Celeste Zepponi: BLOG:Hour with Jesus

Today!
 
Take a deep breath as you face your day. “ This is a day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it. “ Psalm 118:24
It will never come again. Don’t miss it.
 
God asks each of us this day and everyday:
Will you be a channel of my love today? It is easy. Find someone to lavish my love on today. Each time you give away my love; I will replenish it so you can keep on giving it away. My love is eternal and will never run out.
I created you because I love you; I delight in you and receive great joy that you are mine. I created you to give my love to the world. Give away your smiles, your hugs, speak words of encouragement and hope. Surprise someone with a thoughtful note or phone call today. Email a Scripture reminding others of my promises. Visit someone. Give the gift of yourself. Nothing speaks of my love more. Your presence is my gift of your existence, your very essence as my creation. Listen to others when they speak so you may address [...]

January 2011 seems a long time away, but preparations are beginning, and I will be speaking at an upcoming Women's retreat to be held by the Daughters of God Celebrate, St.Cabrini Roman Catholic Church, outside of Tampa Florida.
You might wonder why I begin months before a retreat preparing to speak. It is because I am fully aware that to be used by God I must participate by readying myself.  I know of no other way to do this than through prayer, and no better way to pray than to ask others to join me in prayer. It is not about me, it is a plea to be obedient and faithful in God's purpose for those who will come. I know as a member of a faith community, I need your prayers to be faithful.  We are one body in Christ. Your role in praying for the retreat is as vital a participation as me standing to give the opening talk. We all have been given different gifts for different purposes, but all gifts belong and flow forth from one source, the Holy Spirit. There is [...]

A SIMPLE PRAYER Today I am Giving God Glory! Today I will take a moment to really listen to the sound of birds singing. Today I will stop and look at a flowers and delight in their delicate beauty. Today I will pay attention when someone speaks and enjoy the sound of their voice. Today I will really look closely and see another person as created and infinitely loved by God. Today I rejoice in all the gifts of life! Today let us pray, give great glory to God and love one another. "This is a day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

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 [...]