Footsteps

 

FOOTSTEPS

Whose footsteps are we walking? Are we walking someone else’s path and following in their footsteps? Or are we walking on our own path and creating footprints wherever we go?

For a long time, I wanted my children to follow in my footsteps, but I would rather them walk beside me and take their own footsteps and become whoever they are meant to become.  

Why am I talking about footsteps? This morning I was thinking about St. Mary Mackillop and how I attempted to walk in her footsteps around Brisbane. I laugh and if I don’t laugh, I will cry thinking about how we walked from the Powerhouse to the Custom house. We didn’t complete it, because it was a huge walk especially for my two children and we ended up pushing my daughter around in a beach trolley. Overall, it was a great experience and opportunity to see another part of Brisbane.   

 If we choose to follow in someone else’s footsteps doing the same things, pursuing a similar career, adopting their lifestyle or achieving the same goals are we truly living our best lives to become who we are meant to be? I am not saying it is wrong to walk in another person’s footsteps. But I think we end up walking the path we choose being inspired by wisdom. As I was writing this, I was listening to beautiful acoustic folk worship songs from the channel Serene Worship on YouTube. I wanted to share some words I heard in that song that relate to what we are talking about.  

 “You establish every single step and guide the path before me.”

“I trust the steps you set.”

 “No path is walked alone.”

I love those words because every step we take is going to be different to someone else’s. Every path we are guided to is going to be different. What is important is to remember we are never alone even if we feel alone, we are not alone. God walks beside us so does our children, families and friends. It makes me think about the ending in Harry and the Hendersons when the family were making different footprints in the snow to throw off the man who was trying to catch Harry. Every footprint was going in a different direction. Our footprints do the same. Do not be afraid to follow in your own footsteps.

May God Bless Always Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose

Written by Katie Robinson

Happy New Year 2026

 Happy New Year! Welcome to the year 2026 Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose. We are going to take small steps and set reasonable goals for a beautiful journey.  This year I will start out slowly and share some bible verses and I would like to share my thoughts and discuss Mary the mother of God whose feast day it is today.

As I sit eating my breakfast I look over and realize I will have to pack away the nativity scene for another 11 months. Gazing at the nativity I couldn’t help but think we only see the nativity at Christmas time, why do we need to pack it away? Why can’t I leave it on display?  I leave Jesus on the cross up all the time. After some research and coming to understand even though the nativity is very significant and we are reminded of the birth of Jesus Christ, our faith and trust in God’s will it’s more of a seasonal focus. Where the cross is more permanent and there to remind us of God’s ultimate love and purpose.

Although, I feel Mary did sacrifice a lot when she said yes to God and that is why I feel very drawn to her right now. Over the last few months, I have been reading about Mary, the rosary and exploring what my faith means to me and two words that I keep hearing are practice and gratitude. When I hear practice, I can’t help but think of the quote “practice makes perfect.” But I am not perfect, I found a similar quote though that seemed to be more achievable “practice makes perfect progress.” Progress is what I am looking for because exploring my faith is a journey and one day I would like to magnify the Lord with my soul. In the meantime, I need to be grateful. God has blessed me, and he is very gracious with me.

Today, let us treasure all of God’s blessings in our lives and keep pondering and exploring faith, hope and love because we are on a journey and whatever we practice let’s practice with all our heart, soul and mind.

May God Bless always Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written by Katie Robinson 

The Crown of Roses

 This month Pope Leo has invited everyone to pray the Rosary and so far, my daughter and I have prayed it twice. But it got me thinking about the history of the Rosary, where did it begin? So, I did a little research, and it is said that the word Rosary means "Crown of Roses," and every time we pray the Rosary, we are giving Mary and Jesus Roses for their crowns. I think that is the most beautiful act of faith. May God Bless Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Feast Day of Saint Mary Mackillop

 

Hi Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose,

It has been a while since I’ve shared my thoughts and my faith with you all. I have been studying and working a lot. I am excited because I have one more subject to complete.  Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Mackillop, and I was flicking through the radio stations while driving home from school drop off and I caught the end of a Christmas song, and I heard “he will bring us goodness and light” and that part has stuck with me.  Saint Mary Mackillop reminds us today and always that “God will carry us safely through every struggle,” storm and heartache.  She encourages us to value our crosses and see them as a gift from a loving God, and I know that can be very hard to do but as Saint Mary Mackillop says we must hope and trust in God’s plan, even if we don’t understand his plan. Right now, I hear God whispering in my heart “I am here, and my love is upon you.”  

“God knows what is best for all of us.” Mary Mackillop 1891.

Live by faith, for it is our faith that saves us, heals us and keeps us well. Just as he promised we are all worthy of his goodness and boundless tenderness.

May God Bless you all Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Listen

 

“People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand them.” Author unknow.

Lately, I have been in trouble for not listening. Listening to my husband tell me about these spiders that are unknown in the worm farm, or my children tell me something about their day which I know is important and as a parent that is all I ever wanted is for my children to tell me about their day but obviously my mind is elsewhere.

So, it got me thinking, “what does it take for me to truly listen?” According to some research there are a few steps to hearing and it all starts with the outer ear, then the middle ear, the inner ear, our auditory nerve and lastly the brain interpretation.

Well, listening seems easy then, but is it? Because I know I am not a good listener. I am in trouble for not listening, for not giving my full attention to the sounds and noises I hear with my ears.

Did you know that on the 18^th of July it will be World Listening Day? I didn’t know but, on this day, everyone is encouraged to go outside and listen to the sounds you hear, record natural noises such as sirens, people laughing, people crying, you may also like to go for a walk and listen to the birds, insects, dogs barking, trees rustling, the wind, or the rain.

“Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows.” Native American Proverb

Listening takes our entire body, it is receiving a message, reacting, being affected by what we have heard and having the aim to understand the other person. I ask myself this question quite often, how can I expect my children to listen, if I’m not listening to them?

“One of the sincerest forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”

Byrant H. McGill (INPEACHES.COM)

So far this year I have learnt that I need to become an effective listener, because listening is a way to connect, and an act of love. Pope Francis says, “people are losing their ability to listen and that the greatest need of humans is to be heard.” I couldn’t agree more. To listen better we need to give our full attention, to be the friend or parent who they move towards when they need wisdom, understanding, compassion and love.

“Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirt over ego, others over self.” Author unknown.

Are you ready to listen and hear the sounds with your ears? If so, write what you hear, like right now I can hear the ceiling fan spinning above my head, the windchime on the verandah and my computer.

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson

 

 

 

 

Learn

 

“No knowledge is ever wasted.”

Ben Carson

I am a big believer that life has lessons for us all. Lessons such as being patient, being kind always, being honest and taking responsibility for our own happiness. Life has also taught me to not sweat the small stuff because some things are out of my control but in the hands of God. I have also learnt the art of finding peace in certain situations and being grateful for everyone in my life, my adventures and all the things I possess.

In the middle of last year, I decided to go back, and study and I was looking through all my transcripts from Tafe and Uni and I couldn’t fathom the number of subjects I have studied throughout the years. I really do have a passion for learning, learning everything I can, at any time I can and from anyone I can.

As a mum I never realised that children learn and copy everything you do and that is a wake-up call to be a great example that life teaches us, and we learn from our experiences. I am not perfect; I often fail, and things don’t come to me easily. I work very hard to get the things I want in life.  

But I think the most important thing to teach them is composure because as I said before some things are out of our control. We can’t control other people, and we often don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Each one of us as lessons to learn so remember to never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.

What are you going to learn in 2025?

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”

B.B.King

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson

Joy

Joyful People of Integrity

 

This Sunday we are to become joyful people of integrity.

“In the house of God there is never ending festival; the angel choir makes eternal holiday; the presence of God’s face gives joy that never fails.”

Saint Augustine

During the week I watched the movie Mary on Netflix, and I wanted to say it was a beautiful movie and one I recommend watching.

I wonder what the festival will be like in heaven, will there be music? Will there be chips and chocolate? Also, who will be there celebrating, dancing and shouting for joy?

We know for certain on a day of festival that God will be there exulting with joy over us, renewing us by his love, dancing and shouting for joy for us.

Zephaniah 3:14-18

We do not need to be fearful for he is truly present and near to us all and I know that sometimes it’s hard to comprehend that presence of God and to trust with all your heart, soul and strength. But he is near and all he wants is for us to be happy and to share that happiness and joy with others because why should we keep it to ourselves?

We have been talking a lot about integrity and Spiritual integrity is where our values are aligned with the words we speak and the actions we take. In fact, spiritual integrity is the same as goodness which is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

 So, what must we do?

“The saints were not superhuman. They were people who loved God in their hearts, and who shared this joy with others.”

Saint Rose of Lima

I think this is a question we need to contemplate and pray about this week because we are all directed by the Spirit in different ways and we all have different perspectives and understanding and that’s ok.

For now, let us put on our own festival, dance, eat and shout for joy.

“The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing.”

Saint John of the Cross

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson

 

Peace 2024

 May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Created by Katie Robinson 

The Cloak of the Integrity of God

 

This Sunday we are to put the cloak of the integrity of God around us.

‘Peace through integrity, and honour through devotedness.’

Baruch 5:1-9

The cloak of the integrity of God reminds me of Joseph and his beautiful coat which is a gift given to him by his father Jacob also known as Israel. We seek many things in this life, happiness, acceptance, love, worth, appreciation, acknowledgement and peace. A peace where there is no more suffering, worries or anxieties, you only feel loved, safe and calm.

I reread the story of Joseph he suffered greatly, his brothers were jealous, they sold him as a slave far away in Egypt. But there was something special about Joseph. God watched over him because he had a particular plan for his life. I bet if we looked deeply within ourselves, we may re
alise the vision God has for our lives.

Sometimes, it feels like nothing goes my way no matter how hard I work or try but when I read the story of Joseph and put the cloak of integrity of God around my shoulders, I am reminded to push aside the insults, rejections, work on my jealousy and anger, and learn to forgive. There are still some people and circumstances that I find hard to let go of because I am not ready to forgive them or the situation. Everyday though God shows up by taking care of us, by watching over us like he watched over Joseph.

We are asked to prepare a way for Jesus to come into our lives, but I believe that Jesus prepares a way for us, he hears our cries, he makes our paths straight, all the roads we travel are made smooth and he shows us the path of integrity.

We want the salvation of God that is promised to us, and we all need peace in our lives, but it comes down to these questions what are we willing to do to be at peace? How far are we willing to go to be at peace?

I will leave you with this quote.

 ‘It boils down to this: peace is your home; integrity is the way to it. And everything you long for will meet you there’.

Martha Beck

 May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose

Written and created by Katie Robinson

 

 

HOPE 2024

 May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson 

The Lord Our Integrity

 

The Lord our-integrity

Christ is our integrity this Sunday the first Sunday of the Advent season. Over the last 5 months a lot has changed for me and my family, and I am constantly reminded to never take anything for granted and to always be grateful. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about the “Our Father” and when we pray, “on earth as it is in Heaven.” It kept replaying in my head repeatedly until I started to say, “we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in this world.”  

“Christ has no body on Earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out. Yours are the feet which he is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which he is to bless us now.”

St. Teresa of Avila

I hope these words of Saint Teresa of Avila bring you hope this Sunday. Or remind you that we have many examples teaching us to walk in truth, to remain humble and be generous with love. Love for God, love for your neighbour and love for yourself.

When we choose the right path and become the hands and feet of Jesus, we bring people who walked in darkness into the light, we make their gladness greater and their yokes lighter. “For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and the name they give him; Wonder Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:5.

There are many of our neighbours struggling, emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and socially and if I have left out anything please forgive me but all I wanted to say is this Advent let’s keep them in our prayers and in our hearts and may they encounter the hands and feet of Jesus.

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson  

September 2024

 

This September let us investigate Godly characteristics. What do I mean? Well, we all have a characteristic, attributes a feature that belongs to us. If I asked you what your Godly character was? Could you tell me, or do you find it difficult to describe yourself? Sometimes, I find it difficult to be kind to myself and say that I am a kind and caring woman who would do anything for anyone. So, let’s explore different characteristics of God this September.

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson 

Scripture Cookies

 

Here is another good recipe I found. 

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose 

Message in Prayer

 

John 6:35

Jesus answered: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry, he who believes will never thirst.’

I wanted to share this video with you all. I felt like I had to and hopefully it goes to the right person. If not, I pray for them. But I wanted to add something else because my daughter Jade pointed out the writing on the windows in the chapel  and it said “I am the bread of life.” if you read down further in verse 37 of John chapter 6 Jesus says: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I shall not turn them away.” As I said in the video God is not cruel, he welcomes each one of us with open arms and he loves us more than anything. May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose. Written by Katie Robinson

Cooking With Children Project Nutella Scrolls

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose

Written, video and created by Katie Robinson

Scripture Cake

 

I found this while I was researching what God says about cooking with Children. Maybe you might like to make it this weekend and share it with those you love. 

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose. 

Cooking with Children Project Pizza

“The little hands that cook today may become the professional chefs of tomorrow.’ Author Julia Child.

Food, glorious food! We love food in our family, and I do love cooking when I have a boost of energy that is. But if I am feeling low, I tend to be a little lazy and order take out. However, this month I wanted to do some cooking with my children, and I am hoping you can join in the fun and do some cooking of your own. Teaching children to cook is important, it’s teaching them new skills, how to appreciate the art and the fun of it. It also encourages their fine motor skills, and they can gain confidence in learning to become independent when they are preparing their lunches for school. I think though children can learn to understand how much time and effort it takes for a parent or caregiver to prepare a meal, and it goes much faster when you work together to put food on the table.

 ‘When we make pizza, we make pizza with a joyful heart, we eat it with gladness and wash down with a good drink.’ Here is our first cooking project making pizza.

“Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.” Author Guy Fieri.

 May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written, video, created by Katie Robinson

The Letter Z

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson 

The Letter Y

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson