Anniversary

7 Years

of the handmaids

From last year's daily message

March 29, 2004

 
From the Florida Site

March 29, 2004

two handmaids

March 29, 2004

March 29, 2004

March 29, 2004

March 29, 2004

Handmaids of the Good Shepherd

  October 13, 2003

Emily L.

 
How Being a Member of Shepherds of Christ Changed My Life

Walking the aisle with that vision so deep in the heart, of a bride in her brilliant, pure white dress, white radiant veil, and white roses in her hair, ready to meet her Bridegroom. What words can express the intensity of that moment - everyday walking to the altar to be wed to the Almighty God?

The moment of reception, after receiving the Almighty God, the Divine Bridegroom of the soul. For isn't it, indeed, a "reception" after the wedding, for within my heart I dance with my precious Spouse as He sings of His ardent love. And what words can describe the embrace of the King of Heaven, the dancing to His heartfelt voice, the longing to express the burning love as He gives Himself so completely? Our Bridegroom is with us at every second, as we walk, talk, eat, drive, sing. He sits there as we read His tender letters of love, with His beating Heart feeling such emotion in each word that we read and smiling on us with the most gentle, sweet love. What words can describe the excitement of that moment - a new bride so over-flowing with vibrant life as she sits next to her Lover outpouring Himself?

What words can describe this love from a Mother that leads us to such a union with God?

What words can satisfy the burning within the soul to express the depth to which we feel for this Movement?

All this far surpasses the little terms we could use to say what has been imprinted on our hearts.

So many gifts given from heaven: the morning offering and consecration, the precious Blue Books and Daily Messages, the Rosary Book and the Children's Rosary Book, all the tools for intimacy with Jesus, the Mass, the Eucharist and the word, the Juniors, the 6:20 prayers, the joys and the sufferings, the love and the graces, the beautiful apostles, handmaids, servants, and Fred. ( I love you guys a whole lot!! )

From death to life I've traveled on my journey in the Shepherds of Christ, with constant death - resurrections, but the knowledge of God and the great union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother are beyond all words.

It's such an ache to write this letter because it doesn't even scratch the surface. I could go on forever and it seems like I am. What a gift, this tremendous LIFE in Him that He has revealed through the Shepherds of Christ!

And what words can truly express it?

  
  

 

January 13, 2004

  

 

October 13, 2003

  

Doris J.

What has Shepherds of Christ and being a Handmaid done for my life and for my relationship with Jesus?

I first heard of Shepherds of Christ from a letter received concerning a rosary gathering at Tom’s Farm in October 1996. My family already had plans for the 13^th. When I received a notice for November 13^th my brother and I went not knowing much about Shepherds of Christ, but if it was praying the rosary-it had to be good. It was the most powerful rosary I ever attended. I didn’t go for several months, but felt drawn to this ministry and compelled to pray the prayers and read the blue books. Jesus was talking directly to me through them and it was great.

Jesus has always worked slowly in my heart. Pain and suffering in my early adult life brought me to realize that God was the only one I could turn to in my need. God alone was my strength.

In July 1997, news came that the department where I worked was being phased out by the parent company on the east coast. I was disenchanted with my job and I only continued working there to live, so I wasn’t concerned about the lack of a job.

During this same time, I felt pulled in my heart to pray with Shepherds of Christ as a body. I was shy and I would just come, sit, pray and be silent, not really talking to anyone very much.

I knew from my childhood that I would never marry. The pull Jesus had on me was stronger than the world’s, though I didn’t realize the source. For the past year I had become closer to Jesus and I felt what I would do with my life, next, would be for him alone.

On August 13, 1998, I went to China, Indiana, to the monthly rosary knowing something was going to happen-but not knowing what. During the rosary the president of Shepherds of Christ started reading a letter from Jesus about women being called as handmaids and their way of life. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit descend on my head and I was glad to be sitting. I knew Jesus was calling me to become a handmaid, a call that I had been waiting patiently for, for over two years.

After the rosary I acted on the Holy Spirit’s prompting immediately-knowing if I didn’t, I would find excuses not to. Jesus’ hand is very strong in my life. I was accepted as a candidate for a handmaid within a few days and gave two weeks notice at work. I found myself in Clearwater, Florida, within three weeks.

As a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd my life is very prayerful and very one on one with Jesus as His spouse. He is the Bridegroom of my Soul. Just being with him after Mass and in front of the tabernacle is candy to my soul and leaves me speechless. Being a handmaid has brought the joy, love and peace of my Divine Bridegroom into my life to an extent I didn’t even know could exist.

He calls me to constant change and growth. I cannot remain the same, for my life and love for him would stagnate. I live to serve him. I have only scratched the surface of the depth to which my soul craves union with my Lord and Savior. Any life in God is hard work, but the rewards are unbounded.

Jesus loves each and everyone of us on a personal level. He died on the cross to save each soul. He, the living God, is truly waiting in the tabernacle for us, to love us, if we would only come and sit with him.

Since my move to Clearwater, Florida, in 1998, I have recently traveled to China, Indiana, for a stay and I am currently in Morrow, Ohio, doing the work Jesus has called me to do. Jesus knows where I will be next, even though I do not.

There is nothing boring about being on Jesus’ roller coaster. The ride is into eternity! I can’t wait to see you there!
     

January 13, 2004

   

October 13, 2003

  
Kathleen W.

 I give my heart to Jesus and Mary with you in love! I write this for the honor and glory of God and in thanksgiving to Jesus for calling me to this Movement.

Jesus says in St. John's Gospel, "You did not choose me, no, I chose you…" Jn 15:16.

What a calling! To be chosen to be a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd! His special spouse! The spouse of THE KING & CREATOR of the Universe!

WOW! And a Movement personally directed by Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!

Words cannot express all I would like to say. Since 1st grade I wanted to be a nun. I saw the nuns at my school and I wanted to be like them. Unfortunately growing up... all the peer pressure in school and the struggles of young adulthood took away any hope of being a nun. I followed the ways of the world and left Jesus out of my life.

During my senior year of nursing, the seed of pursuing a religious vocation sprang up again in my heart. I started attending daily Mass as often as I could, and Mary our Mother was bringing me closer to Jesus. My 1st choice was Mother Teresa's Order, however, that didn't happen for me.

After graduation from nursing school I went to a Bible Institute Retreat at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there, I attended a Baptism of the Spirit Seminar and felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit.

That fall, in 1996, I went back to Ohio for another retreat, and while I was in the chapel one evening, I picked up God's Blue Book II and read a message on Communion from Jesus. I almost fell out of my pew! The message touched me deep in my heart. Thankfully, I was able to take the book home. the messages were awesome! I never knew of having such an intimate relationship with Jesus!

I started spending an hour everyday after Mass. I joined the Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart and later started a Shepherds of Christ Prayer Chapter. I got the other Blue Books, the rosary book and rosary tapes. I felt so committed to praying the prayers and the rosary mediations were so powerful! I thank Jesus and Mary for all these revelations!

I heard about the handmaids in 1998, while ordering through the Shepherds of Christ. I was really interested in them. I thought maybe this is where God is calling me. I kept praying to do His will.

Jesus, in His time, made it all work out. When we give our lives to Jesus, He can do more than we could ever ask for or imagine! Jesus loves us!

I feel so blessed and privileged to be in the formation of being a handmaid! Thank you, my Father, for this Movement and all the beautiful people in it! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your tremendous work in my soul! Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me for this special calling. And like Mary, my life is a continuous FIAT. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." and "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  

 

January 13, 2004

  

October 13, 2003

  
Rosie R.

How has Shepherds of Christ changed my life?

The first time I opened God's Blue Book, I knew that Jesus was speaking to me! The message was just what I needed that day!

I had not attended daily Mass since Catholic High School, approximately 30 years previous. MY PRAYER LIFE had been practically non-existent -- attending Sunday Mass and calling on God during trials. In fact, the threat of my husband dying of cancer took me back to praying the rosary and praying novenas to the Blessed Mother. After he died I was at a loss, for I considered him my "rock". For the first time ever in my life, I began praying to do God's will. I had a career, but I felt in my heart that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my working life.

I was invited by a friend to make a Cursillo weekend and without hesitation, said yes. Following the grace-filled weekend, I entered the chapel for adoration and picked up the Blue Book, which I had ignored for weeks. I immediately fell in love with Jesus and my life began to change! With the help of Jesus through the Blue Book, along with daily Mass and Holy Communion and spending time after Communion with Jesus and time in prayer, I was able to work through my depression, which I had even denied existed.

After giving out many Blue Books to relatives and friends, I received an invitation to attend the first monthly Shepherds of Christ national prayer meeting at Tom A's farm held on October 13, 1996, with Rita leading a Live Rosary. I felt drawn to every meeting after that, and soon found myself in the core group at Morrow, Ohio, attending weekly prayer meetings with Live Rosaries. Through the use of the Blue Books, mostly in front of the tabernacle, weekly prayer meetings, and rosaries at Morrow, I have grown closer to Jesus than I ever thought possible.

I thank Jesus every day for His many graces and the deep love that He gives me to draw me closer and closer to Him. I also thank my spiritual Mother, Mary, with all my heart for her help when I turned to her in desperation and for the help she's given me throughout my life.

As an apostle working in Florida at Our Lady's Image Site, I have a great opportunity to spread the light and love of Christ to all I meet!!!
  
 

October 13, 2003

  

Sheila W.

Written January 14, 2000

Jesus has led me gently and gradually into closer union with Him through Shepherds of Christ. From the Prayer for Union that I found in church, to the first time I read a Blue Book, to my first 13th meeting, to starting a prayer chapter in my parish, He has patiently led me into doing things I didn’t know I could do.

I have loved Shepherds of Christ from the beginning because I have experienced Jesus' guidance in a special way.

And here I am, a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd, being a spouse of Jesus, loving and serving Him here in China, Indiana. For many years, I wanted to work for Jesus in the Church, but didn’t know how.

The daily Mass and holy hour were a part of my life before I knew about Shepherds of Christ or the Blue Books. Reading the Blue Book for the first time confirmed what I was already doing and gave me the direction on how to spend that hour with Jesus before the tabernacle.

During the last few years of my working days, I looked forward to the time off so I could spend it with Jesus before the tabernacle. I purposely did my housework during the weeknights so I could have Saturday totally free to spend with Him before the tabernacle.

So, to be here in China, where I can focus totally on Jesus, loving and adoring Him in the Eucharist, and helping to send out His newsletters and filling the orders, is a dream come true for me.

Being a handmaid has been a joy and a challenge. A joy to know this is God’s will for me and a challenge to change myself and to let go of the things I am attached to.

I am now sitting before Jesus, in the exposed Blessed Sacrament, and I am thankful to Him that He has fulfilled my heartfelt wish to be able to love and serve Him 24 hours a day and to adore Him in the Eucharist.

I am also grateful to Jesus for letting me work with the most selfless people who are in Shepherds of Christ. They are always willing to help me out when I need them and go the extra mile to make things easier for me. It is a blessing to be in this family called Shepherds of Christ.

I am also thankful for my friends back home who have been a great support to me, who have prayed for me and helped me to move to China.

On the 13ths, when everyone is gathered for the rosary here in China, I look at the people and I feel a connection in my heart to all of them, to my friends from Jasper and my Shepherds of Christ family and I thank Jesus for loving me through these beautiful people.

And I thank Jesus for leading me to the Shepherds of Christ and for teaching me so many things, especially how to be a better spouse of the Lamb. It is my heartfelt desire to be united with Him forever and He is continuing to lead me there a step at a time. I love Him with all my heart and I love the Shepherds of Christ Movement.

Sheila W.

       

January 13, 2004

  

October 13, 2003

  

January 13, 2004

  

October 13, 2003

  

January 13, 2004

    

October 13, 2003

  

October 13, 2003

  

October 13, 2002

  
Margaret C.

How Shepherds of Christ Has Changed My Life

In midsummer of 1996, after receiving some material from a friend, I asked people to help form a Shepherds of Christ prayer chapter. I requested and obtained our Pastor's permission to expose the Blessed Sacrament nightly for our prayer gatherings. I also began making monthly pilgrimages to China, Indiana, for the special prayer service on the 13th of each month and a bit later, for the three-day retreats with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The teachings, prayers, love letters, and way of life given to us by Jesus through His Shepherds of Christ Movement helped me realize that I held erroneous views about my faith and God's ways. I recognized too, that I had developed several unChrist-like habits. As ridiculous as it sounds now, the discovery that I could not make myself holy by hard work and perseverance, was quite an insight. But these disconcerting conclusions were accompanied by the refreshing realization that I was made to be totally dependent upon my Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, and Heavenly Mother for all things -- including my sanctification. I came to understand that I needed an increased dependency:

On God the Father for His mercy, grace and the manifestation of His will for me,

On Jesus for His example, word, Sacrifice of the Mass, Sacraments, and Shepherds of Christ teachings,

On the Holy Spirit for His gifts and transforming action,

On Mary, my Mother for her protection, modeling and intercession.

The fact that all these gifts are free for my taking, will never cease to amaze me.

The pace with which self dies and gives way to Christ would be discouraging if it were not for the infinite, unconditional love and patience Jesus has for each soul, the explicit guidance He provides us on how to become more like Himself, and His generous promises. Jesus' love, expressed most vividly for me in His Incarnation, Passion, death, Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, provides the impetus I need to forever plead and beg for God's transforming action in me.

The stations and the rosary prayed as Jesus and Mary request, have made Their lives so real and made me increasingly aware that Their lives were always shaped by love for God the Father, for each Other, and for souls. I often now place myself at the scene of the mystery or station, and find myself asking questions, seeking counsel, expressing gratitude, or making a request or Act of Contrition. I have come to recognize that the slightest lack of love between my brother and myself is offensive to God and my Mother and that it distances me from Them. I have come to equate the lives of Jesus and Mary with a never-ending "fiat" -- some prayed tearfully, some joyfully, but all said unconditionally. This unending and uninterrupted fiat has become a source of great inspiration. While I believe it is rarely if ever attained in this life, I know that Jesus has set this as a goal for the members of His Movement. Stations, rosary and the messages from Jesus and Mary have also convinced me that working as a co-redeemer with Jesus and Mary is not only an essential component of Christianity but a privilege that allows us to truly share Divinity.

One of my favorite lessons is the channeling of grace and mercy from the Father, and the reverse channeling of our prayers to Him. A second favorite is the instructions Jesus has given us for more effectively offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. These two lessons have substantially affected my prayer life. I still frequently find myself trying to devise my own strategies, my own goals, my own time table; but when I catch myself doing so, I at least now recognize the absurdity of such self-direction and the wisdom of using the fool-proof methods identified by Jesus and Mary in the Shepherds of Christ Movement.

So with the grace of God I intend to daily nestle in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary through frequent consecration, learn to listen with my heart to Their counsel, beg for Their help to discern the Father's will, and join Them in praying "fiat".

Oh Jesus and Mary, I'll need eternity to begin to thank You for the lessons You are teaching me and the call and mission You have given me as a member of Shepherds of Christ. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I give to each of You, my body, my heart, mind and soul. I place my trust in You.

  

Margaret's funeral in China, Indiana

           

Excerpt from September 26, 2003 message

Messenger:        We prayed in China every 13th.

                            Margaret Mary drove down on the
                                13th every month to go to
                                China.

                            Margaret Mary, thank you for all
                                you've done for the Shepherds of Christ
                                Movement.

                            Without you we would have not
                                been able to do many things.

                            We love you.

September 26, 2003 message continues

Messenger:        Margaret died and her funeral is right
                                before the month of the Holy Rosary.

                            She dedicated herself to the Rosary Factory
                                in Florida.

                            She built the vestment shop with the
                                help of Steve and Sheila in the last
                                months of her life.

                            Margaret Mary answered the call of 
                                Jesus.

                            Margaret Mary is a handmaid of 
                                the Lord, a handmaid of
                                the Good Shepherd.

September 26, 2003 message continues

Messenger:        The last time I talked to Margaret Mary
                                I was on the phone in the vestment shop
                                sitting at the desk, it was late, maybe
                                10:40 p.m. September 21, 2003 eve of 
                                September 22 anniversary when they opened
                                up Father Carter and found out he had cancer
                                She was in the hospital at the 
                                Mayo Clinic when I talked to her —
                                I told her I was in the vestment shop ————

                            We never know how it will be, but life is
                                short and we should live it as God
                                wants every moment of our lives.

end of excerpt September 26, 2003 message

        

March 29, 2004 message continues

Jesus speaks:     Come and follow Me says the Lord —
                            I will make you fishers of men.

Messenger:         Into your hands, I commend my spirit
                                Oh Lord
                            Lest I never be put to shame —

Jesus speaks:     Oh how I watch you My child,
                                I give you My life,
                                Feel My presence with you —

Messenger:         I went to the ocean and saw the beauty
                                of the waves at sea —
                                I saw all the wonderful works
                                    in the market place —
                                I saw beauty and light —

                            A city sleeping —
                                The night of darkness —
                                The sounds of angels singing —
                                The quiet breath of a baby at their
                                    mother's breast —

                                The quiet sounds of life —
                                    Life in Him —
                                    Softness and surrender —
                                    Light and Peace —

                                A Sound of waves rushing on the shore —
                                    of waves breaking on rocks —
                                    of wind whistling in the trees —
                                    of darkness in the sky on what
                                    was once a sunny day —

                                    Light — dark
                                    Calm — Commotion
                                    Peace — Attack

                            Oh that one could battle the softness of
                                a sunlit morning, the coos of
                                a baby, the eyes so pure and
                                appearing heavenly —

                            Oh the goldness of the face of Jesus
                                on the window — I felt a warmth

  March 29, 2004

March 29, 2004 message continues

Messenger:             a softness a protection and in
                                the morning, His (the image of His face)
                                once gold face was mirror like — beautiful
                                with the rainbow color He (His image)
                                wore that morning.

August 5, 2001

March 29, 2004 message continues

Messenger:         Oh quiet surrender to our God —
                            Oh light of day so brilliantly bright and
                                beautiful, but our day is full
                                of problems we must face in
                                the service of God — in loving
                                Him and others in the way
                                He calls.

Jesus speaks:     I ask My photographers to focus on
                                My face. Make the beautiful
                                pictures with My pilgrims
                                and My face.

                            Pray for the urgent intention for I
                                so desire this and pray for all
                                involved.

                            Oh My garment is gold — for I am
                                a King, the hues of My face's
                                image Kingly —
                                Light reflects on the blacktop
                                from My face adorned with
                                radiance and many will not see.

January 5, 2003

March 29, 2004 message continues

Jesus speaks:      I am Jesus, King of the Kingdom,
                                I am the tree of life —
                                I am He who gives you life —
                                I appear in the garden in
                                Clearwater.

                            Remember the Burning Bush
                                in the beginning of the Bible

March 29, 2004

March 29, 2004 message continues

Jesus speaks:      Remember Me and My words given
                                to you here.

                            I was born a carpenter's son on this
                                earth.

                            I came on bare wood —
                            I died on a bare cross, a tree —
                            I carried a wood cross —
                            I spoke of the fig tree and you did
                                not comprehend ———
                            They crowned Me with thorns.

                            I am the potter — you are the clay —
                            I make the ocean and it's waves follow
                                My commands

                            Who am I that this would happen —

                            I have laced the dark velvet sky
                                with My stars from heaven —

                            I have painted the moon and
                            Set fire to the sun —
                            I have given you the beauty of the earth
                            And the fish that swim in the sea —

                            I know man —
                            I love him —
                            I do not forget him —
                            I watch the sinful ways —
                            I watch those who follow Me —

                            the sun rises and sets on all —
                                to see the ball of fire and
                                radiance of light for you to
                                see —

                            I call the night daily and she comes
                                and the stars twinkle as I call
                                them in lights of fire for you
                                to see

                            Oh a city sleeps —
                            I do not slumber or sleep, My child,
                                I am ever attentive to your ways.

                            Some ways are so selfish —
                            Some ways are so mean —
                            Some ways are so good and kind and living —

                            Who do you think you are that you
                                can ignore Me your God, the
                                Creator, the One Who loves you
                                so intently.

                            Oh weep Jerusalem for the little children
                                and hear the message your
                                Mother delivers  

Mary's Message
from the Rosary of August 27, 1996

Mary speaks:  I stood beneath the cross of my Son, and my Heart was in such pain for I saw Him before my eyes. I saw Him covered with blood. I saw Him die. My Heart, my children, my Heart to watch my Son, but my Heart, my Heart, how I suffered for my little children of the world that give in to this world and give up the love of my Son. O my little children of light, I give you this message. Carry this light into the darkness for your Mother Mary, for I stood beneath the cross and I cried. I cried for the little ones. I cried for the young ones, the ones that do not care and will lose their souls. How do I make you see for you will not listen to me? What can I do? I come. I appear. I beg. I plead. I give you these gifts from my Son, and you reject me. I do not deliver messages very often anymore for I have been ignored. The message is the same. You do not read the messages I have given to you. Please help me. Help the little children. I appear. I appear. I appear, and I am ignored. I stood beneath the cross, and I cried. I cried, and my Heart was in such anguish for my little children, for I am searching for them this day as I searched for the Child Jesus. Please, please help me. I cannot hold back the hand of my Son any longer. I am Mary, your Mother. I ask you to help my children. You are my children of light.

end of Mary's Message, August 27, 1996  

March 29, 2004 message continues

Jesus speaks:      Oh cry Jerusalem —
                                the children are being led by
                                a boat to a dark sea —
                                there they are taught to feast
                                on the pleasures of the night —
                                there they know not, many of
                                them, about their heavenly
                                Father and Mother Mary.

  
                            Oh a new week
                            Oh a new day —

                            If you live a senseless life what good
                                have you accomplished for Me.

                            Oh you think you are so wise —
                            Many so haughty —
                            Many so "cute" they think
                            with their focus on money and
                            good friends and allurements for
                            sexual pursuits.

                            Do you need constant stimulation?

                            I speak and I am ignored.

                            You do senseless things you assign
                                yourself and ignore Me.

Messenger:         Oh Light of heaven
                            Shine on the thankless race —
                            Come and impart your grace
                            to us that we may taste
                            and be filled with joy.

                            For Joy is found in the Savior.
                            Joy is found in Him.

Jesus speaks:      I never want you to lose
                                your way.

                            I appear in gold for you
                                to see.

                            I give you My face.

March 29, 2004

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