"Beads of Joy" by RosaryManJim: I Will Follow You

BEADS OF JOY 07-02-18

“I Will Follow You”

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 8:18-22 (Would-be Followers of Jesus)

“Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

Reflection:

Are you really ready to Follow Jesus? If you decide to, you must trust that you will have the strength to follow Him to the end. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and your faith, you will make it. But remember this, following Jesus comes with a price, true disciples will experience sacrifice and discomfort. Jesus has spoken of detaching ourselves from the things that hold us back, most especially things of this world. Nothing should come between us and the Lord. If you are a true believer and follower you must be willing to stay the course in all situations; there is no reason to turn back, no reason to leave your post, we must stay the course. I know this to well. But I did not do this with full knowledge. I did it because my heart is all wrapped up in my Lord and our Lady. I have had a 35-year love affair I could not and will never abandon. I am with Jesus to the end.

What happen? You ask? Here’s the short version: Chrissy’s illness began in May 2010. The ministry and my driving and my writing was in full force growing and the Lord was guiding and directing. While Chrissy was horribly ill she was unable to take care of herself, so I was her care-taker, while working, writing, taking care of the 3 kids (of the 5 that were home), taking her to the doctors, etc., etc., etc. Oh yeah, while doing all I can to coordinate multiple daily rosaries and prayers and write my daily blog in reflection of the day’s gospel. I was not stopping the ministry, it was the ministry and my love for Christine that helped me forge through everything. My life meant nothing to me, if I didn’t give it my all, to take care of her and I needed Jesus by my side, so I could be strong enough by her side. I cried in private a lot, actually only once I feel apart in front of her, and she comforted me. She was truly a saint.

There were days, no weeks that I went days with 1-2-hour naps and somehow survived. It’s a miracle both she and I have survived through that. Never once did I walk away and abandon my post (aka, Chrissy or the ministry). I paused twice with the ministry to just catch up, but there is no way I could ever stop! I can’t! Jesus is in my blood, Chrissy is in my heart and those beads flow through my veins. I knew the cost (could be my life) when I began this journey (of following Jesus). No, I did not know the road ahead, but I knew I had to stay the course. Yes, the venue changed a couple of times, but the message and the task remain the same. Love and Nurture Chrissy every single day and share Jesus every single day!! Without fear or selfishness!

Be Not Afraid - John Michael Talbot

BONUS Music Video
Mandisa – Stronger (love this song)
Chrissy loved this song too.

Pondering these thoughts today: Hope you enjoyed these 2 songs. I really love them for inspiration. Play them enough and you will be singing them like I do. Today I have a really heartwarming, loving challenge for you. Put your spouse, your kids, your grandkids, your parents, your siblings, your cousins, your friends FIRST! In some way and make it a habit, you can figure this out. Maybe it’s about a hobby or interest THEY love. This is what I did for my kids as they were growing up. I focused on their interests from afar; and I did what I could, time to time to help energize memorable excitement about what they love in their life, from me. Does that make sense?

Now going deeper than that. Always put your kids first along with your spouse and your parents… ok, everyone, you know the order. I am going through a lot right now, with this deep calling I have, to be a priest. I really, really want this so bad. My youngest child, has to come first. If I fully pursue this in the shortest time to get my degree and be ordained. They can shrink it down to 7 years, if I go to Italy. Yes, for the full 7 years. There are other options, that take longer. There is just so much to think about right now. I pray about this every single day. Like Father asked me, “If there would be anything that would hold you back, what do you think it would be?” I said, “My kids, I need to know they will be ok, they already lost one parent.” He said, “Jim Pray, God will lead you.” That felt good to share.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind & Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Monday mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.