I watched a great show on the Bethlehem Star on EWTN.
Here is a link for more information:
http://www.bethlehemstar.net/
Reflecting
It is time to start reflecting on all of the blessings of the past year. So many things have went wrong this year, but there is still a great deal of things to be thankful for.
Remember, when something goes wrong - someone else had a worse day or a worse year. We can think of losing a job or a business, but someone lost a loved one or is dieing.
Count your blessings instead of looking at the negative things that happen. Remember that God has a plan for each of us and He knows what He is doing. Like I always say, we may not like God's plan but we need to go along for the ride either way - so make the most of it.
God Bless you at the end of 2009 and may He Bless you abundantly in 2010!
Remember, when something goes wrong - someone else had a worse day or a worse year. We can think of losing a job or a business, but someone lost a loved one or is dieing.
Count your blessings instead of looking at the negative things that happen. Remember that God has a plan for each of us and He knows what He is doing. Like I always say, we may not like God's plan but we need to go along for the ride either way - so make the most of it.
God Bless you at the end of 2009 and may He Bless you abundantly in 2010!
Full
I feel like all I have done for the last 5 days is eat! What a Blessing it is to say that.
Simple blessings are things that we delight in and don't give much thought to. Being full after a wonderful feast prepared for Christmas. Seeing the smiling faces of children happy and satisfied. Seeing a tiny baby smile. Seeing family playing games and laughing together. Reminiscing about old times.
These are all simple blessings and they all cause us to be "full". Full of hope. Full of happiness. Full of cheer. Full of peace.
May we all remember to look at these simple blessings as Gifts from God. These are the gifts that we should be ever thankful for.
Set these special gifts in a place before the Infant Jesus this Christmas season and let Him know how much you appreciate them. Gifts for Him that are gifts to us.
Simple.
Our Lady's December 25, 2009 Message
Our Lady's December 25, 2009 Christmas message
as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.
December 25, 2009
“Dear children! On this joyful day, I bring all of you before my Son, the King of Peace, that He may give you His peace and blessing. Little children, in love share that peace and blessing with others. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.
December 25, 2009
“Dear children! On this joyful day, I bring all of you before my Son, the King of Peace, that He may give you His peace and blessing. Little children, in love share that peace and blessing with others. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
A Shepherds Story
It was a strange night in many ways. It was very bright last night - there was a star that was shining so bright that it lit up the fields. I could count my sheep easily.
I was just tending my sheep as usual, when suddenly I heard singing - beautiful singing, coming from the sky. I looked around to see if other shepherds could hear it as well and they were looking up at the sky too.
I was looking up and I thought I was seeing ghosts. The sky was shining with angels - many, many angels. We were all so frightened. We didn't know what it was. They were singing and they were not trying to scare us. They told us not to be fearful.
They told us that a King was born that very night. They told us that he was a King that loves us very much and wants us to tell others and come to see Him.
They told us to follow the shining star to the location were this great King could be seen.
I could see a beam of light shining down in the valley and I knew that is were I wanted to go as fast as I could.
I made my way to an area that housed animals. It was a cold place for a King to be born. I was wondering why a Queen would give birth to a King in such poor conditions.
As I got closer I could see the Mother of this great King. She was radiating beauty and warmth that seemed to be coming from the Infant.
The Infant King was illuminating a glow that created a reverence within me. I knew he was a special King, not like the others. I knew He would do great things. The feeling I had, caused me to kneel before the entry and bow my head to the great King Child.
I stayed for quite some time because it was so peaceful there. As more and more people started to arrive, I wanted to give them room to see as well. I got up, with anguish, and left this Holy sight.
I went as quickly as I could to spread the good news about this great King.
The Journey
Mary and Joseph are on a journey to Bethlehem to be counted. It is a very long journey.
Mary is very uncomfortable riding on the donkey's back. She is very much with child and very close to deliver. She feels every rock under the hooves. She feels every sway of the animal as she rocks on his back.
Joseph leads the Virgin Mary, he knows she is uncomfortable but she does not complain.
Joseph and Mary pray out load together and sing canticles to God for His blessings.
Mary thinks about the small clothing that she has labored in making for her Child. She knows that her Child will need clothing to stay warm against the elements and she wants her Child to have every comfort possible.
Joseph thinks about Mary and how holy she is - never complain and what a great model of motherhood she has proven to be at such a young age.
They pass the time in holy thoughts, prayer and singing. Mile after mile, step after step.
They finally come to the city of Bethlehem. There are people everywhere walking the streets, riding in carts, on horse and on foot. People searching for places to settle in to eat and sleep. There are people lining the streets. The places to stay are all full.
Joseph finds the location where they need to be accounted for. He does all of the necessary work and goes back to finding somewhere to take Mary to rest.
He asks and asks with no success. There is no place for him to take Mary.
Finally an inn keeper sees the condition of Mary and offers an animal dwelling for them to stay warm and give Mary the rest she needs.
Mary and Joseph thank them for the generous gift. Mary and Joseph pray together, thanking God for the shelter.
They enter the cave together, Joseph giving Mary his hand to guide her steps inside.
Mary takes off her veil and starts to remove dust and cobwebs. She takes it outside and shakes it to the wind.
Joseph arranges clean straw on a feed bunk so Mary can take some rest. Before Mary lays down to rest, she gets on her knees and thanks God for this wonderful place He has sent them to.
Joseph continues to unpack the donkey and arranges all things in order.
It is very bright ouside from the light of a very large star.
Slow Down and Look at Jesus
Christmas is almost here. The long wait is coming to an end. Next week this time, we will be thinking of the New Year and many will forget about the reason we had the wait in the first place.
Christmas doesn't start until Christmas Day. Then the Christmas Season is in full swing. Unfortunately, that is when it ends for many people. They are in a hurry to rush Christmas back into storage until next year.
That is that saddest thing to see. The Christmas music stops on Christmas Day. The stores rush to get rid of anything remotely involved with Christmas.
Rush, rush, rush. If we would only slow down a bit and enjoy the season, we would see that it is just getting started. Right now so many people are rushing to get done with the shopping and rushing to get done with the wrapping and cleaning and packing and ............
We need to sit back and look at Jesus. Our priest told us to go before a nativity and look at Jesus. Pick him up and hold him. Really look and think about his toes wiggling and his voice as he cries. Think about the humanity of this God Child.
I have a beautiful old statue of the infant Jesus in a manger. He is quite large and was part of a large church nativity that was refurbished by the Nuns at Mankato on Good Council Hill. I was fortunate to be there as He was finished and was able to purchase Him.
He is in the center of our living room on a table by Himself. I put gold tinsel under His body and a gold ring around His head. I shouldn't put him out until Christmas Day, but I always put Him out early. He is the last thing to be put away after the Baptism. He is the center of our festivities so that everyone can enjoy Him.
Take some time to slow down and look at Jesus and find true peace.
Christmas doesn't start until Christmas Day. Then the Christmas Season is in full swing. Unfortunately, that is when it ends for many people. They are in a hurry to rush Christmas back into storage until next year.
That is that saddest thing to see. The Christmas music stops on Christmas Day. The stores rush to get rid of anything remotely involved with Christmas.
Rush, rush, rush. If we would only slow down a bit and enjoy the season, we would see that it is just getting started. Right now so many people are rushing to get done with the shopping and rushing to get done with the wrapping and cleaning and packing and ............
We need to sit back and look at Jesus. Our priest told us to go before a nativity and look at Jesus. Pick him up and hold him. Really look and think about his toes wiggling and his voice as he cries. Think about the humanity of this God Child.
I have a beautiful old statue of the infant Jesus in a manger. He is quite large and was part of a large church nativity that was refurbished by the Nuns at Mankato on Good Council Hill. I was fortunate to be there as He was finished and was able to purchase Him.
He is in the center of our living room on a table by Himself. I put gold tinsel under His body and a gold ring around His head. I shouldn't put him out until Christmas Day, but I always put Him out early. He is the last thing to be put away after the Baptism. He is the center of our festivities so that everyone can enjoy Him.
Take some time to slow down and look at Jesus and find true peace.
Good VS Evil
Every once in a while I get a forwarded email that is worthy of submitting... Here is another one.
'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely. '
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment, 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one, 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters, 'From God.'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir...'
Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer.
'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?' The student squirms on his feet.
'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question, 'Who created them?' There is still no answer.... Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing, 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't..'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain... 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.'
'Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time, 'Flawed? Can you explain how?
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains...
'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it...' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed. 'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
The class is in uproar.
The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room, 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?'
The class breaks out into laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.'
'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers, 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues, 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.' The professor sat down.
The student was Albert Einstein.
'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely. '
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment, 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one, 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters, 'From God.'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir...'
Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer.
'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?' The student squirms on his feet.
'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question, 'Who created them?' There is still no answer.... Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing, 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't..'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain... 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.'
'Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time, 'Flawed? Can you explain how?
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains...
'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it...' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed. 'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
The class is in uproar.
The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room, 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?'
The class breaks out into laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.'
'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers, 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues, 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.' The professor sat down.
The student was Albert Einstein.
God Child
We are awaiting the fast approaching Birthday of our Savior.
God allowed himself to be born as an infant. A tiny child that needed the comfort and support of his loving Mother. Just like all of us.... he was vulnerable. God and Child. Human and Divine.
Jesus needed to be taken care of... God needed to be taken care of. When we think of this, it is hard to imagine God needing to be cared for; fed, changed, clothed....
This is the greatest Gift of all. A Gift for all ages. A priceless, endless love.
Thank you God for this Gift.
God allowed himself to be born as an infant. A tiny child that needed the comfort and support of his loving Mother. Just like all of us.... he was vulnerable. God and Child. Human and Divine.
Jesus needed to be taken care of... God needed to be taken care of. When we think of this, it is hard to imagine God needing to be cared for; fed, changed, clothed....
This is the greatest Gift of all. A Gift for all ages. A priceless, endless love.
Thank you God for this Gift.
Write to Ease the Pain
You always hear that everyone should carry a pen and paper to write things down. Well this is once in my life that I need to write something down.
My family has a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful to be alive and healthy. We have seen a great deal of misery this past 2 weeks.
It all started with something I wrote about in an earlier blog post a few days ago. Our neighbor passed away. It is very unusual for me to be home at that time of day, but school was 2 hours late because of the snow and I decided to stay home until our girls left for school at 10am. About 9:50 my husband called and asked if I had left yet because he needed to do a parts run. I told him no and he should pick me up on the way and I would ride with him. He called me a few minutes before he would be home and told me to be ready to go. About 10 minutes passed and I heard sirens and looked out the window to emergency vehicles going into our neighbors drive.
I watch and assumed someone had fallen and help was there. I thought about walking over, but didn't want to get in the way. I tried to call my husband to tell him about it but he didn't answer his phone. I kept calling as minutes passed and I gazed out the kitchen window. Then half hour passed and 45 minutes. I continued to call Pat with no success. Panic started to grip me. I think it was from all the commotion outside. I was worried he had an accident on the way home.
Soon I saw people blocking the road and I don't know how, but I just knew there was a helicopter on the way. I was worried about my neighbors, but I was worried about my husband too.
I called my son to drive out and see if his dad was in the ditch somewhere. When he got here he said, "Dad's truck is at the neighbors." I felt relieved for 2 reasons. One, he was safe and 2 - the helicopter had just left empty. I knew someone had died at that point. I was glad he was there to give comfort.
I didn't know at the time that he had helped perform CPR until help arrived. If I would have went to work, we would have left from the shop and Pat wouldn't have been home to help.
That was Thursday.
Tuesday was the funeral. I needed to get to the bank Tuesday morning and Pat offered to drive in for me. He almost got hit by a semi. He was at a green light and saw a tractor trailer coming up to a red light - cars in front of the semi - and started to jack knife. Pat didn't pull out, but he watched as the truck got straightened out and went between vehicles, barely missing all of them and himself, going through a red light going about 50 miles per hour. Thank God.
Tuesday afternoon, funeral. Allen's wife called Pat her angel for being there. Pat had a very hard time at the funeral.
We get back to the office and are told a sheriff had been in earlier.
Wednesday morning the sheriff is back and serves us with foreclosure papers on our business.
Friday night, we are visiting our daughter and another daughter calls us from home and tells us our dog just got killed by a car. We don't even know how to tell our youngest daughter that her dog, that she adores, is dead. She has a friend over tonight so hopefully she won't notice he is gone yet.
My family has a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful to be alive and healthy. We have seen a great deal of misery this past 2 weeks.
It all started with something I wrote about in an earlier blog post a few days ago. Our neighbor passed away. It is very unusual for me to be home at that time of day, but school was 2 hours late because of the snow and I decided to stay home until our girls left for school at 10am. About 9:50 my husband called and asked if I had left yet because he needed to do a parts run. I told him no and he should pick me up on the way and I would ride with him. He called me a few minutes before he would be home and told me to be ready to go. About 10 minutes passed and I heard sirens and looked out the window to emergency vehicles going into our neighbors drive.
I watch and assumed someone had fallen and help was there. I thought about walking over, but didn't want to get in the way. I tried to call my husband to tell him about it but he didn't answer his phone. I kept calling as minutes passed and I gazed out the kitchen window. Then half hour passed and 45 minutes. I continued to call Pat with no success. Panic started to grip me. I think it was from all the commotion outside. I was worried he had an accident on the way home.
Soon I saw people blocking the road and I don't know how, but I just knew there was a helicopter on the way. I was worried about my neighbors, but I was worried about my husband too.
I called my son to drive out and see if his dad was in the ditch somewhere. When he got here he said, "Dad's truck is at the neighbors." I felt relieved for 2 reasons. One, he was safe and 2 - the helicopter had just left empty. I knew someone had died at that point. I was glad he was there to give comfort.
I didn't know at the time that he had helped perform CPR until help arrived. If I would have went to work, we would have left from the shop and Pat wouldn't have been home to help.
That was Thursday.
Tuesday was the funeral. I needed to get to the bank Tuesday morning and Pat offered to drive in for me. He almost got hit by a semi. He was at a green light and saw a tractor trailer coming up to a red light - cars in front of the semi - and started to jack knife. Pat didn't pull out, but he watched as the truck got straightened out and went between vehicles, barely missing all of them and himself, going through a red light going about 50 miles per hour. Thank God.
Tuesday afternoon, funeral. Allen's wife called Pat her angel for being there. Pat had a very hard time at the funeral.
We get back to the office and are told a sheriff had been in earlier.
Wednesday morning the sheriff is back and serves us with foreclosure papers on our business.
Friday night, we are visiting our daughter and another daughter calls us from home and tells us our dog just got killed by a car. We don't even know how to tell our youngest daughter that her dog, that she adores, is dead. She has a friend over tonight so hopefully she won't notice he is gone yet.
We will see the tears of our 12 year old daughter when she realizes her dog is gone.
All of this a few days before Christmas.
All of this a few days before Christmas.
I needed to write these down so that I can offer them up to Jesus at this time and let him help heal me. Jesus takes our worries and stress from us like a gift.
We will always question why things happen, but we need to remember that it is all in His glorious plan.
My friend told me that Jesus is walking with us - what a beautiful picture.
Our love for each other and God will see us through.
Our love for each other and God will see us through.
Dear God, Give us strength to cope and thank you for the gift of family and friends. Amen.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne.
—Charles Wesley
Mary Did You Know?
That is the big question - Mary did you know?
To me Mary was created to be the Mother of God. At her age, did she know? Fourteen years old when our Saviour was born of her.
She is a model of what it means to have faith and trust God. The angel Gabriel appeared to her and asked her to be the Mother of God. She was old enough to know that a male was needed for that to happen. When the angel told her that the Holy Spirit would give her the child, she didn't question it - she just made her choice to trust in the Glory of the Lord. Then the "yes" was given. Her consent to let God work through her, gave us the greatest Gift that we could ever be given.
She knew that if people found out that she was an unwed mother, they would probably stone her to death. She had complete faith in God's plan.
She knew she was chosen to nurture, care for and be Mother to the Son of God. She knew that a Savior was coming and she knew that she was to be His Mother.
Oh Mary, ever virgin, thank you for saying yes to God and having faith and trust to let his will be carried out through you. Amen.
Over Population Myth
There are so many fanatics that think that we are over populating the world. China is a good example - they have the one child rule and force sterilization and abortion.
As absurd as this sounds, there are still people around us that think we should do the same thing in the America's. Remove the unfortunate and ill from society to make room for the well to do and healthy. Keep reproduction to a minimum.
Which one of my seven children should I have kept and which ones should I have destroyed?? What kind of radical thinking is this? Sounds like making a choice of which child should go to the gas chambers during the Holocaust.
Yes, there are people in our world that would try to force these things. Don't think it can't happen. Look at China and remember Hitler. Look at the legalization of human murder that we so lightly call abortion!
We cannot allow a radical person or group to change our thinking on these issues. Stay strong, stay focused and know what is right!
Watch this video clip to see where this all originated and how crazy the whole thing is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVOU5bfHrM&feature=player_embedded
Here is an example of this radical thinking by a very famous person:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6JLvIxdbjQ&feature=fvw
HERE IS THE ULTIMATE LIE -"People can't afford children":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9--Zp-d5Zs
I tell you here and now - CHILDREN CAN LIVE ON LESS! We do not need to give our children whatever their hearts desire! Our children will be better adults if we regulate their living. I have seen this with my own children.
The problem lies with people wanting more for themselves and giving less. The meaning of that is purely selfishness. Society that believes that they should be perfect and protected.
Thank you God for the gift of life. Give us the courage to protect it! Amen
As absurd as this sounds, there are still people around us that think we should do the same thing in the America's. Remove the unfortunate and ill from society to make room for the well to do and healthy. Keep reproduction to a minimum.
Which one of my seven children should I have kept and which ones should I have destroyed?? What kind of radical thinking is this? Sounds like making a choice of which child should go to the gas chambers during the Holocaust.
Yes, there are people in our world that would try to force these things. Don't think it can't happen. Look at China and remember Hitler. Look at the legalization of human murder that we so lightly call abortion!
We cannot allow a radical person or group to change our thinking on these issues. Stay strong, stay focused and know what is right!
Watch this video clip to see where this all originated and how crazy the whole thing is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVOU5bfHrM&feature=player_embedded
Here is an example of this radical thinking by a very famous person:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6JLvIxdbjQ&feature=fvw
HERE IS THE ULTIMATE LIE -"People can't afford children":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9--Zp-d5Zs
I tell you here and now - CHILDREN CAN LIVE ON LESS! We do not need to give our children whatever their hearts desire! Our children will be better adults if we regulate their living. I have seen this with my own children.
The problem lies with people wanting more for themselves and giving less. The meaning of that is purely selfishness. Society that believes that they should be perfect and protected.
Thank you God for the gift of life. Give us the courage to protect it! Amen
To Every Thing There is a Season
Time keeps on moving. Seasons change. We change, we grow, we prepare ourselves for peace.
To every thing, there is a season....
Things happen that we don't understand why. Things happen that we are thankful for and things happen that we are disappointed by.
Times change, we change, seasons change, the world changes. We need to go along for the ride no matter where God takes us. We need to find the good in every thing because to every thing there is a purpose!
When I was a child, one of my favorite songs was Turn, Turn, Turn. I didn't know it was Bible verses from Ecclesiastes until I was much older.
To me, this is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible.
(Click on the title link to hear the song.)
To every thing, there is a season....
Things happen that we don't understand why. Things happen that we are thankful for and things happen that we are disappointed by.
Times change, we change, seasons change, the world changes. We need to go along for the ride no matter where God takes us. We need to find the good in every thing because to every thing there is a purpose!
When I was a child, one of my favorite songs was Turn, Turn, Turn. I didn't know it was Bible verses from Ecclesiastes until I was much older.
To me, this is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible.
(Click on the title link to hear the song.)
Filled with Enduring Love
Jesus is God
"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" wrote St. John (1:14). So, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity assumed human nature. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Divine Word of whom John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" wrote St. John (1:14). So, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity assumed human nature. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Divine Word of whom John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
He Became Man
"In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman" (Gal 4:4). In order to become a member of the human race in the fullest sense, the Second Person of the Trinity became man by being born of a human woman, Mary. He was conceived by her without the help of a human father, but rather, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the God-man Jesus Christ had only God as His Father, and the Virgin Mary as His Mother. (See the section on Mary, the Mother of God.)
exerts from article by Fr. William G. Most
"In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly
'Mother of God' (Theotokos)" (CCC, No. 495).
'Mother of God' (Theotokos)" (CCC, No. 495).
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: The glory of an only Son coming from the Father filled with enduring love (Jn 1:14).
In this time of waiting, hoping, peace and joy - we come to the realization of how much God loves us. God sent His only Son to us so that we can be a part of Eternity. We are offered Eternal Life.
We can accept this invitation by being good and just. Use this Advent to make yourself better. Be a better person -better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, niece, granddaughter, grandmother, christian. Better husband, father, son, brother, friend, nephew, grandson, grandfather, employee, employer. Whatever the circumstance is, we can always strive to be better.
Mary opened herself up to being the Mother of God, making herself the best that she could possibly be. See if there is room inside your heart to become great at love.
God Bless You this Advent Season!
Joy, Peace and Hope
The Third Sunday of Advent has arrived. Today we light the rose candle in our wreath.
We are joyful for the coming of our Savior and we are joyfully awaiting the second coming of Christ.
This past week we had an experience with a neighbor that was very horrific and eye opening. We never know when our time will come to be taken.
Our neighbor was a very healthy, slim man. He was blowing snow after our big snow storm on Thursday morning and collapsed. My husband just happened to be coming home within minutes of him falling to the ground and saw his wife kneeling over him. He went and started chest compressions, which his wife was already doing, as they waited for help to arrive.
He passed away - and the efforts of numerous people and even the helicopter attendants proved useless.
This was the time that our Lord was calling him home.
This week of Advent that represents joy, will be sorrowful to his family, but they know that there is great joy with him being with God.
Joy because our Lord, Jesus Christ, was born to a humble Virgin and allowed himself to be crucified for us, for our sins, for the sins of all of us.
He will raise us up on eagle's wings....
"O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever". Amen.
We are joyful for the coming of our Savior and we are joyfully awaiting the second coming of Christ.
This past week we had an experience with a neighbor that was very horrific and eye opening. We never know when our time will come to be taken.
Our neighbor was a very healthy, slim man. He was blowing snow after our big snow storm on Thursday morning and collapsed. My husband just happened to be coming home within minutes of him falling to the ground and saw his wife kneeling over him. He went and started chest compressions, which his wife was already doing, as they waited for help to arrive.
He passed away - and the efforts of numerous people and even the helicopter attendants proved useless.
This was the time that our Lord was calling him home.
This week of Advent that represents joy, will be sorrowful to his family, but they know that there is great joy with him being with God.
Joy because our Lord, Jesus Christ, was born to a humble Virgin and allowed himself to be crucified for us, for our sins, for the sins of all of us.
He will raise us up on eagle's wings....
"O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever". Amen.
Hard Times for Everyone
During this Advent think of some people that you know that are having hard times.
It shouldn't take much effort to think of people, you probably know so many. It is hard times for all.
Search your heart to see if there is anything that you can do to help someone that is struggling.
Make donations to your local food shelf. Give blankets, jackets, mittens, boots and anything else that you have at home that you could part with to the Salvation Army or other similar organization.
If you can afford to, give a child a gift of hope by a donation to your local toy drive. Children don't understand the economic crisis and they are like every other child, waiting for St. Nick.
Give a gift of a donation to an organization that feeds the poor. Give it in honor of someone that you were going to buy a gift for anyway. There is nothing better than receiving a gift that has helped others.
Most importantly, pray for the people that you know are in need. Prayer changes things. It is free, it is simple and it is honest.
Pray always... make your life a living prayer.
God Bless you this Advent.
It shouldn't take much effort to think of people, you probably know so many. It is hard times for all.
Search your heart to see if there is anything that you can do to help someone that is struggling.
Make donations to your local food shelf. Give blankets, jackets, mittens, boots and anything else that you have at home that you could part with to the Salvation Army or other similar organization.
If you can afford to, give a child a gift of hope by a donation to your local toy drive. Children don't understand the economic crisis and they are like every other child, waiting for St. Nick.
Give a gift of a donation to an organization that feeds the poor. Give it in honor of someone that you were going to buy a gift for anyway. There is nothing better than receiving a gift that has helped others.
Most importantly, pray for the people that you know are in need. Prayer changes things. It is free, it is simple and it is honest.
Pray always... make your life a living prayer.
God Bless you this Advent.
Immaculate Conception
Some may think of the Immaculate Conception as being the conception of Jesus, but it is not.
It is the conception of our Mother in Heaven.
Mary was conceived without sin. Prepared from the very beginning.
She was chosen by God, but not forced to be the Blessed Mother.
Mary was allowed to give her consent or resignation on becoming the Mother of God.
Through her yes, she gave us Salvation!
What a great Feast Day to have during Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, and Mary was being prepared for the first Advent all her life, for the birth of Christ ~ from the moment of her Immaculate Conception.
This picture depicts the Virgin Mary in her mothers womb. Mary, being all human, is a perfect example of what we should strive to become.
Imagine what she faced being a single woman and being asked to have a child. In those days, being pregnant and unmarried meant being stoned to death. She had complete trust in God and let herself be led by the Holy Spirit.
What a great Woman. What a great Saint. What a great Example.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you
Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the
Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the
fruit of your womb ~ Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners -
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Season of Giving
In this season of Advent and soon to be Christmas, it is the time of giving.
Give something that doesn't involve money. Give the gift of yourself.
Lend someone your ear. Listen to what is going on in their life and see if you can do anything to help ~ or just be a listening ear.
A kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear, these are all things that come from the heart.
Look around at home, school or work or where ever you may be. There is always someone in need.
My daughter is giving my mother the gift of taking her shopping. She is taking her to get most of her needs for Christmas and then helping her with the wrapping. That is the gift that my daughter is giving her Grandmother for Christmas.
It can be something as simple as a smile to someone on the street. You can change someones life with a kind smile or gentle words.
Take some time - slow down - see the little things that can make a big difference.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the time, talents and treasures to be of help to others. Amen.
Give something that doesn't involve money. Give the gift of yourself.
Lend someone your ear. Listen to what is going on in their life and see if you can do anything to help ~ or just be a listening ear.
A kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear, these are all things that come from the heart.
Look around at home, school or work or where ever you may be. There is always someone in need.
My daughter is giving my mother the gift of taking her shopping. She is taking her to get most of her needs for Christmas and then helping her with the wrapping. That is the gift that my daughter is giving her Grandmother for Christmas.
It can be something as simple as a smile to someone on the street. You can change someones life with a kind smile or gentle words.
Take some time - slow down - see the little things that can make a big difference.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the time, talents and treasures to be of help to others. Amen.
Waiting and Preparing
Advent is a time of waiting.
We should prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, for Christmas and for "the coming".
Prepare your hearts and your soul to receive our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Try to make yourself worthy to receive our Lord in Holy Eucharist. As sinners, we are never fully worthy to receive our Lord in Communion, but through the Grace of God, we are healed.
Jesus wants to come to us and He wants us to use the gift of His presence to always do good.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, sent from Heaven to take care of us, His flock.
Keep your heart clean to shelter the Child Jesus this Advent Season.
As John the Baptist, with a voice crying out in the wilderness, proclaimed, "Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight the path."
Stay on the straight path to be ready for Christ.
We should prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, for Christmas and for "the coming".
Prepare your hearts and your soul to receive our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Try to make yourself worthy to receive our Lord in Holy Eucharist. As sinners, we are never fully worthy to receive our Lord in Communion, but through the Grace of God, we are healed.
Jesus wants to come to us and He wants us to use the gift of His presence to always do good.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, sent from Heaven to take care of us, His flock.
Keep your heart clean to shelter the Child Jesus this Advent Season.
As John the Baptist, with a voice crying out in the wilderness, proclaimed, "Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight the path."
Stay on the straight path to be ready for Christ.
Second Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent (From EWTN.com)
Prayer for the Advent Wreath
Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ,
for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people.
He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Savior of us all.
O Lord,let your blessing come upon us as we light
the first and second (purple) candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a sign of
Christ’s promise of salvation.
May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this in His holy name. Amen.
Waiting
We light a candle today, a small dim light against a world that
often seems forbidding and dark. But we light it because we
are a people of hope, a people whose faith is marked by an
expectation that we should always be ready for the coming of the Master.
The joy and anticipation of this season is captured
beautifully in the antiphons of hope from the monastic liturgies:
See! The ruler of the earth shall come, the Lord
who will take from us the heavy burden of our exile.
The Lord will come soon, will not delay.
The Lord will make the darkest places bright.
We must capture that urgency today in the small flame of our candle.
We light the candle because we know that the coming of
Christ is tied to our building of the kingdom.
Lighting the flame, feeding the hungry, comforting the sick,
reconciling the divided, praying for the repentant,
greeting the lonely and forgotten – doing all these works hastens His coming.
Prayer for the Advent Wreath
Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ,
for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people.
He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Savior of us all.
O Lord,let your blessing come upon us as we light
the first and second (purple) candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a sign of
Christ’s promise of salvation.
May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this in His holy name. Amen.
Waiting
We light a candle today, a small dim light against a world that
often seems forbidding and dark. But we light it because we
are a people of hope, a people whose faith is marked by an
expectation that we should always be ready for the coming of the Master.
The joy and anticipation of this season is captured
beautifully in the antiphons of hope from the monastic liturgies:
See! The ruler of the earth shall come, the Lord
who will take from us the heavy burden of our exile.
The Lord will come soon, will not delay.
The Lord will make the darkest places bright.
We must capture that urgency today in the small flame of our candle.
We light the candle because we know that the coming of
Christ is tied to our building of the kingdom.
Lighting the flame, feeding the hungry, comforting the sick,
reconciling the divided, praying for the repentant,
greeting the lonely and forgotten – doing all these works hastens His coming.
The Sorrow and Joy
Why do we ache with pain?
Offer it to Jesus for gain.
Why do we suffer so?
He takes it and never says no.
Help me Lord, fill my heart with joy~
Take this sadness, don't let it destroy.
Keep me in your heart
so I will n'er depart.
Offer it to Jesus for gain.
Why do we suffer so?
He takes it and never says no.
Help me Lord, fill my heart with joy~
Take this sadness, don't let it destroy.
Keep me in your heart
so I will n'er depart.
Advent Retreat
An Advent Retreat
From Secular to Sacred: Go All Out!
by Vinita on December 2, 2009
As you prepare for the holidays this year, go all out!
Literally—get OUT of the house, go OUTside, experience the great OUTdoors. Yes, you’ve got too much to do, but that’s no excuse. If it’s cold, bundle up and allow your cheeks to get rosy and your body to become energized by the brisk air.
If you’re not in a cold climate, then spend a little more time wandering a nearby lake/ocean/mountain/park.
Take along your camera or sketchbook or journal. Breathe deeply and slow your steps. Become aware of the sky’s color and the land’s fragrance.
You are created by God, living on a planet created by God. One of the best cures for holiday stress is to reconnect to the basic miracle of being alive among so many beautiful living things.
In fact, when the holiday rush becomes too frantic, simply find a window. Maybe it’s at home or maybe it’s at a mall or airport, but stand there and gaze for at least five minutes.
Look for one created thing and say a prayer of thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad7KU9bCTAM&feature=related
From Secular to Sacred: Go All Out!
by Vinita on December 2, 2009
As you prepare for the holidays this year, go all out!
Literally—get OUT of the house, go OUTside, experience the great OUTdoors. Yes, you’ve got too much to do, but that’s no excuse. If it’s cold, bundle up and allow your cheeks to get rosy and your body to become energized by the brisk air.
If you’re not in a cold climate, then spend a little more time wandering a nearby lake/ocean/mountain/park.
Take along your camera or sketchbook or journal. Breathe deeply and slow your steps. Become aware of the sky’s color and the land’s fragrance.
You are created by God, living on a planet created by God. One of the best cures for holiday stress is to reconnect to the basic miracle of being alive among so many beautiful living things.
In fact, when the holiday rush becomes too frantic, simply find a window. Maybe it’s at home or maybe it’s at a mall or airport, but stand there and gaze for at least five minutes.
Look for one created thing and say a prayer of thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad7KU9bCTAM&feature=related
Our Lady's December 2, 2009 message given to Mirjana.
Our Lady's December 2, 2009 message given to Mirjana.
December 2, 2009
Message to Mirjana
"Dear children. At this time of preparation and joyful expectation I, as a mother, desire to point you to what is the most important, to your soul. Can my Son be born in it? Is it cleansed by love from lies, arrogance, hatred and malice? Above all else does your soul love God as your Father and does it love your fellow brother in Christ? I am pointing you to the way which will raise your soul to a complete union with my Son. I desire for my Son to be born in you. What a joy that would be for me as mother. Thank you."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85tfBBmbuMc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQVz6vuNq7s&feature=fvw
December 2, 2009
Message to Mirjana
"Dear children. At this time of preparation and joyful expectation I, as a mother, desire to point you to what is the most important, to your soul. Can my Son be born in it? Is it cleansed by love from lies, arrogance, hatred and malice? Above all else does your soul love God as your Father and does it love your fellow brother in Christ? I am pointing you to the way which will raise your soul to a complete union with my Son. I desire for my Son to be born in you. What a joy that would be for me as mother. Thank you."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85tfBBmbuMc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQVz6vuNq7s&feature=fvw
A Time to Relax
I was given the gift of a massage from my daughter and her husband for taking care of their children when they were on vacation. I used it today.
It is amazing to have someone pamper you and take such good care of you. It was such a wonderful time to relax. She told me to have this time be for me. After 7 children, it is hard to think of taking time for yourself.
I like to read and that is something that I have always considered "my time". We should all have some sort of meditative time. It is a stress reliever. Stress is one of the worse things for our bodies and minds.
God wants us to give all of our stress and turmoils up to him. He wants us to release them to his care. Try it ~ release your stress and anxiety and give them up to Jesus.
Thank you God for taking the stress and turmoil from us and accepting it with grace - like a gift. Amen.
It is amazing to have someone pamper you and take such good care of you. It was such a wonderful time to relax. She told me to have this time be for me. After 7 children, it is hard to think of taking time for yourself.
I like to read and that is something that I have always considered "my time". We should all have some sort of meditative time. It is a stress reliever. Stress is one of the worse things for our bodies and minds.
God wants us to give all of our stress and turmoils up to him. He wants us to release them to his care. Try it ~ release your stress and anxiety and give them up to Jesus.
Thank you God for taking the stress and turmoil from us and accepting it with grace - like a gift. Amen.
Tis the Season
Wow ~ This year has flown by for me. The advent season starts already tomorrow and Christmas will be here soon and then a new year.
I need to say that I got up to go shopping at 3:30am on Black Friday. Most of the people I came in contact with were very nice. Everyone is just looking to make Christmas special and save some money at the same time.
I don't like shopping with crowds like that though. It is very hard to move. Fortunately, I didn't need much and was lucky to get what I wanted to get.
I try to have all the bustle over when Advent starts so that I can enjoy this season and enjoy preparing for the birthday of our Lord.
It is important to remember that is what it is ~ it is the Birthday of Jesus. I love the saying; "Jesus is the Reason for the Season".
I like the old, traditional candy canes because they have meaning. My children have always wanted to get the different color and tasting candy canes, I let them on occasion, but I tend to make sure that they know the story of the candy cane and why the red striped ones are important to me. Here is the story:
A Candy Maker’s Witness ~ (found online)
"A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbol for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which he reaches down into the world.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ.
In years to come the candy became known only as a candy cane – a meaningless decoration. But the meaning is still there for those who know. I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness TO THE WONDER OF JESUS AND HIS GREAT LOVE that came down at Christmas."
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which he reaches down into the world.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ.
In years to come the candy became known only as a candy cane – a meaningless decoration. But the meaning is still there for those who know. I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness TO THE WONDER OF JESUS AND HIS GREAT LOVE that came down at Christmas."
I also like to say "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays". Christmas is why it is a holiday!
Medjugorje - Our Lady's November 25, 2009 Message
Message of November 25, 2009
"Dear children! In this time of grace I call you all to renew prayer in your families. Prepare yourselves with joy for the coming of Jesus. Little children, may your hearts be pure and pleasing, so that love and warmth may flow through you into every heart that is far from His love. Little children, be my extended hands, hands of love for all those who have become lost, who have no more faith and hope. Thank you for having responded to my call."
"Dear children! In this time of grace I call you all to renew prayer in your families. Prepare yourselves with joy for the coming of Jesus. Little children, may your hearts be pure and pleasing, so that love and warmth may flow through you into every heart that is far from His love. Little children, be my extended hands, hands of love for all those who have become lost, who have no more faith and hope. Thank you for having responded to my call."
The Start of Advent
Advent starts this Sunday, November 29th.
My daughter found a website with Christmas Carols:
http://christmassongbook.net/
I am a catechist and so many of the children I teach don't know the traditional Christmas Carols. We need to bring back this tradition and incorporate new Christmas music as well.
The true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the Black Friday fliers and trying to decide the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends.
Last year as some of my gifts to family and friends, we gave the gift of food to the poor and fruit trees to the poor. It is a gift that you give to someone and they understand the true meaning. The trees and food went to people living in poverty, but the gift of the gift went to my family and friends.
Set up a family advent wreath and set aside time each week to meditate and pray.
Have a Blessed Advent Season!
My daughter found a website with Christmas Carols:
http://christmassongbook.net/
I am a catechist and so many of the children I teach don't know the traditional Christmas Carols. We need to bring back this tradition and incorporate new Christmas music as well.
The true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the Black Friday fliers and trying to decide the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends.
Last year as some of my gifts to family and friends, we gave the gift of food to the poor and fruit trees to the poor. It is a gift that you give to someone and they understand the true meaning. The trees and food went to people living in poverty, but the gift of the gift went to my family and friends.
Set up a family advent wreath and set aside time each week to meditate and pray.
Have a Blessed Advent Season!
Ten Commandment Judge
I got this in a forward and checked it's origins. UrbanLegends says that it is Moore's poetry style and that he did write a portion of it. Anyway, it is a good poem and I wanted to share it.
Click on the title link to see Judge Roy Moore speaking on morality.
Here is the song "In God We Still Trust", which was written and dedicated to Judge Roy Moore, see the video here: (I have this song in another post also.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHJlEuImnbE&feature=fvw
Below is the email:
The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama ...
Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama.
The judge's poem sums it up quite well.
America the beautiful,or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;I'm glad they'll never see.
Babies piled in dumpsters,Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain
From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray
We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?
If we who are His children,will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face and mend our evil way:
Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.
But, America the Beautiful,If you don't -
then you will see,
A sad but Holy God with draw
His hand from Thee.
~~Judge Roy Moore~~
Thank you God for giving us the courage and strength to stand up for what is right even when it means we will be ridiculed and despised - just like Jesus Christ. Amen.
Click on the title link to see Judge Roy Moore speaking on morality.
Here is the song "In God We Still Trust", which was written and dedicated to Judge Roy Moore, see the video here: (I have this song in another post also.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHJlEuImnbE&feature=fvw
Below is the email:
The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama ...
Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama.
The judge's poem sums it up quite well.
America the beautiful,or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;I'm glad they'll never see.
Babies piled in dumpsters,Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain
From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray
We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?
If we who are His children,will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face and mend our evil way:
Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.
But, America the Beautiful,If you don't -
then you will see,
A sad but Holy God with draw
His hand from Thee.
~~Judge Roy Moore~~
Thank you God for giving us the courage and strength to stand up for what is right even when it means we will be ridiculed and despised - just like Jesus Christ. Amen.
Meet Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Meet Mother Teresa in a special way.
Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and given the title
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yFzCBIK-PY&feature=PlayList&p=B4EB6B76B8D68079&index=16&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqS-vJzId1E&feature=PlayList&p=B4EB6B76B8D68079&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15
A small woman that did great things for love with the grace of God!
Mother Teresa, Pray for us!
Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and given the title
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yFzCBIK-PY&feature=PlayList&p=B4EB6B76B8D68079&index=16&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqS-vJzId1E&feature=PlayList&p=B4EB6B76B8D68079&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15
A small woman that did great things for love with the grace of God!
Mother Teresa, Pray for us!
The Incorruptibles
"Incorruptibility is the property of a body — usually a human body — that does not decompose after death. Such a body is sometimes referred to as incorrupt or incorruptible.
The incorruptibles are the handful of catholic saints who died throughout the years, yet their bodies, or parts of their dead bodies, will not decay or surrender to decomposition as a normal body would.
Incorruptibles - These type of preserved bodies started being discovered back in the early centuries after Christ, though surprisingly, they do not fall into either the accidental or deliberate preservation."
These are videos of some of the beautiful incorruptibles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uPLx8PM8c&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi9_sASaMd8&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdU9SMNfodM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ2eKC2q4VE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p87sWL4Zh7o&NR=1
The incorruptibles are the handful of catholic saints who died throughout the years, yet their bodies, or parts of their dead bodies, will not decay or surrender to decomposition as a normal body would.
Incorruptibles - These type of preserved bodies started being discovered back in the early centuries after Christ, though surprisingly, they do not fall into either the accidental or deliberate preservation."
These are videos of some of the beautiful incorruptibles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uPLx8PM8c&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi9_sASaMd8&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdU9SMNfodM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ2eKC2q4VE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p87sWL4Zh7o&NR=1
St. Therese
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, Dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, Dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Love and Serve
Life is precious. We are all on earth for a reason. It took me many years of trying to figure out why God allowed us to be born because we are sinners. Then one day I figured it out. We are here to love and serve God and others.
We have a choice to love and serve and we have a choice to do wrong, to sin. God has given us the gift of free will.
Free will is our freedom to make choices. We can choose good or we can choose bad. Our bad choices are sins. We use our conscience and the Holy Spirit to guide us to make good decisions.
Things in life may come up that we need to make hard decisions about. It is not easy to make the right choice when it means pain for you or someone else, but in the long run, if you pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you, your decision will be a just one.
Try to avoid letting other people guide your decisions. Don't do something that you feel is wrong, just because "everyone else is doing it". That doesn't make it right - it just gives you an excuse to feel better about a bad decision.
Holy Spirit, Guide us in making good choices and just decisions in our lives. Give us the strength to do what is right. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We have a choice to love and serve and we have a choice to do wrong, to sin. God has given us the gift of free will.
Free will is our freedom to make choices. We can choose good or we can choose bad. Our bad choices are sins. We use our conscience and the Holy Spirit to guide us to make good decisions.
Things in life may come up that we need to make hard decisions about. It is not easy to make the right choice when it means pain for you or someone else, but in the long run, if you pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you, your decision will be a just one.
Try to avoid letting other people guide your decisions. Don't do something that you feel is wrong, just because "everyone else is doing it". That doesn't make it right - it just gives you an excuse to feel better about a bad decision.
Holy Spirit, Guide us in making good choices and just decisions in our lives. Give us the strength to do what is right. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Troubled Times
This is a time of trouble for so many people. People are suffering for so many reasons. You may not even know someone is suffering when you see them.
Help out in any way you can. Be there if someone wants to talk ~ a friendly ear goes a long way, no matter what the person is suffering from. Be a friend, even if you don't know the person.
Comfort the suffering.
Dear God,
Listen to the cries of your suffering souls. Guide us to find comfort. Amen.
Help out in any way you can. Be there if someone wants to talk ~ a friendly ear goes a long way, no matter what the person is suffering from. Be a friend, even if you don't know the person.
Comfort the suffering.
Dear God,
Listen to the cries of your suffering souls. Guide us to find comfort. Amen.
Live Like You are Dying
Our Priests homily today was very good and I wanted to share it with you.
He talked about end times and how we should all live like we are dying.
We should live our lives in a way that we don't worry about it being our last day alive and that we will be prepared for our death.
We are all dying from the time of our conception. It is inevitable, but we can choose how we live so that when we die, we are prepared for our life after.
He talked about end times and how we should all live like we are dying.
We should live our lives in a way that we don't worry about it being our last day alive and that we will be prepared for our death.
We are all dying from the time of our conception. It is inevitable, but we can choose how we live so that when we die, we are prepared for our life after.
Pray, Hope and Don't Worry
We have all thought about our time situation and it seems there is never enough time.
God has a plan for all of us. He knows in what direction he wants us to move and if the direction that I want isn't the direction that He wants, He will win. I will figure out, at some point, why.
It is important for all of us to remember, as Padre Pio always said, pray, hope and don't worry.
We need to pray for what we need and hope that all is well and don't worry, because worrying doesn't make any difference at all.
Do your best, because then you will have no regrets. If you have done your best, it is out of your hands and in the hands of our Lord.
Dear God,
Give us what we need and help us to cope.
Watch over those less fortunate and guide us all.
Amen.
God has a plan for all of us. He knows in what direction he wants us to move and if the direction that I want isn't the direction that He wants, He will win. I will figure out, at some point, why.
It is important for all of us to remember, as Padre Pio always said, pray, hope and don't worry.
We need to pray for what we need and hope that all is well and don't worry, because worrying doesn't make any difference at all.
Do your best, because then you will have no regrets. If you have done your best, it is out of your hands and in the hands of our Lord.
Dear God,
Give us what we need and help us to cope.
Watch over those less fortunate and guide us all.
Amen.
Angels Among Us
You never know who needs you and who looks to you for inspiration. Things that you think are little acts of kindness can be a huge gift to people that are in need.
Always try to be looking to see what you can do for others but also, be aware of what you do, because you could be helping someone and not even know it. Try to live like Jesus and Mary lived. Be kind and loving to everyone.
God doesn't always send angels ~ he uses us.
Open your hearts and eyes to see where you can make a difference.
Always try to be looking to see what you can do for others but also, be aware of what you do, because you could be helping someone and not even know it. Try to live like Jesus and Mary lived. Be kind and loving to everyone.
God doesn't always send angels ~ he uses us.
Open your hearts and eyes to see where you can make a difference.
One Day at a Time
Having people in my family that have addictions and working in a treatment facility, "one day at a time" always meant taking the circumstances in life in stride to keep straight.
"One day at a time" has new meaning to me now. I need this in my life so much right now and it has nothing to do with addiction for me but just for hope.
We can't go back to days past and we can't change things, we need to look forward and focus on the present and pray and hope for the best.
"One day at a time sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking from you. Show me the way to do every day what I have to do. Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine."
I found myself singing that song on my way home today and I hadn't heard it in years - the radio was off and I was singing away!
God sends us things we need and I needed that song today ~
Thank you God.
"One day at a time" has new meaning to me now. I need this in my life so much right now and it has nothing to do with addiction for me but just for hope.
We can't go back to days past and we can't change things, we need to look forward and focus on the present and pray and hope for the best.
"One day at a time sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking from you. Show me the way to do every day what I have to do. Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine."
I found myself singing that song on my way home today and I hadn't heard it in years - the radio was off and I was singing away!
God sends us things we need and I needed that song today ~
Thank you God.
Pain, Suffering, Healing
So many of us have pain of some sort and we are suffering. We are also trying to find ways to heal. It may be someone in a crisis, someone with a disease or illness, or someone that is hurt.
It all works the same way; we have pain, we suffer and we try to heal.
I pray that all of us that are suffering right now, find that healing we so need or desire. For those that cannot find healing, may the strength of God be with you!
God Bless all the people that are in pain and suffering. Grant us healing, both spiritual and physical, if it be your will. Amen.
It all works the same way; we have pain, we suffer and we try to heal.
I pray that all of us that are suffering right now, find that healing we so need or desire. For those that cannot find healing, may the strength of God be with you!
God Bless all the people that are in pain and suffering. Grant us healing, both spiritual and physical, if it be your will. Amen.
Clay Balls
(I have some wonderful friends and this is a forward again ~ worth sharing, enjoy!)
Rise above the rest...Stand for what you believe in...Be true to yourself and others
Jeremiah 29:11
Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.
APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU HAVE, ESPECIALLY YOUR FRIENDS! LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE TOO FEW!
Rise above the rest...Stand for what you believe in...Be true to yourself and others
Jeremiah 29:11
Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.
APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU HAVE, ESPECIALLY YOUR FRIENDS! LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE TOO FEW!
Be Thankful You Have a Job
I just read an article about the annoying people in the work place. Grow up. We are about to lose our business and people are ranting about not liking the people they work with. Be thankful you have a job at all!
I also hear so much on TV about what people should do to get their loss in the stock market back. Be thankful you didn't lose everything because some people didn't have money in the stock market and lost their only income and their homes. Stop complaining, it doesn't do any good.
There are so many people without jobs in this economic disaster that don't want to hear people complain about the job they hold or the money they lost. Stop complaining. Pray for the people who are looking for work and would gladly sit next to an annoying person just to get paid to be able to pay the rent or the house payment or just put food in their families stomachs.
Look at the blessings in your life and just be thankful!
Dear God, Help all the people that have no work, help them cope and lead them in the right direction for the next steps. Help the people that still have work to share what they can with others that are struggling. Teach us to open our eyes and our ears to see and hear the suffering around us and not complain about our minor injustices.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord. Amen
I also hear so much on TV about what people should do to get their loss in the stock market back. Be thankful you didn't lose everything because some people didn't have money in the stock market and lost their only income and their homes. Stop complaining, it doesn't do any good.
There are so many people without jobs in this economic disaster that don't want to hear people complain about the job they hold or the money they lost. Stop complaining. Pray for the people who are looking for work and would gladly sit next to an annoying person just to get paid to be able to pay the rent or the house payment or just put food in their families stomachs.
Look at the blessings in your life and just be thankful!
Dear God, Help all the people that have no work, help them cope and lead them in the right direction for the next steps. Help the people that still have work to share what they can with others that are struggling. Teach us to open our eyes and our ears to see and hear the suffering around us and not complain about our minor injustices.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord. Amen
A Lot of Work, But a Great Blessing
As 3 of my grandchildren leave this morning from a stay of 6 days, I start cleaning up my kitchen after packing them up and scurrying them off with their dad, I see little "angel prints" on my mirror.
I had been thinking of how much work they where and glad I had my husband and daughters to help all week. I am going to be at my office playing catch up all day from the missed days last week.
I can hardly remember raising my 7, and I know they must have been just as much work. My youngest is 12, so she isn't work anymore, but rather a helper.
After bustling with them last week and being tired because 2 of them were sick and one was up all night on Friday night, I can sit back now and see what a great blessing those little ones are.
I knew they are blessings, but when they leave, I see it even more. By noon today I will miss them and want to see them again!
Thank you God for giving me the "angel prints" on my mirror and thank you for Blessing our family with joy and happiness. Amen.
I had been thinking of how much work they where and glad I had my husband and daughters to help all week. I am going to be at my office playing catch up all day from the missed days last week.
I can hardly remember raising my 7, and I know they must have been just as much work. My youngest is 12, so she isn't work anymore, but rather a helper.
After bustling with them last week and being tired because 2 of them were sick and one was up all night on Friday night, I can sit back now and see what a great blessing those little ones are.
I knew they are blessings, but when they leave, I see it even more. By noon today I will miss them and want to see them again!
Thank you God for giving me the "angel prints" on my mirror and thank you for Blessing our family with joy and happiness. Amen.
A Victory for Life
The pro-life Democrats and Republicans took a stand for the sanctity of life by passing the Stupak-Ellsworth-Pitts-Kaptur-Dahlkemper-Lipinski-Smith Amendment on a vote of 240 to 194. This amendment prohibits the use of federal dollars to fund abortion in health care.
This victory is a step toward a future where both political parties defend Life.
But one victory does not mean the battle is won.
(quoted from Americans United for Life Action Media Alert)
Keep praying for the unborn and our elderly so that we can stop abortion and keep our elderly safe and respect all life.
Dear God, Thank you for softening the hearts of the people that make these decisions. Keep softening their hearts so that abortion is declared illegal.
Amen.
This victory is a step toward a future where both political parties defend Life.
But one victory does not mean the battle is won.
(quoted from Americans United for Life Action Media Alert)
Keep praying for the unborn and our elderly so that we can stop abortion and keep our elderly safe and respect all life.
Dear God, Thank you for softening the hearts of the people that make these decisions. Keep softening their hearts so that abortion is declared illegal.
Amen.
Decisions, Decisions....
We are always looking to make decisions. We need to always look to our conscience to make sure that our decisions are moral and ethically based and not for some other reason, such as financially based or to show face.
If we have a hard decision to make, we should pray for guidance to make the right moral decision.
Sometimes God is silent in these times and I need to listen with my heart. God teaches us the best lessons in His silence.
If we have a hard decision to make, we should pray for guidance to make the right moral decision.
Sometimes God is silent in these times and I need to listen with my heart. God teaches us the best lessons in His silence.
Speak For Those That Cannot!
A leader in the Planned Parenthood organization has resigned after watching an ultra sound of an abortion procedure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkXzN1dnAY
It is very important to listen to what theprolifeguy says as he commentates this video. I have done research on this and it is very true that these aborted fetuses are harvested. Harvesting infants that have been aborted is in demand. Sometimes it is a leg for research or other organs. NOW - WHY research on something that is considered "not a baby"? They research with these aborted infants because they need human tissue to get accurate tests results.... to ultimately SAVE LIVES! What a terrible chain of events. Even worse is the use of these aborted infants in "beauty" treatments. Also that aborted fetus material is being put into vaccines!
Like I have said before, if people are educated and actually see an abortion being done, most would agree that abortion is not alright. There are plenty of videos available on numerous websites to see an actual abortion happening, it is just a matter of getting people to watch them. If they did, they would be ashamed.
Please research harvesting of aborted infant parts. Don't take my word for it, research it and get angry about it and DO something about it. Make your voice heard for all the infants that can't make their voices heard.
It is bad enough that these infants are being murdered - but the use of the dead fetus parts is another atrocity on human life.
Abortionists make money on abortions and they make money on the sale of fetus parts (many circumstances - on the black market). I wonder if this is political or all for money? AT THE COST OF HUMAN LIFE!
I posted a video on facebook of Gianna Jessen and her miraculous life after being aborted and someone commented on the post. "Isn't if funny that the only people who support abortion are alive." That states it quite clearly. What would they feel like if their mother had chosen to have them aborted? Many would claim that they wouldn't know any different. Easy to say when you are alive!
Dear God,
Forgive us for allowing this to happen in our lifetime.
Give us courage and strength to make the right decisions when it comes to voting for lawmakers that can change these things.
Blessed Mary and all the Saints, please pray for Mercy on us.
Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkXzN1dnAY
It is very important to listen to what theprolifeguy says as he commentates this video. I have done research on this and it is very true that these aborted fetuses are harvested. Harvesting infants that have been aborted is in demand. Sometimes it is a leg for research or other organs. NOW - WHY research on something that is considered "not a baby"? They research with these aborted infants because they need human tissue to get accurate tests results.... to ultimately SAVE LIVES! What a terrible chain of events. Even worse is the use of these aborted infants in "beauty" treatments. Also that aborted fetus material is being put into vaccines!
Like I have said before, if people are educated and actually see an abortion being done, most would agree that abortion is not alright. There are plenty of videos available on numerous websites to see an actual abortion happening, it is just a matter of getting people to watch them. If they did, they would be ashamed.
Please research harvesting of aborted infant parts. Don't take my word for it, research it and get angry about it and DO something about it. Make your voice heard for all the infants that can't make their voices heard.
It is bad enough that these infants are being murdered - but the use of the dead fetus parts is another atrocity on human life.
Abortionists make money on abortions and they make money on the sale of fetus parts (many circumstances - on the black market). I wonder if this is political or all for money? AT THE COST OF HUMAN LIFE!
I posted a video on facebook of Gianna Jessen and her miraculous life after being aborted and someone commented on the post. "Isn't if funny that the only people who support abortion are alive." That states it quite clearly. What would they feel like if their mother had chosen to have them aborted? Many would claim that they wouldn't know any different. Easy to say when you are alive!
Dear God,
Forgive us for allowing this to happen in our lifetime.
Give us courage and strength to make the right decisions when it comes to voting for lawmakers that can change these things.
Blessed Mary and all the Saints, please pray for Mercy on us.
Amen.
Staying Focused
I am trying to stay focused on God and understanding why things happen. I am getting pulled in so many directions right now and I am trying to figure out which way to go. I am confused and hurting.
I teach the second grade tonight and it is such a blessing. It forces me to find my way back. It reminds me of what is more important. I love to see the eager faces of those 8 year olds' ~ so anxious to learn about God and the Sacraments. Teaching keeps me grounded.
Dear God, Help me find the direction that you are sending me. Amen.
I teach the second grade tonight and it is such a blessing. It forces me to find my way back. It reminds me of what is more important. I love to see the eager faces of those 8 year olds' ~ so anxious to learn about God and the Sacraments. Teaching keeps me grounded.
Dear God, Help me find the direction that you are sending me. Amen.
Different Drug Problem....
(email forward with a great message - AND it didn't hurt us a bit!)
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a meth amphetamine lab had been found in an old farm house in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''
I replied: ''But I did have a drug problem when I wuz a kid growing up on the farm.'' I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some fire wood. If my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the wood shed.
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin, and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America might be a better place today.
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a meth amphetamine lab had been found in an old farm house in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''
I replied: ''But I did have a drug problem when I wuz a kid growing up on the farm.'' I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some fire wood. If my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the wood shed.
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin, and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America might be a better place today.
Gianna Jessen
Here is more information on the incredible survivor of abortion, Gianna Jessen. She is here because the abortionist that worked at the clinic that she was born at, was not on duty or he would have left her to die. The nurse on duty as she was aborted called an ambulance and she was rescued.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgd6tvLub9E&NR=1
What has our world come to that we murder children?
Don't allow abortion to become a form of birth control!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTB1-TtwWdQ&NR=1&feature=fvwp
A side effect from not considering a still born baby - a baby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzy5s6nIg98&feature=related
" God is using Gianna to remind the world that each human being is precious to Him. It is beautiful to see the strength of the love of Jesus, which he has poured into her heart. My prayer for Gianna, and for all who listen to her, is that this message of God's love will put an end to abortion with the power of love."
- Mother Teresa
All aborted children, rest in peace.
Saint Gianna, Patron Pro Life Saint, pray for us!
Dear God, Forgive us. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgd6tvLub9E&NR=1
What has our world come to that we murder children?
Don't allow abortion to become a form of birth control!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTB1-TtwWdQ&NR=1&feature=fvwp
A side effect from not considering a still born baby - a baby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzy5s6nIg98&feature=related
" God is using Gianna to remind the world that each human being is precious to Him. It is beautiful to see the strength of the love of Jesus, which he has poured into her heart. My prayer for Gianna, and for all who listen to her, is that this message of God's love will put an end to abortion with the power of love."
- Mother Teresa
All aborted children, rest in peace.
Saint Gianna, Patron Pro Life Saint, pray for us!
Dear God, Forgive us. Amen.
Medjugorje Message
Message of October 25, 2009 to Marija
"Dear children! Also today I bring you my blessing, I bless you all and I call you to grow on this way, which God has begun through me for your salvation. Pray, fast and joyfully witness your faith, little children, and may your heart always be filled with prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Message of November 02, 2009 to Mirjana
"Dear children, Also today I am among you to point you to the way that will help you to come to know God's love, the love of God Who permitted you to call Him Father and to perceive Him as Father. I ask of you to sincerely look into your hearts and to see how much you love Him. Is He the last to be loved? Surrounded by material goods, how many times have you betrayed, denied and forgotten Him? My children, do not deceive yourselves with wordly goods. Think of your soul because it is more important than the body, cleanse it. Invoke the Father, He is waiting for you. Come back to Him. I am with you because He, in His mercy, sends me. Thank you."
To see more, click the links on the left called "Medjugorje Message".
"Dear children! Also today I bring you my blessing, I bless you all and I call you to grow on this way, which God has begun through me for your salvation. Pray, fast and joyfully witness your faith, little children, and may your heart always be filled with prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Message of November 02, 2009 to Mirjana
"Dear children, Also today I am among you to point you to the way that will help you to come to know God's love, the love of God Who permitted you to call Him Father and to perceive Him as Father. I ask of you to sincerely look into your hearts and to see how much you love Him. Is He the last to be loved? Surrounded by material goods, how many times have you betrayed, denied and forgotten Him? My children, do not deceive yourselves with wordly goods. Think of your soul because it is more important than the body, cleanse it. Invoke the Father, He is waiting for you. Come back to Him. I am with you because He, in His mercy, sends me. Thank you."
To see more, click the links on the left called "Medjugorje Message".
Help Stop Abortion NOW
"A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope." Pope John Paul II The number of innocents killed EVERY DAY by abortion is overwhelming!
It is up to us to have our voices heard and stop funding of abortion in the Government Health Care Proposal that will be voted on soon! Time is running out. We need to make our voices heard and let our law makers know that we do not accept funding for abortion or for that matter, we don't want abortion legal. We need to make sure that every person that votes for the health care reform knows how we feel! They need to know that we feel abortion is MURDER. Plain and true - it is the taking of a human life.
Who are we to think that it is alright to destroy life! IT IS NEVER RIGHT TO DESTROY HUMAN LIFE!
Watch this video to the end:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pla_MQNfQ0&feature=related
Here is the website of the woman burned alive in her mothers womb and survived:
http://www.giannajessen.com/EPK/bio.html
and President Obama's opinion on Ms. Jessen: http://www.traditionalvalues.org/read/3423/obama-disses-botched-abortion-survivor-gianna-jessen/
Ms. Jessen songs: http://www.giannajessen.com/
Our country has elected a president that is pro-death and he has made it very clear by telling people that he would never force his daughters to be punished with a baby.
He also told Planned Parenthood that the first thing he would do in office is to sign FOCA... Freedom of Choice Act.
WATCH him say it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSsFzue-V-I&feature=related
Please watch this video and pass it on and on and on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_VC1o2ntm8&feature=related
Contact your legislators and let them know how you feel. Write letters to the editor. Do what ever it takes to let people know that it is not right to end a life through abortion.
If you are reading this, you have access to the Internet and can find out who to contact to let them know how you feel! Do it now!
These two are extremely graphic videos and only adults watch - please:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2dcWSRF-fc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFVYislRVgI&feature=related
If everyone sees the truth - the truth will set them free!
The truth is that this is death.
Dear God,
Forgive us for this lack of respect for human life, for creation.
Forgive us for allowing our culture to think it is alright to have sexual relations without accepting the fact that a sexual relationship is for creation and love.
Lord, please soften the hearts of the people that make the decisions of what is legal and not legal. Soften their hearts so they have the strength to speak up for the unborn and aged.
Please God, give us the courage to vote for people who will protect life instead of fixing our pocket books.
I am asking the ever Virgin Mary, to pray for us so that we can be forgiven. Amen.
St. Gianna, Pray for us!
http://www.saintgianna.org/
Treat Loved Ones with Respect
I just had an interesting experience. My daughter had a couple of friends over night and we were all up and the girls left. I was sitting with my back to the door and someone opened the door and I felt a cool draft on my feet. I instantly said "shut the door" and not in a nice manner, but with a raised voice and angry tone. To my surprise one of my daughters friends said, "Oh, I am sorry, I forgot my bag." Of course I was embarrassed and apologized.
I wouldn't have felt emabarrassed or apologized to my daughter. Why? Why do we treat others with the respect they deserve and not our loved ones.
That was quite a wake up call for me. I do get annoyed with my husband and my family sometimes. If I wouldn't say it to others, I shouldn't say it to them.
God, lead me and guide me to have the strength to avoid the temptation to not honor and respect my family the way that I would honor and respect others. Amen.
I wouldn't have felt emabarrassed or apologized to my daughter. Why? Why do we treat others with the respect they deserve and not our loved ones.
That was quite a wake up call for me. I do get annoyed with my husband and my family sometimes. If I wouldn't say it to others, I shouldn't say it to them.
God, lead me and guide me to have the strength to avoid the temptation to not honor and respect my family the way that I would honor and respect others. Amen.
Is Your Hut Burning
When your hut's on fire - (an email forward from a friend)
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
The Grace to Overcome
Today I was reading about Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping trial that finally started.
What an amazing woman - and to think she was only a young girl when this all took place.
She never faltered in her faith in God and said she knows there are angels on the other side, even though we don't see them. She so elegantly states that, "We all have our trials".
She should be an example to all of us for keeping our faith strong even in adverse times. God is there for us - giving us the Grace to overcome.
To see the news clip of Elizabeth Smart, click on this link:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/105048/nbc-today-show-elizabeth-smart-%E2%80%98we-all-have-our-trials%E2%80%99
What an amazing woman - and to think she was only a young girl when this all took place.
She never faltered in her faith in God and said she knows there are angels on the other side, even though we don't see them. She so elegantly states that, "We all have our trials".
She should be an example to all of us for keeping our faith strong even in adverse times. God is there for us - giving us the Grace to overcome.
To see the news clip of Elizabeth Smart, click on this link:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/105048/nbc-today-show-elizabeth-smart-%E2%80%98we-all-have-our-trials%E2%80%99
Overwhelmed
Today I find myself overwhelmed. I have too many "things" consuming my mind and keeping me away from God. I need to free myself from the chains that hold me to these things and make me overwhelmed and feeling angry.
Why is it that when something happens that is negative, it brings more negativity through out the day? Dispelling anger and negativity would be best, so that we can have a more productive day.
That is why we need to keep a positive attitude. We should try to see the good in all things. Where there is negative, you can always find a positive - if you look.
I need to keep reminding myself that over and over.
Lord, help me to see the good in everything around me. Amen
Why is it that when something happens that is negative, it brings more negativity through out the day? Dispelling anger and negativity would be best, so that we can have a more productive day.
That is why we need to keep a positive attitude. We should try to see the good in all things. Where there is negative, you can always find a positive - if you look.
I need to keep reminding myself that over and over.
Lord, help me to see the good in everything around me. Amen
Today I Give Thanks!
Thank you God for giving me the gifts to know what is right and what is wrong and giving me the grace to know to do right.
Things don't always happen as we would want them to, but they do happen for a reason.
I have seen that things don't always go the way we think they should, but they always go for some reason.
To Every Thing - There is a Season.... and a Reason.
Things don't always happen as we would want them to, but they do happen for a reason.
I have seen that things don't always go the way we think they should, but they always go for some reason.
To Every Thing - There is a Season.... and a Reason.
A Simpler Way
Simplicity would be nice. I would like to simplify my life. God gives us what we need and we clutter life up with what we want.
I always tell my kids "what you want and what you need are two different things", yet I am a hypocrite. I do want them to know that what we need is all we should try to achieve. Easier said than done.
God has given us so many graces and blessings in our lives.
This is a day for Thanksgiving!
Thank you God for all the wonderful gifts you have bestowed on me!
I always tell my kids "what you want and what you need are two different things", yet I am a hypocrite. I do want them to know that what we need is all we should try to achieve. Easier said than done.
God has given us so many graces and blessings in our lives.
This is a day for Thanksgiving!
Thank you God for all the wonderful gifts you have bestowed on me!
Know My Smallness
As we busily go through our days, we sometimes feel that our burdens are greater than we can bear. I feel like I am in this time and place ~ bigger than life. I feel that my worries and problems are immense. I need to pull myself back and realize that I am truly mynute.
As we go on with our daily lives, we should stop and think about the great beyond. I sometimes sit and think about my smallness. I look to the sky and think about what is beyond all that I can see and it bewilders the mind. It is so vast that even our great scientists can't explain it. Where does it end? - It doesn't end. That is when I find myself knowing that I am nothing but a small particle in the makeup of it all - but God still loves me and takes care of me. With that in mind I find it easier to deal with my daily burdens and see that they are small also in comparison.
I like to know my smallness. I like to know that God cares for all. I like to know, even in this whole huge universe, that God knows our every move and wether we believe it or not, he is leading us to where we should be. Where we belong. Sometimes we chose not to follow and sometimes we don't like where we are going.
Lead us Lord.
Help us to remember our smallness so we can accept all things.
Open our hearts and minds to let you lead us.
Amen.
As we go on with our daily lives, we should stop and think about the great beyond. I sometimes sit and think about my smallness. I look to the sky and think about what is beyond all that I can see and it bewilders the mind. It is so vast that even our great scientists can't explain it. Where does it end? - It doesn't end. That is when I find myself knowing that I am nothing but a small particle in the makeup of it all - but God still loves me and takes care of me. With that in mind I find it easier to deal with my daily burdens and see that they are small also in comparison.
I like to know my smallness. I like to know that God cares for all. I like to know, even in this whole huge universe, that God knows our every move and wether we believe it or not, he is leading us to where we should be. Where we belong. Sometimes we chose not to follow and sometimes we don't like where we are going.
Lead us Lord.
Help us to remember our smallness so we can accept all things.
Open our hearts and minds to let you lead us.
Amen.
Put Jesus Back Where He Belongs
A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby.. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today..'
After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'
(Story from a forwarded email)
See Life as a Gift
See all things as a gift from God. See all that you do and are able to do as a gift. See all that you have and will have as a gift. See all life as a gift from God.
Lord, Open our Eyes to see You.
Open our Ears to hear You.
Open our Minds to think of You.
Open our Hearts to love You.
Amen
Lord, Open our Eyes to see You.
Open our Ears to hear You.
Open our Minds to think of You.
Open our Hearts to love You.
Amen
Take a Stand for Life
Life is precious and we need to take a stand for what is right.
Abortion is never right.
There may be someone who made this terrible mistake, know that God will forgive you.
Take a stand for life now and let everyone know that abortion is murder of a human life.
Recently a young woman made a decision to have a child. She chose not to have an abortion and gave my family the greatest gift that anyone can give. She gave my daughter and her husband a son. She chose life. She is a decent, wonderful, beautiful young woman and made a decision to give her child to a loving family. I am so grateful to her for giving us this gift.
Thank you God for giving her the courage to give.
Please click on the title to watch a remarkable video to the end.
Or click on this link- BUT PLEASE watch it to the END.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pla_MQNfQ0&feature=related
Abortion is never right.
There may be someone who made this terrible mistake, know that God will forgive you.
Take a stand for life now and let everyone know that abortion is murder of a human life.
Recently a young woman made a decision to have a child. She chose not to have an abortion and gave my family the greatest gift that anyone can give. She gave my daughter and her husband a son. She chose life. She is a decent, wonderful, beautiful young woman and made a decision to give her child to a loving family. I am so grateful to her for giving us this gift.
Thank you God for giving her the courage to give.
Please click on the title to watch a remarkable video to the end.
Or click on this link- BUT PLEASE watch it to the END.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pla_MQNfQ0&feature=related
You Raise Me Up
Lord we need your strength to rise from our sorrow.....
Help us Lord, to be strong and take on the tasks of our daily lives remembering that you had so much more to take on.
You Lord, You took on all. You took on our sins and suffered for us.
Give me the strength to cope.
Amen.
Help us Lord, to be strong and take on the tasks of our daily lives remembering that you had so much more to take on.
You Lord, You took on all. You took on our sins and suffered for us.
Give me the strength to cope.
Amen.
Lift Me Up Lord
Lord, I need You to lift me.
Lift me up from the depth of my resistance...
Send Your Mercy to us all.
Jesus bring the rain of suffering to our lives so we can praise You! Then lift us with Your Mercy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Bring the Rain - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I&feature=related
Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QsS190dZTs&feature=fvw
I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EkllZ8gEI&feature=related
Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin
Lift me up from the depth of my resistance...
Send Your Mercy to us all.
Jesus bring the rain of suffering to our lives so we can praise You! Then lift us with Your Mercy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Bring the Rain - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I&feature=related
Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QsS190dZTs&feature=fvw
I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EkllZ8gEI&feature=related
Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin
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