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It’s hard to believe that my pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago is almost here! The next time you hear from me on Monday, I will be trekking under the sun in Spain with my mama.
Things have been busy busy busy. International travel is never just a breeze. Especially when it involves an 80 mile hike! There’s always one essential thing that you forgot you needed. Like, for example…a European outlet adapter. Clunky but necessary.
I was talking with my mom about the trip, and I’m going to be honest, she has done a lot more research about it than I have. But one of the things she mentioned to me was that many people walk the Camino and experience a miracle. Big or small, God will show up in a tangible and oftentimes miraculous way.
Of course, hearing this, I immediately hopped on Google to investigate this further.
And sure enough, the pilgrimage of Saint James and the blessed site in Fatima inspire miracles.
And I for one, having received a miracle of my own back around Christmas time, fully believe in the power of God to intervene and do the impossible.
Doing all this reflecting on miracles, it definitely made me think about the world in which we live. I believe that God is working miracles — mini to monumental — everyday, but sadly, no-one is looking for them.
Our society has removed God from the picture, and one of the ramifications is that we’ve stopped noticing the blessings that He pours out on the day to day.
Those chance encounters or “perfect timing” moments, or near-misses, or surprise blessings – in my opinion, they’re all divinely orchestrated.
But it made me think, what miracle should I be praying for?
There are obvious miracles that I pray for everyday, including my mom’s total and complete healing after her stroke, an end to human trafficking, and a solution to world hunger. Those are no brainers.
But very seldom do I pray selfishly. What miracle do I, Caralyn, long for in my life.
And that is a hard question to answer. And I never really think in these terms, simply because I feel like it kind of puts God into a Genie-in-a-Bottle type role, and all of a sudden I hear Him speaking in Robin Williams’ voice, may he rest in peace.
But I never want to put God in that “grace vending machine” role, because to me it feels like a use, rather than a love type of relationship. I’m using God for my gain, rather than simply loving Him for who He is. Which – if we want to open up another can of worms is exactly the problem with the “hookup culture” in today’s dismal dating scene.
But I digress.
I think that, at least in this particular pilgrimage situation, this is a both/and kind of an exception.
My motivation to go on this pilgrimage is not merely to seek a miracle, though that would be great. But rather, to just seek God by taking time out of my life, and letting Him speak to me the words I need to hear.
But, if we’re getting specific: perhaps even more than being completely healed of my Ulcerative Colitis, or have my fertility fully restored, the thing I pray for most, is that God will bring the right man into my life to marry.
I get back from the pilgrimage three days before my birthday, and I’d be lying if I said this approach of a new year has me feeling completely unsettled about my romantic life.
I think I’m looking for perfection in a man, and I need God to release that unattainable standard in my heart. That standard of perfection was what led to my anorexia in high school. Why should I impose that horrible bar on someone else?
I’ve spent the last several days going through all of your prayer intentions and copying them into a book I’m bringing with me. Thank you all for sending me those sacred parts of your heart. And if you still want to send me your prayer requests, leave me a comment or send me an email (beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com).
There is power in prayer, and again – God always shows up. We just have to be on the look out for His voice.
While I’m on my trip, I will still be blogging, and also video blogging! Due to the differnet time zone, I don’t know yet what time exactly my posts will go up, but if you don’t want to miss a post, make sure to subscribe to this blog, and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel, where the videos will be posted! (Well, they’ll be posted both places, but you know what I mean) haha Also – be sure to follow my Instagram Account, (@beauty.beyond.bones) where I’ll be posting fun photos along the way!
See ya tomorrow morning on the Podcast! (Which is free, every day, all this week, so be sure to check it out! – And thanks for all of your wonderful messages about how you’re enjoying it! I’m so glad!)
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119 responses to “Miracle Season”
Great post Caralyn, I so agree with you about removing God from our lives, schools and such. Is it really any surprise that the U.S. is in such dire straits? Nope… have a fab time with your mum, safe travels!! ❤️
Thank you so much John. yeah, we’ve got to keep Him part of the conversation and part of daily life for sure! Hugs and love xox
My next homily is going to be about the subject of miracles, so I’ve been thinking about them as well. Were I in your shoes, I think it would be wrong to request something specific from God on your trip. A better approach might simply be, “Help me to stay open and aware of Your presence,” and then let God decide what He wants to do with your trip. But I think it’s great you’re anticipating the possibility of a miracle. Makes it exciting, doesn’t it! Enjoy, and may you and Mom be blessed— Mike
Oh wow that sounds like an awesome topic! I would love to hear it! That’s a great thing to hear. you’re right – leave it in God’s hands. That’s the best place to be! thank you Mike, have an awesome evening! Hugs and love xox
Praying for your miracle!! God has you!
aw thank you Emily! I appreciate that : )God is most certainly good! Hugs and love xox
Us perfectionists have a very hard time admitting to human frailty, and we also tend to minimize our problems to set other people at ease. I pray you attain fertility, and it pains me to think of the women out there who have child after child, only to have them taken away..due to drugs, domestic violence and poverty. It just doesn’t seem fair. <3 And as far as your man goes? God will, indeed, send you your soul mate. It will be at the exact moment you swear men off for good, but you will know-the electricity will be your sign.
You’re so right about that, Michele. Thank you for your prayers. I do believe that – God really does have a plan. I’ll keep my eyes peels for that electricity! Hugs and love xox
No one is perfect, be it man or woman. However there are fairly strong hints as to whether you can walk the same pathway together with God. That’s very important. With God as the centre of a marriage each partner can compensate for the faults in the other. If we look horizontally for spiritual guidance then we will be disappointed every time. But if we look vertically and make God our model to copy then both can help each other to achieve a better standard in life over time. But recognize we will all be imperfect until changed at the resurrection. Our prayers go with you as you seek your miracle.
So true Ian. Thanks for this encouragement. I love that – look vertically. Amen to that! Thank you for your prayers! Hugs and love xox
God is a healer! My ankles ached after playing college football and one day I received prayer at a worship gathering which snapped them back into place. Crazy and true. God bless your trip!
Yes He is!! Wow that is amazing! Hugs and love xox
Yea, it really was a surreal encounter with God. He don’t be afraid to press in and keep asking for His touch. 🙂
So awesome. Thanks again for sharing that xoxox
Thank you for being so candid in this post. Very good.
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Sending prayers for you and your Mom that you have a safe, fulfilling, blessed journey!
Thank you friend 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I think I may have found the man for me, but I’m afraid to get my hopes up, ya know? I wrote a blog post about him: https://whenbadadvicehappens.wordpress.com/2018/07/17/turning-point/
I think if you find a great man, you’ll feel it more than you’ll need it to be perfect. 🙂 I hope!! Here’s to us finding men!!
How exciting!! I’ll definitely be praying of ya! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what the LORD has prepared for those who love him. May yours and your odyssey in Spain bring healing beyond your greatest dreams for your mom and you. He hears and answers. xoxo Much love!
That’s one of my favorite truths! Thanks friend. I appreciate that so much! Hugs and love xox
God Bless you, your mom, and your whole trip! Enjoy Spain and the holy place you will be partaking of. Thank you every day for reminding everyone how deep and precious God’s love and light are, by showing it through the beauty of yourself!! Love and Hugs.
Here is something I just completed I wanted to share, in case you didn’t get to see it. It’s very short.
I finished it this past week.
Love and light with many hugs!! xoxoxoxo
Thank you Miguel! Oh gosh you’re kind to say that – God is so good. And thanks for the video! Can’t wait to watch! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love!! xoxoxo
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God wants us to ask for things; He’s our Father and wants to provide physically and spiritually. I think the potential danger you’re feeling is attaching a prayer request of any kind for anyone starts feeling like a quid pro quo when attached to the pilgrimage; a sort of cosmic Let’s Make a Deal or a pigeon pecking at a target expecting a food pellet.
I think you are spot on to observe that a pilgrimage is about opening up to God. It is an act of devotion, not supplication, and one shouldn’t confuse the two.
Will you or Mrs. BBB experience a miracle? Maybe not. Don’t expect it. Don’t even wonder about it as you walk. Forget about it. If you don’t forget it, the focus turns to self rather than God, and we all know where that got Adam and Eve.
Take the journey. Keep it as a devotion to God. That in itself is a worthy end. Expecting nothing makes everything a gift.
That’s a great perspective Jeff. Thank you for that. You’re right – opening up to God. And so true – can’t confuse the ya. I definitely am not expecting up but of course would welcome with open arms. Going to just focus on Him and our time together with my mom 🙂 thanks so much Jeff. Hope you’re well! Hugs and love xox
We are well. Hillary is recovering, although still a bit weak and walks a little off. But she improves at least some every day. Have a blessed time with your mom!
Praise be to God! She was a big page in my prayer book that I’m bringing with me:) it brings me heart so much joy t hear that.
With everything you and your mom have gone through healthwise, I’m glad you get to go on a trip together. Enjoy. ❤
Aw thank you. Yeah me too. It’s been quite the year. We’re very thankful! Hugs and love xox
Super stuff here. I’m always so happy to “see” you in my inbox.
God bless you, and keep rocking the good word.
Scott
Thanks Scott 🙂 you’re kind to say that. Same here! Hugs and love xox
It’s hard to accept imperfection in a date after years of daydreaming and praying. We all struggle to let that go. But like you said, the strength of marriage is OUR choice to love as Jesus did, rather than waiting for perfection.
I admire your integrity in your standards. May God reward it.
You’re so right about that Brandon. Amen – love as Jesus did! Hugs and love xox
Really cool! Be blessed!
Thanks friend! Hugs and love xox
Great Post again right timing as I am reading, the case for Miracle by Lee Strobel. Suggest you to read. This century forget about God’s miracle it is same 2000 years ago till now. His hands are never short but where is the willing?
Thanks friend. I will definitely check out that book! Thanks for the recco! Hugs and love xox
Hope you and your mom have a blessed journey.
Thank you friend!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing this Caralyn. God truly works His magic to provide miracles for us when we need them. In this day and age when people are hesitant to talk about God, it’s truly refreshing to read about your unconditional faith in Him; it validates all my feelings for God and then some. Thank you for sharing your positivity and light!
Hey Mark! Amen to that – He really is at work all the time!! Thanks for your kind words 🙂 big big hugs xox
“…it feels like a use, rather than a love type of relationship. I’m using God for my gain, rather than simply loving Him for who He is.” Wow! So convicting. Thank you for being so open to His leading! Hope you two lovely ladies have a wonderful trip over. Will be praying for both of you. And looking forward to those pics and videos! xoxo
Thanks Kenneth. I really appreciate your prayers! Yes! I’m so excited to share the journey with you friends!! 🙂 have an awesome weekend! Hugs and love xox
May your Camino be a gift from our Lord and his Mom.
may you find the beauty of the journey
may you let go of expectations and be surprisable
may you experience deeply the freedom of God
Thank you Teri 🙂 amen to that – let go of expectations – yes! And yessss the freedom of God. Love so much! Hugs and love xox
So true! God is still performing many miracles, but the enemy has blind the eyes of men so much that they have tendency of not “seeing” that! Its very sad. Even those who ” claim” to believe in God are not even seeing His Mighty works being done, for they allowing the lies of the enemy to overtake them! Oh Lord have mercy on us and draw us back to you! Thank you so much for sharing and I believe your miracle is coming to you in Jesus Name! God bless, much love and can’t to go to Spain with you. Lol (through the blog posts & pics that is) 🙁 lol xxoo <3
So many truths here, Tammy. Lord have mercy indeed. Thank you for your kind words, Tammy. you’re a great friend! I’ll be praying for you along The Way!!! Hugs and love xox
Yup, Amen!!!
You’re most welcome! 🙂
Awww you’re an awesome and lovely friend as well and woman of God! <3 thanks so much!!! Greatly appreciated!
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When’s your birthday? And..80 miles?! Hope your in shape! Bless you
Thanks Billy! haha, yeah I’m ready for it! I thought it was 63 miles, but I was talking with our guide this morning, and it turns out to be 80! I am definitely ready for it! been training! Hugs and love xox
Yes, God is loved and worshipped for who He is. Being who He is, He bestows blessings every now and then by His grace. Sometimes we notice, other times we don’t. But He remains true to His nature for He changes not. Well written piece.
Amen to that – He is so generous with blessings and grace. Hugs and love xox
I agree that prayer has power and I did experience that like many others. But the fact that the tough times bring those situations that we end up asking/creating a list, instead of strength to cope with it. It human and common….Moreover, materialistic demands drop as one ages…Like you and going to see Him, which form be it and appreciate his beauty and creation is important……
Nice post…thank you for bringing it to us
that’s so awesome Raastha! Thank you so much for your kind words. yes – what a great time to appreciate His beauty! Hugs and love xox
I’m praying for your trip – and for God to bring that right man into your life. Be safe!
Thank you Barbara 🙂 I appreciate that so much! Hugs and love xox
Praying for you!
thank you Sharon! Hugs and love xox
My dear friend,
The most precious pilgrimage is the pilgrimage in our heart there we can hear the voice of God. We look outside for miracles and oversee that we ourselves are the highest miracle in God’s creation and God has His temple in us, in our heart, in everone’s heart as we all are His children. Each prayer that is not a personal prayer but which is meant for those who suffer, for those who are poor and needy, or for God’s Mission to bring peace and love to this world, understanding among people, to bring all His children HOME – these prayers are surely heard by Him. Unfortunatly, we look for so many things outside and forget to look inside.
Thanks for sharing, my dear friend
All good wishes
From heart to heart
Didi
Thank you so much Didi! I love that – the pilgrimage of the heart. so true. bring them HOME. such a great response. thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
Welcome, my friend – hugs and love to you 🙂
Didi
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You are welcome, my dear friend 🙂
Hugs and love in return to you
Have a great weekend
Didi
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I am so excited for you both. I look forward to your updates during your pilgrimage!
thank you Melissa! yeah it’s definitely exciting! can’t wait to share! Hugs and love xox
P.S. my entire family could use prayers for physical healing… some for mental and emotional healing. thank you!
I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Hugs and love xox
Have a wonderful and safe trip, Caralyn. Praying for you and your mom! God answers all prayers, just not always the way we expect Him to 😉 Be open and He will send you your miracle. God Bless!
Thank you so much friend for your prayers and kindness! amen! There is power in prayer 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Fantastic!
Thanks Subi! Hugs and love xox
What if you began to pray about your future husband in a different way? Pray for growth in his walk with God, strength to retain integrity throughout his daily encounters, etc. You just don’t know what help you may be to your husband before you even meet. This is not my original idea, just one that I liked and am passing on. God does answer prayer and give us miracles and delights and He wants us to petition for them. Safe travels!
That’s such a great idea! I love that. I will definitely begin doing that. He really does answer prayer for sure! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I am super excited for you hun. Since joining this site and stumbling onto your blog, I have grown to feel a very special connection with you and a great kinship of spirits. I truly think I was meant to find your blog because it’s words have brightened my day numerous times. I feel totally blessed to call you friend! As for the perfect man, he doesn’t exist. HOWEVER. There is a man that fits PERFECT in God’s plan for you. When God’s time is right, that man will come and sweep you off your feet. Be blessed girl. Hugs and Love as always! XOXO
Hey Paul! Aw, thank you so much! and wow – what a kind thing to say. I am so touched by that, and I am so glad you’ve enjoyed the blog. I’m so glad we’re friends too!! amen – His timing is perfect! and worth waiting for! Hugs and love xox
You are very welcome. You have such a beautiful soul. I am glad you share it with us each time we read the blog.
thanks again 🙂 xox
It is so fantastic that you will be making that pilgrimage. Very inspirational. I pray that you will be so richly blessed with all of the things that are lifting to God for your life and that you will feel his peace, protection and guidance during your journey. The short time I have been following you, it’s clear you are someone who is a trail blazer…may the Lord blaze your trail with his glory and blessings. x
aw thank you friend! I really appreciate your prayers and kind words. I am truly touched by that. Amen! May He blaze it! 🙂 hehe Hugs and love xox
Jesus, I pray for Caralyn that you will bring a man into her life who is a believer and who will love her as you love the church. Open her eyes to see when he comes. Help them to lay a foundation for their marriage in you. Thank you Jesus.
My husband and I have been married for 35 years. I met him when I was 29. I wrote this at 32 years about how we make it work if you’re interested: https://susanaken53.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/how-do-we-make-marriage-work/
oh gosh, Susan, this is so beautiful. thank you for this touching prayer. amen. And wow – 35 years – congratulations! how wonderful! can’t wait to read. thanks for sharing! Hugs and love xox
This is so wonderful to hear and best of luck on your pilgrimage!
Thank you so much! yes! I am so excited to begin it! Hugs and love xox
Hey Caralyn:
How exciting for your Mom and you to take this pilgrimage of prayer, and seeking Jesus together.
It will be a time you will tell your children and grandchildren about often.
Setting this time aside, to seek God, to grow closer and more intimate in your relationship with Him, is so pleasing to our Father, and honouring to Him. Holy Spirit will pour Favour on you and your Mom.
I am sure you have many Scriptures for guidance, and many friends suggesting ideas.
Below are a few Scripture verses I would like to share if you have time to ponder them.
—Asking God to show you His ways and paths for life, teaching and leading you into Truth,
—Sharing with God that you know He hears you, and will answer.
—God’s Word tells is He will bless those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
(I see your name, countenance, and spirit in each verse mentioned.)
Psalms 25:4-5
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalms 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalms 17:6
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
God is going to BLESS you and your Mom Abundantly Caralyn, watching over you, and filling you with even more JOY!!!
Sure looking forward to hearing what God is going to do during this time, and all that you are open to have Holy Spirit do within you, and through you, to the Glory of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Luv,
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Thank you so much George! I think you’re right about that – i will take it with me for a long time. Thank for these beautiful scriptures. Wow – I love that. They give me so much hope. God is so good, and I am so excited to begin!! Thank you for your prayers and friendship!! Hugs and love xox
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So happy for you and may God Bless you as I know He will on your pilgrimage. You are such an inspiration and I so feel your spirit just opening your blog though I haven’t so much lately. You are truly God’s child. A prayer for my son ” a new job and the right job or whatever God’s will is” is my prayer for him. Will take that prayer with you. God be with you young lady always. Corrie
Thank you so much Corrie!!! I really appreciate your prayers. And absolutely. I will carry your prayer intention in my heart and put it in the journal! Big hugs to you friend xox
The trip you are about to take is on my bucket list! I cannot wait to “travel with you’ while you blog about your journey/experience – I am sure it will inspire me even more to do this (one day) myself! Hugs & may God’s grace appear to you in surprising ways!
Aw thanks Dawn Marie! I hope you get there soon!! Yeah it really is an exciting trip 🙂 Can’t wait to share with you! Hugs and love xox
I am pagan!
Hi, thank you, so much for following, liking and viewing my post. You are a joy. Thank you.
Thanks friend 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I hope you have a blessed and beautiful trip, and I’ll be keeping you in prayer as I look forward to seeing more! The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage I have wanted to go on ever since I learned about it – and I’m not even Catholic! 😀
My prayer is the same as yours – a good man, a godly husband. And I really identify with your struggle – God isn’t a vending machine, and yet it is sometimes ok to ask Him for something: He’s a Father Who delights in giving, and as His children, we should be unashamed to expect Him to supply out of His abundance. And it’s sometimes hard to keep those conflicting parts of faith in balance!
Thank you friend!! I will definitely keep your prayers close in my heart along the way! Amen to that – He delights in it! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Sounds like you have an exciting time in front of you. May your heart, ears, and eyes be open to the glory of God as you seek Him above all else. Can’t wait to hear what He is doing in, through, and for you/
Thank you! I appreciate that so much 🙂 Hugs and love xox
So excited for you! Miracles are in the everyday and what a different life we live when our eyes are open to them. Regarding your mother’s healing… I highly recommend the book “You’ve Already Got It” by Andrew Womack. I wholeheartedly believe your mother is healed… that the day Jesus went to the cross for us, he went for her individual healing too. I know it may not be manifested in the physical yet, but I know, that I know, that I know that it’s done. As I’m starting to learn this truth, my journey with my daughter (Delusional Faith) is becoming so much more peaceful. I pray that your spirit is fed fully during your trip and that the eyes of your understanding would experience even greater growth. xoxo
Thank you so much E! Yes! It is going so well! And thanks for the book recco! Will pass along! Hugs and love xox
This sounds like an amazing experience for you! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so wonderful to see someone speaking from their heart with God at the center of it. Miracles really do happen every day and being open to that can be an incredible experience. Safe journeys and God Bless!
thank you so much Lynnea! Hugs and love xox
Have a great trip. I consider my life as a Journey with Jesus and it seems you have that perspective as well. May you have some divine appointments only God can arrange.
Thank you so much Harry! I appreciate that 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I enjoyed this post very much! I love to hear about miracles! I have had a few in my life and they are the reason my faith is so strong. I hope you get / got wht you are looking for on your trip. 🙂
Thank you friend! that’s so awesome! Hugs and love xox
I believe in miracles! and I love God given moment! <3
I do too!! God can do anything! Hugs and love xox
Amen, Sister!
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I believe we should not be so modest as not to ask God for help in some form or another. He is our Father after all and what does a father want for His children ….. the best of course! God loves hearing form us, all the good, the bad and the ugly. There is no harm in asking, you do your best and allow Him to do the rest
Amen to that! He wants the best!! Hugs and love xox
Hey Caralyn, I really enjoyed reading your post. I think your motivation for seeking God is the perfect approach. When we seek God we open our hearts to accept His grace and mercy and that is when miracles happen! Oh and I can definitely relate to the miracle season, Hope things work out for you!
Hi Tiaan! Thank you so much 🙂 I love that so much – amen! Hugs and love xox