Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Let life's lessons grow into wisdom so that you may be the light for someone

else's darkness. Lord, help me put to good use that which today brings so

that I am better prepared for tomorrow.

Scripture for the day:

"He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest

a while." ~Mark 6:31

Meditation for the day:

I can sometimes go aside into a quiet place of retreat with God. In that

place, I can find restoration and healing and power. I can plan quiet times

now and then, times when I can commune with God and arise rested and

refreshed to carry on the work which God has given me to do.

I know that God will never give me a load greater than I can bear. It is in

serenity and peace that all true success lies.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may strengthen my inner life. I pray that my soul may be

restored in quietness and peace.

Hello my friends! Today I called Darla to with her a happy cruise - and I

got her while she was in line to get on!!!! I was so excited for her. Then

she texted Lori later that she is on the ship! Remember last time they

couldn't make it on because of the passport being in her luggage and it

couldn't get out so the luggage got on the trip but they didn't! Had to pay

to get the luggage returned to them when the ship came back. They got a

voucher so now they are on the ship! I sure hope she is feeling better, not

too sore to enjoy the cruise, and I hope neither one gets sea sick. They do

have meds on the ship for that too, if need be. But one of Linus'

co-worker's wife was sick the whole week of the cruise! This is their

honeymoon cruise so I hope it's going to be very enjoyable - they are going

to Cozumel, Mexico, Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica, maybe more, can't

remember. They come back next Saturday. They got the ship in New Orleans

which they drove to - about 8 hours from Arlington, Texas. Another blessing

for us today was going shopping together, grocery, Petco - to find a

glucosamine med that he would like, no go, could take it back so it's back

to his Dasuquin with pill pockets with butter on them. Yes, with butter on

them, he'll eat them, the other ones, no. Then we went to exchange his

pocket planner I got him for Christmas for a bigger one, and got some wine,

then had some pizza at our favorite restaurant the Café Renaissance

(www.thecaferenaissance.com) Jim was there, had a nice visit - the pizza was

freshly made - 3 meat stuffed, very good. Got more home for more meals now.

It was the first time out since my teeth extractions except for going to

Church, and I enjoyed it a lot! Just taking our time, and picking things

out etc. I ask you to pray that Darla won't have any migraines, or

anything else bad and that she'll be able to sleep nights. My classmate,

Angie, writes that her grandson returns to his base Monday and then is

deployed to Afghanistan. Please pray for his safety.

Praying for you all and thanks for your prayers for us. Sorry I wrote a

book!

My prayer to Our Father

Thank you Dear Father, for giving us this glorious day! Thank you, Dear

Father, for the many blessings you bring us each day, for food on our table,

and shelter over our heads. Thank you for the sunshine, the trees and the

beautiful blue sky. Thank you for our friends, family as well, and

especially your son Jesus who died for us on the cross.

Father, I come to you today to ask for your blessings, and to pray for my

friends both near and far, for Our Country, and Our people, for those who

are sick, or ailing, for those who are down for whatever reason, for those

who are happy, and for those who are sad after losing loved ones or just

leading unsaved lives. I ask you to take their hands and lead them towards

you instead of away from you.

Watch over them, protect them, and guide them. I ask these things in the

name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

SHOULD YOU...

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight;

Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair.

There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work;

Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;

Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved

in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;

Think of the woman in some third world country,working twelve hours a day,

seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;

Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that talk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;

Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance,

smallness or insecurities;

Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!

Alphabet of Happiness...

A--Accept

Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you

have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

B--Break Away

Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to

accomplish with your life.

C--Create

Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows,

and happiness with.

D--Decide

Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things

will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

E--Explore

Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to

give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about

yourself.

F--Forgive

Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and

grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

G--Grow

Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in

your way.

H--Hope

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you

remain dedicated to the task.

I--Ignore

Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and

remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of

what the future holds.

J--Journey

Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to

learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

K--Know

Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The

warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L--Love

Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,

there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room

for endless happiness.

M--Manage

Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and

worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

N--Notice

Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your

assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

O--Open

Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst

of times, there's still much to be thankful for.

P--Play

Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without

happiness.

Q--Question

Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

R--Relax

Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things

always have a way of working out in the end.

S--Share

Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that

you invest in others will return to you many times over.

T--Try

Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed

by what you can accomplish.

U--Use

Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value.

Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

V--Value

Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you,

and be there for them as well.

W--Work

Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty

if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X--X-Ray

Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness

and beauty within.

Y--Yield

Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find

success at the end of the road.

Z--Zoom

Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let

nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your

dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.

"Alphabet of Happiness," written and designed by Bobette Bryan, 2000

"And Going into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and

falling to their knees they did him homage."

(Mt. 2:11)

Manifestation of Jesus to the World!

Epiphany means manifestation. The feast reminds us that Jesus was not merely

a prophet or teacher sent to talk about God, but is himself the most perfect

manifestation of God: God presented to us in human form. The wise men who

came from afar represent all those who have toiled to discover the meaning

of life and the nature of God. What kind of picture did they build in their

minds as they traveled? They did not find God. No. God showed himself to

them and to all in the Infant.

PERSONAL PRAYER

Jesus, our gifts cannot help you or make your life secure, but help us to

love our brothers

and sisters and let that be our gift to you.

Teach us to be truly wise, to be patient in the face of trials and to be

courageous

on the long journey into your mystery.

Help us to appreciate the Eucharist, your great gift and fullest

manifestation of your life.

May we always receive it worthily. Amen.

Mother Teresa Said...

Prayer unites us with Christ.

Simply open your hearts to Him.

Also, simply accept what He sends you.

With a big smile, generously give Him what He asks of you.

God will do the rest, never fear.

Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to hear your voice in the Scripture passage and to

receive with an open heart whatever you want to tell me. I believe in you,

hope in you, and love you.

God the Father, help me to be steadfast in your love.