Guadalupe

In the beginning of the year, I found out about Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz on the Opus Dei website, and I was intrigued by her life story and interested to know more. I read part of an e book and then purchased the book of letters to her spiritual director, St. Josemaria. 

Then, for my birthday my dear sister gifted me a book about her that I had been wanting to read. As I've been reading it, I've gotten to know more about her and her life story, and am in awe and inspired by her generosity, cheerfulness, and faithfulness.  Her positive spirit and humor uplifts and her rich spiritual life. I find thigs that are different or similar to me, like also her devotion to St. John of the Cross. But mostly, wanting to be more like her and learn from her example. Today is the day she passed away, but her declared feast day is May 18. 

I felt inspired to copy and draw a picture of her from the book I'm reading. I feel she has been with me throughout this year and at the start of this new year for me turning a new age. I drew flowers on her clothes not as a copy but rather as a symbolism of this new year in what I see as the richness and beauty of flowers. 

Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz, pray for us

An Image

 Going to the church today restored my peace, but it took time. It took longer than expected and anticipated. But with silence, praying the rosary, reading some spiritual reads, and writing in my prayer journal, the veil was lifted. And I didn't feel at all similar to what I felt upon entering. And I was grateful. 

Upon exiting, as usual, I say some prayers in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe image. This image is the definition of peace, of joy. I love looking at it and contemplating Our Lady. And then it reminded me of an image of myself- 10 years ago.

10 years ago, I was in the exact same church, going to daily Mass and praying in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe image. Oh, how different life looks now, and I am, but how similar! I am the same yet different, 10 years older, yet still a child in the spiritual life, in my life of figuring out the next steps, in language studies, in my awareness of God's love for me. 

10 years ago, I reenacted my studies in Chinese. I had started in January of that year but then stopped for a little bit in the spring and summer with German instead, but then decided upon Chinese since I wanted to study it and take classes at my University. 

Now, I have been entering into that world again and reviewing my notes and learning. So much time had passed, but my memory of learning Chinese and dedication hasn't been forgotten. 

Just like seeking peace and joy in God's presence, and entering into the church for some silence, it hasn't been forgotten of what He can do, what He can heal, and provide- so much goodness and richness! 

Anoiting

 I would feel embarrassed if I were her., with everyone's reactions and opinions. But she didn't seem to be. She was only focused on Him and the deeper meaning of pouring perfume spike nard on His feet before His passion, anointing Him and her deep faith in Him. I never thought about the details of this scene until I saw how it was depicted in hit TV series, The Chosen. 

People were questioning why this was done, especially after the very strong aroma filled the room as she opened the jar and dried Jesus' feet with her hair. One or two people gathered there such as Judas Iscariot declared it was a waste, and that the money been used for the poor. 

The way the scene is portrayed is in an interesting way and made me think- am I like Judas? Do I rashly question the meaning of something without considering the deeper significance and even attribute of charity? Or is it just something hypothetical or in theory that sounds nice that could have been done. Does my empath self immediately attune to triggering waste but not looking deeper within myself for reflection?

Mary of Bethany did this beautiful and devoted act of anointing Jesus that others could fully understand, especially with the high expense of the perfume. As The Chosen artistically depicts with the other disciples, Lazarus and Our Lady, two spiritual leaders of the Pharisees at table with food. 

Furthermore, this deeper spiritual meaning as well of putting all things at Jesus' feet. I like to think of this gesture, and I remember a priest told me this too. When I see a crucifix, to imagine touching His nail driven and wounded feet, or a statue of Him as a young child- touching his feet and having the posture of my heart lay all my concerns there. 

Hello Flowers

 Holding flowers. Ones that lasted more than a week, almost two weeks from a friend. Flowers uplift any space, doesn't matter which kind they are. Flowers are beautiful, strong and remind us of God's grace and provision, for growth, for strength and endurance, and for beauty, even in the hard. There is always work and growth being done in us. 

Birthday Flowers

 Plant. Flowers. Bloom. Grow. I didn't find it ironic that these words struck me on my birthday, as they depicted and showed themselves in various ways as a theme. I was wearing a vibrant skirt on purpose, and also my shirt was brown- and now I see it as symbolic of dirt, which allows plants and flowers to grow. 

The sketch book I bought with a gift card had open pages that I found that I desperately wanted and needed as well as symbolizing this new season, chapter and year! The cover has flowers, plants and a butterfly. 

Browsing downtown Larkspur and window shopping, cute and quaint boutiques caught my eye, with a window display of flowers!

The wrapping paper my sister used for my gifts were green- full of leaves and branches. 

The notebook my mom gifted me was green and decorated with leaves.

This time in Ordinary Time in the Catholic church is full of 'greenery'. A time to grow, reflect, pray, go deeper and stronger in the faith. There is certainly nothing ordinary about it. 

There is nothing ordinary turning a new chapter and turning the page to 32! I'm excited to see what's in store, and grateful for all the many blessings.

Purpose

 It's time to slow down. It has been a good time to slow down, to rest, to rejuvenate, to process, and to just be. 'To be still', as scripture says. And I've been needing that, little did I know, craving it actually, but it has caught up with me these past weeks. Oh how long it can take to fully feel recharged, and encountering the present moment and seeing all the gifts.

I want to be still- in my thoughts, and let God take care of all the details. In my worries, and know that God is in charge. In my frustrations, wonderings, deeper emotions, He is there and sees and knows it all. I want to be present and undistracted in all the many blessings, even minor ones that I forget and can easily take for granted. 

I want to be more confident in who I am as a woman and daughter of God. In His plan for me, in what He says and how He communicates with me- in the subtleties, in intuitions, and premonitions and interior voices. I need to be more confident in listening and obeying and understanding rather than not listening or fully embracing it. To not second guess or doubt.

Just like St. John the Baptist, to lead a life of mission, of purpose and to lead others to Christ. And like St. Mary Magdalene, to listen to God's words and act on them, to be there standing by Christ's side and waiting for Him at the empty tomb. To be paying attention and observing and not letting go. To be a woman of faith, and to see the good and strengths in others as well, recognizing Christ in them. 

And lastly, to not be afraid of this new year ahead, as well as what this past year had showed me. It taught me many things and stretched me on so many levels. To gain and realize many lessons, beautiful and good things as well as difficult and very challenging ones. They were all for a purpose. 

Figured Out

 I thought I had it all figured out. I was just a week away from starting my internship and new semester. I had finally landed into the spot that I had wanted and desired for 2 years. Though there was a lot on my mind, there was also idealistic expectations of what things would look like. 

Being in that headspace and anticipating what was ahead was exciting but also a little daunting. It was a rather busy week of being with my oldest nieces, hosting and family events. I tried to seek out any moments of solitude and prayer time that I could.

Holding youngest niece at the time

Being in nature for my mom and sister's birthday in this photo was peaceful and refreshing, looking out to the water and chatting with family was just what I needed to regroup a little and prepare for an upcoming change in schedule. 

I thought I was done figuring things out and especially coming out of a very rough season, things finally started looking up. The internship interview came out to be pretty seamless and really felt the Holy Spirit guiding me through it. But that peace, reassurance, confidence left quickly, and the next few months felt like survival mode. 

I realized pretty early on that I didn't have everything figured out, not even close. I was in a totally new season and chapter, with little guidance and support knowing how to navigate all the newness and change.

Little did I know that deep down I was ready for this. It was quite scary and challenging, but it strengthened me in a new way if I wasn't open to this season and opportunity. 

I kept looking back to the past for comfort, for realizations, for support and just for my own mental sanity and inspiration, as I felt so alone and isolated in my experience. This also strengthened me as I was in my head a lot of the time, which I was used to in other seasons, yet this looked different.

Somehow, (by the grace of God), I managed to survive and finish out the semester and internship that wasn't life giving but had its own purpose to it. I would think back to the days of distant learning a few years back when I worked on zoom in the early time of COVID-19 and would pass by this library on the way to my job. 

Somehow, I thought an inspiration of being and working there would be more enjoyable than working at my current job. Other connections followed like visiting there after work to pick up books, study, or use the restroom on my lunch breaks. In the end, it all felt interconnected and a deeper meaning to me being there for that semester. 

Year of the Butterfly

 The other week my sister was wearing a shirt with a butterfly on it. 'Mariposa' it said, and immediately I remembered and recalled this year was the year of the butterfly for me- it was the theme or the image I felt was symbolic for me. 

When I was leaving one of my work shifts, there were cupcakes for teacher appreciation.  And on top of the cupcakes there was a decoration, a butterfly ring. I smiled to myself and knew I had to keep it, as a memory on this journey, this hard year, yet also powerful, growth filled and learning curves. 

There have been so many moments of seeing a butterfly flutter around and this year, raw aches, growing pains, new seasons and chapters reminds me of what I've experienced, gained and learned along the way.

An image of a butterfly feels more like a journey - a particular season and chapter of growth, discovery and hardships wrapped up in graces and blessings. It's ultimately made me trust in God more and go deeper and stronger in my faith and learn more about myself. The image of a butterfly a year ago felt so fresh and almost uncomfortable with stepping into a new season that I was so unfamiliar with, almost like stepping on ice and not knowing if you will slip first or of the ice will crack and break. It all felt so daunting and I felt so unprepared for it in my mind. (I like to feel prepared and know ahead of time) and didn't know what to expect.

I thought ideally, I would keep seeing the guy who was taking me out on dates. I assumed we would have more time together in the summer to get to know each other. But before any of those ideas fully became a reality they were dropped unexpectedly without any explanation. 

Perhaps I am a little too idealistic, but it was also something hopeful, and to look forward to. And as any woman might feel, my 30th year was drawing to a close. It took weeks to heal, recover, process and ultimately know it was meant to be, in that we wouldn't be a good match for each other in many respects. And there were still and are many things I am learning and growing in myself- another symbol of the butterfly- growing, expanding, discovering.

This too is a whole new season- one of slowing down, processing, creating, enjoying, living. 

Sister Coffee

 There is nothing like going to a coffee shop with a sister. It was quite a busy week and what better way to slow down a little and sit. The coffee shop theme was revolved around kindness. 

I wasn't sure what to order, but the drink was the perfect amount of caffeine and milk, and to savor it especially since we had planned this for some weeks. 

It was actually a sister type week. Seeing my dear sister on Tuesday, visiting my sweet sister on Wednesday and Thursday and plans with my dear sister again on Friday. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for slowing down, for reflecting, healing, processing, creating, savoring and planning. And some coffee adds another special element. 

God's Sacred Plan

  I'm the youngest daughter. I'm number 7 of 8 children and what I call God's unique plan. I see number 7 as not lucky but sacred. Just as it is represented in the sacraments and scripture and known as the number of perfection. I am nothing close to perfect, but I know God's plan is.

I think about it from time to time, what I am doing, what I'm passionate about, what I'm studying to somehow pave the way for the next steps, for 'the plan', for the mission I am called on. But I also see it as baby steps, and boy am I a slow mover. God does not work overnight and call it done. He does not answer our requests to make things quick and effortless and allow all to go well with no mistakes. No, God is not in the business of microwave fix-it dinners and vegetables. God has his own time, and usually it's slower than we prefer. 

I see His goodness all around me, especially in the uplifting spring-like weather currently. The blooming flowers, the greenery, the birds chirping. I think to myself, God is taking care of everything, and God is taking care of me. 

I see this even more clearly while reading my favorite book, Left to Tell by Immaculee Illibigiza who writes about surviving the Rwandan genocide and finding God in the midst of the atrocities. She had to put her whole trust in God while hiding with a few other women in a tiny bathroom for 3 months while killers were outside hunting her tribe down. She continued to trust and plead for God’s protection, plan, healing, and comfort. All her prayers depended and revolved around God’s love to get her through unspoken despair, fear and darkness. What faith! 

Do I see God like that? Even if I have not desperately hidden in a bathroom for 3 months to survive humanities’ worst atrocities, do I still trust God’s will for my life, my fears, and even my doubts? Immaculée struggled too, as she writes in her memoir about the voice of doubt, despair, and deep fear from the devil.

So many times in my own life I have been crippled by discouragement, doubt and feelings of spiritual attacks. I admire Immaculée's faith as she continued to pull through and pray and ask for the graces to overcome the evil one’s lies and temptations, as God always heard and provided for her needs.

In the popular TV series, The Chosen, in Season 2 Episode 5 it portrays and focuses on this topic of discouragement with Mary Magdalen becoming downtrodden and discouraged right from the beginning of the episode. Fear lurks in and eventually the evil one. She begins to lose sight of her faith, as well as faith in herself. I love this episode not just due to the beautiful and intricate filming and scenery but more importantly the deeper message at hand. Mary Magdalene suffers and as The Chosen represents it originally and artistically, it is through not just a spiritual attack but also trusting in her own strength rather than God's. How easily I can do the same!

In this episode, when Mary Magdalene encounters a man with demons inside of him, she thinks to be the strong one, or even guard and protect the few other disciples with her. But it has just the opposite effect. She is left spiritually empty and depleted, discouraged, as well as tempted with the same temptations and demons that she once had before as she moves further away from Jesus. She was more vulnerable to the same temptations and sins, not fully realizing her weakness and susceptibility.

 We are all in need of God's graces and cannot fight any battle on our own. It is in scripture when Jesus showed us how to combat temptation when he was tempted by the devil in the desert. He showed to combat these lies and temptations from the evil one by prayer, fasting and quoting scripture. Ultimately the truth of God's word. 

I look to these amazing women, Immaculee, and Mary Magdalen (portrayed in the TV series The Chosen), as well as in scripture of what it means to be a woman of faith, a strong woman who has conviction. Essentially, to strive for perfection and do God’s will. Both women know what it means to suffer, to endure, to hope, to follow and to trust. May I receive the grace to do the same. 

 ~This post was written in March

 

Worth It

 I felt so loved and it felt like a unique and surreal feeling. I was bursting with gratitude, experienced nothing but warmth, and joy. It was hard to describe how it felt to be on the other side of it all, and I would say it was worth it.

It was worth all the stress and heartache of enduring the long, treacherous journey this semester and throughout my program. It was worth the many doubts and discouragements and darkness I could feel at times, or sometimes people's criticism. It was worth the commitment and long days at the computer and pounding out the schoolwork. It was worth the unknown of not sure what was on the other side and if I would pass. 

It was worth the feeling of accomplishment, of perseverance and grit and listening to this call that seemed to stay strong and consistent. Though it still took a lot of trust and overriding the challenges, it was worth it. It was worth it to see the final result and push on through. And I'm so glad I did.