Hello to all you positive pals and grateful gals!! Hope you all had a blessed Sunday today! We did, when Linus watched football, I took a nap with Sammy, that felt good, it was such a relaxing day - I didn't cook at all!! First after Mass Linus cooked us a brunch, and for supper we just had a frozen pizza. Now that we don't have very often at all. Was good for a change! Our Father Mark was off all week - at a cabin fishing, and had the Mass today, I talked to him a bit, he's going back to the cabin - he needs this, so he doesn't get burn out! He takes care of two parishes, and that's a lot. Wishing him a very relaxing fishing time, coming back refreshed! Love that priest!! Linus talked to his sister, Jan, today, she is quite nervous about the surgery, and hoping they get all the cancer! He mentioned to her to get the anointing of the sick by her parish priest, she hadn't thought of that, but said she will. Tonight after this, I'm sure my husband and I will play a few games, Farkel or cards, another blessing to come!
Today let me find simple ways to bring joy to others. Lord, when I feel
that I have nothing to give, give me the confidence to believe in myself
so that I can touch the hearts of those around me.
S C R I P T U R E F O R T H E D A Y
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." ~Matthew 11:28-30
M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y
I can have faith, no matter what may come my way. I can be patient,
even in the midst of troubles. I need not fear the strain of life,
because I believe that God knows how much I can bear and will be there
to help me. I can look to the future with confidence. I know that
God will not ask me to bear anything that could overcome or destroy
me.
P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y
I pray that I may put this day in the hands of God I pray for faith,
so that nothing will upset me or weaken my determination to live in
God's way.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER
The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown
For the world was intent on dragging me down
And if that weren't enough to ruin my day
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play
He stood right before me with his head tilted down
And said with great excitement, "Look what I found"
In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight
With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play
I faked a small smile and then shifted away
But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the flower to his nose
And declared with overacted surprise
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too"
"That's why I picked it; here, it's for you"
The weed before me was dying or dead
Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave
So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need"
But instead of him placing the flower in my hand
He held it mid-air without reason or plan
It was then that I noticed for the very first time
That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind
I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun
As I thanked him for picking the very best one
"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play
Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.
I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree
How did he know of my self-indulged plight
Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight
Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me
And for all of those times I myself had been blind
I vowed to see the beauty in life
And appreciate every second that's mine
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose
And smiled as I watched that young boy
Another weed in his hand
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man
January 11 - Jesus Calling
Trust Me by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is My world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love. I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.
When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises.
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
—Psalm 46:10 amp
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
—Colossians 4:2
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
—2 Peter 1:3–4
PRACTICING
I once heard a psychologist speak to a group of parents who were frustrated by their teenaged children's undesirable behaviours. The psychologist explained, "Your adolescents are practicing to be adults, and they aren't very good at it yet."
Those words stayed with me. Not only did they enable me to be more patient with my son through his teenage years, but also I draw on them today in relation to my own maturing in Christ. I am practicing to be a good Christian, but I often demonstrate that I'm not very good at it yet. Fortunately, God is more patient with me than I was able to be as a parent.
Now when I do fail, I ask my loved ones to be patient with me. Just as teenagers usually grow up to be responsible adults, I am hoping -- with God's help -- to become a more mature Christian.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us when we fall short of your expectations for us. Help us to become the people you want us to be. Amen.
-- Doris L. Mueller
JOYFUL THINGS
At times I'm so discouraged
with problems of the day
I fail to see the joyful things
that are along the way
When troubles overwhelm me
It's then my nerves may fray
that's when I need to take the time
To simply sit and pray
Reflecting on God's many the gifts
It makes me so aware
Of all the joy in little things
around me everywhere!
I must try to remember
though problems come my way
not to miss the joyful things
and the beauty of the day.
-- Author Unknown
PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Open the heavens almighty Father,
and pour out your spirit upon your people.
Renew the power of our
baptismal cleansing and fill us with
zeal for good deeds.
Let us hear your voice once again,
that we may recognize in your
beloved Son our hope in inheriting
eternal life.
Grant this through Jesus
Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendor of eternal light,
God forever and ever.
Amen.
Mother Teresa Said...
I think there is something that can make us live joyfully. It is that Jesus is with us and loves us. If each one of us would simply remember that God loves us and is giving us the chance to love others in that love not so much in big things but in the little things of life our countries could become full of God's love.
Meditations by Padre Pio
I feel a great desire to abandon myself with greater trust, to the divine mercy, and to place my hope in God alone.
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