tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7374032498874791419.post3777215159838611764..comments2023-12-05T16:11:08.193-05:00Comments on CHRIST IS OUR LIFE: My Thoughts On JoyCarmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09444256994705088021noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7374032498874791419.post-63283109675909038652014-01-27T07:10:01.390-05:002014-01-27T07:10:01.390-05:00Dear Sister Hope, This beautiful posting fills me ...Dear Sister Hope, This beautiful posting fills me with so much joy! I remember when I would meet the different groups of Sisters you were discerning with that they always had such beautiful joy....and how attracting and uplifting that was. Really indescribable. Just being in their presence for a short amount of time was like getting a boost of energy! What a gift to know we can always have the joy of the Lord (that surpasses all understanding) no matter what our circumstances. One of the things people always comment about to me is the joy that they see in all the photos of the Carmelite Sisters. I always say how true this is and to be around them is better than they can ever imagine....which is why I keep bringing friends to the Rosary rally every year....so they can really see and know. It is a beautiful experience for all of us. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." The older I get the truer this becomes. The beautiful thing about joy is that it proceeds from the deepest trust which is such a great gift also, and a living testament to loving faith. It is so true that people are drawn to this...they are being drawn to the living presence of God in a soul....irresistabe! You know I was considering becoming a Discalced Secular Carmelite before I got cancer....and even had the contact name of the community. I thought I was pretty much ready. Of course then everything went on hold.... I see now that I was given even more of a gift through being so sick because I never really understood or experienced the "body of Christ" in such a profound way. The prayers, and kindness and love that carried me on like a little leaf blowing across the wavy waters was so profound and joyful...then the final facet on the jewel of my vocation was meeting so many Sisters and seeing the joy of their community. I never really knew that, or understood it or even thought about it. I was thinking more about the contemplative prayer, Our Lady...the Carmelite saints, etc. that attracted me to Carmel. Every time I was around the Sisters I had this profound peaceful joy that stayed with me for months and I didn't understand it. It was the attraction of joyful community! So God has perfect timing for everything and I have to thank God, you my beautiful daughter and all the Carmelite Sisters for their joy! My joy is always increasing....thanks to God. Peace and joy to you all from the world's oldest living Aspirant....Love and prayers, Mamma JoJo Ellen Maringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642891803004642154noreply@blogger.com