God never intended us to go through any life tragedy, especially one as monumental as divorce, simply relying on our own strength. Yet, so many people do. They either totally ignore God, or are completely ignorant of the promise He has made to always help them through difficult times (Hebrews 13:6). Sadly, the world is filled with these weary souls who now resign themselves to a life of hopelessness and pain. The truth is God accompanies us on every twist and turn through life, giving us everything we need to succeed. And the sacraments are the cornerstone of His success plan, especially the Eucharist. Those that have armed themselves with their faith, and strengthened themselves with the Eucharist, have a supernatural advantage in their battle; one that insures them of victory over hardship and despair. How could you not overcome the greatest odds, and be restored to the fullness of life, when you rely on the Creator of the Universe instead of your own wimpy, human self? Give yourself an unfair advantage in the battles life throws at you. Get Christ, unfiltered and undiluted, in the Eucharist, and He will be the source of all the strength you need.

If I am distracted, Holy Communion helps me to become recollected. If opportunities are offered each day to offend my God, I arm myself anew each day for the combat by the reception of the Eucharist. If I am in special need of light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw nigh to my Savior and seek counsel and light from him. – St. Thomas More

Originally posted 2014-11-18 06:00:26.

I had fallen into the same trap that so many others had. I designed my life around what I wanted my master plan to be, leaving God totally out of the picture.  My trying to orchestrate every detail of my life gave God no room to work. While I may execute my plan perfectly, where I end up will be a destination of my own choosing, leaving me to wonder why I am feeling so isolated and unfulfilled. Instead, I need to invite the Holy Spirit into my planning sessions and ask Him to be the architect of my life. The result will be a life’s blueprint sure to create a solid foundation of purpose and fulfillment. 

Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures. – Proverbs 19:21

Originally posted 2014-08-05 06:00:18.

Real trust is putting our difficulties, problems, and circumstances into God’s hands and trusting Him with the outcome–whatever that might be. It is the not knowing, yet being ready to accept whatever God wants, that is the real deal when it comes to trust. Often, it is much more difficult, and much less natural, for us to really trust. We much prefer God to be our genie who can grant our wishes. However, when we trust God with His outcome, our life begins to take on God’s design, instead of our own — and that is always going to lead to abundant peace and joy.

Then all who trust in you will be glad and forever shout for joy. – Psalm 5:1

Originally posted 2014-05-27 06:00:48.

When people encounter a painful situation, they make one of two subconscious choices. They either stay and work through the situation, or they run from it. It is called “fight or flight.” Our society today is wired toward instant gratification. The underlying message promoted is anything that is going to take too long, or hurt too much, is considered bad and should be avoided. This conditions people to run (“flight”) from pain. All the above true stories are, at their core, examples of people who were running from the painful reality brought into their lives by divorce. It seemed easier, and less painful, to leave their problems behind by entering into a new marriage, or leaving town, or assuming a new identity. In the end, they all created more pain for themselves and their families–the very thing they were seeking to avoid.

Had these people placed their trust in God first, they would have been given the graces needed to patiently endure the painful difficulties. Working through the difficulty would have given God the opportunity to change them, heal them, and improve them. From the experience would have come a better perspective. This perspective would have helped them realize that God is with them always and has a unique and noble purpose for their lives. Instead, they pushed the eject button and short-circuited God’s great plan. When overwhelmed with the pain and difficulty of divorce, don’t run. Instead, turn to God, ask for the courage to endure, and trust He will deliver. It is the only way to lasting peace.

Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways. Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way. – Sirach 2:2-6

Originally posted 2014-12-02 06:00:21.