Lenten Exercise 33 Day’s Consecration to Jesus in The Blessed Sacrament
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Ijournal Entry
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Dinner Mints
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Prayer Requests
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Poems
New Post 10-23-23
http://gigapostolate.weebly.com/liturgical-seasons
Ijournal Entry
New post
Dinner Mints
New post
Prayer Requests
New Post
Poems
New Post 10-23-23
Origins of The GIG
Ijournal entry 090715 # 36 Origins of The GIG
🎚"Once upon a time" ... The GIG Apostolate. Hoping for a "happily ever after" ending
🎚Completing what God began in the beginning
🎚The GIG is in the form of a cross, to symbolize the Christian ministry that it is.
🎚Strickly about spiritual biz
G
The GIG
G
The acronym stands for: God's Intimate Group, Growing in Grace, Growing in God. A Trinity of phrases: one time in honor of the Father, one time in honor of the Son, and finally one time in honor of the Holy Spirit.
The intended purpose of the apostolate is to foster spiritual growth, thereby producing mature Christian soldiers who will enlist and report for active duty in the army of God. It is about researching and sharing spiritual information. This leads to networking, with the hope of facilitating a hunger in others that will be satisfied with an increase of knowledge. The knowledge gained about the one true faith, in adherence to the Magesteruim of the church, will enable one to live and reverently worship in spirit and truth. Being mature productive evangelizing citizens, recognizing and being obedient to God while living in the kingdom of God on earth is the goal.
God planted the seeds for this apostolate after a trip to Medjugorje. The soil was being tilled and prepared internally as the years rolled by. During daily Holy Hour visits, this thought would often surface: feed my sheep. This was written down, many, many times. At each visit to the adoration chapel, my routine is to speak to The Lord, be quiet, then give Him a turn to speak to me. The next step is to write down what it appears He is saying. It would cross my mind from time to time as to why "feed my sheep" was constantly being repeated, but specifically when, where, and how to accomplish the mission was a mystery. Being an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Communion, my thoughts were maybe The Lord was affirming that ministry. It was not of my choosing, but this priest who decided to give me one on one instructions, and asked me to minister at the hospital where he was a chaplain. As a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, we used to deliver food to the needy on Saturdays. One particular Saturday, Fr. Vincent said something along the lines of: You have been bringing food to the needy, now it's time to bring Jesus, the food of the soul, to others in need.
After a while, in a very natural way, the promptings were there to copy and share interesting articles or excerpts from books that crossed my path with my immediate co-workers, and a few other employees in the health department. In my mind, this must be the answer to "feed my sheep". Looking back, it seems the thought about "feeding my sheep", just slowly faded away with the passing of time.
The great awaking, the third phase of "feed my sheep" in action, finally made it's debut. First it was becoming an Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, then it was sharing photo copies of info with coworkers, and in the month of May in the year 2009, The GIG Apostolate was fully born. A Trinity on phases, my favorite number, one for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Spirit.
To be precise, it was on a Tuesday, May 19, 2009, that the following was written in my journal, which actually kicked off "The GIG" apostolate: In church today the name is coming for what is to be the sharing together of spiritual info as a Christian group, "The GIG". "GIG" stands for "Growth in God". It will involve the input of others, researching, and the sharing of thoughts as they occur. Sharing info on what we are currently reading and learning spiritually, can be done by phone, fax, taped recordings, cd's, snail mail, or most likely by email, an easy and popular mode for sharing.
It is no coincidence, for sure, that the official start day occurs in the month of May, the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Can't find the exact dates for all the early ruminations, but it was a conversation with Dianne, a non Catholic, that the first sharing of what was developing was discussed. How odd to first share a Catholic apostolate with a non-Catholic. She is a wonderful mature Christian in my life. She is selfless, open, loving, and truly God centered, so it was very easy to call her up and share what was developing, in order to get her opinion. She was the first person to partner with me in "The GIG". Being a non-Catholic, she is a person that is very accepting of the Holy Mother of God, Alleluia. Of course the apostolate would be under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and she was very comfortable with that. It was only by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that when the search began for the right title for Our Blessed Lady, "Theotokos" came up. How perfect, because under that title "Mother of God", all Christians are included. Dianne was excited about that because titles like "Our lady of Lourdes", "Our Lady of Grace", etc. are acknowledged primarily by Catholics, but regarding the title "Theotokos", all can come to the Mother of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who is God. Together we would compile the mission statement, the colors, the scripture, the logo, and collaborate on projects and what direction we felt the Holy Spirit was leading us as "The GIG" to travel. Jesus would be the head master as " Pantocrator", for in spiritual school we definitely were enrolled. Next, it was my Catholic friend Shelley, who was consulted for her opinion. After being asked if she would be a part of the GIG, she answered in the affirmative, and thought the title was cute.
Getting started included the following tasks:
✔️1. Seeing if it was possible to have a contact priest or religious to answer any questions, get clarifications, or offer helpful advice.
✔️2. Assembling participants. The four initial members were: Dianne, Shelley, Milton, and Kathy. Thoughts were then directed towards asking: Bernadine, Sherry, Doris, Marty, Blanche, Katherine, Mrs. Viv, & Linda.
✔️3. The Initial project included Dianne, Milton, and myself. The Holy Spirit led us to listen, at least weekly for a while, to the CD "The practice of the Presence of God", by Brother Lawrence. This proved to be really essential, because the goal of all that we do, and where we are trying to get in the spiritual life is demonstrated by a Brother Lawrence. It's everything in a nut shell, it's doing the will of God in every way possible at all times. The CD was included in a book purchased at a non catholic bookstore. Dianne really liked "our" Brother Lawrence.
After the GIG started, thoughts entered my mind how there may be a connection between my mom's death inDecember 08, and the start up timing of this ministry. In 2009, many, many contemplations were coming to me. Reading St. John of the Cross during lent of that year, really explained my spiritual life and brought me great joy in the midst of my sorrow from the death. My mom always wanted my happiness and prayed very hard for me. Now that she would be in a position to lobby for my happiness on high, believing for sure this may have played a part in all those contemplations received in 2009. In purgatory souls can help us, and on heaven souls can help us, so either way help could come to me from her on high. This scripture demonstrates what I am talking about:
John 12(24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
The final thrust was God in His great mercy letting this be the time of my visitation. Taking me back to the basics and teaching me how to worship in spirit and truth, showing me how to grow in holiness, how blest that the "Good Shepherd", would care so tenderly for a pitiful lost sheep in need. Thanks be to God for his mercy. So my wish to share what is being learning, and to strengthen others is based upon this scripture:
The final thrust was God in His great mercy letting this be the time of my visitation. Taking me back to the basics and teaching me how to worship in spirit and truth, showing me how to grow in holiness, how blest that the "Good Shepherd", would care so tenderly for a pitiful lost sheep in need. Thanks be to God for his mercy. So my wish to share what is being learning, and to strengthen others is based upon this scripture:
Luke 21(32) "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Colossians 1(10) " To live in a manner worthy of the Lord so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God."
Next on the agenda was a check list for various practices that were to be performed for a month of so, to establish a rhythm. This was intended to establish a firm foundation, and function kind of like a "boot camp". That experience was intended to get us in shape. Dianne was game, and modified the practices for a non-Catholic Christian. Milton was the other participant. The check list included practicing virtues. On the list were check boxes for checking off each day the various spiritual accomplishments designed to foster a deeper, authentic spirit filled relationship with God. It was not about just doing something for the sake of doing it, but in order to foster a real spiritual experience with Christ. On the list were the following: Mass, Holy Hour, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Rosary, the examen, the Stations, sacrifices, ejaculations, conferences and retreats, the Chaplet, the Seven Sorrows rosary, fasting, reading Scripture, praying morning & evening routine prayers ( angelus, divine praises, litanies, armor of God, the St. Michael and guardian angel prayers, the Anima Christi, acts of Faith, Hope and Charity, the Holy Spirit prayer, and a surrender prayer,) journaling, tiding of the day by including some form of prayer or ministry to God, totaling 2 hours and 40minutes, reviewing the Beatitudes, the seven vices, and the fruits and gifts of the spirit, performing the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy, five minutes of Mediation on the Passion of Jesus Christ, Christian media viewing, prayer group participation, and some form of church ministry. All this was to work to get a baseline as established by the Holy Spirit, then rotate in and out of practices as the spirit leads. Some practices are not expendable, as we should frequently encounter God in them, like prayer, Scripture reading, Confession, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration etc. At the end of each week, an evaluation would be made and check marks counted to see how well we are incorporating the spiritual practices and how much time was being given to God.
🔗 The projects that were on the horizon:
🔻1. An indepth look at St. Peter, and getting an in-depth knowledge of the other apostles as well. Exploring their strength and weaknesses, and identifying which apostle seems to be personality matches. Also to consider what apostle we would choose to be if we were given the opportunity to be used for Christ in a powerful, effective way in the vineyard.
🔻2. Explore the new Jerusalem 12 gates and 12 stones, which is built on a foundation in a perfect square. Choose a stone to one's liking and a particular apostle, then assign yourself to one to the twelve gates. Let the stone and the apostle be a reminder to put into practice the strength represented at that square. The foundational stone resonating with me is the second one, the sapphire, representing my birthstone. My favorite apostle is Matthew. The scripture for this is from Revelation:
Colossians 1(10) " To live in a manner worthy of the Lord so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God."
Next on the agenda was a check list for various practices that were to be performed for a month of so, to establish a rhythm. This was intended to establish a firm foundation, and function kind of like a "boot camp". That experience was intended to get us in shape. Dianne was game, and modified the practices for a non-Catholic Christian. Milton was the other participant. The check list included practicing virtues. On the list were check boxes for checking off each day the various spiritual accomplishments designed to foster a deeper, authentic spirit filled relationship with God. It was not about just doing something for the sake of doing it, but in order to foster a real spiritual experience with Christ. On the list were the following: Mass, Holy Hour, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Rosary, the examen, the Stations, sacrifices, ejaculations, conferences and retreats, the Chaplet, the Seven Sorrows rosary, fasting, reading Scripture, praying morning & evening routine prayers ( angelus, divine praises, litanies, armor of God, the St. Michael and guardian angel prayers, the Anima Christi, acts of Faith, Hope and Charity, the Holy Spirit prayer, and a surrender prayer,) journaling, tiding of the day by including some form of prayer or ministry to God, totaling 2 hours and 40minutes, reviewing the Beatitudes, the seven vices, and the fruits and gifts of the spirit, performing the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy, five minutes of Mediation on the Passion of Jesus Christ, Christian media viewing, prayer group participation, and some form of church ministry. All this was to work to get a baseline as established by the Holy Spirit, then rotate in and out of practices as the spirit leads. Some practices are not expendable, as we should frequently encounter God in them, like prayer, Scripture reading, Confession, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration etc. At the end of each week, an evaluation would be made and check marks counted to see how well we are incorporating the spiritual practices and how much time was being given to God.
🔗 The projects that were on the horizon:
🔻1. An indepth look at St. Peter, and getting an in-depth knowledge of the other apostles as well. Exploring their strength and weaknesses, and identifying which apostle seems to be personality matches. Also to consider what apostle we would choose to be if we were given the opportunity to be used for Christ in a powerful, effective way in the vineyard.
🔻2. Explore the new Jerusalem 12 gates and 12 stones, which is built on a foundation in a perfect square. Choose a stone to one's liking and a particular apostle, then assign yourself to one to the twelve gates. Let the stone and the apostle be a reminder to put into practice the strength represented at that square. The foundational stone resonating with me is the second one, the sapphire, representing my birthstone. My favorite apostle is Matthew. The scripture for this is from Revelation:
Revelation 21:19-21 |
"The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.d 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass"
🔗 The logo:
The logo was to be a scroll in the form of the Torah. On top of the scroll would be written: God's intimate group. At the bottom of the scroll: Growing in grace. Along each side a picture of a dove would serve to represent the Holy Spirit. Haven't asked anyone yet to draw the logo. Maybe one day that will materialize.
🔗 Mission statement by St. Therese:
The essence of spiritual growth is a dynamic love relationship obtained by the total occupation with the cultivation of intimacy with God. So as a people, we will grow spiritually in a dynamic love relationship with God, obtained by total occupation with the cultivation of intimacy with Him.
🔗 The Colors ~ A Trinity of Colors: Green, Red, & Purple
📌Green= for growth
📌Red= for the Holy Spirt and the Blood of Jesus
📌Purple= for the royal priesthood, a holy nation... Found in 1Peter2
🔗 The logo:
The logo was to be a scroll in the form of the Torah. On top of the scroll would be written: God's intimate group. At the bottom of the scroll: Growing in grace. Along each side a picture of a dove would serve to represent the Holy Spirit. Haven't asked anyone yet to draw the logo. Maybe one day that will materialize.
🔗 Mission statement by St. Therese:
The essence of spiritual growth is a dynamic love relationship obtained by the total occupation with the cultivation of intimacy with God. So as a people, we will grow spiritually in a dynamic love relationship with God, obtained by total occupation with the cultivation of intimacy with Him.
🔗 The Colors ~ A Trinity of Colors: Green, Red, & Purple
📌Green= for growth
📌Red= for the Holy Spirt and the Blood of Jesus
📌Purple= for the royal priesthood, a holy nation... Found in 1Peter2
"But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light"
🔗 Goals (10)
✔️(1). Cultivation of intimacy & a dynamic love relationship with the Trinity.
✔️(2). To be missionaries of God's will.
✔️(3). Establishing a vibrant friendship with the saints & community with Church triumph, Church Suffering, & Church Militant.
✔️(4). Learning & growing strong in our faith.
✔️(5). Becoming true disciples.
✔️(6). Consecration & Operating under the patronage of Mary, the Mother of God Theotokos, God- bearer.
✔️(7). Proclaiming the Word Of God.
✔️(8). Resting in God.
✔️(9). Surrendering fully to God.
✔️(10). Eternal life
🔗 Scripture Passage for the GIG:
🔗 Goals (10)
✔️(1). Cultivation of intimacy & a dynamic love relationship with the Trinity.
✔️(2). To be missionaries of God's will.
✔️(3). Establishing a vibrant friendship with the saints & community with Church triumph, Church Suffering, & Church Militant.
✔️(4). Learning & growing strong in our faith.
✔️(5). Becoming true disciples.
✔️(6). Consecration & Operating under the patronage of Mary, the Mother of God Theotokos, God- bearer.
✔️(7). Proclaiming the Word Of God.
✔️(8). Resting in God.
✔️(9). Surrendering fully to God.
✔️(10). Eternal life
🔗 Scripture Passage for the GIG:
" To live in a manner worthy of the Lord so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God."
🔗 Official Handbook for the GIG:
"The Better Part" by Fr. John Bartunek. Available in an ebook format or as an app.
As time went on more names were added to "The GIG's" contact list, and the predominate MO for sharing was written material by email. In 2010 the GIG was taken to a new level, and again occurred in the month of May. It started with the launch of the Ipad. This started the phase consisting of Ijournal entries, because of the purchase of the Maxjournal app. An active development of the apostolate resulted in the sharing interesting CD's, and for me to record people's testimonies. Many testimonies have been placed on YouTube. Another arm of the apostolate is the "text mess" ministry. A dozen or so individuals are sent daily texts to spiritual jump start their day. If it doesn't arrive until late, then it's a "night cap" to close out the day.
An interesting phase of transformation occurred when the spiritual info to be to shared would be categorized by food items. This was the result of Linda's comment one day about the material being sent out was a lot of meat and potatoes being served up. That clicked, and the thought about "feeding my sheep" resurfaced. Joy began to reign, and the thoughts about remodeling the format were coming to me non stop. When this was mentioned to Mark, he said: "we have the meat and potatoes, so where are the veggies"? From that point, it was on, and the Ijournal menu was a staple. Reflecting on the the fact that the Lord said "feed my sheep", and that "The GIG" means: God's Intimate Group, Growing in Grace, Growing in God, serving up spiritual food for growing by utilizing pictures of food items, was no doubt, a cool way to share.
It came to me that a good way to organize the material would be in the following manner:
🍥 The Cheese & Crackers would be quotes or short passages for people who do not have much time to spend reading.
🍆 The Veggies would be what The Lord is personally giving to me, my two cents added to the mix.
🍟 The Potatoes category would be articles and topics helpful to one's spiritual growth.
🍔The Meat category would be substantial material from saints or others to facilitate Christian maturity.
🍧 The Dessert would be my audio recordings of others, or any audio or video. For those who are really, really busy, they may have time while driving, bathing, or resting, to listen to something that can assist them in growing spiritually.
🍻 The occasional Beverage is info shared on Feast Days in the form of a postcard. It also includes guest sharings. A few times a "3 minute meditation"exercise from Fr. Peter was shared.
🍅 The Garden Salad is the virtual library that contains links to free pdf book downloads of wonderful Classics & other good Christian books.
🍬 The Dinner mints category coincided with the website launch. It is a spin off from the daily "text message" ministry that is a part of "The GIG" apostolate. One "text mess" from the previous week serves as a mint for an Ijournal entry.
Many more categories are on the web, thanks be to a God for all of heaven's help day by day to keep things afloat. Well, with the menu set, all in place, the Holy Spirit sent two angels, Miriam and Norah, to sound the trumpet. Miriam sounded the first note, and Norah was right on her heels to complete the melody. With their encouragement and support, by the power of God, the launch was set, the "The GIG" apostolate made it's debut on the web September 5, 2014. A poem to toot the horn:
Launch time is lunch time folks
🔹You can now anytime be heartily fed breakfast, dinner, or lunch,
🔹No limit, as often as you desire you can come over & spiritually munch
🔹Have a beverage or two, a refreshing glass of wine
🔹Take your time and scrumptiously do decide to right here fine dine
🔹If you prefer something light, that's quite all right
🔹There is something here to suit everyone's taste on the GIG's site
🔹Try some cheese and crackers , go ahead nibble a bit
🔹Another option is sucking on a mint as you relax, taking a minute to sit
🔹Some are only concerned about what nourishes the body physically
🔹But thank you for being smart & choosing what nourishes spiritually
🔹The body will one day die & the life you now live to an end it will come
🔹Feed da soul well & it'll live forever by smart choices not ones so dumb
tmm/TruGIG
™
🔗 Official Handbook for the GIG:
"The Better Part" by Fr. John Bartunek. Available in an ebook format or as an app.
As time went on more names were added to "The GIG's" contact list, and the predominate MO for sharing was written material by email. In 2010 the GIG was taken to a new level, and again occurred in the month of May. It started with the launch of the Ipad. This started the phase consisting of Ijournal entries, because of the purchase of the Maxjournal app. An active development of the apostolate resulted in the sharing interesting CD's, and for me to record people's testimonies. Many testimonies have been placed on YouTube. Another arm of the apostolate is the "text mess" ministry. A dozen or so individuals are sent daily texts to spiritual jump start their day. If it doesn't arrive until late, then it's a "night cap" to close out the day.
An interesting phase of transformation occurred when the spiritual info to be to shared would be categorized by food items. This was the result of Linda's comment one day about the material being sent out was a lot of meat and potatoes being served up. That clicked, and the thought about "feeding my sheep" resurfaced. Joy began to reign, and the thoughts about remodeling the format were coming to me non stop. When this was mentioned to Mark, he said: "we have the meat and potatoes, so where are the veggies"? From that point, it was on, and the Ijournal menu was a staple. Reflecting on the the fact that the Lord said "feed my sheep", and that "The GIG" means: God's Intimate Group, Growing in Grace, Growing in God, serving up spiritual food for growing by utilizing pictures of food items, was no doubt, a cool way to share.
It came to me that a good way to organize the material would be in the following manner:
🍥 The Cheese & Crackers would be quotes or short passages for people who do not have much time to spend reading.
🍆 The Veggies would be what The Lord is personally giving to me, my two cents added to the mix.
🍟 The Potatoes category would be articles and topics helpful to one's spiritual growth.
🍔The Meat category would be substantial material from saints or others to facilitate Christian maturity.
🍧 The Dessert would be my audio recordings of others, or any audio or video. For those who are really, really busy, they may have time while driving, bathing, or resting, to listen to something that can assist them in growing spiritually.
🍻 The occasional Beverage is info shared on Feast Days in the form of a postcard. It also includes guest sharings. A few times a "3 minute meditation"exercise from Fr. Peter was shared.
🍅 The Garden Salad is the virtual library that contains links to free pdf book downloads of wonderful Classics & other good Christian books.
🍬 The Dinner mints category coincided with the website launch. It is a spin off from the daily "text message" ministry that is a part of "The GIG" apostolate. One "text mess" from the previous week serves as a mint for an Ijournal entry.
Many more categories are on the web, thanks be to a God for all of heaven's help day by day to keep things afloat. Well, with the menu set, all in place, the Holy Spirit sent two angels, Miriam and Norah, to sound the trumpet. Miriam sounded the first note, and Norah was right on her heels to complete the melody. With their encouragement and support, by the power of God, the launch was set, the "The GIG" apostolate made it's debut on the web September 5, 2014. A poem to toot the horn:
Launch time is lunch time folks
🔹You can now anytime be heartily fed breakfast, dinner, or lunch,
🔹No limit, as often as you desire you can come over & spiritually munch
🔹Have a beverage or two, a refreshing glass of wine
🔹Take your time and scrumptiously do decide to right here fine dine
🔹If you prefer something light, that's quite all right
🔹There is something here to suit everyone's taste on the GIG's site
🔹Try some cheese and crackers , go ahead nibble a bit
🔹Another option is sucking on a mint as you relax, taking a minute to sit
🔹Some are only concerned about what nourishes the body physically
🔹But thank you for being smart & choosing what nourishes spiritually
🔹The body will one day die & the life you now live to an end it will come
🔹Feed da soul well & it'll live forever by smart choices not ones so dumb
tmm/TruGIG
™
October 1, 2016... And the beat goes on, the Feast Day of St. Thèrése we get the video and song for The GIG
📽🎼Love To The World🎼📽
https://youtu.be/13YpuhQfneY
📽🎼Love To The World🎼📽
https://youtu.be/13YpuhQfneY