Hey Shin, I'm going to respond over PM. Yes, it's a beautiful time! I
love God!!!!
Trishie, thanks for the birthday greetings! I've been praying to St. Therese of Lisieux as one of my six Heavenly Companions for quite some time. Last Lent, I thought I heard my Holy Mother telling me in my heart that she was sending me St. Therese to teach me humility. I got all excited and read her biography, and while I admired her, by the time I reached the end of it, I wasn't really interested in her "Little Way." That's because she didn't do "great deeds," and I've always been enthusiastic about doing great things for God rather than just little things. So I decided I wasn't really interested and stopped thinking about her. Doing this was rude and foolish. I think I was ruder toward her than toward any of the saints! Not meaning to give the impression that I'm generally "rude to saints," of course
.
But a few months later, during the process of my Consecration to Mary, Mary brought me to the point of humility where I recognized my need for St. Therese and began, for the first time ever, to really seriously pray to her. Immediately, I sensed a presence enter the room where I was praying and peace filled my senses so much I couldn't verbalize prayers anymore; I had to just rest in silence. It was amazing, and I know St. Therese actually came to me.
I was flabbergasted by the experience and included her immediately in my small group of special Heavenly Companions that I always pray to. Now I pray to her all the time, and she answers, giving me "roses," especially now for my birthday
. I learned just a few days ago, as a birthday present from St. Therese (IMO), that she entered the Kingdom of Heaven on the same day that I was born into God's Kingdom on Earth! She was born into Heaven on my birthday, September 30
. I learned also that she was superbly enthusiastic about missionary work, something I'd already read about but forgotten when I put St. Therese out of my mind. Since my conversion to the Catholic faith, I've been extremely passionate about seeking the unity of all Christians and bringing others home. Now I'm reminded, in time for my birthday, that she is with me in this. The Feast Day to St. Therese is also on October 1st, which is the day after my birthday. Very exciting roses for me from her!
It's been a very special time for me, at least as pertains to her.
The atheists also gave me a big birthday present . . . though a far more dubious honor than St. Therese did. My birthday gets to be the day of their annual "Blasphemy Day," on which they internationally curse God and Christians, and make a mockery of our religion. Paugh! A nasty jab, very nasty, this marring of my annual celebration time. *Sniff.* Just shows me all the more how much I need to pray and conduct this mission with St. Therese, to bring the message of Christ to everyone!
Anyway, thanks for the birthday greetings!
And thank-you St. Therese, as well, my friend
.
God bless you all!
Lief
