Being Affirmed in Christ.

A Spirit of Affirmation

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines affirmation as ‘ 1. To assert strongly, make formal declaration; 2. To confirm or ratify (used in law related to judgment)’.

However, the Spirit of affirmation has two other important qualities viz, encouragement and praise.  As Christians, it is important to use this gift in ministry as Christ himself did with his disciples.  Also it is another way of combating the power of the evil one and giving people ‘the hope to which they are called’.   Scripture itself gives us encouragement.

When a person is affirmed, not only is encouragement and praise given, but also it can have, as the dictionary meaning suggests the qualities of ratification or confirmation and strong assertive characteristics.

Recently I came across this mp3 Christian affirmation series.  There are a total of three series featuring over 200 minutes of Christian affirmations. These mp3 affirmations are a great way of maximizing your time as for example you can listen to them while walking, exercising, gardening or doing the housework and they will help you feel wonderful but also accpet the truth of the affirmation in your heart so it becomes your reality.  For example: I know at an intellectual level that Jesus loves me. However lately when life has been very tough, it is easy for the worries of the world to cloud this truth from my heart. I find that knowing and affirming myself at a heart level is a great help to stay focused and not allow temptation and despair to enter into my heart.

What I like the most with the Christian mp3 affirmations is that they require no concentration. You just listen to them and as we tend to do your mind can wonder off thinking about other things however you hear enough to feel great. Every day a different affirmation or Bible promise will just stick with you. Every affirmation set also comes with background music. 

I agree that affirmation is a gift that needs to be used regularly.  However, my own experience of it is it not only needs to sound plausible to the one who hears it, but is in fact delivered with SINCERITY from the one who GIVES OR SPEAKS IT.  This is vital when it is used in interpersonal relationships, and essential in counselling.

I think that it is also important that we constantly are affirmed by Jesus in prayer, so that He heals the whispers of the evil one, (the lies we have listened to about ourselves) which we have allowed to enter our beings, and that our body mind and spirit soaks in the truth that Jesus offers us in affirmation.  

Nine Habbits of Happiness

BOOK REVIEW SERIES

Nine Habits of Happiness

Presently, I am reading and almost finished an interesting book Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: The 9 habits of maximum happiness.  I have to say it was the title that took my attention initially and I have not been disappointed.

This self-help book on happiness provides a blue print to better self-esteem, welcome stress relief, encourages more generosity and gratitude, more meaningful friendships and finding the personal joy and success.  What I liked about this book particularly is that the author encourages the reader to develop his/her own personal plan for happiness using a step by step guide.  

Happiness is choice you have to make. It is state being only you can create.  Finding happiness like finding yourself since happiness is not found but made and chosen.  It is a process of what psychologists refer to as 'self-actualization, which is discovering who we are, who we want to to be and paving the way to happiness by doing what bring us the most meaning and contentment to our lives over the long run. 

Even though this book is a self-help book, it can easily be thought of in Christian terms as well.   Why not have a read.  It seems to me to be a journey book- not be read in one session, but rather an ongoing reflective read.  It may well be the book that could journey with you through 2011 and beyond.

As I said, what I liked about it was the reference to the stairway to Heaven.  After all, is not our final goal Heaven and is that not what God wants for us- to live with Him and be happy with Him for ever in Heaven.

Book Review: St Dominic and the Rosary.

BOOK REVIEWS.

 

St Dominic

ST DOMINIC AND THE ROSARY

Many of us have our favourite saint.  My favourite saint is St Dominic, who has a very special place in my heart. His feast day is coming up on 5 August in Australia, whilst the universal church celebrates it on 8th August. You might wonder why his feast day is different from the universal church. Mary McKillop's feast day falls on the 8th August in Australia.

So when it comes to books about St Dominic, I have to say that I am always keen to have a read.  I never tire of learning and discovering more about my favourite saint.

The authoress Catherine Beebe has presented the life of St Dominic in the popular Vision Books series of saints.  The key story about this wonderful saint which is often told in Dominican parishes is that Dominic as a young priest sat all night at a wooden table in a village tavern, and preached the truths of the Church to an embittered inn-keeper. The next day, the inn-keeper was converted and St Dominic joyfully received him into the Faith.

Of course, it is important to understand the times that St Dominic lived and worked since heresies were rife. It is in this context that St Dominic was able to bring the Church to the people and preach the truths of the Church

This charming paperback book of 161 pages is a delightful read, not only to those who may be unaware of the life of St Dominic and wish to glean a picture of his life, but also to those like myself who are familiar with the story of his life. I always enjoy reading something more about my favourite saint, and this book certainly energizes my novena to St Dominic.

St Dominic is also strongly connected with the Rosary. Tradition tells us that our Blessed Mother Mary, presented St Dominic with the Rosary, and since that time, the Rosary has been part of the Dominican way of life.  In my parish church, the stain glass window depicts magnificently St Dominic receiving the rosary from Our Lady.

Perhaps if you were looking for a precious gift, these three beautiful items shown would be warmly received delighting both the giver and the receiver.

May we all continue to grow in our faith and like St Dominic teach the truths of the Church by the way we live and act. 

Book Review: How to read the Bible for all its worth

BOOK REVIEW SERIES.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL ITS WORTH.

This book helped me enormously to understanding the Bible in a new way- it was as though my eyes were opened and suddenly, I understood the ‘why’ of aspects of reading the Bible. Each Chapter had many aspects, which I found fascinating, revealing and refreshing. These include:

Chapter one gave me a new insight into why it is important to interpret the Bible and what are the skills needed in interpreting. There was a lot of sense in undertaking this task with the Bible and I was made aware of some of these skills.

Chapter two was revealing in that it explained the need to choose an appropriate translation and the inherent problems to be aware of.  I found this particularly fascinating and exciting because, I have only ever used a R.S.V., and I have often wondered why some translations do not jell to the ‘ear of the heart’ when they are proclaimed.  From reading this book, I am inspired to purchase a bible dictionary, a good commentary and to have at hand several appropriate translations so that I may study God’s Word more appropriately.

Chapter Three was particularly helpful as sadly, my knowledge up to this point of the Epistles has been very limited.  However, having read this chapter, it has inspired me to study the Epistles in a new way and with the help of the Holy Spirit, come to know and love them. I found it particularly challenging to understand; yet the concept of exegesis seems to make good sense.

Chapter Four, which centres on hermeneutics of the Epistles also is most relevant and I feel more will be revealed as I take up this challenge to put some of the authors ideas and practices of hermeneutics into my own reading and understanding of the Epistles.

Chapter Five opened up my eyes to understanding and studying narratives in the Bible. I was particularly interested how the authors applied the 10 principles of interpreting narratives to the Joseph narrative particularly. Just to learn these principles is important considering that the bible is made up of 40% of narratives- either a substantial amount to understand or a significant amount to lose in one’s appreciation of the Bible.

Chapter Six, like Chapters 3-4 on the Epistles was very beneficial in that my knowledge and thorough understanding of Acts leaves a lot to be desired.  Reading this chapter has spurred me on to wanting to make an in depth study of it and to include my leanings and progress in my weekly journal, so that I will be committed to this goal.

Chapter Seven is also beneficial in that it invites me to read the Gospels using the interpreting skills already discussed in previous chapters.  It is important to consider both the historical and literary context of Jesus’ sayings as this will impact on the interpretation and its overall usefulness for me.

However, I found this chapter personally less thrilling than the previous ones, perhaps because I am much more familiar with the Gospels as compared to the Old Testament and the Epistles, and it did not seem to enhance further knowledge and understanding of them. However, I do feel that in the future, I will be inclined to re-read this chapter and glean further insights.

Overall, reading this book has been a great experience in that it has enlightened my mind to the issue of interpreting the Bible, the difficulties encountered in interpreting it, how to read different genres and opened the discussion of exegesis and hermeneutics in a reachable manner.

More importantly, this book has ‘broken open’ the Word, especially the Epistles and Acts and has been most stimulating.  ‘How to read the bible for all its worth’ is indeed a great title- and for me the book has assisted me in doing just that- it is indeed a guide to understanding the Bible.   I feel that reading the Bible and/or hearing it proclaimed would never be the same again, and from now on, I will have some strategies for dealing with passages I do not understand, for ‘tilling the soil’ of familiar ones and tackling the Acts and the Epistles with new enthusiasm and understanding.

BookReview Series: Life is Worth Living

BOOK REVIEWS

This 383-page hardback book which was previously unpublished, consists of full-length transcriptions from a series of recorded television talks made in 1965. 

We may at first be tempted to think that the material would be out of date, but Bishop Fulton Sheen's talks covered the full range of life's big questions, Catholic doctrines and paths to spiritual contentment. Such topics include handling of teenagers, love, conscience, fear, motherhood, and work.  It is a book for everyone- of immediate concern to all people seeking understanding, belief, and purpose in troubled times.

It is refreshing to realise whilst reading and pondering, that in fact, some things do not essentially change, and that in each generation, life's big questions, the search for answers in the Catholic doctrines and the desire for spiritual contentment is alive today as it was then.

So, if you are pondering one of life's big questions, looking for Catholic doctrines to support your life and need spiritual contentment, then look no further. As the title suggests 'Your life is Worth Living'.

This would mostly likely not be a one night in bed read- it might be, but more likely to be read over some time to gain the full benefit of understanding and applying it in your life.  It is also one of those 'journey books,'  in that you would read it again a number of times, over years, and would still find it appealing, refreshing and renewing.

Booke Review Series: Understanding People

Book Review Series: Understanding People

Although this book is most helpful for people in the helping professions, it seems to me that the title says it all 'understanding people'. This is what we are all called to do. Understanding one's fellow human being is a beautiful gift that God offers to all of us each day. It is the skill that needs honing to be able to reach another that is often required.

Although I found this book to be pleasant reading, it was also profound in content, personally challenging and a source of encouragement, as it brought me into the journey of what I am likely to encounter as a Christian Counsellor 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from the point of view of both content and presentation.  The questions at the end of each chapter provided me with not only an opportunity to review my learning from that chapter, but were also a wonderful source for my meditation and prayer time.  In working with the questions in this time, I felt a sense of God’s blessing on my study, as well as a sense of confirmation that, despite my present feelings of inadequacy for such a task, that I am not alone. God will be there with me to support, help and guide me when the time comes to commence counselling.

The information presented on such a wide variety of counselling issues was most useful and assessable.  I benefited from many of the ideas presented in the book (such as thought stopping, relaxation techniques, anger log, the mastery and pleasure schedule) and have endeavoured to trial these skills on myself throughout these weeks. Developing these skills have been welcomed additions to my self-discovery journey.

The author’s summaries of each chapter were succinct and informative, and were particularly beneficial in clarifying my understanding of the issues involved (particularly Chapter 19-Bipolar Disorder). Throughout the reading of the book, I was constantly being in-filled with new information, so the short summaries provided fresh insight to conditions previously unknown (either partially or completely) 

I also found the counselling samples of conversation enlightening and beneficial.  From these samples, I was able to glean the appropriate response of the counsellor, and given the same situation, ask myself what response would I have given to the client. In working with some of these samples, I have become much more aware of conversations, listening intently to the person and trying to recognise and match any of the symptoms with those outlined in the book.

Throughout the book, I was very aware of the author’s constant theme of truth and the ability of the client to change his/her misbeliefs and lies that have been part of his/her lives.  Obviously, truth can only envelop the client if he/she chooses to make this change.  The Christian counsellor, through the help and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, is able to facilitate that change with the client.

So whether you are in the helping profession or not, this book is definitely worth reading if you wish to nurture and enhance your relationships with your fellow human beings.

Posted by New Horizons at 9:15 AM 

Book series: The Prodigal World

BOOK SERIES

THE PRODIGAL WORLD 

Fulton J Sheen's insightful interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son is historical rather than moral. He interprets the younger son as Western Civilisation and after being in union with the Father's House, the Church, Western Civilisation finally asked its Spiritual Father for its share of the inheritance- spiritual capital in the form of the eternal truths necessary for salvation.

This delightful, invaluable paperback book of 160 pages is thought provoking and offers us reflective opportunities to consider what are the eternal truths necessary for salvation in our lives. It is easy reading as 'holiday or retreat book' or can be read chapter by chapter slowly (with days in between) without losing the thread.

By considering Sheen's interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, it can also provide greater understanding of the parable itself and how the eternal truths necessary for salvation in our lives are essential to a greater nurturing of faith.

Growing in relationship with God as Father

Growing in relationship with God as Father

'FATHER GOD'

Every now and again, I buy a book which I find to be a gem because  I read it  a number of times  over a number of years and still get so much from it each time I read it. I refer to this type of book as a ‘journey’ book in that it seems to be a type of book that 1 could re-read in months or in years to come ,and tap into the issues on a different level again and it would meet me on my journey.  It is also the type of book that I could use quite profitably over a number of weeks in my personal reflection time with the Lord.

One of my journey books which I read again some time ago, and have recently reviewed again for my spiritual growth is The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung. 

Although I found this book to be pleasant reading, it was also profound in content, personally challenging and a source of healing as it brought me into the journey of going deeper into relationship with the Father’s heart.

I found that the book profoundly moved me into action in regard to:

·                     A thorough examination of my relationship I have with my own father (and father type figures)

·                     A review of my relationship with Father God.

·                     An overview of my life looking specifically at how I have been hurt and how these hurts have blocked the Father’s love.

·                     A deeper awareness of my responses to these hurts- how I have dealt with them in the past and how I would deal with them now.

·                     A thorough examination of my capacity to forgive and all that it entails as a Christian. 

·                     A review of my capacity to deal with disappointments.

In tackling these issues, a spirit of negativity could have become overwhelming.  I soaked these questions and issues in prayer. Thankfully, I sensed God’s blessing, so tackling some sensitive areas was a positive and healing experience.  As the author rightly reminds us ‘ it is not enough to know about God but to enter into relationship with Him.

Chapter 3 which dealt with the ‘Waiting Father’ was particularly intense and as I read it, I realized that I had been touched deeply and given me fresh insight to God’s love for me, and his longing to forgive me. I gained from this insight into the Father’s heart. 

Each of the chapters in the book has offered me lot of food for thought. By personalizing the issues in each chapter, I feel that I have benefited from this book, because I feel that it has brought me closer in my relationship with God.  In dealing with some of the issues already cited above, it has made me more aware of my own fragility and has paved the way for a deeper conversion of heart. 

In this season of Ordinary Time,  it is worthwhile to review our relationship with God. I hope that my thoughts in this post provide food for thought and encourage you to nurture your relationship with Father God.

10 Spiritual lessons

BOOK REVIEWS

10 Spiritual lessons You can learn from your cat comprises short stories, quotations and exercises which highlight what the cat can teach us about having a happy, stress-free life.

This charming little book, given to me recently to read, would be immensely enjoyed by cat lovers, but has wisdom to offer to cat lover and non-cat lover alike. Anyone who has ever observed a cat would be able to relate to the behaviours of the cat that author describes. The author provides thoughtful and thought-provoking suggestions on how we may draw inspiration and instruction from the way our cat friends live.

The spiritual lessons that the author compares with the behaviours of the cat include:

·                     keeping your eyes open for new opportunities.

·                     taking pleasure in the small things.

·                     living a life filled with joy.

·                     getting a good night's sleep.

·                     learning to relax as an antidote to stress.

·                     having time for play in a busy life.

·                     giving love and attention on the people closest to you.

If you want to concentrate on the things that really matter in life, and explore how to reach higher goals by reaching inside ourselves, this wonderful little book is a must on your bedside table.  It is not only well worth reading, but has the potential to be used as a personal or parish group spiritual growth programme over 10 weeks.

The Real Presence in the Eucharist.

The Real Presence in the Eucharist.

 

Welcome to my third post in my Book Review series.  If you have missed the other two posts, why not take a look. Each week, this series will review all types of Catholic books to assist us in our growing relationship with God.

Since we have celebrated the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ last Sunday, it is timely to consider what our ongoing faith in the real presence in the Eucharist will be during the rest of this year, and how we might grow in our love and understanding of the Eucharist. 

Last year in our parish, a Eucharistic Festival over 4 days was held including exposition, keynote addresses from notable speakers and a 'scaled down' version of the Vatican International Exhibition. 

My contribution was to assist in its presentation of the Vatican International Exhibition. Needing to do some research on these Eucharistic miracles of the world, I had the good fortune to discover these 2 wonderful volumes. Not only did it provide me with the relevant information required for the presentation, but it also strengthened my belief in the real presence in the Eucharist. 

This is My Body, This is my Blood, written by Penny and Bob Lord has two volumes.  Both volumes are easy and engaging reading of some of the Eucharistic miracles that have occurred in the world. In these two volumes, the authors take the reader on a journey to these places of miracles and where there is physical evidence still remaining, there are photos provided. There is also a VHS tape available under the same title  This is my Body This is my Blood Miracles of the Eucharist Bob and Penny Lord

In these days where the real presence in the Eucharist is sadly lacking and/ or ignored, it was uplifting to read about the Eucharistic miracles of the world and to appreciate them.  Since the time of the Eucharistic festival, I have re-read these books again, finding them helpful for my own reflection before the Blessed Sacrament.   With each reading, I still have experienced them as compelling as my first reading of them and have gained a greater appreciation for the Eucharist. I also noted that my faith in the real presence has been strengthened and refreshed. 

Have you ever had any passing or lingering doubts about the Real Presence in the Eucharist?  If you feel that your belief in the real presence is jaded or simply needs reviewing and strengthening, these compelling books are indeed faith strengthening.  They are valuable resources in your own catholic library or your parish resource library, not only for this present moment, but books that you will reach for as you walk with Christ on your journey of faith.   I hope you enjoy them and have your faith nourished and nurtured.

What is your image of Father God?

BOOK REVIEW SERIES

What is your image of Father God?

'FATHER GOD'

Every now and again, I buy a book which I find to be a gem because I read it a number of times over a number of years and still get so much from it each time, I read it. I refer to this type of book as a ‘journey’ book in that it seems to be a type of book that 1 could re-read in months or in years to come, and tap into the issues on a different level again and it would meet me on my journey.  It is also the type of book that I could use quite profitably over a number of weeks in my personal reflection time with the Lord.

One of my journey books which I read some time ago, and have recently reviewed again for my spiritual growth is The Father Heart of God  by Floyd McClung. 

 

Although I found this book to be pleasant reading, it was also profound in content, personally challenging and a source of healing as it brought me into the journey of going deeper into relationship with the Father’s heart.

I found that the book profoundly moved me into action in regard to:

·                     A thorough examination of my relationship I have with my own father (and father type figures)

·                     A review of my relationship with Father God.

·                     An overview of my life looking specifically at how I have been hurt and how these hurts have blocked the Father’s love.

·                     A deeper awareness of my responses to these hurts- how I have dealt with them in the past and how I would deal with them now.

·                     A thorough examination of my capacity to forgive and all that it entails as a Christian. 

·                     A review of my capacity to deal with disappointments.

In tackling these issues, a spirit of negativity could have become overwhelming.  I soaked these questions and issues in prayer. Thankfully, I sensed God’s blessing, so tackling some sensitive areas was a positive and healing experience.  As the author rightly reminds us ‘It is not enough to know about God but to enter into relationship with Him.

 

Chapter 3 which dealt with the ‘Waiting Father’ was particularly intense and as I read it, I realized that I had been touched deeply and given me fresh insight to God’s love for me, and his longing to forgive me. I gained from this insight into the Father’s heart.  

Each of the chapters in the book has offered me lot of food for thought. By personalizing the issues in each chapter, I feel that I have benefited from this book, because I feel that it has brought me closer in my relationship with God.  In dealing with some of the issues already cited above, it has made me more aware of my own fragility and has paved the way for a deeper conversion of heart.  

In this season of Ordinary Time, it is worthwhile to review our relationship with God. I hope that my thoughts in this post provide food for thought and encourage you to nurture your relationship with Father God.

 

 

 

Saint Philip Neri Book reviews.

 Welcome to my new series Book Reviews.

Each week, this series will review all types of Catholic books to assist us in our growing relationship with God. 

ST PHILIP NERI

This first post in this series is about St Philip Neri whose feast is celebrated on 26 May. 

I was particularly struck and attracted to the title- 'St Philip of the Joyous Heart’.  I know one cannot judge a book by its cover, but in this case, even the title has a precious gem to offer us.  Are we known as (insert your name of the joyous heart)? It is worth our consideration.

The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri is a congregation of Catholic priests and lay brothers who live together in a community bound together by no formal vows but only with the bond of charity. They are commonly referred to as Oratorians.  The congregation was founded by St. Philip Neri in the city of Rome, but today it has spread around the world, with over 70 Oratories and about 500 priests.

St Philip Neri was born on July 22 1515 in Florence and died on May 25 1595 aged 79 years.  He was beatified by Pope Paul V on May 11 in 1615, canonised by Pope Gregory XV on March 12 1622. His feast day is May 26.

Saint Philip Neri is considered to be one of the Catholic Church's most lovable and loving saints. Despite his wisdom and learning, he was a simple childlike soul, who loved to joke and play with his many pets. Being a childlike soul is a very different concept than being a childish soul, and it is well worth reflecting upon the difference for our own growth development.

This charming and well written paperback book of 168 pages by Francis X Connolly is well worth reading, as it not only gives an account of Saint Philip Neri's life and extensive ministry, but it also provides food for thought for us, who desire to live out God's call to us to holiness.

We not only need to desire to live out our calling to holiness, but like Saint Philip Neri, we do not have to be dreary characters. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to provide us with the gift of a joyous heart, so that in both joy and in tribulation, we may journey onwards and upwards with an authentic and integrated personality which is impregnated by God.

May St Philip Neri inspire you today on his feast day.