ABIDING in JESUS ...

the *LGG summer study starts June 9th[*Love God Greatly]
"Abiding in Jesus: Bearing Fruit that Lasts"

[image credit: LGG]

{a bit expensive for me. but LGG offers a solution}
As for me, I will just start with the You Version 2 week sampler and I've already looked ahead:
WEEK 1
ABIDING in JESUS:
TRUSTING the GARDENER'S WORK {both of my 2025 One Words}
I am so thankful that I can depend on the Great Gardener (Master Gardener)
the True Vine
John 15:1
because, for sure I know little to nothing about gardening, or even recognizing
the difference of weeds from the actual plants & all the other necessary knowledge
for 'gardening', planting, weeding, watering, transplanting, bugs, etc.
{similar as I noticed to the confession of the writer of the first devotional at YV; day 1}
but I had not yet read that as I began this post.
So rather than rewrite what's available
in the YV (LGG) plan of day 1
I hope you'll go read it.
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I really enjoy (no, it's more than that) delight in Jesus/God, when the Holy Spirit moves ahead of me (and any plan I might plan or thoughts in my head) like this God-incidence (at least to me it is) when I just finish sharing that I'm strongly led to 2 One Words in 2025 (explained in previous post revealing this) then decide/choose to go in one direction - in this case, pursuing "ABIDING in JESUS" and in the very first day of at least the YV plan of LGG's 6 week summer study since I don't have the actual book study THAT right away appears both of these 2025 One Words in Week 1 (note the Title) "Abiding in Jesus: TRUSTing ..." which again confirms as it also reminds me not to forget the TRUST part as I move forward with ABIDE. Then I receive a few more reminders along the way, noting that TRUST is still part of this. [I plan to share that at another time.] I do understand clearly (now) that ABIDE and TRUST co-exist. How I must TRUST, in order to ABIDE! In order to allow our Master Gardener free range to tend to the "garden" in our hearts and life, to take care and prune away that which is preventing new life, change or growth; I (we) must TRUST & this truly will help us "remain" close to the source and ABIDE in Him through His Word and work in us. Since HE is the True Vine, I need to be connected as a branch does to grow and receive the "nutrients" with all the added sources of Light and Water, and if I'm not, how can I grow? How can I change?

 I must wrap my life around the True Vine and cling ever so closely; to guard against being deterred and allow the Master Gardener, our Father, to truly nourish and prune away that which needs to be gone. Oh, how the Master Gardener desires to see us "bloom" and "flourish"! Life lived fully while ABIDING and TRUSTING. Doesn't seem to get any easier or more clear than this! To bear more fruit, we need the Vine daily and the touch of the Master's hand & the voice of His Spirit speaking life all around us, in us, and through us to the other branches; we need to be grafted to the Vine each day and receive the fruit ourselves and nourish others too.

"The term "abide" in the Bible is often used to convey the idea of remaining, dwelling, or continuing in a particular state or relationship. It is a word that signifies endurance, steadfastness, and a deep, ongoing connection. In the original languages of the Bible, the Hebrew word often translated as "abide" is "yashab," meaning to sit, dwell, or remain. In the New Testament Greek, the word is "meno," which means to stay, remain, or continue." Topical Encyclopedia

Yes, this is exactly what I need "for such a time as this".All the words that "ABIDE" convey & signify,especially to do so "in JESUS" "with Jesus"
I plan to "sit, dwell & remain"all the rest of my daysthis way<>
DAY 1 Conclusion

"... As we abide in Him, we find everything we need for a Fruitful life that brings Glory to God." 🙏 from "Abiding in Jesus", Love God Great

and PRAYER

"Dear Jesus, thank You for being the True Vine. Help me to stay connected to You to receive the nourishment I need to produce spiritual fruit that blesses others and glorifies You. Amen."

Reminder to head over to
LOVE GOD GREATLY
Monday, June 9th
(and/or You Version)
to join in & be inspired throughout
your week & summer
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An extra resource: Daily Effective Prayer(available on You Tube, Ministry, Podcast, Facebook, etc)with an actual Prayer Warrior, Daniel
"ABIDING in God's Presence..."
and another example how God speaks wherever I go😉but truthfully, I try to listen DAILY to Daniel's Prayerspraying with him and others, finding these prayers pertinent, encouraging, & so very helpful!
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💚
So much inspiration of FAITH this past week
from verses to song to favorite reflection!
Thank you for joining me
and
building my
FAITH
and
a dash of
TRUST
too!
🙏
Now to
ABIDE
dwell, remain, stayand
Live in Him, Make my home in HimJohn 15:4 (MSG)

JUNE with ABIDING

Today, June 1st

I turned the page of my calendar from May

to this quote and scene for June:

..."Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

which in simple terms means "don't follow the crowd"
From the Bible,we would turn to the Proverbs for such wisdom:
Proverbs 3:6
and
Proverbs 3:5-6
then with confidence
Psalm 23:3
But as we ABIDE in Christ and He ABIDES in us
John 15:4-5
we would hopefully not venture down just any pathmade by others without checkingand as we make our pathfollowing Jesusthe trail thatwe leaveshouldbeabetter choicebest for us & othersaccording to the teachings ofJESUSand the path He leaves in His Word
Isaiah 30:21
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John Piper wrote at Desiring God
"What Does it Mean to ABIDE in Christ?"

..." First, I think the essential meaning of our active ABIDING is the act of receiving and TRUSTing all that God is for us in Christ."

"The word "Abide" in our text (John 15) connotes the idea of remaining in a place; to continue to be present; to not depart, etc. Therefore, when Jesus told his disciples to abide in Him, He was simply urging them and commanding them to remain in vital fellowship with Him. According to John Piper, abiding in Christ is us trusting Him to meet all our needs and be all our treasure hour - by - hour. This is a most profound truth worthy of meditation. Most times we look away or become drawn from Jesus when we do not trust Him to meet all our needs, or don't regard Him as the treasure of our life and the fountain of our living. Indeed, the Living Christ is our Source and our Sustainer. We must daily remind ourselves of this blessed truth. We have no life outside of Him and we have no power nor wisdom apart from Him. This is why The Lord announced that "... For without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5b). Our heart must daily trust Him. We must trust in Him hour by hour. There is a hymn that sings thus: "I need Thee, oh! I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee. Bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee." This is what abiding in Jesus looks like. It's a life of complete trust in Him who is the fountain of our life; and even more profoundly, He is our life. (see Colossians 3:4)." day 1 of 7 in a You Version plan "Abiding in Him"

Proverbs 4:26-27
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
or even better
Matthew 25:31-46
as a present day version of
Jesus' teaching to us
for such a time as this in 2025
from Rev. Benjamin Cremer Substack (Into the Gray) newsletter

"This isn’t a left or right issue. This isn’t a republican vs democrat issue. This isn’t a conservative vs progressive issue. This is about opposing cruelty. This is about stopping a bill that directly harms the most vulnerable among us. This is about pursuing the common good for ALL people. This is about upholding human dignity. Especially for those of us who follow Jesus, many of those who have written, proposed, support, and passed this “Big Beautiful Bill” are claiming to represent us while actively going against the very heart of Jesus’ teachings and harming the very people he called us to serve. All of us who share this county together have the opportunity to stand up for one another, especially the poor, the sick, the hungry, the stranger, and the imprisoned among us. I just want to encourage you to take this opportunity to do so. Raise your voice and ask your senators and faith leaders to stand up for us all and oppose this bill. In Matthew 25, when Jesus returns to judge the nations, he doesn’t say, “empathy has led to your downfall.” Jesus doesn’t say, “you failed to make sure your nation was dominated by Christians in power.” Jesus doesn’t say, “you failed to make your nation abide by traditional Christian values.” Jesus says, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” -‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭41‬-‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Compassion isn’t a weakness. It’s the embodiment of truth." May 24, 2025, Rev. Benjamin R. Cremer, "Into the Gray"

[I was not sure if you can read on Substack so I added it here, but there was no copyright infringement intended by sharing his message that stuck me so profoundly when I read it, in lieu of the world events]
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As I pondered entering into ABIDING this June forward and read the Emerson quote on my calendar, it made me recall Rev. Benjamin Cremer's words and message from Jesus again & reflect on Matthew 25. Some commentators do not regard Matthew 25:31-46 as a Parable of Jesus, but I agree that "such decisions require a narrow definition of Jesus' parables". I consider this a Parable - the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, as part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse and one that we had better pay close attention to the words & message for us, in these days. There is much to consider in how we ABIDE. I pray that as I TRUST and ABIDE in 2025, I will draw closer to understanding & following the path that Jesus leaves ahead of me at all times to choose the path that is worthy of Jesus and one that I would leave for others to want to follow to Jesus, by choice - not by force. 

I have to listen to the message again of Pope Leo XIV again for today, June 1st (World Communications Day) but from what I heard in the background while the Mass plays behind me, I believe I heard him speak a message grounded in love and peace with unity as has been his theme, on this Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparent and Elderly closing Mass.

Indeed the words shared in the Jubilee link indicate as I've written that in this day, there is a call to ABIDE in Christ Jesus' Peace, Unity & Love.{I had to add this when it came in my email}

[image credit: Sarah Young, Jesus Calling 📧]

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

The book I have for 31 Days of Prayers (I got for July, shared at the end of my blog 5/21) focuses on ABIDING in the Presence, ABIDING in the Provision, and ABIDING in the Power of God in all areas of our life - as the book shares "Scriptures to Pray for Your Life..."; covers all aspects in our lives. Day 1's Prayer - The Power of Connection (John 15:5) (the Introduction Part 1 of 3 Chapters is "An Invitation to ABIDE") with Chapter 1 on "What is Abiding?" so this will be my central focus in JUNE & JULY Praying ... to accept the invitation to ABIDE (as I hope I've been doing but if not, I will improve & be doing better, in Jesus' name & with Jesus!🙏As my last post indicated, June is the beginning of LGG "ABIDING in Jesus" starting June 9th {we can start with the 14 day plan in You Version} and then JULY 31 days of ABIDING🙏...

Let's explore what it "truly means to ABIDE" in Jesus together!

{and if not, or unable, ABIDE in Spirit & Pray}

Thank you! Blessings!

Abiding in Jesus,

💙

True Meaning ...

This past week
I have really been focusing on 
THE CROSS
and 
leaning into JESUS!
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I've looked at the true meaning of the CROSS, the message of the CROSS, the history of the CROSS, and the purpose of the CROSS, especially how all of this personally is for me, as I reflect & read all that's in The Blue Book (by Jim Branch)

and all that a *precious sister in Christ 💚shares in scripture verses & songs

{I even ventured into Sacred Texts archives momentarily}-best to scroll quickly & catch what might appeal to your view-
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{there were a few Substacks that caught my eye this week, also on The CROSS}
I read the one by Pastor Rich, which made me explore furtherNot sure if you can read them without a Substack

Substack Articles:
"The CROSS, the Crook and the Crown"Tony, Christianity Now
"Christianity without a CROSS"Stephen R Briar, The Abbey
"The Garden Beneath the Cross"Pastor Rich Bitterman, Old Paths & New Roads
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My conclusion is that I cannot summarize or frame in my own words, 
the powerful place of the
CROSSofJESUS CHRIST
for me, to me
better than one of the choruses of the famous hymn*shared by my sis

"... So I’ll cherish the old rugged CROSS, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown."

there are others and more than these listed:

"Beneath the CROSS of Jesus""In the CROSS of Christ I Glory""The CROSS we all were There""Fore'er Victorious CROSS"(Forever)"Take Up the CROSS""Lift High the CROSS"
{I'm sure that you can think of many more}

[even Spotify ] [image credit: Lifeway Worship]
Some Newer Ones:
"Lead Me to the CROSS" (2007)"At the CROSS" (2008)(2014)"Mighty CROSS" (2017)"To the CROSS I Come""Thank You for the CROSS""The CROSS of Christ" (2015)"The Power of the CROSS" (2022)

"The CROSS" (2024)

"... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Anyways, the reason I came to share today was not to share on "The CROSS" but if you need a summary "10 Things You Should Know about The Cross" (Crossway) will cover it. I choose to linger in listening to the various "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" as I look forward to an upcoming summer study with Love God Greatly (LGG) on one of my 2025 One Words, and it will start June 9th ... there's a teaser sample of 2 weeks at You Version. And of course, there are others on this at You Version (bible.com) like this 31 day one. This was my reason in coming to Blog today ... but because The CROSS is so predominant in my mind & heart this week, I spent my time there "At The CROSS" with Jesus! {not sure which one I like better - by Hillsong, or Chris Tomlin?} However, I really should have shared more on the personal meaning yet I know that each of us have our own "story" of the true meaning, purpose and message of the CROSS of Jesus Christ in our lives. And it's unique to our inner beliefs and living. There was one person I heard of long ago, now gone on to be with Jesus, who personally carried the Cross around the world. His name: Arthur Blessitt! You'll be blessed if you read about his journey, or refresh your memory of him. I know that each of us bear a different kind of CROSS - maybe not a physical one like Arthur's, but another kind of physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual cross, leaving scars or wounds that need His healing, and still (sorry to say) hardly compares to The CROSS of Christ & the suffering He endured for us, to no fault of HIS! HE became an Innocent sacrifice exchanged for our redemption & our eternal life with God! Oh, for the CROSS! Christ's victory over sin & death completed in His Resurrection.

What a Savior!

ABIDE and TRUST (2025)

As I begin with my 3471st post, I was not sure if I had disclosed my 2025 One Word(s) officially: so I have decided at least to mention these as I continue into 2025, even though I have not yet pinpointed which one is THE One Word, I have decided that they co-exist and relate to one another.

[image credit: dayspring (in)courage] after quiz

ABIDE was the One Word that was given to me when I took the quiz that (in)Courage offered & I'm not sure how that actually works (like "are there only certain One Words encompassed in this quiz?") but I took the quiz, then prayed about this One Word as I started 2025 and leaned into listening. I also focused on one verse (or at least the chapter in John, which contains much on ABIDING) John, chapter 15 in different versions and then I tucked ABIDE away in my heart & mind & waited to see or hear. I read and reread the couple of emails that I received from (in)courage about One Word at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 when I took the quiz. Not knowing for sure, I kept that One Word, as I quietly continued into 2025 and began to hear my other One Word: TRUST. I'm strongly considering re-doing the Quiz just to see. Yeah, definitely need more TRUST, from the smallest to the biggest parts of my life!

Now TRUST, kept showing up everywhere and to me that spells "confirmation"; so I asked God over & over again, if TRUST is the One Word or is it ABIDE? Or maybe, just maybe, God - are TRUST and ABIDE related? and do I need to understand how they relate? Clearly, God reinforced that I should TRUST Him and so I continued with thinking that TRUST was the 2025 One Word that God & I could agree on. I, for one, know that I need lots of work when it comes to TRUST, however, I thought it was only an issue with people in my life, surely not in my relationship with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit. As this year presses on, I began certain resource books & prayers on TRUST, but have yet to finish any. I focused on Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3 as my TRUST verses and then waited, watching for TRUST verses to show up here & there & storing them. Also, I have a 365 day devotional book, not even on TRUST, but related to another consideration for my One Word, and it keeps showing up there in the prayers & devotions.

Is it possible that God intends for me to have these two One Words in 2025? and notice the connection between ABIDING and TRUSTING or TRUSTING as I ABIDE. I have begun to consider this as God leads me for 2025, so I have left my other considerations behind and holding on to both of these One Words together, knowing God is not limited by our One Words as HE will use any WORD in HIS WORD to draw us closer. I am rereading the articles from (in)courage: "How One Word Can Help You Receive God's Best?" by Becky Kiefe (Dec, 2024) and "One Word to Help You Hear the Good Shepherd in 2025" by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (Jan, 2025) I do know that the Good Shepherd hears me, cares about me as I care for another, and He leads me as I TRUST & ABIDE, so I am confident that He is leading me into 2025 with both One Words, emphasizing that He is with me, as I am with Him & stay close every.single.day! Starting & ending my day with God, have not always been enough this year as I am finding that I definitely need Him every moment so I take time to pause & spend time in between or whenever I can get a chance throughout the day & night. After all, HE'S my God 24/7! 

[image credit: Knowing-Jesus]

Based on this (similar to my other books begun but not finished yet), I am starting a Study Guide (streaming course) called "The ABIDE Bible Course" by Phil Collins (no, not the one that comes to your mind & mine) and Randy Frazee (yes, the pastor). There are 6 sessions (or videos) and starting now will allow me extra months, in case I start but don't finish to return and hopefully complete. Since I do consider myself a follower of Jesus throughout 7 decades, as I read the description of *Abide Bible Course, I am quite familiar with this:

"Followers of Christ abide with Him the way a branch dwells on a vine—in a life-sustaining connection. The Abide Bible Course features Phil Collins, the director of the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, and Randy Frazee, the architect of The Story and Believe Bible engagement programs. They introduce us to their favorite methods of interacting with God, including contemplation, journaling, imagination, praying Scripture, and works of art. Discover your own preferred method and make it a part of your daily practice of engaging with God and abiding in His Word." Study Gateway

Session One

Since there are 5 methods mentioned of interacting with God (in italics), I am sure this is an Introduction or Overall view for this course. It begins with the verses in Chapter 15 in the Book (Gospel) of John (NIV is used in the course, but under that, I've included The Voice as well)

"5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." NIV The Voice 5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is like a branch that is tossed out and shrivels up and is later gathered to be tossed into the fire to burn. 7 If you abide in Me and My voice abides in you, anything you ask will come to pass for you. 8 Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father.

Instead of "Bible reading" or "Bible Study"this course uses the phrase"Scripture engagement"(where we engage with the text rather than just read it)
ABIDE[translated by scholars as - ]
to remain
to dwell
{to stay}
or
to make your home in

"... Just as you would get to know someone relationally by listening, interacting, and sharing experiences to-gether, the same is true of Scripture Engagement. As Jesus told His disciples, "Abide in Me"(John 15:4 ESV) ... This is the essence of Scripture Engagement."

There are 6 basic ingredients in the process of Scripture Engagement "1: Prepare your heart to be open to the Holy Spirit.  2: Read the Bible.  3: Meditate on the Bible.  4: Talk to God about His Word.  5: Talk about Scriptures with others.  6: Commit to obey what the Word says. "

After watching the Session 1 video, it mentioned these 5 practices forSCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT:(which are the content of the remaining Sessions 2-6)1. Praying Scripture2. Engage through Art3. Journaling4. Picture it5. Contemplate

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Now to begin to understand this and apply, right?
{I think I do most of this already, but I guess it's the degree that I do it}
yet I'm open to learn again and more as I continue in this course.
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I don't know why this happens but often now when I think I'm closing a blog post (because I've certainly shared enough to pique your interest & be accountable for mine), shortly after closing I end up discovering another book, or resource (and hope it's available on author's blog somehow, so I don't purchase yet another - but too late, I got me a used copy, coming in June). I receive emails from Jodie Berndt so for some reason, she interested me before (perhaps back when she featured this on her blog as a prayer challenge or when it was published). Anyways, she has a wonderful book (not yet read but ordered) "Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: 31 Days of Abiding in the Presence, Provision, and Power of God" (now this definitely is more my style) so when I read this blog post (besides wondering where I was in 2021 & 2022, because I don't usually miss extra special opportunities with authors I know & follow; AND FaithGateway events like this - maybe it's when I started receiving her emails). Anyways, my cousin loves Italy & after reading Jodie's blog post, I can see why. {Then add my new interest with the new Pope (lol)}, I needed to check this out better. I know that I have one of her other books on "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children..." {Excellent!} but I just noticed the subtitle, or the part that follows that in her title, which jumped off the cover at me "... TRUSTing God with the Ones You Love" {oh my (sigh)} that's such a BIG ONE, Lord! I better pay better attention to my FaithGateway's Devotionals Daily. Already preparing myself to do those 31 days this July 2025, a few years later (I love her calendar linked to 31 days) and I couldn't believe what I read was her plan for August (back in 2022) and the book on Abiding was released in 2021. I think she did much of the Prayer Challenge on Facebook or Instagram (which I don't do) thus, the reason I fell into my temptations yet again of buying it.

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*Because this ABIDE Bible Course is 3 years old, I found this You Tube available to give you a taste & saw some others, like Session 2  (which is a little longer than the 1st link) and is on "Praying Scripture".This is a valuable lesson and one that I put into practice more & more for years.

MAY 18th will be a SIGNIFICANT DAY! (& my being UNDONE)

This is my CHOICE for the 3470th blog post, many of which are not shown in my Blog Archive

Right as this went to publish, I noticed that The Week (magazine subscription we receive) today had "Leo XIV: What an American pope can teach America" with this on their front cover {hoping it's more than a "White Sox" trail gating type cook-out" in your backyard}

[image credit: The Week]

Have been raised as a Catholic: grade school and my college education; & for a few years afterwards, my interest in the "new" Pope - Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV - has been piqued, so I have been following much from the Vatican News (rather than other places, which may or may not be true nowadays; with AI, etc). An example of this, I found on You Tube videos of supposed sermons in his English speaking voice (& parts are very good) but not actually him or by him. [being called "Altered or Synthetic Content" - "sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated] {We need to check these things often and beware (aware) of this; besides "fact checking" instead of just readily accepting as is or as truth}. I have to remind myself of this often in this digital tech world we live in.  

Perhaps my interest and curiosity is because I am moved to see that the Conclave selected someone born in the United States of America (Chicago area) but lived much of his life in Peru as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The Papal Conclave is comprised from Cardinals (only those under the age of 80 are allowed to vote) - there are levels of ranks in the Catholic Church: deacons, priests, bishops & archbishops; then Cardinals from which a Pope is chosen. Cardinals are leading bishops and members of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are chosen by the Pope, and typically holds the title for life, but they were originally ordained as a priest for at least 5 years before the appointment as a Cardinal. 

So just as in the Protestant, or other Christian denominations, there are certain terms, expressions, jargon, or Christian 'lingo' that is not really understood by others outside the Church, the Catholic Church also has many words and concepts not understood by others not raised in the Catholic Church, even by some in the Catholic Church. I noticed this as I was reading about some of the jargon being used to explain the rite, or the upcoming Inauguration being celebrated in a Mass (service) or (central act of worship, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion, sharing the Lord's Supper) or sharing of (Liturgy). The word Mass comes from the Latin word 'missa' which was for a time of the people being sent out or dismissed with the Latin expression "Ite missa est" meaning "go, it (the Church people) is sent". Because all of us are sent to go out & reach others with the LOVE of Jesus Christ. 

ANYWAYS
TODAY, May 18th
is 
the day that makes this 
OFFICIAL

"The Mass for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will be celebrated on Sunday, May 18, at *10 a.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s Square. The liturgy will mark the official beginning of his ministry as successor of Peter and bishop of Rome. On May 25, he will take canonical possession of St. John Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the bishop of Rome." ~ Vatican City, May 17, 2025 / 07:00 am

{that's *3am CT or 4am ET}
Part of the celebration marking the official start of 
POPE LEO XIV

begins his 
Petrine Ministry
(this word comes from Peter)
the apostle/disciple of Jesus

Jesus continues, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18)

This means very much to the Roman Catholic's belief of Peter, as the 1st Pope.
[here's an interesting explanation so you can decide for yourself]
And I found this explanation of 
"The Rite of the Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of Leo XIV"
to be intriguing, but too many Catholic terms are used
(or Latin)
[Spanish "Pescador" = Fisherman & el anillo = ring]

however
the part on the "Ring of the Fisherman" (Peter) is quite interesting.
{perhaps only to me, as a former Catholic}
Yet very important to me 
(and it might be significant or interesting to you also)
is the reason that Robert (Bob) Prevost chose 
Leo, the XIV

"... I chose to take the name Leo XIV. There are different reasons for this, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor." Facebook video

He delivered a message of
PEACE
for his first address to the world!
This and his commitment to social issues
speak volumes to me
and
keeps me interested in following the
Vatican News
The most inclusive and easiest to understand article I've read comes from BBC
Pope Leo XIV
is almost my age and our past interests seem almost the same so far.
He's American and a Peruvian missionary.
He's already restored or given me
more HOPE for the
CHURCH
Let us PRAY for Pope Leo XIV (and the Church)!
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"God of All people, 

Habemus papam! We have a new pope! 

In trust and gratitude, we turn to Your Holy Spirit. We know Your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought Your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that Your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of Your people. 

We pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that You give him joy in his work and a renewed fervor for Your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.  

Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, Your holy people, as together we strive to be Your Body in our wounded world.

Amen." from the Jesuits (a Catholic religious order; the Society of Jesus)   

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This week in The Blue Book on Monday
the focus is on "UNDONE"
and Psalm 51
Not sure of this word but somehow I felt it fits me
and my spiritual place of feeling
UNDONE
with some restoration of HOPE because of Pope Leo XIV
but we shall see
{the reason I made this connection before starting the
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As I looked up the meaning for being
UNDONE
I found a dictionary that said:
"to be without hope for the future"
(and honestly, I can relate to this, until ...)
its actual meaning of course, is "not tied, fastened; not done or finished"
well, that certainly describes me 'cuz
HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME

[May 19-25] 17. UNDONE Psalm 51 Daily Scripture Readings: Monday: Isaiah 6:1-8 Tuesday: Luke 5:1-11 Wednesday: 2 Samuel 12;1-25 Thursday: Job 42:1-6 Friday: Hosea 6:1-6 Saturday: Revelation 1:9-18 Sunday: Lamentations 3:1-29

My NIV yearly devotional plan actually had UNDONE for today😲
Day 139 with a comment by R.C. Sproul for Isaiah'sencounter with the Holiness of God (6:1-7)"to be UNDONE means to come apart at the seams;to be unraveled" (personal disintegration (psychologically){too complicated for me to try to explain}Isaiah 6:5 contains UNDONE"Woe ... for I am UNDONE!"
But of course, it's taken from Sproul's "Holy Passion"and he goes much deeper & very beautifully explains this well:
"In the face of God's perfect integration,Isaiah (or possibly us) saw his deepneed for personal reconstruction."["...framing a life of integrity with God's help]
-just a small tidbit-🙏How quickly God replies through His Word for me!
[over 10 months of daily caregiving can make anyone feel UNDONE]
Believe it or not,I can actually see a connection between all that I've writtenfrom my admiration of a new American/Peruvian Popeto my being UNDONE like dear the prophet Isaiah &"Holy Passion"a real necessity for the time thatwe are now living & facing daily

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SIDENOTE:
P.S. I have not returned to the Roman Catholic Church, nor is my sharing this for or against those who are - Catholics.I received a good foundation of my beliefs from being Catholic then moved forward (imho)with those beliefs and further involvement in other Churches that deepened that growth.I am thankful for every single Church that has touched my life & that I have been part of & involved in.Each and every spiritual experience has built upon my walk as a follower of Jesus Christ;enriching and teaching me how to be more like Jesus & trying to apply all I read in God's Wordinto practice of living it out better & encouraging others towards Jesus. My relationship with Jesus/God, the Father/Holy Spirit is the reason I live & the most important part!