Greetings to you all! Today we signed papers here. Our realtor came to our apartment. She really did a good job for us. The contingent offer has until Monday to come up with the money or they lose. That's the way it works. It's a relief that it's over now. Then we can start our new chapter in our lives with a clean slate. That, my friends, is a great blessing! Another blessing - I have bladder infection - and I'm sure it's just from all the stress etc. and thought I should go in to the clinic and get some anti-biotics. LO and Behold the clinic called today to remind us of our appointment for our annuals - I didn't have it down, and so because they called, we get in at 8:30 in the morning and I get my antibiotics faster than anticipated! Praise the Lord!
Keep yourself young in spirit always by thinking new thoughts and getting
rid of old habits. Lord, may my spirit never become a frail and my abilities
never become barren.
S C R I P T U R E F O R T H E D A Y
"Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a
stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things
but on human things. 'Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If any want to become
my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow
me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose
their life for my sake will find it.'" ~Matthew 16:23-25
M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y
We were born with the Divine within us. Living a selfish life can hinder
the Divine from being expressed and shared. The celestial fire has to be
tended and fed so that it will grow into a real desire to live the right
way. By trying to do the will of God, we grow more and more in the new way
of life. By thinking of God, praying to God and having communion with God,
we gradually grow more like God. The way of our transformation from the
material to the spiritual allows God to work in and through us.
P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y
I pray that I may tend the spark of the Divine within me so that it will
grow. I pray that I may be gradually transformed from the old life to the
new and fuller life.
Scripture Reflection by Patrick Carnevale
Today's readings 9/9/15
Col.3:1-11; Ps.145:2-3, 10-13; Lk.6:20-26
When we made the decision to follow Jesus it set in motion a process of change in us that is inevitable and unavoidable, all because what is now important to us is "hidden in Christ" and is no longer a part of those "earthly" things St.Paul encourages us to "put away". That's not as easy as it sounds however because we still have to live in this world surrounded by temptation, that too is inevitable and unavoidable, but as these readings today point out so is the reward God has prepared for those who choose to follow His Son instead of the world. King David reminds us that God is "trustworthy and faithful" in every work He begins, when He makes a promise He keeps it, and so if He tells us He's going to change the circumstances of our lives we can rest assured it's going to happen. That's the point Jesus tries to make in today's Gospel as He promises us that the things we're going through now are nothing compared to what has been prepared for us in eternity, but if we pay close attention to what He's saying we realize that can be a sword that cuts both ways. Yes, our decision to follow Jesus has set in motion a whole process of changes in us, some we play a key role in bringing about while others lie totally in the Hands of God. If we place our faith in Him instead of the world like King David clearly did everything will turn out exactly as Jesus promises us, and for those of us who struggle every day to follow Him in a world that tries to dominate and destroy us that is Good News indeed!
God bless you,
In Jesus - Pat
"Portrait of a Friend"
I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.
I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.
I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.
Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.
I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.
I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.
I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.
I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.
--Unknown
Prayer For Healing
Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others. Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever. Amen.
September 9 - Jesus Calling
Walk with Me along paths of trust. The most direct route between point A and point B on your life-journey is the path of unwavering trust in Me. When your faith falters, you choose a trail that meanders and takes you well out of your way. You will get to point B eventually, but you will have lost precious time and energy. As soon as you realize you have wandered from your trust-path, look to Me and whisper, “I trust You, Jesus.” This affirmation will help you get back on track.
The farther you roam along paths of unbelief, the harder it is to remember that I am with you. Anxious thoughts branch off in all directions, taking you farther and farther from awareness of My Presence. You need to voice your trust in Me frequently. This simple act of faith will keep you walking along straight paths with Me. Trust in Me with all your heart, and I will make your paths straight.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
—Isaiah 26:4
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
—Psalm 9:10
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
—Psalm 25:4–5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
—Proverbs 3:5–6
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