Written By: Deanna Marie Battista
Welcome blue ribbons! You’ve got mail. With this letter from heaven, the angels sent us a very important message about discernment towards vices, distractions and those of worldly things that can dazzle our gaze away from our creator. We will talk about how important it is to withstand from such temptations, and how to rid ourselves of the things we think we are supposed to amass within this world; and instead become well acquainted with the truest of treasures we are meant to pile up in heaven. With wax candles meticulously placed in such delicate buttercream frosting and spongy vanilla cake layers, it can be the hardest of guilty pleasures to resist. “Guilty” being the operative word. When we stick to the discipline of what is expected of us from heaven, we not only can grow into the fullest potential of ourselves but even more so plie our way towards the grace that so many of us lose, because of the lights we are convinced that are somehow brighter towards the dark than what we see when looking towards the sky. We have to immerse ourselves with the good so we can know what more good to seek. The beatitudes come to mind within this realm of truth we will enter together. To not simply wish on stars, or dare to “manifest” the things we crave and want most in this paradise; we have to pray! And more so than strengthening our resolve, to greatly impact our communication and prayer life with Christ. We absolutely have to find to follow those that can teach us more about our Father in heaven and about ourselves too. To turn towards his face without hiding behind the shadows that some of us dance underneath with the moonlight close behind out of fear or shame. To beckon the right attitude to keep and also impart. It is the most potent gift our Lord has to offer. To be able to not only share our love for him, but to be able to seek and find others that do as well. So no matter where you are on your journey, a beginner, a scholar or someone that has drifted away from God or never was introduced to him. Let me share with you the sweetest words no slice of birthday cake could ever compare to. In the book of Matthew 5:1-12 “ When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.’ ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.’ ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.’ ‘Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” The beatitudes are truly the blueprint to life. So within the day to day and the bustle of filled schedules, meetings, work, taking care of family and appointments, let us note the time we put in within the things we have to do that falls under the category of responsibilities and also compare that to the time we put in for the things we want to do that falls under the category of time management; to make time for those things. We can’t go one single day without thinking of God. If you could, I would suggest not going a single hour. But to get into the right routine and practice in always having an open line and dialogue with God, note that it doesn't have to be perfect. Just waking up every morning and saying thank you for this day is several steps in the right direction towards the treasure map your soul needs. Instead of collecting things here on earth that we can all become guilty of (me included) let us not become desolate within having poverty of spirit. Let us make those appointments, seize the day, go to work, take care of our families, make time for the things we love but more so, make a point to tell your Father what he means to you. Revel in the joy of loving our creator, not turning away from him in the name of pain. Let us all gather the necessary fruits in order to mend our souls with the ways in which this beautiful yet cruel world can tear apart and break us down. To be able to find our voices, find the pieces of our hearts that we may have lost. Within trauma or lost loves; let’s truly beckon the words and the ways of which we are meant to find and follow Christ. No matter how many leaps in the air it takes. We can do it! We can climb that mountain. We can heal from any and all wounds. We can forgive the trespasses that were done against us. We can grow into the very best version of ourselves. There is nothing we can’t do with God. We have to find the right tools and people that can elevate this sentiment so we especially don’t lose it ourselves. So with those gathering around the table to sing a familiar song, just like every year; the wishes that will be chosen and blown out with these candles won’t reflect my heart's desires. Not like my prayers, whispers and tears can that I give to God. No. With these candles and with the bright color and array of a single shade of blue, I will simply reach within my heart and let out a butterfly that says I love you. From the little girl I was all those years ago, another number I can adorn and proudly wear. For the little girl that grew up way faster than she should have, the butterfly is for her, the I love you is for the girl I turned into now, and the candles that don’t have to be lit to brighten up my face I give to God. Because through him, with him, and within me I can now be my own light in this dark world. And with that my dearest of blue ribbons I give to you, of course wrapped in envelopes and sent from my keyboard the angels have ignited within my spirit for each of yours. Until the next letter from heaven falls down from the clouds above, let us dance our way through the healing, align ourselves with the map that God has left us for us to use without causing more ways to hurt. Especially away from more ways to sin, and let us become angelic ballerinas in the sky spreading God’s word by embracing it first and becoming the reflection not even the stars could shine enough to compare to. The truest of treasures. Knowing who you are and who you belong to!
Absolutely beautiful 🩵