Rediscovering Catholicism

I had a dream about sharing my journey to becoming Catholic again. I never thought I would be Catholic again in my life. Mostly because the church I was going to before was very negative about Catholics. So before I get ahead of myself I have to start with how I got to that non-denominational church.

I was raised Catholic from birth until my teenage years. I was taught to have faith and be a good person. That was enough until I was 17 years old and I could feel I needed more. So I began going to a Bible-study with my best friend that her uncle led from a Christian non-denominational view. It was great because they taught me how to truly love the Lord and live for Him, I also began to love studying the scripture. This later led me to another church that had a Bible college which I went to for 1 year. I was going to this church and loved it! I met a lot of Christian people that are still a big part of my life now.
 Then through a friend from this church I met Lucas who is Catholic.The non denominational church I was going to had the idea that Catholic's are not Christian. I knew it was not true because I still had family and friends that were Catholic, who love the Lord. So I thought of Lucas as  a guy who didn't even go to church and had no relationship with the Lord. Then I got to know him and learned about how he actually did have a relationship with the Lord. I could see how much Lucas loved the Lord and truly lived for Him. He was serving on the campus ministry team at his church and you could see his passion to teach others about Christ's love for us.

I asked Lucas questions about teachings of the Catholic church in comparison to non denominational Christians. He answered so well and it made sense, plus it actually did not go against scripture. I didn't realize at the time, but the Holy Spirit truly led him to answer all my questions with wisdom and sincerity. I still doubted him and when I found out he was praying and discerning becoming a priest, I thought I could get him to convert. Little did I know his testimony of Christ in his life was converting my heart and making me fall for him! (Yes, Lucas was contemplating priesthood!) As Lucas and my relationship grew, my heart longed more and more to be in communion with Christ through the Eucharist again. I had to really pray hard about the decision I had to make because I felt drawn to the Catholic church again, but felt guilty because I was hearing it was wrong from my non-denominational friends. I never regret leaving that church or the friendships that were lost from my conversion. My relationship with our Lord grew stronger and I finally felt whole again when I chose to return to the Catholic faith. Plus, I grew new friendships that helped me grow more spiritually!! I found the thing I was missing most were the sacraments that the Catholic church has. I love my faith and more importantly the Lord!!! :)

 Bottom line is no matter what Christian faith you follow as long as you are Christ's completely and truly live for Him, your religion title is not what matters. But in my opinion Catholic's are the bomb!!!!! :) <3

Psalm 27:4 "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, And to meditate in His temple." 

Sorrows turned into joy!

I have been reflecting on how the Lord truly turns sorrows into joy! Since Karissa is two months old now I just think back to my pregnancy. It was rough and even if it had not been labor always is. I am grateful that my prayers were answered and everything went well. Prayers are always answered in His timing. :)

When we had decided to have another baby, we both prayed for a little girl. Really it would have been okay had we had another boy, but our heart's desired a girl. I knew it would be a blessing no matter what gender and had to trust that the Lord knew best. Little did I know the blessing would not be without some suffering. Here is the thing, all my blessings have not been without a little suffering. I am not complaining about the  suffering because they make me stronger and draw me closer to Christ. I never like to dwell on those sufferings, but for the first weeks home I did. I am sure every mom struggles at first to find joy in the challenges that motherhood brings. While I was not ever depressed, I just was in survival mode, doing the bare essentials to make it each day. I am healed fully from delivery and my emotions are good. Now that I am adjusted (as much as possible) to life with 3 children and know it will be okay, I can relax and enjoy!!

These boy's love their sister!!!! :)

Look at this little girl!!! :)

So precious!!!

How can you not find joy while gazing upon this glorious gift, a precious gift of life that God entrusts us with!!!

"The pain that you have been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming" --Romans 8:18