So many people in the world are searching for something

Dearest Ones,

So many people in the world are searching for something. Many of them never come to the point of recognizing their need for their heavenly Father. It's Him they really desire. God has left us an empty place in our heart that is reserved for only Him. Our spirits are crying out for a personal relationship with God. But so often we're afraid that if we do make such a decision to seek Him, He won't want us because of the bad things we have done. We may believe God thinks we're a failure. The big mistake people often make is to think that the Lord can't use them. He can use you right now just the way you are! If only we would stop trying to be someone other than ourselves, because God created us to original and unique. When one comes to realize that they can't make it without Him - and we can't - He is waiting at the door, longing for you to come home. He is kind and forgiving, and always will welcome us home with open arms. He knows we're not perfect but that's all right. Parents know the numerous traps and snares that lay in wait for their children. I'm sure I never realized the countless hours my parents must have spent praying for me and my siblings, as they went about their daily work. As with many good parents, the goal of their life is to teach their children about God's love and then send them out into the world with a strong Christian faith. If they have this, they can make it on their own. God has the answers to all our problems. But we can't find them if we don't go to Him. We must be more concerned about the way He thinks we should act than the way others think we should act. But how do we keep from being worried and afraid? The answer is in Psalm 46-1: "God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble." "Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:8). These two verses help me in times of trouble. Children don't usually worry that they won't have enough to eat or a place to live because they know their parents love them and will take care of them. Jesus said the same is true of our heavenly Father in Matthew 6:25-33: "Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Behold the fowls of the air; your heavenly Father takes care of them. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? How shall we be clothed? Seek you first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." God is full of love and trust, and we should love and trust Him above all others. We have Him with us always. We have no need to fear. It seems natural to turn to him for help. He also knows what's best for us. Parents are constantly making choices about what's best for their children. They don't always give them everything they want, but what is good for them. They know some things may cause them harm. Our heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Lasting love doesn't happen overnight, but instead takes time. Just as parents would feel sad if their children will not talk to them, so our heavenly Father loves for us to talk to Him. He wants continuous contact. But then why does he allow bad things to happen? Many people are now losing their jobs, the war does not end, etc. God never promised we would not have tribulations in this life, He only promised to be with us through them, to give us the strength and courage to face whatever we have to face. Let's pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus who said, "Come to me all you who are heavily burdened and I will give you rest," for those less fortunate, for shut-ins and their caregivers, those without jobs, the lonely and the discouraged. It is said in Romans 8:28 that God will bring good out of everything that happens. May He give us peace of mind and heart to work through the hard times.

I love you, my dearest ones, and wish you Joy and Peace,

Sister Francelle