Elaine- week 3

Elisabeth loved learning and expanding her knowledge.  It helped her to know more about other cultures and to understand their differences.

It struck me when Elisabeth mentioned that she didn't always feel the joy and peace of God's presence.  This I can relate to.  I have felt God's presence the greatest in times of extreme duress.  During those times, I've had such a warm feeling of peace and tranquility flow over me.  God is there with me letting me know that all will be well.  Regardless, like Elisabeth, I know God is always there whether I feel him or not.

I truly believe as Elisabeth did that we touch more souls by example than by words.

I admire Elisabeth's ability to outwardly project joy while suffering extreme sadness internally.  Unlike her, when I am upset, my whole being projects despair.

Her daily meditation gets her closer to God.  She also mentions how peaceful she feels after confession.

A recent homily mimicked one of Elisabeth's prayers.  Our priest said that we should ask Jesus to shower us with his love and blessings and ask the Holy Spirit to shower us with his graces daily so that others may see Jesus shining through us.  She in turn asked God to use her as a vessel to give forth his light and warmth.

We need to continue loving in spite of disappointment and indifference.  I'm sure we have all experienced being hurt or embarrassed by our children or others who are closest to use.  We just have to keep praying, and praying, and praying.  Sooner (or perhaps later),  God will see that they come around.  It's all in his time.

I also have grieved the loss of a sibling which was extremely difficult for me.  It has only been two years, but I still miss him terribly.  My brother was such a kind and gentle soul.  He suffered many hardships and difficulties in his lifetime, but his faith never wavered.  He had nothing, yet he had everything.  He touched everyone he met.  I know God has rewarded him greatly for his devotion and love.

To touch on this week's question,  we have four children, the oldest is 39 and the youngest is 29.  Only the oldest has remained faithful to the Catholic faith.  It hurts us deeply, but again, we just continue to pray for them.  Our youngest did tell me that even though he doesn't practice, he is still thankful that he was raised Catholic as it taught him right from wrong and taught him respect for others.  I have immense respect for my son-in-law.  His father was Catholic and his mother was Jewish, yet religion did not play a role in his upbringing.  He attends mass faithfully with our daughter and truly loves the liturgy.   He is being such a wonderful role model for our twin granddaughters.  I am hoping that someday he will convert.