Celeste Zepponi: BLOG:Hour with Jesus

Day 28, Hour with Jesus, Toolbox
I didn’t just walk up the stairs to step out on stage Friday night, I felt like I was lifted up the stairs. I felt carried by all those praying for me and by all the excitement and anticipation of all things in Christ, so prevalent in the atmosphere of “Women Celebrate” retreat conference.
My talks are designed to encourage each person to recognize the joyful truth that each one of us, as Baptized Christians, has been given special gifts and specific ministries. We are each commissioned to recognize and develop our gifts to build up the body of Christ. No one on earth can fulfill your particular ministry except you. Jesus waits for your yes. Our ministries are carried out in the ordinary moments of our daily lives; it is in the little things, the next thing to do, and the next person to love. One ministry is not more or less important or needed than the next. All are necessary parts to make up the whole body of Christ. And it is the one [...]

Hour with Jesus, Day 27, Go!
There comes a time for each of us, like Jesus, to give our very selves in service.
Commit ourselves.  Go! Do the work. Serve.
Whether it is working faithfully in our jobs, taking care of children, performing routine tasks, or speaking God’s word to a friend, a stranger, or an entire congregation, every action we make becomes a prayer when offered to Jesus.
I have prayed for the retreat, those preparing and those deciding whether or not to attend. I have prayed to be a vessel used by the Holy Spirit over the last 27 days. I desire, by God’s grace, to be faithful. I have also prayed for those who read my reflections. May God bless you and strengthen your love for Him, your service, and your joy!
Travel begins today, so I will write my reflection for the 28th hour of prayer when I return home next week.
Till then, I leave you with this prayer by one of my favorite saints, St. Teresa of Avila.
St. Teresa describes the beauty of the human soul as [...]

Hour with Jesus, Day 26, Holy
 “I have so much to do today!” (from Day 22, Manna) I really do!
I am very busy today preparing materials, planning, packing and getting ready for the retreat.
Please Lord bless all we do today and everyday Holy!  Make us Holy!
 Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer of St. Augustine
 Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.

Hour with Jesus, Day 25, I see Jesus
I woke up this morning with an image of a basket weave pattern in my thoughts. The design was the most basic weave, about an inch wide, tight and strong. The weave represented my relationship with Jesus over the past 25 days of spending an hour in prayer daily. Like the strengthening of a strong woven pattern, my faith and knowledge of Jesus is developing.
 I used to think of Jesus as being way off in Heaven waiting for me to join Him when I died.  Jesus seemed separated from the events of my ordinary daily life. I mostly thought of Jesus when I went to church on Sunday, was in need, or when I was especially thankful.
 Setting aside a specific time of prayer each day, I have come to realize that Jesus is intimately woven into every detail of my life.  Through prayer and reflection, I also recognize Him more clearly in other people. I see Him in their smiles and laughter, I see Him in their kindnesses, love, and hospitalities offered. [...]

 
Hour with Jesus, Day 24, Wait
 When I was a young mother, I often felt like a taxi driver picking up my three children from school and delivering them to their next destinations. Recently my daughter recalled one of her fond memories of driving around those days listening to Lionel Richey’s song, “All Night Long.” We “jammed in the streets” all the way home. I loved every minute of it! Even when the day came that I was told not to sing anymore when friends were in the car, because they talked about me later.
 In between my driving duties, I often stopped by to visit my mother. I wanted to tell her everything quickly before my next appointed time to crank my vehicle. I remember her trying to listen, saying the whole time “wait”. I would quickly spill out a few more sentences and she’d say “wait” again. She said it so many times it became part of the flow of our conversation, like playing ping-pong. I served up my [...]