First Encouragement

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As my first encouragement to you, please allow me a moment to open my heart to you. How fitting it is that Fr. Mark has asked me to begin this ministry on the Feast Day of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, who not only had a deep devotion to God but also gave of herself through loving service to others.

I also want to affirm that I will offer my daily prayers and sacrifices for you all to the altar of God through Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Mary, Our Immaculate Mother.

I know this may sound too easy as far as growing in an intimate relationship with God, but it’s like the rosary challenge: pray one rosary a day for a month and see what happens to you. Well, this morning salutation to God is like that. Do it for one month every morning before any other thoughts and see what God does. It’s exciting.

I like to encourage you: every morning, as soon as your eyes awake from sleep and before the daily worries and responsibilities start flooding in, say five simple words: “Good morning, Daddy, thank you.”

Why? What does this mean?

In saying this short prayer, “Good morning, Daddy,” you are acknowledging that you are a child of God and your daily openness to Him.

In saying, “thank you,” you are giving God glory and praise for everything He has done and everything He will do.

But, in calling God “Daddy,” you are telling Him, I am your child and I need you. No matter how much I squirm and try to run away in my selfishness, I love you, Daddy.

God bless you.