Walk By Faith

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." – Psalm 23:4

If you watched the Discovery channel on Sunday night this past weekend I'm sure you were sitting at the edge of your seat, waiting in anticipation to see if tightrope walker, Nik Wallenda, would make it across the Grand Canyon. Nik Wallenda is famous for doing these dangerous high-wire stunts along with the rest of his family. He is a descendant of the daredevil stunt performers known as the "Flying Wallendas." He lives in Sarasota, FL with his family near the Ringling Circus where he practices for these events.

Although I have never met Nik or his family I have been to Sarasota several times to visit the Ringling Museum. They have beautiful artistic masterpieces there, to include my one of my favorite paintings known as The Blue Madonna by the Italian artist Carlo Dolci. The Ringling Museum is most definitely my favorite part about going there. Also, Sarasota is a very gorgeous city right near the water! I can attest to the fact that Nik is very blessed to live with his family in such a beautiful Floridian area.

Nevertheless, no matter where he may be, Nik always keeps himself grounded in prayer as he performs these major hire-wire stunts. Last year I saw him on TV as he crossed the Niagara Falls from the United States into Canada. That was quite a risky endeavor. However, I noticed Nik seemed to keep calm as he muttered the praises of Jesus along the way.

In his recent tightrope walk Nik crossed the Grand Canyon much the same way as he did over Niagara—but this time he was even more vocal about calling to the Lord for guidance and strength. He thanked Jesus, our Lord and Savior, over 60 times as he walked to the other side. Watching his body language, I could tell he seemed to be much more uneasy with this walk compared to his others in the past. Maybe he felt more uncomfortable since he was standing on a 2-inch wire that swayed in the turbulent winds at about 1,500 feet over the Grand Canyon! Although he seemed to be very unsettled by the situation he was in, Nik kept praising God the entire time. He remained focused and unafraid as long as he kept his thoughts and prayers on Jesus.

This reminds me of the story of Jesus walking on the water. When Peter had seen Jesus standing on the ocean waves, in the middle of the storm, he got out of the boat and started walking towards Him. But at the very moment he lost eye contact with Jesus his thoughts shifted away from the Lord and he became frantic—starting to sink into the sea. Then Jesus reached down and pulled him back up, saying, "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"

In comparison, Nik Wallenda also battled the elements of the major winds coming up from the Grand Canyon, much like Peter did in the storm. However, Nik never lost complete concentration on Jesus. His entire walk was a constant prayer. Even when the wind became too much for him to handle he knelt down to regain his balance on the wire. He did this several times to ensure his safety and trusted that the Lord would get him across to the other side. Being human, I could tell that he seemed worried at times...but it was at those moments when he called out to Jesus more.

Just as my sister said the other day, "Nik Wallenda crossed the Grand Canyon! Truly an incredible testimony for faith in God and how dreams do come true." The point is, he never gave up when it was hard, he never quit on his dreams, and he never stopped believing that Jesus would come trough for him. He is a great example of total trust and surrender to God. His family even prayed together beforehand for his strength and protection.

I am so happy that he followed his dreams of walking across the Grand Canyon and gave witness to Jesus Christ in this modern-day world. Millions of people across the globe watched him that night! It is truly remarkable to the reaction people gave him in being so outspoken with his faith. Nik even got #Jesus trending worldwide on Twitter that night. What a blessing for so many people to see the miracle of this man walking 1,500 feet above the Grand Canyon and making it to the other side alive and unharmed! How incredible!?

It just goes to show that we can get through anything if we trust in the Lord Jesus. He is there for us, always watching, with every little step we take. We just need to be more aware of His presence.

With that said, I want to leave you with a recent message from Our Lady of Medjugorje. She always calls us to draw nearer to God. I truly believe, like Nik Wallenda, that is what we must do with our lives. Everyday we live is a new opportunity to draw closer to God. One day we will get there when we reach the gates of Heaven, but we always have an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Him each passing day. Also, we must help our other brothers and sisters in Christ along the way to the path of salvation as we go through our own journey.

On June 25th 2013, the 32nd Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje, the Blessed Mother Mary said:

"Dear children! With joy in the heart I love you all and call you to draw closer to my Immaculate Heart so I can draw you still closer to my Son Jesus, and that He can give you His peace and love, which are nourishment for each one of you. Open yourselves, little children, to prayer—open yourselves to my love. I am your mother and cannot leave you alone in wandering and sin. You are called, little children, to be my children, my beloved children, so I can present you all to my Son. Thank you for having responded to my call."

            

God's Inspiration

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come." – John 16:13

About a little over a week ago I went to St. Paul, Minnesota, to visit my new school for the first time! I'm so excited to attend the University of St. Thomas in the fall for the Master's program in Catholic Studies. This school is such a blessing! Everyone I met up there is so friendly. The people are so welcoming, I'm sure this new school will feel like home in no time. However, the climate is a big change from where I'm from. Since I've only lived in Florida I'm used to a hot and tropical climate, as opposed to the cold northern temperatures. But I really feel in my heart that going to St. Thomas is a step in the right direction in accordance to God's will and His future plans for me.

The first day I came to St. Paul I met up with some friends I had connected with online prior to arriving. It was so great to finally meet them in person! First, we had lunch at a cute little Italian place close by. I would say it seems to be like the "local hang out" for everyone off-campus. Then, we took a walking tour of the entire university and I was exhausted by the end of it. Not to mention, we still had more sight seeing! After that, I checked out the place that I'm planning to rent with some girls. I'm excited to be living with them in the fall, however the place we looked at was not what I had expected and I started to have some doubts about the whole thing.

Moving is a big change, living with people other than my family members is a big change, the climate is a big change, the location is super far from my home—definitely a big change, the academic work seems to be very rigorous and writing intensive—a very big change from being an art major, and the list goes on and on. However, there are so many good things about this program! The girls and other people I met up there are so wonderful! Like I said, everyone is so friendly. The professors are very nice and super intelligent. They seem like they are willing to help out any student if they tend to be struggling in their course. I also met several priests on campus and I think they are amazing! I can't wait to get to know them more and have in-depth spiritual discussions.

Although there are many changes and challenges that will come my way, I cannot lose hope. I was most definitely called to this university by God, Himself. I can only imagine that I would regret the decision for the rest of my life if I chose not to go. This opportunity doesn't come around everyday and I have been very blessed with it. So I am choosing to let go and let God. I'm surrendering to His will and letting Him take me wherever He wants me to go. And apparently He wants me to be a St. Thomas Tommie girl.

Have you ever heard the quote by St. Therese, the Little Flower, "God does not inspire us to do what cannot be done"? It truly means that if God places a great desire in our hearts that it was meant for us! This Catholic Studies program seems to be like the perfect fit for me. God would never have placed that desire in my heart if He didn't want me to pursue it. Although everything that comes with the program, like moving from FL to MN, will be challenging it does not mean that it is impossible for me to overcome.

The same goes for you! Many times God will test our abilities by giving us a great challenge to strengthen our faith. If you have ever felt there is something you want to do but you are having a hard time doing it, it is because there are obstacles in the way meant for you to overcome. Throughout the journey you must place complete faith and trust in God—total surrender, if you will. Surrendering to God may be the hardest part of it. But as I said, if the opportunity is meant for you then it will not be impossible for you to complete. It may be hard, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible with God.

The rest of my trip was very good, even though I had several debates with myself trying to figure out if this is truly where God wants me. I have come to the conclusion that it mostly definitely is. Another friend of mine took me and my mom over to the St. Paul Cathedral for Mass on the night before we left the Twin Cities. It is such a beautiful and massive church! The architecture is so golden, detailed, and extremely elaborate. It makes you feel like you are over in Europe. After the Mass I just knew it was the right place for me. The University of St. Thomas is set right in the middle of a huge Archdiocese! The Cathedral is so great and I can see how there can be many opportunities in this area for Catholics.

While I was there, I also found out about this great app on the iPhone called "Rediscover." It is part of Matthew Kelly's ministry about Rediscovering Catholicism. It is based out of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, right where I was! After I downloaded the app I found out about a ton of events going on in the area to hear Catholic speakers. There is so much you can access on the app in regards to learning more about the Catholic faith. I definitely encourage you to download it. The app is free and can be used on iPhones and iPads. The following video about prayer by Matthew Kelly is shown within the application. Take some time to check it out and I promise you won't be disappointed!

 

Thank you friends in Christ, for viewing my blog. I'm so happy that many of you have found it and are inspired to learn more about the Catholic faith. As you may know from my previous blog post I am still trying to raise money for a family pilgrimage to go to Medjugorje and Rome next summer. If you feel called to, in your heart, please donate whatever amount you can. If you cannot because of financial reasons, I understand. Instead please send up a prayer for us to go! Thank you so much. However, donations are not tax deducible, but are greatly appreciated! You may use PayPal by clicking the button below or use the GoFundMe widget on the side bar to donate to our cause for the family pilgrimage. Thank you again! You are in my prayers. God bless!

           

I Will Go The Distance: Jesus, I Trust In You!

"But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here." – John 14:31

Hello my dear friends in Christ! This summer has been filled with wonderful blessings so far, and still more to come. This week I plan on going to visit my new home at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN! I can't wait to meet everyone and see the place for myself. I know it's a very far journey, but traveling is always a fun and exciting adventure.

Meanwhile, as I've been planning to head to Minnesota, I believe God has been planning a trip for my family and I to go much further. Over the weekend my mother came to me with exciting news about a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Rome next year with Father Donald Calloway, MIC. I had briefly seen something on Facebook about it, but didn't read much into it until she brought me the flyer. As I looked at it more closely I felt a strong yearning in my heart, a holy tug on my soul, that wanted me to go there. Since my family and I have already been to Medjugorje before sometimes I feel that other people should go on those pilgrimages to see and experience the graces for themselves, like I did. However, this pilgrimage not only stops in Medjugorje, but also in Rome! I have never been to Italy or the Vatican and I have always wanted to go, even before I knew about Medjugorje.

During my last year in college I studied Italian Renaissance art in my art history class. This course heavily concentrated on images from famous artists—such as Michelangelo, Leonard, and Raphael. Looking at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in the textbooks was always so fascinating...but I never really thought I would have the opportunity to see them in person. Now, all of a sudden, one of my favorite priests is offering a pilgrimage to go there along with a joint trip to Medjugorje on the way. How exciting!?

I have known Father Calloway for several years now, at least since 2008 or 2009. Since then we have kept in contact and my family and I would see him every time he came to our area in Florida. It has been a joy knowing him! But actually I don't think we have seen him in person since late 2010...so I definitely miss him very much. He is an extremely devout Roman Catholic priest with a high admiration for Our Lady. His book No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy is a MUST read. His conversion story is incredible...a true blessing from Mary. Plus, he also came out with a new book called Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest. I have yet to read it, but I can't wait to get my hands on it.

So as my family discussed the subject of this pilgrimage we became very concerned with the amount of money. First of all, it is about 4,000 per person! Yikes!!! On top of that we would have to pay for our own transportation to New York for the departing international flight...possibly another $500 a person. Then we have to have our own money for lunch, other food, and possibly personal transportation. Easily another $500 or more per person. That comes out to at least $5,000 a person and there are 4 people (including me) in my immediate family. I'm not the best at math, but I realize a trip like this for our entire family is going to cost around $20,000! Meanwhile, I'm just a poor college grad student trying to make it day by day.

There is a LOT to consider when you don't have the money, but you really want to do something. However, it's not impossible. Three years ago I went with my family to Medjugorje and somehow God provided a way for all of us to go. People just came to us with money out of the woodwork because they wanted us to go on this pilgrimage together, as a family. It was incredible! Definitely only something that God Himself could orchestrate.

Although I realize it seems like a far fetched idea, I still believe. God was able to get us to Medjugorje once, I know He can do it again! This pilgrimage is in a year (June 2014)...so between now and the time the money is due I believe He will find a way for us to get there. Why wouldn't God want us to go as a family with Fr. Don Calloway, one of our beloved priest, to Medjugorje and Rome—the Eternal City!? As a very devout Catholic there is nothing more I want to see in this world than the Vatican and the Pope. It would be amazing to have that opportunity! Plus, we would get to see so many historic artworks, like I learned about in my Renaissance class, and relics from some of the most amazing saints.

With a faith stronger than ever, I truly believe God will send my family and I next year to Medjugorje and Rome with Fr. Calloway. This is definitely something He would want us to do together, to grow in faith and love among some of the greatest treasures the Catholic Church has to offer. The other day I messaged Father about my excitement and how I believe God will provide a way for us. In reply he said, "Sounds good. You are a living example of 'Jesus, I Trust in You!' See you in Rome and Medjugorje! Blessings to you always!"

With that message in mind, the next day my family and I attended Sunday Mass together in the morning on the Feast Day of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ. It was sad to see how few people came to this particular Mass, especially since it is a Solemnity. Even so, our family was chosen out of all of those who were there to bring up the gifts to the altar. We've done this several times before, as a family, but this time we felt very much "chosen" to do so. Just as we were picked from the crowd to go before God with our humble hearts, offering the gifts of bread and wine, I believe He has "chosen" us again for a family pilgrimage with memories that will last a lifetime!

Thank you for reading my blog! If you would like to contribute to our pilgrimage please send donations through PayPal or GoFundMe. You can use the donation widget on the sidebar if you wish to give. Thank you so much! If you cannot give because of your own financial hardships I completely understand. Please just send up a few prayers so that we can go! I know God will provide...and when He does I can request your petition to bring to the Father of Mercy at the Vatican and in Medjugorje. I appreciate all of your prayers, love, and support. Thank you! ♥