Community Chat

[gloriajean]

The smallest kindness is worth more than the greatest intention. Lord, help
me not to overlook the opportunities that I have to enrich the lives of
others
or think I am too busy to reach out with a word or even a smile.

Scripture for the day:

"But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of
God dwells in you." ~Romans 8:9


Meditation for the day:

I cannot ascertain the spiritual with my intellect. I can only do it by my
own faith and spiritual faculties. I can sometimes think of God with my
heart as well as with my head. I can breathe in God's very spirit in the
life around me. I can keep my eyes turned toward the good things in the
world. I can empty my mind of all the limitations of material things. I
can sense the eternal.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that whatever is good I may have. I pray that I may leave to God the
choice of what good will come to me.

Hello my friends! Hope your day is going well! Today was cold but no snow,
so that's good! We went to Mass at noon at the Cathedral and it was a
beautiful Mass for the Feast Day - Immaculate Conception. After that we went
for lunch at the Good Earth Food Store - they recently opened a new
delicatessen and their soups are always delicious. I had some chicken with
brown rice - some kind of a chicken stir fry - maybe Japanese style? anyway
it was very delicious. We know there that whatever they serve is organic
food. Then we did our grocery shopping there. He's off to an auction now
so thought I'll get tomorrow's thread out early.
My blessings today - Our Mass, and that's always a blessing! Our day off
together, I called my sister Deil today and that is always a blessing
talking to her. Remember she's 89 and sharp as a tack, with so much wisdom
in her!!! Love her a lot! She was studying her bible for bible study!! It
is on the fruits of the spirit. And another great blessing is having you
post here, you I count as my friends thru the years!! I thank God for you
all!

Mary said to the angel Gabriel: "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you
have said be done to me."

Full of Grace

Today´s feast celebrates the teaching that 'from the first moment of her
conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege
of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of
humankind, kept free from all sin'. This expression of belief was formulated
in 1854.



PERSONAL PRAYER

I bless you, Lord, and I thank you. Even before the world was made, you
planned to create us in your image. You made us your children. You sent your
only Son into the world for our redemption.

You prepared by special graces Mary to be his mother. Mary was happy when
the angel told her that God was with her, that she had won his favor and
would be the mother of the saviour.

Mary put her trust in God, accepting his will. Lord, your call to the
Christian life can be difficult. But I know that you´ll be near me to help
me through life. Amen.


The Healing of Our Spirits

The Kingdom of God means restoration:
The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap.
True healing begins internally, with the healing of the spirit.
In what ways has Jesus healed your inner soul
so that your outer life has been less “paralyzed?”

from Catholic Update: Rest Stops for a Rushed People

THE FOUR CANDLES
Author Unknown


The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could
hear them speak...


The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to
keep me lit."


Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.


The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer
indispensable."


Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.


Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to
stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my
importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."


And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.


Suddenly...


A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning.


The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to
stay lit until the end."


Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be
afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the
other candles."


With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other
three candles.


Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.


With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and
Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

This is written by my good friend, Mel again:

ALL THINGS NEW


My Son told me He would make all things new;
How could I have known what that would ensue?
He told me He'd die for a cause that was just
And the suffering He would endure, He said He must.

When He grew from a tiny baby into a child.
With Joseph His Father, much wood they piled,
To make many a frame, a door, a table and chair;
Working together they were quite a pair.

For a time after Joseph passed on we were grieving,
And after some years later, my Jesus was leaving;
It was so hard to see Him go off into the world,
I felt my heart was ripped out and hurled.

He must be about His Father's business He said;
So many men and women to Heaven would be led.
Within I knew God had designed and planned
That all would all come to pass at my Jesus' hand.

If only people would listen and heed Him
And realize they desperately need Him;
He wants them to recognize God our Father,
And not feel that salvation is a bother.

The joy that awaits those who obey His Law
Graciously given to those who heed His call
Is unconditionally and everlastingly given
To every soul that is Holy Spirit driven.

When my Son was arrested and tortured, I cried,
'My sweet and beautiful Jesus they crucified.'
The hole in my heart was mended in three days
As Jesus was resurrected; to God I sang praise.

Praise God with me everyone who loves my Son!
Your precious souls my Jesus has won;
Victory's with Him now and forevermore.
One day we'll all Praise God on Heaven's shore;
Only Him for all eternity we'll adore,
Where every soul will blessedly soar.


My Son made all things new

Especially

for you.

© Mel Patterson, 1-16-08

Good night everyone - Sweet Dreams and may your Friday be very blessed and
very peaceful! Enjoy the beginning of another weekend.
God bless you all!