Friday

Happy New Year and My Resolution...



The greatest gift of Love is seeing God in another's eyes...

I am looking so forward to this gift of a NEW YEAR; accepting the deeper awareness of learning to love the essence of all things; to see God in another’s eyes.

Wow!! What a New Year's resolution...but it is something I must do!

For I am called to make LOVE my aim.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child... when I became a woman I gave up childish ways. 1Corinthians 13: 4-11

My resolution is to live my life as if I am inventing a great love story...

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A Christmas Message...


When I received this story, I cried…so have an ample supply of tissue on hand for this message of HOPE!

Miracles Do Happen!

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend?" Your sister? "Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly. Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.
When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted. "What is it?" Santa asked warmly. "Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph ... my granddaughter ... well, you see ... she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa ... any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa." Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do.
Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do." When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital. "Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.
Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall. Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!" "Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes in tact. Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year.
As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels. "Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed. "Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you, "he said. Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night - all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.
When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own. "Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!" He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE. "Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.
Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him. "My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.
One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. "Hi, Santa! Remember me?!" "Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her. After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment. "You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.
That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you, Father. ' Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"
LIFE IS GOD'S GIFT TO YOU ... HOW YOU LIVE IT IS YOUR GIFT TO GOD, YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES.

Have a Blessed Merry Christmas!

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Saturday

Silent is the Night


The Advent… the time of waiting for the birth of our Lord Jesus. His birth reveals how the darkness of human minds received abundant light by his coming into the world. Did not the Master, the Christ say: "I am the Light of the World? We know he is coming and we wait in great expectation as the time draws near we watch for the star…

STAR OF WISDOM
Star that of the birth of Jesus,
Told the wise ones, heavenward looking,
Waiting, watching for thy gleaming
In the darkness of the night-time,
In the starless gloom of midnight;
Shining Herald of the coming
Of the kingdom of the righteous;
Teller of the Mystic story
Of the lowly birth of Godhead
In the stable of the passions,
In the manger of the mind-soul;
Silent singer of the secret
Of compassion deep and holy
To the heart with sorrow burdened,
To the soul with waiting weary:
Star of all-surpassing brightness,
Thou again dost deck the midnight;
Thou again dost cheer the wise ones
Watching in the creedal darkness,
Weary of the endless battle
With the grinding blades of error;
Tired of lifeless, useless idols,
Of the dead forms of religions;
Spent with watching for thy shining;
Thou hast ended their despairing;
Thou hast lighted up their pathway;
Thou hast brought again the old Truths
To the hearts of all thy Watchers;
To the souls of them that love thee
Thou dost speak of Joy and Gladness,
Of the peace that comes of Sorrow.
Blessed are they that can see thee,
Weary wanderers in the Night-time;
Blessed they who feel the throbbing,
In their bosoms feel the pulsing
Of a deep Love stirred within them
By the great power of thy shining.
Let us learn thy lesson truly;
Learn it faithfully and humbly;
Learn it meekly, wisely, gladly,
Ancient Star of Holy Jesus.

Author unknown

Matthew 2:21-23
Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, "A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel," which means "God is with us."

"The Lord Jesus willed to be man for our sakes. -

The incarnate Word, stepped down to earth, into the sacred womb of the Blessed Mary Virgin, for his delight was always to be with the children of men. He became a man born of this Virgin to show his love for us and then he showed us how to obey our Father in the way he obeyed his Father." - Saint Augustine.

O' Lord, I am waiting with joyful anticipation...

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Thursday

Faith by Love


1 Timothy 5:8 If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Family is where Love and Peace begins and then from this place of harmony... we are able to pass it on.


Christian faith has always been measured (in the Catholic tradition) not by miracles or wonders, but by love. Miracles alone do not a saint make. After all, Balaam's Donkey performed the wonder of speaking, but the Church never got around to canonizing it. Likewise, Caiaphas, the man who desired the execution of Christ, made the true prophecy that it was better for one man to die than for a whole nation to perish, but this hardly guaranteed his sanctity. No, the way the Church has always determined the measure of a person is by the love they demonstrate. Such love, as always, begins at home. We crawl before we walk or run. And so, before we try to save the world or be Mother Teresa, we begin by loving the people God has thrown us together with: our mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, uncle, aunt. Often, just loving these people is challenge enough for a lifetime. But caring for them is the bare minimum, the basic training ground, the place we begin. Learn our lesson well there, and we shall be able to move on to the higher lessons of love in the Kingdom. Today, make a special gesture of love to your family.
Robert Edgar Ammon

Saturday

Doncha Know...


What a power packed promise... fill our minds and meditate on the GOODNESS of ALL things and our God will bring heaven on earth...thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Philippians 4:8
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

What promises he holds for us if only we persist and immerse ourselves in all that is truth and goodness.


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Wonder Why A Closed Door?

Trust in the Lord with all your Heart...

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. Another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances. "You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?"We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him?If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school.If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering.We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places.The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you.God Bless You Always!Author Unknown

...and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5,6

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Tuesday

God Gave Us Guardian Angels...


Guardian Angels: Seek Them In Times Of Stress And Danger
By Michael H. Brown

Today (October 2) we celebrate the feast of the guardian angels and in times such as this it's important to know that they're there, they are all around, they wait for us to call on them. When it's the will of God, when it's done in the right way -- with enough prayer -- we can even ask them to do our bidding, to go on missions. Angels guard us. They can be sent to guard members of our families. They give us information. Many good thoughts originate from them, as do many of our uncanny intuitions. When something suddenly "comes" to us, when we just "know" something that turns out to be true, it's often their subtle whispering.

They inform us and guide us as they informed Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary. And they minister. When you're down or ill, when you really need something, when you're trying to discern, ask for their intercession. As we know, they even ministered to Jesus. They wait for our requests, and they're only too glad to help. Surround yourselves with them. Ask them to go before you and prepare the way. Ask their intercession in difficult circumstances. Ask them to speak to the angels guarding people you may be having problems with. If you have sorrow ask them to remove the sorrow and if you have fear ask them to remove the fear. They protect, and they radiate. I believe that when we see a "glow" around someone, it's often because they have been enveloped by an angel. It's angels who orchestrate many supernatural gifts and when we're under attack our angels can chase off dark spirits.

Call on them. Pray for them to come. Ask their intercession! Last week we repeated an account of a series of dreams in which an angel who called himself Michael and two others seemed to be ministering to me. It was in a dream, which is how they often communicate. I believe there have been other times they have dramatically intervened, as they intervene in all our lives, often without our realizing it. At times the intercession is dramatic. On September 19, 1988, I was working upstairs in my parents' home when I felt an unusual prompting to go downstairs. I always took a noon nap upstairs but I kept getting this prompting (take your nap downstairs!) . I finally did, and good thing: a fire erupted upstairs that would have probably suffocated me if I had been sleeping up there.

The more we call on angels, the more they're there. The more we pray the more we empower them. Of course, we do this all in the Name of Christ, and with the help of Our Blessed Mother -- who is Queen of Angels! They even help in what seem like "little" things. In 1994 we moved to a new house and I had to do something I had never done: plant a lawn. I didn't even know how to run a lawn mower. But with the help of my father-in-law, I went about this daunting task and at one point, when I absentmindedly left the sprinkler on so long it should have washed everything away, "someone" shut off the hose even though I was the only one home.

At the time, I was writing a book about angels!

And when the grass came up, I was astonished by how lush it was. I couldn't believe the reaction to it. It had come up perfectly, and at one point a stranger passed on the street, stopped, and smiled a smile I can still see.

Scanning the lawn, he said, "This must be because you're a Catholic author."

We had just moved into the neighborhood. I don't think I had even told the neighbors yet what I did for a living. But somehow this man knew. I never got his name. He just stopped and pointedly admired the lawn and one of us joked that I had used "Miracle-Gro. "

Actually I think it was "angel-gro." The man left for the other end of the subdivision, but in the years that followed I never saw him again...

Let us never forget to call upon our Guardian Angel...
In the morning before I start my day, I ask my angel to go before me and prepare the day and to be with my children.


Psalm 103:20
Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.



Friday

One Man's Action To Bring Healing To A Wounded World

This was sent to me today and as I viewed the video I laughed and cried at these “Free Hugs’. Ah...the joy of a hug! I thought of the Lord of the Wind and the Waves; Mark 5: 35-41. Jesus, this Savior of ours, who can do all things...he could still the mighty wave... by sending this simple hug on a ripple through out a wounded world. It could bring peace to someone, healing to another...this simple act of Love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4&mode=related&search

You are LORD God All-Powerful! No one is as loving and faithful as you are. You rule the roaring sea and calm its waves. Psalms 89:8-9

"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. " Mother Teresa

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Change The World One Thought At A Time

Peace begins with a smile. Mother Teresa

What would happen if one and all thought the word "PEACE"? Just woke up in the morning with this one thought on their mind; then image, visulize what it would be like to live in peace. Asking questions like... what would peace bring to the world; what would it be like? They could even draw pictures, seeing themselves, their friends, their loved ones living in "PEACE". Look at the wonderful colors you could put into your peaceful world, colors of laughter, health, happiness...freedom!

My thought; if I lived each day with the thought of peace... if I put that thought into action with everyone I encountered...with a kind word, a kind deed... What would happen?

Back in 1996, in the capitol city of our nation, Washington D.C. the crime rate was at an all time high; the highest in the United States. Something was tried; there was an invite to 1000 people from 100 countries in the world to come for a day of meditation and prayer, focusing thoughts to lower the crime rate by 25% in the nation’s capitol. The police chief made a statement on TV, which even in the best of days, Washington D.C.’s crime rate was never that low. Needless to say that when the day was over and they evaluated the rate for crime...it had dropped by 25%.

What would happen if WE LIVED PEACE one day at a time?

Isaiah 2: 4-5"...they beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not raise the sword against another, neither shall they learn war any more... let us walk in the Light of the Lord."

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Sunday

O' Lord...Help Me Find The Way

Come back O'Lord,

WHEN DID IT BECOME SO HOPELESS? Why is your hand not with me? I do not feel it, Come back. Please. Now come back to me. Lord God, you are my father; you are my friend. Be gentle with me, show me where I have walked away from the ideas you want me to live by; from what you want me to be.

"Because the needy and the poor groan... I will now arise." says the Lord; "I will place them in the safety for which they long." The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure... silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:5-6

Meditate...let the Psalms wash over you...become your words, your cry to our God. Pray and know he will answer... He will deliver you from the darkness of the night. Be ever watchful for the way ... you will know it in your soul. Give him praise and thanks ...

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa


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Friday

Remember... He Is Just A Breath Away

Breathe on me Breath of God...renew in me a clean spirit.

Listen to the still small voice of God, using the art of centered breathing and meditation... meditation interlaces thought, imagination, emotion and desire. By using our imagination we can create a picture of the scripture and deepen our prayers with the thoughts of the heart.

Of you my heart has said "Seek His Face!"
Psalm 27:7-9

St. Ignatius of Loyola shows us how fantasy will enhance our understanding and appreciation of Scripture. How when we see with the sight of the imagination, the villages, the synagogues and hilltops where Jesue spoke, taught and healed his people... come alive. Then using our thoughts, emotions and desires we can pray, we can talk to our Lord...and listen as He speaks his Word to us.

In the early hours of morn, God gave me a comforting message…John 20:21-22 (include 23)… Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, even so I send you.” And when he said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”

Breathe on me breath of God... draw me closer to you.

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Sunday

The Miracle of Loaves and Fishes

I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful
and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you,
and you will honor me. Psalm 50:14-15

A Thanksgiving Prayer
Oh, God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work, help me remember the jobless;
When I have a warm home help me remember the homeless;
When I'm without pain, help me to remember those who suffer;
And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and bestir my compassion.
Make me concerned enough to help by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Hear my prayer O' Lord...

Samuel F. Pugh


"Jesus said to his disciples: "My heart is moved with compassion for the crowd...' He took seven loaves and a few small fish, blessed them and distributed them. About 4,000 people ate their full." Mark 8:2-9

Oh my Lord... you are calling and I offer my thanksgivings...

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Monday

On The Wings Of A Snow White Dove...

Abba, Father,
You have written to us a love letter, the main message, that You love us so much... that You died for us and that Your love is real and you sent us this pure sweet love on the wings of your Holy Spirit

Psalm 8

The power of God's name…Praise the author of creation...

Yahweh our Lord ~ how majestic is your name throughout the world! Whoever keeps singing of your majesty higher than the heavens... even through the mouths of children, or of babes in arms...you make him a fortress ~ firm against your foes to subdue the enemy and the rebel. I look up at your heavens, shaped by your fingers, at the moon and the stars you set firm ~ what are human beings that you spare a thought for them... or the child of Adam that you care for him? You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power~ the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea... when he makes his way across the ocean. This you did for us!
Yahweh our Lord, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Glory: Both now:Alleluia

I watched this wonderful video movie..."JOSHUA"... all about a stranger who came to a small town and brought healing.
The song...
"ON THE WINGS OF A SNOW WHITE DOVE.. HE SENDS HIS PURE SWEET LOVE
SIGNS FROM ABOVE… ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE…" words and music by Bob Fergeson
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. Mother Teresa

Thursday

Confident Hope in God Restores

As I look at the news...with headlines not very encourageing...strange weather across the earth, war between Lebanon and Israel and the latest warning about the dangers of what our doctors are perscribing. I hold onto hope that God is in control... That he gives us his angels to ministers to us.

PSALM 42:1-11
As a deer pants for flowing streams... so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night,while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock:
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

God's Peace and Healing Love be with us...

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Sunday

Here I am Lord...


...I hear you calling in the night

I awoke and it was about 3 A.M… Wide awake I laid in bed as thoughts of Israel filtered through my mind. I knew God was calling me to prayer; to pray for Peace and for Israel’s safety. I reached for my Bible…

Psalm 140:1-2 Deliver us, O' Lord, from evil men; preserve us from violent men who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.

Psalms141:1- 2
God, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears—it's my voice you're hearing! Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers.

Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD —for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

Psalm 146: 1
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation...

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Tuesday

From A Mother's Heart...


…comes a love for her child that is personified by the life of Mary, the mother of God. I often meditate on this love; how she must have felt… when she held Jesus as an infant, through all the growth changes as he grew into an adult and what it was like for her as she followed Him in his ministry all the way to the Cross…and the Resurrection.
Mary…the mother of Jesus…her song of prai
se

The Magnificat

And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave;for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is His name; and His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; he has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever." Luke 1:46-55

Oh my Lord... bless and care for my children...

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Saturday

One of Hope...One of Faith

I woke in the middle of the night with these words...
*In the moment of quietness you hear the soft flutter of angel wings-
In that silent moment the very breath of God... *


Psalm 91
Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety... you are my God and I trust you.”

The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon. You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you. And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.

The LORD Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety and no terrible disasters will strike you or your home. God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms and you won’t hurt your feet on the stones. You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes.

The Lord says, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. When you are in trouble... call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. You will live a long life and see my saving power.”


"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning...Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." Psalm 130:5,6

We should pray to the angels, for they are given to us as guardians. - St. Ambrose

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Monday

God's Spirit Makes a Difference...

In my quite time this morning I read from Isaiah and found this passage truly a promise from God... My meditation became a visual image of the Spirit covering, poured out upon the earth.

God's Spirit Makes the Difference
When the Spirit is given to us from heaven…deserts will become orchards thick as fertile forests. Honesty and justice will prosper there…and justice will produce lasting peace and security.
You, the Lord’s people will live in peace, calm and secure, even if hailstones flatten forests and cities. You will have God’s blessing as you plant your crops beside streams, while your donkeys and cattle roam freely about. Isaiah 32:15-20

"Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Spirit carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men." Oswald Chambers

http://www.trustiam.com

Saturday

The Joy of Forgiveness

I find there are times I struggle with forgiveness, either for myself or for another. Like Paul, I am willing… but my flesh is weak. It’s during these times of great effort that I learn to lean upon the Lord.
Abba… I forgive …help my un-forgiveness. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...


Psalm 32:1-7
The Joy of Forgiveness…Our God you bless everyone whose sins you forgive and wipe away. You bless them by saying. “You told me your sins… without trying to hide them and now I forgive you.”
Before I confessed my sins, my bones felt limp and I groaned all day long. Night and day your hand weighed heavily on me and my strength was gone… as in the summer heat. So I confessed my sins and told them all to you. I said, “I’ll tell the Lord each of my sins.” Then you forgave me and took away my guilt.
We worship you, Lord and we should always pray whenever we find out that we have sinned. Then we won’t be swept away by a raging flood. You are our hiding place! You protect us from trouble and you put songs in our hearts… because you have saved us..
(A special psalm by David.)

Inspired from this psalm, I search my soul for sins to be forgiven and wiped away...

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." C.S. Lewis

http://www.trustiam.com

Tuesday

And on This Altar

And on this Altar…
Creating a sacred space for times of prayer and meditation was a rite I delighted in. After all, this was time I spent with my Lord. For me, I began with a cross (of cut glass, a gift from my son and his wife); I added a picture of Jesus and one of his Mother Mary along with my bible and of course candles. Another piece I like to add is flowers…then I envision myself in the garden walking and talking with God.
Now, I believe that an altar is personal that what you place on it has meaning for you… find that special small table or chest. Maybe put a mirror on the wall; that when the candles burn it creates an illuminated reflection...and then start placing on this altar...
Candles with the fragrances of incense... "to the angel was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God..."Revelations 8: 3, 4

Sunday

All Life is Sacred

Come Holy One... Hear the song of our hearts as we see with the eyes of our souls...the Glory of Your Presence in life.

Psalm 98
The LORD Works Miracles
Sing a new song to the LORD!
He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory.
The LORD has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice. God has been faithful in his love for Israel, and his saving power is seen everywhere on earth.
Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs in praise of the LORD. Make music for him on harps. Play beautiful melodies! Sound the trumpets and horns and celebrate with joyful songs for our LORD and King!
Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures, and the earth to shout with all of its people. Order the rivers to clap their hands, and all of the hills to sing together.
Let them worship the LORD!
He is coming to judge everyone on the earth, and he will be honest and fair.

http://www.trustiam.com

Tuesday

The Lord's Prayer as learned by Jesus...

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name... Matthew 6:9

"The 'Lord's Prayer' was learned by the Messiah as the 'Kadish' from the Talmud." as translated by Christian scholar, Rev. John Gregorie, is as follows...
"Our Parent which art in heaven, be gracious to us, O Lord, our God; hallowed be thy name, and let the remembrance of thee be glorified in heaven above and in the earth here below. Let thy kingdom reign over us now and forever. The holy men of old said, Remit and forgive unto all men whatsoever they have done against me. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil thing. For thine is the kingdom, and thou shalt reign in glory for ever and for evermore."

I found this interesting when I read that the "LORDS PRAYER" Jesus taught the disciples comes from the Book his Jewish children studied. This brings me even closer in spirit with Israel.
The Lords Prayer Candle can be seen at
http://www.trustiam.com

A story of life...

Many years ago, I read a story by Elie Wiesel. It was a story of an angel delivering a new soul at the moment of conception. I do not remember it word for word, but I do remember the hauntingly beautiful story of God’s love for us and of life, as we know it...begins at conception.

This is a paraphrase of that story,

Try to see in your minds eye, to image a place of such beauty where you knew you were in the very Presence of God. There is His throne in all its glory of light vector, such a splendor as never been told. Behind the throne of God, on drapes of spun gold, hang all souls that God created when He formed the world. Each soul, shining in its own brilliance, each a precious, gently flickering gem…waits to be clothed in the dust of Adams and Eves.

And as angels, heavenly messengers of God, see that it is time for these little souls to be born... they delight in this promise of life with song and dance. Then an angel tenderly removes a flickering, luminous soul from the gold hangings and begins its journey through the heavens to the womb of the mother. And on the journey, the angel tells the little soul all the secrets of the universe. That at the moment of birth all this knowledge is within the soul…

In time passing, I shared this story with a priest friend, who told me an extraordinary story of a young couple in his church. They had a new baby and when they brought him home and settled him in his crib, their little 4 year old asked if he could go in alone to see his new brother. The new parents agreed but were curious to this request, so they stood at the door and overheard their son as he approached the crib…”Quick, tell me all about God, I’m beginning to forget.”

As you contemplate Gods love, it's comforting to have a candles glow to illumine these good thoughts.

http://www.trustiam.com

Sunday

Wisdom of the Sages

Let us all become the wise women, the wise men, the sages, of this generation and be a blessing for those around us and our world.

The Story...
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," He said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone." "The Wise Woman's Stone" Author Unknown

I loved this story and want to share this bit of history with you.
The early Jewish people, not knowing the written language, memorized all 150 Psalms for part of their prayer life. They used 150 stones, one for each Psalm, rubbing them (to help bring to memory the Psalm) as they prayed out loud. This simple ritual would help draw them into a spirit of prayer, where they were encouraged to think ‘Good Thoughts’ from scripture.
Their meditation on the Psalms was giving way to a meditation on the life and mysteries of Jesus. Illuminating the events from this historical era of Jesus and relating it to the life and times of the day. Thus the rosary and other prayer beads...
Using the Christ Candle will help draw you into the spirit of prayer, the very Presence of Jesus...
http://www.trustiam.com

Saturday

The Healing Water Of Life

Most of my life I have been aware of the importance in drinking water, but never knew…really knew of the healing power it has.
Over 10 years ago I came down with pain throughout my body...had zillion of tests run on me and the doctors could not diagnosis the problem. I came to a point where I could not walk, it was hard to get out of bed and my energy was gone. In bits and pieces I started doing my own research...with the hand of God upon me... I found a good chiropractor with massage therapy... that has me back on my feet. Just a few weeks ago, I read a post on one of my networks that gave me an article by a doctor, Dr. Batamanghelidj, from this site… http://www.watercure.com/
...check it out. Another great artical...http://www.whatthebleep.com/herald14/water.shtml Then just yesterday… MSN had an article…http://health.msn.com/womenshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100135701&GT1=8199 … on water. What a reality check for me. It has been a miracle in my life… so much of the pain is gone and it comes from my water tap.

Like a desert without water… do we, our bodies, our souls not dry up? I think of the bible story of the woman of Samaria who came to Jacob’s well to draw water and met Jesus, who said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4…the whole story.

Read it while burning “The Healing Candle” with its richly scented blend of Frankincense, Myrrh and Spikenard. You can find this at http://www.trustiam.com/ …let all your senses be caught up in the Presence of this story

Thursday

Divine Mercy Novena

Divine Mercy Novena

I fly to Your Mercy, Compassionate God, Who alone is good. Although my misery is great and my offenses are many, I trust in Your Mercy because you are the God of Mercy, and it has never been heard of in all ages, nor do Heaven or Earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your Mercy has been disappointed. (State your intentions) Jesus, Friend of a lonely heart, you are my haven. You are my peace. You are my salvation. You are my serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts. Amen.

I've found these words a truly poignant, passionate cry from the heart. My belief is that a heart felt prayer to God is heard... either seasoned in our own words or the words of another. Using "The Christ Candle"...through our senses... can help bring us into the Presence of Jesus.

http://www.trustiam.com/

Wednesday

Psalm 85

Psalm 85
(From the Message Bible)
God, you smiled on your good earth! You brought good times back to Jacob! You lifted the cloud of guilt from your people; you put their sins far out of sight. You took back your sin-provoked threats; you cooled your hot, righteous anger. Help us again, God of our help; don't hold a grudge against us forever. You aren't going to keep this up, are you? Scowling and angry, year after year? Why not help us make a fresh start… a resurrection life? Then your people will laugh and sing! Show us how much you love us, God! Give us the salvation we need! I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. See how close his salvation is to those who fear him? Our country is home base for Glory! Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing. Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage.

What a beautiful prayer to pray...using "The Country Candle" to burn. Find this candle at: http://www.trustiam.com

Saturday

Learning from our neighbors...

I don't think of myself as a writer... more of an artist at heart. Discipline is a major problem when it comes to writing...but my thoughts are that 'I'm never too old to learn." So here goes...I found this an interesting read this morning, an article from The Bleeping Herald. http://www.whatthebleep.com/herald13/cuba.shtml If we have eyes to see and ears to hear… we can learn so much from our neighbors. A priest friend told me once, when I had asked some spiritual questions, he said, “When you go into a grocery store you don’t buy everything you see on the shelves, you pick and choose and leave the rest for someone else.” I try to apply this bit of wisdom to life in general, even with this article. There is a lot we can glean from what it says…take what we can use and leave the rest for others. A wonderful candle to burn is "The Jebez Candle", found at

www.trustiam.com

Thursday

The Mystery of Prayer

The Mystery of Prayer...Over the past 30 years I've been on a journey, truly seeking this "mystery of prayer"; experiencing my own walk with God and reading all I could on the different postures of "how to" pray; from a simple prayer of "Help" to the prayers of the Saints, the Desert Fathers and the Sages of all ages. On my quest into this mystery, I've come to truly believe that when my prayer is from the heart, that when I am as honest as I can be and I call upon the Holy Name of Jesus... God hears my prayer and He answers.
On my part... I need to let go, to listen, to be aware of His guidance and direction... persevere and trust in His answer. The bible is full of stories of God's people seeking His Presence in their lives... seek and you shall find.
I so enjoy having a candle lit; it helps me to maintain my prayer focus...especially if the candle has meaning through use of color, texture and richly scented fragrances from the bible. Find that special prayer candle at: www.trustiam.com

Find 'OUR TROOPS CANDLE' at TrustIAm

PEACE
By: Steven Cronin
I prayed for love and peace on earth Undying calm to ease the fear A tranquil and halcyon birth And sanctuary for those held dear I prayed for solace, peace of mind An end to war and butchery For peaceful means to show the blind To honour faith and make them see And past an age of bleak despair About this nightmare, I awoke And slowly I became aware The Lord had heard, and then He spoke And God said love, and be as one To tolerate, and turn the cheek Abide the grief, it will be gone Acquaint your will and guide the weak And God said heed your fellow man Bestow relief and fill his bowl To overcome the tyrants plan For peace shall grow within the soul

Acacia
wood was used to build the Ark of God in the Old Testament. I used this wood fragrance in"Our Troops Candle"; a symbolism of a strong healing meditation for peace , love and protection . This powerful candle is found at: www.trustiam.com

Tuesday

My profile picture

Wow, I finally figured out how to add a picture to my profile...

The help link is so helpful.

Monday

I just wanted to try another post

Wow this is really fun!!!

This is my first post

Hi Everyone, I am so excited about my new blog.