Community Chat

[gloriajean]

No matter what you must confront today, know that God is with you. Lord, today is part of Your plan for me. I do not doubt You and therefore I will not doubt You within me.

Scripture for the Day
"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." — Luke 11:9-10

Meditation for the Day
Persistence is necessary if we are to advance in spiritual things. By persistent prayer, persistent, firm and simple trust, we can achieve the treasures of the spirit. By persistent practice, we can eventually obtain joy, peace, assurance, security, health, happiness and serenity. Nothing is too great, in the spiritual realm for us to obtain, if we persistently prepare ourselves for it.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may persistently carry out my spiritual exercises every day. I pray that I may strive for peace and serenity.

Peace and Love to you, my friends, my positive pals and grateful gals! Hope you all enjoyed St. Patrick's Day today. We had a very nice warm day here for a change and our blessing tonight was being able to eat out in our patio for supper for the first time this year!! Just the two of us, missed having Lori with us, she spent lots of time out there with us last year! For the occasion and being it's St. Pat's Day, I allowed us to have a small glass of cabernet as an after dinner drink. We had chicken on the grill and I made some couscous and green beans and a salad - I made the salad dressing with just balsamic vinegar and olive oil - with a tiny bit of stevia and it was delicious! We have chicken left over now, all breasts, but everything else got eaten. I only make enough for a meal these days - except the meat here I thought I'll use it in other ways cooked.
Last night I made a tuna fish hot dish. It was a challenge. Just the two of us, can't have that much pasta, so I measured out a half up dried pasta for each and cooked it, and put a can of tuna in another pan with mushroom soup, and used that over the pasta and it was filling and good! I'm learning. I got this email this morning from wonderwoman - she writes:
I haven't had a chance until now to send you a note. My daddy had a mild heart attack last Wed. on the 9th of this month. His cardiologist said he is a very lucky

man to still be on this earth. He had a 99% blockage in the main artery to his heart. The good lord had his hands on my daddy and helped him through the pain and

procedure they had to do to open the artery. I am letting you know my friend so you can talk with the other girls and pray for my daddy and that he continues to do as well

as he can. He is stubborn (like most men are) and wants to be up and doing things as normal and he can't right now because the dr. has him on restrictions until his appt.

next week. Thank you in advance for you sending up prayers and thank you for being my friend!!!!

God Bless!!!

Homily of the Day


March 17, 2011


Real Praying Is Wanting What God Wants
by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Est 12:14-16, 23-25 / Mt 7:7-12

No matter who or where we are, we are sometimes tempted to look across the fence at our neighbors and wish we could trade lives. It’s not just that we’d like to be a little richer — or maybe a lot. There are all kinds of ways that other folks’ lives can seem so much more carefree and easy than our own.

But don’t be fooled! Troubles come in many shapes and sizes, some of them hidden deep and endured in silence. And no one, absolutely no one, is immune. So don’t waste any more time looking across the fence.

When a dark day comes, listen instead to what Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel. “Ask, and you shall receive. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” God wants us to have what we need, and he’ll give it to us if we ask with trusting hearts. And what exactly are we supposed to be trusting? That God loves us even more than we love ourselves, and that he will give us what we need if our hearts are open to receive it.

Sometimes, of course, what we ask for is not what we need. In that case, our heart has to be so trusting that it’s ready and willing to be changed and redirected to see as God sees and to want what God knows is best for us. The prayer of an open, trusting heart is always answered.

Sometimes it takes quite a while to start seeing what God sees and wanting what God wants. Take the time, sooner rather than later. Your heart will thank you.

? St. Patrick's Day - March 17th (I was bold and posted this on Viewpoints - it got poofed! And this is the reason we celebrate this day!)


Patrick was the son of an English magistrate, he was born in Britain during the late fourth century. At the age of 16, he was carried off by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. Time alone on a mountainside tending his master's sheep awakened his spirituality, and God became the focus of his life. After seven years in captivity, he had a dream directing him to the seashore, where he would find a ship to take him to freedom. Patrick followed the path revealed in his dream and escaped.

Upon returning to his homeland and family, he was haunted by memories of Ireland. Though born British, Patrick considered himself Irish, for it was in Ireland that he discovered his faith in God. Again he had a vision, this time compelling him to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.

As a missionary in Ireland, Patrick suffered many trials, even imprisonment by the Druids. However, after winning favour with local kings, conflict with the Druids lessened, and he converted many peasants to Christianity. For 28 years, Patrick travelled across the countryside, spreading the word of God.

Where do the colour green and shamrocks come into the picture?

St. Patrick was said to have spoken much about the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some say that as he travelled the green, shamrock covered hillsides of Ireland, he would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity. The message of God: the Father, God: the Son and God: the Holy Spirit.

To all those named Patrick, have a happy feast day!

Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick....

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord, always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

- - -
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Mother Teresa Said...
Trust in the good God who loves us, who cares for us, who sees all, knows all, can do all things for my good and the good of souls. One thing Jesus asks of me: that I lean upon Him; that in Him alone I put complete trust; that I surrender myself to Him unreservedly. Love Jesus with a big heart.
Serve Jesus with joy and gladness of spirit, casting aside and forgetting all that troubles and worries you.

The Gift

Many of us say we would die for our children
We claim we would face torture to protect our children
But would we?
Could we?
Could we do for our children, what JESUS did for HIS?
For us?
Would you have the courage to choose the nails?
Would you have the strength to die on the cross
so your children might live?
These are easy words to say
Easy claims to make,
but if you had to do it, could you?
Could you be mocked and crucified to save your children's souls?
JESUS did
JESUS did not just say the words, but HE died for us
JESUS did not just make the claims, but HE was crucified for us
So, that we would be forgiven
So, that we might know eternal life
JESUS did not just say the words
JESUS sacrficied HIMSELF for HIS children
For you and for me
Would you have the courage?
Do you have the strength to do for your children
what JESUS did for HIS?
Could you give your children such a gift?
Thank God, JESUS had the courage and the love
to choose the nails
Thank God, JESUS had the strength to die on the cross
Thank God for the gift of HIS son, Jesus Christ

by LJ Rogers


For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:21-24

Soul Food

I love the taste of T-bone steak,
Delicious every bite,
But there's nothing like the Word of God,
For my spiritual appetite.

The Word of God has milk and meat,
And even ice cream and cake.
Take a slice of the Bread of Life,
And coffee to keep us awake.

Open your Bible and turn to Psalms,
For David's famous buffet.
You can drink all the wine of the word you want,
And still feel fine the next day.

There's enough of the Word for everyone,
And no one has to cheat.
The Word of God is a smorgasbord,
So take all you are able to eat.

Let's have a little long suffering,
Job gives the recipe.
Patience is the main ingredient,
Self denial is the fee.

Wrap that up in temperance,
It may not make much sense,
Cover that with contentment,
Then add some joy for strength.

Let's have love for dessert,
Jesus made this dish,
Cream of joy and peace together,
Sift out all selfishness.

Add some deeds of righteousness,
Enough to make it sweet.
Humility is the frosting,
That makes the dish complete.

Or are you on a diet,
Cause the race seems hard to run.
For a weight losing menu,
try Hebrews 12 and 1.

Are you suffering from malnutrition,
And don't know what to do?
Your spiritual growth seems hindered,
Try I Peter 2 and 2.

If when every time you battle,
The enemy always wins,
Try some Holy Ghost Protein,
And spiritual vitamins.

God's Word can feed millions,
And still have plenty left.
Because the Word of God is Soul Food,
Sent from the World's Greatest CHEF.

Author Unknown

BEATITUDES OF MARRIAGE
Author Unknown

Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate,
considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.

Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to
one another as they are to their friends.

Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in
the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of
fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.

Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of
the Lord.

Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they
partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of
the Bible and for prayer.

Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who
make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word."

Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship
service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement
of Christ's kingdom.

Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of
adjustment without interference from relatives.

Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial
matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money
under the control of both.

Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and
their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home
by being unselfish, loyal and loving.

WAITING
By Sally I. Kennedy
March 17, 2011


`Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14


The pelican duo paddled in place, bobbing in the canal. They were
waiting in anticipation, expecting that scraps would be soon be swept
from the fish cleaning board into the water. It was just a matter of
time.


There's a waiting room in our local hospital where people can stay if
a family member is having surgery. Minutes can masquerade as hours,
and hours like days, while waiting for results of the operation.


I have found that waiting is not easy and can be frustrating, even
confusing. And it seems to go on, and on, sometimes. Occasionally our
hands are tied,; we have to wait because of circumstances. Times when
a course to pursue is not plain, waiting is necessary for clarity.
While trying to sort it all out and allow it to unfold, we sit in that
waiting zone.


The waiting place, not usually where we choose to be. It's not
forever, though, and it is for a season, a reason, a purpose. It's
possible to wait with positive expectation, anticipating things
working out for the best. God knows, and He has all things in His
hands, especially His children. That is, good news.


I wait for you, oh Lord; you will answer, oh Lord my God. Psalm
38:15

Closing Prayer:

A Prayer for Lent

Do not withhold your presence, Lord our God, from those who call upon you, but look with tender care on all who hope in your mercy.
Cleanse them from the stain of sin, that they may persevere in holiness of life and receive the inheritance you have promised.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.

Good night everyone - Sweet Dreams and may you all enjoy Friday - another Gift of God's Day!