Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Worry about nothing, pray for everything, and thank God for His answers.
Lord, I ask You to handle my problems with me and care for my needs.


Scripture for the day:

"'When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles
do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask
him. "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your
name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of
trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others
their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do
not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
~Matthew 6:7-15

Meditation for the day:

Prayer is of many kinds, but of whatever kind, prayer is the linking
up of the soul and mind to God. So, if prayer is only a glance of
faith, a look or a word of love, or just a feeling of confidence in
the goodness and purpose in the universe, still the result of that
prayer is added strength to meet all temptations and to overcome them.
Even if no supplication is expressed, all the supply of strength that
is necessary is secured, because the soul, being linked and united to
God, receives from God all spiritual help needed. The soul, when in
its human body, still needs the things belonging to its heavenly
habitation.

Prayer for the day:
I pray that I may be taught how to pray. I pray that I may be linked
through prayer to the mind and will of God.

Hello my friends! This is my second attempt - the first one went into
cyperspace - so I'll start again. Hope you all had a very blessed, joyful,
peaceful Sunday today! Our first blessing was when Lori called and asked
what time we were leaving for Mass and when I said in five min. she said
she'll be right here and she picked us up and it was such a blessing to all
be at Mass together! Then another blessing was when she made us a brunch -
Linus made sausage on the grill, and she made eggs with chopped up broccoli
and seasonings in it topping with her homemade salsa. Very tasty. She had
to go back home then to prepare a room for when Darla comes. She leaves on
Tuesday and will drive all thru the night - 1600 miles.
Wishing you all a wonderful Monday - start of a new week - and watch for
those blessings, and be grateful for all God gives you!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Pools of Water in the Wilderness

Isaiah’s prophesy of the coming Kingdom promises flowing waters
in the dry desert, enough for everyone to drink.
Picture the Holy Land or any desert today,
and see Isaiah’s beautiful prophesy coming true.
Rivers flow, fountains spout, trees grow.
In what ways are you “thirsty and dry” today?
Ask Jesus to give you his “living water” to satisfy your thirst.

from Catholic Update: Rest Stops for a Rushed People

Priests and Levites asked John: "Who are you?" He declared: "I am not the
Christ." Well then", they asked: "Who are you"

Rejoice in the Lord Always

This Sunday is traditionally associated with rejoicing, and the prayers and
readings explain why. The only solid reason for rejoicing, Jesus told his
disciples, is that our names are written in heaven (Lk 10:20=. In other
words, we are loved by God not simply as specks in the mass of humanity but
as individuals. As He revealed to the exiled Jews, He has written our names
on the palms of His Hands (Is 49:16). To have a happy Christmas is to take
this to heart.

PERSONAL PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help us to be happy for the right reasons. Only your Son´s
second coming can show us what true happiness is.

The advertisers explore our weakness to convince that happiness is having
things, consuming more and more, looking young beyond our years. The stable
at Bethlehem wants to show us that it lies elsewhere. Free us from false
values and from our sins. Open the prisons we have made for ourselves by
sending your Son, the Key of David. Amen.

December 12th - Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

1531, a lady appeared to Juan Diego in Tepeyac, near Mexico City; she
identified herself as the Mother of the True God, instructed him to have
Bishop-elect Zumarraga build a temple on the site and left an image of
herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma (a poor quality cactus-cloth,
which should have deteriorated within a few years but shows no sign of decay
nearly 500 years later). Less than 20 years later, 9 million pagans of the
land are converted to Christianity.

The origin of the name Guadalupe has always been a matter of controversy.
It is believed that Our Lady used the native Aztec-Indian Nahuatl word of
"coatlaxopeuh", which means "who crushes the serpent" (and it has an
interesting connection with Genesis 3:15 where it is indicated a women would
step on a serpent's head). It is pronounced "quatlasupe", and sounds
remarkably like the Spanish word "Guadalupe" (which is a name of a Spanish
village which is famous for it's veneration of Our Lady). The Aztecs were
awful pagans who would sacrifice women and children to their gods. It is
believed that Our Lady crushed this serpent in 1531.

The crescent moon in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a symbol of the
evil serpent god that represented the Aztec pagans.

The original cloak of Juan Diego with the miraculous imprint. It is on
display in the Basillica of Guadalupe, Mexico.


Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Be with me today, O Lord


May
all I do today
begin with you, O Lord.
Plant dreams and hopes
within my soul,
revive my tired spirit:
be with me today.
May
all I do today
continue with your help, O Lord.
Be at my side
and walk with me:
Be my support today.
May
all I do today
reach far and wide, O Lord.
My thoughts, my work, my life:
make them blessings
for your kingdom;
let them go beyond today,
O God
Today is new
unlike any other day,
for God makes each day different.
Today God's everyday grace
falls on my soul like abundant seed,
though I may hardly see it.

Today is one of those days
Jesus promised to be with me,
a companion on my journey,
And my life today, if I trust him,
has consequences unseen.
My life has a purpose.

"I have a mission...
"I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. God has not
created me for naught... Therefore I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I
am, I can never be thrown away. God does nothing in vain.

"He knows what he is about."

J. H. Newman

At Christmas time there was a man,
who looked so out of place.
As people rushed about him,
at a hurried sort of pace.

He stared at all the Christmas lights,
the tinsel everywhere.
The shopping center Santa Claus,
with children gathered near.

The mall was packed with shoppers,
who were going to and fro.
Some with smiles, some with frowns,
and some too tired to go.

They rested on benches,
or they hurried on their way.
To fight the crowds for purchases,
to carry home that day.

The music from the stereo,
was playing loud and clear.
Of Santa Claus and snowmen,
and funny nosed reindeer.

He heard the people talk about,
the good times on the way.
Of parties, fun and food galore,
and gift exchange that day.

I'd like to know what's going on,
the man was heard to say.
There seems to be some sort,
of celebration on the way.

And would you tell me who this is,
all dressed in red and white.
And why are children asking "him"
about a special night.

The answer came in disbelief,
I can't believe my ear.
I can't believe you do not know,
that Christmas time is here.

The time when Santa comes around,
with gifts for girls and boys.
When they are asleep on Christmas Eve,
he leaves them books and toys.

The man you see in red and white,
is Santa Claus so sly.
The children love his joyful laugh,
and twinkle in his eye.

His gift packed sleigh is pulled along,
by very small reindeer.
As he flies quickly through the air,
while darting here and there.

The children learn of Santa Claus,
while they are still quite small.
When Christmas comes "he" is the most,
"important" one of all.

The stranger hung His head in shame,
He closed a nail pierced hand.
His body shook in disbelief,
He did not understand.

A shadow crossed His stricken face,
His voice was low but clear.
"After all these years they still don't know."
And JESUS shed a tear.

~ Author Unknown ~

We'll see




Once upon a time, there was a farmer in the central region of China. He
didn't have a lot of money and, instead of a tractor, he used an old horse
to plow his field.

One afternoon, while working in the field, the horse dropped dead. Everyone
in the village said, "Oh, what a horrible thing to happen." The farmer said
simply, "We'll see." He was so at peace and so calm, that everyone in the
village got together and, admiring his attitude, gave him a new horse as a
gift.

Everyone's reaction now was, "What a lucky man." And the farmer said, "We'll
see."

A couple days later, the new horse jumped a fence and ran away. Everyone in
the village shook their heads and said, "What a poor fellow!"

The farmer smiled and said, "We'll see."

Eventually, the horse found his way home, and everyone again said, "What a
fortunate man."

The farmer said, "We'll see."

Later in the year, the farmer's young boy went out riding on the horse and
fell and broke his leg. Everyone in the village said, "What a shame for the
poor boy."

The farmer said, "We'll see."

Two days later, the army came into the village to draft new recruits. When
they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they decided not to recruit
him.

Everyone said, "What a fortunate young man."

The farmer smiled again - and said "We'll see."

Moral of the story: There's no use in overreacting to the events and
circumstances of our everyday lives. Many times what looks like a setback,
may actually be a gift in disguise. And when our hearts are in the right
place, all events and circumstances are gifts that we can learn valuable
lessons from.

As Fra Giovanni once said:

"Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me... the gift is
there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence."

author unknown

WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS
Author Unknown

Santa lives at the North Pole ...

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...

JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when
invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or
girl, what's your name?" ...

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He
knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even
knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and
builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but ...

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...

JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas,

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Prayer to the Infant Jesus

Come to me, O Divine Savior, vouchsafe to be born in my heart. Grant that,
taught by Thine example, and assisted by Thy grace, I may be poor in spirit
and humble of heart. Keep me chaste and obedient. I wish to live but for
Thee, and to do all things purely for love of Thee.

O Mary, my Advocate and Mother, obtain by thy prayers forgiveness of my past
offenses and holy perseverance unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for
me, that I may become daily more pleasing to Jesus. Amen.

WITH ECCLESIASTICAL APPROBATION

Prayer to the Coming Savior

Jesus, our Lord, save me from my sins. Come, protect me from all dangers and
lead me to salvation.

Come! Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love:
teach me to walk in the paths of knowledge!

Come! Leader of ancient Israel, giver of the Law of Moses on Sinai: rescue
me with Your might power!

Come! Flower of Jesse's stem, sign of God's love for all His people: save me
without delay!

Come! Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom: free the
prisoners of darkness!

Come, Emmanuel, God's presence among us, our King, our Judge: save us, Lord
our God!

Come, King of all nations, source of Your Church's unity and faith: save all
mankind, Your own creation!

Come, Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, Sun of Justice: shine on
those lost in the darkness of death!

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to Your people who trust in
Your love. By Your coming, raise us to the joy of Your Kingdom, where you
live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Good night everyone - Sweet Dreams and may your Monday be blessed. God
bless you all!