topic Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday in Community Chat

Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

gloriajean — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 05:44:31 GMT

Hello my friends! Today we had fog, but the snow is melting and that's good! Our driveway is clear now. Text Monica, she's doing well - praise the Lord. Hardly has to take much pain med, just some Tylenol when needed. Not much to say tonight except that I baked 8 loaves of Health Bread! Praying for you all!!

Let today's difficulties make you better not bitter. Lord, guide me, protect
me
and work through me.

S C R I P T U R E F O R T H E D A Y

"My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith
might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the
mature
we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of
the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God's
wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our
glory." ~1 Corinthians 2:4-7

M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y

In these times of quiet meditation, we can try more and more to set our
hopes on the grace of God. We can know that whatever the future may
hold, it can hold more and more of good. We need not set all our hopes
and desires on material things. There can be weariness in an abundance
of things. We can set our hopes on spiritual things so that we may grow
spiritually. We can learn to rely on God's power more and more and in
that reliance we can have an insight into the greater value of the
things of the spirit.

P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y

I pray that I may not be overwhelmed by material things. I pray that I
may realize the higher value of spiritual things.

Today's readings 12/13/14
Sir.48:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mt.17:9-13

I'm sure we've all met someone "whose words were like a flaming furnace" to
us, someone we failed to "recognize" as being sent to us by God to "turn
back our hearts" to Him. In a world defined by lies and half-truths it's
very unusual to encounter someone with the courage to speak what needs to be
said in spite of the consequences associated with their message, but there
are people who do, living proof that the same Spirit that empowered Elijah
is still very much alive and well today. In our first reading Ben-Sirach
reminds us of the importance of such people and how "blessed" we are to be
able to "recognize" them and heed their words "before we die", especially
when their words challenge us to make drastic changes in the way we live.
The sad reality is we all develop bad habits over the course of our lives,
habits that St.Francis deSales tells us tend to ride into our lives making a
big show for all to see but sneak quietly out the back door when they leave
in order to hide their shameful defeat. I think we can all relate to that
process in some way, a process that may hurt at first but eventually brings
the relief and freedom we all long for. Yes, we've all met an "Elijah" at
one point or another whose words "burnt" us to the core, some of us may be
dealing with someone like that right now, and that's a good thing. if we
embrace them for who they are and Who it is that sent them. Let's not make
the fatal mistake of failing to recognize them or ignoring their call to
freedom, all because God has sent them into our lives "to prepare the way"
for the arrival of His Son and the freedom He brings!

God bless you,
In Jesus – Pat

He’s Interested

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

So nobody seemed to care if you changed jobs or not. And nobody said much to
affirm your new project venture. As you poured out your feelings in what you
thought was a safe place, you found she wasn’t all that interested.

He is interested.

Maybe there weren't many calls or notes from people who commented on your
promotion, or sympathized in the loss of a family member, showed concern for
a recent illness, or even remembered your birthday. Perhaps they are too
busy or maybe they don’t care enough to make it a priority. And when you
were sharing from a gut level about the childhood hurt that God's healing,
and there was no feedback or affirmation.

But He’s interested.

Got is interested in everything going on with you. Everything you think,
everything you say, everywhere you go, everything you do, everything and
everyone you are involved with. Jesus is the friend who ‘sticks closer than
a brother’.

If you would like a relationship with somebody who cares - and is interested
in you all the time- there you have it, anytime you want. How awesome is
that?!

Have you ever heard the saying if you feel far from God, guess who moved? He
is faithful. You can count on him to be interested in every single solitary
thing going on with you and in your life. Always.

That's good news.

The Lord himself watches over you! Psalm 121:5

Every time a hand reaches out
To help another....that is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding
That is Christmas
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other
That is Christmas
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!

Using God's Gifts

Many people are puzzled by the words of Luke 19:26, where the king is
settling accounts with his servants who had been given money to invest.
After he has told the parable, Jesus sums up by saying: "To everyone who
has, more will be given. And from him who has not, even that which he has
will be taken away."

Look at it this way: if a man plays a game and goes on practicing at it, he
will keep getting better. The good talent he has will increase. He had; and
he gets more.

On the other hand, the fellow who does not practice loses whatever ability
he started out with. In other words, what he had is taken away from him.

If we discipline and train our bodies, they grow fit and strong. If we take
it easy, they grow flabby and lose the strength they had. There is no such
thing as standing still in Christian life. We either get more, or we lose
what we have. We either advance or we slip back.

The "W" in Christmas
Author Unknown

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious
family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter
Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning
of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I
saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class,
accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then,
each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes
and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly
taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow-caps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by
one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up
the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child
holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas
Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a
small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down
- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's
mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood
tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it
together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we
celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos,
there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and
clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence.... humbled by His love.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

lovestopaint — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:18:20 GMT

Gloria I know you will master that tablet, I don't know about me I'm kind of technologically challenged. LOL! I know you are leaving for Texas on the 22nd. will I be able to email you and let you know what I find out at the surgeon's office. If I send you an email will you get it on your tablet?

Counting my blessings and blessings to all.

Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

gloriajean — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:05:57 GMT

Harlene - YES! I can get emails from the tablet but we will only leave around 6 PM the 22nd, you can email me even before we leave. I cannot email from the tablet while in the car, it has to be where we can get wi-fi, and most hotels have that. But I also have my gmail account on my phone. I'll email that to you.. Today we are invited to our friend's - remember Harold who has Alz? We'll go there for supper along with the other couple we usually are the six of us when we get together, and after supper we play cards, Now with Harold not remembering much about cards, we just play Crazy 8's and let Harold put down whatever he wants to. He's getting worse - he forgot how to button his shirt. Poor guy. Poor Lorraine, his wife and caretaker, how hard that must be to see a strong man, decline so fast! But before we go at 4 PM I will try again to learn how to cut and paste on the tablet. Got some instructions now, so I'll try. Do you have a tablet or IPad?

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

pinky ann — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:19:43 GMT

Good Morning!

Hope all is well with everyone. I attended mass this morning, then made a quick stop in town on the way home. It's starting to snow lightly now, even though none is expected. I took time the last two days to finish picking up what we needed for the holidays, as well as the usual groceries. We're all finished with the cards, wrapping, baking, etc. so I can just relax until Christmas Eve when we'll see my family. This year has been the most relaxed ever as far as getting things done. I didn't rush, or start too early. I just took my time and things all came together just fine. The type A in me has been demoted a bit I think, but it was about time.

Gloria: Received your card yesterday. What a sweet couple you are! We don't have a good photo of us, so I'll try to get one over the holidays. Have a good time with your friends!

Harlene: I barely get by on my net book, so you already have me beat! I hope you're feeling ok, and enjoying this beautiful season.

Hello to all who may post or read later! Wishing everyone a good day, and hoping you'll have some fun getting ready for the holidays. pinky

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

Bobbi sue — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:14:07 GMT

Lovestopaint, Thank you for the lovely card. God bless you for your kindness. May all you Christmas wishes come true.

Gloria, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

May all here have a blessed Christmas.

God loves you.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

Puzzle Piece — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:29:15 GMT

Hello To All!

Gloria - Yes I did get to see (what one could see) the cloth of the Lady of Guadalupe. It's on threadbare cloth as a peon didn't have much to wear and he was very poor. Many people were visiting. The cathedral sits on a small hill. Only a certain order of nuns may dust off the frame and the examining and handling is by priests only I believe. No flash photography but most would need a telephoto lens to get up close. Lots of history in the interior of that country. My interest at that time was all the archeology that was uncovered and is still uncovered today.

Keeping all in my best and highest thoughts. It's a season filled with a positive energy for me. I enjoy the many smiles and hugs and thanks that are exchanged.

Daily I give thanks for our nation and all here and abroad.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

lovestopaint — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 19:52:29 GMT

Hi GLORIA HAPPY to hear you will still be home when I get back from the doctor's. Harlene

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

HeresLucy — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:21:26 GMT

Hoping everyone has a peaceful and blessed Sunday.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

HeresLucy — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:26:59 GMT

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

HeresLucy — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:29:34 GMT

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

DoubleJ — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:48:20 GMT

Hello everyone,

It has been a busy past week for me. And it looks like I will be working six days a week until the middle of January. Thank You Lord Jesus for this job!

Gloriajean, I wanted to ask you what brand of gin did you use for the raisins. I know nothing about gin, and we live in a dry county, but if I get to a wet county, I would like to purchase some, so I can soak the golden raisins.

The Prayer For The Day..."I pray that I may not be overwhelmed by material things. I pray that I may realize the higher value of spiritual things." So many people who came in at work yesterday, just kept saying they will be glad when Christmas is over, or I'm just tired, but we do it for the kids, so they will be happy. If only they had this prayer, and take a step back and think of the real meaning. I believe then things would be more simple for all.

Harlene, I have you in my prayers. If for some reason I'm not here to post, I have you on my prayer list. Look forward in hearing good news from you.

Bobbisue, good news about your car.

Love Roses, so glad that your state got the much needed rain. Hated to see so much damage. Hopefully lakes got filled.

Julie, I hope you and your DH have a very Merry Christmas, full of God's blessings. Look forward when you return.

Lucy, hope it's warming up on your side of the state. Tomorrow, we are to get rain, maybe a storm, and then it will once again cool down.

Keeping all in my prayers. Thank you for yours! Until next time...

Take care, stay safe, and God bless!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

gloriajean — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:28:02 GMT

Pinky Ann - Isn't it wonderful to have a relaxed Christmas season!! We do too because we won't let it get hectic. What is a net book? Is that like my tablet? Sure is a foggy day here today!!! Went to Mass in the Fog, going out to our friend's this afternoon, in the fog, at least we can see a little bit ahead.

Merry Christmas Bobbie Sue!

Love Roses - that must have been quite a memorable experience - you remember it so well! I'd love to see it someday, hardly lightly. But I've seen pictures of it, and that's fine with me.

Lucy is being hushed!! Love the graphics.

Juanita - Wow! You are a busy lady there working six days a week!! That takes a lot out of you, doesn't it? The brand of gin we use is the cheapest, I believe. My sister, Deil, went to the liquor store to buy the gin. When asked what brand she wanted, she said she didn't know, it was for medicine, and they said, "Oh, the gin and raisins," and brought her a cheap brand and it works.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

lovestopaint — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 23:25:57 GMT

Hi DoubleJ, can I call you Juanita too. Thank you for the prayers. I am going to see a surgeon about a hernia that I had fixed in 2008 Nd it is popping out again., so I thought I would get a second opinion. Thanks again. Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

DoubleJ — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:16:13 GMT

Hi Harlene, you most certainly can call me Juanita. I am glad that you are getting a second opinion. Again I will be praying only for the best outcome.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Sunday

pinky ann — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 01:50:43 GMT

Juanita: Glad you're happy with your job, and getting lots of hours. I hope you can relax when you get home and enjoy some of the spirit of the season.

Gloria:A net book is a small version of a laptop. Not nearly as new as a tablet.The screen is maybe, 10 or 11 inches, but it's so easy to use, and light to carry if I want to use it outside or upstairs.

Harlene: Hope you'll get relief from this problem soon. I'll be praying that you get good news from the doctor.

We had all of the snow fall from our roof about noon today, and I'd hoped to clear the steps enough to walk through easily. That didn't happen. The snow falls from our metal roof, and is so compacted and heavy, that I was outdoors only a few minutes and had to concede defeat. We had discussed, at length, a product that's placed there to help the snow fall in increments rather than an avalanche. I think it's time to get some of those! Wishing all a good week, and good night! Hugs, pinky