"Pray Without Ceasing"
©Teresa Kogut
I debated whether or not I was going to blog about an experience I had in church last Sunday, but, as I have posted before......this is me......this is who I am, and these are my thoughts and daily happenings in my lil' world, so here it is........
I made a Lenten challenge in addition to a Lenten sacrifice this year.....I sketched an angel a day for 40 days during Lent. I really shouldn't call it a challenge...although it started off that way, it ended up being a blessing and I looked forward to it every day.
Just last week I scanned all of the sketches into my computer and using photoshop, put scripture to go with each angel. I chose the beatitudes from the gospel of St Matthew for a few of them, such as,
Blessed are the merciful
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
I feel I need to insert a little background here before moving on with the story. I posted back in January (or was it December??) about a book I read, "Rediscover Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly. It really set my soul on fire and made me thirst for knowledge about my faith and the bible. Since then I took a 6 week bible study course where we went into great depth and discussion on the book of Genesis....it was an amazing 6 weeks and can't wait until the next bible study starts in the fall. I also started praying 10 minutes a day (or more, but at least 10 min).....a prayer mostly of thanksgiving but also praying for God's guidance in my life, hoping that what I do is pleasing to Him and I seek to do His will.
I often wonder if God is trying to speak to me but I am too busy "talking" or "doing"....I rarely sit in silence (which is really something I need to do). In the book of Genesis, God sent messengers, or would speak directly to his people and I've also heard people say they've heard the voice of God. How do you discern if it is God nudging you to do something or it is just something you feel compelled to do because, really, it is what you want to do???
Sorry, I am not a very good storyteller so I hope this all comes together in the end.......but last Sunday after communion as I knelt down and started singing "Blest are They", I was moved by the Holy Spirit and tears started to fill my eyes.......I couldn't sing and I couldn't stop crying. I can't quite explain the feeling inside...........that was God........he was there to tell me something........
I am posting a video I found of the song "Blest are They"...........listen........
This song is about the beatitudes.......I know now that I am exactly where I am suppose to be in my career.......creating paintings with the talent HE gave me to exalt His name, to give glory to God and to spread the word of His son Jesus Christ. Tears are filling my eyes as I am typing this........I am still moved.....
Oh Teresa thank you for your post today, now I have tears in my eyes. We sang that very hymn often during communion at my former church and it was always one of my favorites. I always struggle with what I'm doing with my life and why I'm squandering the talents he has blessed me with. I haven't picked up a brush or pencils in months and I always make excuses that I'm too tired when I get home from work. Seriously? ... I can't find 10 minutes to pray about my art? I can't find 30 mins to sketch SOMETHING in praise of the gifts he has given me? Thank you for reminding me that I need to make it a priority in my life. Hugs and blessings, Nan
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing, Nan. Glad you are inspired to enjoy your art once again! Hugs and blessing to you, too!
DeleteWhat a wonderful story and I am on the same path myself, I guess as we get older, we realize what is really important in our lives. I think that is why I have always loved your work, you put yourself into your art and it shows.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Your so kind, Debbie. You are right......why do we take so long to figure things out?!?
DeleteI need to share with you an experience I had in Fall of last year. I have had some health problems for the last few years so when I went to church on Sunday, as we were finishing the opening hymn, the priest announced that this was the Sunday for the Anointing of the Sick. All who wish to take part, please remain standing....I could not sit down. I don't know what moved me to stay standing, but there I was with about a dozen others. When it came time to do the anointing, the priest asked of those sitting near the person standing to please reach out and put their hands on them. As I stood there, it seemed like minutes were ticking away but I know it wasn't. All of a sudden I felt hands on my arms, shoulders and back...a feeling rushed through me from my head to my feet and my closed eyes raised to the ceiling of the church. I started to cry...not sobbing, but gentle tears just rolling down my cheeks...I could not stop. I have no idea what the priest said to me during the blessing as I was not able to focus on anything but the emotional journey I was on. I have never had an experience like that in my life. When I went to the doctor the following day to get my test results, I found out that I was diagnosed incorrectly and did not have Lupus. Alleluia!!! I was moved like never before and every time I tell this story, I get tears...not sad, just happy with the knowledge I received the Holy Spirit that day in my life. Continue you message of Jesus in our lives. Peace
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing story and thank you so much for sharing it with us! I am happy for you that you were "misdiagnosed" as the doctor said.....healed is more like it! When the holy spirit moves you it is hard to explain and the tears just come.....gentle tears as you put it. Thanks again for sharing and God Bless!
DeleteI loved this post Teresa. I think it's often difficult to be bold in our faith -- to put out there who we are in our hearts - lest we might be judged. I LOVE that you are being affirmed and led in your creations - and I have NO DOUBT you are right where you should be!!
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