topic Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday in Community Chat

Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

gloriajean — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:23:57 GMT

Hello my friends! My blessings today include a phone call from an old friend! Also even in the cooler temps today - much cooler than yesterday, got to pick raspberries - so I have some to freeze. I'll be picking them until they freeze for the winter. Never get tired of raspberries. Our pole beans are thinning out. Yes, it's the Feast Day of the Archangels:

Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Michael appears in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God's armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel's visions, announcing Michael's role in God's plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael's activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit's son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah's marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit's blindness and the restoration of the family fortune.

The memorials of Gabriel (March 24) and Raphael (October 24) were added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 revision of the calendar joined their feasts to Michael's.

Comment:

Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.

Quote:

"For the honor we pay the angelic creatures in whom you delight dedounds to your own surpassing glory, and by their great dignity and splendor you show how infinitely great you are, to be exalted above all things, through Christ our Lord" (Roman Missal, Preface for this feast).

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

gloriajean — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:24:31 GMT

Live today so that you will make life better for those around you. You will

end up making your life better too. Lord, You teach that it is in giving

that

I receive. May I always have a generous spirit.

Scripture for the day:

"'Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who

fell into the hands of the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him

mercy.' Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.'" ~Luke 10:36-37

Meditation for the day:

We can accept the difficulties and disciplines of life and thereby

fully share the common life of other people. Many things that we need

to accept in life are not to be taken so much as being necessary for

us personally. In our disappointments and difficulties we share in the

problems of humanity. We can accept the compassion and understanding

of others. We can share many of these experiences of life in order to

understand and sympathize with others. Unless we have been through

the same experiences, we cannot understand other people or their

makeup well enough to be able to help them.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may accept everything that comes my way as a part of

life. I pray that I may make use of it in helping other people.

When you pray do you ever feel that you have Dryness in Prayer? Here is

something on that:

Dryness in Prayer

Brother John Raymond - Community of the Monks of Adoration

March 28, 1993

You may have read about or heard of certain stages in prayer. I would like

to talk about what is perhaps the second stage a person enters into as he

progresses in prayer. Prayer is more than just words - it involves our whole

relationship with God. Just as in any relationship the intimacy between two

people takes time to grow. In the case of our relationship with God it is

only our response to God's love that needs growth. God helps us in the

beginning of our relationship with Him by drawing us to Himself through many

consolations during our prayer. We pray to God and enjoy the consolations we

receive from Him. God showers us with these consolations to form in us the

habit of prayer. Once we are firmly rooted in a life of prayer God sometimes

withdraws these sensible consolations. Perhaps we have become use to them.

We begin to feel like a "cold stone" when we try to pray. This dryness or

loss of feelings we experience may even carry over into our charitable

works. Some may experience other difficulties when praying. The first

thought (though it's incorrect) that comes to many people when this happens

is that they have done something wrong and therefore God has abandoned them.

Yet when they examine themselves they cannot find any serious violations of

His Law. This experience of dryness can be very painful. It can be even more

painful if one was very attached to the former feelings of consolation. What

is happening? God is purifying our love for Him. We are now asked to pray

and serve Him with higher motives than before. Our relationship with God

becomes less of a "what I'm getting out of it" attitude. Then we'll grow in

humility before God. We realize just how much we depend on Him for

everything - even prayer. Thus this seemingly negative experience in prayer

helps us to grow in a positive way. Some people, however, turn back in their

relationship with God at this point. They give up their daily prayers. Their

"motive" for prayer is gone and so they give up. Others may not give up

prayer altogether but cut down on the amount of time they used to spend in

prayer. This is a sad mistake. If we accept this new situation in our

relationship with God and do not panic we actually will suffer less. After

some time we will notice a deeper level of love for God developing. We will

again "want" to pray regardless of what we "experience" while praying. Just

to spend time with God will be our delight. We have to remain faithful to

this relationship of prayer with God. Perhaps the only thing we are able to

do during prayer is say to God "here I am." But God, Who looks at the heart,

knows our intentions and is pleased with us. When we arrive at a type of

prayer where we are just happy to be in God's presence we have arrived at

what spiritual authors call the Prayer of Simple Regard or a stage of prayer

which involves a "look of love," a simple gazing upon God. Our will is

attached to God and we are happy to just sit in His presence. St. John

Vianney tells about a man who used to a lot of time before Our Lord present

in the tabernacle of the church. One day St. John Vianney asked the man what

he did during this time. The man responded, "I look at Him and He looks at

me." In other words this man was experiencing this form of prayer. I wish to

point out that often spiritual writers are speaking about the stages of

prayer that many people pass through. This does not mean that everyone

travels by this path in their life of prayer. As the Benedictine, Father

John Chapman stated, "Pray as you can, not as you can't." But for those who

are experiencing dryness in prayer I hope and pray that they may persevere

on the path they have begun. A path that will lead to a more intimate

prayer-life with God.

WHY GOD GAVE US FRIENDS

Author Unknown

GOD knew that everyone needs

companionship and cheer,

He knew that people need someone

whose thoughts are always near.

He knew they need someone kind

to lend a helping hand.

Someone to gladly take the time

to care and understand.

GOD knew that we all need someone

to share each happy day,

to be a source of courage

when troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,

whether near or far apart.

Someone whose love we'll always

hold and treasure in our hearts.

That's Why GOD Gave Us Friends

I Need A Hug Lord

I need a hug Lord please hold me tight,

it would give me added assurance everything’s all right.

Now I know I’m standing on faith and I understand;

You are in control and hold me in your hand.

I know in my heart that I haven’t a spirit of fear

and that when I have a need you are always there.

My faith doesn’t depend on me getting this embrace;

the faith you’ve provided is strongly in place.

An embrace is something of which I’ve had far too few,

having no others wouldn’t matter if I had one from you.

I know that you love me I feel it deep in my heart,

I haven’t doubted once since our relationship had it’s start.

I know every single one of my needs has been met,

not even one time have you ever disappointed me yet.

But Father ever since the beginning when you created man,

an occasional embrace was part of your plan.

Now the people in my life don’t believe in embracing you see,

so just this one time won’t you please hug me?

I promise I won’t be a bother I won’t pester You any more,

just this once may I have a hug from the one I adore?

I need a hug Lord just hold me tight,

I know it’ll be enough to give me a lifetime of delight!

Barbara Philbrook

"Children Are..."

Amazing, acknowledge them.

Believable, trust them.

Childlike, allow them.

Divine, honor them.

Energetic, nourish them.

Fallible, embrace them.

Gifts, treasure them.

Here Now, be with them.

Innocent, delight with them.

Joyful, appreciate them.

Kindhearted, learn from them.

Lovable, cherish them.

Magical, fly with them.

Noble, esteem them.

Open minded, respect them.

Precious, value them.

Questioners, encourage them.

Resourceful, support them.

Spontaneous, enjoy them.

Talented, believe in them.

Unique, affirm them.

Vulnerable, protect them.

Whole, recognize them.

Xtraspecial, celebrate them.

Yearning, notice them.

Zany, laugh with them.

SIDE BY SIDE

Author Unknown

They lie on the table side by side,

The Holy Bible and the TV guide.

One is well worn and cherished with pride,

Not the Bible . . . but the TV guide.

One is used daily to help folks decide,

No, not the Bible . . . but the TV guide.

As the pages are turned, what shall they see,

Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV.

Then confusion reigns, they can't all agree,

On what they should watch on the old TV.

So they open the book in which they confide,

No, not the Bible . . . but the TV guide.

The Word of God is seldom read,

Maybe a verse as they fall into bed.

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be,

Not from reading the Bible . . . from watching TV.

So then back to the table side by side,

Lie the Holy Bible and the TV guide.

No time for prayer, no time for the Word,

The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.

But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,

Is found in the Bible . . . not on TV.

Angel-Made Quilt

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with

all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles.

An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a

tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged

and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each

square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the

challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life.I saw hardships

that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole

here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the

bright hues of worldly fortune.I gazed upon my own life and was

disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together,threadbare and

empty,like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed,held up to the

light, the scrutiny of truth.

The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries.So filled their

lives had been.My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.I hadn't had all the earthly

fortunes.I had love in my life, and laughter.But there had also been trials

of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as

I knew it. I had to start over many times.I often struggled with the

temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin

again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer,asking for help and guidance in my

life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each

time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my

skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was,and I had to

accept it for what it was.I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of

my life to the light.An awe-filled gasp filled the air.I gazed around at the

others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes,

creating an image,the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with

warmth and love in His eyes.He said, "Every time you gave over your life to

Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine

through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.

Please share this with someone you love, care about or even someone who

needs Jesus in their heart.They may scoff, but at least the seed has been

planted,and God will do the rest.

May God bless you today and Forever.

- Author Unknown

Mother Teresa Said...

Our total surrender will come today by surrendering even our sins. We need

humility to acknowledge our sin. The knowledge of our sin helps us to rise.

“ I will get up and go to my Father. “

Meditations by Padre Pio

Do good everywhere, so that everyone can say: "This is a son of Christ."

Endure tribulation, sickness and pain for the love of God and for the

conversion of poor sinners. Defend the weak, console those who weep.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

lovestopaint — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:36:28 GMT

Ah, Gloria those raspberries sound delicious!

Bobbiesue, praying for your COPD to calm down and go away.

DoubleD, Praying for your MIL.

Counting my blessings, and blessings to all.

Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Cakers1 — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:35:03 GMT

Good Morning everyone - Gloria thank you for the updates on the feasts of the archangels. I was pretty sure Michael was lone on the 29th originally.

Harlene, Double J, bobbisue and all who will be stopping by - have a peaceful day. Take care of yourselves and be well.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

HeresLucy — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:22:41 GMT

Good morning I'm using my tablet so not sure how this will look. Just now seeing the return...lol. I don't know if it's been my computer or qvc but I've had a hard time finding community the past couple of days. I gave up out of frustration. I hope everyone is well. I've been busy and scatterbrained. Lol We are going to Nashville to visit our son for a couple of days, it will be good to see and hug my big boy. Keep us in your prayers. Thanks Say a prayer for my sister and her coworkers, their office building burned Monday am, complete loss. I need to get busy so I will hush. Have a peaceful day and may our Lord bless you with all good things.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Gooday — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:34:44 GMT

Gloriajean ~ I don't often visit here but, today I am here.

DH was a police officer for 30 years. He daily prayed to St. Michael the Archangel to keep and protect him and his fellow law enforcement officers.

We visited Groom, Texas a few years ago (Google it if you are not aware of it). It was quite awe inspiring.

Thanks for your post today.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Gooday — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:36:41 GMT

On 9/30/2014 Gooday said:
Gloriajean ~ I don't often visit here but, today I am here.

DH was a police officer for 30 years. He daily prayed to St. Michael the Archangel to keep and protect him and his fellow law enforcement officers.

We visited Groom, Texas a few years ago (Google it if you are not aware of it). It was quite awe inspiring.

Thanks for your post today.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Puzzle Piece — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:26:45 GMT

Hello To All!

Nice to know that you are having your seasons in different regions of the country. I like reading about the Archangels. I'd learned that Uriel was also an Archangel but isn't mentioned too much. Your highest good is prayed for and I check in to read here daily but don't always post.

I give thanks daily for this nation, her citizens, her troops, her allies, and her many bountiful blessings. Be at peace and know you are loved.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

DoubleJ — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:09:23 GMT

Hello everyone,

Another pretty day here. This morning I spent time, picking up all those Hickory nuts, almost a five gallon bucket full...mind you now, just one tree. I got about a one gallon bucket from a different type of Hickory. All of this had to be done before I can mow. Then I thought gee, let me see how the White Oaks are, not dropping acorns yet. I decided I am going to collect all the nuts that I can...two years ago I had three acres of hardwood timber cut, and now I'm going to spread the nuts all through the area that was cut...and let nature take it's course. I have Redbuds, and they have seedlings and I sure would like to try and spread those in different areas. Like up along the road, so in the Spring it would look pretty. Love my trees, and they are always a blessing, thank You God for creating them.

Harlene, thank you!

Cakers, sure hope you also have a day of peace.

Lucy, prayer for your sister and coworkers. Also will keep ya'll in my prayers for a safe journey.

Gooday, I never been to Groom, TX, however, a good friend of mine had sent me an email about the story of the crosses, which included pictures of each step on the way. As a matter of fact, I took the one picture of the cross and used it as my background picture on my phone. I was really impressed with the story. Thank you for sharing. Please come back again.

Love Roses, I sure hope you are getting up and around. Thank you for your prayers.

Gloriajean, always good to hear from old friends. Enjoy your day.

Bobbisue, praying for your COPD.

A good friend of mine sent me a Saint Michael Coin, so I could carry it in my pocket. I will share with you what it says on the back....

"O St. Michael give us your strength to defeat our fears and to rise up to any challenge." I say Amen, Amen, Amen!

Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers. Until next time...

Take Care and God Bless!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

shorelady — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 22:59:18 GMT

Hello Everyone:

It has been a while since I stopped by, but I want you to know that I do read these posts and try to keep up with everyone.

I am still trying to get things set straight legally since DH passed away. I do post on Beauty Banter on the "60's Ladies.....Come Join us for October" thread. So I won't go into my long saga again about a greedy attorney. But I may have found an attorney through many recommendations who may be able to help me. It is a sad state when you can't trust someone.

Plus this is a sad time for me. My birthday is Saturday, Feast of St. Francis. And it just won't be the same without DH. I do attribute my love of animals because I was born on that day.

I promise to be cheerier in the future. For now, I think of everyone often and offer up prayers for all your intentions and needs. Take care.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Gooday — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:32:09 GMT

On 9/30/2014 shorelady said:
Hello Everyone:

It has been a while since I stopped by, but I want you to know that I do read these posts and try to keep up with everyone.

I am still trying to get things set straight legally since DH passed away. I do post on Beauty Banter on the "60's Ladies.....Come Join us for October" thread. So I won't go into my long saga again about a greedy attorney. But I may have found an attorney through many recommendations who may be able to help me. It is a sad state when you can't trust someone.

Plus this is a sad time for me. My birthday is Saturday, Feast of St. Francis. And it just won't be the same without DH. I do attribute my love of animals because I was born on that day.

I promise to be cheerier in the future. For now, I think of everyone often and offer up prayers for all your intentions and needs. Take care.

I will think of you Saturday. Psssstt...Francis is my DH's name.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

Cakers1 — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:58:06 GMT

{{{shorelady}}} It is good to see you. Please feel free to post anything you want - lots of support here for you. It's a very sad time for you right now - you just feel what you feel and don't worry about it - we've all been there in different situations.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Tuesday

gloriajean — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 03:00:36 GMT

Harlene - Hi - how's the foot doing?

Cakers - I didn't know if I should post that about the Archangels here, but glad I did. Good to be informative.

Lucy - what tablet are you using? I ask because my daughters are planning on getting me a Samsung tablet that will carry my list etc. for when we go to Texas, don't know how that works. Oh that's awful for your sister and coworkers who's office burned down. Wow! what happened? Sure will pray.

Goodday - Welcome to our thread - it's so nice to see you here!! I'll tell you that a friend of ours who is a retired police officer had a poltergeist in his house, it was really scary, hearing footsteps - no one was there - banging on the walls etc. etc. until he had his house blessed by our priest, and was told to say the St. Michael's prayer as he's the Patron Saint for cops. He did, and no more trouble at the house!!! He has quite a story and your posting this reminded me of that. Come again soon, would love it if you joined in. Again welcome.. And remember to wish your husband a Happy Feast Day on the 4th of Oct. I never heard of Groom, Texas. What is it about Groom?

Love Roses - glad you liked reading about the Archangels, and there's always so much to learn, right? How are you feeling? HOpe you are recuperating great day by day.

Juanita - sorry you have all those nuts to pick up!! My 92 year old sister, Deil, has acorns galore too!!! Gotta watch where you step! She's been so busy getting them picked up too. Oh - so Groom, TX has Crosses there to see? I should look that up. I just never heard of it. What's the story behind it? Someone should share that.

shorelady - it's always nice to see you come back here - Praying it will start getting better for you, Happy Early Birthday, dear!! Let St. Francis help make it a very Happy Birthday for you! I'll have to look up that thread there. I don't go to that forum, but I'll try to remember to see it. Prayers continue.