Forgive yourself
By loreen sarmientoWhat happens if you think your sins are too big and too terrible for God’s forgiveness – that there’s no hope for you and you can’t even forget your own self?
What happens if you think your sins are too big and too terrible for God’s forgiveness – that there’s no hope for you and you can’t even forget your own self?
My daughter, the youngest of my three children, was born 22 years ago. I still can’t forget the awesome feeling of giving birth. Even if it was the third time, it’s still a unique experience for any mother.
I once wrote about the complete hysterectomy I had last year that didn’t happen on the expected time but rather two months after. And in that column I called the botched operation a “dress rehearsal” for the real one.
Growing up, I always thought God was so mighty that He didn’t have time to come near us. He is King of all kings so I always imagined him to be sitting all day long on a golden throne. I believed in Him but to my mind, I could only speak to Him when I die and meet Him face to face.
Eleven years ago, the world was shocked by the organized terrorist attack on the United States on September 11.
One morning, I felt a slight nudge when I looked at the little crucifix in the rosary I was holding in my hand. And when I made the sign of the cross, I was brought back to that time when the nuns in school reminded us what the sign of the cross signifies.
In Joan Osbourne’s song, she asks that if God had a name, can we call him by this to His face? If God had a face, what would it look like? Or is God a slob just like us or that stranger on the bus who’s just trying to make his way home?
One of my favorite Bible stories is about a beautiful and devout Hebrew woman named Susanna in the Book of Daniel.
One of my favorite Bible stories is about a beautiful and devout Hebrew woman named Susanna in the Book of Daniel.
The new Pope issued his first Tweet: “HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM,” which translates to: “We have Pope Francis.” NBC News reported that the message came only 30 minutes or so of Pope Francis I being named, and was retweeted 25,000 times within 10 minutes.
I heard a beautiful prayer by St. Augustine on Tuesday night during our prayer meeting in Elim Communities: “Entrust your past to the mercy of God; entrust your future to the providence of God. Live today in the love of God.”
Moses twice spent 40 days on Mount Sinai without eating or drinking, in mourning over Israel’s sin. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil. Today, the 40 days of fasting started last Feb 13. Through the centuries, fasting continues to be the Christians’ act of humility before God, to seek [...]
