The Catholic Sister Who is No Flying Nun

Sister D had a near death experience as a toddler.  Was in a coma for a couple of weeks. Her Mom prayed a lot (and made promises to God in exchange for D's life??). D's mom thus gave her whole-hearted blessing when D wanted to enter religious life as an adult. Her Mom told me so in person while we sat together at a table during a party.

Sister D currently holds a job in the field of Education.  People often go to her for counsel. I am certain that most of the discussions are about the here and now. Yet when our discussion at the table  came to the hereafter, D came across as an ignoramus.  She hedges, she waffles, she gives her opinion. When I quoted scripture, she would give the "that was then, this is now"  answer. She's pretty much put God in a box -- unable to help and hindered by real life in these modern times.

Sadly, tradition, personal opinion, ritualism, and superstition are the mixed bag that Catholics draw upon for answers. The majority can give no assurances of eternal salvation because the Word of God is not their primary resource. Yet Sister D thinks that God will somehow be impressed that she has given the appearance of a commitment to Him via her membership in the Clergy. As Texans sometimes say: "Big hat. No cattle."

I noted that Sister D was wearing jewelry; one of which looked like a gold wedding ring.  This was something new to me.

Sister D: *points to her ring*
         I will never have a baby out of wedlock.  I am married to God.
           
Me: (oh, really?!)
        What is that necklace you are wearing?

Sister D:  Wolf's teeth.  The Wolf is my spirit guide.

pc: Etsy

What a spiritual dud!  Here's a lady of influence who is a card-carrying member of the catholic clergy and whose supposed husband is God.  Yet she chooses to disregard God's Word and would rather a spiritual (read demonic) Wolf direct her life.  And she's convinced that she's got the key to heaven's gate to boot.  Effing, unbelievable!! 

Me:  Sister D, none of what you've said is biblical!

Discussion follows. It got loud. Sister D had various objections.  I gave my Biblical responses. In the end she does not believe most of what I say. She got offended, though -- literally crying on her mama's shoulder as I walked out the restaurant door at the party's end. Hooooooh boy. Too much of my answers must have stung -- like salt. (What happened to being gracious with my words?  Heck no -- not with other people's eternal life at stake.  Can you imagine how much more confused and lost people are after talking to this foolish lady?!).   Have mercy on her ... and on me, O Lord.  

One of many Biblical assurances of eternal salvation in Christ alone.

***

Your Best Life: Be Not Afraid

I have felt anxious recently. No meds required, only this reminder:  Jesus speaks ...

but there are also other voices trying to choke out and dismiss His voice; 

 voices of doubt, fear, hopelessness, despair, guilt;

voices that lie, discourage and kill; voices that say: it’s no use, no need to pray, hope or try anymore; it’s a dead end situation, it’s over, it’s worthless; it can’t change; it’s obviously impossible. 

But listen to His voice instead of the world’s voices. He speaks Truth. He brings the dead to life. He does what no one else can do.

So, listen to His Words: “DON’T BE AFRAID; JUST BELIEVE!”

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, 

Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master 

any further?

 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, 

he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, 

Be not afraid, only believe. 

( Mark 5:35,36)

-- via Mirela, fb

Dear Joy Behar

Women & Nature

******

H.S. Candle in the Cemetery

H.S. meaning Holy Spirit...as in Holy Spirit perfumed candles. Found these on my parent's cemetery plot. I think the gift-giver was thinking of a verse in the Bible:  "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." (Revelation 5:8)

The gift-giver is misinformed: Leaving a burning candle on a grave does not cut-it as far as the above verse. The resultant smoke from these candles is not the PRAYER of a saint (biblically defined as a human being, not an inanimate/stone object; one who believes in Christ, and is His follower) which is the main ingredient of the collected "odours" in the above verse. 
The candles certainly smell good; and make great room fresheners when lighted. But that is all.

A note of encouragement:  the prayers of God's people are cumulative.  God knows and remembers people's prayers, collecting them in golden vials or containers. 
Caveat: they do not get anyone into heaven (only Christ can do that through his atoning death on Calvary and must be individually believed by faith alone), but they DO amount to something. God's answers may be instantaneous, or a long-time coming. 

dear Pup posing with them, LoL

23.11.24.17
*******************

Mom & Cancer

My Mom's cancer has indeed metastasized, in spite of some glimmer of hope  last week that it had not. It has spread in her lungs, and to her brain (but not to her bones).  Our hope remains on the Lord God and His Word.  Yes, we pray for her physical healing; but we pray most of all that she would have the ultimate healing - the healing of her soul - available ONLY by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  It is a free gift available to anyone, anywhere, anytime (while in the land of the living).

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
~ Psalm 66

so beautiful! so smart!