Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Most of us never set our sights as high as Jesus intended we should. Lord,
may
the celebration of Your birth serve as a rebirth within me of my sense of
commitment,
consecration and purpose. Happy Birthday, Jesus.


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


"Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
'Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for
all the
people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is
the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a
child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.'" ~Luke2:9-12

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

The kingdom of heaven is also for the lowly, the sinners, the repentant.
"Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh." We can bring our gifts of gold--our money and
material possessions. We can bring our frankincense--the consecration
of our lives to a worthy cause. We can bring our myrrh--our compassion,
understanding and help. We can lay them at God's feet and let God have
full use of all our gifts!

P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y

I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas Week. I pray that
may bring my gifts and share them willingly with those around me.

Hello my friends! My, I know I'm really late again! Had a big day today!
First of all, made pancakes for breakfast - Darla came around 9:00. Linus
went to Dr. Mike - and his knee is better and he's not even wearing a brace
anymore. However, Dr. Mike said if his knee causes him trouble after two
days of work, he may need to refer her to someone else. After he left for
work at 10:45, Darla worked on a budget for us, and her thoughts are that we
shouldn't sell the house, our equity will keep rising, and that is better
than rent rising at apts. After that, she took me shopping - she wanted to
exchange a sweater. We met Linus for lunch and visited with him. He got home
from work at 5:30, she left just before that, had to go to Lori's tonight.
Then we had some supper and off we went next door for cards and visits with
our neighbors. Our neighbor across the street came too, and we played
Farkel, 99, and 500! She served a great lunch and we got home and here I
am! I'm really quite tired, so I'll quit my babbling now!!!



Homily of the Day


December 27, 2010


Are You As Happy As You´d Like to Be?
by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

1 Jn 1:1-4 / Jn 20:1a, 2-8

It is amazing how much of ourselves that we unintentionally reveal in the
course of ordinary conversation. Most of us don'­t have to talk very long
before those who are listening have a fairly good fix on who we are and what
we really value, even if our words themselves are intended to convey the
exact opposite! Try listening to yourself some time. It can be both
delightful and disconcerting.

St. John the Apostle is a case in point. In today's first reading, he
reveals what he's really about when he explains that he's writing to his
friends about Jesus so that "our own joy may be complete." In a word, John
thinks of his own happiness as something that comes from sharing life and
giving it away, not just from grabbing what he can get. And that explains
the whole course of his very long life.

So where are you seeking your happiness? Are you finding it? Where have you
invested your heart? Where do you invest most of your waking hours? Are you
as happy as you'd like to be, or as you think you could be? What does that
tell you about the course you've charted for yourself?

We're on the edge of a new year. It's a good time to ponder our priorities
and set them right.

A Christmas Story

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their
means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were
genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him
that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from
receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the
world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy
me the rifle that I'd wanted so bad that year for Christmas.

We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted
a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. So after supper was over
I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the
fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling
sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read
scriptures.

But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up and went outside. I
couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't
worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his
beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I
was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas,
now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I
could see.

We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that
needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not
very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do
something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and
mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the
house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the
work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to
do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never
hitched up the big sled unless we were going to haul a big load.

Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up
beside him. The cold was already biting at me.. I wasn't happy. When I was
on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the
woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high
sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a
bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever
it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards
on.

When we had exchanged the sideboards Pa went into the woodshed and came out
with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from
the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was
he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" "

You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived
about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and
left her with three children, the oldest being eight.

Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the
woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was
all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another
armload of wood. I followed him.

We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be
able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to
the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed
them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he
returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a
smaller sack of something in his left hand.

"What's in the little sack?" I asked.

"Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped
around his feet when he was out in the wood-pile this morning. I got the
children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little
candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to
think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards.
Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was
still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split
before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that,
but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and
candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer
neighbors than us. It shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as
quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door.

We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"

"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around
her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in
front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at
all.

Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you
a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat
on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She
opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out on a pair at a time. There was a
pair for her and one for each of the children---sturdy shoes, the best,
shoes that would last.

I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling
and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She
looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it
wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said, then he turned to me and
said, "Matt, go bring enough in to last for awhile. Let's get that fire up
to size and heat this place up."

I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a
big lump in my throat and, much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in
my eyes too.

In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and
their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks and so much
gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me
and a joy filled my soul that I'd never known before. I had given at
Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference.

I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had
the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling
when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a
smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long
time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the
Lord himself has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he
would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up
in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but
after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was
sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started
remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many
others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when
they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I
guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make
sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave.
Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to
him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their pa, and I
was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to
invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey
will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if
he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about
eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here,
hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two older
brothers and two older sisters were all married and had moved away. Widow
Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say,
"'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even
notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I
want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money
away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we
didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money
from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real
excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into
town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out
scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I
knew what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little
candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very
well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle seemed very low
on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the
look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block
of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt
riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle
that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life. Count your
blessings everyday, slowly and thoughtfully.

FAITH OF A CHILD

The father, a well digger, strong was he, And as loving and kind as a father
could be.

And Mary his daughter, five years old, Was very much dearer than millions
of gold.

To Mary her father was big, grand and nice, So each had a treasure, beyond
any price. One day to the well, little Mary was sent To take daddy's lunch,
how gladly she went.

But when she looked down, not a thing could be seen. The well, like a
pocket, was dark as could be. The father saw Mary and heard her voice, too,
But made not a sound, just to see what she'd do.

She dropped to her knees, the dear little soul, And called down, "Oh, Daddy,
are you down this hole?"

"Why yes Mary darling, I'm here at your feet, Just drop my lunch for I'm
ready to eat. Just let it go easy, I'll catch it alright." She did and she
saw it fall out of sight. "Why Mary," said father, "There's enough here for
two, Now this is the thing I would like you to do. You jump down here to me
and we'll eat it together, Down here in the cool and away from the weather."

"Oh, daddy, I'm afraid, I can't see you at all, Be sure now you catch me and
don't let me fall." 'Twas just for a moment she wavered in doubt, Then
closing her dear little eyes she jumped out. In the darkness, yes, that was
the test, She trusted in faith in her father's request. And both were so
happy he kissed her and smiled Because of the sweet trusting faith of his
child.

"Oh, sweet little Mary, you put me to shame, How often my Father has called
me the same, But because it was dark I turned back in doubt. Refusing the
call, though his arms were stretched out."

Author Unknown

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 ~

AFTER CHRISTMAS POEM
Author Unknown
December 27, 2010


'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste,
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared,
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt,
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.

I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished,
'Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick,
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore,
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Good night and Sweet Dreams! God bless you all and see you Tuesday!