Too often we hide our true selves from the world behind masks we have carefully constructed, but this is not how God created us to be . Through her own personal story Claire Musters shows how it is possible to take off these masks and live a freer and more authentic life. Church can be the best but also the worst of places. Our faith needs community to survive but why do so many of us wear masks as soon as we step inside a church meeting of any type, hoping to show that we have everything 'together'? What creates a culture that makes us think we are supposed to behave in a certain way? Surely church should be a place of acceptance, love and freedom? So why do so many of us feel like we can't truly be ourselves? Claire Musters has been grappling with these questions ever since a painful and humbling situation forced her to remove her own mask. Taking off the Mask charts her own personal experience and provides lessons and pointers on how we too can find a more authentic way to live. Chapters include points for reflection to really help deal with issues that are raised in this sensitive, honest and ultimately hope filled book.
I am pleased to have Shantel Gardner, a descendant of Emma and Joseph Smith, share today’s post for Emma Smith’s Birthday celebration. Shantel has spent years studying Emma and I’ve loved reading her insights into Emma’s life. She shares so many little tidbits about Emma that I’ve never heard before. Hope you enjoy it and…
Li Yan is one of the leaders of The Church of Almighty God. One time, on her way to a meeting, she was captured by the Chinese Communist Party's police and endured extremely brutal torture. When it was discovered that she was pregnant, the police utilized despicable methods to force her to take medicine so
Psalm 62:3-4 – “I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me? You want to bring me down from my place of honor. You love…
Today’s post for Emma Smith’s Birthday celebration is the second half of Shantel Gardner’s posts on the life of Emma Smith. If you missed the first half make sure you go back and read it. I am so grateful that she was willing to share her expertise with us. Also don’t forget about the present…
"...no less powerful than the first, no less moving." From the author of the internationally acclaimed novel If I Should Speak comes the anxiously awaited sequel. In this deft second book, Umm Zakiyyah again takes us through the lives of Tamika and those who brush her life. Now Muslim, Tamika must face her Christian mother who instilled in her a love for Christ and made church the heartbeat of the family. Torn between her dedication to Islam, the longing of her soul, and her mother, the longing of her heart - her "lifeline," Tamika struggles to find peace somewhere in-between. But she finds that something must give. A story of faith, determination, and love, A Voice penetrates the heart and moves the reader like no other, as the reader is transported from fiction to a reality so profound that one feels part of it.
Joseph Smith, who started the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is thought to have married as many as 50 women, but for years the senior church officials did not address the subject.
I think that extroversion is the standard in our culture and quite often introverts are expected to adapt accordingly. Even if I’m asked to act like an extrovert, I will always be an introver…
Don't let yourself forget that God's grace rewards not only those who never slip, but also those who bend and fall. So sing! The song of rejoicing softens hard hearts. It makes tears of godly sorrow flow from them. Singing summons the Holy Spirit. Happy praises offered in simplicity and love lead the faithful to complete harmony, without discord. Don't stop singing.
Greenlights [McConaughey, Matthew] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Greenlights
Please note: The canvas and print do not come mounted or framed. New, exclusive portrait of St. Charles Lwanga Be inspired by the life and holiness of St. Charles Lwanga! Catholic artist Tianna Williams and Fr. Josh Johnson have partnered with Ascension to create this exclusive piece of sacred art. Rich with symbolism, this image depicts St. Charles Lwanga with resolute dedication to Christ, with historical accuracy and cultural significance down to the smallest detail of his African-inspired halo. Each aspect of this image, from the fire in his heart to the wood in his hands, speaks to an important aspect of his holy life. For St. Charles Lwanga, carrying wood to his own martyrdom was a way to be like Christ and follow in his footsteps. An email explaining the symbolism of the image will be sent to those who purchase the art so that they can fully understand and appreciate it. Inspiring Catholic art is not just for churches and cathedrals but is available for our homes and offices as well. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “Sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God” (CCC 2502). With this beautiful image of St. Charles Lwanga, Catholic churches and homes can be transformed into places of deeper rest, prayer, and faith. St. Charles Lwanga, who fought for the innocent and chose martyrdom rather than abandon his faith in Jesus, reminds Catholics that they are called to faithfulness even in the face of persecution and death.
