Moving through life, after my loved ones have passed, has truly been an adventure of a lifetime. In my wildest dreams I never imagined, I would be moving through this part of my life with without my parents and husband still beside me. Yet, here I am enjoying my now grown children and precious grandchildren.
Oh the joy and laughter they bring is a healing balm for my heart. What gifts each and every one of them are to me, and gifts that I thank the Lord for every moment of every day.
This morning a dear friend, called and stopped by to chat a moment, and I apologized for my kitchen looking well used. She made the most kindest comment, saying, ” You never have to apologize for having a working kitchen.” Our moment turned into the wonderful two and a half hour visit, and in between our chatting, she got to see first hand how well my kitchen was used for my oldest granddaughter popping in and out as she grabbed some leftovers from her sleepover the night before and pick up her dance clothes, she had left from her weekend rehearsals for the Nut Cracker Suite. She is a flower this year. LOL!
These moments are gifts that truly precious. When all became quiet, I set out to do some computer work, and felt my Dad nudging me to look at the date. He wanted to remind me not forget to put him and his Mom on the Mass List to remember the anniversary of there passing this coming Sunday. They both passed on the same day over thirty five years apart. They two shared such a very special bond.
It never ceases to amaze me how comforting it is for the Good Lord to allow such a connection to continue beyond the grave, but it is one I am so very grateful for.
To be given this gift of connection and to continue to feel their love in spite of the separation, is such a blessing. Its like having your family embracing you with love and hugs, when you need them most, and many times, when you are unaware you are even in need at all. How amazingly Merciful, Loving God is!
This past Saturday Vigil Mass, were were on deck to minister music, and the Responsorial Psalm 63: “My Soul is Thirsting for You” rendition by Catholic Singer Composer, Stephan Curtis. He is brilliant with his melodies, and the music he put to this Psalm seemed to touch our entire ensemble as we rehearsed before Mass. It was like we were all just standing there being infused by the Holy Spirit to the point we were mere empty vessels and our music and vocals were not our own, as the fullness of voices coming through with such passion in each word and the meaning of very verse had my heart yearning to draw near to the Lord. This had me weeping at the Consecration of the Mass, and the intensity kept building, which encouraged three-fourths of our parish family stay and sing all four verse of “America the Beautiful” in honor of all the lives given and all the lives still out there continuing to protect our God-given land. Several Veterans, along with their wives had tears running down their faces, as we did. It was a moment where I could feel both the Holy Spirit rushing throughout the Church, consoling every bleeding heart as well I could feel us all move in unison just a step or to closure to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as well as moving closer to our loved ones, kneeling at His Feet right now.
In a world that is seemingly being over run with darkness to be infused with such a Light, is a miraculous gift, and one I was moved to share with whomever may be drawn to get this far.
Never stop believing!
Never stop Hoping!
Never turn your back on the Love of your Life!
Shout from the Mountain tops: Jesus, my soul is thirsting for you my God and my All!
by Deanna G. DeBondt
November 14, 2023
1:34AM
Though this was recorded three days after, I pray, I was able to allow the Holy Spirit to touch your heart.
Healing thru Song+ 