The Secret to Unlocking Your True Potential: Giving

Forget what you think you know about giving! It's not about the size of the check or the hours you log. It's about giving with your whole heart and mind, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give.

Let me tell you a story. In the Gospel of Mark 12:41-44, there's this woman, a widow, who gives everything she has – literally her last two pennies – to the temple. Now, some big shots were throwing in serious cash, but Jesus saw something different. He saw true power in that widow's sacrifice.

Why? Because she wasn't giving from her abundance; she was giving from her heart. She was all in!

This isn't some religious mumbo jumbo, folks. This is about tapping into a force within you, a force that can transform your life. When you give with that kind of intensity, that kind of commitment, you unlock a level of personal power you never knew you had.

Here's the thing: Most of us play it safe. We give our leftovers, the time and money we don't think we'll miss. But that's not where the magic happens. The magic happens when you step up and give when it hurts, when it feels like you're giving too much. That's when you ignite your inner fire.

I have a friend named Annabeth. She works as an office clerk during the day and a waitress at night when she's able to pick up a shift. She works hard and finds herself always struggling. But when someone's in need, she's the first one there with a helping hand, a kind word, whatever it takes. She's living proof that giving isn't about how much you have, it's about how much you give of yourself.

Annabeth once told me, "I don't have a lot to give, but I give what I can." And let me tell you, that woman just radiates positivity and good vibes. She's tapped into something bigger than herself, and it's changing her life.

So here's my challenge to you: Step up your giving game! Don't just give your leftovers, give your all. Give your time, your energy, your passion. Give until it feels uncomfortable, and then give some more.

Trust me, the rewards are immeasurable. You'll unleash a new level of power and fulfillment you never thought possible. You'll connect with something bigger than yourself and transform your life in the process.

Remember God in everything we do! It's all for His glory.

Unleash Your Power: Love's Ultimate Blueprint

Today! We're not just here to sit and listen, we're here to unleash the power within! Today's Gospel, Mark 12:28b-34, isn't just some ordinary Gospel readingl, it's a freakin' blueprint for a life of ultimate fulfillment!

This scribe, he's got the right idea. He's asking the BIG question: "What's the number one commandment?" And Jesus, he doesn't mess around. He throws down the ultimate truth bomb: "Love God with everything you've got!"

Not just a little love, people. We're talking ALL IN! Heart, soul, mind, strength – Everything! This isn't some passive, sit-around-and-pray kind of love. This is a primal force, a fire in your belly that drives you to be your best, to reach your full potential!

Picture this: I was advising this CEO, top of his game, millions in the bank, but empty inside. He had all the success you could dream of, but he was miserable. Why? Because he was chasing the wrong things! He was focused on the externals, the stuff, the status. He'd forgotten the core, the source of true power – his connection to something bigger than himself. Once he tapped into that, his whole life transformed! He found his purpose, his passion, his fire!

But here's the kicker: Jesus throws down another commandment, a one-two punch that'll knock you off your feet: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Boom! Think about it. You can't truly unleash your power, your potential, if you're stuck in negativity, in judgment, in resentment. Love, true love, it breaks down those walls. It connects you to others, it builds trust, it creates a force for good that can change the world!

This isn't some hippie-dippie, let's-all-hold-hands kind of love. This is about taking action, stepping up, making a difference! It's about forgiveness, compassion, and unleashing the best in yourself and others!

So how do we do it? How do we live this ultimate commandment? It's simple, but it ain't easy. It takes commitment, it takes discipline, it takes pushing yourself beyond your limits!

Love God? That means diving deep into your faith, finding your purpose, and living it with every fiber of your being! Pray with passion, study with intensity, and take action with unwavering belief!

Love your neighbor? That means treating everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion. It means forgiving those who've hurt you, lending a hand to those in need, and inspiring others to be their best selves!

Don't just sit there, people! Get out there and live this message! Unleash the power within you, and together, we can create a world where love reigns supreme!

Are you with me?

Silence the Doubt, Cry Out to God: Unleashing the Power of Faith in Your Life

Life can feel like you're stumbling around in the dark, blinded by fear, doubt, and uncertainty. You yearn for clarity, for direction, for a way out of the darkness. But I'm here to tell you there's a light. A source of healing and restoration, waiting for you to call upon it. That light is the Lord.

In Mark 10:46, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind man begging on the roadside. He hears that Jesus is passing by and cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Now, people try to silence him. They tell him to be quiet, to give up. But Bartimaeus refuses. He knows what he needs, and he cries out even louder! How many of you are letting others silence your cries for help? How many of you are giving up on your faith because of the noise around you?

But here's the key: Jesus hears Bartimaeus. He stops and calls for him.

Think about that! The Son of God, the Messiah, stopped for a blind beggar. He sees you too! He hears your cries, even when others don't.

And when Jesus asks Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" his answer is simple: "Rabbi, I want to see."

Boom! He doesn't overthink it. He doesn't hesitate. He knows what he needs and he asks for it with unwavering faith.

And what does Jesus say? "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."

Just like that, Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus.

This is the power of faith, people! It's about crying out to the Lord, even when the world tries to shut you down. It's about believing in His power to heal, to restore, to transform. It's about taking that leap of faith and following Him, no matter what.

So I challenge you:

• Cry out to the Lord. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back.

• Be persistent. Don't let anyone silence your faith.

• Believe in His power to heal and restore. He sees you. He hears you. He's waiting for you to ask.

• Follow Him. Take that leap of faith and watch your life transform.

Remember: You are not defined by your circumstances. You are defined by your faith. And with faith, all things are possible.

Finding My Kingdom Within

Mark 10:2-16 feels like two separate stories – one about divorce and one about kids – but now I see how they weave together to paint a picture of God's kingdom. It's a picture I'm learning to color in with mindfulness.

During my teenage years, I remember when my best friend's parents were going through a divorce. It was messy, full of anger and hurt. Seeing their pain made me think about Jesus's words on marriage.  In this Sunday’s Gospel, Mark describes to us how Jesus wasn't just laying down the law; He was pointing to something deeper – a lifelong bond, two people becoming one. It made me realize that relationships need nurturing, a kind of mindful attention.

Now, years later, I see that mindfulness in action. Have you ever taken a step back and tried to really listen to your partner or spouse, and not just wait your turn to talk? I know for me I constantly catch myself noticing my own reactions, the little judgments and frustrations. I often try to cover my mouth before they spill. Listen, it's not about being perfect, but about showing up with awareness, with a willingness to connect in the present moment.

The second part of this Sunday’s Gospel, about Jesus welcoming the children, always makes me smile. I picture those kids, so excited to see Jesus, and the disciples trying to shoo them away! It reminds me that sometimes, faith is about letting go of being "grown-up" and embracing that childlike wonder.

Mindfulness helps me do that. It's about noticing the world with fresh eyes, like a kid seeing a ladybug for the first time. It's about finding joy in simple things – a warm cup of tea, a walk in the park, the laughter of friends. It's about trusting that things will work out, even when I don't have all the answers.

I challenge you to bring mindfulness into your day with allowing yourself to embrace the following: 

Just breathe: A few deep breaths can change everything. I focus on the air going in and out, feeling my chest rise and fall.

Body check-in: I take a moment to scan my body, noticing any tension or tightness. It's a way of tuning in to how I'm really feeling.

Walking meditation: Even a short walk can be a mindfulness practice. I pay attention to my feet on the pavement, the sounds around me, the feeling of the sun on my skin.

Gratitude list: Before bed, I think of a few things I'm grateful for. It shifts my focus to the positive.

Today’s Gospel isn’t just a story from the past; it's a guide for living a more mindful, connected life. It's about finding the Kingdom of God within ourselves, in the quiet spaces between our thoughts, in the openness of our hearts.

Loving Father,

I surrender to Your loving embrace, just as Jesus welcomed the little children with open arms. Your love fills me with childlike wonder, reminding me that Your kingdom belongs to those who approach You with humility and trust.

Just as Jesus revealed the true meaning of marriage beyond the legalistic interpretations, help me to see beyond the surface and find deeper meaning in all my relationships. Guide me to communicate mindfully, listen with compassion, and be present in each moment with my loved ones.

Thank You for the countless blessings You shower upon me, just as You bless each child who comes to You. Help me to cultivate a beginner's mind, approaching each day with fresh eyes and an open heart, ready to receive the gifts You offer.

Fill me with Your saving grace, so that I may love others with the same unconditional love You have for me. Teach me to let go of worry and fear, just as a child trusts in their parent's care.

May I always remember that Your love is the source of my hope and strength. In Your presence, I find peace and joy, and I know that everything will be okay.

Amen.