Community Chat

[gloriajean]

When your burden seems heavier than usual, know that your blessings
are more than usual. Lord, I call on you for the strength, the wisdom
and the confidence that I will need today.

Scripture of the day:

"When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried
out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to
them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'" ~Mark 6:49-50

Meditation of the day:

I can take the most crowded day without fear. I believe that God is with me
and controlling all. I can let confidence be the motif running through all
the crowded day. I need not be worried, because I know that God is my
helper. Underneath are the everlasting arms of God. I can rest in them,
even though the day be full of things crowding in upon me.

Prayer of the Day

I pray that I may be calm and let nothing upset me. I pray that I may not
let material things control me and choke out spiritual things.

Hello my friends! The funeral was great - beautiful Mass and homily and
wonderful songs! Arnie looked so nice! It's always so nice to see pictures
of him and there were many! It was nice visiting with all my sisters
again - the weather was very nice all day! Tomorrow there's a talk of snow
and possibly the weekend too. It's so pretty out now - seeing all the
Christmas lights everywhere you go! One house on this block is so lit up -
even the trees in the front lawn - wow! That took time creating that! Well
I'm tired and out of words, so on with the thread - but know that I'm
praying for you all and thanks much for your prayers to us. You are so
kind.

THE BIBLE & THE COAL BASKET
Author Unknown


The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains
of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was
up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out
Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in
any way he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the
Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do
understand I forget as
soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The
Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of
water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked
out before he could get back to the house.

The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little
faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to
try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he
returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was
"impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket
instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a
basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,"
and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point,
the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather
that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out
before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but
when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that
the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it
was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You
might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it
will change you from the inside out.

That is the work of God in our lives.

To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the
image of His Son.

Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.



FIVE WAYS TO HAVE A MORE JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

1. STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN:

If you discover yourself becoming dulled to the joys of the season, STOP!
Slow the pace down and become still, taking time to LOOK and LISTEN. Take a
winter walk, curl up in a favorite chair or before the fireplace. Helen
Keller once observed, "The seeing see little." So feel the comfort of the
glow of a candle, or the red of the poinsettias. Listen with new ears to
laughter and bells, and to the expression of love of found in the story of
the first Christmas.

2. BE WILLING TO BE SURPRISED:

Remember that God can come in the least likely ways - a Holy Child born in a
village stable, a brightly shining star, an angel song in the night sky.
Watch for Him to come in equally surprising ways to you, too. When we live
as if God is going to "surprise" us at any moment, in any way, in any place,
then He usually does!

3. FIND WAYS TO ANTICIPATE CHRISTMAS:

How about keeping an advent calendar? Commit yourself to perform at least
one special act of kindness for each day of advent. Write a note, letter,
card or e-mail to someone to express your gratitude, to tell someone you
love them, to forgive an old hurt, or just to count your blessings.

4. FREE YOUR CHILDLIKE SPIRIT:

Jesus held up childlikeness as a quality to be cultivated (Mark 10:15).
Children are experts at dreaming up simple things as delights that adults
don't, or have forgotten how to do. Can't you picture a little boy singing
"Jingle Bells" to a plastic Jesus in a store? Christmas often comes in
precious moments like this, when we spontaneously show our adoration for the
Baby in the manger.

5. SHARE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH SOMEONE ELSE:

Nothing multiplies the sense of wonder in your life like giving it away.
The more you share (not just things, but yourself) the brighter Christmas
grows.

I hope that these simple steps will help you, or someone you can share these
with, keep the wonder and excitement of Christmas alive during this busy
season.

Just remember that "Jesus is the reason for the season."

Dialogue with Christ:

Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I fear sometimes that I’m not much better than
Peter, who bragged that he would stand by you, but then fled when the guards
arrested you on Holy Thursday night. I want to be a true Christian witness
in the world, but I need your help to overcome my human respect and
laziness.

Resolution: I will do one external act of witness to the faith.

A CHRISTMAS LEGEND

Amongst the earlier descendants of William the Conqueror was one Walthen, a
priest, whose mother had married David, King of Scotland, and whose father
bore in his veins the blood of the brave Siward, about whom you have all
heard, no doubt. St. Walthen, of course, loved the beautiful feasts of
Christmastide; and on one occasion, after a very fervent preparation, he was
standing at the altar celebrating the Midnight Mass, when a strange thing
happened.

It was so solemn, so intensely still in the chapel, that the very candles
seemed to be holding their breath in expectation. The worshippers wondered
that Walthen was so long at the Elevation. And what do you suppose was the
cause? A very wonderful thing, indeed.

As St. Walthen lifted the Sacred Host and pronounced the words of
Consecration It suddenly disappeared, and in his arms lay a lovely Babe,
smiling up into his eyes and stretching out Its tiny hands to caress him.
The Saint's heart gave a great leap, and then he stood still for a long,
long time, drinking in the beauty of the Blessed Child that had sought a
Bethlehem within his arms. Then suddenly again the Sacred Host lay on the
altar, and St. Walthen finished his Mass, with great thoughts swelling in
his heart and tears of joy streaming from his eyes.
Who would not like to have been in his place that Christmas morning?

Taken From "Heaven's Bright Queen"
Compiled from Approved Catholic Publications by William J. Walsh
Imprimatur, 1904

Mary, Help of Those in Need


"Mary, Help of Those in Need" was formerly the Magnificat antiphon from the
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Evening Prayer.


Holy Mary,
help those in need,
give strength to the weak,
comfort the sorrowful,
pray for God's people,
assist the clergy,
intercede for religious.

Mary all who seek your help
experience your unfailing protection.
Amen.

Prayer while Shopping during Advent

Dear God, as I look through my gift shopping list, I hold up to you each
person listed on it. Slowly, one by one, I ask that the fire of your
abundant love burn within each of them. I pray that the gift I find for
each person will bring joy into that life.
But, help me to keep a balance this season, Lord. Let me keep my buying in
perspective, not to spend more than I need to or can afford. Let me not
give in to the pressures of this world and not equate love with money spent.
Let me always remember the many, many people who have so much less in
material things. Help me to buy wisely, so that my choices will not burden
those in other countries who are so deeply affected by this country's
economy.

And finally, loving God, help me to find time in the frantic moments of each
day to become centered on you. Walking through a store, riding on the bus,
hurrying down a street: let each of these times be moments when I can
remember your incredible love for me and rejoice in it.