No gift is so precious as love. Gratefully trust God and give Him your love.
Lord, I give You my heart.
Scripture for the day:
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has
to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in
love." 1 John 4:18
Meditation for the day:
Love and fear cannot dwell together. By their very natures, they cannot
exist side by side. Fear is a very strong force. And therefore a weak
and vacillating love can soon be routed by fear. But a strong love, a
love that trusts in God, is sure eventually to conquer fear. The only
sure way to dispel fear is to have the love of God more and more in our
hearts and souls.
Prayer for the day:
I pray that love will drive out the fear in my life. I pray that my
fear will flee before the power of the love of God.
Hello my friends! Early this morning I got a call from my sister, Ethel,
that her friend, Arnie, passed away during the night. They met while going
to the Widows and Widowers club, and although they never lived together he
was always included in our family functions. He was well loved by all. The
funeral is on Thursday and we'll be going to it, in Mpls. Today I was on
the phone quite a bit - all blessings talking to my sisters, cousin and
daughters. Another blessing - I got this homemade solution in the mail
today made by my great-niece for to use in place of mousse - all natural
ingredients - and it's supposed to be good for hair that gets perms and
color - repairing any damage. I want to try her shampoo sometime too. She
has a nice business she created for herself. Another blessing I'd like to
share is that on Facebook I got a message from a Father Chris in South
Africa, who's on my list, and he thanked me for all the articles I send him
daily with my list and that they are very helpful to him. Praying for all
your needs - thanks for your prayers for us.
TEN INCHES OF WATER
Author Unknown
A boy was sitting in a park bench with one hand resting on an open
Bible. He was loudly exclaiming his praise to God. Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! God is great! he yelled without worrying whether anyone
heard him or not.
Shortly after, along came a man who had recently completed some
studies at a local University. Feeling himself very enlightened in the
ways of truth and very eager to show this enlightenment, he asked the
boy about the source of his Joy.
Hey, asked the boy in return with a bright laugh, Don't you have any
idea what God is able to do? I just read that God opened up the waves
of the Red Sea and led the whole nation of Israel right through the
middle.
The enlightened man laughed lightly, sat down next to the boy and
began to try to open his eyes to the realities of the miracles of the
Bible. That can all be very easily explained. Modern scholarship has
shown that the Red Sea in that area was only 10 inches deep at that
time. It was no problem for the Israelites to wade across.
The boy was stumped. His eyes wandered from the man back to the Bible
lying open in his lap. The man, content that he had enlightened a poor
naive young person to the finer points of scientific insight turned to
leave.
Scarcely had he taken two steps when the boy began to rejoice and
praise louder than before. The man turned to ask the reason for this
resumed jubilation.
Wow! Exclaimed the boy happily, God is greater than I thought! Not
only did He lead the whole nation of Israel through the Red Sea, He
topped it off by drowning the whole Egyptian army in 10 inches of
water!
Extend a Helping Hand
It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world: givers and
takers. I actually think that they both live inside each of us all the time,
and depending on the situation or circumstance, one of them takes over.
But it doesn't have to be that way…falling prey to the stronger of the two,
I mean. We can decide which one wins. And if you will allow me to make a
suggestion – choose to be a giver not a taker.
I have learned a valuable truth in my time here on this planet…a secret, you
might say, that I want to share with you: GIVERS ARE GETTERS
I know…it's kind of short. But there it is, and I believe it with all my
heart.
As a general rule, those who are givers, almost always seem to be the ones
who seemed “filled up”, happy, content.
As a boy, I can remember hearing the saying, “It is better to give than to
receive.” Do you remember the first time you heard it? Boy, I do. If you are
like me, your next thought was probably, “Who is the loser who came up with
that lame idea…give me some loot!”
OK, So I was 6 and not quite mature enough to understand that saying, but
the older I have gotten the truer it has become.
Here's a practical idea for you to put my secret to the test: the next time
you get down about the circumstances in your life, GIVE. Give of your time
or your talent, or your treasure, but give. Find someone who is worse off
than you and extend a helping hand.
An amazing transformation will take pace in your heart and mind: your
problems suddenly shrink when you give to others. You do not want to “trade”
your pile of issues for theirs. In giving, you get…a better perspective, a
better attitude, a better outlook.
Christmas Reminders
May the Christmas presents remind you of God's greatest gift---His only
begotten Son.
May the Christmas candles remind you of Him who is the Light of the world.
May the Christmas tree remind you of another tree on which He died for you.
May the Christmas cheer remind you of Him who said, "Be of good cheer."
May the Christmas feast remind you of Him who is the Bread of Life.
May the Christmas snow remind you of the cleansing power of Christ.
May the Christmas bells remind you of the glorious proclamation of His
birth.
May the Christmas carols remind you of His glad tidings which we
proclaim---to all mankind.
May the Christmas season remind you in every way of Jesus Christ your King.
SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE
Author Unknown
* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based
on past experiences.
* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
* A loss of interest in judging other people.
* A loss of interest in judging self.
* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
* A loss of interest in conflict.
* A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom).
* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
* Frequent attacks of smiling.
* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them
happen.
* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well
as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
Prayer to Our Lady of the New Advent
O Lady and Mother
of the One who was and is and is to come,
dawn of the New Jerusalem,
we earnestly beseech you,
bring us by your intercession
so to live in love
that the Church, the Body of Christ,
may stand in this world's dark
as fiery icon of the New Jerusalem.
We ask you to obtain for us this mercy
through Jesus Christ, your Son and Lord,
who lives and reigns
with the Father in the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen.
Advent Meditations
First Week of Advent
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!...You
do not know when the Master of the house is coming.'" Mark. 13:33 First
Sunday of Advent
O Jesus, your voice sounds through the house of my world: Be on your guard!
Stay awake!
Yet I hardly hear you. Busy with so much, I go about the things I do like a
servant trapped in household routine, hardly giving a thought to what my
life is about. My spirit within has grown tired and you, my God, seem far
away. How can I hear your voice today?
Speak to my heart during this season of grace, as you spoke to your prophets
and saints. Remind me again of the journey you call me to make and the work
you would have me do. I am your servant, O Lord. Speak to me in this holy
season and turn my eyes to watch for your coming.
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
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