| Author | |
Martha
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 25 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2291
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 5:32pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I find myself in dire need of some spiritual building for myself. Does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about?
I find myself being very... umm.. less than I'd like myself to be on several levels these days and would like to change that.
So. Can anyone give me some basic advice here?
What do you do when you need to "refill" your spiritual cup? How do you keep yourself accountable to make personal spiritual changes in your life?
Thank you!
Martha
__________________
Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
teachingmom
Forum All-Star
Virginia Bluebells
Joined: Feb 16 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2120
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 5:53pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I don't have a ton of advice, but I always start with confession. If it is with my pastor, which it usually is, I always get some very good advice for starting out again in my prayer life. I have a goal of praying a few minutes each morning, even in spiritually dry times. Minimally, this means a morning offering and reading the gospel of the day in my Magnificat magazine. Hope that helps a little.
__________________
~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Sarah
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 17 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1624
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 6:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Martha-
I wrote this post almost word for word today. . .then chickened out & deleted. I'm soooo glad you were braver than me, not that its an odd topic. I just couldn't quite word it like you did. I'll be watching the answers  . Thanks 
__________________
Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Maureen
Forum Rookie
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 83
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 8:18pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We have a perpetual adoration chapel in our parish. There's nothing like spending time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament every week.
__________________
Maureen, mom to 8 treasures
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 8:19pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Make that another of us!
You know how after you've been married for awhile, you get into a rut and sometimes have to work to put the "spice" back in the relationship? Sometimes I think that is what is happening to my faith. It's still there and still strong, just not as "spicy" as I'd like it to be!
I'll be watching this thread for replies as well!
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Rachel May
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 24 2005
Location: Kansas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2057
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2006 at 9:19pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ha, someone must have been reading my mind! Usually I like to be involved in some sort of Bible study which was very easy before we moved. Now I rarely leave the house during the week so I just can't make it to a study.
I have one friend I email nearly daily and she is also Catholic. We recently decided to do a Bible study by email and chose the book Saintly Solutions. We agree on a topic, read it and email our thoughts to each other. After we feel like we've exhausted a topic, we move on to something new.
This past week I was thinking that we could do something similar on the forum, sort of like the Artist and Composer studies we have going. Is anyone interested? I wouldn't mind doing it, if we can start with this book. I was also thinking it would be neat to do the new papal encyclical, but I don't feel comfortable trying to facilitate that since I've only ever read one. 
But anyway, that brainstorm aside, having a partner to work with has been really helping me work through a dry spell I've been having.
__________________
Rachel
Thomas and Anthony (10), Maria (8), Charles (6), Cecilia (5), James (3), and Joseph (1)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Molly Smith
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 08 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 669
|
| Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 7:36am | IP Logged
|
|
|
My confessor gave me the advice to read the bible and when I found a verse that particulary struck me to write it down and meditate on it. Keep that same verse for however long you need, memorize it, repeat it, pray it. It helps me to have something to fall back on when I feel "dry".
Here are some of the ones I've had:
In God is my safety and my glory. (Psalm 62:6)
Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27)
Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thess 5:22)
And one of my favorites:
Holiness is not a luxury but a simple duty. (Mother Teresa)
There are others, but it needs to be something personal to you. Sometimes I get them from reading the bible, but other times from Mass, and other times from holy ladies' signature lines  !
__________________
Molly Smith in VA
Mom to seven beautiful children, ages 1-14
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Natalia
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Louisiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1343
|
| Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 9:03am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Martha,
One thing I have been doing fo the last couple of months is getting up an hour before the dc. That give me time to pray and do some other stuff.
I have found that saying the Liturgy of the Hours helps me. Another resource that I have found good is the Magnificat- it is a simplified version of the Liturgy of the Hours.
In the past, I remeber approaching prayer life expecting a lot: I was going to be perfectly concentrated, i would gain great insights etc. Now I have found out that the main thing for me is faithfulness. I have made this quiet time a part of my morning routine and I have stuck with it. I think that the Lord has rewarded my faithfulness with a sense of connection with Him.
If I have had a time of spiritual dryness I have found that going to confession cleanse me and give me the grace I need for a new beginning.
Also for years now, I have a Thurs night adoration hour. That has been a HUGE blessing because even during those time that I haven't been faithful to a daily prayer time, that adoration hour was an assurance that I would spend some time with the Lord.
Natalia
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Jenny
Forum Pro
Joined: Dec 20 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 489
|
| Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 9:05am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I second the confession & adoration. I haven't been before the Blessed Sacrament by myself, just He & I in awhile. Normally when I go, I just enjoy the silence. My mind wanders, alot, but I think He understands
__________________
Jenny
Chris' wife and momma of 7. My blog: The Littlest Way--Bible Journaling, Inspiring Bible Quotes, Daily Affirmations, Prayer Journaling & photography
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Willa
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3881
|
| Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 7:56pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Rachel May wrote:
| This past week I was thinking that we could do something similar on the forum, sort of like the Artist and Composer studies we have going. Is anyone interested? I wouldn't mind doing it, if we can start with this book. |
|
|
I would be very interested, Rachel! I just ordered Saintly Solutions from my library system. It looks good; I'm looking forward to when it arrives.
__________________
AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Feb 11 2006 at 8:46pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Rachel and Willa,
Count me in as well. I just ordered it from Amazon. Sounds like just the ticket!
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Karen E.
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 27 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1161
|
| Posted: Feb 12 2006 at 11:44am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Confession, definitely.
Adoration, definitely.
Ask yourself a couple simple questions:
"What was I doing when I felt spiritually on top of things? Have I stopped doing that?"
Sometimes it can be as simple as a few minutes of prayer in the morning, or praying with your husband or kids daily, or reading some Scripture each night ....
A mini-retreat in the form of your favorite spiritual book (or a new one, such as what was mentioned), or a night out with a friend whose faith you admire and respect, can help, too.
Also, pick just one thing to work on, rather than feeling overwhelmed by "all our failings." They can just seem too numerous to conquer ... my spiritual director always advises me to work on one thing at a time, and I have found that to be very helpful advice.
__________________
God bless,
Karen E.
mom to three on earth, and several souls in God's care
Visit my blog, with its shockingly clever title, "Karen Edmisten."
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Sarah
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 17 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1624
|
| Posted: Feb 13 2006 at 12:33pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Karen E. wrote:
"What was I doing when I felt spiritually on top of things? Have I stopped doing that?"
|
|
|
This is so simple, but such good advice!
I used to be in the habit of monthly confession and its gotten away from me. I'm going to get that back.
God came through for me on Sat.
One of my biggest reasons for letting time go by with regards to confession was that with all my duties I simply forgot each week  .
So, I asked God to PLEASE tap me on the shoulder Sat afternoon to remind me. Confession was at 4:00 and I was sitting watching the Olympics. . .about to forget, when at 3:15 my 2yo daughter turned to me on the couch and said, "Are we going to be-fession?" (she meant confession-she might have heard me mention it to my son 9am that morning, but to me that was God's tap on the shoulder!! "Out of the mouth of babes. . .")It was a lovely time at confession that afternoon. Wow!
__________________
Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
momwise
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1914
|
| Posted: Feb 13 2006 at 8:29pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
WJFR wrote:
Rachel May wrote:
| This past week I was thinking that we could do something similar on the forum, sort of like the Artist and Composer studies we have going. Is anyone interested? I wouldn't mind doing it, if we can start with this book. |
|
|
I just ordered Saintly Solutions from my library system. |
|
|
I just ordered it also. I had to go outside the library system so I may not get it for a week or so. It looks like a great book; just what I need. Thanks forleading the discussion, it should be a good one.
__________________
Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
momwise
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1914
|
| Posted: Feb 16 2006 at 10:10pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
The library has my book! I'll pick it up by Sat.
__________________
Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jdostalik
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2935
|
| Posted: Feb 17 2006 at 10:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Just caught this thread...very timely for me as I've been a bit down since miscarrying last month...I just one-clicked Saintly Solutions at Amazon and it's on its way...looking forward to this discussion.
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jdostalik
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2935
|
| Posted: Feb 24 2006 at 10:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Rachel May wrote:
I have one friend I email nearly daily and she is also Catholic. We recently decided to do a Bible study by email and chose the book Saintly Solutions. We agree on a topic, read it and email our thoughts to each other. After we feel like we've exhausted a topic, we move on to something new.
|
|
|
Hey Rachel, Willa, Theresa and Gwen and everyone,
Do we all have our books--shall we get started? I read the first chapter on Anger and did all the suggested scripture readings as well...I really think this book is great!
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
momwise
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1914
|
| Posted: Feb 24 2006 at 5:23pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks for posting the reminder Jennifer....I have my book now. I haven't started to read yet but I'm ready. It looks like a great read for Lent.
__________________
Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Feb 25 2006 at 8:49am | IP Logged
|
|
|
yes, I have it and have read quite a bit of it, just skipping through randomly. It is wonderful! I'm ready whenever everyone else is.
Should we have read Anger yet?
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Willa
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3881
|
| Posted: Feb 25 2006 at 3:40pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I got the book and have been reading through it. I'm ready to start!
__________________
AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: HELP! What to do to reconnect?
