Thank you for All you have done for me, Jesus! If there is more, please grace me with that more.

Author: Barbara Matzker
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The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him…Exodus 15:2
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The Psalms are filled with beautiful praises to God…praises that have become part of my daily prayer and walk.  How did this happen to a mother of three rambunctious young boys to whom every Mass felt like either a war zone or a test of perseverance?  It happened one day in a totally unexpected place and manner. Pope Francis recently said "I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them…”

Several years ago, long before Pope Francis’ invitation, I was sitting on a floor of a home listening to a young man talk about Jesus in his life.  His sharing brought me to say my first spontaneous prayer…”I am not totally sure of what he is talking about, but Lord, I do want what he is describing.”  I didn’t even know I was seeking more of God…because I really didn’t know there was more beyond my great Catholic upbringing and all the prayers I had learned from my parents, Catholic schools and CCD.  But that night, Jesus Christ did encounter me and poured out His love in such a way that everything in my life changed, and praise became a part of my everyday life, through good times and difficult times.  Many other things changed as well, but the praise and joy were what overwhelmed me and continue to do so.   

And this is what each ‘Life in the Spirit Seminar’ offers to each of us!  An opportunity to say to God, “Thank you for all you have done for me!  If there is more, please grace me with that more.  Let me encounter you, Jesus.”  Through challenging talks, small sharing groups, and prayerful reflections we can each open ourselves to the Grace of God and release of His gifts that were given to us in Baptism and Confirmation.  The Gift of the Holy Spirit changes lives!  We host ‘Life in the Spirit Seminars’ annually and hope that you can join us!

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