January 1st, Mary, Mother of God

Joy to you, O Virgin Mary,
Mother of the Lord!

Father,
source of light in every age,
the virgin conceived and bore your Son
who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.
May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love,
be your people's joy through all ages.
May her response, born of a humble heart,
draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

A Christmas Prayer

Almighty God and

Father of Light,

a child is born for us,

and a son is given to us.

Your Eternal Word

leaped down from heaven

in the silent watches of the night,

and now your Church

is filled with wonder

at the nearness of her God.

Open our hearts to receive His life

and increase our vision

with the rising of dawn,

that our lives may be filled

with His glory and His peace

forever and ever.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours

Christmas Eve

Today you will know the Lord is coming, and in the morning you will see his glory.

Christmas

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you . . . yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.
{Bl Mother Teresa}

The Lord is close at hand; come, let us worship him.

A most beautiful Christmas card

This is the latest Christmas card we have received, I just had to post. It is so very beautiful.

Feast of The Immaculate Conception

Come, let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary; let us worship her Son, Christ the Lord.

Remember who you are ...

a son or daughter of God.

This Christmas

Let's Give a Little Jesus,
a thoughtful word or deed,
An act of generosity for someone who's in need.
Let's Give a Little Jesus to eveyone we meet -
The salesclerk or the server, the person on the street.
Let's Give a Little Jesus, that's what really counts -
Not what's spent or bought, for whom, in what amounts.
Let's Give a Little Jesus to everyone, large or small ...
For Jesus, the Messiah, is the Greatest Gift of All! Lisa O. Engelhardt

In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, "It is more blessed to give then to receive." -Acts 20:35

A Christmas Card we recevied a few days ago held these verses. It was from a wonderful couple who truly live what these say. They are a joy to know.

Advent begins

For these coming "weeks of purple" look to find Christ in all people, in all situations. Christ is calling us, announcing His coming, telling us to be ready for the most glorious time of our lives.

The Lord who we are waiting for is already present in the people we are waiting with.

Happy Thanksgiving

This day ... Christ the King

Angels, saints, and nations sing:
"Praised be Jesus Christ, our King;
Lord of earth and sky and sea,
King of love on Calvary."

Christ, thou King of truth and might,
Be to us eternal light,
Till in peace each nation rings
With they praises, King of kings.

Dad ...

February 18, 1921 - November 14, 2000

I think of you and I smile ... I remember ... growing up you were the light of my life, you still are.
I was speaking with someone the other day and they mentioned you. They said you were such a nice man, yes you were, you always will be. In my world the word nice is exceptional, plain and simply put but powerful. There aren't many people who are nice ... I had one for my father. My life has been blessed.

I will be at adoration today from 4:00 to 5:00. I picked today, November 14th because it was your day. I only just realized at this moment the timing ... you passed at 4:15pm. I'll be there then, prayers with you.
God bless you.

I love you.

From a friend

I remember reading about the children of Israel who turned from God time and time again, only to realize their mistake and pray for forgiveness. Each time, God would forgive them and they would walk with him for a time. So, I am going to ask you to join me in praying for our nation every day. Please read the email below.

God is in control. May God Have Mercy On America - Protect Our Troops. When I was in Atlanta last week, there were signs in people's yards that said, " America , prayer is our only hope" - with 2 Chronicles 7:14 underneath.. We certainly need God's help! I have no idea who started this, but I certainly agree with this e-mail. I heard a preacher on TV tonight who said if we pray for our nation things will turn around. After a day of contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to my friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time. Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend. 2 Chronicles. 7:14 ... In God's Word, He states, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord. Here's a quote from Ronald Reagan: "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape it's in today. Most people have forgotten that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! Let us stand up and remind people of this. May God Bless you all!

All Souls Day

My work, my prayers, my day are all offered today.

Keeping you in mind and heart and prayer, today, 5 years passed from this life.

All Saints Day

The saints will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father, alleluia.


Father, all powerful and ever loving God, today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place.

Today

Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God.


A day of sunshine filled with His blessings ... working this morning, then an afternoon and dinner with two wonderful friends.

To my mother

Many thoughts are especially with you today. God bless you and keep you in his care.

With love and prayers

October 11, 1920 - October 24, 2004

A Day of Joy

The last I saw her was 35 years ago until today. My friend, from high school, who lived a few doors down the street, my friend. I was in her wedding, she in mine. Life and distance between us these past years. For those who know me I do not use the word friend lightly. It is given to precious few and to her with whom I spent today. Today which has given me a tremendous gift of blessings and friendship.

We visited her mother's grave, shared much conversation, noon time mass, and lunch. We drove to the street we lived on how many years ago. And in all this time, nothing has changed between us, it is the same easy, caring, loving friend. I know that God has brought her back into my life and I am thankful. She holds a part of my heart and I hers, after all, that's what a friend does.

Everyone who waits for the Lord finds joy.

Silence

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.

{Blessed Teresa of Calcutta}

October 11, 1920

October 11th, your birthday we celebrated when you were here. Do you know how often I think of you? God bless you and keep you close.

Happy Birthday Mom,

with love and prayers

Lord, true light and source of all light, listen to our morning prayer. Turn our thoughts to what is holy and may we ever live in the light of your love.
-
In the silence of the morning I see the first light of dawn and I thank you for this day. Soon the birds will come to feed, the earth awakens. I ask your blessings and graces.

May you all be filled with His light.

Harvest

Be gracious and bless us, Lord and let your face shed its light on us so that we can make you known with reverence and bring forth a harvest of justice.

Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, My Guardian Dear
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
to light and guard and rule and guide.
Amen.

Feast of the Archangels - September 29th

A Prayer to Saint Michael
Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and
all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Saint Gabriel
Blessed Saint Gabriel, Archangel, We beseech thee to intercede
for us at the throne of divine mercy:
As thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation,
so through thy prayers may we receive strength of faith and
courage of spirit, and thus find favor with God and redemption
through Christ Our Lord.
May we sing the praise of God our Savior with the angels
and saints in heaven forever and ever. Amen.

Saint Raphael
Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, We beseech thee
to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as thou,
through the power of God, didst restore sight and give
guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek thine aid and
intercession, that our souls may be healed,
our bodies protected from all ills,and that through
divine grace we may be made fit to dwell in the
eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen

As the day draws to a close, Sun of Justice, we invoke your name upon the whole human race so that all men may enjoy your never failing light.

Welcome to the season of splendor

Fall arrives today at 5:18pm in the Northern Hemisphere. I am always so touched by the beauty of this season.

- Happy moments, praise God.
- Difficult moments, seek God.
- Quiet moments, worship God.
- Painful moments, trust God.
- Every moment, thank God.

September 14th

and prayers, on this day,
your 56th birthday.

God hold you close and keep you in his care.

I so often think of you, I wonder ...

God Morning

Let the morning star rise in our hearts.

Yes, God Morning. Thank you Lord for the gift
of this day.

Bless my journey today, help me to find you in
all I see, in all I meet, in all I do.

Remember - September 11th

Remembering with prayers and love those who lost their lives and their families.

Never forget.

I am most blessed ...

Having just received my second stent I stand in awe at His goodness. I have averted another heart attack and regained my health yet another time. During my short hospital stay I met some amazing people, both patients as well as hospital staff. In our everyday walk we do not realize the number of people who are sick nor the caring, compassionate individuals who tend to them. I pray abundant blessings on them all.

With simplicity of heart, I have joyfully offered everything to you, my God.

Creator of the stars, we thank you for your gift, the first rays of dawn and we commemorate your resurrection.

Fill our hearts with your love as morning fills the sky.

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

It is a very significant day ... The Feast of the Assumption and the 100th Anniversary of our parish. The Assumption is a very special day in my life.

Mass will be celebrated at noon for the anniversay followed by a dinner at the church which will kick off the 100th year. Festivities and events are planned for the whole year. Looking forward to this.

God bless this wonderful parish and its community.

The Feast of The Assumption

'See the beauty of the daughter of Jerusalem, who ascended to heaven like the rising sun at dawn.'
-- Benedictus antiphon from Daily Office

Evening shadows fall ...

O Christ, you are the light & day
Which drives away the night,
The ever shining Sun of God
and pledge of future light.
As now the evening shadows fall
Please grant us, Lord, we pray,
a quiet night to rest in you
until the break of day.
Remember us, poor mortal men,
We humbly ask, O Lord,
and may your presence in our souls,
Be now our great reward.

"Keep your face to the sunshine
and you cannot see the shadow.
It's what sunflowers do."

by Helen Keller

It was many years ago that I first read the excerpt below from A Woman Wrapped in Silence. The affect on me then was so profound and in all these years it has never wained. I can never read this without being extremely touched and moved and so I wanted to share this.

I was later given a copy of the book for my own from a priest friend. This is one of my treasured books.

From A Woman Wrapped in Silence

Death is a long time, not in time,
But in the waiting, in the givils kept,
Intense. It is a watch that stares observance
Of the faint, tremendous fluttering
Of eyelids and the struggled breath that breaks
Again impossibly from out a wait,
Drawn long enough to be a hundred deaths.
And when it comes, death may be paler light
That casts a calm, released nobility.

And they were two that watched his misted eyes
In love so great it reached across the ebbs
Of strength and gave itself to him for ease,
And for a warmer knowledge this was part
Of life that he was keeping now, as once
He'd knelt and on a night yet clear to him,
Had taken in his arms a Child.

And when
His spent breath sighed away and stillness came,
Suffusing on his face a look of longer
Stillness, she was watching him, and waited
In an ache of waiting for a sign
Of further wait. There were no more of signs,
And deep within her, turning like a thread
Of sound that twisted upward from a further
Depth, a certainty was winding, winding,
Stronger, wider, winding, till it whirled
And broke in inner thunder, and she knew!
She knew that he had died. Joseph . . . Joseph!
Who had come . . . but only sobbing now
Too deep and real, and shaken for the mute
Withholding, and her head was bent to him
In blessed tears.

She felt His Presence then
Who was so near, and found His hand so strong
In closing on her arm. And she had turned
To Him, and with a softer sob and older
Yearning, reached to Him and sought to give
Him comfort in return. To Him, to Him
Who wept for Joseph here as she was weeping.
And they paused, and in a little while
Looked down on him, and gently stooped to him
And kissed his hair.

Joseph was a man
Who'd marked a single measure on his life
More sure than lines he'd drawn for guilding tools.

When we listen to your word,

our minds are filled with light.

Send forth your light and your truth, let these be my guide.

Our parish has asked anyone who knits, sews, crochets if they could help in shawls and lapghans for those going through chemotherapy. I'm glad to be able to give back when I can. I've started one lapghan, hope to start a prayer shawl tomorrow.

May God bless my work and those it will comfort and warm in their time of need.

From the rising of the sun

to its setting may the name of the Lord be praised.

...

As I look from my back window this morning this is what I see. In the quiet hours of the morning I ask for thy graces that I truly see.

Recipe for a Happy Heart

5 pints love
3 quarts care
4 cups laughter
2 cups hope

mix together
sprinkle with joy and understanding
bake in sunshine
share with friends

From an exposition of psalm 118 by Saint Ambrose

Let your door stand open to receive him, unlock your soul to him, offer him a welcome in your mind, and then you will see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the joy of grace. Throw wide the gate of your heart, stand before the sun of everlasting light that shines on every man. This true light shines on all, but if anyone closes his window he will deprive himself of eternal light. If you shut the door of your mind, you shut out Christ. Though he can enter, he does not want to force his way in rudely, or compel us to admit him against our will.

Caregiver

If you've been involved in caregiving, and as the days turn to weeks, months and years, then you know the moments that come far too often of tiredness and stress. Frequently, with much less then happy heart does one approach the day. That's why searching for joy in all things is important, its not always accomplished, but its tried. In my readings this morning this stood out:

Be strong, let your heart take courage,
all who hope in the Lord.


... He always hears me,
He's always there.

May your heart be filled with His Light,

your day with His blessings
your life with His grace.

Wishing you Joy in all things.

A Work In Progress

Joy

defined as: 1 a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b: the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss 3: a source or cause of delight

share a hug ... share a smile ... share a blessing ...

share the Joy.