tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post8933752894619353844..comments2023-12-27T10:01:36.848-05:00Comments on Not Strictly Spiritual: Mixed messagesMary DeTurris Pousthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681978685726230673noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post-34261921368167396942009-06-18T19:49:20.224-04:002009-06-18T19:49:20.224-04:00I love the words of the fathers of our faith - Mer...I love the words of the fathers of our faith - Merton is a favorite. There is nothing new under the sun, even spiritual dry spells and doubts.<br /><br />Thanks for pointing me to this post, Mary. And thank you again for mentioning my blog. I am truly grateful for the ways God is using this tool (the web) to encourage His people around the world!Kathy Rainwaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06773509971896952850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post-9376531945430400892009-01-16T10:18:00.000-05:002009-01-16T10:18:00.000-05:00I have to admit to a very different approach. I d...I have to admit to a very different approach. I do not think God has a plan for me, or for anyone. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps it is just me, but I have always had a problem integrating the notion of an "interventionist" God with my firm (and Catholic) belief in freewill.<BR/><BR/>I tend to think of our lives as proving grounds. In this wonderfully designed world He has set many things in motion. Our ability to navigate these things - blessings or challenges - becomes the measure of our worth. <BR/><BR/>We are not an "elect" people, but must, through thoughts and deeds chart a course as instructed by God. <BR/><BR/>As this belief has developed it has had a massive impact on my prayer life. I know pray to God only for his continued patience and mercy - to give me a little more time to get things right. I tend to ask for the Holy Mother and saints to watch over my children.<BR/><BR/>Maybe I am way off of this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post-36958363824020677072009-01-16T00:19:00.000-05:002009-01-16T00:19:00.000-05:00Mary,Always good to hear from Merton, and you, too...Mary,<BR/>Always good to hear from Merton, and you, too. :)<BR/>RoxaneRoxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post-49916090320883604552009-01-15T22:16:00.000-05:002009-01-15T22:16:00.000-05:00Hi Mary,It was so good to read this tonight. Hugs...Hi Mary,<BR/>It was so good to read this tonight. <BR/>Hugs,<BR/>RobynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307560128789606491.post-82135220684728625452009-01-15T18:58:00.000-05:002009-01-15T18:58:00.000-05:00Mary,Your loving and deep desire to please God is ...Mary,<BR/><BR/>Your loving and deep desire to please God is keeping you in the right place. No need to worry about "What if..." because He has you right in the palm of His hand. It's all about TRUST and SURRENDER.<BR/><BR/>God bless and hugs,<BR/>DonnaDonna-Marie Cooper O'Boylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16415118689761630639noreply@blogger.com