So. First and foremost I suppose I should start with tonight. I went to go see John Michael Talbut at my parent's church. I was required to go see him when he was visiting my parish for Confirmation class, but I wasn't able to. So, I read that he's coming and I'm a little curious. I just want to see what he's about and such. And that's what I did tonight. I went and I saw him.

My. It was beautiful. It made me wish I went and saw him yesterday, too. And it almost makes me want to see him again tomorrow (but I have other plans). Basically what it was... was breaking down the prayer- "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, forgive me, a sinner." What powerful, but simple words. Each with a meaning we sometimes forget. The basis of our faith. We believe (or more importantly- each and every one of us chose to believe) that the Lord God, Jesus Christ is our salvation. He shows the way, and is the way.

I could go on for a long long long time about it. But, I'll have to reiterate his analogy about wheat. Us, as the wheat. In order to become bread- to be able to nourish others, we have to be reformed. We have to be taken, and ground down. God is the one who takes us, our lives and grinds it down. It can be hard, giving up what we know and what we are. However, when we choose to let him take control... good things come in the end. Then, with the flour. You add water. This can go two ways. It can be the overflow of the Holy Spirit. Your life made anew. Or the simple fact that you are drowning in life. The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit make all the extras. Finally, comes time for the yeast. First you building upon you, your old self, what you know. But, you get deflated. Then you rise again... and this time you build yourself on the word of God. And this is good. Now is the hard part. Placed in the oven. The judgment of God. You can fight all you want, it's going to happen anyway. This is the time when you answer to all that you've done. And, in the end. You are turned into bread. Nourishment. You can feed others and help them grow.

That IS life in God. You can make it as easy or as difficult as you wish.

Lastly, this is what I was thinking on my way home. When you think of monks, priests, nuns, and others who have chosen to live a holy life... you don't think of anyone you can relate to. I know I wasn't expecting to laugh or even... understand some of his references. But I did. That's the magical thing about it. He wasn't always called into the holy life. It's amazing how life can take you on it's path. He is an amazing guy. His music is wonderful and just what he's talking about....

I had a wonderful evening. I'm glad I went.

Now, for the past few days I've been on spring break. Which means I basically don't do anything productive, stay up late and sleep in. Well, besides the fact that I've actually been working on my research paper... it's been a true spring break. Tomorrow I get to see a friend that I haven't seen since January, and well... just have a good time.

I also found some patterns of things I'd like to sew today. Simple stuff but it's stuff that I'd like to try. Maybe one day I will.

Anyhow, I figure this is getting long enough with my rambling. But I have to say this:

I love you

:)

I truly mean it. I love you and I hope God blesses your life thoroughly. My prayers go out with you all tonight, as I figure out my angst with a friend. It's all gossip really. Lets just say she needs some love that I'm not sure I can give. I ask for prayers for both of us.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust
in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.
-- Romans 15:13