I have started praying to Saint Bernadine of Siena. He is the patron saint of those with respiratory difficulties.
You have all my sympathy Peter. I too struggle with respiratory difficulties. One thing that helps me is to unite my breathing to Jesus's breathing on the Cross to console Him.
Just watched a video with Father Chad Ripperger. He said that God makes your life miserable at first if He wants to make a saint.
The saints suffered. Therese had tuberculosis. Teresa of Avila had cancer of the stomach. Padre Pio had perpetual diarrhea and asthma. Bernadette had asthma too. Mother Cabrini had high fever to malaria she contracted during her travels. Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it’s a requirement”. -Mother Mary Angelica (to me)
I would say, after my conversion I had a few years when I went off like a fire cracker and experienced great, great joy. I think there is a time when we have to find our baby feet, so to speak and after that we get more solid food. As far as being miserable in concerned, emotions remind me of passing mists. It is the deep down happiness of having a good relationship with Christ and this brings a joy and peace, no matter how deep that never leaves us. John 14:27 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. 28You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.… Emotions are such passing momentary things. It is true we must pick up our Crosses and follow Him. But the fact that our Crosses have meaning makes them so very,very light. Sometimes I hear of people who have just been diagnosed with things like terminal cancer, people without Faith. My heart goes out to them. How do you handle such news without Faith? On the other hand with Faith everything has meaning and purpose. Nothing random. For myself I do not fear death, on the contrary as I get older I more and more look forward to passing through the final vein. For me indeed to live is Christ and to die is victory. Such a huge source of peace and joy.
"Do not fear, My little child, you are not alone. Fight bravely, because My arm is supporting you. " Jesus to Saint Faustina
