Letters to Heaven during Lent: We Must Become Like Donkeys

"Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me." Matthew 21:2

Holy Week: Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014

Dear Jesus:

I was supposed to go to work today but I decided to play hooky. Today is for You. Today is Palm Sunday.

This year, I have not had the best Lent. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't give up anything. I haven't done any serious meditations, other than the ones that I receive by email and the book I'm reading. I didn't even go to confession yesterday as I had planned. I've been too overwhelmed to give much thought to Lent. I need to change that. Holy Week starts today. I must pray more and get closer to You.

I love You, Jesus. This week is going to be hectic for me but please, help me not to lose focus. And my focus needs to be on You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Holy Week: Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Yesterday, I finally made it to confession. I've been wanting to go to confession all Lent, but there was always something getting on the way. But this time, I made it my priority, and I didn't allow anything or anyone to stop me. It feels good to begin Holy Week with a clean conscience.

I also attended mass yesterday. Father Frank Permuy was the priest. I like him. He takes the simplest element from the reading, and turns it into a great homily. His homily yesterday was about the donkey. He said that it would not surprise him if Pope Francis declares next year the year of the donkey. Everyone was laughing. But then, he turned serious and told us that to get to You, we need to become like donkeys. You chose the most humble animal to enter into Jerusalem. In order to enter into Holy Week, we must also become humble, like the donkey. Just like your apostles untied the donkey to take him to You, we must untie ourselves from everything that is keeping us apart from You.

We are tied down by many things—by guilt, pride, selfishness or anxiety. Some of us are tied down by grudges, and we cannot forgive. Many of us are tied down to our smartphones and tablets, and we are unable to put those devices down. We need to be untied from what weighs us down.

Jesus, help us to become like donkeys so You can untie us and bring us to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Keep Calm and Carry On

"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

Week 5: April 6, 2014

Dear Jesus:

"Keep calm and carry on." What a great phrase. I first heard it when Chabeli was studying abroad in England. Now, it's popular here too. And Max Lucado titled one chapter in his book "God will carry you through," with this phrase. How appropriate for me at this time of the year.

"Keep calm and carry on." I need to keep repeating this phrase. And like Max Lucado suggests in his book, I am asking You, Jesus, to give me an index card sized plan. If I divide everything that I have to do in two to three simple steps per day, I can get through life. I know that You are in control and You are carrying me through.

As I continue to read about other people's struggles in the book, I have to stop and say: THANK YOU. Thank You for all the blessings. You love me so very much. Sometimes, I feel that I'm not worthy of so much love. But You don't give up on me.

Please, continue to love me, don't give up on me, and shower me with your merciful embrace. And please, please, help me to sleep at night.

I love You, Jesus.

Week 5: April 8, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Thank You because this year, sleep has not been a problem. I'm finally learning to truly "keep calm and carry on." I gave up worrying for this Lent, and even though there were moments when the "worry bugs" attacked me, overall, I've done pretty good. Now I just need to carry it beyond Lent.

"Keep calm and carry on." My motto for the rest of this year.

I love You, Jesus.

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Thank You for Teaching Us How to Love

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask Him." Matthew 7:11

Week 5: March 15, 2008

Dear Jesus:

It's been almost two weeks since I have set some quiet time aside to be with You in solitude. I am at the peak of tax season and I feel my time dwindling by a thread. The best thing about the last two weeks is that I have been able to keep my Lenten commitment of attending one additional mass during the week. Last Saturday, I went to mass during the morning, and I also went to mass a couple of days ago to Church of the Little Flower. It had been one year since I had not visited Little Flower. It felt good to be home. This church holds many special memories. Each of my children has received two sacraments there. I have seen all three participate in "The Stations of the Cross." I have attended many school masses and many Sunday masses. It was also good to run into old friends.

Today, I feel very happy. My three "pollitos" are home. All three are sleeping in their beds right now. Mother Hen is content and at peace. This will only last three days. Even though Rafi is home for one week on spring break, Chabeli is leaving to New York on Tuesday. It will be the longest separation from her. She has been to Washington DC twice to attend the March for Life, but that was just for four days. On this trip, she will be gone for six days.

I am letting her go and I am entrusting her to You, Jesus. I release her to You to care for and protect her while she's away from us. Please keep her away from any danger. And help me to feel the peace of knowing that You are in control. I rely on You for everything, Jesus, and on this day, I entrust my daughter to You. I release her into your hands. Please Jesus, take care of my little girl while she is in New York.

Chabeli is looking forward to this trip. She is excited and that makes me feel good because normally, she doesn't like to travel. She has a hard time being away from home, so I know that this trip will be very good for her.

In the meantime, I will enjoy the three days that You have given me to have all my children together under the same roof.

Thank You, Jesus, for my beautiful family. Thank You for my hubby and for my children. They are my most prized possessions. Thank You for teaching me how to love with all my heart.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Week 5: April 7, 2017

Dear Jesus:

I am looking forward to this weekend. The past two weeks have been intense at work. I have been putting ten-hour work days, and I'm exhausted. I have ten days left of tax season, and then I can breathe.

But more than the end of tax season, I'm looking forward to Holy Week and Easter. I took a five-week study of the Passion, which I was able to fit in my very busy schedule, and I'm so happy I did because it was truly amazing. You are truly amazing. The love You feel for us cannot be compared to any love we humans have ever experienced. The sacrifice that You did for us... I have no words to Thank You.

I love my children more than life. I know that if I had to, I would give my life for them. But the Passion that You endured for us... I know that my body would not be able to endure it. Only with God's grace were You able to withstand so much pain.

And all You ask of us is that we love one another as You have loved us. And we can't even manage to do that simple task correctly.

Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us how to love. Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: I'm Waiting Patiently

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
 —PSALM 27:14

Week 5: April 3, 2014

Dear Jesus:

Nothing like the early morning hours to spend some time with You. Thank You for allowing me to sleep a little longer today. For the past three days, I have woken up at 3 am. Today, I slept until 5 am, and it was enough to make me feel rested.

I have been reading a book by Max Lucado titled "God Will Carry You Through." I love it. Thank You for your servant Max Lucado who is doing your will of spreading your word throughout the world. I heard him talk at the "Women of Faith" conference in Orlando. He was very inspirational so I bought his book.

The book is based on the story of Joseph. I just finished reading the chapter called "Waiting." It's inspired on the two years that Joseph waited for the butler to remember him and mention him to the Pharaoh. Two years in which Joseph's faith grew instead of getting weaker. We humans tend to be very impatient. We want things to happen in our time but we need to learn to trust You. Things will happen in your time, not ours.

Patience. It's such a difficult virtue.

Help me to be patient, Father. Help me to wait for You. Help me to be patient on every aspect of my life.

Help me to be patient as a wife.

Help me to be patient as a mother.

Help me to be patient as a daughter.

Help me to be patient as a sister.

Help me to be patient as an accountant.

Help me to be patient as a friend.

Help me to be patient today.

Help me to obtain this very difficult virtue. Show me how to be patient with myself. I don't need to be a perfectionist in everything I do.

I'm waiting patiently for You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Week 5: April 6, 2017

Dear Jesus:

I'm still trying to cultivate the virtue of patience. Thank You for being patient with me.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: You are my Guide and my Light

"Trust is a golden pathway to heaven. When you walk on this path, you live above your circumstances. My glorious Light shines more brightly on those who follow this path of Life." Sarah Young in Jesus Calling

Week 5: March 19, 2015

Dear Jesus:

Here I am visiting You in the Blessed Sacrament. I had not planned to come visit You today, but somehow, You led me here. After dealing with the heavy Miami traffic for the last hour, I needed this reprieve.

Last night, I had a really hard time falling asleep. I prayed the rosary, but it didn't help. I watched a movie, "Mom at Sixteen." I cried like an idiot but at least it calmed me down, and then I was able to sleep.

The reason why I couldn't sleep is because I'm anxious about many things. Today, I want to pray for two special intentions. The first one is related to Alex. He just applied to a program that combines Engineering and Business. It's a difficult program, and if he gets accepted, he will be 26 credits behind. But that is the least of my worries. I just want your plan for him to be fulfilled. If this is the program where You want him to end up, then please open the door and guide him in that direction. If You have something else in mind for him, then please show him what it is.

The second special intention is for Chabeli. She has decided to move out. I know she was thinking about it, but I didn't think it would happen until the summer. Now, all of a sudden, it may be happening next month. An opportunity has presented itself where she can get a fully furnished studio for a very reasonable price. It will be available by April 15th, and she needs to decide quickly. We are going to go with her tomorrow night to check out the place. Please, if this is not the right decision for her, close that door. If the place is not safe in any way, if she's going to be in any kind of danger, please open our eyes and allow us see it.

Jesus, You are my guide and my light when it comes to my children. They would not be where they are today if it wasn't for You. You have always shown us the way. Whenever we have been at a crossroad, You have led us in the right direction. I have no doubt that in these two situations, You will also help us make the right choice. I am placing all my trust on You.

I know that things will work out according to your plan. It's just that while we are in the process of making the decisions, I can't help but worry.

Keep them safe. Keep them happy. Take them by the hand and lead them on the path that will eventually take them to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Week 5: April 5, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Thank You for answering my prayers two years ago for those special intentions. Alex got accepted into the Engineering program. He took four classes that summer in order to catch up. That didn't turn out to be such a good thing, but You taught him a big lesson through some growing pains. And eventually, he ended up combining Engineering with Real Estate. If it's your will, he will graduate at the end of this year.

Chabeli moved to the studio. When we went to check it out, we couldn't find anything wrong with the place. The neighborhood was safe. There were a lot of people in the area jogging, exercising and walking. The building had a high level of security which gave me peace of mind. Even though it was a studio, it was spacious and comfortable. It was definitely a good start-up place for her. She lived there for 18 months, and now she lives in a two bedroom apartment by the Miami River. I'm proud of my girl because she has become a very responsible and independent young lady.

As I continue this Lenten journey, I place my family in your hands. Please, Jesus, protect them always. Continue to be our guide and our light.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: I Surrender

"The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps."
          -Proverbs 16:9

Week 5: April 9, 2011

Dear Jesus:

Here I am with Rafe, visiting You in the Blessed Sacrament. We are by ourselves, everyone else left... And now, Rafe has to leave too so it's just You and me. I cherish this moment in your Holy Presence.

In two weeks, we will celebrate Easter. Thank You for giving your life for us. Thank You for conquering death. Thank You for staying with us in the Eucharist.

Thank You for the gift of faith. Thank You for walking this journey with me. Thank You for never abandoning me. Thank You for all the blessings that You bestow upon me each and every day.

Thank You for teaching me to trust You, even when I couldn't understand. When the road bended and twisted through the unknown, You calmed the fear in my heart. When my plans were crushed and I had to learn to live an unplanned life, You were there to guide me and to lead me. Thank You for teaching me to live a life that is fully directed by You. Thank You for teaching me to live by your will and not mine. Thank You for teaching me to surrender all to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Week 5: April 2, 2017

Dear Jesus:

It's funny that after all this time, after all we've been through together, after all You've taught me, I still try to take control of my life once in a while. And every time, You crush my plans and You lead me in a totally different direction. You would think I would have gotten the message by now, but I'm so stubborn, that I still attempt to plan.

Last year was a perfect example. I was planning our trip to Eastern Europe to the last minute detail. But You had a different plan for us. You crushed our plans, and sent us to Italy instead. I'm not complaining, it was wonderful. But to arrange it in three weeks put me totally on edge. I wish my level of trust was at the level that I could just allow You to lead without planning in advance. But of course, I just can't. I can't fathom traveling without knowing where I'm going to spend the night. Some people actually do that. And I admire them. But that's just not me. I did allow You more control than I usually do, so I ended up making changes in the middle of the trip. And it was pretty awesome to discover the places that You took us to. Even getting lost, and encountering angels on our path was breathtaking.

This year, I made the decision to surrender all to You. But I'm beginning to get antsy because not much is happening. It's awesome to sit at your feet and just rest. But I feel that I should be planning something. I'm more of a Martha than a Mary. When I sit at your feet too long, I get restless. I need to know what I'm going to do tomorrow. I need to know where I will be three months from now. Of course, I know that the minute I begin to plan, You will interfere and change everything. So, what's the point?

In two weeks we will celebrate Easter. Show me what You want me to do for You during the Easter Season.

I surrender all to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Here I am, Lord

"I have come to do your will.”
                   -Hebrews 10:9

Week 5: March 28, 2009

Dear Jesus:

Here I am, Lord! I have come to do your will.

I am here in the chapel at Manresa Retreat House keeping You company. I am in front of the Blessed Sacrament, where You are truly present in body and blood. I have come to be with You for a few hours.

First and foremost, I would like to pray for the Emmaus retreat that is taking place right now. I would like to pray for Gema and Ivonne who are facilitating this retreat. Allow them, Jesus, to be transparent so that the retreatants can see You through them. Allow them to lead and unite the team so that together they can represent your whole body. I want to pray for the team so that each one of them can perform the task that they have been assigned with great love. Allow them Jesus to be the best "mouth" or the best "ear" or the best "hand." It doesn't matter if they are a Martha or a Mary. You need them all. I would like to pray for the retreatants. May they open up their ears to hear your message. May they open up their hearts to make You the center of their lives. Allow them to realize that true peace and happiness can only be found in You.

The next thing that I would like to pray for is my family. Thank You for Rafe, my husband, partner, and best friend for the last 28 years. Thank You for giving me the best possible person to walk this journey with me. Guide him in his job to do the best possible work, to always be honest, and to show integrity in everything he does. Help him in his duties as a father. It is not an easy job but he is doing a wonderful one. He loves the kids, he disciplines them when he needs to, he plays with them, and he has their best interest at heart. God, I pray that You keep him healthy, strong, and always by my side. It would be very difficult to walk this journey without him.

Lord, thank You for my children. They are the best gift that You could have ever given me. Please, Jesus, keep them healthy, safe, and pure. Please, keep them out of harm's way. I know that You have a plan for each one of them. Help them to follow that plan. Take them by the hand and lead them. Rafe and I will attempt not to get in your way. Allow us to understand what it is that we must do to guide them but not obstruct. I hand them over to You. I entrust them to You every day. Please give me a daily reassurance that You are in control and that they are walking in the right direction.

Last, I would like to pray for myself because I usually neglect moi. I place myself at your feet, Jesus. Allow me to be a good wife and mother. Give me the wisdom to be able to guide my family through the right path, the one that will lead them to You. Thank You, for the morning walks with Rafe, because little by little, You have become a part of those walks. At first, we used to walk mostly in silence. Then, we began to pray. Then, we added gospel discussions to our walks. And now, we are even doing the rosary. It's truly amazing how much we can accomplish in four miles. 

I also want to ask You to give me the time and courage to follow my vocation through my writings. I have been doing the 48 steps to Easter and it has been an awesome journey. I don't know if it has helped anyone, but it has certainly helped me. And for that, I am grateful. Help me to find the right balance between my career, my personal life, and my passion to write. And please, remain at the center of my life because with You in the middle, I can keep all the balls in the air. Thank You for always staying with me in the good and in the bad. 

I love You, Jesus!!!

Week 5: April 1, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Here I am, Lord! I have come to do your will.

I love You, Jesus!!!