Martin Luther and Mary, Mother of Jesus

Often people who r not Catholic or Orthodox ridicule us for our views on Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  I just had this conversation with a woman who was Catholic an left to become Protestant. Wat great animosity she had for Mary....forgetting that this Mary gave us Our Savior!  ..Also forgetting the Words in Luke 1....we cannot accept Scriptures we agree with an give no value to others that dont fit our belief system. If All of Scripture is Gods Breathe, than we must believe it all including Luke 1.   Below is an article written by a previous Evangelical Christian on MARTIN LUTHER AND MARY. He has since converted to Catholicism. Til next time lets read this article and Luke 1 in The Bible an ask God Himself to clarify this issue in our minds an hearts for us that we might fully adopt His Opinion Alone on the matter.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=788

Possible Spiritual Direction with me

I have more time to devote to spiritual direction at this time....if u want to grow spiritually an would like someone to journey with ..  pray first an if u r so led by God contact me at the bottom of this blog in comments. Nothing gets published wen u write to me there. It is a personal note to me. Only i can publish comments after previewing wat has been sent. An it doesn't matter where u live because we can b in contact by email...or telephone ...once u contact me i then will pray to see if God wants me to assist u. In direction We are always free to stop at anytime we feel that it is not working out.

Praying for all those seeking Spiritual Direction that they find Gods pick for them. The saints before us all had a director...someone to help us get closer to God an listen to Him rather than do only whatever we want...

Til next time let us look at our own life an pray about seekin a gd holy director...consider ur local priests...religious...or lay people....take it to prayer an ask God...He will lead u to the right persin for u.

Order "With Open Hands" an The Value of Mass

Go to this site to see book WITH OPEN HANDS...if u click preview u can read 2 chapters online scrolling down pages...i highly recommend this book...u will never regret it...an dont forget to pray all week deeply especially for everyone who visits this blog...  i am supporting u  deeply in prayer fasting an almsgiving ...God is Great an we await miracles in our lives cause we r His Kids whom He loves sooo much!!

An try to go to Mass during the weekdays...nothing tops Mass...receiving Him cannot be topped. ..The Word made Flesh...It was His Greatest Gift to us to strengthen an gird us up to be more an more like Him...

Peaceful day an great nite sleep to all of us with Godly dreams an restorative sleep. Talk soon!  Til next time...ck out With Open Hands.

https://www.google.com/search?q=henri+nouwen+with+open+hands&oq=henri+nouwen+with+open+hands&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l2.11403j0j4&client=ms-android-metropcs-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

Mary an Elizabeth JUMP FOR JOY!

Someone gifted me this painting which is 1 of my favorites... something i would never buy for myself...very expensive...an big...i just

Picked it up framed...i hesitated because to frame it was alot of money...but i felt it was a valuable spiritual aide...an i deserved to treat myself to it.... now to figure out where to hang it.....i luv this....it captures my spirituality...wat an instrument to take me into deep ecstatic prayer with My Living Lord!!!!  Oh the hours of meditation it will provide.  Mary, a Virgin, carrying the Savior after being visited by an Angel goes to visit Elizabeth her cousin who is past child rearing years but also conceived miraculously for her age an was also visited by an Angel...John The Baptist is her son in her womb.  He who would prepare the way for Jesus. When these women met John lept for Joy in his mothers womb at the meeting of his Cousin Jesus announcing His Coming...Both women an children are ecstatic

..the title of this is JUMP FOR JOY!!!  What a gift we women have to be able to bring forth life!  I would have loved to have been a fly in the room to hear an experience their conversation....

their joy...their astonishment.......thnk You God for This Gift....thnk you Mary an Elizabeth for your contribution for the Salvation of the world an the Salvation of each of us!!!

Til next time ck out this beautiful picture!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/172836474/jump-for-joy-mary-and-elizabeth-on

Tradition ,Church an Bible not solo Scriptura

Just had this discussion with a friend an decided to post about it. This topic confuses many....Solo Scriptura(meaning only what is in The Bible) isnt spoken of in The Bible...an there was no Bible til after around 400 ad wen The Catholic Church compiled The Old an New Testaments into wat we call The Bible today. Before that much was taught person to person by Tradition...400 yrs...a long time...an so this is why The Catholic Church does not preach solo Scriptura but Tradition an Scripture...if one researches the early church  mothers an fathers from Christ til 400 ad one finds in their writings many direction correlations to wat we celebrate an believe in the Mass as Catholics today.  One famous early church Father was St Justin Martyr. ..look him up

Here is an article that is quite elaborate... u may b interested some day to read an understand why catholics believe this way...fyi

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/a-quick-ten-step-refutation-of-sola-scriptura

Til next time lets look up the early church fathers an mothers...

Catholic Daily Devotional

The best daily devotional that is Catholic is from Presentation Ministries. You can get them mailed to your house every 3 months or you can go online to read them daily ... sent to your email here's the information in case it's something you would like to try. It is free....donations accepted i included a sample for u to see. Everyday includes the readings from Mass for that day an the saint for the day plus a reflection.  Try it...til next time happy reading.

www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

No bullying...an Coming Home

I was thinking about wen a person said to me they had a lump in their stomach wen thinking of a spouse's reaction to them taking their children to church....it hurts me to hear this because that means they r afraid of their husband an cant just reason an dialogue with him. I know this too well ...intimidation on behalf of machismo runs in my family line...we need to disown this!!  No man is smarter or better than we r ....an God does not want us ever to live under their bullying.....we must work on this because we r Gods women an dont have to answer to any human person... just Our God has to approve us..... As we overcome this our daughters will learn it an hopefully never suffer wat we have suffered. God is calling our children an our families home to Him an it will happen thru our faithful return to The Holy Roman Catholic Church.  Dont b distracted to look left or rt...eyes on Jesus Alone. An b reminded God is a jealous God an asks us to get everyone an everything off the Throne an put God back there. B alert an cautious because as u try to return to the Church an Its Sacraments every possible distraction will come to try an stop u. Let nothing get in ur way.  Ur greatest achievements lie in front of u...u will be doing great things u never imagined!!  Watch an wait!  This evolution is going to b so beautiful to see ...i promise!!  An the lump in the stomach should be there only wen we an our children r denied our rightful knowing an loving of Our Most Marvelous God! Wen we have done something wrong an offended so Great a Father in Heaven.

This song is perfect for the day we go to confession...wen we look at ourselves an finally realize Jesus new wat He was doing wen He left us Confession...the first step to coming Home!!
When God Ran
www.google.com/search?q=utube+wen+god+ran&oq=utube+wen+god+ran&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.6539j0j4&client=ms-android-metropcs-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

Til next time...read about The Prodigal Son in The Bible...which son r we?....peace

Always Hope awaiting Jesus Return!

Look for the Whole Truth to bring Light to every situation...God will give that to us if we seek it sincerely...
two things i believe may be gd for us to work on in all our relationships:  never assume we no why someone does something...that is judgement an only God knows others' entire situation an make up an reasons for doing things. We must ALWAYS GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT!!!  ALWAYS if we want to become saints.  ....  and we need to work on forgiving our enemies....we need to forgive if we want to continue to find True Peace an become more an more like Christ.

 This week was the feast of St Peter and Paul ...two examples of the worst of sinners.. 1 who killed Christians because they believed in Jesus Christ and lived the different way and the other who denied him three times after being with him day and night ..night and day and who when he walked on the water had so little faith he fell beneath the waves with Christ right in front of him. This example shows us that no person is beyond Redemption and that there's always hope and we're supposed to believe and Hope because that's what Love does from 1st Corinthians... it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never fails.  If we are foolish then God will reveal it to us ... we understand better the sinfulness an the brokenness and the ugliness and the demonic influence everywhere it is to be found by God's Grace we know but we cannot abandon people who have come to us and so we love on them hoping beyond hope.. praying ,fasting and giving arms that they can be saved in whatever capacity God Himself will do it in whatever way He knows how ..little by little, inch by inch our job is to just continue to have Compassion and Love on His people speaking truth ..gently ,gingerly and continuing to point them towards Gods Altar !

The woman who brings me Holy Communion every day because I cannot get to Mass daily with caring for my Mom at home ... she was going for some tests today at the hospital and I asked her how do you do this and not be really anxious and nervous ?and her answer was delightful:
" Angie I don't care ...I'm just waiting for the Big Guy" and she pointed up toward Heaven...she had a smile ear-to-ear ...an then my reply... "me too Debbie me too" ..I so look forward to seeing Our Lord...just like the words we say at every mass "as we wait in Joyful Hope for the coming of Our Savior Jesus Christ!"  ..an in the Light of that...all this stuff in this world is trivial!!!  Lets chew on those words from ur elder women in faith...delightful...just delightful!!

Til next time...lets  look up toward Heaven this week...an wink at Jesus ...letting Him know we cant wait to finally see Him Face to face one day...not wishing for death but waiting on our appointed time to finally go Home...remember we r pilgrims...just passing thru...sojourners...on our way Home.....MARANATHA !!  COME LORD JESUS, COME!!!

I love you all and I'm deeply proud of your hard work with the Lord and your interior work. Keep going ...Eyes On Jesus!!... let nothing distract you to the left or to the right. So proud to call you my true brothers an sisters!  And remember ,we want no one to burn in hell forever and hell Is Real and if we can separate and detach, especially from our family, and recognize that they are not just blood relation, but they are daughters and sons of God... true brothers and sisters in the Lord ...we can look at them differently... treat them differently, especially when they are in serious sin.  Even if we have been very hurt by them and this be a painful process , be at peace. God may need others to minister to them ...we go forward but remember we must forgive. Lets work on that... Forgiving those who injure us...an forgive me for being so straightforward but our job is to become Saints and that's hard work...BECOME THE SAINT GOD CREATED U TO BE!!!  Til next time...God Bless!

a few thougts....

Just a few thoughts....

1.  Padre Pio was a priest who has been made a saint by the Catholic Church....he suffered the stigmata (wounds of Christ)....had gifts like bi location....healing...reading of souls...the list goes on and on...He promised he would not enter heaven until all his spiritual children arrived...i often visit his statue at a Benedictine Monastery where i go weekly to pray and i wink and remind him, please don't enter until i get there...i asked him to adopt me as one of his spiritual children a long time ago..He is a marvelous father figure....go to this site to learn more about him...He lived during our lifetime...

https://www.ewtn.com/padrepio/

2.  We often worry about what we would do if someone we love dies...one that supports and cares for us....remember ..God is the Only One we have to have...others are helpful, but God is the Only One we can't live without....He is a Faithful Shield and Buckler....and Ever Present Help in times of trouble...Let's Trust God more...

3.  Listen to one of my favorite songs,"How can i keep from singing" by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman.  The ending of the video has powerful words that i luv...enjoy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh_8rTBpvRU

4.  Listen to The Father's Love Letter....Words from the Bible...a letter from God to us...enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJvqmhGs1Y8

Let's continue to stay very close to God....to chase Him...reviewing  some of the older blogs and renew our commitment to keeping Him in First Place in our lives....my time is very limited to be able to blog...so wen i catch a moment...i write...forgive me that it is short and not too deep...caring for my 94 yr old Mom takes all my time...plz pray for us....and i promise to continue praying for you daily. 

til next time...ang

Long time no blog....

i am very sorry....i have not been available to write....My 94 yr old Mom was in the hospital and rehab again and is now home and requires much of my time and attention.  But i was able to sneak away for a bit to share some things with you...

First i wanted to share information about the Daily TV Mass every day on the computer...this is a half hour Mass each day that we can listen to and pray with.  just google Daily TV Mass....This past Monday they had a sermon that was unbelievable on judgment...... go to 8 minutes in and you can listen to just the sermone on the link below...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pV9dIHWUys

i also wanted to share with you about One Bread, One Body(OBOB)...a daily devotional...one page to read for each day of the yr.  They have a hard copy to read that can be mailed to you in booklet form every 3 months or you can sign up to read it online...below is a reading that touched me deeply so i included it for us to review and on that same link you can find info on ordering these resources which i highly recommend.

http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

Watch this song......"Grace God You" by Mercy Me...i expect we all will be singing and dancing with it by the 3rd time we watch it...enjoy!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtiUjNT_vAM

Do not worry about anything.....read this...
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=6/23/2018

Try to read from Give Us This Day...Monday June 25, 2008 reflection...'Consider the Merits'

https://giveusthisday.org/Preview

Sirach 30:21-25
DO NOT GIVE IN TO SADNESS, OR TORMENT YOURSELF DELIBERATELY.  GLADNESS OF HEART IS THE VERY LIFE OF A PERSON AND CHEERFULNESS PROLONGS HIS DAYS.  DISTRACT YOURSELF AND RENEW YOUR COURAGE, DRIVE RESENTMENT FAR AWAY FROM YOU; for GRIEF HAS KILLED MANY, AND NOTHING IS TO BE GAINED  FROM RESENTMENT.  ENVY AND ANGER SHORTEN ONE'S DAYS AND ANXIETY BRINGS ON PREMATURE OLD AGE.  THOSE WHO ARE CHEERFUL AND MERRY AT TABLE BENEFIT FROM THEIR FOOD.

Well these are a few things God has given me over these weeks....hope they help....til next time....prayers...ang

prayer request...

Plz join me in keeping my oldest brother in prayer, fasting and alms giving....he is having a heart procedure tomorrow.  thanks....

til next time let us read Is 53 in its entirety...focusing on
"By His Stripes we were healed!"

"BY JESUS' PRECIOUS STRIPES MY BROTHER IS HEALED AND MADE WHOLE..."

"Your King does not sleep or slumber!"

i wrote a few texts today...and thought i would share some of the words with you in the hope that it may be just what you might need at this time in your life.  i ask your forgiveness in not being consistent in my writing on this blog.  i have brought my 94 yr. old Mom home from a 4 and a half month run with hospital and rehabs.  My hands are very full in service at this time.  Plz keep us in prayer and i promise to continue to keep you in mine.  Don't be afraid to go back and start from the first blog and re-read them.  There are lots of good writings and information and hopefully as things slow down a bit, i will be able to write more often and more regularly. 

"My heart and my deepest prayers r with u all at his most difficult time in your lives. Plz try to remember that you are very strong and courageous individuals an have endured many many trials in the past and have always come thru.  Though your knees may feel weak at times remember that the same blood that brought your parents thru many trials runs thru your own veins too.  You are warriors whose armors may be dented and scratched by life's wear, but are totally uncompromised and perfectly intact to again protect you thru this all.  And greater than that is:   your King does not sleep or slumber.  Again God calls you to honor and serve your parents...the only commandment that comes with a great promise.  Kindness to a parent will not go unrewarded.  Plz try to be peaceful and strong for them and extremely patient with yourself.  Yet it may be your turn to be served and cared for.  If so, give others that opportunity because as you know from your own life experience, Service is a beautiful school that teaches all of us things we could never learn from a teacher or from a book.  i promise you my deepest prayers trusting in the simplest of prayers:  Jesus be your Doctor, Mary be your nurse and Good St. Joseph hold your hand now and always.  And may Our Lady keep you and your families tucked tightly in her Motherly Mantel warm and safe...strong and prayerful now and always as only a Good Mother would.   And if you are the primary caregiver, take very good care of yourself.  If i can help you in any way, plz don't hesitate to send me a note.  "

til next time...lets re-read an older blog from this site....ang

a quick note....

i recently was sharing with someone....and thought i should post this:

Nothing worthwhile happens overnight.  Much brokenness needs alot of time to heal in us and in others.  All our prayers are being answered regardless if you do not see them, understand them, or if they do not turn out exactly as we thought.  God truly knows best!  Those of us chasing God r already far on our journey and though our body belongs here on earth...our heart belongs to Jesus!!!...we just need to keep walking with Him...chasing Him...never looking left or rt...eyes on Christ alone...Jesus...then all is and will continue to be well...And remember we  r safe and no one will ever be able to hurt us like in the past ever again because of the deep God Work you have begun. All Praise goes only to Him.

hoping some word or two may be of help to you today....til next time....let's read psalm 121...be assured of my continued prayers....and plz remember me in yours!  ang

HE IS ALIVE!

Billy Graham passed away recently.  In an interview many years ago he said,
     "One day the newspapers will have a headline which will read,'Billy Graham is dead'. 
     Don't you believe it!  At that moment i will be more alive at that moment than
     ever before in my life here on earth!"

This is what we are celebrating.....Jesus' Resurrection from the dead...Any man could have died....but to rise again?....that is the proof we needed that Jesus was Who He said He was!...

As we remember all those who have died....remember Billy's words....remember Christ....for even though one should die....they will live forever!  Heaven is real...God is Love and Mercy beyond our wildest imagining.   Trust in Him....

Blessed Easter....if time allows i will ellaborate more on this Holy Resurrection Event.....til next time....sit at the tomb and await His Resurrection!...hugs, ang

The Greatest Love Affair....

This week....This Holy Week is the story of The Greatest Love Affair known to man.  It is a dance...a meditation....a deep interior ecstasy that exceeds all others.  Many preach on the existence of Heaven and Hell this week....but i am so moved to go way beyond that reality....This is the week that reminds us of the Love beyond all Loves....beyond all passionate loves in this world...spousal love....sibling love...parental love....fraternal love....take all the loving for all time among people...add to it the most beautiful, most passionate, delicious, joyful, happy things and experiences in this world that ever happened, multiply it by a billion and it does not touch the Love God has for YOU.....the Love God has for me!  You see God sent Jesus to take on our sins....to offer Himself as a Sacrifice that Heaven's Doors might be open to all who choose to walk with Him and aspire to be like Him.  Do not let this week slide by like the others....it is good for us to walk this week in deep holiness and prayer.  The Catholic Church has marvelous Masses and Services all week long that help us to journey thru this week.  Easter is not about food....it is not about family gatherings...it is not about a bunny....Easter is God....Jesus Christ....Who really loves us!....give more time to God this week than any other preparation....than all the shopping....than all the people....There is no sin in the other things....and most are very wholesome....but if they are the focus of this week, then yes there is sin....because God deserves our undivided attention....and then we can bring Him to all the other things we do this week.

Sunday was Palm Sunday....we celebrated the Triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem...then solemnly readed the Passion of Our Lord to begin the Solemn Week....Last night at all Catholic Churches the Holy Thursday celebration of The Lord's Last Supper was celebrated.  Three gifts were given on Holy Thursday....The Gift of Jesus washing the feet of His Followers....teaching us that Service and Love need to be the center of our lives following His Example....become the servant of all!...Second is the gift of His Body and Blood in Holy Communion, also referred to as The Eucharist.  Without reception of Holy Communion one cannot Love fully...every time we take in Jesus in This Gift, we become a little more like Him...We need this Divine Food to continue to grow and go Higher......At the end of Mass was a procession with the Consecrated Hosts and they are brought to another altar, beautifully decorated that we might adore Him til midnight.  All Catholic Churches were opened for prayer til midnight last night.  and finally is the gift of Priesthood...."Do this in remembrance of me!"...a command...a calling forth  of Apostolic Succession....meaning to be a priest is not to be an administrator, although he may be good at that, or a counselor....and he still might be good at that....many have forgotten that without the priest, we cannot have Holy Communion...This is the primary role, focus, value of a Priest's Life...TO BRING US JESUS....IN THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR!  We must pray for priests...those who have ministered sacraments to us, those who have spiritually directed us, those who have prayed for us, those who have no one to pray for them, those who have lost their first Love, those who are lost, those who have died, those who are sick, those who have been so very faithful....every last one of them past, present and future....The symbolism this week at our Masses and Services are beyond compare.  Incense, colors of vestments and altar cloths, covers on statues, candles, crosses, processions, ...wow...the list is endless....and each year it becomes more beautiful as we grow and understand and notice things we missed the years before. It is during this week that the Mass of Chrism, when the Bishop meets with all His Priests and they bless all the Sacred Oils....Oil of Baptism, Oil of Confirmation...Oil of the Sick...Oil for Ordination....and then all the  Oils are then sent to all the parishes for use on the faithful in the coming year.  a Glorious Week....of Holy Events.

For those who have missed up til now....Wake up!!!...Start now....get to a Good Friday Service today...it is the only day we do not have Mass.  The Hosts that were Consecrated last night will be distributed in Holy Communion today...and today we will venerate...kiss, bow, kneel before the Cross remembering what Jesus did for each one of us....More important than bowing with our bodies is to bow deep in the recesses of our being....bow to our Maker...bow....show reverence,,,Love ....Respect....Adoration....Gratitude....get to a service today...and pay close attention to all the details....i won't share more on today's service....you must go to see for yourself!

Remember if you cannot attend due to illness or care giving, or another legitimate reason, put on EWTN....on the TV...or look online and find when they will have their services...and watch and pray from home if necessary.  This is a gift to the sick and home bound....but remember it surely does not equal the experience of  being there in attendance live....experiencing the sights and sounds and fragrances in the church.

i pray we all will have the best Holy Week of our lives...i pray we will devote great time and attention...prayer and deep meditation to God....Jesus His Son....We never know...this may be our last Holy Week...surely if we won't have this opportunity again, we would want this week to be our best ever.

Be assured of my continued prayers....please pray for me.  Take note i have brought my 94 yrs. old Mom home after a 4 and a half month run in hospitals and rehab and as her care giver, my hands are full right now.  i therefore do not have much time to write...please forgive me...and know i will try to write more often ....til next time...celebrate these days in church...celebrate them differently than ever before....hugs, ang

A HOLY AND FRUITFUL LIFE CHANGING HOLY WEEK TO ALL OF US!

"A PRICELESS DIGNITY AND VALUE"

"IF WE HAD THE VISION OF FAITH, WE WOULD SEE BENEATH EVERY BEHAVIOR--NO MATTER HOW REPULSIVE--BENEATH EVERY BODILY APPEARANCE--NO MATTER HOW DIRTY OR DEFORMED--A PRICELESS DIGNITY AND VALUE THAT MAKES ALL MATERIAL FACTS AND SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES FADE INTO INSIGNIFICANCE.
                                                                   
                                                            ---FR. DANIEL EGAN

nothing to add to such a powerful statement...til next time....we meditate on Fr. Daniel's quote and hopefully allow it to bring deep interior change to our lives and the way we live!  ang

"POSITIVELY PRECIOUS!"

i started to read a women's devotional to my Mom tonight and the title says it all....POSITIVELY PRECIOUS!....that is what each of us are in the Eyes of God...a Treasure....positively precious!...not much to add to those great words...

Take time to absorb this concept...everyone in this world gives us limited acceptance and love...it is all we know.....but God Himself says something different...you and i are POSITIVELY PRECIOUS...

That does not give us freedom to live and continue to do wrong....to continue in sinful ways without consequence...but it is the absolute starting point for a deep intimate relationship with God...to know that He really just Loves us...and thinks we are really someone special!

Let's take some time to read some of these Scriptures and soak them in...maybe one a day....and as we learn our value, we then will look and treat everyone we meet with that same look of Love and Preciousness we have received.  ...even those who are masked in  illness...hatred....anger....grumpiness...complaining...etc.  There is only one way the world will change...when i start with myself....learning my own value and soaking in the Love of God and then being able to share that Treasure with others.  Be transformed and you will help transform others...especially those in your own circle who are broken....lost....ill....young or old....clear minded or tormented....and remember....We never give up on anyone..Never......Scripture says.." never give up on your own..."....no matter how tired you get.... no matter how much you sacrifice....it is always worth doing the right things....and investing in your own relationship with God that then others may find God for themselves...may every soul experience "THE GLANCE OF GOD" that they may then pass on that Look of Love to everyone they come in contact with.  Praised be Jesus Christ Now and Forever!"  FRUITFUL AND LIFE CHANGING LENT TO ALL OF US!  stay prayerful....ang

1. Isaiah 43:1-2
2. Isaiah 49:16
3. John 3:16
4. Ephesians 2:10
5. Jeremiah 31:3
6. Psalm 139:13-16
7. Psalm 100
8. Romans 5:8
9. 1 John 3:1a
10. Zephaniah 3:17

Welcome India and Netherlands!

Welcome to India and the Netherlands...thank you for joining us on this blog...Please invite all your family and friends to join us...be assured of our prayers....ang

Don't be afraid to lay down your life...

The calling to do something great is always a scary thing to discern.  But remember that God is never in confusion or fear.  When in doubt ,always stand still and wait.  i promise you, if you sincerely are seeking God's Perfect Will for your life ,He will clarify things for you like never before.  You will awake and know without a shadow of a doubt of the Mission before you and you will have the courage necessary to accomplish It.  The only way to stay true is to stay on your knees in prayer....stay in very close contact with God....follow your conscience, not what you want or "have to do" as viewed by others or society....and in forgetting yourself and your own desires, keep God's Perfect Will as your only Aim or Goal.  We don't neglect ourselves, we put God First and our self care second so to be able to serve others and not run out of strength mid stream, but we always keep before our eyes the Truth of the Gospel, "NO GREATER LOVE HATH ANY MAN THAN TO LAY DOWN HIS/HER LIFE FOR A FRIEND!" John 15:13

If we are true believers, we march by A Different Drum than all the world.  No one will understand our decisions and sacrifices unless they know God's Beat fully.  We will often be looked at as failures...people with great potential who never achieved what they could have done.  Little do they know that the Choice ....the Heroic Choice and Courage we have made and been generously given by God to do, is the Exact Thing that will bring Innumerable Graces and Miracles into our lives and all the lives that we touch....because all the Credit and Honor goes to Him and Him Alone because the Call and Our Yes all come from Him!!

Look at your life...pray and ask God What is His Perfect Will for you and before you tell me...education, health, money, homes, cars, prestige are first....look around you at your circle of family and friends and insure that you are not missing the Calling to, as The Scriptures say clearly..."Don't turn your back on your own!" Is 58:7...It starts at home....It starts with people...souls...lives....invest yourself...be willing to die to some of your desires that others might live...It is very easy to send a check to a  mission....much harder to be the missionary in your own home, family, neighborhood.

i pray that the world changes...that each of us takes seriously our Lenten Walk...and tries to become more and more like Christ...."What does it matter if we gain the whole world and lose our soul in the process!" Mark 8:36...Follow your conscience...be willing to go so deep with God that all those around you are touched by your words, example and even your meer presence because of your holiness.  Be a God Chaser....and become the saint you were created to be!

a fruitful and life changing Lent to all of us!

til next time...find the charity in your own "home" and family that you can tithe to...  in your time, talent and treasure....don't be afraid to be generous....sacrificial....and deeply passionate in your giving.  you will never regret it!

All the countries visiting this blog!

AUSTRALIA, ROMANIA, MACAO, MOROCCO, US VIRGIN ISLES, UKRAINE QATAR, KYRGYZSTAN, SINGAPORE, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, RUSSIA, MEXICO, CAMBODIA, THAILAND, TAIWAN, CHILE, PORTUGAL, S. AFRICA, INDONESIA, SPAIN, SERBIA, TURKMENISTAN, PAKISTAN, BRAZIL, FRANCE, ECUADOR, HONDURAS, GREECE,CANADA, GERMANY, POLAND, KENYA, USA,

Let us celebrate the Love of God that reaches all over the world....the newsroom will never cover a story like this.  A simple woman starts a simple blog to encourage people to chase God....to look for The Glance of God ....to become the saints we were created to be.....and without pomp....art....pictures....without having computer knowledge...it reaches all these countries....that is God!...it is Only Him!  That is how Big Our God is!  Imagine what a wonderful time it is to live when we can post something about God and it can go all over the world in seconds...

Invite some friends and family to visit....God bless...Fruitful and life changing Lent to all of us!  ang

Welcome Honduras! Bienvenido Honduras!

Welcome Honduras!  Thank you for joining us!  Invite your family and friends to visit our blog!  May God be praised, adored and loved!


Bienvenido Honduras! ¡Gracias por estar con nosotros! ¡Invita a tus familiares y amigos a visitar nuestro blog! ¡Que Dios sea alabado, adorado y amado!

Welcome Greece! Καλωσορίστε την Ελλάδα Kalosoríste tin Elláda

Our God never ceases to amaze me.  Greece is all the way around the world and you join us on our blog!  Welcome...and please invite all your family and friends to join us!  Praised be Jesus Christ!

Ο Θεός μας δεν παύει ποτέ να με εκπλήσσει. Η Ελλάδα είναι όλος ο κόσμος και μπείτε μαζί μας στο blog μας! Καλώς ήρθατε ... και παρακαλώ καλέστε όλη την οικογένεια και τους φίλους σας να έρθουν μαζί μας! Εξυπηρέθηκε ο Ιησούς Χριστός!

O Theós mas den pávei poté na me ekplíssei. I Elláda eínai ólos o kósmos kai beíte mazí mas sto blog mas! Kalós írthate ... kai parakaló kaléste óli tin oikogéneia kai tous fílous sas na érthoun mazí mas! Exypiréthike o Iisoús Christós!

His Gaze...

His Gaze....Gazing goes in two directions....Silence allows us to experience the Marvelous Gaze of God....His Looking upon us in a Love never experienced on this earth....not even from the accumulation of all those who love us most in this world ...nothing can come close to This....When one has experienced God's Unconditional Love....meaning...Love we do nothing to deserve....and it does not matter where we are in our walk...His Love just is...period!  Never stops....never diminishes...

And then our gaze on Him....to just take in His Majesty....Our Creator...Our Love.......

And when we sit in His Gaze and are gazing.....it is a time of adoring....Loving....thanking....digesting....Receiving....giving...dancing...singing...Healing....
Understanding...Growing.......(the list is endless.....take time to add your own to this list)

til next time....meditate on His Gaze....The Glance of God....and stay with It .....and like St. Mary His Mother, ponder....ponder....soak It All in...and gaze back on The One and Only!!! and you will  be changed forever....

be patient with the evolving process....it takes a long time for growing deeply....change and new things are never easy...but ,"WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THRU CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US!"....

be assured of my prayers....and let's join in praying for all who are part of this blog....ang

Welcome Kenya! "Karibu Kenya!

What a blessing to have you join us from Kenya.  Oh how beautiful it is when brethren dwell in unity!  Please invite your family and friends to join us here also.  All are welcome!  Be assured of my continued prayers!  angie

Ni baraka gani wewe kujiunga na sisi kutoka Kenya. Oo ni nzuri sana wakati ndugu wanaishi katika umoja! Tafadhali waalike familia yako na marafiki kujiunga nasi pia. Wote wanakaribishwa! Uwe na uhakika wa maombi yangu ya kuendelea! angie

Do Not Judge...

We must never judge.....a very hard thing to put into practice....the Word of God is clear in Mt 7:1-5:

“Stop judging, that you may not be judged.2For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.3Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?5You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.
1
i was watching a religious show last night and they had an author talking about her book about clutter.  They labeled people who clutter with so many sins it was very sad.  

As i have journeyed, i have learned much and supported many.  How easy it is to say or imply with looks of disgrace and shame to someone who has clutter that there is no reason for that.  Let me give you just a few reasons i have found over the yrs....homelessness, marriage problems, domestic violence, caring for elderly parents, abuse, disabled children, financial difficulties, job issues, divorce or separation, illness, disabilities, death...etc....the list is endless and we all fall into a catagory.  i use this example because most of us have experienced this with ourselves to some degree or others.  

The Love of Jesus Christ is beyond anything we could ever imagine.  Healing....Growth....Evolving happens slowly over an entire lifetime and just because we may not understand or know the whys behind someone's behavior, we better be cautious in listening to our own opinions about others, for we never know what someone is living with until we have lived it ourselves.  

This show cut deep and made me very sad to know that people in my own religion had such legalistic approaches to life.  Yes someone with clutter might have an opportunity to grow with time management....being less materialistic....sharing what they have....or even asking others for help, but we have no right to tell another there is a weak area of sin when we never have the full picture.  God will mercifully reach out and help them discover over time whatever they need to know and how to promote their own healing.  All we need to do is pray....and God will show up in a Big Way...and also send His Workers who really know how to Love someone thru to assist.  

Maybe next time we see a mess, we can easily ask how we can serve....if visiting and they are washing their dishes, pick up the towel and dry....if they are folding laundry, offer a hand....if they are alone, offer to baby sit....bring a meal....i have been very fortunate to have a dear friend for many years who taught me first hand what it is to Love someone thru without judgment ...Her name is Estelle.  Estelle served me, my son and my parents with the Love of Jesus Christ for many years after my husband left.  More than any family or friend, this woman reached out and nurtured us thru the hardest of times.  

Our prayer is that we could become an Estelle for someone else.  That we might look for extraordinary ways to Love everyone and help them thru.  We all need someone to help us at various times of our lives.

til next time....let's look for someone we have judged as less than and reach out a Loving helping hand instead....eventually we will all realize that we are all the same....we change this world one soul...one person at a time and it starts with me!  

FRUITFUL AND LIFE CHANGING LENT TO ALL!  ang

Lent: STOP, BE SILENT AND LISTEN

Mt 6:6

"But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

Today we begin the beautiful new season of Lent.  A time to grow....a time to spend in the Warm and Replenishing Light of Jesus in prayer...The Lord gave his Disciples instruction to go out to all the world and that is our calling, but we must first learn at the Feet of the Master...and so this time....we must walk with Jesus thru His Teachings...Miracles...Prayer...and watch, listen and learn from Him.  We can never go out to teach...or talk...or do ...unless we have learned...loved...listened...and spent time with Jesus alone.  And so prayer is the place to start....not with our demands...requests and everything we deem important, but in silence with gratitude....silence to listen and learn....Fr. Isaiah Powers recommends we sit for 15 minutes in silence reminding ourselves if we get distracted that, "This is God's Time".  This is deep heart and soul work....to let His Majesty lead us....instead of us doing the leading....to stop thinking with our limited resources and let God do the thinking, arranging, instructing, healing and leading in us...and thru us He will be able to do great things...but first we stop....be silent and listen...

i pray we all have a fruitful,  life changing Lent....and may it begin like all things should start, in deep silence with Our Creator....listening and learning from the Best!  Then and only then will we be ready to hear the Commission  in Mark 16:15 at Easter time....and be able to act on it!

  “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."

til next time....Here are some resources to help us go deeper....
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https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/category/seasons/lent/40-day-challenge/?inf_contact_key=6b15c313f2657834b5218f2610e55de6207d1570e9af13dd050ff171616f8622

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/season-of-lent-40-ideas-to-get-the-most-out-of-it/?inf_contact_key=25d4b2d34f398c04b474664986c0ad10cdf3f9d1b006fb304e39c1e8aa3328d6

http://thereasonforourhope.org/

https://breadforspirit.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/chapter-33-necessary-care-of-oneself/

https://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever

A Beautiful Experience in a different church!

This week i was asked to sing at the cemetery for the burial of my dear Greek neighbors' Mother.  i had the awesome privilege to attend the service at the local Greek Orthodox Church.  As everyone entered there was alot of talking by the normal parishioners.  They had become very accustomed to their environment as in every church, but for me, it was a deeply Heavenly Experience.  i was speechless and wanted to be silent and take it all in.  The Artwork and Icons were so gorgeous ...the environment invited one to a deep religious experience.  Their traditions and use of Icons and Incense and the beautiful chanting of the entire service was breathtaking.  It is important for us to take in the visual at churches and experience other Praying Spaces so that when we are in our own, we won't take it all for granted.  Who knew that going to serve my friends i would be so deeply touched.  This experience reminded me of everything i believe in....the Mystery  and Majesty behind Our God.  If you have never visited a Catholic Orthodox Church...they exist...they do the Eastern Rite but are under the Pope.  Look up Melkite Catholic Church....Coptic Catholic Church....Eastern Rite Catholic Church......you will find one close to you....and go and visit .  i guarantee the environment will be very conducive to deep meditative prayer....it will be a very beautiful addition to your collection of Beautiful Images of God and His Saints that can be very helpful in trying to raise your heart, mind and soul to God in prayer...Also find out if you have any local monasteries that you can visit and pray in.... Nurture your soul....chase God....and let all the senses be reminded that HE IS REAL...AND HE LOVES US!

til next time....visit a new church or monastery....and let your faith experience rise higher...an bring back the New Spark you experience to your own congregation....ang

rejection..forgiveness and mercy...

Rejection....all forms, but especially from a parent brings with it a psychic pain that can also be felt almost physically by some.  And it becomes worse as one tries to reach out and continues to be rejected.  My son Joe believes,"It takes practice until one day you don't even think about them anymore."  This is where a person needs to be girded and surrounded by God by someone praying for them regularly.

Often as they find God, the rejected, often want to open the door to forgiveness and mercy and want to accomplish these great tasks in life while alive.  But often this forgiveness is not accepted or a relationship is just not wanted.  My son also stated, "It is not worth doing the forgiveness process if it hurts you in the end."

My reply to so many who have asked me about this is.......forgiveness and mercy does not mean that you have to like someone or be with someone or even be in contact with someone.  It's about telling God you wish to obey Him and you ask HIM to work through you to help you deep in your heart to forgive your enemy....and my way of reconciling is to just pray for them and God takes care of the rest.  Remember we are human, not Divine.  If you don't have the capacity for mercy that's when you pray and in time God will give you the capacity for mercy.

God rarely uses family to touch an heal family.  He sends others to do that work...just pray for your enemies by handing them to God...Our Lady...just once...and then tell God to always include them in your prayers and good works daily even if not mentioned...and you will have clearly fulfilled your obligation to forgive. And then over time...watch how God works....watch how you grow...and they grow...one never knows where all this can lead...

"TO WHOM THE LORD SETS FREE, HE SETS FREE INDEED!"  from Scriptures....Be Free....Be Free in Jesus' Name!!..stop trying to be all to all and let God be that....gifted ones often take on all this responsibility that is not theirs....Jesus is the Savior...not us...we point people to Him, but they are responsible to chase Him for themselves....throw your seeds and let God send others to fertilize...till...and water and weed...unless He chooses to do it Himself......and remember, you are not your family's counselor or spiritual director or life coach...they need to go elsewhere for their help...God first, you second in self care...everyone else after that.

Be kind to yourself today....say no when something is too much...
don't answer any call or text you can't take on today...take a nap...eat well....do something just for you...ask God what you should do every step of the way today....and do what He tells you.  Chances are His List for today is definitely shorter than yours....i am taking my own advice here...

NOTHING WE ARE UP AGAINST TODAY IS BIGGER THAN OUR GOD....NOTHING!!! .....EYES ON JESUS!

THERE'S NOTHING IMPORTANT TODAY EXCEPT WALKING CLOSE WITH CHRIST FOR WE DO NOT KNOW THE MOMENT OR THE HOUR THAT HE WILL CALL US HOME TO HIMSELF...NOTHING IS URGENT OR PRESSING EXCEPT LOVING AND OBEYING GOD.

God will guide you...be silent...be still and listen and wait on HIM!

Praying for you....til next time let's forgive....and pray for those suffering great pain from rejection and abuse especially from parents......ang

Our need for others' prayers....

This morning i contacted a close nit group of my friends/ people i know who really love God and take seriously prayer.  i asked to be girded with an undercurrent of prayer on an ongoing basis because of the responsibilities i carry.

We, as the body of Christ, must never underestimate the Power of Prayer...when we desire to help others and cannot physically get involved, we can do something even better....commit to pray for them...even fast and give alms in their name on a daily basis for their situations...many times we are prideful and won't ask for help, or we just don't think of it.  Imagine the breakthroughs we would all have if we had a group of prayer warriors holding up our arms like Aaron and Hur did for Moses. 

Here are pictures of this Bible story:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Joshua+holding+up+moses+arms+catholic+scripture&safe=strict&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOz5W23dLYAhUNn1MKHal4C6sQsAQILA&biw=1366&bih=662

Here is the story for you to understand...In a war, when Moses kept his arms raised the Israelites would be successful in battle...when Moses got tired and rested his arms, they did not do well....so Aaron and Hur held up Moses arms even when he could no longer lift them...and because of their help, the Israelites won the battle....in the same way we need people to hold our arms up in our journeys so that we can succeed....

http://www.usccb.org/bible/exodus/17

let's take some time to meditate on this Scripture passage....and til next time, maybe we can all ask one person to commit to pray for us on a daily basis...and hold up our arms....be assured of my continued prayers for you....and plz remember me in yours...ang. 

"Let them see You in me"

Follow up to yesterday's blog....meditate on this song...."LET THEM SEE YOU IN ME"
til next time....it is still Christmas....Epiphany is Sunday ....continue to celebrate...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg-1JjAdGk

Become a "fragrant aroma"

When people meet us....who do they say we resemble...not physically....but personality...character...what kind of light comes forth from our eyes...is it limited superficial light of this world....or is there Something deeper?...

Each of us needs to take inventory every so often...we need to look at who or what is our source we go to when our well is dry....is it a finite source...or do we go The Source...Our Living God...that is Infinite and never uses up all Its Resources???

It is very easy to pick out those people who fill up at the Fountain of Life....they carry a Light not found in this world....people gravitate to them when searching for Truth....they say Beautiful Loving things...they Look at you in the eye and bring out the best in you....their actions reflect Love....one wants What these special people have...

The great thing is this Light is available to everyone....anyone can have it for the asking....so ask...seek and knock...beg God....spend time with Him....be silent and listen to His Beautiful Calming Voice...and resemble your Father in Heaven....become so beautiful from within that you can be in very casual attire..no make up....hair a mess...but you know deep in your heart that you are incredibly beautiful....and others see it in you also....a "fragrant aroma" (Eph 5) to a world that has lost its sweetness...

Here is a Scripture to meditate on:

COL 3:12-17

"Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, 
if one has a grievance against another; 
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love, 
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, 
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, 
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs 
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, 
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Let us unite with the goal of changing this world....starting with ourselves....passing it on without effort to others when it is Real and True in us....may our every thought, word, action reflect Jesus and go out to others inviting them , without need for words,  to a sincere, honest life with God.  

May we never stop asking....and as the Word of God clearly says:

Mt 7:7
7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

til next time....let's read Eph 5, Col 3, and Mt 7...in their entirety....Let's promise to become even more beautiful by deepening our walk with God!

Be blessed in 2018...ang

Returning to our first Love...

"The Gospel"...a great song about returning to our first Love....great message for the New Year...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTdFEZhjiko

hope for new year...

and a new year begins....

Too often people try to take on their life's problems in one day....January 1st....guess what??...today is no different than yesterday except that they add a year to 2017...and make is 18....

It is really important that we continue to journey thru life simply...focused...gentle with ourselves...knowing that it takes a lifetime to evolve into the full version of ourselves.  The main problem in this world is we judge ourselves and others by an unrealistic image in our minds...one society has dictated.....of course we need to change and grow or the world will never improve...and it always starts with me and my shortcomings, but how we approach this is what matters...

Life is hard....very hard...and we need to stay focused on the daily plan...which includes first and foremost deep prayer...contact with God....silence to hear Him....find what works for you...ask God to guide you to the materials...books, prayers....events that can help support and develop your relationship with Him.  We Catholics believe in having a Spiritual Director to help us in our journey...someone we can count on...go to...be reminded of God's Principles....even held accountable...it is important not to journey alone...because we can either be way too permissible with ourselves and say everything is OK and never grow....or we can be scrupulous and be the opposite extreme saying everything is wrong.....we need balance...always balance...The Catholic church has always taught, "In the middle is the virtue" "virtus in medio stat " in Latin....let's look to find someone who really knows God and has something we find extraordinary...a spiritual director can be a priest, pastor,  nun, rabbi, ...lay person....counselor....friend....they can formally have a degree in this, or they can just have experienced God deeply and are good at loving people thru........pray about this....all the saints of old had spiritual directors....this can be a great help....i do give spiritual direction....you can reach me privately in the comments below ....

Second is rest.....we need proper rest...so no matter who we care for or what needs to be done, always get the rest you need....third...exercise...let's renew our commitment to start with 20 minutes walking a day...walk 10 minutes away from your front door...and then return in 10 minutes back again.  and third....with the holidays formally over, let's eat a little better insuring we get good healthy nutrition....

Remember....God first....our self care second...and then those we are called to minister to...Without self care, we can't give to or care for others...

All these are a great jump start to a new year...and let's be very cautious with the music we listen to....the programs we watch....the people we choose to be with.....let's be sensitive to grow up our higher selves....to nurture everything as Scripture says in Phil 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things

Wherever you are....whatever you are experiencing...plz be merciful with yourself....know you are lovable and greatly loved by your Creator...know that whatever sufferings you endure today, tomorrow has new Mercies waiting...know that you can do all things, as God's Word promises, thru Christ Who strengthens you!...be reminded that Dec-January are the shortest days...and that limited daylight affects all of us, also, full moon which affects the tides affects all of us because we are 60% water and if the oceans rise and fall, so does our chemistry during these things.....so depression might be heavier now, sluggishness...feeling lost....if you feel it unbearable...if you feel at any time you want to give up, please take the initiative to reach our to a doctor, counselor, religious leader, friend and get help.  Your life is precious and you have a mission in this world...a beautiful purpose...and there are some who need medicines to help their minds, bodies and emotions work optimum.  If you encounter someone suffering like this, please get them help.  Too many lives are lost for lack of action....lack of understanding of mental illnesses....and let's reach out to those we know who suffer mentally...emotionally...they are the most misunderstood, judged, forgotten and suffering in our world...most of us have them right in our families, so don't look far...look for the ones that embarrass you...the ones that you don't like...the ones who act different....the ones we don't understand....and let you and i  grow higher by developing the compassion, patience and love that is required in reaching to these.

i pray 2018 be a year to experience more of the Living God....more True Love in our lives....improved family and friend relationships....new friends and experiences that will help us grow....and may we continue to dream the beautiful things God has placed in our hearts and  minds ....an may He help us to bring them forth.  May we know His Perfect Will for us and have the courage to carry it out. 

May Jesus, Whose Birth we celebrate this season, be adored, loved and given all the praise for every good and beautiful things ever done...past present and future!

hope for the lonely...the.sad this Christmas.......

We need something to listen to ....to pray with....to meditate on... when late night Christmas Eve comes...we feel the loneliness....loss....pain....fear....sorrow...and everyone else is sleeping...or we are alone....listen to these songs....worship God...He is Real...He loves you like no one ever will....and He came so we could be free.....you are not alone...neither am i....til next time...hugs and prayers, ang

Adore by Chris Tomlin...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br-Ql1zVcUc


A Christmas Alleluia by Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG347euXoTM


When Love is born...Marc Schultz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw

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And my 29 yr old son recommends this one for younger souls...and older ones who remember...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-kHleNYIDc

CHRISTMAS PRAYERS....BE BLESSED

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL.....HERE ARE SOME BEAUTIFUL PRAYERS....REJOICE EVERYONE...FOR JESUS CAME TO EARTH TO SAVE US ALL!!!!  GOD BLESS AND BE ASSURED OF MY CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU....

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Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle's feast day, November 30, the following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment In which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, 
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

Prayer for Christmas

(Attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in your image, may conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot image your majesty, power and wonder; nor is it fitting for us to try. But your mercy reaches from the heavens, through the clouds, to the earth below. You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of your eternal love. Caress us with your tiny hands, embrace us with your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with your soft, sweet cries.

The Pope's Christmas message:

http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=11384

Christmas Prayers:

http://www.acatholic.org/advent-christmas/christmas-prayers/

"face to the floor!"

i am extremely sorry i have not written consistently over the past 2 months.  i have been caring for my 94 yr old Mother who has been in and out of hospitals and rehab.  i just want to extend a simple line that was given back to me this weekend by a dear friend who i have supported thru colon cancer.  We only have seen each other 2-3 times but have remained in touch by phone and text and the bond we have is deep and God based.  i gave him this line 5 yrs ago and on Sat. when i called out in need for prayer for myself during this time of serving Mom in this crisis time, he sent it back to me...

"The prayer of a  believer on his/her knees is invincible!"

i went further than that.....face to the ground.....when we prostrate before the Living God...His Majesty, miracles happen!

Whatever you are confronted with....return to your knees....lie face to the floor and beg God for help....and remember, more important than your physical body being on the floor is the posture of your heart!...and watch the Christmas Miracles come!  Maybe we can add some fasting and alms giving too!

God bless....be assured of my continued prayers and plz continue to pray for me and Mom and my family.  Thank you..

till next time....let's spend some silent time "face to the floor"!  ang

Quotes from Justice League that are powerful...

i really like when things that are in the world can have a deeper meaning in God if we apply it.  i went to see Justice League...and here are some quotes that have the potential to help us grow...

1.  Lois Lane said, “The truest darkness is not absence of light but that light will never return… But the light always returns…  Hope is real.  You can see it.  All you have to do is look up into the sky.”

i would have capitalized Light....

2.  This was said to Wonder Woman," you don’t just save people, you make them see the best parts of themselves.”

God willing this is what we do...

3.   Superman said, “Hope is like car keys.  Easy to lose but if you dig around they’re easy to find.”

all three are worthy of meditating on.....today we start the second week of Advent....PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD.....

til next time....let's take 5 minutes of silence with God before we go to sleep.

God bless!

angie

ps:  asking continued prayers for my Mom's health.  ty

the links from previous blog...

the links from last blog....

www.dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever

emarketing.litpress.org/public/vwS0/wL2/subscribe

www.catholicity.com/cds/

www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobSubscribe.asp

Special thanks to St. Joseph's Palisades Advent Retreat, "What are you looking for?"

i want to thank you for coming to this evening's event.  It really was a beautiful night of healing and deep intimacy with God.  Special thanks to Fr. Nelson who orchestrated everything and Millie for her great artistic talents in creating the posters and pamphlets.   i hope all of us leave more assured of "What we are looking for?" and deeply healed to make this Advent, Christmas and entire year an adventure chasing God in a new way.   i pray everyone of us in attendance will find Jesus for ourselves so that this Advent and Christmas will be different as we pursue Jesus Our Savior....and not get lost in the hustle and bustle of Dec. 25th.  We Love God 365 days of the year not just in Dec.  To God Alone be all the Glory and Power and Honor and Praise.  You can contact me at this site by leaving personal comments that will not be posted public unless i approve and post it myself.  i serve as Music Minister at Holy Redeemer Parish in town. i also am available for individual spiritual direction. If i can help you or your parish in any way, please feel free to contact me.  There are many resources available to help in our journey with God. Take time to visit these sites below for materials to support your daily prayer life now during Advent/Christmas and every day of the year. Remember the more we chase God, the more we catch Him! Be assured of my continued prayers for you and please do keep me in yours. Zephaniah 3:17-18 Thanks,

Because He lives!
angie

Below is info that was given to all in attendance....

www.dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever
emarketing.litpress.org/public/vwS0/wL2/subscribe
www.catholicity.com/cds/
www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobSubscribe.asp


Read John 1:38, the title of tonight's event.....lets read the entire chapter....

“What are you looking for?"

Mary's Dream

I had a dream, Joseph, I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son.They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful.
Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him?
I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -not to be wanted at His own birthday celebration.
I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.
~ Another special Christmas Message from your friends at Bethany Farms Box 311, Carrllton, IL 62016 Copyright © 1986 Bethany Farms.

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          Putting God First is the thing we need to do...listen to this song.....
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