How do we balance between desiring something but not inordinately?Religious life is a “higher” calling than marriage simply because it reflects how we will be in heaven. Then why would it be wrong for a married person to hope for and long for religious life?How do we truly discover what God is asking of us, what He is “calling us to”?Saint Francis says, “don’t be afraid of God,” and yet we know from scripture that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What’s the difference here?Why would Saint
Jan 9, 7:10 AM
SrSusan (Guest): Why would Saint Francis tell Saint Jane to “not struggle to overcome your temptations”?What can a single person do to avoid getting too caught up in desiring to get married or join a religious order or a celibate community? Or an older person looking forward to retirement?
SrSusan (Guest): q How do we balance between desiring something but not inordinately?
3 PM
Simone (Guest): holy indifference?
Jan 12, 4:33 PMDawn (Guest): Id say yes, perfect plan
Jan 12, 4:34 PM
Simone (Guest): the problem is.. in order to live the perfect plan” of holy indifference.. we need another plan to get there/
Jan 12, 4:34 PM
Carol (Guest): We would have to stay detached and remain still in Him or we would be following our own will, not necessarily His
Jan 12, 4:34 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Yet we can’t desire God inordinately can we?
an 12, 4:35 PMCarol (Guest): No
Jan 12, 4:36 PM
Guest Elaine (Guest): Hi everyone
Jan 12, 4:36 PM
SrSusan (Guest): But for other things I guess we need to get ahold of ourselves
Jan 12, 4:36 PM
Simone (Guest): I think, that it is almost impossible to know ourselves.. if we are really desiring GOD — or “ourselves’ in the ideas around God and a holy life. I have seen myself deceived – and several others too.. it almost always has to be pointed out by someone else
Jan 12, 4:36 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Hi Elaine!!
Jan 12, 4:36 PM
Simone (Guest): Hi Elaine
Jan 12, 4:39 PMSrSusan (Guest): q How do we truly discover what God is asking of us, what He is “calling us to
Jan 12, 4:40 PMSimone (Guest): oh my Sister Susan.. that is a loaded question… I guess discernment for a longer time is needed.. considering our history, our personality, our circumstances – our desires- and our wise counsel
an 12, 4:42 PMRuth (Guest): I am trying to discern how God wants me to spend my remaining time on earth.
an 12, 4:42 PM
Carol (Guest): For me, the discernment has been harder. But He staked His claim on me! Some of His choices have only become apparent in hindsight
Jan 12, 4:42 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Sister, the reading to day is almost like written for me.
an 12, 4:43 PM
SrSusan (Guest): how so?
Jan 12, 4:43 PM
Simone (Guest): I also LOVED this reading.. and it has spoken powerfully to me on Thursday
Jan 12, 4:43 PM
SrSusan (Guest): and Ruth, very worthy discernment!
an 12, 4:43 PMDawn (Guest): I take one day at a time…no huge plans. well, there is one…
Jan 12, 4:43 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): I’ve discerned a few months ago that God has other plans for me – not the Religious life.
Jan 12, 4:44 PM
Simone (Guest): It is such a relief.. when we finally have clarity in our discernment
Jan 12, 4:44 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Yet the desire doesn’t leave me. At times I am wondering is I discerned well.
an 12, 4:45 PM
SrSusan (Guest): may be too personal but what kinds of things made you feel God has ohter plans
Jan 12, 4:45 PM
Dawn (Guest): Rhodylyn, are there many orders open?
Jan 12, 4:45 PM
Simone (Guest): I guess for St. Jane – was a time when her desire for religious life was not to be lived.. and then there was a time .. when this desire became realized.
Jan 12, 4:45 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): I was supposed to enter in October but I got sick and I distract I will be a burden to the community.
Jan 12, 4:46 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): discerned.
an 12, 4:46 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): So now I need to plough the field I am in.
Jan 12, 4:47 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Not easy.
Jan 12, 4:47 PM
Simone (Guest): delays are often so good – but almost always only in hindsight
Jan 12, 4:47 PM
SrSusan (Guest): That sounds responsible but on the other hand could have been a distraction. anyway God will lead you where He wants
an 12, 4:47 PM
Carol (Guest): Rhodylyn, you might be called to a different type of community. Try looking at bscddomestic.org a d see what you think. We live the monastic life in our own homes
Jan 12, 4:47 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Yes. I simply put my trust in Him
Jan 12, 4:47 PM
Ruth (Guest): Careful Rhodylyn! Does the community think you would be a burden? A burden that would distract them from their goals?
Jan 12, 4:48 PMRhodylyn (Guest): Never got the chance to ask but my Spiritual Director believes my discernment comes from God.
Jan 12, 4:49 PM
Ruth (Guest): What field are you in Rhodylyn?
Jan 12, 4:49 PM
SrSusan (Guest): q Saint Francis says, “don’t be afraid of God,” and yet we know from scripture that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What’s the difference here?
an 12, 4:50 PMSimone (Guest): in German the word “fear” is part of the word ‘ Awe” – so it is a holy fear.. more of a reverence – than anxiety related
an 12, 4:50 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): God reveals Himself to us and the more we know Him the more we do not want to disappoint him.
Jan 12, 4:50 PM
SrSusan (Guest): insightful!
Jan 12, 4:51 PMCarol (Guest): Fear of the Lord is awe, remembering that He js holy and we are His creation
an 12, 4:51 PMDawn (Guest): He says fear is a greater evil than the evil itself…
Jan 12, 4:51 PMSimone (Guest): I agree Carol.. there is something that strikes us deeply.. when we realize – really realize.. He is GOD.. and I am not
Jan 12, 4:51 PM
Simone (Guest): yes, but Dawn.. that is more anxiety related.. not the kind of “fear of God”
Jan 12, 4:52 PM
Dawn (Guest): umm..I was quoting St Francis
Jan 12, 4:52 PM
Ruth (Guest): Your point is what I was thinking, too, Simone.
Jan 12, 4:52 PM
Simone (Guest): I know Dawn.. I love this quote Dawn
Jan 12, 4:53 PM
Simone (Guest): but I really do not think that he is referring to the “fear of God’ in this quote.
Jan 12, 4:53 PM
Carol (Guest): When I really feel,His Presence, I can do nothing but fall prostrate
Jan 12, 4:53 PM
SrSusan (Guest): We of a certain age were sort of taught to be afraid , not so much of God but of eternAL punishment
Jan 12, 4:53 PM
Simone (Guest): beautiful.. My body also responds to His presence often
Jan 12, 4:54 PMSimone (Guest): yes Sister… I see that in some women in our church too. Interestingly they are often from Italy.
The LiviJan 12, 4:54 PM
Ruth (Guest): Carol. JP II did that, too.
Jan 12, 4:54 PM
Dawn (Guest): Sr Susan, I hadnt thought of that but its true. I think of it and it seems quite natural to.
Jan 12, 4:54 PM
Simone (Guest): and in all fairness.. it should fill us with -let’s say “holy respect”… to consider eternal punishment
an 12, 4:55 PMRhodylyn (Guest): Sister, in the Cathechism when we were growing up God is portrayed that way.
an 12, 4:55 PMSimone (Guest): BUT.. we also should know that.. as long as we are actually afraid of eternal punishment- we are most likely not ending up there.. cause this fear includes faith in God too
an 12, 4:55 PM
Carol (Guest): JPII is one of my heros
Jan 12, 4:56 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Mine too
an 12, 4:56 PMSimone (Guest): I like his writings on Theology of the Body very much
Jan 12, 4:56 PMDawn (Guest): I believe there is a tendency to make everything happy and rosey. but reading thru the Gospels is more of the story. I love St JohnII
an 12, 4:57 PMSimone (Guest): I agree Dawn..
an 12, 4:57 PMSrSusan (Guest): q Why would Saint Francis tell Saint Jane to “not struggle to overcome your temptations”?
an 12, 4:58 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): If you focus so much on them you lose sight of the Lord, the path you are heading to.
Jan 12, 4:58 PM
Dawn (Guest): I would say because we can pray and ask but it is Gods grace that overcomes
Jan 12, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): I understood.. that the struggle would put too much attention to the temptation itself..
Jan 12, 4:58 PM
Carol (Guest): We cannot overcome outpr struggles on our own. We should be letting Jesus fight our battles for us
Jan 12, 4:58 PM
Ruth (Guest): Because Jan 12, 4:58 PM
Ruth (Guest): Because the struggle focuses on the temptation. We need to just turn our backs on the temptation, turn to Christ, focus on him.
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
BettyChao: Hi
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
Simone (Guest): Yes Ruth.. that’s what I meant .. but did not say 
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): We can despise them but needs to keep our focus on God’s love for us. Ask for His grace.
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Hi Betty!
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
Simone (Guest): Absolutely agree Rhodelyn
Jan 12, 4:59 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Betty!
n 12, 5:00 PMSimone (Guest): but even our despise.. should not be too harsh.. it sounds to me in this letter.. that he mostly recommends to go – step by step.. straight on..
Jan 12, 5:00 PMSrSusan (Guest): q What can a single person do to avoid getting too caught up in desiring to get married or join a religious order or a celibate community?
Jan 12, 5:01 PMSimone (Guest): I guess.. finding contentment in the current state of life would be helpful
Jan 12, 5:02 PM
Dawn (Guest): eariler I was reading news about the fires and all the confusion going on…..and I started a loaf od bread. Kneading by hand is wonderful diversion….and it turned out good….looks perfect !
Jan 12, 5:02 PM
Simone (Guest): I visualize that so peaceful Dawn
Jan 12, 5:02 PMDawn (Guest): Pray many rosaries
Jan 12, 5:03 PM
Carol (Guest): I find handcrafts to be very meditative
Jan 12, 5:03 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): I think the first thing is to accept God’s Will for us. Whatever state we are in, God can use us in any way He wants. I sound like I am preaching to myself.
Jan 12, 5:03 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes peaceful
Jan 12, 5:03 PMRuth (Guest): “Getting too caught up”. ASK God in prayer. Chances are, to use Jodylyn’s, at least for the moment you will be askedtoplowtje field you are in
Jan 12, 5:04 PM
Dawn (Guest): Widsom , Ruth
Jan 12, 5:04 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I think when we are anxious to find God’s will it creates a tension within
Jan 12, 5:04 PMSimone (Guest): yes.. being willing to accept God’s will.. which is often not that clear to us.. other than through circumstances
Jan 12, 5:05 PM
Carol (Guest): And to remember He allows what seems unpleasant as an aid toward salvation
Jan 12, 5:05 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): I pray a lot. Do my Spiritual readings, trying to live a holy life and do my best in my job. Plus acts of charity.
Jan 12, 5:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): Bread! Life giving! In med school that was one of my favorite. Eats from study.
Jan 12, 5:05 PM
Simone (Guest): did not St. Francis say.. don’t ask – don’t refuse?
Jan 12, 5:06 PMSimone (Guest): yes Carol.. what you said.. I keep that often in mind
Jan 12, 5:06 PMSimone (Guest): We often desire things that would make us “happier”… but not necessarily holier.
an 12, 5:07 PMSrSusan (Guest): Ask or refuse nothing- that level of simple acceptance
Jan 12, 5:07 PM
Carol (Guest): Its impossible to be discouraged then
Jan 12, 5:07 PM
Simone (Guest): and.. even our “happier” is often disguised.. at least for me
Jan 12, 5:07 PM
Ruth (Guest): Brakes from study. I need to turn off Siri!
Jan 12, 5:07 PM
Simone (Guest): it’s also impossible then, to have fallen out of God’s will I think
Jan 12, 5:08 PM
Simone (Guest): that was in return to your comment Carol
Jan 12, 5:09 PM
Carol (Guest): To remember He has a plan that we cannot see or grasp and to Trust
Jan 12, 5:09 PM
SrSusan (Guest): No matter what we are looking for in life it is best to be at peace
an 12, 5:09 PMRuth (Guest): I think happier = Holier and vise versa.
Jan 12, 5:09 PMDawn (Guest): I am now and it is a great gift, An answer to a desperate
Jan 12, 5:10 PMSimone (Guest): really Ruth.. you think that happier is automatically holier? That is interesting. Can you explain?
Jan 12, 5:10 PM
Dawn (Guest): prayer one night at hospital. I laid my head down on med cart and prayed please help me be in place where I can just grow close to you. he did answer this prayer
Jan 12, 5:10 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Yes, be at peace that we are exactly where God wants us to be.
Jan 12, 5:11 PMSimone (Guest): personally I am guilty of often have turned my back to the presence and looked so much into the future – instead of being fully HIS right here – right now. I actually think that I am living that now better than at any other time in my life.
Jan 12, 5:11 PM
Simone (Guest): which still does not mean perfect… of course
Jan 12, 5:11 PM
SrSusan (Guest): that is a blessing~!
Jan 12, 5:11 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes!
Jan 12, 5:12 PM
Ruth (Guest): We never seen evil for the sake of evil but for the (mistaken) good we see — the imagined happier. Seek God FIRST, and all these things will be give to us.
Jan 12, 5:12 PM
Dawn (Guest): I think God comes to us more than we go to him…
Jan 12, 5:13 PM
Dawn (Guest): ans it is gentle
an 12, 5:13 PMDawn (Guest): so perhaps we just need to be more still. and stop trying to control
Jan 12, 5:14 PM
Ruth (Guest): Amen, Dawn!
Jan 12, 5:14 PM
SrSusan (Guest): vocationally it is difficult though especially if we are older
Jan 12, 5:14 PM
SrSusan (Guest): but I agree
Jan 12, 5:15 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. that is very difficult
Jan 12, 5:15 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, God really does seek out each of his children.
Jan 12, 5:15 PM
Dawn (Guest): if you have a position of responsibilty yes
Jan 12, 5:15 PM
Simone (Guest): I wonder sometimes if we overestimate the power of our surroundings.. if God can bring forth in us, what he wants – wherever we are … just thinking out loud here
Jan 12, 5:16 PM
Ruth (Guest): He can! WHEN we submit to him.
Jan 12, 5:17 PM
Carol (Guest): He can, but I think our surroundings can sometimes keep us from hearing Him
Jan 12, 5:17 PM
SrSusan (Guest): if we have conflicting voices from others who arealso responsible it is harder to hear His voice
Jan 12, 5:17 PM
Simone (Guest): but can there really be any surrounding be so powerful that it drowns out God’s voice and drops His plan for us?
Jan 12, 5:17 PM
Ruth (Guest): And sometimes they help us hear him.
an 12, 5:17 PM
Ruth (Guest): And sometimes they help us hear him.
Jan 12, 5:18 PM
Dawn (Guest): deep thoughts here!
Jan 12, 5:18 PM
Simone (Guest): conflicting voices are THE worst I find
Jan 12, 5:18 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I think so Simone if one is not accustomed to His Voice
Jan 12, 5:18 PM
Carol (Guest): Only if we let it
Jan 12, 5:19 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think, usually, for seekers God’s voice is very gentle.
Jan 12, 5:19 PM
SrSusan (Guest): if one is letting it, how does one stop
Jan 12, 5:20 PM
Simone (Guest): there is this funny story of the young woman.. who wanted to go to a “come and see” weekend in a monastery.. but somehow messed up the route – ( that was WAY before GPS).. and ended up in another monastery.. she did not even notice it.. until she was inside.. well.long story short.. she lived her life in that monastery then.. God has his ways.. even if we discern wrongly I guess.
Jan 12, 5:20 PM
Carol (Guest): Jesus keeps calling and gives us the grace to hear
Jan 12, 5:21 PM
Simone (Guest): Sr. Susan.. I do not understand your question..
Jan 12, 5:21 PM
Simone (Guest): how does one stop.. what?
Jan 12, 5:21 PM
SrSusan (Guest): from letting other voices block out God’s voice
Jan 12, 5:22 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. I see.
an 12, 5:22 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think often of some of the poor souls I have treated. A man in his forty’s who spent some thirty years in solitary.
Jan 12, 5:22 PM
Simone (Guest): well.. going into silence.. if possible is one practical way I guess.
Jan 12, 5:22 PMSimone (Guest): I meant actually solitude.. rather than silence
an 12, 5:22 PM
Simone (Guest): asking God to block the voices. –
Jan 12, 5:23 PM
SrSusan (Guest): good suggestions
an 12, 5:23 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): In silence Hodvleads you to what is good for your soul and for His glory. That’s the voice of God there.
Jan 12, 5:23 PM
Ruth (Guest): A woman with a grossly deformed face — from a beating she suffered at the hands of her own mother!
Jan 12, 5:23 PM
Simone (Guest): bringing ALL inputs of ALL voices before the altar.. all will be prooved
Jan 12, 5:23 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): God leads you..
Jan 12, 5:24 PM
Dawn (Guest): in the world there are so many voices. and then internal voices. some things I do, going out in nature. kneading bread. sewing . ….there are some helpful and good suggestions here!
Jan 12, 5:24 PM
Dawn (Guest): or just sitting.
Jan 12, 5:25 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): I write my thoughts.
Jan 12, 5:25 PM
Simone (Guest): which voice is the biggest carrier of love?
Jan 12, 5:25 PM
Dawn (Guest): ah!
Jan 12, 5:25 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes!
Jan 12, 5:26 PM
Carol (Guest): And idf a thought leaves you discouraged or feeling separated from the Church or your xommjnjty, that wasn’t God
Jan 12, 5:26 PM
Carol (Guest): Community
Jan 12, 5:27 PM
Ruth (Guest): Some people will have more trouble than others, hearing God’s lice, especially if no one has ever even spoken to them about a ONE who loved them into life.
Jan 12, 5:28 PM
Simone (Guest): today.. the baptism of Jesus.. where the voice says ‘ YOU ARE MY BELOVED”
Jan 12, 5:28 PM
Dawn (Guest): this begs the importance of sharing with others..
Jan 12, 5:28 PM
Ruth (Guest): Rhodylyn, Journaling can be very helpful.
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): The voice that leads us to love our neighbors just as He loved us.
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Simone (Guest): exactly.. some of my deepest prayers were prayed in journaling
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Simone (Guest): We love.. because He has loved us first.. .right?
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Ruth (Guest): Gods voice!
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Dawn (Guest): does anyone here do lecto devina?
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Simone (Guest): yes
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Yes Simone.
Jan 12, 5:29 PM
Carol (Guest): Yes
Jan 12, 5:30 PM
Dawn (Guest): Im seeing God gently nudges us where hes going so we can choose to follow
Jan 12, 5:30 PM
Simone (Guest): I have to leave ladies.. thank you for allowing me to listen to your thoughts. I feel very enriched
Jan 12, 5:30 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes.
Jan 12, 5:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): thanks Simone it has been edifying chant to night
Jan 12, 5:31 PM
Carol (Guest): Another beautiful evening with friends
Jan 12, 5:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): thanl you everyone!
Jan 12, 5:32 PM
Ruth (Guest): Thanks Simone. You always contribute so much.
Jan 12, 5:32 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes. just what my soul needed. Good night all
Jan 12, 5:32 PM
Rhodylyn (Guest): Thank you also. Let’s keep on praying for one another.
Jan 12, 5:32 PM
SrSusan (Guest): God bless you!
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