The start of a new year often means a fresh beginning, a clean slate, and a time when many make resolutions or set new goals. Do you make resolutions or set new goals at the dawn of a fresh year? If so, do you include faith based resolutions?

Now just might be a great time to begin anew in your spiritual journey, as well as other areas of life. A new beginning, the dawn of a bright horizon in your walk with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Going to Mass on Sundays is of the utmost importance, definitely. When we reach the parking lot, however, we must remember to take Jesus with us and not leave him there until next week. Or let him fade into the sunset midweek. He is with us daily, always. This is important to remember, especially during the dark moments of life when we might feel most alone. We are never alone!

Life is busy. That is true. But, what is more important than developing our spiritual life and deepening our relationship with God?

What steps can you take to incorporate your faith more into your daily world?

Attend Daily Mass - If your schedule will allow you this privilege, attend daily Mass whenever you are able.

Take a Time Out - And spend it with Jesus. You can do this any time of day. Spend a few quiet moments with our Lord. Let yourself feel his presence surrounding you. There are many ways you can do this - close your eyes and simply be in his presence, pray, study the daily readings or read the daily meditation from faithful Catholic sources, take a walk and admire God’s creation around you. Find what works for you.

Prayer - Start your day with a simple prayer, a request, by saying “Help.” At night before you go to sleep, say, “Thank you.” This was advice given to me years ago by a very dear priest friend when I expressed the desire to incorporate more prayer into my daily life. Of course, incorporating prayer into the rest of your day is essential too. Talk to our Lord throughout the day. Recite devotional prayers like the Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Read - Curl up with an inspirational or faith based book. Drift off into a world of fiction or delve into a non-fictional world of self development and spiritual growth that is in line with our Catholic faith. Either choice will draw you closer to our Lord.

Listen to Christian Music - If you have a contemporary Christian or Gospel radio station you like, tune in more. Or break out those CDs you have and enjoy them. Whatever type of music you prefer, you will most likely be able to find some Christian music in that genre. Tune in, enjoy, and praise our Lord as you celebrate each new day.

Unlikely Ways Home: Real-Life Spiritual Detours - By Fr. Edward Beck -- Buy from Amazon
I have attended several wonderful parish missions given by Fr. Beck. His books are as inspiring as his missions and extremely well written.
Prayers for the Road Home: Signposts for Reclaiming Your Faith - Compiled by Fr. Jac Campbell -- Buy from Amazon
Fr. Jac Campbell was a dear friend of mine who founded Landings - a ministry designed to welcome inactive Catholics back home in a gentle and loving atmosphere.


Peace in Christ,
© Melissa Knoblett-Aman