BIG DISCOVERY!!!

I’ve known about Leeland’s existence since they released their first record, but I’ve never taken the time to really learn more about them. Today, I was surfing on MySpace and began listening to some of their songs. I was just blown away by the Catholic value of some of their songs, especially “Carried to the Table.” Do yourself a huge favor & give them a listen.

In personal news, on Thursday, my boyfriend and I celebrated three months together. I can’t believe how much I have grown as a person since I entered this relationship. So often, I feel like I’m living in a miracle, a fairy tale, a dream. The beautiful power of real love astounds me like nothing but the Lord has astounded me (- and the Lord is Love). Josh has taught me so much about life and about God by his words and actions, and he feels the same about me. Probably one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced is when Josh and I are kneeling together after receiving Holy Communion, with such a great amount of joy in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. I have never loved anyone like I love Joshua.

Part of the blessing of this relationship has been how God has humbled me. Young adulthood really hits you when you realize the power of hormones, the struggle to stay chaste, and what chastity means. It makes you re-examine what you have been taught in theory and you are challenged to put all of your beliefs into real practice. I thank God that He has blessed me with a Catholic boyfriend who understands that struggle, and never wants to pressure me into doing something I don’t want to do. That being said, we still struggle.

I’ve come to realize the importance of picking yourself up when you fall spiritually. Confession has been one of the greatest blessings these past three months, and I’m so grateful to our university chaplain and my other confessors for truly being Christ in word and deed during the celebration of the Sacrament of Mercy. The Eucharist has also taken on a new meaning with all the things I’ve learned the past 93 days. The love of Christ becomes ever more unfathomable when you find yourself in love with another human being. The enormous strength of love that can exist between two sinful creatures pales in comparison to the glorious and EVER so merciful Love between Christ and His Church, His people. Yes, never before have I felt so unworthy to receive the Lord, and never before has receiving Communion been so great a gift. Words simply cannot capture all that I feel on this subject.

How great is our God, how wonderful His love. How mysterious, that He should wish us to spread His Perfect Love. This song describes perfectly the lesson that Abba has taught me:

Carried to the Table {by Leeland}

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me

Words & Music by Leeland Dayton Mooring, Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd / © 2006 Meaux Mercy (BMI) / Meaux Hits / Never Say Never Songs (ASCAP) / New Spring (ASCAP). All rights for the world on behalf of Never Say Never Songs administered by New Spring (ASCAP) / Meaux Mercy / Blue Raft Music (BMI)