Pumpkin spice everything

Oh fall! The time of the year that pumpkin spice everything appears all over the place. Pumpkin spice lattes, cereals, granola bars, chips, pastas, candles, creamers, and the list could keep going on of everything out there. There are strong opinions on this. Many believe that pumpkin spice should not be everywhere and strictly only in pie. Then, there are others who excitedly embrace all things with the label. I'd like to think of myself of somewhere in between (I do enjoy a few local coffee shops' version of a pumpkin spice latte and certain pastries/products with the seasoning are quite fabulous.)

Putting this in a spiritual scenario, how do I feel about putting Jesus in lots of different parts of my life? Am I open to trying to put Christ somewhere different or new? Do I embrace Jesus when He does come into a part of my life I was not expecting? Do I box Jesus in to my set prayer times or naturally or casually bring him into my work, time with family, time with friends, or my leisure time? What if we met Jesus throughout our day with as much enthusiasm as we do for our pumpkin spiced everything?

Over the course of time I have invited Jesus into more parts of my life, but still have a ways to go. I have parts to continue to try and openly embrace Jesus into. For the parts that I have, I see a difference in what happens and an openness to the possibilities.

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Lord, give me the courage to invite you into all parts of my life - even if it seems a bit new and different. Allow me the graces I need to have you always on my heart throughout the day during my work, time with others, and in my own prayer time. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,
Elizabeth

Warming up and stretching out

Many trainers and exercise experts will strongly recommend before a workout to warm up. Frequently they will also recommend taking the time to cool down or stretch out after - especially if it were an extremely strenuous workout. It can feel really good to stretch out those muscles that worked hard and take the time to sit and be before jumping in the shower and moving on.

I think the same approach could be taken with Mass - the ultimate prayer workout. Now, I get it sometimes we are flying by the seat of our pants to get to Mass for one reason or another (ex: the baby had a major blow out before getting into the car seat, flat tire and had to take a different car, unforeseen road closure or back up, etc.) But, usually we are able to arrive a few minutes ahead of time. This time could be used to warm up in prayer - calling upon the Holy Spirit to be present, looking at the readings before Mass, and bringing to mind anyone or anything you'd like to lift up in prayer. This will help orient our mind to be open to this very holy and special time of prayer.

Because Mass is such an ultimate prayer work out (praying as a community and individually, through scripture, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and invoking those in heaven to join us in prayer) we need a few moments to pray and stretch out after Mass is complete. We can reflect upon something said in the homily, something from one of the readings or Eucharistic prayer, or simply in thanksgiving for the time spent with the Lord. Now, having a toddler I totally get it that sometimes the prayer and stretch out after Mass is simply "I love you Lord!" God sees your efforts.

From encouragement of friends, priests, spiritual mentors and directors, and others who have gone before me I have been doing this for quite some time. I have found that Mass is often more fruitful and meaningful. So, if you are in a spiritual drought or feeling fatigued from Mass lately - take a few moments before and after Mass to warm up and stretch out. I don't think your efforts will be in vain and in God's time, blessings will come.

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Father, I thank you for the gift of the Mass. May I always be able to take a few moments before to warm up to this time of prayer and a few minutes after to stretch out. May this time be fruitful to lead to a deeper love of you and a deeper relationship with you. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,

Elizabeth

"Kiss!"

I feel like the past month has been very busy for my husband and I where we are working more hours to meet deadlines and get back into the swing of school. There was a night I was about to leave for my hour of adoration in the chapel and giving hugs and kisses goodbye to my daughter and husband and my daughter says with great emphasis with her hands on my head and my husband's, "Kiss!" It was super cute and made our little family chuckle. She will frequently do this - whether if one of us is running off to a meeting/work, someone just got home, or just because. It always makes us smile and pause, well to kiss of course. :)

It can be sometimes difficult to show our affection to our Lord for different reasons. I know recently I have been trying to teach my daughter at our night prayer together to say "Thank you Jesus." and "I love you, Jesus." as I say it for myself too. I think these little signs of affection may be brief, but just enough of a kiss to pause and put things into perspective. So, taking a cue from my own little toddler, in my own prayer life I try to take a few opportunities throughout the day to kiss Christ by what I say in my prayers, by kissing a crucifix, or saying the words, "I love you Lord! Thank you for loving me too!" I know this brings joy not just to Christ, but to myself as well.

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Lord, I love you and all you have done for me. I give you this moment as an act of my love for you. May I always be ready, open, and joyful to show my deep affection for you. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,
Elizabeth