Like a Shield

I went to mass at St. James church in Novi this morning, and I actually really liked it. I really love going to Christ the King for mass, but it doesn't always work out with my work schedule. So I've just been asking God to bless me at St. James instead. It's harder for me to focus there and get into the Spirit. The style of music is a bit "hymn-ish", and there are no kneelers, which is very odd for a Catholic church. I also feel out of place there in regards to singing the songs. I feel like I'm the only one singing (or holding the book, for that matter), and it just feels really odd.

Anyway, I got quite a bit out of mass today. The first reading was from Genesis...the story of Adam and Eve. Although I've heard the story countless times, I heard a different take on it today. Fr. George talked about how Adam and Eve were kind of "set up" to sin. There they were in that beautiful garden with a beautiful tree and beautiful fruit, and they were told not to eat it. Of course they were going to! Fr. George explained it by saying, "It's like when someone tells you, 'Don't go into that room!' ...Well of course you're gonna go into that room!" This kind of made me laugh.

I also liked the Gospel reading today from Matthew (Matthew 4:1-11). This is the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert for 40 days by the devil. Each time Jesus was tempted, He quoted scripture. That was his strong foundation that helped Him to not be tempted. Fr. George explained that we are to also have a foundation. When we are in tempting situations, we should be able to say (as Jesus said), "It is written: ..." and just spout out scriptures to fight off the devil. If we don't have that strong foundation, we're letting the devil have power over us...and that's exactly what he wants! I was so inspired by this to memorize more scripture so that I am fully prepared for temptation by the devil. Lord, help me to read and memorize more of Your word. Let Your words be like a sword and a shield for me in the battle against the enemy.

I got to see my friend/little sister Ashley tonight after work, and that made me pretty darn happy. As some of you know, we went through a bit of a rough patch this past year, but things are getting better. She was babysitting her half sister tonight, so I came over to just hang out and keep her company. I fell in love with baby Jamie I think. She was so cute and cuddly and beautiful...I just couldn't get over how adorable she was. Ashley and I visited for a while and then I got the pleasure of helping put Jamie to bed. After the first attempt, Jamie cried in her crib for what I thought was too long (I hated hearing her cry!), so I went to rescue her. I rocked her and rubbed her back for a while and she ended up falling asleep (and snoring...and drooling) in my arms. How precious. :) Lord, thank you for the wonderful gift of babies. Thank you for their carefree smiles, their soft and sweet smelling skin, and their beauty.

I hope you all had a great weekend. Let's stand strong in Christ this week!