Sister Marie Posted January 2, 2013 Posted January 2, 2013 Thank you! I'm glad to be back as well. Everyone was remembered in prayer during my absence and I did truly miss all of you. I learn so much myself here! Sorry for hijacking your thread nunsense!
Antigonos Posted January 2, 2013 Posted January 2, 2013 I thought it was a very funny thing that when I turned the TV on today I saw that the Nun's Story was playing next. so I came back to the room after breakfast and watched it again. this time I saw things very differently. I kept telling Sr Luke to relaxa little and lighten up. That is precisely what Mother Christophe, the Superior at the insane asylum tells Sister Luke: "Bend, or you will break". Excellent advice, I always thought.Interesting coincidence that that movie should be on the TV just as you are preparing to enter!
darcy15 Posted January 2, 2013 Posted January 2, 2013 I watched the Nun's Story too - a favourite film of mine! Welcome home Nunsense😃 Hope our weather has not been too much of a surprise! I shall be thinking of you over the next few days, and wish you the very best.
AnneLine Posted January 2, 2013 Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) Nunsense, not to hijack your thread, but I feel it is almost prophetic (and a Carmelite should like that!) that as you transition into Wolverhampton, Sister Marie is transitioning back and Darcy15 is arriving. (Welcome to both of you!!!!) There is something about the ebb and flow of Phatmass -- especially within VocationStation -- that really does feel like religious life. People enter, and have exciting moments, and sometimes people leave because God wants something different from them. We have people of all ages and backgrounds, and like all religious communtiies, we have people who are enthusiastic and excited and people who are a little bruised and hurting. We help each other. We share our gifts, our stories, our lives in healthy ways. I really think this is beautiful.... we are a community with a small 'c'. And we try to be a community of love, and most of the time, we succeed... and apologize and move forward when we don't. And.... just so excited for you, Nunsense!!!! I think that seeing that movie again AND getting that new insight was and is a gift of God to you and to all of us. Good enough is GOOD. It is healthy and balanced. It is humble and simple. AND ... it works. Perfection is doing little things wel, yesl... Perfectionism is trying to do everything perfectly but with the focus on ME... which is always about pride. How am I doing? Do I measure up to some impossible standard. I think that St. John of the Cross nailed it -- In the evening of life, we will be judged upon Love -- and I think St Teresa of Jesus and St. Therese would agree. Go now and Love your Beloved. We will do the same... Blessings.... Edited January 2, 2013 by AnneLine
Nunsense Posted January 3, 2013 Author Posted January 3, 2013 [quote] 'Perfectionism is trying to do everything perfectly but with the focus on ME... which is always about pride. How am I doing? Do I measure up to some impossible standard.' [/quote] AnneLine - I have to think about this one a bit more.I am not sure that the motivation behind perfectionism is ALWAYS about about pride (although it could be a factor). Sometimes I think it might be about feelings of insecurity and unworthiness and wanting to make oneself worthy by not making a mistake. The problem with this attitude however is that God doesn't judge only on what we do but other things as well, things that we can't always see or understand. Jesus was pretty harsh about the stewards who didn't do a good job while the master was away, so He does care what we do, but even if we fail, He cares about the efforts we have made and the intentions in our heart at the time as well. So as you say, love plays a big part in pleasing God. 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.' 1 Peter 4:8 An attitude of perfectionism can also be about fear - fear of not being loved or of being judged unworthy to be loved and (mistakenly) thinking that if one does everything perfectly, then one will be loved more. I think it is easier to relax and let go of perfectionism when one has realised that God's love is unconditional, that He hates all sin but loves the sinner, to the point where all He really wants is to see the sinner redeemed. Remember ... 'I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.' Luke 15:7 I don't disagree that pride can get in the way and be a part of any failing of ours, but I wouldn't immediately leap to the conclusion that perfectionism (similar to scruples) is always about pride. As human beings we are motivated by many complex factorsand can even err when trying to do what we think is right and will be pleasing to God because we still judge according to appearance and not as God does. Just some thoughts. In other news, I spoke with a friend on the phone tonight who is taking me to Carmel on Friday. She will write an update after I enter - just a notice I suppose saying 'it is consummated' :lol: She is spending the night there in the extern quarters so might not get it posted that day but she will write updates from time to time I am sure. I will still be online tomorrow but that should be it I think. So more then.... :)
AnneLine Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 I think we are basically on the same page with the perfectionism thing, actually, Nunsense... speaking for myself, at least, when I am most insecure and frightened is when I trust myself rather than God. Seems to help me to keep my eyes on Him and give Him the little bit that I can do rather than get petrified and stuck in what I can't. I loved what you said about this: The problem with this attitude however is that God doesn't judge only on what we do but other things as well, things that we can't always see or understand. Jesus was pretty harsh about the stewards who didn't do a good job while the master was away, so He does care what we do, but even if we fail, He cares about the efforts we have made and the intentions in our heart at the time as well. So as you say, love plays a big part in pleasing God. 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.' 1 Peter 4:8 And I definitely agree about scruples are DIFFERENT than just being pridefully self-focused. Correction / clarification accepted! HOW WE WILL MISS YOU HERE!!!!! But we won't live trap you and keep you, either.... Glad your friend will let us know that the door is locked securely behind you and the Lord. ;)
VeniJesuAmorMi Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 Always enjoying your posts about your discernment, Nunsense! You've certainly had so many experiences and its been nice also to see how Our Lord has worked everything out for you along the way. God bless and please say a prayer for me in Carmel. :)
savvy Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 Nunsense, I have learnt a lot from your insights. I have decided to follow God, wherever he leads me even if might mean a cloister. Keep me in your prayers, so I may discern God's will for me.
petitpèlerin Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 God bless, Nunsense. Thinking of you tomorrow.
NonNovi Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 Have a blessed life in Carmel, Nunsense :priest:
Nunsense Posted January 3, 2013 Author Posted January 3, 2013 Thanks everyone. I will try to post a quick goodbye to everyone tomorrow before I leave the hotel. I appreciate all the kind words and good wishes.
darcy15 Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 I will think of you tomorrow Nunsense. It seems strange to have followed your travels around the world, and now you are settling just 90 miles from me! All best wishes Darcy
EmilyAnn Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 I am going to miss your posts - you have been such a bright presence here in VS. If I am ever up in that direction, I shall have to visit Wolverhampton!
PhuturePriest Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 Thanks everyone. I will try to post a quick goodbye to everyone tomorrow before I leave the hotel. I appreciate all the kind words and good wishes. I'll miss you so much, Nunsense! Thank you for helping me so much since I got here! I will always remember what you have done for me!
emmaberry101 Posted January 3, 2013 Posted January 3, 2013 Ah, nunsense, you are so close! I can feel your anticipation. And of course I cannot leave a farewell message without asking you to pray for me once again. May Our Lady of Carmel keep you under her mantle, and may these last hours outside the cloister pass quickly for you!
ChristinaTherese Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Godspeed, Nunsense! Prayers, and please remember us in your prayers as well.
Chiquitunga Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Praised be Jesus Christ! Very happy for you, nunsense!! I will remember you before Our Lord in prayer as you enter and after :pray: If you could say a prayer if you remember sometime/s for me, I would greatly appreciate it! May God reward you and be with you, as He is! & Our Blessed Mother, Queen & Beauty of Carmel :heart:
Nunsense Posted January 4, 2013 Author Posted January 4, 2013 Thanks again everyone. The day has finally arrived. I have to hop in the shower and then get my things packed up again. The Express&Star, a Midlands paper tweeted that they wanted to do a feature on me, but I told them they should contact the Prioress - maybe they should do a story on the Golden Jubilee that just happened instead. I am not some young thing who would be a good ad for vocations! :lol: Anyway, prayers for you emmaberry as you prepare to enter. Prayers for FP as you try to discern your vocation. AnneLine, loved your emails. Darcy, come visit the nuns some time if you are so close! And thanks to Barb and Coralie and Max and Grace and Maravillas and Aspirant and TheresaT and Eowyn and Inperpetuity and MarieLyn and Francisclare and Graciela and Little Sister and Iggy and StrictlyInkblot and Juchu and RosaI and MM and Sr Marie and Antignos and Savvy and VJAM and PetitPelerin and FCC and Non Novi and EmilyAnn and Christina Therese, and Chiquitunga for good wishes. I know there are many more of you who have been so kind to me here and I thank you all. I have also enjoyed the 'debates' lately on VS - don't be afraid to have differing opinions - just post with charity and all shall be well :) Pray for our Church and priests, for our Holy Father, for all those who have been injured by individuals in the Church and for vocations. Pray for healing in this world and that those in need may come to know God's love and compassion. Not goobye, just au revoir! :wave:
BarbTherese Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Thank you, nunsense - a really lovely post and I have a tear or two in my eyes. God bless you richly in every single way and may your Joy and Peace be complete.
AnneLine Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 God bless, and grateful our paths have crossed....
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