his birth! The Catechism can help. Also read the Gospels especially the Nativity story. A great thing to do with the family this Christmas. I have a past post about The Christmas Story that takes a look at Christmas in Luke's Gospel please take a look.

Christmas is a season about giving and charity, but not just material things. Ultimately Christmas in about Christ. Christmas is about giving of yourself to others just like Christ did. Anyone can give a store bought gift, but does everyone always give of them self? After we have learned about the birth of the savior of the world and how to give of our self to others just as Christ did we go on to Lent when we can put all of this into practice.

Then we have Easter when we can learn about and contemplate on the death and resurrection of Christ. We are reminded about his life, death, and resurrection and can live it through the Church.. We should use this to again be Christ like giving of our self to others. I want to urge you every year to get out your bibles and don't just live through the Holy Days like everyone else, but read about it in Scriptures and then really live it as well.

I would have to say that the Christmas season is my favorite time of year. It is a great time to get together with family and friends. It is an even better time to share Christ with others which can give us a good start for the new year. God knows that we need a reminder to be Christ like and we need this reminder many times each and every year. I am constantly reminded of Christ and I contently live to imitate him in my life. I also always fail at this. 

Here is a Scripture that I have on my white board as I write this post; 
    "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) 

In conclusion I hope that we can all be not just observers of the holidays, but active participants in mind, body and spirit. This is my goal anyway. I don't want to just do the holidays. I want to understand them and see Christ in them and do as Saint Paul says in the Ephesians verse "be imitators of God" and "walk in love." If we open our eyes to Christ we will see him everywhere and I think that is what he wants. I feel that this is how we can come to really know him.  

Please check out my The Christmas Story post as well as The Season for Giving and Charity. There is also some links to activity posts specific for the holidays.

I also did a nice post about Hanukkah if you would like to check it out. 

Thank you for reading!

Joanne



Nov 6, 2014

Soul and Spirit

Soul and spirit: The same/united in the soul, or separate? 
Does the soul die and the spirit live on?

     I say that human beings are both body and spiritual soul. Our soul isn't physical, but spiritual and can know of spiritual things as well as temporal  things. Our soul is how our bodies are moved, and how all of the natural functioning of our bodies are made possible.

The soul is how we learn, and understand, and how we can have faith, "man understands through the soul." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)

Without the soul our bodies would not be active. Therefor at death our bodies are in no more need of our soul, and our soul is free from the bodies limitations. The spiritual part of our soul is what allowes us (our soul) to move on to an after life..

I guess we could say that the soul moves the body,  and the spirit moves the soul. "Therefore the soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a body, but the act of a  body." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)

Saint Augustine when speaking about resurrected matter has this to say, "Every soul will have, as its own, all that is required to complete a whole human body." Also he says, "in an instant of time this matter returns to the soul that first animated it, and that caused it to become a man, to live and to  grow."

As humans we have a body which is physical, we also have a soul, that is spiritual, our spirit. Our spirit is what makes us human. Just like how the body and soul live united to each other in life, so does the soul and spirit after bodily death. The soul does not need the body to move, or exist. The soul is subsistent, and can subsist without the body.

"We must conclude, therefore, that the human soul, which is called the intellect or the mind, is something incorporeal and subsistent." (Saint  Thomas Aquinas) 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The human person, created  in the image of God, is a being at once corporeal and spiritual. The biblical account expresses this reality in symbolic language when it affirms that  "then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed  into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Man, whole and entire, is therefore willed by God." (CCC 362)

In scripture the human person is often referred to as a "soul" people are seen as souls, and human characteristics are shown to come from the soul.

Some examples, "And his soul was drawn to Dinah" (Gen 34:3) and, "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41), also "And fear came upon every soul" (Acts 2:43)

Jesus himself even says, “Now is my soul troubled." (John 12:27). Even evil emotions, and thoughts are shown to come from the soul, "the great man utters the evil desire of his soul" (Micah 7:3). 

Of course you can look these up and read them in context I have only quoted the portion useful for this article. You will see more examples of how human emotions, thoughts and desired come from the soul, and more specifically the spiritual human soul.

Even though evil thoughts and intentions can come from the soul, it is our spirit that moves us to pure thoughts and good intentions. Our spirit which is like God's Spirit is how God speaks to our souls. We are connected to him spiritually in this way.

Soul and spirit separate, but one.

In scripture the soul, and spirit are often talked about in a way that denotes there separate functions, but not necessarily meant to explain a duality of soul, and spirit. In other words not to mean that the soul, and spirit are separate from each other. Scripture showes that all though the soul, and spirit have some separate functions they are one, and together make the spiritual human soul, and the complete person.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke  1:46-47)

"And now, O Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, the soul in anguish, and the troubled spirit crieth to thee" (Baruch 3:1)

We see that the soul, and spirit serve man in their own way. Not only does the soul move the physical body, the soul is moved by the spirit into emotional experiences and especially spiritual experiences.

The soul suffers while the spirit cries out to God!

Like I said before the soul moves the body, and the spirit moves the soul. The  spirit moves the soul to prayer (praying in spirit), to faith in God, to understanding of divine things, to love, etc.. All of these spiritual works is what leads us to our salvation.

This is how Saint Steven could say, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)          

And how it is said of Christ, "When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30)

This is why we humans have spiritual souls, this spiritualness of our soul is what makes it, subsistent, and immortal. Our spiritual soul is how we are created in the  "image of God" (Gen 3:7)

 "The human body shares in the dignity of "the  image of God": it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a  spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become,  in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit" (CCC 364)

But, what about verses that seem to show that the soul and spirit are separate things? Like, (Danial 3:86) "O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever."

(1 Thess 5:23), "may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the  coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

And, (Mark 12:30) "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’"

We see that we are to love God with the full capacity of all the functions of our body, soul, and spirit, as in this next verse. "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)

This Mark verse especially is not to be taken as the heart, soul and mind are separate things, but that they are united in their separate functions in one spiritual person.

Take our physical bodies for example we have a heart, lungs, liver, brain, arms, legs, etc... We are comprised of many parts, but all are one in our one body. If we part up the human body it will not live as a body. No physical part of us will live on it's own a part from the rest of the parts of a body. Not only that a leg is not a body, no more than a heart is a body. Only all parts together (united) make a body!

The only exception to this is our spiritual soul that as scripture show es and I will point out can and will live apart from the body. Yet, this is a temporary state scripture also tells us that to be fully alive is to be united body and soul in Christ. This is why Christ emphasized the resurrection when are bodies are united to our spiritual souls as the completion of his mission, and our true end.

Regarding the above verses, (Daniel 3:86, 1 Thess 5:23, Mark 12:30) we must read these verses in light of the other verses that clearly show a  unity of both soul, and spirit, as mentioned above.

In regards to the 1 Thess  5:23 verse we see that it is important that we become sanctified in all things namely our "spirit, and soul, and body" not that these are all separate things,  but that their separate functions all work in unity towards our perfect end/salvation.

Further we read in (Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and  is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." 

This shows that like joints and marrow, the soul and spirit are working together in a special unity, or oneness, and that only the word of God can penetrate it, move it, effect a change in it, divide it, etc...

Souls and salvation.

I said before that when the body no longer needs the soul as in death, the soul is then free from the limitations of the body. It is the spirit that moves the soul towards it's after life. Many times the Scripture authors use language to show that the soul has moved on, and left the body.

"And as her soul was departing (for she died), she called his name Ben-o′ni; but his father called his name Benjamin. So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)" (Genesis 35:18-19)

The state of our soul upon death will determine it's ultimate end. It is the soul that requires salvation, "As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls." (1 Pet 1:9)

The state of our souls is precisely why we need salvation. In 1 Peter we also read, "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

Sin hurts us, and not just because of the problems it causes the body, but more importantly the problems sin causes in our soul! Therefor we must work through faith in Christ, and obedience to the truth to save our soul, and others,

"let him know that  whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:20)

If the soul dies upon death of the body then what is said in James makes no sense. Why  would we have to save our souls, and others if the soul just dies anyway?

Why would Peter imply that our soul must be purified if it just dies upon the death of the body anyway? He would only need mention purifying our souls if our soul lived on to await the resurrection.

So, does the soul die after death, and the spirit live on? 

I have already touched  on some of this above. I have said and shown you that while there is  sometimes a distinction in Scripture between soul and spirit, there is also a  unity, a oneness, and that the distinction does not mean to show us a duality of soul and spirit.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way, "Sometimes the soul  is distinguished from the spirit: St. Paul for instance prays that God may  sanctify his people "wholly", with "spirit and soul and body" kept sound and  blameless at the Lord's coming. The Church teaches that this distinction  does not introduce a duality into the soul. "Spirit" signifies that from  creation man is ordered to a supernatural end and that his soul can gratuitously be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God." (CCC  367)

In (Matthew 10:28) we read, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Here Christ is telling us to fear God, and not man because man can only kill the body and not the soul, but God if he wants can kill both! If the soul was separate from the spirit, and automatically died when the body dies, then this warning of Christ makes no sense. This verse implies that the soul is alive still even when the body is dead.

If the soul separated from the body, and died as a natural part of death then  man could kill the soul when man kills a body. And if our soul is dead upon our natural bodily death then how can, or why would God destroy it in hell?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The unity of soul and body is so profound that one has to consider the soul to be the "form" of the body: it  is because of its spiritual soul that the body made of matter becomes a  living, human body; spirit and matter, in man, are not two natures united,  but rather their union forms a single nature." (CCC 365)

"The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created immediately by God  - it is not "produced" by the parents - and also that it is immortal: it does not  perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with  the body at the final Resurrection." (CCC 366)

This is why at the resurrection our spiritual soul is united to our body, yet not the same corruptible body that we had, but a glorified spiritual body united perfectly with our spiritual soul.

"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what  is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is  sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised  a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body." (1 Cor 15:42-44) 

This spiritual body as I have shown is not a body with a spirit, but a glorified incorruptible body with a spiritual soul! While on earth this spiritual soul has a oneness that can lead us to spiritual action, thoughts, knowledge, love, etc..  And hopefully towards our salvation.

We are a body with a spiritual soul. Our spiritual soul will not naturally die on it's own, our soul by nature is immortal, because by nature it is spiritual. This spiritual soul is one, both soul, and spirit. Any distinction between body and soul does not mean a separated nature, but that they have separate functions that work in unity with our whole self. At the resurrection of the body this unity will be perfected and complete. In the mean time our spiritual soul will live on to be with God, angels and Saints!

A little bit on "soul sleep"

Some people believe that in scripture many times sleep is referred to as death and that this indicates that our souls actually are sleeping until the resurrection of the body. Some believe that this is the end of our existence prior to the Resurrection of the dead, and some say that our spirit is the only part of us that moves on. While others say no part of us moves on to an after life.

Most of the time in Scripture when sleep is referenced it is actually regarding real bodily sleep/rest. Some times however it is used in another way. I have found that nowhere in Scripture is this notion of soul sleep taught. Anytime where sleep is used in conjunction with death it is referring to the body as being inactive, and appearing to be sleeping.

Prior to the resurrection of the dead our bodies remain inactive and return to dust, but our spiritual soul lives on to be reunited to an "awakened" glorified body! This is the context of scripture, and falling asleep in death. Since our soul is not the body, but the form of the body this makes sense. It is our bodies that appear to be sleeping at death.

The language in scripture used about sleeping in death is known as phenomenological language. This occurs when we describe something as it looks, and not of how it is actually. The classic example of phenomenological language is when we talk about the sun rising and setting. The sun appears to rise and set, but this motion is actually due to the rotation of the earth rather than to motion of the sun around the earth.

Scriptural example of the phenomenological language occurs in verses like this one, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2) 

Daniel is speaking about the resurrection of the body, and not the state of the soul after death. We must take all scripture in light of the others, and in light of the resurrection.

"so man lies down and rises not again; till the heavens are no more he will not awake, or be roused out of his sleep." (Job 14:12) 

This is another example about people being raised out of "sleep" for the resurrection. Again we must look at verses like this in light of the resurrection. Both these verses are talking specifically about the body and not the state of the soul.

One more example of this phenomenological language is verses that show God to be sleeping obviously we know that God doesn't need sleep and he is not sleeping although sometimes it seems that way like in this Psalm.

"Rouse thyself! Why sleepest thou, O Lord? Awake! Do not cast us off for ever! (Psalm 44:23)

I have found no such Scripture to show that anything other than the body "sleeps" in death. When we sleep for rest for example our souls are still active. Our souls doesn't sleep when we sleep, but remains active. This is how we dream, and this is how people suffering from a coma are still alive. I say this because our soul is linked to our mind. We can see this in Scripture and in the other quotes I have provided.

God spoke to people many times threw dreams here is only a few examples from Matthew you can look them up, (Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)

It is clear to me that often times sleep is used as a euphemism for death (Euphemism is defined as a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing) our Lord himself uses such a euphemism.

"Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, “Our friend Laz′arus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Laz′arus is dead;" (John 11:11-14)

We know that Jesus loved Lazarus and that he cried about his death. Being like us in every way, but sin Jesus here is using a Euphemism for death at first rather then plainly stating that he was dead perhaps for the sake of those around him. Also notice that the Apostles with him did not take him to be speaking about death when he said sleep, but they understood him literally to mean rest.

Another example of this, "And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, he said, “Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose." (Matthew 9:23-25)

Also here the people did not take him to be speaking literally about death, and laughed at him because they knew she was dead. Obviously sleep was not something that they used to literally mean death or they would have understood what he was saying.

Many people use this next verse to prove "soul sleep,"
"Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," (1 Corinthians 15:51)

When we look at this in context we see that sleep is being used in conjunction with the resurrection of the bodies of the dead. Sleep here is being used in a way to show that our bodies which have returned to dust will be raised as if they had been sleeping.

"I tell you this, brethren: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:50-52)

This is how it is said,  "but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” (Eph 5:13-14). 

Remember we will be fully alive, and our self when we are reunited with our glorified bodies at the final resurrection!

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats," (Matt 2531-32). 

"And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”" (Matt 25:46)

Another way that sleep is mentioned in scripture is to show that we are asleep in faith, or intellect and that we need to awaken, and take notice of the things that we are failing to do.

"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6 )

In conclusion. 

We have so many good English translations of the Bible available to us today and with remarkable accuracy to the original Greek texts (Septuagint) and Hebrew texts. Some may say when you look up the Greek it is spirit not soul there for it says something different.

First of all which Greek text? Not surprising there are a number of Greek texts for the bible and many also differ in wordage used from another. So while one Greek text says soul, another may say spirit in the same verse.

I have come to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit has preserved very well the message of scripture through the various main stream translations available to use today. The Holy Spirit most faithfully does this through the interpretive authority of the Catholic Church, believe it or not!

I think it doesn't matter whether the verse says soul or spirit since they are one thing which denotes different functioning only, as I have shown here. Both words when human beings are concerned mean the spiritual human soul, no matter if spirit or soul was present in the original texts. The only way it matters is if you believe that spirit and soul are different things, this changes everything!

 Please note that the different word used is used to denote a particular function of the spiritual soul and not meant to show that they are separate things all together.

Soul, or spirit may be used to denote the whole human person, or the whole spiritual person, and spirit may be used to denote some spiritual concept. I encourage you to always cross reference and if you can do learn biblical Greek as well as Latin since both were at once universal languages as English is today, and compare for the best understanding.

Almost there your patients is appreciated :)

I think that it is dangerous to think that the soul dies after death. Like I said earlier our soul is what in us that needs salvation. Our soul moves our body, and sin committed in the body effects the state of and, salvation of our souls.

Our souls are spiritual this is where spirit comes from. God has given us this spirit, his Spirit so that we can unite our wills to his and enter salvation. Our soul is not separate from the spirit, but one united for our immortality. This is what makes us human because we have a spiritual soul. When we begin by rejecting the immortality of the soul, we then can find our self on a slippery slope to rejecting sin, and the effects of sin.

We can then say that we have no need of salvation because our soul dies anyway. This thinking may also lead us to rejecting the wonderful sacramental system established for us in the Church like baptism which removes the stain of sin from our souls.

There are many things not explicitly taught in scripture that the Church has declared through her authority. It is good to look to this authority for a full explanation of biblical truths. The Church is the body of Christ united through all believers. Through her authority she is our Mother and we owe it to Christ to listen. The Church is also the voice of Christ in this world and the interpreter of sacred scripture.

The immortality of the spiritual soul is an infallible teaching of the Catholic Church which is from Christ. She has spoken, and as Saint Ignatius 2nd century Bishop of Antioch says...

 "You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. Nor is it permitted without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate the agape; but whatever he approve, this too is pleasing to God, so that whatever is done will be secure and valid."

By Joanne 11-6-2014

References and quotes:

Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica part 2 Article 1 Whether the soul  is a body? Article 2 Whether the human soul is something subsistent?

Saint Augustine's Enchiridion CHAPTER XXIII.  The Reality of the  Resurrection

The Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 362-367. II. "BODY AND SOUL BUT TRULY ONE"

Letter to the Smyrnaeans by St. Ignatius of Antioch. Third Bishop of Antioch 98-110 AD a hearer of the apostle John and 3rd in order to Peter. Quote From the Faith of the early Church fathers, Jergans addition

Gen 34:3
Acts 2:41
Acts 2:43
Luke 1:46-47
Baruch 3:1
Gen 3:7
Danial 3:86
1 Thess 5:23
Mark 12:30
Hebrews 4:12
Genesis 35:18-19
1 Pet 1:9
1 Peter 1:22
James 5:20
Matthew 10:28
1 Cor 15:42-44
Job 14:12
Psalm 44:23
Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)
John 11:11-14
Matthew 9:23-25
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
Eph 5:13-14
Matt 25:31-32
Matt 25:46
1 Thessalonians 5:6

Oct 24, 2014

Atheism, God and The Proof

Atheism is Logically Impossible

    I love to learn and question the views around me. One topic that I have thought a lot about is the existence of God. I have entertained many different trains of thought in my life, and many times in my life I have doubted the existence of God for one reason or another.

This doubt has always come during time when I was down, feeling bad because of some sort of suffering that I was feeling. I think that many people have a hard time believing in God because of suffering. I have heard people say, "if God exists and he is good then why does bad things happen to people, especially good people?"

What I have learned through my suffering is that God does exist and when we are suffering is when we need him the most. This is when he can really come through and show himself to us when we call on him like a Father for help.

We need to admit that we need God! He wants us to talk to him like our most valued friend. He wants us to need him and when he allowes us suffering it is always to correct us.

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis

God does this out of love for us. Those of you who have children could understand this the best. We have rules for our children to protect them and we expect them to obey our command. Sometimes we just sit back and allow our children to make mistakes, because we know that they will learn because of it. 

When our children disobey us we allow them to experience punishment in one way or another. We know that reprimanding them, and giving them consequence will help them to reflect on their choices. We don't try to control every choice our children make, we know that this is not productive for them to learn and grow as human beings.

Anyway this is how God can be a loving Father and yet allow us to suffer for one reason or another. I understand that not all suffering is caused by our own choices, but all suffering is caused by the choices of the human race as a whole. 

This is where praying for the suffering of our world comes in. It really goes much deeper than I can go into right now. The bible can fill in many of the blanks for you and help to to start reflecting on the points I have made here. 

The Letters of Saint Paul are a great place to start he talks a lot about suffering and is one person who really had some suffering as well! Here is a great article on some of the things from the Bible that Saint Paul has to say about suffering. 


Atheism is logically impossible because in order for the statement "there is no God" to be true we would have to admit to have looked at all evidence, and all possible scenarios in which God could not exist, and every possible variable within the argument. 

In a sense you would have to be God! This is a self defeating statement, and could not in fact be true. We can only say I don't know if God exists! For me I know God exists he proves himself to me all the time, in the eyes of my children, in nature, and in the economy of his salvation.

I can't tell you or anyone else what to believe, all I ask here is that you take what I am saying to heart and give it some thought. Think about what I have said here, run it by others, be a thinker. 

In the last few days I have been reading an awesome book called The Proof That God Exists and the Bible is True by Dennis Marcellino. It very good and is great for people who have ever doubted the existence of God and the Bible. It is also great for people who want to learn how to discuss this topic with others.

What do other people have to say about this book?

"
This is a very important book that is greatly needed at this time. I agree that the Bible should be the ultimate resource for life and living and that the world could greatly benefit from being logically and scientifically shown that this is true."
– Mark Victor Hansen, Co-author, New York Times #1 Best-Selling "Chicken Soup For The Soul" series
"The greatest book ever! If people would just read it and really look at what it's saying! He explains it scientifically, and there's no way that anybody can dispute it. He's a genius." – Jerry Johnson, Vancouver, WA


"In using science to explore what is usually an emotionally charged subject, Marcellino provides a strong fact-based philosophical approach which is compelling." – Diane Donovan, The Philosopher's Bookshelf, The Midwest Book Review

I also highly recommend this book! Dennis has done an awesome job here.

www.ConclusiveProofOfGod.com.

Thanks for reading!


Oct 21, 2014

John 6 New World Translation

JW's Come Home to the Eucharist 

How to prove the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist using the New  World Translation Bible.


    It is a well known fact that many Jehovah's Witnesses are former Catholics. When I think about all of the many people who walk away from the Eucharist it really saddens me. It saddens me because Christ wants us to follow him where ever he asks us to go and to believe in him no matter what, or how hard the saying, or teaching is.

This article is about the Gospel of John chapter 6 of sacred scripture. I will not quote the whole chapter here, but after you read this article please go back to your bible and read the chapter entirely.

At the end of this article there will also be a list of extra verses for you to reference, so please take a good look at those. The John 6 verses quoted here is from (John 6:48-69 of the NWT)
Let us begin :)

“I am the bread of life." says our Lord, but what does he mean by this? Bread is something that we eat, something that sustains our life. Yet, Christ is not talking about simple bread that merely sustains our life. He is talking about an imperishable bread that gives us eternal life!

"Your forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness and yet they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die."

Jesus tells the people that the manna that their forefathers ate is inferior to the bread that he is talking about now. "Here I am raining down bread for you from the heavens..." (Ex 16:4) 

In biblical typology the manna is a "type" of the body, and blood of Christ, his flesh. The manna is a sign that points to the true bread from heaven, the Eucharist!

Jesus explains, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever; and for a fact, the bread that I will give is my flesh in behalf of the life of the world.”

This new heavenly bread is the true flesh of Christ!

How did the people take this message? 

They must have understood him figuratively, or symbolically right? And, if they understood him figuratively there was no danger of Christ loosing true followers over it. Would Christ risk his entire economy of followers over one teaching?

And not just one teaching the apex of all his teachings and the last command given before his death. Or, did he save the best, most important, and most testing of his commandments for last?

"Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 

Was Christ talking about cannibalism, was he really saying, "drink his blood?" is what they must have been thinking.

Notice that his language only intensifies, and gets more serious at there concerns.

"So Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day;" 

The Jews doubted, and argued about what Jesus was saying to them, and rightly so since the Jews were forbidden to eat blood, and of course human flesh.

Christ knowing the law, and what the Jews were thinking continues even more intently...

"for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will live because of me."

This bread  that he is talking about truly is his flesh, his blood is truly a supernatural drink for us! Also "Feeds on me" implies a constant food source just like the manna was for the Israelites, a daily bread!

"This is the bread that came down from heaven. It is not as when your forefathers ate and yet died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said these things as he was teaching in a synagogue in Ca·per′na·um."

Unlike the manna which was only a type of the Eucharist/Christ's flesh, the Eucharist is offered in thanksgiving to God, and will allow us to live forever provided that we feed on it. Again, this implies a constant food source, a continued food source that can be eaten daily.

"When they heard this, many of his disciples said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?” 

We could imagine here that Jesus knowing his disciples were having trouble with this new teaching would have to explain that he was only speaking figuratively. Like I said would he really jeopardise his entire economy of followers over one teaching?

"But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: “Does this stumble you? What, therefore, if you should see the Son of man ascending to where he was before?"

In other words, if you think this is hard to believe, you think this is shocking just wait until you see me ascend to the Father will you believe then? Remember Christ wants belief without seeing, without fully understanding some things, he wants faith.

"Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29) Saint Augustine says, "do not understand in order to believe, but believe in order to understand"

Out Lord continues...

"It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life."

Here it is you say! This is the part where Jesus is telling us what he really means. This is the part where he says that it is all spiritual, and not anything else, right?

He tells us that it is the spirit that gives life, this is true. Christ's body and blood is spiritual, super-substantial food from heaven, and it is the spirit that gives life, and realness to the Eucharist.

But, what about the next part? "the flesh is of no use all." I answer surely he is not talking about his own flesh, the same flesh that he was just saying is the food that gives us eternal life! Surely he is not talking about his flesh, the same flesh that availed forgiveness of our sins by dieing for us!

What he is talking about here is our flesh which is of no use at all without his flesh, without his suffering for us, without the spirit! Our flesh can do nothing apart from Christ, and he said, "...apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

Paul states, "But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man." (1 Corinthians 2:14-15)

If we remain in our flesh we will find it hard to understand spiritual things, and to be Christlike. In scripture "man is often called "flesh" to underline the weakness, fragility and transience of human nature, especially when contrasted with God and his Spirit which is strength." (Bible Dictionary Concordance to the NAB)

Christ wants us to believe as spiritual beings not as fleshy human beings!

"But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him. He went on to say: “This is why I have said to you, no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

Jesus knows that there are some that do not believe, and will not believe. Notice that after Christ's teaching about eating his body and blood is when he looses Judas "the one who would betray him."

Here Jesus gives us the answer to the question the Jews were arguing about, "how can this man give us his flesh to eat it?" Jesus tells us that belief in this teaching, in the Eucharist must be granted to us by the Father. We need God, and we need Jesus to help us understand divine and lofty matters like the Eucharist.


"Because of this, many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him.  So Jesus said to the Twelve: “You do not want to go also, do you?” Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life. We have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Non Catholic Christian groups like to interpret John 6:63 as Christ speaking only figuratively, or symbolically. They deny the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and his Catholic Church who teach what Christ taught about his body and blood.

Notice that despite what Jesus says in verse 63 about "it is the spirit that gives life..." his disciples still go off, and walk with him no more. They did not understand him to be speaking figuratively, or symbolically, even at this point.

They took him for what he was saying, they took him literally! They walked away from Christ anyway, because they could not understand, "how can this man give us his flesh to eat it?"

Will we be like the doubtful Jews who argued and could not understand? Or, like the disbelieving disciples who couldn't even listen to what Christ was saying? Or, will we stand with Peter, and the apostles who despite their lack of understanding took Christ on faith?

Do you stand with Peter? And say, “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of
everlasting life. We have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God."

By Joanne Utke 10-21-2014

Further Study:

John 6 The whole chapter this is a must! Pay special attention to verses 27, 32-40, 51, 55.

1 Corinthians 10:16 "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of the Christ? The loaf that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of the Christ?" 

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4 (What the flesh means in John 6:63.)

Exodus 16 (The chapter about the manna.)

Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19: In the NWT, the Watch Tower Society have these verses translated as "means my body" and not "is my body." When we compare these NWT verses with John chapter 6 in the NWT, and what I have shown you here, we can see that "means" is not a faithful way to translate this text. You should also look up these verses in your King James, and other translations of the bible. I have shown you here in John 6 that there is very little room for error to understand Christ as only speaking figurative, or symbolic. He was speaking literally, and the text shows this. 2,000 years of Christian history shows this. You should study the teaching of the early fathers of the Church especially on the teachings on the Eucharist.

"You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. Nor is it permitted without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate the agape; but whatever he approve, this too is pleasing to God, so that whatever is done will be secure and valid."  (LETTER TO THE SMYRNAEANS - ST. IGNATIUS BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, 110 A.D. 2nd century. The Faith of the early Fathers page 25, section 65.)

Please also refer to the Eucharist in the Bible Study that I have put together. Complete with verses about the Lamb of God, the Jewish roots of the Eucharist and much more! http://home-schooling-works.blogspot.com/2014/03/eucharist-in-scripture.html

Verses and references used in this article:

John 6:48-69
Exodus 16:4
John 20:29
John 15:5

1 Corinthians 2:14-15

Bible Dictionary Concordance to the New American Bible

Eucharist: Based on ecclesiastical Greek eukharistia which means thanksgiving, from Greek eukharistos meaning grateful. (New Oxford American Dictionary)

Oct 1, 2014

Evolution Human Origin

   Studying Ancient Civilization with my kids these days and been talking a lot about the origins of man reading a lot about it as well. It seems a hot topic no matter where you turn. This is what I believe about it! 

I am a Theistic-evolutionist meaning I believe God kick started the whole thing of course. I also take the same position on this issue as does the Catholic Church. Darwin's was a atheistic evolution theory and of course not true, in fact he did not invent it either this has been a hot topic for thousands of years before Darwin. 

I don't take Genesis literally as saying that it all happened that way exactly on a scientific level. I read it in an allegorical sense written from the point of view of the author who wrote it and the hidden messages that God wants to reveal through it. I do not dismiss evolution we can see it all around us and it exists in many forms. 

The Old Testament is a wonderful account of our salvation history with some historical events being touched on there all told to us by God so that we would see the fulfillment in Christ later on (Typology) it is all ment to point to Christ. 

Our first parents for one reason or another had a special roll for the beginning of our salvation history. The bible is a collection of books from history and not a history book, nor is it a science book. The bible is not the all knowing book either especially when it comes to our natural world (the bible along with sacred tradition is complete for our salvation) . 

Science and religion must compliment each other so we know what is true and this is beautiful! I find the explanations of the Catholic Church on the issue of human origin the most reasonable. 

Many Christians think that we must choose the bible or science, but I know we don't have to choose we can have both. 

Love learning thanks for reading! 

From Joanne

For more info on what the Church says about all of this please read this wonderful article for starters.

Adam, Eve, and Evolution 

Humani Generis (Human Origins)

Jul 22, 2014

Prayer Jesus Style

      We must pay attention to how Christ prays so that we can pray like him. He is the ultimate leader, the teacher who teaches us to pray. 

In (Luke 22:39-46) Jesus tells the disciples with him, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” I feel that this is very important to do, as Christ does. Pray daily on this, in the morning when you wake up, and all day! 

It is so important that in (Luke 22:46) Jesus even reprimands the disciples with him for not doing this, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

In this world there are so many temptations, they are meant to lead you away from God! Do not fall into the world trap. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 3:15)

All we need to be happy is God! Do God's Will and we can find truth, and true happiness. We will also be pleased that we are doing the right things for the right reasons. 

In Luke Christ then kneels down and prays,  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Here Jesus is telling us what to pray for. 

We can learn further about the kinds of things Christ wants us to pray for in the Lords Prayer. This is a special most power prayer for one because it was given to us directly from Christ, and it contains all the things we need daily to live a holy life.

"Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matt 6:9-13)

We are to pray for our own intentions of course, "Ask and it will be given to you;..." (Matt 7:7) We then need to know that we are to seek Gods Will ultimately, and not our own. We must be holy in everything we do, and constantly work on doing this! 

Doing Gods will is a great way, the perfect way, to obtain holiness, and with God all things are possible. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matt 5:48)

In (Luke 22:44) "being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. " We can learn here about the power of earnest prayer, Websters defines this as "a serious and intent mental state"

We learn that our prayer must be focused, controlled, and contemplative. This is the recipe for prayer not said in vain, which is condemned by God. We must pray for our intentions, but also contemplate on God's Will, and how we can better conform to that Will.

When we pray like this we are stepping towards God, and away from our self, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt 16:24) We then can pray like Christ!

On a final note we learn from Saint James, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (or avails much)" (James 5:16)

When I think about all of the people that I pray for I also think of all the ways I fall short in righteousness, or holiness. I am reminded of this verse and how I need, how each one of us needs to be holy not only for ourselves, but for all of the people we love and care for who we pray for.

This may sound weird, but we owe it to God, and to those we love to be holy! These are just some of the things about prayer that I am learning these days, and I think about often. I want to strive daily to pray like this, and to pray more. I want to live my life in prayer this I think is beautiful, and befitting the beauty of God.

I hope you feel the same way too!

Everything we do can be a prayer, give all you have to God daily, even if it is doing the dishes, or taking care of your kids :) 

There is so much more I can say, and so many before me have already said. I want to encourage you to read, the bible daily, and also about the lives of the Saints, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church like Saint Augustine who is my favorite. 

If you want a list other good reads you can check out my recommended reading page, and hit me up on facebook I can direct you to some good stuff! When I get a chance I will add more to my list with links. Make sure to bookmark that page.

Thanks for reading :) Please share...

from Joanne

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