Can You Text Me Directions?

by

Bonnie Young Crandall,

lay apostle of Jesus

Christ

the Returning King

ISBN: 978-0-9835597-9-5

© Copyright 2013 Bonnie Young Crandall

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing of Bonnie Young.

Publisher:

Gabriel Press

Chicago, IL

http://www.gabrielpressusa.com

Printer:

Bookmasters

30 Amberwood Parkway

Ashland, OH 44805

http://www.bookmasters.com

Artwork by:

Taylor Lewis

(cover/back)

Taylor Lewis Photography

http://www.TLPhotos.net

Want more info? Check out:

www.directionforourtimes.org

(Download the Volumes for free!)

Bonnie’s blog: Adventures of a Lay Apostle

www.ftmyerslayapostles.blogspot.com

Bonnie’s eBook: Heavenly Healing

To my boys of 2012

Jay, Connor and Colton

Table of Contents

Foreword by Anne, a lay apostle

Who Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

Jared, AZ

The Virtue of Prudence

Jacinta, OK

Joseph, Philippines

The Virtue of Justice

Megan, TX

David, IL

The Virtue of Fortitude

Ryan, Ireland

John, OH

The Virtue of Faith

Taylor, FL

Mallorie, DC

Whitney, FL

Justin, IL

S.M.

The Virtue of Moderation/Temperance

Emily, OH

James, MO

Eli

The Virtue of Hope

Tim, FL

Kristina, TX

Amber, OH

Maire, OH

The Virtue of Charity/Love

Caitlin, OH

Andrew, MI

Nabil, Egypt

The School of Holiness

In Gratitude

Heaven Speaks to Young Adults

Foreword

“Be yourself, your beautiful self,” urged Pope John Paul II to young people. Can You Text Me Directions? features young people communicating honestly to us their doubts, struggles and also triumphs. With candour and courage they have offered a crisply developed snapshot of Christianity in contemporary society.  We cannot help but be encouraged and edified by the evidence of God’s love in these young Catholics. The call of the Shepherd echoing in their hearts is one we recognise. With God’s grace, we will answer as these young people have answered.

In the following pages, Bonnie manages the testimonies and stories deftly and respectfully. Reading these words will give us renewed hope, yes, but also renewed conviction that what we do for God, however small, counts!

Onward in service! Onward in love!

Anne, a lay apostle

Who Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

As children, we were usually asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up, not “who.” We all start out unblemished, wide-eyed and hopeful. Then changes begin to occur. We get taller, smarter, with increasing curiosity. Our bodies begin change so rapidly as teens, we become aware we are no longer children. Separating the signals screaming from our brain telling us we are not quite over playing with Barbie’s (or with Tonka trucks, dinosaurs, etc.) in combination with signals coming from the opposite sex, academic pressures, living our Faith, and any other life decision, well, it can be quite overwhelming. It’s very easy to become lost in the black hole of life . . . to put aside our values to “fit in” with the worldly view. Once we cross over to the dark side, it seems easier . . . less work and more play. But the reality of it all isn’t lasting. We will always fall short looking for new ways to feel better. To keep filling the “void” with everything other than God keeps us wanting more. And usually to get more, we begin to accept things we know in our hearts are wrong.

But I’ve done things I know are wrong. It’s too late for me. How could Jesus ever love me? I don’t like the “rules” placed on me to act a certain way. I like having fun, so why should I stop? It makes me feel good when  . . .

Each of us has questioned our own actions . . . decisions we’ve made based on our past or circumstances. My roller coaster childhood with a mentally ill mother manufactured a very rebellious teenager. I carried the “secret” of my mother’s condition for a long time. But the confusion of what was happening at home led me to seek alternative ways to find comfort. My first run in with alcohol was at age 15. I hated the taste, but it numbed me from the reality of what was happening behind closed doors . . . at least temporarily. That’s the key point here . . . TEMPORARILY! Unless we figure out the core problems and deal with them, nothing will ever change.  I am living proof that anyone can change and live a better life with Christ! It takes focus, effort and most importantly, God. With the messages from Jesus through Anne, a lay apostle, I have learned to trust Him completely in everything . . . relationships, finances, health . . . and learned not to take the negativity of others personally. I realized I didn’t have to be the “cool” girl in order to have fun. Once you develop a relationship with Christ, you free yourself from those personas and attract likeminded people. And this is the kicker . . . I have learned not to care what others think of me! Can I tell you something? He has never let me down since I gave up control.

This book contains people just like you (ages range from 15 to 32) making changes you can easily accomplish. Does it require any particular talents? No! You have everything you need right at your very fingertips. And, it may seem there is no way you can accomplish what the people in this book have accomplished, but guess what? They have all been where you are in one way or another. It took Jesus to help them figure the way out. And the good news? There is a way out of any situation, any dilemma, any despair. All it takes is one simple “yes” to Jesus. Then follow His instructions. He will lead you to a happier, healthier, humble life. Jesus will lift all the fear, anxiety, pressure, and worry.  He will take all your negative thoughts and turn them into new outlooks, peace, calm, content, and confidence!

My advice is to read one testimony each day (or night). Read it . . . and as you do, put yourself in their skin. Feel the struggle or need each was experiencing or continues to experience. Then, see how choosing Jesus was the beginning of their recovery. Some only searched for a better understanding of how to fit Christ in their life . . . and some had strayed so far from Him, it took true willpower and grace to detach from what the world considers “in” or “trendy.” So, now we get into the good stuff . . . virtues. First, let’s start with the definition of a virtue. Dictionary.com defines it this way: 1. moral excellence; goodness; righteousness. 2. conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; uprightness; rectitude.

Basically, it’s all about making good choices. Did you know there are many different virtues one should strive to possess? Sounds like a lot of pressure, right? Actually, it’s not as hard as you think. Let’s take a look at what is considered a virtue.

(Note: You will see quotes from a book called the YOUCAT. From the YOUCAT website: Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) it is written for and by young people who want to know what they believe.)

YOUCAT 299: What is meant by a “virtue?”

A virtue is an interior disposition, a positive habit, a passion that has been placed at the service of the good. [CCC 1803, 1833]

“You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).” That means that we must change on our way to God. By our human abilities we can do that only in fits and starts. With His grace, God supports the human virtues and gives us, above and beyond that, the so-called supernatural virtues (➞305), which help us to come closer to God and live more securely in His light (➞ 293-294).

Throughout this book will be chapters addressing specific virtues. This book isn’t about telling you what NOT to do. You can read that anywhere. But I am going to give you some ideas (directions!) of what you can do to possess each virtue. Something to shoot for, right? Each of us is a work in progress, me included. Relish the beauty of each testimony you read. Remember heaven is the ultimate goal. And it will take commitment, faith, and love to arrive at our final destination. It will take complete reliance on Christ. Without Him, we continue to flounder in life, chasing after the next best thing, which can only deliver temporary satisfaction. With Him, we have a better chance of avoiding the pitfalls of false promises, enjoying an awesome life. It’s up to you. What will you choose?

YOUCAT 293: Why did God give us “passions” or emotions?

We have passions so that through strong emotions and distinct feelings we might be attracted to what is right and good and repelled from what is evil and bad. [CCC 1762-1766, 1771-1772]

YOUCAT 294: Is someone a sinner if he experiences strong passions within himself?

No, passions can be very valuable. They are designed to lead to and reinforce good actions; only when they are disordered do the passions contribute to evil. [1767-1770, 1773-1775]

YOUCAT 305: What are the three supernatural virtues?

The supernatural virtues are faith, hope and charity. They are called “supernatural” because they have their foundation in God, are directly related to God, and are for us men the way by which we can reach God directly. [CCC 1812-1813, 1840)

Jared, AZ

My life and faith life prior to reading the Volumes was good. I was living in California and somewhat active in the Catholic faith. I participated in youth group and attended Mass on most Sundays. My relationship with God felt good, but definitely confusing at times. I was always living in a place of guilt because I felt I didn't always follow all the teachings of the Catholic faith. I met a really famous actor in Los Angeles and became part of his “entourage” as society would call it.  I started living a somewhat celebrity lifestyle. I started working on some television shows and going to a ton of premieres and parties where I met a lot more so-called famous people. I thought it was a great life at first, full of beautiful models and the best restaurants I could never afford. I definitely felt like my beliefs didn't correlate with the lifestyle of the rich and famous and tried hard to keep my values, but definitely started making bad decisions that seemed "okay" in my head. Even though I managed to meet a ton of great people while I was in Los Angeles, I never really felt a true purpose to my life and the way I was living. All the fame and fortune was a material high, but always would be followed by a worse low. I had a few different friends lose their life during this time and others who got sucked into the bad decisions as well. I really started analyzing what was going on around me with all the wealth and people I knew really well change their behaviors and I was one of them. My brother brought some attention to Anne's books and I slowly started reading the messages she wrote while I was living this L.A. lifestyle. It was the first time I started to see a bigger picture and began to understand there was a more meaningful life than the one I was leading. Her words answered a lot of questions in my head and in my heart that I could never fully understand or make sense of.

I think the part of Direction for Our Times that really got me interested was a particular passage, but also the chance to speak with Anne. I can't remember exactly which Volume I was reading on the way from California to visit my family in New Mexico, but it definitely started on that flight. The real conversion process and love for the Volumes and messages probably started more during a Eucharist Day of Renewal retreat in Justice, IL. My family attended the entire weekend and I was out with friends the whole time and only made it to the last day of the retreat. I was somewhat stand-offish still at that point and didn't necessarily know what to believe about the messages. I went to the Mass and after Anne told my brother she wanted to meet with me and speak to me. I was definitely surprised by this because I wasn't sure why she really even knew who I was. I figured my brother had talked with her about me since he had been working with the Lay Apostle group in Ireland. At this point I was certainly nervous and intrigued to talk with her, so someone came and got me and said Anne now had time to talk. I went in to speak with Anne and right away I had a sense of relief. For some reason I felt a peace inside and felt very blessed to have time with her. The weird thing about the whole experience is I had the urge to open up to her about everything in my life, good and very bad! I talked with her about my struggles with drinking and other bad habits I was tired of living. She directed me in some of the areas I struggled with and had the priest do a confession with me. I was overwhelmingly grateful by the end and felt a peace I had experienced since I can't even remember when. One thing I knew is it was only the beginning of my mission to become closer to Christ and living a holy life through my faith. I left Chicago definitely with the ignition of a flame, but realized I had a long way to go to feel the fire of Christ. One of the specific books that has really been good as of lately is Climbing the Mountain because I realize I'm not going to be perfect overnight, but need to keep my focus at the top and keep reaching for that goal!

The difference this mission has made in my life is definitely significant. It's taught me to be a more obedient Catholic without as much guilt. I've learned a lot through the messages. I need to obtain my highest level of faith and work, but also realize God is forgiving and Jesus doesn't want us to focus on our past but wants us to focus on how we can serve today. The messages help with so many different issues I've experienced on a daily basis and there is a real understanding of what I can do to move forward and stay positive in my life. Also, I've always found it difficult to read through the Bible at times, and with Anne's books I've found I can understand the message a lot easier and put those actions in my life. My faith is a lot stronger and with the Morning Offering I continue to try and live a more faithful and obedient life, which is what the offering teaches us. I still have a long path ahead of me until I reach the top of the mountain, but at least I feel like it’s now in my sight more than ever before!

“I offer you all that is beautiful, noble, and eternal. You will NEVER regret that you came back to Me. Are you listening? Are you allowing your poor troubled heart to answer Me? I am healing you. I wish to heal you even further, until your soul is as pure as necessary to enter into My kingdom. Dear child, do you want to spend eternity with happiness, with joy in the goodness of others? I do not refer to the hypocritical goodness of some of your earthly companions. That false goodness has disappointed you in the past and is the source of some of your bitterness. Fear not. The light will shine upon that goodness and expose it for evil. I refer to real goodness that encompasses all virtue. I speak now of the virtue of courage, courage in the face of a world that despises God and all that is good. My children have been seduced by the worthless baubles of materialism, with which they adorn themselves in an effort to feel valued. Children, it is My value you must aspire to and the world does not offer it. This value comes only from one source. Me. Jesus Christ. I am the one who died for you and I intend to save you again. I call you from the world this day and claim you for My own. I will protect you from here on, dear little prodigal soul, and your sins will be wiped away into nothingness.”

Jesus, Volume One, July 17, 2003

The Virtue of Prudence

YOUCAT 301:  How does a person become prudent?

A person becomes prudent by learning to distinguish what is essential from what is non-essential, to set the right goals and to choose the best means of attaining them. [CCC 1806, 1835]

The virtue of prudence directs all the other virtues. For prudence is the ability to recognize what is right. After all, someone who wants to lead a good life must know what the “good” is and recognize its worth. Like the merchant in the Gospel “who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it (Matthew 13:46). Only a prudent person can apply the virtues of justice, fortitude, and moderation so as to do good.

Directions:

1. Save yourself for marriage. It’s rare to marry your “first.”

2. Continue the pregnancy. God doesn’t make mistakes.

3. Tell the truth. Lies only drive you further from Jesus, who is all Truth.

4. Forgo numbing yourself with alcohol or drugs or food . . . deal with the core issue and try to resolve it. How do you resolve it? Through prayer, giving it up to God, letting Him talk to and mend your heart. (Over time, the pain fades and the peace for that situation flows through your heart . . . relief).

5. Have fun . . . it comes easily when you live a life of gratitude.

“The seasoned apostle rises, discouragement notwithstanding, pledges his allegiance to his God, prays the Morning Offering, steps into the day and begins to serve. The temptation to stop serving can become serious when levels of discouragement rise. There is an accompanied temptation to stop praying. This is similar to the temptation to stop taking life-saving medicine because of the effort it takes to raise a cup to the lips. It is a foolhardy decision. It is the opposite of prudence. It is like stepping out of a flying plane with no parachute. The odds are against a successful landing with no parachute and the odds are good that our discouragement will interfere with the successful completion of our day if we remove ourselves from the reach of heaven and its ministrations. We must pray ourselves through this discouragement and we will join the ranks of the greatest apostles. You see, our service for the day has been willed by heaven and heaven has willed this service for us because heaven has need of it. Serve. We should serve when we are discouraged and we will find that the enemy is foiled once again because the enemy is helpless to divert us from our mountain path simply because we are discouraged.”

Anne a lay apostle, Climbing the Mountain

Jacinta, OK, The Prodigal Daughter

I am a 24-year-old young woman, the youngest of five, raised Catholic, from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before I begin my story, let me tell you that when I was just an infant, my whole family was consecrated to the Blessed Mother. Moving on, from the age of 16 to 22, I was involved in partying, drinking, using drugs, and promiscuity. Being raised Catholic, I always knew the truth and I knew that I needed to change. However, when one is in a state of mortal sin, I believe they become lost and the truth altogether becomes blurry. So, at the age of 19 I came across a “new age” book called The Secret. This book promotes positive thinking as well as teaching readers “thoughts become things, choose the good ones.” I was really into this book and one thing that I practiced from the book was to create vision boards. Vision boards can be a poster board or a corkboard in which one places his or her goals and aspirations upon, to make come true. Mine consisted of an engagement ring (because I wanted to be engaged), Portland, Oregon (because I wanted to move to Portland), among many otherworldly things that I thought would make me happy. So, summer of 2009 I decided to attend school at the Art Institute of Portland, where I would major in Fashion Marketing. Now, I first came across Volume Two, Conversations with The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, I believe in spring of 2009. My mother gave this book to me to read and she gave it to me effortlessly. Normally I would be disinterested but for whatever reason, I took it. A coworker gave the Volume to my Dad, who gave it to my Mom, who gave it to me. I read this Volume in less than three days I believe. I was attracted to the freedom and peace that came from the text.

I moved to Portland in October of 2009 and on my way there I read Volume Two again, front to back. I think I knew deep in my heart I needed to surrender to God, but didn’t know how to since I was still living and lost in mortal sin. So, I managed to pray the Rosary every day. School was not at the top of my agenda as I continued partying, drinking, and behaving promiscuously. I cannot explain the agony and misery I lived in. It was truly horrible. I felt like I could not even exist unless I was on drugs or alcohol. I slept in until 4:00pm (unless I had class) because I would be out late at night. I didn’t work and expected my parents to pay for everything. But I still managed to say a daily Rosary. I also went to Confession and Mass here and there in the midst of this lifestyle, but I still didn’t grasp the fact that I needed to surrender. That year at Christmas, my mom got me Volume Three, God the Father Speaks. I was so excited and this Volume was my favorite Christmas present that year. It’s funny because God the Father actually says in the Introduction “This work is my Christmas gift to the world” (Volume Three, December 17, 2003, God the Father). I read this Volume front to back on the plane ride back to Oregon.

In February of 2010, I began a friendship with a Christian who lived across the hall from me and talked to her about doing the will of God. She told me that I needed to get certain things out of my life and I was so lost that I had to ask God what those things were. He gave me a dream of what needed to be removed and I’ll spare the details. I surrendered to God in June 2010. As my conversion began, I put Jesus’ picture in the corner of my vision board. I broke up with my boyfriend and when I came home from church that night I found a porcelain container nativity scene. When I picked it up and opened it, there was a plastic rose inside. The goals that were on my vision board slowly came down one by one until Jesus’ picture remained on the large corkboard, all by Himself. I moved back to Oklahoma in October 2010, and really didn’t know where to go from there. I lived with Carmelite Nuns for a while because I was so broken from my sins. God met me where I was in all of my brokenness. He tells Anne in Lessons in Love that when a patient has open-heart surgery, they need to recover from the shock (Lessons in Love, Visions, Page 47). I feel like my stay with the nuns was time recovering from the shock and state of mortal sin that I was in for such a long time.

I have and continue to read the Volumes as I continue on my journey. I feel like Jesus always answers questions I have for Him in either the Monthly Messages or the Volumes. I feel like we should all be so grateful to Jesus, Mary, God the Father, and all the Saints for helping us out and reaching out to us. Without these Volumes and the Rosary, I may never have had a conversion. I am currently working at Wal-Mart and studying Social Work at St. Gregory’s University in Tulsa. I attend Mass at least four times a week, and Adoration at least three hours a week, as well as monthly Confession, and praying the daily Rosary.  I am so grateful for all that Jesus has done and continues to do for me. Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

“When a soul is following Christ during this time, and a soul is committed to the mission of mercy Christ is embarking upon, that soul will be the vehicle for many graces. I do not want my brothers and sisters to fall into the snare of taking credit for what the Savior is doing. This cripples the flow of graces. You are going to see many wonders, my friends. You should remain calm and accept all in a spirit of holiness and humility. The times demand these extraordinary actions of heaven. There are many conversion powers attached to these words so see that you spread them to the best of your ability, following His lead and direction. Do not hesitate to call on us, your heavenly comrades, to help you in any part of this mission or in any part of your spiritual work. My last word of direction for today is this. Rise each morning and do the work on your soul. That is always your first priority. Spend time in prayer. Be a close friend of Jesus Christ, not only in service, but also in communion of spirit. Then you will be certain that the work is His and not yours.”

St. Damien, Volume Seven, July 14, 2004

Joseph, Philippines

I owe a great deal to the words of God that came to me through Anne. To say it has changed my life for the better is an understatement. It was Jesus’ message of love, conveyed through her, that converted me back to the Faith. Let me start by describing how I was before discovering the Apostolate. Like most Filipinos, I was raised as a Catholic, though my family wasn’t that religious. Still, ever since I was a child, I already had a particular interest in my Faith. This was initially brought about however by my fear of hell. I remember it so vividly. One day, when I was about ten years old I think, I was lying down in the backseat of our van, just resting idly after having gone somewhere. There, all by myself, the thought of the afterlife just suddenly popped into my head. I started to seriously think about what would happen to me after I die. Will I go to heaven when I die? Will I “make” it to heaven, like the saints? These thoughts filled me with concern and with fear. Due to my very limited and childish understanding of my religion back then, I thought that the only way to get to heaven was to seal myself from the world and just keep on praying. So that’s what I did. I stayed in my room often and just prayed whatever prayers I knew. During this time, I also started to browse religious and devotional books that we had. Without guidance from others though, and due to my immature understanding, I really didn’t grasp the deeper meanings that these things had. In the words of Saint Paul, you could say that I tried to chew on the meat even though I still needed milk.  This eventually led me to further confusion and anxiety. I thought that it was an impossible business to reach heaven and so eventually I sank back to the world having become occupied (read: addicted) in other things like video games.  Nevertheless there were still things that I carried with me from this phase of my life, particularly, the devotion to the Divine Mercy. Jesus’ words of infinite compassion through Saint Faustina provided comfort for me even as I was urged to despair.  I learned to pray the Chaplet and the three-o’clock prayer, and the latter was a habit that I have kept daily ever since.

Still, as time passed, I continued to be mired in worldly things. High school was a very difficult time in my life because of the several negative influences that affected me. Bullying, backbiting, and dishonesty were all vices that I was exposed to and that I, unfortunately, had also adopted. One particular vice though that really damaged my soul was impurity. I became a regular victim to sins of impurity during those days. It built itself up until I finally committed what I felt was my gravest sin, namely, having physical sex with someone else. After that, I really felt deep regret for what I had done, and I swore never to do it again. I also told myself that I would confess these sins someday and go back to God. And yet I never was able to muster the courage to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For the next years in high school, I would remain the “nominal” Catholic that I was. Although I didn’t commit that grave sin again, I nevertheless remained in my other habitual sins.

It was during the summer break before entering college however that I accidentally picked up Anne’s books. I was casually browsing through my dad’s library when I saw the pair of books, Climbing the Mountain and The Mist of Mercy. These books were given to my dad by a friend, although he hadn’t read them yet. Needless to say, what I read on the pages of these two works affected me profoundly. I felt the love of God, Jesus, our Mother and the Saints gradually fill my heart as I read through their messages. I was filled with comfort and hope with the thought of God’s infinite mercy and compassion for us. I felt that this was in continuity with the message of the Divine Mercy, though it was now very much complemented with the words, not only of Christ, but also of the other residents of heaven. For the next couple of days, I simply absorbed the message of the books, resting in the thought of a renewed understanding of God’s love. Inevitably though, it was this renewed awareness that encouraged me to finally go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and confess my sins. After having experienced God’s forgiveness, I felt that I could begin a fresh start with Him. I began to seriously think of my spiritual life once more. In college I joined a Catholic student organization, which focused on helping out in the Holy Mass and devoting itself to the Eucharist. I also introduced myself to Ignatian Spirituality. Furthermore, I started delving into the teachings of the Catholic Church. These helped me have a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Catholic faith although I feel that it was still God’s messages through Anne’s work that guided and sustained me in all this.

In the end, I cannot deny that Anne’s work has helped me change for the better. I cannot say that I am a saint. I still fall to habitual sins and I am aware of the great work that I still have to do for God and my neighbor. However, what God’s words through Anne have given me is the hope of His constant love, mercy and support. Through the Volumes and the other books, I have learned that God will never leave us, and all that we have to do is to be joyfully obedient to His will and the Church, as we strive to become His faithful apostles.

“Jesus needs nearly nothing to flood mercy down upon a soul. Even if you have committed the most vile and constant sins. Even if you feel that you are the most despised creature in the universe, you must cry out to Him. The truth is that He loves you. He is waiting for you and watches closely for your smallest opening to Him. Won’t you try this, my friend? You have tried to make yourself feel better in other ways and you have been left in despair. Now try Jesus. I am praying for you right now, that you will allow the door of your soul to open, even the smallest bit. If you do this, the light will flood in. Be humble, admit you have committed sins, and ask for forgiveness. You will not be disappointed. Jesus will claim you as His own and restore you to the dignity that rightfully belongs to a child of God.”

St. Clare of Assisi, Heaven Speaks About Addictions,

July 29, 2005

The Virtue of Justice

YOUCAT 302: How does one act justly?

One acts justly by always making sure to give to God and to one’s neighbor what is due to them. [CCC 1807, 1836]

The guiding principle of justice is: “To each his due.” A child with a disability and a highly gifted child must be encouraged in different ways so that each may fulfill his potential. Justice is concerned with equity and longs to see people get that to which they are entitled. We must allow justice to govern our relations with God also and give him what is his: our love and worship.

Directions:

1. God will take care of any retaliation and do it much better than you.

2. Forgive quickly . . . leave all judgment to God.

3. Live within your own means, not by another’s.

4. It’s ok to get angry. Feel it, give it to God and then let it go. Anger takes a toll on your soul.

5. Go to Church . . . your guardian angel will appreciate it, and so will Jesus.

6. Defend your Faith . . . protect your morals and values . . . remember you are protecting Jesus Christ Himself.

“To be alert in spiritual warfare means to be constantly examining the source of our thoughts. For example, does Jesus tell us that our cross is too heavy and we should drop it on someone else or abandon it? Does Jesus tell us that life is unfair to us and we should blame others? Does Jesus continually remind us how badly we have been treated, inspiring us to bitterness? Obviously, these are not the inspirations that come from the Savior. Instead, Jesus tells us that our cross, however heavy, is manageable if we carry it with His help. He tells us that life on earth is not always fair, it is true, but that perfect justice awaits us in heaven. Jesus asks that we forgive others and be at peace with the flaws of those around us. That is the way Jesus talks. We must learn to listen closely to our thoughts and be on guard, always judging who is inspiring us. We should get into the habit of conforming our thoughts to Christ’s thoughts. In this way we will be granted the peace that eludes followers of the world. This is spiritual warfare and I believe it begins with our thoughts.”

Anne a lay apostle, The Mist of Mercy

“The angels surround you, My dear ones. They minister to you in so many ways that I could not clearly explain this to you. I am going to give you some idea of these heavenly friends, however, so that you will understand the strength on your side. When you attend Mass you are praying and worshipping with thousands of angels. Your guardian angel goes with you, of course, and is so grateful for the opportunity to rest in the heavenly companionship of his fellow angels. These beings of light pay rapt attention and take such joy in praising Me. Truly, each church is filled with angels. When you enter a church and find it empty, that means that you can see no other human. But there are angels present and they welcome you as they welcome your angel guardian.“

Jesus, Volume Nine, August 24, 2004

Megan, TX

A year and a half ago my soul was on the verge of eternal death, although my body was mostly fine. I had a traumatic experience, sort of an electric shock to my soul, which sparked a swift conversion from deep sin and atheism back to Catholicism. Although the Lay Apostle movement did not cause my conversion it has provided me so many sustaining graces and played a significant role in my spiritual revival.  I read every single message, Volume and book over a period of about three weeks. I think what impacted me most was the way Jesus spoke directly to me. His words in these Volumes helped me understand how to have a loving relationship with Him, how to pray to Him meaningfully, and how to speak to Him as my closest friend. I needed to know how to depend on Him for everything after my life changed so abruptly and completely, and I think it’s possible I would have fallen again if I hadn’t found these words.

Before I read the Volumes, I read the Divine Mercy Diary, and the relationship between Jesus and St. Faustina astonished me because it was so passionate. I was excited to find Volume One in my church’s Adoration chapel because it was like the Divine Mercy Diary and even more excited to see the book had been written only a few years before. The passage in the book that grabbed hold of my heart described Anne getting ready to take a bath after a long, hard day, and hearing the voice of Jesus calling her to say the Sorrowful Mysteries. She tries to ignore the call, but says yes after hearing His voice crying out in pain for comfort. After her bath, Jesus calls to her again saying, “Now it is my turn to comfort you. You left too quickly.” Anne explains, “Based on my experience of God’s goodness, He only wanted to comfort me, and His cry of anguish was the only way to get me back to Him to pray” (All on page 12 of Volume One). Even though it’s a message written on every page of the Bible and embedded in all of creation, until I read these Volumes (and the Divine Mercy Diary) I did not understand what it meant that God loves me.

The Volumes and the books have also given me a clearer understanding of God’s relationship with His priests, and the obedience, gratitude and loyalty we as lay Catholics owe our priests. My husband (fiancé at the time) and I were graced with parallel conversions back to Christianity, and he followed me into Catholicism despite his Baptist childhood. As part of our Catholic marriage prep, we had to meet with the (very holy, very traditional) priest who was marrying us. We had to discuss how we’d been living prior to our conversions because of the routine questions the priest asks. He was unpleasantly surprised by this information, mentioned we might need to wait four, five, or a million years before marriage, and asked us to return the next week. We prayed together all week but agreed beforehand to respect his judgment in the matter. The next week when we met, we told him we felt certain our marriage was God’s will but that we regarded him as God’s mouthpiece and would agree to his recommendations. I think this surprised him even more than our discussion the week before. He had notes in front of him for our meeting, and after we said this to him he crossed off the first thing he had written. He didn’t say anything else about waiting a few years (or never getting married at all) and agreed to marry us in eight months like we’d planned.

I know that our willingness to ignore our own desires and listen to the advice of our priest was partially due to the way Anne explains the importance of religious in her Volumes and her books. God worked a miracle in the heart of our priest because of the humility my husband and I learned from these words, and I am very grateful.

“When you feel a sense of shock, a sense of stunning upset in your life, you must look for Me. I am there. I do not remain with My children, day after day, and then abandon them when they most need my support.”

Jesus, Heaven Speaks to Those Who Experience Tragedy,

December 12, 2006

“A great deal of hope is resting on the personal integrity and holiness of every single husband and every single wife. Satan can do huge damage to the Kingdom by distracting even one husband or one wife from the obligations of their vocation.  Each husband and each wife must be engaged directly with Christ and then from Christ to each other. This will ensure the correct disposition of mutual service and exquisite reverence about the protection of God’s plan.”

Anne a lay apostle, Lessons in Love

David, IL

Anne’s work as a lay apostle has changed my life in a way so profound that words fall short of any attempt to capture the full reality.  Yet, in the words that follow I’ll try to explain a little something of my journey.  I have always considered myself a “good Catholic.”  As a child, I would go Mass every week with my family.  My parents have always been people of great faith, and I am very fortunate to have been blessed with parents who not only taught us about the love of God, but who also showed us how to love God in the way they loved us on a daily basis.

As the years had passed, though, I found myself surrounded by a culture that (I thought) was supposed to provide me with all I needed for my happiness.  When I got to be of a dating age, I soon found out that dating was a real challenge for me, and that I did not like dating.  When I went away to college, many people participated in social fraternities and sororities.  I was a member for a short time, but when this did not work out for me, I felt like I was a social outcast on campus.  During this time, though, my faith was always a priority.  Going to Mass every week was still very important to me, and I believed very much in the Real Presence.

When I graduated from college and started working, I was influenced by worldly culture to such an extent that I started to believe that with the money I was making I was supposed to buy nice things.  Although I have always known that “money cannot buy happiness,” I did not live that way.  I lived as if I was harboring the belief that the more nice things I had, the more I would be “living the dream.”  It did not take long for me to realize that my level of deep seeded happiness did not increase as the possessions I owned accumulated.  Needless to say, my attachment to materialism was entirely misguided.

As time passed, friends of mine got married or involved in more exclusive relationships.   This did not happen for me, and I found myself asking both God and myself why my experience was not like that of my friends.  “Was something wrong with me?” I thought.  I pondered this and pleaded with God for an answer.  In order to make up for what I was lacking in terms of a relationship, I focused on my own body and my own health, to an extreme.  I wanted to be the fittest, healthiest, best looking I could be.  If marriage wasn’t for me, I thought, I would try to make up for what was lacking by focusing on outer appearances.  Needless to say I was mistaken again.

During this same time, however, I started to feel a strong call in my own life toward my own spiritual health.  I knew God was starting to work in a profound and new way to teach me more about His ways.  In my free time I would read books about the saints, like St. Faustina.  Every summer morning I found myself turning off the TV and heading to daily Mass.  I wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but I know I liked it. Overall this attraction to spiritual reading and attending daily Mass was new to me, but I welcomed what was happening because I started feeling a peace in my life that surpassed any peace that I had ever experienced.  I also noticed things that used to annoy or upset me (like when all my friends seemed to be in a relationship but I wasn’t) did not bother me any more.

Then, just before October of 2011, I saw an advertisement on the Internet for Anne’s book, Whispers from the Cross.  What felt like an inspiration within me nudged me to buy the book.  Within it, Anne talks about asking the Lord for healing whenever needed, and setting out on a journey toward personal holiness.  Particularly powerful is Anne’s explanation of what it means to offer one’s suffering to the Lord.  When one finds himself at his lowest point, when he feels abandoned by friends, family or the world, he becomes “stripped,” just as Jesus was stripped of his garments before his Crucifixion.  When this happens, the one who is suffering has an opportunity to become most like Jesus and grow tremendously in holiness.

The words, explanations and imagery of Whispers from the Cross seemed to free me from years of frustration and confusion with regard to my own purpose as a human being, my role in life and my own happiness.  While reading Whispers From the Cross, I said a fervent prayer and made a sincere pledge to Jesus that I would set out on a path of holiness, and it began simply by saying, “o.k. Lord, I can do that.” Soon after, I ordered and read the whole collection of Volumes and booklets.  I started offering my day to Jesus.  I started to become aware of a profound calm throughout the day and His constant presence.  In the evenings, I began asking for healing whenever I felt exhausted from all the labors of the day.  During one evening in late December, after I asked for healing, Our Lord gave me a spiritual gift that has remained with me and has changed my life forever.  I do not yet know the full significance of the gift, and I am certainly not worthy of it, but it has certainly provided proof to me of the supernatural character of all the Direction for Our Times literature and messages.  In a very concrete way, I feel called to participate as a lay apostle and to spread the messages of this apostolate.

As a result of the transformation that I have experienced, much of my outlook and perspectives have changed for the better.  I used to place a heavy importance on entertainment and receiving life’s comforts.  Now, I try to stay alert for opportunities for service to others, and I experience tremendous joy in serving.

I am indebted to Anne, certainly to Our Lord, and to all of Heaven.  I thank Our Lord who has so lovingly pulled me out of a particularly dark aspect of my life.  What before was full of materialism, frustration and confusion is now filled with peace, a profound sense of compassion for others, an increasingly greater love for God, and LIGHT!

“When a soul is experiencing difficulty, I send additional angels to assist. In this way, a soul has heavenly influences to help counteract the worldly influences with which he is struggling. If a soul requests heavenly help, I can send even more assistance in the way of angels and graces. “How does this help, Jesus,” I hear My little ones asking. It helps because when you ask Me for help, and I send angels, you are surrounded by these beings who are praying for you and petitioning saints to pray for you. They influence the actions of others, also, and can obtain earthly assistance for you by inspiring a holy soul to come to your aid at just the right time. How many times have you said that this one or that one was a lifesaver to you? Do you think that this happened accidentally? Hardly, little ones. I sent that soul into your life to assist you and that soul was inspired by the promptings of the little servants of light who surround you.”

Jesus, Volume Nine, August 26, 2004

The Virtue of Fortitude

YOUCAT 303:  What does it mean to have fortitude?

Someone who practices fortitude perseveres in his commitment to the good, once he has recognized it, even if in the extreme case he must sacrifice even his own life for it. [1809, 1837]➞ 295

Directions:

1. Defend the unborn, the sick, the poor, and the elderly. You may be all they have.

2. Have courage in your convictions.

3. Choose political candidates based on Christian values, not what the world thinks is politically correct.

4. Speak up when you should to defend Christ and the Church. Have no fear of repercussions.  Jesus has your back.

5. Face your fears. Fear, after all, is not from God.

“Dearest friends, sometimes we look back at the lives of the saints and we marvel at their actions of heroic service, their moments of breathtaking fortitude. Well, those moments stand out, it is true, but I am not sure those are necessarily the most heroic moments. I believe the really heroic moments for each soul are unseen by any other soul and I believe that the person living the moment often has no idea of its magnitude. Eloquence has abandoned me and yet this must be stated clearly. The big things can seem easy when compared to the secret and solitary battles fought against pride,

discouragement and loneliness. I believe God carries us through the big things with copious amounts of grace. ‘Renounce God or die’ moments would at least seem clear to the apostle. It is the enemy’s sneak attacks, the temptations against the daily commitments, which require the true mystical sweat of labor. These are the times when, in terrible frustration and loneliness, we are tempted to quit the more difficult commitments and retreat to safer, less taxing and demanding areas of service. Through the struggles, love remains, the immovable persuader, which, like a stone wall at our back, bars retreat. The eyes of Christ Crucified steadily communicate the eternal call which pierces our resistance again and again. Who can turn away from Him?”

Anne a lay apostle, Lessons in Love

YOUCAT 295:  What is conscience?

Conscience is the inner voice in a man that moves him to do good under any circumstances and to avoid evil by all means. At the same time it is the ability to distinguish the one from the other. In the conscience God speaks to man. [CCC 1776-1779]

Conscience is compared with an inner voice in which God manifests himself in a man. God is the one who becomes apparent in the conscience. When we say, “I cannot reconcile the twits my conscience,” this means, for a Christian, “I cannot do that in the sight of my Creator!” Many people have gone to jail or been executed because they were true to their conscience.

Ryan, Ireland

My faith life had been pretty weak before an experience, surprisingly enough, about six months before reading the Volumes. Something happened one night that led me to believe God the Father was really present in my life and he was helping me to pray and understand that He existed and that He loved me. When I received the Volumes and read the messages, things started to make even more sense and I felt a strong urge to serve God and find out more about how I can let Him into my life. I still struggled with the same temptations I had previously experienced, but for the first time it felt as if heaven was helping me realize they could help me overcome anything if I let them into my life and asked them to help me. I felt very confused as I wondered what I did to deserve this love. I had not lived a very holy life and felt a bit humiliated to see how broken I was and how there was nothing I could do about it. I also felt a sense of confusion and fear at how much God loved me as I didn’t even really love myself that much. It took me a while to realize this was just the nature of God’s being and slowly I started to accept that it was okay to rely on Him for everything. I felt very free and very thankful. I started to look at my life very differently.

A woman gave me a newsletter at a prayer event. I took the letter and thought she had said, "Jesus is speaking to a woman in Ireland.” It didn’t mean much to me as I was thinking about other things. I thought maybe it could be true, but it just meant that Jesus and this woman must have a special relationship like so many saints I had read about in the past. I thought when she said Jesus is speaking to a woman it meant very vaguely, like a feeling He was there. Then I thought it must be nice for her, but it doesn’t really affect me at all. Later I drove home with my dad and started to read the messages. When I got to the part where the words from Jesus were actually printed, my whole body sort of lit up. I felt like a miracle was happening. I was sure this voice was from God. The words were simple, but so powerful and true. They were filled with love and wisdom and I couldn’t believe how much they seemed to be speaking right to me. It was like God was on earth and printed a newsletter for me.

The impact of the mission in my life has been concrete and real. So much so that there was a point where I was sure I would become a priest. I am now convinced I can serve more joyful as a lay apostle. I am trying to follow the basic five guidelines of lay apostles. I find that the more I read the Volumes and follow the guidelines, things just become easier and more peaceful. I still experience some of the same temptations before I discovered Direction for Our Times (DFOT), but now there is a closer relationship in my life with Jesus, God the Father and all of Heaven. Even at times, when I have really felt like giving up or that I messed up really bad through neglecting my faith, the Volumes encourage me to get back up and keep walking. I find soon after I am even becoming more joyful. Some of the biggest fruits of these works have been so profound that I just know Jesus has helped me. I feel a greater sense of love for humanity and the people in my life. I also seem to judge and criticize myself less, and that in turn helps me do the same when I am with others. I also feel like Jesus is more involved in my conversations now. Sometimes it feels like He is with me when I go places. I know that He is always with me, but I never experienced it in the same degree in years passed. I also notice that I am less quick to jump on distractions and take routes I used to easily fall for in the past. I can say  "no" with more peace and courage, but also "yes" more often with joy and confidence. Instead of always having to "win" arguments or conversations about my faith, now I find myself more or less supporting others where they are in their own journey. I always find a way to see where the person I am speaking with is also serving Heaven or getting it right. In the past, my first temptation was to show others where they were getting it wrong. I used to have this habit of trying to prove I was important or qualified. I notice that I care less about this now. I still like to buy nice clothes and feel like I have achieved important things in my life, but it’s not in the same degree as in the past. I also feel like Jesus is gradually freeing me even more, it’s my own degree of willingness that continues to slow the pace, but I accept this more now as a process and feel Jesus still loving me completely and respecting my pace. I can’t encourage people enough to give these books a try. I am sure if you are reading this book by Bonnie, then you are called to consider, in a special way, how Heaven is inviting you to a closer relationship. I think some people have never felt unconditionally loved and accepted by the people around them. Because the heavenly family is like this, it can be odd and frustrating to think you are really accepted as you are. However, through the gift of faith you can tell yourself over and over this is true and that you believe it. Then you start to see the miracle of faith blossoming in your life, the people who are really there for you start to emerge, and Heaven sends you help and assistance. You start to find your own real identity and true self. It’s always a better version than you would imagine you could achieve. It’s like the person you are supposed to be, but didn't know was possible. The best part is when you realize just how much Jesus can provide and how powerful He really is. Sometimes it’s hard to let Him really be in control because it’s like being a child again. However, the rewards are outstanding in that you find He only wants the best for your life. He doesn't ask you to give up anything . . . only remove the things that lead to loneliness and despair. He shows you what these are and gives you plenty of time and courage to remove them at your own speed and will. He wants to be a part of your life now while you are on earth, not just when you die and pass into the next. You can start your journey to heaven right now, even while you are still alive.

Guidelines for Lay Apostles

As lay apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King, we agree to perform our basic obligations as practicing Catholics. Additionally, we will adopt the following spiritual practices, as best we can:

1. Allegiance Prayer and Morning Offering, plus a brief prayer for the Holy Father.

2. Eucharistic Adoration, one hour per week.

3. Prayer Group Participation, monthly, at which we pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and read the Monthly Message.

4. Monthly Confession.

5. Further, we will follow the example of Jesus Christ as set out in the Holy Scripture, treating all others with His patience and kindness.

John, OH

When I first heard that Jesus was sending messages through a person every month I was like “nah.” And the news of such messages came to me at a time when I hadn’t been taking my faith so seriously due to my inability to see God all around me and in myself. But, I only needed to read one message to see there was no way any human being had crafted these words. The omnipotent power of God rises up from them in an undeniable way. And it was after reading a second message that I noticed something infinitely more incredible . . . it was as if they had been crafted to me personally. But upon reviewing our beliefs, I found this to be not so surprising. We are told that Jesus is in each of us, and this is what creates a oneness with God here on earth through His creation of humankind. I am sure others felt the same way because God loves all of us equally and so therefore wanted His words to reach us each individually, speaking to the Jesus inside of us, in the hopes we are aware of His literal presence inside of us and are consciously opening up ourselves so we can be more effective channels for His infinite energy to flow through us. And, become apparent to those around us, hopefully starting something like a chain reaction that would spread across the world. It feels inevitable, which it is.

“I speak gravely when I say to you that you must concentrate seriously on becoming holier because your holiness and your commitment to holiness is a crucial part of My plan to bring comfort to others. Allow Me to see to the world. If you see daily to the condition of your soul and if you love others then you will have fulfilled My plan for you. Rejoice. You are committed to Me and I am eternally committed to you.”

Jesus, Monthly Message, August 1, 2011

The Virtue of Faith

YOUCAT 307:  What is faith?

Faith is the power by which we assent to God, acknowledge his truth, and commit ourselves personally to him. [CCC 1814-1816, 1842]

Faith is the path created by God leading to the truth that is God himself. Because Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6),” this faith cannot be merely an attitude or “confidence” about something or other. On the one hand, the faith has definite contents, which the Church professes in the Creed (profession of faith), and it is her duty to safeguard them. Anyone who wants to accept the gift of faith, in other words, anyone who wants to believe, acknowledges this faith, which has been preserved constantly through the ages and in many different cultures. On the other hand, part of faith is a trusting relationship to God with heart and mind, with all one’s emotional strength. For faith becomes effective only through charity, practical love (see Gal 5:6). Whether someone really believes in the God of love, is shown, not in his solemn affirmations, but rather in charitable deeds.

Directions:

1. Demonstrate the very things in which you believe, in good times and in bad.

2. How can you be a blessing to others? Find a way.

3. Focus on repenting of your own sins, not pointing out the sins of another.

4. Pray for intercession from Our Lady, all the saints and angels. Read Volume Seven and Volume Nine to start.

5. Turn off the TV. Get to know Jesus intimately through the Bible and the Volumes.

“The faithful must learn to conduct themselves with all calm in this time. We have the Kingdom of God in our souls, at our constant beckoning. We need look no further for answers than within. If we do not have the words on our tongue, then we must ask for the Spirit to speak through us and He will do so. Perhaps we will not become eloquent orators who will be known throughout the centuries for our great dissertations. But we will represent our God in all quietness and dignity, if our only statement is the following: “God is good and I believe in His authority over all mankind.” That statement alone is enough to allow any one of us to walk away, having done the Kingdom the greatest good. The enemy resists God’s authority with all rage and bitterness. We must let this rage blow right past us, my friends. The Kingdom of God is truly at hand and we will one day see our souls rise to heaven in glory.”

Anne a lay apostle, Climbing the Mountain

Taylor, FL (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

A few years ago, my boyfriend at the time, just entered the Marine Corps. This would require a lot of time apart, trust, and loyalty on both ends. The first three months he was training in boot camp, we were not allowed to communicate, etc. I tried to stay busy and just kept falling apart, thinking how am I ever going to get through five more years of this. I felt really alone, and it didn't seem like anyone knew what I was going through. It was at this time my mom introduced me to the Volumes. At first, I didn't take them seriously, and I just set them aside. It wasn't until probably a year later that I turned to the books religiously. At that time, my boyfriend and I started to lose trust with each other, and the distance really got to us. So every time I struggled, I would pray to Jesus, and tell Him "through these Volumes, I need You to help me and tell me what to do about this situation. I can't handle this on my own." And every single time, I would select a random Volume, say my prayer, and flip to a random page. I kid you not, it always related directly to what I was dealing with. I knew Jesus and all the saints were with me every step of the way trying to guide me. That is why I believe this mission is so important. I truly believe this is Jesus' way of showing us He is here, He is REAL, and He will never leave your side, no matter what the case. I am only 20 years old, and I am so blessed my mom brought Anne's Volumes into my life, and hopefully I can do the same for my friends and family who are lost at sea. Thank you Jesus for making me a true believer.

Mallorie, DC (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

I received Anne's Volumes from my mother for Christmas one year, and just after reading Volume One, I was hooked! Volume One alone has accomplished what would have taken years on my own. It significantly enriched my relationship with Jesus. It began to “lift the veil” from over my eyes and helped me to get a better glimpse of our Lord and His Love. I feel so much closer to Jesus now and find myself having conversations with Him on a regular basis. Sometimes, when I'm in my car listening to the radio, I suddenly realize how distracted I've been all day, and then I turn off my radio and think of Jesus. I can really feel His presence every time I do that. I can feel Him smiling for remembering Him. He brings me such calm and sometimes He brings me to tears, because I am so overwhelmed by His Love. He is always with us and is never too busy to spend time with us, even if it is to share a quick moment together. When I find myself in a situation where I am so frustrated that I'm at a loss for words or don't know how to react, I have learned to turn to Jesus and ask for His help. I can feel Him say, ‘Be gentle, be patient, be calm, be loving.’ He brings me humility, He softens my heart and He opens my mind to others perspectives.

From Anne's Volumes, I have also taken in some significant messages that have further strengthened my convictions such as ‘Abortion is murder.’ Since my world happens to revolve around politics, I find myself dealing with very secular and anti-Christian views. Anne's messages from Jesus every month have provided me with the fuel necessary to keep standing up for my beliefs as a Christian, while also maintaining respect and being gentle with those who oppose my views, which is very difficult for me at times! I have also come to better appreciate the saints and angels that surround us and root for us here on earth. It is so comforting to know we have so much support down here. Anne's Volumes have also helped me to see the ‘bigger picture’ and to realize my purpose in the fight between good and evil. I matter, and every act (big or small) matters. The Volumes, and especially the Monthly Messages from Jesus, help me to realize that my biggest problem is my need to appear calm and at peace, so that others can understand these gifts. I am naturally a high-stress person and become even worse when things do not go well. Hence, despite my relationship with Jesus being stronger than it was before, the perception of this fact may not be seen. We must remember that we are ‘ambassadors’ for the Lord and have to keep this in mind in order to avoid appearing (whether true or not) hypocritical, not genuine, or not infused with God's Love. We must remember to always act like Christians, and not just think like them.

I have learned how going to Mass can replenish the soul. I now yearn for Mass so that my soul can be greeted by the angels who can be found in the churches. However, my life is so busy right now that I have not been as good about going as I'd like to be. But this also contributes to how we are perceived by Christians and non-Christians alike. For example, just by going to get coffee before/after Mass and being seen in your clothes for church can really make an impression. Whether it reminds fellow Catholics that they should try going to Mass more often, or contributes to the impression of the number of people who actually go to Church on Sundays. I always try to remind myself, given how much Anne prays and goes to Mass, I can AT LEAST make time for Sundays! And I hope to go even more, since I have realized the importance and beauty of the Eucharist and Jesus' Sacred Heart.

“A saint in heaven who has struggled with your struggles watches you closely, alert for a chance to assist you. They can obtain for you, through their prayers, a bit of clarity in a situation that is confusing you.”

Jesus, Heaven Speaks to Young Adults, June 29, 2005

Whitney, FL (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

I excitedly began opening presents of all shapes and sizes one Christmas, when I came to one that felt like books. Disappointed it wasn’t the new shoes I wanted, I opened it up.  There lay a stack of ten little books, “the Volumes”. I looked them over as my Mom and older sister explained what they were and how they had affected their lives. A little overwhelmed, I placed them beside me amongst my other gifts. Once I got back home and unloaded my gifts, I placed the Volumes near my nightstand. My mom would talk on and off about the Volumes and how they helped her get through so many things and how they really opened her eyes and I just kept thinking I want that, but then after I hung up the phone it was back to the TV show I was watching. A couple months later, I noticed that little stack of books below my nightstand. I untied the stack and opened Volume One. I began reading it with extreme comfort and ease. This lady had been through and done several things I’ve done and dealt with, the same emotions and thoughts and she was receiving messages from Jesus Christ. I couldn’t put it down, section after section I read until it was time to go to bed. I went to bed feeling almost lighter and then I prayed. I hadn’t prayed before bed in a couple years. I felt a sense of religiosity I hadn’t felt in a long time, being a college student. Then, back to everyday life I went, placing the books aside again. I would see the Volumes on my end table near my couch, but turn the TV on instead. Then, my mom called me and asked if I wanted to go to Chicago with her to go see Anne speak at a Eucharistic Day of Renewal. I was excited at the thought of a trip with just my mom, to a place I hadn’t been, not really expecting what was to come. Anne began to speak, and everything she said made sense and really hit me that day. As she spoke, I began to get emotional letting some things go that I had been holding onto. She really made me place God in the center of my life again. I’m so ashamed to say I got so busy, I hadn’t noticed I wasn’t putting God first anymore. That day really changed how I am religiously. My mom and I were lucky enough to personally meet Anne later that day and when we looked into her eyes, she had this kindness that really made it feel you were looking at Jesus. It was surreal. My mom and I said good-bye and walked outside, to which we both started crying. It was so amazing. Of course, I am nowhere near perfect, but I have made small changes in my life, thanks to the introduction to this message and to Anne.  I really must

thank my Mom for leading me back to putting Jesus where He belongs . . . First.

Whitney, FL (update 2013)

As you can see from my previous testimony in Heavenly Healing, I was a college student who had lost her way when it came to faith and having a center, the True Center, Jesus, in my life.  I was not:  going to Church regularly, relying on God, or even praying regularly. I was too “busy.” I felt busy . . . too “busy” to read the stack of books (aka the Volumes) my Mom had graciously gifted me that Christmas. Too “busy” to notice that the answer to the issues in my life were sitting right on my nightstand.

It is hard to determine what has truly affected my life most . . . from the Monthly Messages to the Volumes; from Anne’s books to Heavenly Healing. All have added such depth and comfort to me in their own ways. However, I think initially it was Volume One. My introduction to this incredible mission, the first eye-opening, life changing book I read. It just spoke to me, changed the way I thought, all the way down to the day-to-day decisions and actions I made. As time has passed, and I matured not only into a wife, but a mother as well, Lessons in Love and the Monthly Messages (among several other bits and pieces of everything) began evolving into the things I rely on, especially in times of need.

The messages found throughout this mission have taught me how to trust in and count on Jesus, Mary, and all the Angels and Saints, especially when I struggle with the internal battle of having to return to work after becoming a Mommy for the first time and wishing I could be in two places at once . . . with my precious baby boy and providing a service I pray helps others in need.  I’ve also learned that love is too valuable to waste on feelings of insecurity and jealousy when I struggle with trusting my husband loves me as he says he does. I’ve been given the strength and clarity to accept the things (well, more things now! I am still definitely a work in progress) that I cannot change or control and to offer the rest up to God.  I’ve come to accept it is impossible (at least for me) to be the “perfect” mom, wife, and person that I feel like I should be. I’m not going to be able to do the laundry, dishes, take care of the baby, and work 40+ hour work weeks all the while cooking dinner and making my husband happy. But I can continue to try to live each day better and as Christ-like as possible knowing there are going to be bumps, dirty laundry, mistakes, unswept floors, “I’m sorry’s,” and a crying baby along the way.

I try to live the messages every day by refocusing on what is important each day . . . my faith, my husband, son, and family. My prayer life has drastically changed in that I now begin each day with the Allegiance Prayer and Morning Offering to help keep me in tune with all that has led me to where I am today. I am trying to lead by example when it comes to “practicing what I preach” for my husband and son, by speaking more about faith-based topics, attending Church every (well almost every) Sunday, praying before meals, and attempting to eliminate the “junk” and nastiness that seems to try and creep in at times.  I cannot imagine my life without faith. And without this mission, I do not know if I would have the faith I do today. Thank you, Lord, for blessing Anne with these amazing messages, a true Direction for Our Times, especially these times.

“God needs each couple to search for their marriage’s unique heavenly identity. In a marriage, a desire for holiness in the wife plus a desire for holiness in the husband equals a very secure, very deep and very productive well for heaven. Notice I did not say holiness but a ‘desire’ for holiness. This is a real desire, of course, which will include a furthering of that desire which means a commitment to a disciplined prayer life and to, at the very least, the minimum practices of the faith. I discriminate in this way to arrest the notion that the two people must be saints. We could all be holier and if the success of the Church relied on the perfection of her children, she, the Church, would not have made it through even the First Century, never mind twenty-one centuries. God is perfect. We must simply try our best to be holy.”

Anne a lay apostle, Lessons in Love

Justin, IL

“Hey Justin, there is a mystic speaking in the chapel tonight . . . you should come!” I was a freshman at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2006 when I took my friend up on that invitation and went to hear Anne a lay apostle speak. There was standing room only and I remember that Fr. Michael Scanlan and Dr. Miravalle both spoke as well about the Volumes and writings of Anne; and how important they were. I do not remember everything Anne spoke about that night but I do remember she spoke about her experience in purgatory, which is described in the book The Mist of Mercy. I thought to myself . . . ”wow, that does sounds accurate, I could see purgatory being exactly like that.” I ended up leaving early before the Holy Hour, which followed, but not before I grabbed some Heaven Speaks booklets and gave them to my mom who did nothing with them really.

A year later my mom asked me excitedly “Justin, didn’t you hear this woman Anne speak last year?”  I replied “Yes, but I don’t remember much about it.” My mom went on to say, “I’ve just finished reading The Mist of Mercy and love it! Where are those other books you brought home?“ “I gave them to you mom, so not exactly sure, probably in the bookshelf on the bottom” . . . and they were there! Well, you can imagine my mother was happy, and I learned later that her mom, my grandmother, had been reading the Medjugorje Magazine and read an article about Anne in there. She had then told my mom about the books and so it began that our family became lay apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King.

Now, that doesn’t explain how I became involved because my mom had by then bought me a few of the Volumes, none of which I read. Two years later in 2008, I went to a little town in Austria . . . Gaming was the town name. I was there along with 150 students for our semester abroad. Filled with travels, adventures, laughs and many opportunities for graces because of the Holy sites throughout Europe. An acquaintance, who I barely knew, gave me Volume One, Thoughts on Spirituality the first week I was in Gaming. It was the right time, in the right place (away from home) given from the right person (someone who wasn’t my parent - ha ha!), so I was open to reading it . . . and I did . . . and I LOVED it! Actually, after reading Volume One I told everyone . . . EVERYONE . . . about these books and I soon discovered two other Volumes stashed in the Adoration chapel. So I took them with me as I traveled around Europe and read them everywhere. What a gift they were to me! Reading these rich words from heaven is invigorating all by itself, but traveling around Europe on adventures while doing so is addictive! And I didn’t stop . . . I kept reading, passing the books to anyone who would take them and re-reading them myself for the remainder of the semester.

I knew God had brought me to Austria for a purpose besides the travels and fun times and studies. I was so touched and encouraged in my spiritual life. Yes, daily Mass, Confession, praise and worship and Adoration were a big part of that. But the understanding of holiness and desire to be a saint came from reading the Volumes. That was the best semester of my life without a doubt.

Being a part of this “Rescue Mission for Souls” as Jesus calls it has made such a difference. My faith is now connected with my life. That is what these words from heaven have done for me. They have connected the sufferings and joys of life into my faith and the heavenly perspective. This in itself is a miracle. To be able to see value in suffering and rejoice in that. As well, the times of fun and lightheartedness I do not take for granted, but instead ask my guardian angel to participate in with me and Jesus to laugh with me! This is the connection to heaven Jesus wants for us. Each conversation, moment, pain and joy he wants us to be aware of His presence in us. He says so often “I am with you,” that phrase is the daily medicine I take when I’m confused about a situation or afraid. Yes, life is easier when viewed from the heavenly perspective because there is greater VALUE on everything. A small task becomes one that will save souls when offered to heaven. A small suffering also gets souls out of purgatory, and the list goes on. This great value in life brings with it a vibrancy that is contagious, I do believe, to others. Naturally, when asked about this, I tell them about these little books from heaven and this humble woman Anne, a lay apostle who has six children and is a wife and mother. I tell them how she is just a normal person like us, serving Jesus the King with a big mission, and she needs our prayers.

Jesus has a promise to each lay apostle: “You may assure each lay apostle that just as they concern themselves with my interests, I will concern Myself with theirs. They will be placed in My Sacred Heart and I will defend and protect them. I will also pursue complete conversion of each of their loved ones. So you see, the souls who serve in this rescue mission as My beloved lay apostles will know peace. The world cannot make this promise, as only heaven can bestow peace on a soul. This is truly heaven’s mission and I call every one of heaven’s children to assist me. You will be well rewarded, My dear ones.”

This beautiful promise from the King of Love speaks directly to the soul. I am thankful for this mission and opportunity to serve and as I say the Allegiance Prayer every morning to God, my Father in heaven, I pray for the grace to obey His every direction to the fullest possible extent.

By following the directives and wisdom from heaven given in these Volumes, I do not feel alone or unprepared. I feel confident that all of the heavenly court is with me. That St. Michael is at my side each day I ask him. That my friends, the Communion of Saints, are interceding for me. That the Blessed Mother loves me unconditionally. That God my Father will protect me. That Jesus is with me and all is well.

“My dear apostles, together, we are making advances. Humanity groans with the changes coming upon them and yet heaven's servants become holier and holier. The project that is your holiness is on track. Dear apostles, this is the most important thing and this should be your greatest concern. I want you to be aware of your progress. Instead of being distracted by the changes occurring in the world, you are actively participating in the changes through your personal commitment to remain connected to My will in each day. You are offering your service through your allegiance prayer and I am accepting your service and using you to teach others what true holiness looks like. From the outside, you probably look as though you are working hard. From the outside, it is probably evident that your commitment has cost you something, meaning, your own plan. You have submitted your plan to Me and I have handed you My plan in return. Accepting My plan for your life is not easy and some moments are more difficult than other moments, and yet, you continue. You strive for total acceptance of My will.”

Jesus, Monthly Message, December 1, 2010

S. M.

I am 25 years old, discerning where the Lord is calling me in my life . . . towards my vocational call as well as towards the lifework He has planned for me. I began reading the Volumes five years ago during my second year of college, and was completely blown away by the intimacy in Jesus' words. Every time I opened a Volume, the Lord spoke to me directly, in what I was presently experiencing at that moment. When I struggled through dry prayer and desolations, I opened a Volume knowing that the Lord was going to speak to me, and He did. To this day, when I open a Volume or read the monthly messages, the Lord speaks to me where I am. Through the Volumes, I have been called into the heart of Jesus. I wanted more of Him . . . I wanted to know more about Him . . . I wanted to experience His love. And, He is revealing all of these to me in an intimate and personal way. When I read the Volumes, I feel His love. I feel His anointing on me. Jesus is alive in the Volumes; His words are living in them without a doubt! It is such a grace and a blessing to receive His messages in this way. I am more attracted to Volume Two, Conversations with The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. In this Volume, I feel a direct love and communication in His words, as if we are dialoguing. I brought it with me on a trip to Medjugorje, and He spoke directly to me on Apparition Hill through this Volume. It was amazing! I also had the blessing of visiting Holy Trinity Abbey in Ireland a few years ago, as well as a day of renewal in Chicago. I find comfort, security, peace, grace, healing and blessings in these words of Jesus. I keep a few extra Volumes in my car, and it is amazing how many people the Lord has led me to pass them out to. All I need to do is hand them a Volume, and the Lord takes care of them. I firmly believe I am who I am today, five years later, because of Jesus words in the Volumes and in the monthly messages. My hope for my future and for the plans Jesus has for me rest in His Eucharistic Heart.

“Changes are coming. Humanity groans with the effort of altering its course. The change comes in the calmness of the souls of the just. Those who follow Me feel the stirring of hope and exhilaration. “Jesus is returning,” they say in the silence of their hearts. Beloved ones, it is I who whispers to you. It is I who provides you with calm and peace. You know Me and you know My voice. Many of you dare not hope that your Savior is communicating with you in such intimacy. Be at peace. Trust My voice. You will hear Me in silence, of course, but you will confirm Me in the words that flow from you to others and in the love that moves through you to your brothers and sisters. You are changing. The world around you appears to be distressed, disturbed, and unsteady, but in the souls of My apostles there is a steady bearing that pushes My light across the earth. There is no stopping this renewal, My friend. Assist your Jesus to the fullest possible extent and you will realize your heavenly potential.”

Jesus, Serving in Clarity, September 12, 2006

The Virtue of Moderation/Temperance

YOUCAT 304:  Why is it virtuous to be moderate?

Moderation is a virtue because immoderate behavior proves to be a destructive force in all areas of life. [CCC 1809, 1838]

Someone who is immoderate abandons himself to the rule of his impulses, offends others by his inordinate desires, and harms himself. In the New Testament words like “sobriety” and “discretion” stand for “moderation.”

Directions:

1. Dress appropriately remembering you are going out in public with Jesus. Ask yourself if He would approve.

2. Be patient with yourself, you are a work in progress.

3. Share and take turns . . . your mother was definitely on to something.

4. Think things through before making a decision. What Would Jesus Do?

5. Just because everyone else is getting drunk (overeating, doing drugs, fill-in-the-blank), it doesn’t mean you follow along. Jesus has a better plan for you! Refer back to #4 if needed!

“Little apostles, I want you to get enough rest. By this, I want to state clearly that I refer to sleeping at night. I do not mean extended holidays from your duties. My apostles and saints throughout the ages always tried to live moderately in all things. In this way their bodies were treated with respect and could serve. You are children of God and you are true servants in a time when I have many enemies, few friends, and the greatest work to do. So heed My words and if you are having trouble in the area of moderation, seek the help of your brothers and sisters who have gone before you. I am your beloved Jesus. I love you most tenderly.  I will guide you in this area, as in every area of your time of service.”

Jesus, Volume Ten, October 4, 2004

Emily, OH

Thank you. Thank you Jesus for these messages. Thank you Anne for being faithful and sharing them. Jesus has been powerfully speaking to me through these messages.

Right before being introduced to Jesus Christ the Returning King and His messages, my prayer life had started to become routine. I was in a kind of dry spot and I was kind of praying, but it was really hard to hear the Lord speak. I was reading Scripture, but was having trouble hearing His voice. One day back in the fall, Caitlin, a lay apostle who leads the monthly young adult prayer meetings in Columbus, OH, invited me to come to a prayer meeting. So I went and I remember being amazed at how every person was able to speak about how the Monthly Message related to their life or how it spoke to them, myself included. This intrigued me, so I continued going to the monthly meetings. Then in November I went to the prayer meeting and they were selling the Volumes, so I bought some of them. There was one in particular that even the title struck a chord in my heart and I knew I had to read from. It was Volume Two, Conversations with The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. And this is the Volume that Jesus has used to draw me deeper into His love and His life. The following quote from Volume Two was the first of many that spoke directly into my life and showed Christ’s love for me and challenged me and helped me to encounter Christ in a new way: “My children, I would like you to become dependable friends to Me. I want to rely on you . . . I would like to know that you will come to Me every day in prayer. We begin a journey together and then you disappear from Me” (Volume Two, pg. 99). Jesus wants me to be His friend, He wants to spend time with me, and He is calling me to be faithful to Him! This was exactly what I needed to hear. I was at a point where I would go back and forth between being faithful and spending time with Him and then not for a few days. Jesus, through this message, called me on and challenged me and at the same exact time was they’re loving and comforting me. This is how He has continued to be to me in these messages. He meets me where I am, speaks to me and loves me. No matter what day it is and what message I read, Jesus is truly alive in His words to me through these messages.

Another beautiful thing our Lord has been doing in my life through these messages is speaking to me about others and enabling me to speak into their lives with the beautiful messages. It is a way that the Holy Spirit has enabled me to use the gift of prophecy to speak Jesus’ words into the lives of my friends. When I am reading a message, the Lord will place a person on my heart and there is always this undeniable urging to share it with them. One time I shared the following part of a message with a friend:

“Little ones, I am with you. I want to teach you things that souls of past times did not learn until they came to Heaven. I am doing this because I am raising up a tidal wave of Christians to wash over the shore of badness that has taken control of this world, so lovingly created by My Father. This process will cleanse your world, making it safe once again for God’s children. I am going to bring you knowledge, wisdom, and love. I am going to introduce you to the divine to make your hearts burn like furnaces of divine love”(Volume Two, pgs. 1-2). I read this message to her over the phone because we were in different states, and when I had finished reading it to her she said, “Emily, I was crying the whole time you read that message. I needed to hear that.” So, it was confirmed the Lord did want me to read that message to her. There have been other times with other people as well. It has been a beautiful process of the Lord calling and emboldening me to speak His words to others!

I am so thankful for these messages. They have helped me to better understand Jesus’ immense love for me and how He truly desires me to be united to Him. For example, when I read the following words: “I want to draw souls into My Sacred Heart. This is the place of safety for you, My dear ones. It is here, in the security of My love, that you can rest and begin to see your world with clarity”(Volume Two, pg. 39).  My soul was overwhelmed with Jesus’ presence and the love and peace only He can give. I have been reading the Volumes since Christmas. I am still on Volume Two as Jesus continues to surprise me in the depths of His words He wants to speak to me through even just these messages in new ways every time! My hope and prayer is that every person may have the opportunity to read these words in these messages and be transformed by Jesus, the living Word, the Lover of our souls, our Savior and Friend!

James, MO (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

My name is James, and I am 23. I am a student at Webster University in St. Louis where I also work full time. I have been reading the Volumes delivered by Anne for two years, and they have brought me to Jesus in a way I believed reserved only for saints or existing only in the minds of Hollywood screenplay writers. In the short time that I have been studying the Volumes my life has changed in every facet possible. Physical, tangible changes began to happen to my body and mind; the people I interact with, my financial situation, and the jobs where I have been employed. I mention these gifts first only to say the physical graces I have received are truly the tip of the iceberg. I am eternally grateful for these physical changes and gifts in my life but still view them as transitory as they pale in comparison to the relationship I have developed with Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the Saints through these Volumes. I view these physical changes as tools Christ gifted me with to do His work.

I am a sinner of course; that has not changed. Even before my mother introduced me to the Volumes I would not have considered myself evil or hell-bound in any way. I was, however, on autopilot. I use the term to convey that I was just living to work, eat, and pay my bills. I was lukewarm to issues like abortion and unaffected when someone used Christ's name in vain (something that grates on my ears and makes me cringe now). I would be insecure and take things personally while holding grudges and remaining embittered toward those that had hurt me. I felt little to no emotion when I saw others, like myself, who did not know Christ's love yet. I still struggle daily as I did before I knew Christ, but my struggles are yoked to Him now. I know there is nothing standing in my way that He will not remove for me. I move through my days with a confidence I have never known before. I move through my days talking with Christ. I am forever changed by the Volumes and I am forever grateful to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and forever grateful to Anne.

“Children of the world, be consoled. Hardship during your time on earth is to be expected. Be peaceful about the difficulties that come your way. Look to Me for consolation. Tell Me your difficulties and I will comfort you in a way that defies human understanding.”

God the Father, Volume Four, January 12, 2004

Eli

I am a faithful practicing Catholic who has attended public schools my whole life. I am currently 15 years old and a freshman at a public high school. The first time I experienced the messages Jesus and Mary gave to the lay apostle, Anne, was in 8th grade when a CD and small booklet were given out free at a religious conference. The CD and booklet were entitled Heaven Speaks to Young Adults. Before I had ever listened to the messages of Jesus and Mary, my relationship with Jesus was sort of lukewarm. I was a good Catholic. Since 6th grade, I have attended a camp called Catholic Youth Summer Camp (CYSC). This camp helped me to stay close to Christ and His Church for a good amount of time. I also had devout Catholic relatives who gave me a great example in living the Catholic faith. I always struggled, however, with maintaining a constant relationship with Jesus, and staying on fire with the Holy Spirit. The first time I listened to the messages was at my cousin’s house through my new iPod Nano which I had downloaded the CD onto. It was 15 tracks and I listened to the whole thing through my headphones. As I listened to it, I felt a great relief. It was unlike any of the Catholic CDs I had ever heard before. Instead of a recording of a man or woman speaking from a pulpit, it was professionally done, with the message supposed to be coming from Jesus Himself. It was spiritually moving from the very beginning to the very end, starting with Jesus saying, “I, Jesus Christ, cry out to all who hear these words. Come back to me. Come back to the side of goodness and kindness. I will send every grace necessary for your complete healing and conversion. I will care for your every need. Trust Me, Jesus, and you will be saved. All is well. God’s Kingdom comes.” I was honestly very surprised when I heard this. I had no idea what the CD was even going to be like. I had noticed how the cover of the CD was very different from anything I had ever seen. It wasn’t until almost a year later that I learned the image on the cover of the CD (Jesus Christ, the Returning King), was an image that was supposed to be venerated, according to Saint Faustina.

Some of the messages that really touched me were the ones from Jesus and Mary on the 13th and 14th track of the CD (Mary only spoke on the 14th track, the rest were from Jesus). On the 13th track, Jesus talks about His Blessed Mother and the need for the virtue of purity saying, “I am encouraging you to ask Mary, your Blessed Mother, for assistance in the area of purity.” I was very happy at how Jesus did not water down the subject at all, especially since it is a topic not many want to talk about. Jesus boldly goes on to say, “You are called to follow the rules of your church in this regard. Sexual intimacy is intended for a man and a woman who are in a holy union, in a blessed marriage. I am Jesus and I am telling you today that the rules have not changed…” Going to public school, I have seen firsthand how much this teaching of the Church has been attacked. I know people and have friends who have homosexual behaviors and many who call themselves Christians and have not even taken this teaching seriously. I understand and support this teaching of the Church, knowing how hard it may be to keep. I also know that Jesus understands the situation that I and many other devout Christians have to face when He goes on to say, “. . . Do not listen to those who follow the world because you will be led astray. Listen to Me. There is grave damage done to those because of sins of impurity. This sin leads to many other, even more grave sins. This is the sin responsible for the slaughter of so many unborn souls . . .” It shows how one sin connects to another which I know is obviously no coincidence.

Probably my favorite quote from all of the messages is what Mary says at the very beginning of track 14. “How blessed is the Kingdom of God by your presence in the world . . .” After I heard these words, I truly felt that I had purpose, that my life had meaning. I could also say that this was the true start of my friendship with Mary, the Mother of God. To this day, I simply call her “Mom!” as I feel that she is truly my Heavenly Mother! After I had listened to the CD for the first time, I would not stop listening to it! I listened to it every day on my bus ride to school and even sometimes during study hall if I had nothing to work on (my school allowed iPods starting that year). I would listen to the messages until I could say them out loud word for word. I even said the very quote from Mary I put in this testimony at Catholic Youth Summer Camp on stage in front of all the campers and I told them about Heaven Speaks to Young Adults. The summer after my 8th grade year I got Facebook. I started posting parts of the messages on Facebook and a lot of my friends on Facebook liked them.  Anytime I ever felt down, I would turn to the booklet that contained the messages, and no matter which part of the messages I read, I always got some hope and joy out of it. I encourage every young person in the world who is striving for holiness to either read or listen to these messages Jesus and Mary gave to Anne, a lay apostle.

“There are changes coming, yes, but these changes are necessary and your Jesus is always looking out for the best possible environment for your soul to develop the greatest degree of holiness. I will see to every situation that you give Me control over. Be in the habit of constantly giving Me your concerns and this habit will be then so ingrained that during difficult times, the practice will come naturally.”

Jesus, Volume Five, May 11, 2004

The Virtue of Hope

YOUCAT 308:  What is hope?

Hope is the power by which we firmly and constantly long for what we were placed on earth to do: to praise God and serve him; and for our true happiness, which is finding our fulfillment in God; and for our final home: in God. [CCC 1817-1821, 1843]

Hope is trusting in what God has promised us in creation, in the prophets, but especially in Jesus Christ, even though we do not yet see it. God’s Holy Spirit is given to us so that we can patiently hope for the Truth.

Directions:

1. Look at each bump in the road as Jesus changing your course to save you from something.

2. Live for today without anticipating the future. God is in complete control of your life, not you.

3. Find opportunity in every problem you face. Ask Jesus to give you Heaven’s view in finding answers.

4. Hope is as valuable as any medication.

5. Actions speak louder than words.

“Dear apostles, it is with all hope that I speak to you today. I have hope in the vision held by heaven of the future of My Church on earth. I am pleased when I see holiness increasing in My friends and this increase in holiness is what gives Me hope for the Church. Yes, I am urging My followers toward sacrifice and service and many of you are answering with your whole hearts. You, listening to My words and allowing them to change you, are giving Me great hope. With this hope I push on into the world, confident, that while some resist change, others embrace it. Yes, change is happening, most especially in the heart of every committed apostle. You are becoming holier. As you are becoming holier, My Church is becoming holier. Apostles, hear this call with all seriousness. I, Jesus, have everything needed to advance the Church into greater unity. And I, Jesus, can do this as quickly as you will allow Me.”

Jesus, Monthly Message, June 1, 2012

Tim, FL (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

“Would you like to take a trip with me to Chicago in June?” was the only thing I heard my mother say; in reality it went more like this: “Would you like to take a trip with me to Chicago to attend the Direction for Our Times (DFOT) Eucharistic Day of Renewal in June?” Naturally I said yes, and having never visited the Windy City I jumped at the opportunity not exactly knowing why I was going. Little did I know that shortly after my trip, God would call upon me to spread the message of DFOT.

The youth-focused portion came first on the agenda, and I instantly connected with those discerning in Ireland and learned that people from my generation were actually interested in pursuing a life honoring God, instantly earning my admiration. It isn’t easy to choose the path least traveled by my generation, however I know my prayers for them will help in their discernment and that excites me. Knowing that you can actually help someone through prayer is a euphoric experience for me; it allows me to help others without physically being there. If more people knew the true power of prayer, more people could experience the same peace I feel every time I pray. With that mindset and motivation, I was determined to talk to anybody willing to listen about my experience at the 2009 Eucharistic Day of Renewal. After coming home, I felt so full of life and grace than I’ve ever felt before. Listening to Anne and other lay apostles & speakers recreated the foundation to truly believe again in the word of God and how it lives in each of us. In December of 2008, I was part of the founding members of the men’s group at our church called Leadership Disciples. It was my way to get involved with the church more than being a lector, and that had a very positive influence in my life as well. Upon my return to the group meeting the following Monday morning at 7:00am, I was eager to find a way to bring up my trip to the group. I didn’t feel like an expert on the subject at all about DFOT, so I gave them the website to go see for themselves. Most of the men are retired and know more about tee times than technology, so they elected me to present the facts to them the following week.

Typically public speaking isn’t an issue or concern, but I felt rather insecure about explaining the subject to them. I came home to explain to my mother about the deadline I had for coming up with something to talk about for an entire hour. She was so excited to help me plan for the presentation, and the following week I delivered one of the best speeches I’ve ever had the privilege of giving, because it came from within, and not from a notecard. The only copy of Volume 1 I had available was given to a Pearl Harbor survivor, but everybody received a copy of the prayer card and additional information about the Volumes and booklets. There were about 15 men present that morning, and they were all eager to learn about something they had never heard of from their youngest group peer by at least 25 years. The men from Leadership Disciples gave me a round of applause. Every single man came up to me and expressed how thankful they were to hear about this new movement that they could instantly connect with. A feeling we all shared collectively was the power of lay apostles like Anne and the effect they have on the church community. It gives us new spiritual life and renews our faith when we are presented with a movement like DFOT.

Kristina, TX (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

My name is Kristina, and I am 23 years old.  I cannot express to you how deeply I have been affected by Heaven's messages through Anne, especially Jesus' conversations from His Eucharistic Heart in Volume Two.

Up until last year, I really did not know what unconditional love was like.  Being the oldest child in a family that expected everything of me and seemed to dose out love when I did things right, I honestly believed that I had to earn love.  And since I couldn't ever seem to get things quite perfect enough, I felt myself to be unlovable.  Every night, all throughout my childhood, I cried to God, asking Him why I was so alone and never worth enough in my parents eyes.  To me, God was the big, mighty master of the universe Who I knew cared about me and would help me someday.  I spilled everything to God the Father, but I didn't understand Jesus and rarely spoke to Him. Meanwhile, I continued trying to do everything right.  I was home-schooled through a Catholic school, and my favorite subject was religion, so I knew my faith really well.  Then I attended the University of Dallas, continuing to practice my faith, but I was an emotional disaster.  All of those years of completely suppressing my feelings to protect and please my emotionally unstable mother threw me nearly over the edge.  I can see looking back that God really protected me during that time.  But things seemed to get worse and worse.  During my last year of college, I became quickly engaged to a man who suffered from depression and was emotionally and verbally abusive, while at the same time my parents began to go through a divorce and fell away from the Church.  I was still living at home, so I was right in the middle of all of it.  Both of my parents tried to use me against the other, and all I wanted was to make peace and keep everyone together.  But I failed, as I saw it, and I saw my family fall apart around me.  I quit student teaching in order to take care of my troubled younger siblings when my mother left and my father rarely came home, while I still balanced the rest of my college courses and a relationship that was tearing me down constantly.  I can't remember one day during that year when I didn't break down and cry.  It was the darkest time of my life, and I barely managed to hold onto the hope that God was going to pull me through it.  I believed that if I tried to follow God's will and be the best big sister I could be, God would make things better soon.

At the end of that year, my fiancé and I broke off our engagement, and a month later I met a wonderful young Catholic man.  Not too long after we started dating, he took me to a talk at St. Monica's parish in Dallas, TX, having to do with the apparitions at Medjugorje.  Honestly, I don't remember much about that, but I do remember very clearly the man who came and spoke toward the end about a woman named Anne who was receiving messages from Heaven.  He waved a red book up for us to see, and told us that he had read the entire book while waiting in an airport chapel, because he couldn't put it down.  "Read this one first," he told us, Volume Two, Conversations with The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.  That stuck in my mind, and when my boyfriend bought me the whole set of Volumes that Christmas, I immediately picked up the red book.

That book showed me who Jesus is.  I couldn't believe it.  As I began to read, I felt my heart being wrapped up in a warmth and love that was so overwhelming I was almost overcome with happiness.  Here was Jesus saying that I was important to Him, that He wanted to heal me and fill me up with love, just because I am His!  I didn't have to do anything to earn this love; all I had to do was let Him love me.  I cried every time I turned the page, and my mouth continued to drop open, as I was again astonished at how much Jesus loves me.

Everything began to change from that point.  I learned that I was created to be loved, and Jesus would fill me up and love me even if no one else did.  And that made me want to love Him and everyone else around me even more.  I began attending daily Mass, praying the rosary every day, and reading more spiritual books.  As Jesus requested in His messages, I spent less time watching TV and listening to the radio so that I could enjoy the beauty of silence more.  The result was that my life became so much simpler, beautiful, and serene.  I found that I was smiling even when I wasn't aware of it.  And people around me began to change!  Somehow, I felt Jesus' love flowing through me when I talked to others, and they responded.  A friend from work came up to me and said, "I want to become a Catholic, like you."  My mother called me one day and asked me if I would let her pray the rosary with me every night.  My dad read a book I gave him and began taking us all to family counseling.  My sister, when she found out she was pregnant, told me, "I probably would have had an abortion, if it weren't for you.  But I know you will be here for me."

And things just keep getting better---not because there aren't low points and suffering anymore, because there are.  I've had losses since then, and sadness, and worry.  But they give me the chance to run and throw myself in Jesus' arms, and He's always there to catch me.  I lean against His heart and He tells me, "Be at peace now, My little soul.  I am holding you tightly."

Amber, OH

“I call you each by name and I say to you, ‘It is time to return to Me.’” (Volume Three, Jesus). The Direction for Our Times apostolate has continually affected my life. During my first year of college I always looked forward to the Monthly Message. It was one of the things that kept me going in my faith, in a world so plagued by sin. The college transition was hard for me simply because I had surrounded myself with a strong Catholic Community throughout my Junior and Senior years of high school. Once I was in a setting with people who didn’t know Jesus, the messages helped me to remain in my faith. Jesus continually brought me back to the reality of the beauty of our faith. Each month a message convicted my heart even more so. They often touched on an area where I had been struggling, and convicted me to work on healing in that area. What amazes me about the messages is how they strike each person in profoundly different ways, and rereading old ones, and seeing how they affect me now versus the first time I read them. Jesus is truly working through these messages. I’ve seen them work in my own life, and the lives of those around me. More than anything, they have been a source of peace and joy.

Jesus is calling each one of us to live individually for Him. I can only hope to serve Him all my days in whatever way He may ask. I know that He will always call us back to Himself when we begin to stray from our home in His heart.  “I think about you. I worry if you are far away. I suffer if you have chosen worldly paths and you are endangering your soul. I am sad each day if there is no hope of a visit from you. I ask my Father to have mercy on you. I direct My angels to watch over you in the hope that someday you will return to me.” (Volume Two, Jesus)

“Be at peace in everything. That is always your first rule. You are a follower of Jesus Christ and as such your eternity is secure. There is nothing that should disturb your peace. It is very important that souls who live for the world, who are comfortable with darkness, see your peaceful, trusting countenance. Anything less will not draw them to Christ, but confirm that there is no reason to follow Christ. Next, you must be concerned with your duties in life. Are you a priest? Religious? Father? Mother? Obedient son or daughter? You must live for your duty. Do your work cheerfully and honestly. In all of these things you must love. Brothers and sisters, Christ’s love must shine from your eyes.”

St. Therese, the Little Flower, Volume Seven, July 6, 2004

Maire, OH

My name is Maire, I am 19 years old, from Columbus, OH, USA. My first time hearing about Direction for Our Times was September of 2008 at the Franciscan University of Steubenville when my dad picked up a couple of the Volumes from the gift shop. Since then, my family has gotten more involved in the apostolate. My sister, Caitlin, hosts monthly prayer meetings for all of the youth in Columbus and our house is always stocked up with Volumes and booklets galore to pass out as needed! From August of 2011 to May of 2012, I was serving as a missionary with NET ministries (National Evangelization Teams: netusa.org). My personal conversion has always been a gradual process, with Jesus showing me things He wants me to change about my life one by one. So there has never been "that one big moment when BAM my life was changed.”  More so a gradual growing process. But to share one thing in particular, up to this year, I have always had the hardest time praying with Scripture. I just couldn't GET it. Where do I start? How does it apply to my life? It's never been fruitful, and I mean, the Volumes are so much easier to understand and more helpful. These were my struggles and questions. When I was in NET training, I remember one of the staff members standing up front speaking to all of the missionaries. She was telling us about how incredible Scripture has been in her prayer, and how deeply Jesus works in her soul through meditating upon Scripture. Sitting in my seat, fuming because I just couldn't get it, all of those questions repeated in my head. In this moment, I finally decided to ask Jesus for help in reading Scripture for I truly had a desire to pray with the Bible, and allow it to transform me. Kind of ridiculous that I didn't think of this before, I know.

Throughout the year, each morning, I took my personal prayer time and would read a little bit of Scripture, a little bit of a Volume, journal some, then pray a Rosary. I still struggled with Scripture. But then in prayer each day, I came to realize more that I was called to sainthood and the saints thrived off of Scripture. Reading Volume One one morning, I came upon this: "My children hoping to become saints, and that must be all of you, should read Scripture” (Jesus) and knew the great importance to reading Scripture. After then, I became much more faithful to praying each day that Jesus guide my prayer time and help me read the Bible. And believe me when I say He provided! My NET team did Lectio Divina together in prayer and this introduced me to meditating on Scripture. Then different friends of mine started texting me bible verses, which turned out to be so fruitful (exodus 14:14 has been a theme in my prayer lately). Being home after NET, my prayer with Scripture has become even more powerful and it always seems to parallel with my prayer with the Volumes. Looking back in a Journal entry from 7/2/12, I was praying with the July Monthly Message from Jesus, "Dearest apostles, to make way for your King, you will have to fall back from drawing attention to yourself. One falls back, in this instance, by giving constant credit to the One who is fighting the battles and winning the souls." Right after that, I was praying with Sirach 3:19, "For great is the power of God, by the humble he is glorified." Jesus is SO good, and through His messages to Anne I have been able to pray better . . . particularly through Scripture. Praise the Lord! :)

“We must compare ourselves to Jesus in love of neighbor. Scripture gives us plenty of examples of the selflessness with which Jesus served His brothers and sisters. He was a dutiful Son to His mother and father. He was a good friend to His apostles. Jesus was kind to strangers and those ill and less fortunate. He was patient in the extreme with the flaws of others. He saw each soul as a soul who was somewhere on the mountain and He viewed them with the patience of a teacher, who knows that the total cannot be achieved without walking through the equation. Jesus gave others the room to grow in the light of His love. Are we doing that for others? Or do we constantly point out the deficits in the holiness of our companions? Souls loved Jesus and sought out His companionship. They sought His love and tolerance, His acceptance and steadiness. This is our call to those around us. We must always rejoice in the holiness of our companions.”

Anne a lay apostle, Climbing the Mountain

The Virtue of Charity/Love

YOUCAT 309:  What is charity?

Charity is the power by which we, who have been loved first by God, can give ourselves to God so as to be united with him and can accept our neighbor for God’s sake as unconditionally and sincerely as we accept ourselves. [CCC 1822-1829, 1844]

Jesus places love above all laws, without however, abolishing the latter. Therefore, St. Augustine rightly says, “Love, and do what you will.” Which is not at all as easy as it sounds. That is why charity, love, is the greatest virtue, the energy that inspires all the other virtues and fills them with divine life.

Directions:

1. Even those who hurl harsh words need love. Realize hurt people, hurt people.

2. Visit a nursing home where so many have been thrown away. You will be surprised at the love you will receive from an elderly stranger.

3. Volunteer in a food kitchen. Treat every person served as someone you love.

4. Charity begins at home . . . in your heart.

5.  Spread the messages of Jesus Christ the Returning King. This is done living by example and handing out the Volumes. Heaven Speaks to Young Adults is a great introduction to Jesus and this apostolate.

6. Love is the one thing in life the more you give away, the more you receive in return! All love is courtesy of the One who loved us first. Thank Him for the privilege.

“You will never find a person living on earth who has no grace near him. The grace of the Father hovers nearby, always, ready to rush into the soul at the least openness. Therefore, walk in peace, of course, but also understand that all you need do is approach another. You carry My light within you. You cannot help but do this if you love Me and serve Me. Your very presence in a room will insure that others become aware, not only of the grace that surrounds you, but of the grace that surrounds them. No soul is abandoned while there is hope and hope remains until a soul permanently rejects Me. Therefore, do not ever think that it is useless to bring Me to another, regardless of his condition. Please, contemplate this concept in silence and you will understand its power.”

Jesus, Serving in Clarity, September 13, 2006

“One experiences the love of the Father and one then begins to return that love. When one enters into this reciprocal love relationship with God, one then becomes able to extend this love to others in freedom. One learns, through this reciprocal relationship, how to love others without condition.”

Anne a lay apostle, Lessons in Love

Caitlin, OH

Before I was introduced to this Apostolate, I was already very into my faith life and had a pretty strong prayer life, thanks to my devout Catholic family, solid high school youth group, and then continuing to be immersed in Catholic community at Franciscan University.  Toward the end of high school when my dad discovered the Volumes, I grew even closer to Jesus as I dove into these words from Heaven.  I began reading the Volumes every day and since then have continued to read, read, and re-read these messages.  I look at it as constant training to prepare for Heaven and especially to prepare for this renewal to come that Jesus speaks of!

Through reading and praying with these words from Jesus, Mary, God the Father, and the saints, I have gathered several messages that they constantly reveal to us.  The message of hope, the need for trust, the need for constant prayer, the Sacraments, and Scripture, the call to love others intensely, especially our enemies, and the desire Jesus has for us to be calm, confident, and joyful lay apostles ushering in His return so that others may see Him in us and follow Him!

One particular thing I have learned from the messages is the importance of detachment: detachment from the world, detachment from materialism and all the things of this world, detachment from the opinions of others, and even the detachment from others.  “I want my children to begin detaching from the world.” (Blessed Mother, Volume One) Immediately following this line, our Blessed Mother goes on to say that to do this we must specifically limit our time watching television and shopping.  I always enjoy how straightforward Jesus and our Blessed Mother are when they speak to us.  There is no beating around the bush with them in these messages!  I can testify to the fact that limiting these specific things that our Blessed Mother refers to truly does help us to become fully detached from the world!  The moment I began to limit myself in these things, eventually nearly eradicating them from my life, was the moment that, through His grace, I was genuinely detached from the world.  This is one of many things I have found crucial to growth in holiness, because once we are detached from everything but Heaven, we can live freely, joyfully, and fully for Him and Him alone!  I have received an overwhelming peace in being detached from the world and from worldly desires.  Jesus calls us to be countercultural, which is difficult and almost impossible if we are constantly battling with allowing ourselves to become detached.  The constant grace to be detached has clearly come through the consistent reading of the Volumes and participation in this Apostolate as a lay apostle of Jesus Christ the Returning King.               As I mentioned earlier, Jesus has taught me a lot about trust through His messages.  He tells us a countless amount of times that we need to trust Him.  “All day today, My little frightened child, you must tell Me you trust Me. And by the end of this day, I will place trust within You” (Jesus, Volume One).  During freshman year of college, I began experiencing intense temptations towards anxiety coming at me in many different ways, some by way of physical suffering.  I specifically remember reading this message, and doing exactly as Jesus told me to do.  I probably prayed the short prayer, “Jesus, I trust in You” a hundred times that day.  By the end of the day I was amazed by the amount of trust Jesus had placed in my heart, leaving me free from all anxiety I had been experiencing.  Jesus always fulfills His promises!  Since then, I have battled with the cross of anxiety continuously off and on, but always receive renewed encouragement through His words in the various messages.  “I can completely erase your fear if you begin to trust Me in small things.” “Trust me.” “We are working on trust.” “Trust Me, please, with everything, for I am caring for you lovingly” (Jesus).

I could literally go on for pages and pages about how this Apostolate has affected my life.  But to close, the graces received through this Apostolate are abundant, intense, and constant.  I have witnessed this in my own life and I have witnessed this in the lives of fellow lay apostles around me.  Jesus needs us to be consistent in our service to Him during these times, and He is clearly giving us the graces to do so and to do so in a world that would tell us to do otherwise.  “I am doing this because I am raising up a tidal wave of Christians to wash over the shore of badness that has taken control of this world, so lovingly created by My Father.” (Jesus, Volume Two)

Andrew, MI (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

I first heard about Direction for Our Times, the lay apostles, and Anne through one of my schoolmates, Patrick. I forget exactly how we had met, but we were good friends before he mentioned the Volumes to me. I remember that Patrick was always very adamant about the mission and the Volumes. If you ever needed to know anything that even remotely related to Anne or Direction for Our Times, Patrick was your guy. The first time he got around to mentioning them, I thought they were interesting, but they were always something that I was, “going to look into later.”

It was somewhere in the first semester of my sophomore year of college, which would have been the 2006-2007 school year, when the messages of the Volumes hit me. It was when I was going through a trial and couldn’t figure out what to do about it. It is something that is irrelevant now, but at the time it was causing me considerable distress. I was walking by the front desk of my dormitory while Patrick was talking about the Volumes to one of our mutual friends working behind the desk that day. I joined them, got into the conversation, and at some point Patrick invited me to read three passages from the Volumes: one from Volume Four, and two from Volume Two. I was literally astounded to find that not only did the passages contain completely relevant solutions to my problem, but also they were written as if Jesus Himself were speaking directly to me. I believe this was and is the most astounding part of the messages Anne brings from Heaven into the world: anyone may read these messages, but they speak and are completely relatable to the person who is reading them. It is an astounding and profound grace that is attached to words written in the messages that helped me with my problems then, countless problems since, and in my overall faith. Indeed, the messages have greatly expanded my faith life, guided me through rough patches, helped me further develop my relationship with God and Heaven, and gave me a better perspective and understanding about the truths of life and the world around me.

After reading the passages Patrick suggested, the fiery passion of the Holy Spirit was lit within me. I bought the Volumes as soon as I could get my hands on them and told anyone who would let me about this mysterious and glorious gift I had received. When the call came to form the lay apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King prayer group, I worked with Patrick and two other schoolmates, Mai and Angi, in the establishment of a college lay apostle group on our campus. I was not as heavily involved with direct leadership as the other three at first, but when it came time for them to graduate (as they were all classmates and graduating at the same time), they asked me to co-lead the group with one of my classmates, Nicole, for my senior year. With Nicole’s help and contact with Patrick and Direction for Our Times, we were able to further expand our foundation into the ministry of our campus and greatly increase the awareness of the Volumes and the mission of Direction for Our Times, Anne, and Heaven. It is now in the good hands of Nicole and my replacement, Teesie, who, I believe, will continue to expand the group and its permanence in the identity of our campus ministry. Before that, I had brought the Volumes to my local parish from back home, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Grosse Pointe Woods, to start another lay apostle group. I am also a member of Facebook and wished to join a group that related to the work of the lay apostles and Direction for Our Times. I noticed that no such group existed in any form, so I figured it might be a good idea to start one. I invited everyone I could, which didn’t bring many at first. I believe it began with about 15-40 people. However, word spread and people found the site. At last count, there are now over 150 people that have joined the lay apostle Facebook group. After the group had been going for a while, I thought it’d be a good idea to start sending the monthly message to the members, which turned out to be a fantastic idea!

The Volumes, the Monthly Messages, Anne’s work and the work of Direction for Our Times has forever changed me, my life, and the lives of those around me. I tell everyone I can about the lay apostles, the Volumes, and all the glorious things that Direction for Our Times does. I have heard and personally experienced many uplifting and heartening stories that resulted because of the blessings, graces and downright intervention of God through the words of these messages. I have been honored to be so involved with this movement and look forward to what is to come.

Nabil, Egypt

Once when I was returning by train to my university in Cairo from our village in Upper Egypt by the Nile, the passenger sitting next to me noticed the cross tattoo on my wrist, an ancient Coptic Christian custom.  “Did you know that a thousand Christians convert to Islam every day?”  I was a little surprised by his question, but not surprised who was asking it.  His thick black beard without a mustache revealed he was a member of the extreme Salafi Islamic sect, recently elected to the Egyptian parliament with the Muslim Brotherhood.  I quietly prayed to the Holy Spirit for wisdom.  “Mabrook” (Arabic for congratulations), I replied with an ironic smile.  “Our religion is not about numbers, but about faith and love.”

Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed, the “smallest of seeds.” Often on my way home from school, I would break off a branch and pour out the tiny seed from a single pod into my hand like a hundred grains of sand.  God first planted faith in my heart at baptism in my Coptic Catholic parish.  Ever since then, this gift of faith has grown, until it became a deep desire to consecrate my life to love and serve Jesus and His Church.  So when I learned about the School of Holiness, I jumped at the chance to finally find time after a difficult year to get away to pray and grow in faith in order to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, far away from the noise and confusion of Egypt after the so-called revolution.

Every year during planting season, my fellahin peasant family sows seed in our fields, and as a small boy, I used to watch daily for signs of growth, the only proof of life.  At harvest time, my father, my four brothers and I cut the ripe corn to dry in the autumn sun and then we spent three nights in the fields, making sure that no thief came to steal the corn we worked so hard to grow, so Mom could make bread and also feed our cows, goats and buffalo.

Fear is like a thief in the night that robs our faith.  When I came to Ireland, I was afraid of Egypt electing an Islamist president.  Egyptian Christians are full of fear for the future.  During Mubarak’s time, a church in Alexandria was bombed on New Year’s Eve as families were leaving Mass, with 27 dead. Christian homes and shops were burned to the ground in a village near mine, and weeks later, scores of Christians were run down by tanks and killed in the streets during a march for peace in downtown Cairo.  So at the beginning of the retreat, I could only pray: “Jesus, I trust in you!”

But later on in the School of Holiness, I met Anne, the lay apostle, and listened carefully as she shared with us Jesus’ words today for all who suffer pain and fear of the future:  “Do not look into tomorrow and expect today’s pain to be repeated.  You are not certain of such an occurrence. You cannot be certain because I, God, could change your life during this day, today.  You must remain in this day, in the present, because I have given you adequate grace to deal with your cross . . . You cannot believe in a future with joy, because the present holds such pain . . .  I have never been known to break a promise.  Never.  Today, I have a promise for you.  If you ask Me to help you, I will help you.  Ask me, my beloved one.  You are important to this Kingdom, and I have a plan for you. I need you” (Heaven Speaks to Those Considering Suicide, pgs. 1-2).

Jesus is speaking simple words of faith and love to us today, which came to my ears like a drink of cold water in the hot desert.  Direction for Our Times is an oasis for thirsty souls, like the rock, which provided water for His people in the Sinai Desert after leaving Egypt.  “And that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor 10:4). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).   Because of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt from Bethlehem at Herod's massacre of the Innocents, Egypt is considered another Holy Land.  According to tradition, Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived in Egypt for two years and even saw the Pyramids!  Later, after the Resurrection, the Apostle Peter sent St. Mark to Alexandria to proclaim the Gospel, becoming the first martyr.  And so prophecy was fulfilled:  “In that day, there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt” (Is 19:19).

The years of the Coptic calendar are counted from 284, the "Year of the Martyrs,” when Diocletian became Roman Emperor with his mass execution of Christians.  Because of persecution, many retreated to the desert, and the first monasteries of the Desert Fathers were born.  By the end of the 4th century, most Egyptians had become Christians, the children of the Pharaohs, and are today called Copts from the ancient Greek word for Egypt.  Of Egypt’s 90 million, 10% are Christian, the largest Christian population in the Middle East. But today, the majority of Egyptians consider their own prophet as the last.  Yet Jesus is still alive today, feeding us with manna from heaven, His Body and His Word.  As He sees our sad situation, He feels our sorrows and wants to help us today, now.  Jesus has not forgotten us, but is today sending us messages for our times.  He gives us a compass to guide us!

"Which one of you who has a sheep that falls into a ditch on the Sabbath will not take hold of it and lift it out?  How much more valuable a person is than a sheep” (Mt 12:11, 12).  Today we have fallen into a ditch, and Direction for Our Times is the Good Shepherd’s rescue mission for His beloved sheep! Like parallel rails of a train track, I discovered that faith and love are really what Direction for Our Times is all about, from my June arrival in beautiful green Ireland, which felt more like Egyptian winter, until the last day when I flew back to Egypt, Land of the Sun.

The School of Holiness

The School of Holiness (SOH) is held in Cavan, Ireland during the first three weeks of June. During this three week period we have different guest speakers come in and speak to us about the many different ‘Living Streams of the Church.’ This includes topics such as Apologetics, the Lives of the Saints, Grace and Virtue, Marian Spirituality, Theology of the Body and many teachings from the Apostolate. Everyone learns about each other, about the Catholic Church, her doctrine and beliefs and, most importantly, learn about themselves. Interior knowledge is an important thing because self-knowledge allows us to grow so much and it is true that ‘God fully reveals man to himself.’ So as we get to know ourselves, talents and gifts, we can better use these gifts for the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Glorium).

This is the process of holiness each of us is partaking in as we say our Allegiance Prayer and strive to serve heaven each moment through our smiles, laughter, work, talents and sufferings.

Our campus is safe, supervised and staffed.

If you know someone who is interested in attending the School of Holiness 2013, please contact:

USA office: Contact Justin Sofio at 708-496-9300, Justin@directionforourtimes.org

Ireland office: Contact Emma 00353 (0)49 4373040, emmadfot@gmail.com

In Gratitude

There are so many people I must thank who have supported and loved me throughout the years. First, I must thank Jesus Christ the Returning King, Our Lady, all the saints and angels. Without Your love and guidance in the Volumes, I would never be who I am today . . . a strong, confident Catholic woman.

Of course, none of this could have ever happened without Anne a lay apostle’s “yes” to Christ. I have gotten to know Anne very well over the last few years. She is one of the most genuine, loving, Christ-filled women I know. And, funny to boot! Thank you, Anne, for your love and encouragement. I am forever grateful Jesus put you in my life.

To my husband Jay Crandall.  You are a gift from Jesus (He even initialed His gift!) who inspires me every day we are together. You are my best friend, confidant and split-apart. Jesus has blessed us with true love, the kind I’ve always prayed for. Thank you for leading me on a path to heaven. I love you with all my heart and soul, JC!

To my daughters, Mallorie, Whitney and Taylor. The three of you have always been my strength, my heart and my life. The joy each of you have given me over the last 30 years is beyond anything I ever imagined the day I became a mother for the first time. You are my best girlfriends. Love you always, always. LYAAFEAE.

To my stepdaughter Christine. The night you walked off the plane and into your dad’s arms, I knew God had blessed me with another daughter to love. It has been so easy to love you and I am so blessed you love me in return.

To one of the best friends a girl could have . . . Karen W. You continue to blow me away with your love and support and are a shining example of a true lay apostle. Thank you for everything, including being one of my editors!

To my dear friends Joyce and Paul. You both are the reason I am a lay apostle!

To all lay apostles on this beautiful journey with me. Let’s continue to encourage each other, shining the Light of Christ to those in darkness.

To the entire DFOT staff in the US and Ireland. Can I just say . . . I LOVE YOU GUYS! Each one of you have shown me what being a Christian in an Age of Disobedience looks like. And, fun to hang out with! You all rock!

Last but not least, the people in this book who lovingly told their stories with grace and honesty. Each one of you will impact so many struggling souls. Thank you for contributing! All for His Glory!

Heaven Speaks To Young Adults

Direction for Our Times

As Given To Anne, a lay apostle

ISBN# 978-1-933684-25-3

© Copyright 2008-2009 Direction for Our Times

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

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Direction for Our Times

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Direction for Our Times wishes to manifest its complete obedience and submission of mind and heart to the final and definitive judgment of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and the local Ordinary regarding the supernatural character of the messages received by Anne, a lay apostle. In this spirit, the messages of Anne, a lay apostle, have been submitted to her bishop, Most Reverend Leo O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, Ireland, and to the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for formal examination. In the meantime, Bishop O’Reilly has given permission for their publication.

I, Jesus Christ, cry out to all who read these words. Come back to Me. Come back to the side of goodness and kindness. I will send every grace necessary for your complete healing and conversion. I will care for your every need. Trust Me, Jesus, and you will be saved. All is well. God’s Kingdom comes.

Jesus revealed His wishes that a youth division of Direction for Our Times be formed. This is for souls after Confirmation until the age of 24. Jesus will grant very special graces to these souls to assist them in rejecting the darkness.

AM I CALLING YOU? YES. JUNE 27, 2005, JESUS

Through these young apostles I will flow powerful conversion graces to draw other young souls from darkness. My plan for young men and women is immense. Truly, the renewal will leap forward with the assistance of these individuals. Am I calling you? Yes. I am calling you. You feel the stirring in your soul as you read these words. I am with you. I will never leave you. Join My band of young apostles and I will give you joy and peace that you have never known. All courage, all strength will be yours. Together, we will reclaim this world for the Father. I will bless your families and all of your relationships. I will lead you to your place in the Kingdom. Only you can complete the tasks I have set out for you. Do not reject Me. I am your

Jesus. I love you.

JESUS: JUNE 28, 2005

My soul aches for the loneliness of this generation. Too many are unloved. Too many do not know the secure love of a holy family. Too many are unaware of the great love their God has for them. This must change. Dear soul of the Kingdom, you are chosen to assist Me in this mission of love. You must bring My words to others. Do you know of someone who is sad and struggling? Do you see pain or bitterness in your friends? Bring My words to them and I promise you that I will minister to their soul. I will surround them with heavenly love and tenderness. Any mistakes they have made will be forgiven. I do not seek to condemn anyone. I came to the world to save souls, to rescue them. I am returning to the world to reclaim it for souls. You are My blessed apostle. You must assist Me. You know that I love you. I will heal you and place you on the path that is marked out for you. And then you must bring Me to others. You must comfort others with the comfort that was given to you. Will you do this for Me? I will do all of the work. You must allow My Spirit to reside in your soul and through this Spirit of Truth others will return to Me. I am all-powerful. I am capable of healing the most hardened sinner. You may think that you cannot do this because the pain of others is too great. I assure you, little soul, even the greatest pain and bitterness is nothing for Me to heal. I have cleansed the darkest, most hardened sinners. And they became some of My most loyal servants. I am calling others from the darkness. And I am using you to do so.

BE LED BY ME, JUNE 28, 2005, JESUS

Great light is piercing the darkness of sin. I am that great light. I, Jesus Christ, return to the world through the souls of My faithful apostles. The first apostles were given all they needed to spread My Church. You will be given all that you need to reclaim My Church. In order to be effective as a young apostle, you must live your faith. The world would like you to believe that you can make any choices you are inclined to make. Dear apostles, this is not true. I, your God, have given you many choices. But it is never the right choice to sin against Me. It is always a mistake to commit sin. Do not be led by the world. Be led by Me. Be led by My Church. You say that My Church is not always good. There are those who have betrayed Me and damaged My Church. This is true. There will always be those who choose sin. Do not concern yourself with that because now is the time for us to renew this Church. And I need you to do that. I want you to be a carrier of My light, My truth. I want others to look at you and say, “This Church must be a good thing. Look at the holiness of this apostle. Surely the joy in this soul comes from God.” Do you understand Me, dearest? I am asking you to renew My Church. Where others have failed, you will serve. Where others have pulled My Church down, you will lift it up. Can this be a bad thing for you, to help Jesus? This can only be good for you, only right for you. You say, “Yes, but Lord, what will I have to give up?” I assure you, you will give up only the things that hurt you and threaten to plunge you into the darkness of bitter loneliness. The love that the world offers you is flawed. This distorted love leaves you sad. Live in union with Me. Live in unity with your Church. My graces will fill your soul and others will return to Me through you.

AN APOSTLE IS CALM. JUNE 28, 2005, JESUS

My dear young apostles, how grateful I am to you. When many souls in the world seek only their own entertainment, you seek Me. This makes you different, of course. But My apostles in the world have always been different. What is the difference between an apostle and a follower of the world? I will tell you. An apostle is calm. An apostle is kind. An apostle spreads peace and justice. And an apostle leaves others with a longing for what is good. One who follows the call of the world spreads the opposite of these things. We will not name the fruits of the world because we want to spend as little time as possible with God’s enemy. Dear young apostles, you must know the One you follow. How do you get to know a person? You spend time with that person. You converse with that person. You think about that person even when you feel far away from him. And you begin to consider, in any given situation, how that person would view what you are viewing. Well, I would like you to know Me. It is really important that you know Me. My dear young apostle, you will spend eternity in My presence so you should be comfortable in My presence. If you are, then you will begin to absorb all of these heavenly gifts. Next, you will begin to love others as I love others. And soon you will look at this world and you will see what I see. Would you like to know what I see? I will tell you. I see a world hungry for goodness and kindness. I see a world that turns its face away from so much sin and darkness. I see a world full of souls who cast their eyes around in fear, looking for the One who comes to save. I am He. I am the One who has come to save. Walk with Me. You will learn how I wish you to serve.

HEAVEN IS ON YOUR SIDE • JUNE 28, 2005 • JESUS

Have you ever seen someone in danger? Did you ever cry out sharply to prevent a friend from being injured? That is what

I am asking of you today. I am asking that you look at your friends. If they are living a life suitable for a Christian, then all is well. You will share these words and you will share My joy. But if you see friends who are living away from Me and who are walking with My enemy, you must cry out sharply to them. Dear apostle, be very brave in this and understand that all comes from Me. So you do not have to convince anyone of anything. You must simply do what I am asking of you. I am asking you to share these words with others. I will give you guidance. You will know who needs to receive My heavenly help through these words and graces. All of heaven is on your side, guiding you, directing you, assisting you in every way. We, your heavenly friends, will be certain that you know what heaven needs from you. Would you like a life without uncertainty? This is what I offer you. I offer you a life lived in the heavenly presence. You will walk with angels, dear apostle, because all of My apostles do so. You will have innumerable saints to call upon for counsel. All of My apostles have this. You will then have eternity to enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is what I offer to My followers. As the world becomes darker, your brightness will get brighter. You will serve with dignity. Truth will be yours and nobody in the world will be able to separate you from this truth. I am this truth. Jesus Christ lives. Are you not proof of that? The hunger in your soul for goodness is proof of My existence. Look around for holy souls. You will see Me in them. I will be in you in the same way. My early apostles were not special in that they came from every different manner of living. I called them and they answered. I am calling you, and you will answer. Please help Me so that I can call out to others in the same way. I am relying on you, My beloved young apostles, to assist Me. I have great confidence in each of you.

WITH ME, YOU CANNOT FAIL. I AM YOUR GOAL. YOUR DESTINATION. JUNE 29, 2005, JESUS

You must draw close to Me, My dear apostles. If you are away from Me, you will begin to worry about what worldly souls think of you. And why does it matter? When you come to Me, as you will someday, do you think that I will ask you what others thought of you? I assure you, I will not. The opinion of others should not dictate your actions, except in the case of those I have placed in your life to give you guidance, such as your parents. If a soul is holy, that soul concerns himself with My opinion. He measures his actions against all that is heavenly and pure. He does not measure his actions against the world. Often the world will attempt to persuade you that sin is good, or at least an understandable decision. This is false. You know that. Sin is sin. Sin is wrong. Sin does you harm and can harm others as well. To commit sin against Me is to make the wrong choice. As a young apostle in the world, you will have many choices to make. You must make them with My counsel. I have the answers for your questions, My beloved one. I have all of your answers. You must come to Me in prayer so that I can give them to you. I am your first counselor. The path that I have marked out for you brings you to Me. And I am your goal, your destination. The worldly paths take you away from Me. They are the wrong paths. Many souls travel the worldly paths for years, thinking they will get back on the heavenly path before it is time to die. Well, you might say, what is wrong with that, as long as they get back in time? I will tell you what is wrong with that. It hurts Me. This is rejection of Me and of My will. This, My beloved apostle, is why people are starving in your world. If you get on My path, the path that leads to Me, and the path that I have marked out for you, I assure you, I can feed the hungry and comfort all who are lonely. Do you see the plan? I intend to use you for these merciful acts. Say “yes” to me so that we can change this world.

WITH ME COMES CALM. I CHERISH YOU. JUNE 29, 2005 • JESUS

Do not be afraid. I say this so often to souls. There is nothing that should frighten you. I will protect you if you ask Me. If you are hurt or wounded, I will heal you. If you are struggling, I will assist you. If you are alone, I will comfort you and be your companion. Do not be afraid. Ask Me for courage if you are making a difficult choice and I will flood your soul with courage. With Me comes calm. With Me comes peace. I cherish you. Do you know that? I cherish you. I have created you exactly as you are. I take the greatest delight in your personality because through it I wish to flow into the world. You have been given gifts very carefully. You will need these gifts to serve Me in the way that I have decided you should serve. You have exactly what you need to help heaven. And that is why you are here in the world at this time. There are souls who have been destined to be helped by you. Will you help them? Will you say “yes” to your Jesus? If you do, you will have fulfilled your purpose here and earned an unimaginable reward. Dear young apostles of Jesus Christ, I tell you solemnly that often it will be the members of your own family you are called to assist. Are they in darkness? Are they in error? Do they need Me? You must bring Me to them. I will show you how. Perhaps it is simply through your example of peace and forgiveness. Perhaps you will share these words. Possibly you will serve them in more concrete ways, being helpful and cheerful. You bring Me to them by these actions and behaviors. If you help a parent, you are bringing Me to him. If you counsel a brother or sister wisely, you bring Me to them. If you alert your parents that a sibling is in trouble, you help Me. All of these things allow Me to flow into the world. Think small in terms of acts of kindness. Think big in terms of My power to change the world. Look into your life carefully, and decide what must change and how you can do

better. I will be the one helping you to see clearly what is pulling you away from Me and what is drawing you closer. You are not alone. Do not be afraid.

I WILL FORGET YOUR MISTAKES. JESUS/ JUNE 29 / 2005

My dear young apostles, there are many things that I can teach you. If you spend time with Me, you will be loved, and you will then learn how to love. You will find that I am patient and kind. When you make a mistake, you will be forgiven and we will move on. I will forget your mistakes. You will use the Sacrament of Confession to cleanse your soul and I will fill it then with beautiful graces, which will speed you on your path to holiness. I am a good friend, always. I listen and I love. I see your soul both in terms of where you have been and in terms of where you are going. Often you do not know where you are going. So My advice, given My knowledge of My goals for you, is crucial. You need Me, dear young apostle. You need My wisdom and knowledge. The more time you spend with Me, the more I can give you these things. You will become like Me. You will be a good friend to others. You will listen and you will love. Others will seek your counsel because they will come to trust you. What they will really be trusting is Me, because if you are united to Me, I can guide others through you. Do you begin to see the plan? I want to be close to you, indeed united to you, and then through you I will go out to others. Dear soul, it is only through unity with Me that you will have true peace. The world offers you darkness of spirit. Look closely at those who follow the world. Do they have peace? Are they loved? Do they sit calmly with others and allow others to speak, understanding that each soul is precious? You will find, I am sure, that those following the world are cynical. This suits them because if they are cynical they can justify their selfishness. Reject this. Reject cynicism. There are many Christians in your world and these followers of Mine are not cynical. They are warm and loving and kind. And this is what I want for you. So I love you and you love others.

IT IS VERY SIMPLE. MY LOVING SMILE IS IN YOUR SOUL. JESUS, JUNE 29, 2005

My dear young apostle, as a follower of Jesus Christ the Returning King, you are entitled to joy. I am returning to your world, and in this initial phase of My return I am returning through you. You should be joyful. If you are not joyful, you are spending too much time on worldly thinking. Think in terms of heaven and you will feel joy. Should a soul who is surrounded by angels be dismayed? Should a soul who walks in the constant presence of Jesus Christ be sad and fearful? My loving smile is in your soul. I hold only good wishes for you. There are many here in heaven who struggled with your very same struggles. They overcame the world and so will you. If you think it is too difficult then you are trying to do too much at once. Sit peacefully now, in this moment, and allow Me to calm you. I send My strength into your soul. I send you great trust in Me and in My presence. I am with you right now, watching you carefully, giving you exactly what you need to convert your heart to Mine. Stay in this moment and you will be fine. When you are anxious, you must see that you are either in yesterday or in tomorrow. I have given you what you need for now. Tomorrow, you shall have what you need for tomorrow. Each moment is being seen to by heaven. I am not in yesterday, dear soul, because I am with you and you are in today. I am not in tomorrow, dear soul, because I am with you and you are not there yet. When you get there, I assure you, I will be with you, regardless of how difficult that day may be. I do not leave My friends when troubles come. Rather I give more graces. Many of the young people in the world are feeling constant anxiety. This does not come from Me. This does not come from following Me. Often it is a lack of love and security. But, My dear apostles, I am the only true security. Rely on Me and you will find that your anxiety begins to diminish. Soon it will disappear because I will take it away. Ask Me for this. And then trust Me. Many great saints spent their lives working on trust. You will get better and better at trusting Me through practice. And your fears will get smaller and smaller. I can promise you this because it has always been this way. Those who live in unity with Me are at peace. The world cannot touch them because their sights are set on the next world, their true home, which is heaven.

I OWE YOU FOR THIS LOYALTY • JESUS • JUNE 29, 2005

Many of My young apostles are unfamiliar with the saints who have gone before them. These men and women have fought the same battles that you are fighting. They are here, in heaven, with Me. But they are also with you in that there is no separation of souls. When your time on earth is finished, you will understand more, of course, but for now what I want to convey is the help that you have. A saint in heaven who has struggled with your struggles watches you closely, alert for a chance to assist you. He can obtain for you, through his prayers, a bit of clarity in a situation that is confusing you. He can obtain peace in a situation that has you disturbed. He can get guidance for you if you are facing a decision. Imagine it this way. You fight your battles and finish your work on earth. You come to heaven and join us here. But you still watch events on earth carefully. Now let’s assume that you have served Me well, because you will, My friend, so I will be indebted to you. I will owe you for your loyalty. From heaven you see a young soul on earth who is fighting to overcome a problem. You say to yourself, “Poor soul, I remember that struggle. I know exactly what would help that soul.” You come to Me and say, “Jesus, please give me this grace for this soul who is struggling. I know what would help him because I myself struggled that way.” Because I owe you for your allegiance, and because you are My friend and I trust you, I grant your request. I give you this grace. Now maybe the soul you are watching is living in darkness, serving the world, and does not want My help or My love. Maybe that soul is even working against the Kingdom of God. This soul is rejecting Me. But I look at you, My beloved apostle, and I cannot refuse you, so I grant the grace and the soul on earth is led toward the light. This, My dear young apostle, is how the Communion of Saints works. We were talking about a soul who is not serving the Kingdom. Can you imagine how My saints assist a soul who is trying to serve? They stop at nothing to get graces for you. Ask them. Ask Me. If you do not know any saints, ask Me to send you one and I will reveal a saint to you who wants to help you. This may happen in many ways but I promise you that you shall have heavenly companionship and assistance. You are part of this family and this heavenly family works together.

JESUS - JUNE 29, 2005

I want to speak to you about My mother, Mary. Mary is My mother but she is also your mother. She is your heavenly mother and will be your mother for all eternity. She is a powerful supporter of all of her children. The enemy scatters where this holy woman is welcomed because the enemy cannot remain in the presence of such purity. I am encouraging you to ask Mary, your Blessed Mother, for assistance in the area of purity. You are called upon to follow the rules of your Church in this regard. Sexual intimacy is intended for a man and woman who are in a holy union, in a blessed marriage. I am Jesus and I am telling you today that the rules have not changed. Do not listen to those who follow the world because you will be led astray. Listen to Me. There is grave damage done to souls because of sins of impurity. This sin leads to many other, even more grave sins. This is the sin responsible for the slaughter of so many unborn souls. Dear young apostles, work hard for Me in this area. Do not let it be said that you sanctioned the murder of one of God’s children. Speak out bravely here. If you have been led to this yourself, come to Me, immediately. Ask My forgiveness. It is yours. I forgive you. I will make it right. I need to cleanse you of this so that you are not led to further sin because of your pain. Many, many souls have made this mistake and aborted children. This is the greatest indicator of the level of darkness in your world. But I have healing, even for this. Understand that I must have your help. I need you. You are not replaceable in this Kingdom of God. Some of My closest friends working in the world today have committed this sin. Do I love them less? I am smiling, My beloved, because the truth is so far from that. Indeed, I do not love them less for their pain and their repentance. I love them more because they do not judge others. And they work for Me in the greatest of love. Work against sexual sin and work against abortion. This is always My will so you do not have to ask Me. It is possible that you will make mistakes in this area, even after you have committed yourself to be My apostle. I expect you to make mistakes at times and commit sin. Come to Me immediately and ask My forgiveness. Have your Confession heard as soon as possible after this. Together, you and I will minimize the damage of each mistake on your soul. We will together make the improvements in your soul which will help you avoid these sins in the future. Understand that I am with you everywhere. I do not leave when you commit sins because I must witness each act committed on earth. You have total love and understanding from heaven. You have total compassion. You have total forgiveness if you repent. And you will have complete healing for any past mistakes. I love you and you are Mine.

PRAY THE ROSARY AND I WILL KEEP YOU SAFE

BLESSED MOTHER • JUNE 29, 2005

My dear young apostles, how blessed is the Kingdom of God by your presence in the world. You are a great joy to Jesus and you are a great joy to me, Mary. I want to help you. I want to protect you from harm. I can see difficulties for you even before you come upon them. Ask me for my assistance and you shall have it. Please pray the Rosary because the powers attached to this prayer will protect you. Through these Rosaries I bind you to my Immaculate Heart. In this way, I keep you close to me and I can steer you away from dangers. This prayer is being used by heaven to bind our apostles together all over the world. Through the Rosary, your hand is joined with the hand of each apostle on earth. Do you understand? The Rosary also creates an unbreakable bond with me, your heavenly mother. Through this bond I keep you and your loved ones attached to heaven. The world pulls at you but I am linked to you and so you cannot be pulled away. Pray the Rosary and I will keep you safe. I will help you to step over snares and walk around traps laid by the enemy. I will help you to heal. I will help you to see the world with the heavenly light that exposes sin, even when it is well concealed by those who wish to lead you away from me. I am your mother. I can only lead you to Jesus. This is my role. I bring souls from the world, see that they have what they require to heal, and then deliver them to my Son to serve Him. Use me to pull others from darkness. Use me to help you link up with souls also walking this path. Use me to steer you away from souls who will influence you against Christ and the path to Christ. This is my time in that Jesus relies on me heavily. I serve with the greatest of happiness because I love Jesus and I love you. Bringing you together is my joy. I work quietly, dear young apostles. I work in calm. I am gentle. You will not be wrong to trust me. Indeed, I am your mother and my love for you is complete. I hold you closely against my heart if you allow me. This is an exciting time and you are capable of tremendous good. I would like you to marvel at what Jesus can do with one soul. Look to your saints and you will see that with one soul, Jesus can topple a whole empire of evil. You are important. Heaven needs you. Come to your mother and I will help you to serve.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Who Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

Jared, AZ

The Virtue of Prudence

Jacinta, OK, The Prodigal Daughter

Joseph, Philippines

The Virtue of Justice

Megan, TX

David, IL

The Virtue of Fortitude

Ryan, Ireland

John, OH

The Virtue of Faith

Taylor, FL (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Mallorie, DC (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Whitney, FL (testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Whitney, FL (update 2013)

Justin, IL

S. M.

The Virtue of Moderation/ Temperance

Emily, OH

James, MO (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Eli

The Virtue of Hope

Tim, FL (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Kristina, TX (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Amber, OH

Maire, OH

The Virtue of Charity/ Love

Caitlin, OH

Andrew, MI (Testimony from Heavenly Healing)

Nabil, Egypt

The School of Holiness

In Gratitude