Today I went to a craft fair and saw several friends there. One walked around with me, some were part of the fair, and others had come to shop. It was busy and bustling with people looking, buying, and selling. There were so many different products and so many vendors it was really somewhat overwhelming. My friend had her lists of Secret Santas she needed to get and was able to find something for everyone. She also got a couple things for herself. I picked up a couple things as well. Then I went to a Christmas party with friends from a church group. It was a lot of fun with laughter and appreciation for those on the board. The whole morning and early afternoon were filled with joyful activity and sounds. When I got home in the afternoon, I was exhausted. I realized I had not listened to the daily meditation yet. So, I lit the Advent candle and welcomed the peace. Here are some words of encouragement from St. Faustina,

“Advent is approaching. I want to prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord Jesus by silence and recollection of spirit…”

“In order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one’s soul and to keep silence.”

“The Lord says, ‘Strive for a life of recollection so that you can hear My voice, which is so soft that only recollected souls can hear.”

I have to say, it takes a lot of hard work to be still and silent. I have always enjoyed thinking and pondering over things, but my mind wants to think about all the things that need to be done and all the worries of life. It takes practice to recognize those thoughts and get back to prayer time. And it is well worth it.

I Found God today in encouragement to have a recollected spirit.

This final photo from the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion includes an apparition of Mary that Adele Brice had and instructions for what she should do. “Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.”