Not a burden, but a blessing

One of the most beautiful friends that I have is Michelle Miller. She is the epitome of inner beauty. She is generous, kind, compassionate and knows how to cherish everything God has given her. She doesn't blame the Lord for things that may slow her down.

I was having a great chat with Michelle a few weeks ago. She was talking about how grateful she is for her learning disabilities. Now you might be thinking...who would say something like this? But after talking with Michelle it is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard in my entire life.

Michelle believes that she would not be the incredibly kind hearted person she is today, without her disabilities. What one would consider a burden, Michelle embraces as a blessing. 

As I reflected on our conversation, I realized that some setbacks that I have had in life have helped me out in the long run. I've become a more empathetic person after dealing with depression for 3 years. I've always been what I consider a good friend, but was never able to connect with people when faced with extremely painful events. 

Now that I've experienced painful events as well as a mood disorder, I find myself not only being able to better connect with others but more willing to. I find myself reaching out to others rather then waiting for them to come to me. I am using what some call a burden, as a blessing- to help others. 

Let's learn to embrace all of the difficulties the Lord has presented us with and maybe we will uncover a gift~ 

John 16:33 I have told you these things so that you would find comfort in Me. In this world, you will suffer; but be courageous, for I have overcome the world!

Neglecting His presence

Jesus is always with us, we just choose to neglect his presence. Over the past few weeks, I have felt an emptiness inside that I have been trying to avoid. I realize now that I was neglecting my relationship with God. It's a hard thing to admit to one's self. Humans are flawed and humans don't like admitting to sin.


It's easy to feel that God is not with you and that you are all alone. But is this the case? Of course not!


Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
This past weekend I experienced an enormous weight lifted off of my shoulders. I was preparing for audition day for a show I'm directing this summer with my non-profit Shooting Starz Productions. I was running behind on the tasks I needed to accomplish and had some unexpected road blocks presented in front of me that day. I did not panic or become anxious like I normally would be with so many changes in plans. I was surprised at how I handled every conflict that came my way. I look back and know that Jesus was right there with me the entire time.

His grace is more than enough. I do not deserve it, but He gives it to me anyway and continues to bless me over and over again. The most beautiful thing about Jesus is that no matter how many times we neglect him, He never leaves us! Let's learn how to be a better friend to Jesus and to carry more weight in the relationship. So when we fail and neglect the Lord we must pick ourselves up again and open our Bibles, evangelize, do good works, go to mass, etc.

John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.~ For the Lord has already come to us, now it's our job to pick up our cross and follow Him.