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

---------------

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.

          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Putting God First is the thing we need to do...listen to this song.....
          www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbWQV3OiRqA
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give thanks for every moment!

i texted a note like this today to a friend diagnosed with a serious illness who was leaving Sloane Kettering after a week of treatments.  He will have to continue outpatient ....i wanted to post this hoping it might help some suffering the same things at this time...

EACH MOMENT WE HAVE EACH DAY IS A GIFT....A PRIVILEGE.  AN ILLNESS....SUFFERINGS...ACCIDENTS..... HAVE A WAY OF REMINDING US OF THIS.  SADLY, WE USUALLY NEVER REACH THE DEPTH WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO REACH OUTSIDE OF TOUGH CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE THESE IN OUR LIVES.  WE ARE GIVEN A SPECIAL GRACE WHEN FACING OUR OWN MORTALITY THAT OTHER PEOPLE CANNOT EXPERIENCE TO THE DEGREE ONE CAN WHEN IN THE HEAT OF SUFFERING.  LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS HOLIDAY...AN THIS YRS LIST, I AM SURE FOR MY FRIEND, WILL BE ON A MUCH DIFFERENT LEVEL THAN A HALLMARK CARD CAN EXPRESS.  GOD BLESS ALL OF US...AND FOR MY FRIEND WHO IS OUR NEW MIRACLE,  THANK YOU GOD FOR HEALING AND ANSWERING ALL OUR PRAYERS!!  CELEBRATE MY DEAR FRIENDS...LET'S CELEBRATE OUR NEW LIFE THIS DAY AND THE MIRACLES YET TO COME.  LOTS OF LOVE AND CONTINUED PRAYERS TO YOU, YOUR FAMILIES AND ALL THOSE YOU LOVE.    GOD BLESS!

REMINDER :  Thanksgiving is every day....celebrate a little differently this year.....make your own traditions....be with people who love you and accept you just the way you are....put God first and the turkey later....be brave enough to follow your heart in where you go, who you are with and what you will do this Thanksgiving....who knows?:...it might end up being the best Thanksgiving ever....and it just might be the last one we get to celebrate!

til next time....find all the verses in Scriptures that talk about giving thanks....

Welcome US Virgin Islands

Thanks for joining us.  Please invite your family and friends to stop by our blog.  Know i am praying for you.  i do hope you will visit us again.  God bless!  angie

Welcome Qatar...أهلا وسهلا بكم 'ahlaan wasahlaan bikum

سعيدة جدا لرؤية الناس من قطر الانضمام إلينا. يرجى دعوة عائلتك وأصدقائك للقدوم لزيارة. يرجى معرفة أنا أصلي بالنسبة لك. آمل أن زيارة مرة أخرى. ربنا يحميك! انجي

saeidat jiddaan liruyat alnaas min qatar alaindimam 'iilyna. yrja daewat eayilatik wa'asdiqayik lilqudum liziara. yrja maerifatan 'ana 'asli balnsbt lik. amul 'ana ziaratan maratan akhraa. rabana yhmyk! anjy

So happy to see people from Qatar joining us.  Please invite your family and friends to come to visit.  Please know i am praying for you.  i hope you visit again.  God bless you!  angie

Invitation to my Advent Retreat

FYI....DEC. 1ST.....7-9 PM...ST JOSEPH'S OF THE PALISADES 66TH ST. AND PALISADE AVE,  WEST NEW YORK, NJ...i WILL BE GIVING AN ADVENT RETREAT TITLED,

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?" JOHN 1:38

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND INVITE ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS....AND CHURCH MINISTRIES

GOD'S PROMISES SAY....IT WILL BE AN EVENING WE ALL WILL NEVER FORGET!

GOD BLESS! angie

ps:  plz keep all those ministering and all those who are called to attend deep in your prayers.  TY

continued prayer request for my Mom...

Plz keep my Mom deep in your prayers ...she is having some difficulties....ty...

til next time....let's read Is 53 for her healing....ang

Prayer request for my Mom!

My Mom has done very well in rehab.  By the grace of God, this 94 yr old woman got out of the hospital in 6 days from serious issues and has been in rehab since and has gone from not being strong enough to stand to walking 70 feet with her walker and doing stairs.  Tomorrow i take her back to the hospital for a procedure that might require 1 overnight stay or two.  i ask for your continued prayers for her.  

Every time i think she might be close to going Home to Heaven, God has shown up in a very big way over the years to show His Might and Strength again and again.  i remind all of us to never give up on our loved ones nomatter how severe a case looks, nomatter how old or young one is....nomatter what people think and say including medical professionals....never give up....it is never over until it is over....and we all know we are journeying Somewhere, but in the meantime...Our God is full of Love and Miracles and Surprises each and every day!  Plz keep Mom deep in your prayers during this last hurdle in her recovery and say one for me as her caregiver and my entire family.  Praised be God's Holy Name!!!  

til next time....let's read Lamentations 3 in Its entirety....

Lam 3

22The LORD’s Acts of Mercy are not exhausted,

His Compassion is not spent;

23They are renewed each morning—

Great is Your Faithfulness!

My request for prayers today!

November 4th is a very special day for me in my relationship with God.  i now ask for prayers, fasting and almsgiving today from all who can and be assured i carry all of you this special day with me in all my prayers and all i do this day.  May God be praised now and forever!

til next time.....let's read 1 Cor 13.....LOVE!

Welcome Kyrgyzstan people...Кыргызстан элин тосуп Kırgızstan elin tosup

Кыргызстан элин тосуп! бизге кошулуу үчүн рахмат .... Plz сиздин үй-бүлөсү жана досторун айтып, алар бул блог күндөрү иш сапары менен тосуп алышат. Кудай сага батасын берсин! Энджи

Kırgızstan elin tosup! bizge koşuluu üçün rahmat .... Plz sizdin üy-bülösü jana dostorun aytıp, alar bul blog kündörü iş saparı menen tosup alışat. Kuday saga batasın bersin! Endji

welcome Kyrgyzstan people!  Thank you for joining us....plz tell your family and friends they are welcomed to visit this blog anytime.  May God bless you!  angie