Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Behave as though God is standing next to you because He is. Lord, we make a great team and together we are able to make a big difference.


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

In God I trust; I shall not fear. ~Psalm 56

He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing
upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall
down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God."

He warned them sternly not to make him known. ~Matthew 3:7-12


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

Crowds pressed in on Jesus from all directions. He was their hope! Today we
deal with an earthquake in Haiti, other natural disasters, and many needs
for healing among our family members and friends. They need to be able to
approach Jesus as well. Through our lives we can help them understand, "In
God I trust; I shall not fear."

.=: P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y :=.

I pray that I may always trust in God. I pray that I may be the one to help
those in need to trust in and approach the Lord for help.

.=: W E P R A Y :=.

We pray for unity in our country and that we may build a Culture of Life. We
pray for the safety of our troops, their safe return and their families at
home. We pray for a deep and profound respect for life, and for the courage
and willingness to stand up for life. We pray for one another, for those who
have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. Have a
good day!

Hello my friends! Hope you all had a great day!! Mine was fine - Linus had to work long hours but he did take off earlier so we could go to the 6 PM Mass at the Cathedral. Fr. Matthew had that Mass, it was nice - almost like in our own parish!! He gives such wonderful homilies!! He talked a lot about St. Joseph tonight - all he must have had to go thru - and obeying the ArchAngel etc. He was saying no one would be disobedient to an Arch Angel!! Then he talked a lot about his own father, how strict he was, and it was all being a good father! He always brings in parts of his life in his homilies, which makes them so interesting and with his sense of humor, fun listening to.
The last Advent Candle has been lit now. Christmas is on it's way! We are supposed to get lots of snow tomorrow, I hear, just so the roads are good for Darla and Greg coming on the 23rd thru the night - and all travelers. My blessings today was the Mass tonight, and Lori invited us for supper at her place so right after Mass we went there.
Then home again, and Linus is so sore from working so many hours yesterday and today. He's icing his knee, but the knee is better, the rest of him hurts so bad he took Iboprofin to go to bed. I do wish he wouldn't have to work. I pray for God's Answer to all of this as we put our trust in Him and remember that He is in charge.
He works six hours tomorrow through Thursday. Please keep him in prayer - and I thank you so much in advance.


Sunday, December 19, 2010

He Looked Favorably on Me

His ways are so beautiful—to think that we have God almighty to stoop
so low as to love you and me
and make use of us—and make us feel that He really needs us—
as I grow older my wonder at His humility grows…. —Mother Teresa

John the Baptist—the Elijah of the New Testament—
did not come to earth in a fiery chariot but as a tiny baby to elderly parents.
Today, name some small ways that God is making a large difference in your life.

from Day by Day Through Advent With Mother Teresa

Christmas in prison..


Sister Maurella Schlise, a Catholic nun from Fargo, South Dakota, was spending
the holidays with her family in Florida, and planning a visit to a nearby maximum
security prison on Christmas Eve. "My sister Rosemary and her husband conduct
a weekly prayer meeting there, and they invited me along," Sister says. Although
visitors are not allowed to bring food to the prison, the rules had been relaxed
for Christmas. Rosemary planned to fill little bags with homemade cookies
and candy for the men. For many, it would be their only gift.

That morning, Sister Maurella attended mass. She was thinking about the
inmates, wondering if they could actually experience Christmas behind bars,
when she sensed God's presence, and a message. "Bring one hundred
bags to the prison," it seemed to say.

One hundred! That seemed far too many for Rosemary's usual group of 30 or 40 men. Had the words just been Sister's imagination? Sister talked it over with Rosemary. "Well..." Rosemary decided, "It's a lot, but I'd rather have too many than not enough."

The women spent the day filling one hundred white bags with goodies, then
carefully packed the car. As they came through the prison gates, the chaplain
flagged them down. "The chapel is packed!" he exclaimed. Sister was glad
they had brought extras.

Instead of Rosemary and Pat conducting a meeting, they were surprised to discover
that the convicts themselves had prepared a Christmas program. An inmate with a vibrant voice sang the poignant story of the Little Drummer Boy. Another did the Ave Maria. Several read inspirational pieces, and some prayed. The chapel was hushed, small candles providing the only light.

Finally the program ended, and the men eagerly lined up. Sister Maurella and
Rosemary handed each a white bag. But when all the bags were gone, there
were ten men still standing in line---and no more candy to give away.

Sister stood, shocked and dismayed. How could this have happened? If God had truly spoken to her that morning, why hadn't He told her to bring one hundred and ten bags? What should they do? "God, multiply the bags," Rosemary prayed silently.

But a young convict had also seen their dilemma. "Sister," he spoke quietly,
"we others....we'll share our bags with them."

Sister looked at the faces surrounding her. Men of every color and
nationality, murderers, thieves... But men who now, because of His birthday,
were willing to reach out to others, to give, to care. Tears pricked her eyes.

Suddenly a prison trustee entered the chapel, carrying a sack. "Rosemary,
we had some leftovers from a group that came this morning," he said.
"Can you use these?"

Rosemary took the sack. Inside were ten white bags, each filled with sweets.

Everyone rejoiced as the remaining men received their treats, especially Sister.
She had wondered if Christmas could come in a prison, but now she knew.
Where love is, God is.

Are you ready??


"Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high...
Then wearily sat for a moment AND READ
Til soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,
"Ready for Christmas, what do you mean?"
She woke with a start and a cry of despair.
"There's so little time and I've still to prepare.
Oh, Father! Forgive me, I see what You mean!
Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree.
It's the heart swept clean that He wanted to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.
So be ready for Christmas - and ready for Him.


Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I want to be ready for Jesus today and everyday. I come to You now in repentance for my sins: my sin of selfishness, stubbornness, and rebellion. I turn from my self-centeredness today and commit to keep my focus on You. God, I cannot do this on my own. I am not able. So I ask that you fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit Who empowers me to obey. Thank You that You have given me every thing I need for a life of godliness and truth. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Advent Prayer

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing to His return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow, for He is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

Going God's Way


I arise today, equipped and
fortified to meet life's
problems, with :

GOD's WISDOM
to guide me.

GOD's PROVIDENCE
to look after me.

GOD's UNDERSTANDING
to hear me.

GOD's COUNSEL
to speak to me.

GOD's FORTITUDE
to guard me.

GOD's WAY
of life before me.

GOD's POWER
to protect me.

GOD's LOVE
to save me.

--A CHRISTMAS ALPHABET

A is for Angels, appearing so bright,
Telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.

B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old,
Birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.

C is for Cattle, their manger His bed,
There in the stable where He laid His head.

D is for David and his ancient throne
Promised forever to Jesus alone.

E is for East, where shone the bright star
Which Magi on camels followed afar.

F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold,
Brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.

G is for God, who from heaven above
Sent down to mankind the Son of His love.

H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme
Was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.

I is for Immanuel, "God with us,"
For Christ brought man back to the Father's house.

J is for Joseph so noble and just,
Obeying God's word with absolute trust.

K is for King. A true king He would be,
Coming in power and authority.

L is for Love that He brought down to earth
That night in the stable in lowly birth.

M is for Mary, His mother so brave,
Counting God faithful and mighty to save.

N is for Night, when the Savior was born
For nations of earth and people forlorn.

O is for Omega, meaning "the last;"
He's eternal: present, future and past.

P is for Prophets, when living on earth
Foretold His redemption and blessed birth.

Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard
Hastened to act on that heavenly word.

R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin is
Banished forever when Jesus comes in.

S is for Savior. To be this He came;
The angel of God assigned Him His name.

T is for Tidings related to all,
Telling of Him who was born in a stall.

U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given
To show us the way and take us to heaven.

V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage,
God's revelation on prophecy's page.
Matthew 1:23

W is for Wonderful, His works and His words,
The King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.

X is for Christ. It's X in the Greek,
Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.

Y is for Yes, called God's Yes in His Word;
God's answer to all is Jesus the Lord.

Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ's heart.
Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.

Christmas Recipe !

1/2 cup of Hugs
4 teaspoons kisses
4 cups of Love
1 cup of Holiday Cheer
1/2 cup of Peace on Earth
3 teaspoons of Christmas Cheer
2 cups of Goodwill Towards Men
1 Sprig of Mistletoe
1 Medium size bag of Christmas Snowflakes
Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles, and Love until consistent.
Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth,
Christmas Spirit and Goodwill Toward Men.
Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart where it
can be stored for a lifetime, for it never goes bad!
Serve as desired under Mistletoe, sprinkle liberally with
Christmas Snowflakes
it is especially good when accompanied by Christmas
carols and family get-together.
Serve to one and all!

May God keep you in His loving arms and I pray Jesus walks beside you as you walk the path way God has placed you on. And I pray the Holy Spirit fills you with the Wisdom and the Knowledge to complete all God has placed on your plate each day.

Good night everyone - Sweet Dreams to all and may your Monday be filled with Godly Surprises!! Enjoy the Gift of God's Day!

Closing prayer:

PRAYER

Jesus Master, sanctify my mind and increase my faith.
Jesus, teaching in the Church, draw everyone to your school.
Jesus Master, deliver me from error, from vain thoughts and from eternal darkness.
Jesus, Way between the Father and us, I offer you all and await all from you.
Jesus, Way of sanctity, make me your faithful imitator.
Jesus, Way, render me perfect as the Father who is in heaven.
Jesus Life, live in me, so that I may live in you.
Jesus Life, do not permit me to separate myself from you.
Jesus Life, grant that I may live eternally in the joy of your love.
Jesus Truth, may I be light for the world.
Jesus Way, may I be an example and model for souls.
Jesus Life, may my presence bring grace and consolation everywhere.