As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about the word Forgiveness.

I was reflecting on all that Jesus went through. I think of all the people He had to forgive on His journey, the disciples who abandoned Him, the people who mocked Him and, of course, those who lead to His crucifixion.

And then I think about all the people I need to forgive on my journey.

I think of the people in my life who have hurt me or betrayed me.

Sometimes it’s easier for me to plan their demise than to forgive them!

But I know what Jesus expects of me, to forgive seventy times seven.

In Ephesians 4:32 the Scriptures say, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”

And Matthew 6:14 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Today, I’m going to name the people that I need to forgive and pray that God opens my heart to that gift.

We have the gift of a God that never stops forgiving us, and He calls us to do the same.

Have a blessed day!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was reflecting on INNER STILLNESS.

A few years ago, I went through a personal crisis. Even thinking about it brings tension to my body.

During that time, I was filled with intense anxiety and helplessness. I was overwhelmed by circumstances. I felt paralyzed.

During that time, inside my heart, I could hear only a whisper, “Be still, and know that I am GOD.”

Something greater than me and my circumstances were holding me together.

This is the Easter experience, finding that stillness, that moment where we can find the truth that God is WITH us.

Don’t get me wrong, it was a long journey, but the voice got louder, and I became still.

The only thing I could embrace were those words,” Be still, and know that I am God.”

Today, as I begin my day, I take a moment to be STILL and listen to that voice that speaks from my inner soul, “Be still and know that I am God” and I know that will bring me to the peace that only comes from HIM!

Find that Stillness and you will find HIS PEACE!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about my mother.

My mother died during the Easter season. My father had passed away only seven months before her.

It was during the Easter Vigil that I was given a note telling me that my mom had passed.

I was blessed to have my parents live with me during the last two years of their lives;

I learned a lot from both of them.

So, today is about remembering, and though there is a sadness, I can’t help but be filled with joy of a life well-lived.

My mother spoke her mind, she challenged me, and she loved me!

I think it’s good for all of us to remember and celebrate.

So, today is going to be a wonderful day, remembering my mother who had a tremendous impact in my life.

If you still have your mother, reaches out to her today and let her know how much you love her.

If your mother has passed away, remind her of your love.

If your mother was not there for you, forgive her.

Have a blessed day… remembering.

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I continue to allow myself to experience all aspects of the Easter season.

The Easter message is that Jesus has RISEN. Every day I try to experience the presence of the RISEN Lord in the beauty of HIS creation.

As Spring is upon us, and everything is coming to life, we, too, should be coming to life.

The Word of God becomes alive!

During the Easter season, we need to keep alive The SPIRIT of the LIVING God.

We need to take the joy that we are loved by One who gave HIS very life so that we might live in HIS joy.

Today, begin your day with gratitude, and a smile on your face, knowing that you are loved!

With each day, the light of Christ will guide us out of the darkness of the world.

It’s happening now, just look around and give glory to God!

Have a blessed day!

Today, as I sit with my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about EASTER!

There is not much more to say than He has risen!

And now it’s time for us to RISE out of the darkness and to celebrate the victory HE made for us over death.

This Easter Season, celebrate with your family, count your blessings, and know that this is going to be an amazing year.

Celebrate all the painful lesson you learned this past year and ask our Lord to bring you into HIS light.

May God bless you and your family this Easter season and may you experience the freedom, peace, and love of the RISEN LORD!

Have a blessed day.

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was reflecting on the TOMB.

From Good Friday until Easter Sunday, Jesus laid in the TOMB.

How many times in our lives have we stayed in the TOMB, the TOMB of despair and depression, the tomb of grief or fear?

Often we have experienced disconnection and isolation that is the TOMB.

As we go journey through this Holy Season, the special time in the church when people are welcomed in, are baptized, and receive the sacraments, it is a powerful reminder that we need to come out of the TOMB.

We have to trust in the power of the Risen Lord and open our hearts for change, renewal, and joy in life.

We have to come out of the TOMB!

Today, present to the Lord your worries and fears, let go of any anger and resentment you hold on to, and be prepared for a new year.

Live in the PRESENCE of the Risen Lord!

Roll back the stone and come on out!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about GOOD FRIDAY.

I’ve always wondered why they called it Good Friday. It never seemed that good to me.

Last night I watched “The Passion of Christ” by Mel Gibson.

I have seen the movie many times, but I get something new out of it every time I watch it.

This time, I was focused on other characters, on Peter, on His mother, Mary, on Simon of Cyrene, and on Veronica.

Each of them had their own struggles in life and yet intimately entered into the Passion of Christ.

We, too, are called to enter into HIS PASSION, to die to self, to be honest with ourselves, and to ask who do we truly serve.

Peter denied Christ, yet later embraced His cross. Simon stepped forward to remind us that we are not alone.

Veronica was brave and pushed through the soldiers to wipe the face of Christ.

And Mary had the courage to witness her Son’s suffering and still trust the FATHER that this was all part of a greater plan.

Throughout this Holy Season, reflect on the CROSS. Through the Passion, we are set FREE, free from the bondage of sin, free from the slavery of ego.

We were invited into a wonderful life centered on the cross. Without GOOD Friday, we would never know this freedom.

Have a blessed and reflective day!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about the Easter TRIDUUM, which falls on a different day every year.

These Holy Days begin with Holy Thursday. The liturgy celebrated at church has the traditional washing of the feet, the celebration of the Eucharist and a procession of the Eucharist to a special place for adoration, all preparing for Good Friday.

I have always loved the Holy Thursday liturgy. It reminds us of our call to SERVICE and of the great gift that Christ gave us in the EUCHARIST.

During Holy Thursday, I like to reflect on the ways in which I have been of service to others and my community this past year.

I like to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist and how it continues to be the center of my life.

So today, I repeat the words, SLOW DOWN, SIMPLIFY and SANCTIFY this day.

Take time to reflect on Jesus’ call to service and the gift HE gave us in the breaking of the bread.

It’s time to get ready to GREET the RISEN Lord. It’s time to get ready to enter into HIS PASSION!

Have a Holy Easter season!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about the word ANTICIPATION.

Think about all the times you got really excited about something and the anticipation that builds up.

The Easter season has always been that for me. The processions and the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the Solemnity and Adoration of the Cross on Good Friday, and all of the baptisms and sacraments at the Easter Vigil have filled me with joy.

With all of the changes that have taken place in my life, I’m working hard to be excited about all of these moments because this is the highlight of our Christian faith.

It’s really how you look at things. I am excited to celebrate the Risen Lord.

Like most people, I’m ready to roll back the stone and come out of the tomb!

So, these next few days, with the heart of gratitude, I’m going to celebrate the journey of faith, a journey through good times and bad, sickness and health, a time that Jesus reminds us He is in charge!

I am in ANTICIPATION of miracles!

Have a blessed day and remember to watch for miracles!