Trust in the Lord

7 Quick Takes Friday - My Week

--- 1 ---

The Black Madonna visited our church this week.   I missed the welcoming prayer service on Friday night because I fell asleep on the couch.  The kids were home, and I can no longer stay awake like I used to be able to do and visit with them.  I was so tired, and I knew I needed a nap, so when the couch called my name, I answered it, and, according to my children, I slept and slept deeply.  When I woke up, it was too late to attend the prayer service.  I was very disappointed.




I didn’t set my alarm for Mass the next morning, but God knows me, and I was awake in plenty of time for Mass.  I decided that  I would just stay in bed and rest, but the call was to get going.  I took my shower, and I made it ten minutes before Mass started.  Imagine my surprise to see The Black Madonna in the center of church.  I realized that this was the reason for me to attend Mass.  At the end of Mass, we had a goodbye ceremony for Our Lady.  Then she was carried to the narthex of the church, where we were allowed to venerate her.  The few of us who stayed were given the special privilege of being alone with our Mother.  It. Was. Amazing!  The graces poured out into us.  Blessing upon blessing.  Grace upon grace.

--- 2 ---

Cantoring last Sunday  was a challenge because I didn't have all the music until the last minute. That meant NO. PRACTICE.  I became frantic, but I prayed, "I trust in you, Jesus."  I think He smiled.  I also asked our Blessed Mother and St. Cecilia for help, just in case.  I made it through the difficult parts with the help of our music director.  Singing wasn't my best, but it wasn't that bad. 

--- 3 ---

Sunday, I spent time with my new friend. She's 30, fun, and muslim. I was going to teach her to crochet, but we talked instead.  We decided that the next time we might just talk.  God has challenged me to overcome my fears and concerns and accept another of his children as His beloved child.  I am blessed.

--- 4 ---

Went to the cemetery to put flowers on his grave, only to find that the flower pot was missing.  Flowers are in the car until I can get a new flower pot.  I wish I had known.  I’m not sure when I’ll get back.  It was Memorial Day last Monday, after all. 

--- 5 ---

Our Church’s music director is my voice teacher, and with each voice lesson, I learn more about the ministry of cantoring.   As terrified as I am when the music is a surprise, I have learned that I must be willing to be vulnerable in order to connect with the congregation in prayer.  Very interesting thoughts, and I must ponder them in my heart.  Music is not about me.  Music is about the connection with the congregation in prayer.  Music is a journey.  Music is  a connection between God and the congregation.  Music is prayer.

--- 6 ---

I ordered new business cards yesterday.  If I can ever learn to fully trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, decisions like this would be easier.  "Trust, Me," He says, and I forget.

--- 7 ---

 My soul is tied in knots this evening.  I look forward to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday.   Peace that can only cone from God pours into my soul as I am absolved of my sin.  I am weak.   Thank God for the sacrament of Confession.  

As I progress on this spiritual journey, I find I am being drawn more into ministries that deal with the dying and those left behind after death.  I have asked the Holy Spirit to "shake up my life," and He has not disappointed me.
 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Word Thursday-There is None Like Me

"Remember this and consider,
    recall it to mind, remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is no one like me"

Isaiah 46: 8-9 

Shhhhhhh- Don't tell.  It's just a little over 30 words, but God's Word will always be.

Here's Who I Prayed for Today

I prayed for my children.
I prayed for Pope Francis.
I prayed for priests.
I prayed for the priests whom I have spiritually adopted.
I prayed the sick.
I prayed for the dying
I prayed for the Holy Souls in purgatory.
I prayed for the young man with the baggy pants walking down the street.
I prayed for the woman holding a lit cigarette out the car window as she drove.
I prayed for all of us at Mass.
I prayed for my family.
I prayed for my friends.
I prayed for those who are suffering.
I prayed for my dog.
I prayed for you.
I prayed for peace in our world.
I prayed for peace in my soul.
I prayed that the joy of God be infused in my soul.
I prayed that the joy of God be infused in my childrens' souls.
I prayed for my Facebook friends.
I prayed for those who have a hard time accepting differences.
I prayed in gratitude for all of God's blessings.
I prayed for a former friend.
I prayed for those whom God brought to mind.
I prayed for safety.
I prayed for Wisdom.
I prayed for Joy.
I prayed for the gift of knowing when to keep my mouth shut.
I prayed for the gift of acceptance.
I prayed for the gift of overcoming the pain of rejection.
I prayed for the gift of refusing to reject others, but to accept them and love them as they are.
I prayed for forgiveness.
I prayed to over come temptation.
I prayed in adoration.


For whom have you prayed today?

Luke 10: 21-24

Just at this time, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said, 'I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, for that is what it has pleased you to do.

Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.'

Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them by themselves, 'Blessed are the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.'

Getting In Touch With Yourself

Today, you often see "memes" that talk about the wonder of you.  These memes talk about getting in touch with yourself, learning to like yourself, learning to love yourself.  These themes are often preached by secular speakers as they tour the country selling their books or appearing on TV shows espousing their philosophies of life, wealth and happiness. 

"You are amazing!"
"Like a snowflake, there is no one else like you."
"If you don't like yourself, neither will anyone else."
"You choose to be happy or not."
"Don't believe it when someone tells you that you are not perfect."

While all these statements have truth in them, (remember, we are made from the stuff that made the stars, according to the late Carl Sagan,) these philosophies that promise us happiness, fall short of the entire truth.  When we love only ourselves, we cannot be happy.  Self love is only a part of love, and without the rest of the story, we are really incomplete. 

Jesus tells us that we must first Love God with all our hearts and souls because this is the first and greatest commandment.  He then tells us that we must love our neighbors as ourselves.  In these statements are the two greatest commandments.  They are the completion of love. 


“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 22: 36-40

God
Neighbor
Self

This is the completion of love.  While it is important to love the self, it is more important to love
God first.  In Him we find peace.

" Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. “
John 14: 27

In Him we find rest.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 28-30

In Him we find Love.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
John 3:16
To love oneself is not enough.  It is important, but it is not enough.  We must also love our neighbor as ourselves.  If we love our neighbors as ourselves, then the love we have for God and ourselves is easily shared with our neighbors. 

The sequence is this:: We love God.  God fills us with His love and peace.  We are full of God's love and self love.  This gift of love flows out into our world to all the people we meet filling them with love.  Since nature abhors a vacuum, the lack of peace, which once filled our neighbors, now fills their souls with the love of God.  The negative is pushed out by love, Who is God. 


 The greatest commandment is to love. 

Love God.
Love our neighbor.
Love ourselves.

There is no other way.


“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8: 38-39

Mother of God, Pray for Us!

May the Souls

7 Quick Takes Friday - A week of Prayer

--- 1 ---

Sunday

We praise You!  We bless you!  We glorify You, Sovereign Lord!  We thank You for Your greatness!  May we glorify You in our thoughts, words, and actions.  May we glorify You in our song.  Heavenly Father!  Holy Son!  Spirit of God!  Triune God!  All three, but one!  The Great I AM!  The Great High Priest! Consoler and Comforter!  Our God!  Amen.

--- 2 ---

Monday

This bed is so warm and cozy.  Thank You, Lord, for this bed.  My covers are soft and warm.  Thank You, Lord, for these blankets.  Even though I'm retired, I don't have to get up, but my Alarm is on the second snooze.  I need to shut off the alarm. 5:30, well now, it's almost 6, is so early, but if I don't get up now, I'll miss Mass this morning. Thank You for that obnoxious alarm. I know it's my choice.  I'd rather sleep, but if I don't get up now, Lord.... I'm up.  Thank You, Lord.  I'll be on time. 

--- 3 ---

Tuesday

Just a quick prayer to say, "I need you, Lord, today.  Be with me through it all.  Help me to hold it together.  Today is a challenging day.  There's a lot to accomplish.  My bare feet are on the floor, and I'm already behind.  Be near me, Jesus.  I'm afraid I'll fall."

--- 4 ---

Wednesday

Thank You, Lord, for yesterday. It was a rough day, but I made it through the day with minimal damage.  Now, it's already mid week.  Where did the other days go?  What have I accomplished this week?  Today will be better.  You were with me in the midst of battle yesterday.  I felt Your Presence.  Lord, I need some extra time today. I want to visit a You at adoration.  Can you add extra time to my day?  Lord, I thank You.  Hold me close.

--- 5 ---

Thursday

It was a good day today.  Thank You, Lord!  I caught almost all of the green lights today.  I was able to park close to the door.  I found a quarter on the floor.  I lit a candle at Mass this morning. 
It wasn't a perfect day, but it certainly was a good one.  I saw a robin.  I saw a hawk.  I was able to go for a walk because it was warm enough.  It didn't snow.  The sun was bright.  You blessed me a lot today, Lord.  And, tomorrow is Friday. Thank You, Lord.  Thank You!

--- 6 ---

Friday

 It's the day before the weekend begins!  I am so happy for this gift.  Lord, thank you for the gift of Friday.  Knowing tomorrow is Saturday makes today a blessing.  I'll run some errands at lunch. I'll run to the grocery store before supper.  Doesn't a taco salad sound good for tonight?  I hope that you join us for supper, Lord. We welcome You as our guest.  Tonight, I'll go to bed early to be ready for Saturday.  I'll even clean a little before bed.  This week, Saturday will be a fun day since the kids are coming home.  Saturday will be another of Your blessings to me.  Thank You, Lord!

--- 7 ---

Saturday

Lunch is almost ready, Jesus.  My jeans are comfortable.  The kids are home.  They pulled out the photos and those pictures bring back memories.  No, not all of them are pleasant memories, but we made it through the rough times with Your help.  Now, we can look back on them and say, "that's over.  I'm glad.  Thank You, Lord, for protecting us in that storm."  The good times out numbered the bad.  Thank You, Lord, for the happy days, minutes, and hours.  We're family bound by blood and time.  Tomorrow is Your day.  Thank You for this week!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Word Thursday:: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-10

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-10

As usual, this is more than 30 words, but to leave a single word out would be a mistake.

 

Would You Hire These Men?

Resumes can be deceiving.  Meeting the candidate for a job is extremely important.  Here are excerpts from some job interviews.  Would you hire these men?

Candidate #1

Q. Sir, what do you do for a living now and may we contact your present employer?

I work on a fishing boat with my father and brother. Wait, no, don't get a hold of my father.  I think he'd be angry at the thought of me leaving.  It's a family business.

Q. Do you catch a lot of fish?

Fishing has been poor lately, but I am a much better fisherman than my brother, and no one can deny that!

Q.  Why do you want to leave the family business?

 I really don’t, but no one appreciates the work I do and the long hard hours I work.  I'm loyal and faithful.  I support my family.  I would never deny anyone anything.

Candidate #2

Q.  Sir, what do you do for a living now, and may we contact your present employer?

Ummmm.  No, don't contact my present employer.  I'm the treasurer where I work now.

Q.  Are there any problems there?  Is that why you are leaving the company?

No, not any problems.  There have been some accusations made that are not true.

Q.  What kind of accusations?

Nothing important.  I just don't like to be accused of things I didn't do.  The staff doesn't like me.  That's why I am seeking other employment.

Candidate #3

Q. Sir, what do you do for a living now, and may we contact your present employer?

I collect taxes, and the government would not like it you contacted them about me.  Trust me.  I do my job well.  There have been no problems with that. 

Q.  I see.  Are you saying that you collect more money for taxes than what people truly owe?

Um, no, I try to be fair, but a man's got to make a living, right?

Candidate #4 & #5

Q. Gentlemen, I agreed to interview you together because you are brothers.  I will be frank.

Do you belong to a gang of some sort?
 No!  No!  We don't.  We're hard working men.  Why would you say that?

Q. You are known as, Banerges, Sons of Thunder.  I ask you, again, do you belong to a gang?

Well, sir, that's what our mother, I mean, our father is called - thunder.

We have a braggart, a thief, a tax collector who cheats his own people, and two men who might belong to a gang.  Would you hire these men?   I don't think I would, but Jesus did. 
Through His Unending love and transformative graces, all but one of these men became great saints and evangelists for His new church.

Praise You, Jesus, for the gift of these ordinary, flawed men who became the leaders of our Church, including our first Pope, Peter. 
Praise You, Jesus, for Your graces that transform ordinary, flawed human beings into magnificent saints for your church. 
Praise You, Jesus!
Praise You, Jesus!
Praise You, Jesus!

Love

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Walk With Me

Walk the Way with Me.
Let your injured feet by My injured feet.
Trust Me through the pain
and
continue your walk.

Bear your crosses for love of souls
as I bore my cross for
Love of you.
I go before you.

Walk with Me.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Psalm 91

7 Quick Takes on Prayer

--- 1 ---

"There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers."
Saint Teresa of Avila

--- 2 ---

"A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Prayer!"
Pope Francis

--- 3 ---

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
Mother Teresa

--- 4 ---

"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
St. Augustine

--- 5 ---

“Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
Padre Pio

--- 6 ---

“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
Thérèse de Lisieux

--- 7 ---

Prayer is the raising of the mind to God.
We must always remember this.
The actual words matter less.”
Pope John XXIII

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Words Thursday :: Fatima and the Prayer of Pardon

Fatima Prayer of Pardon

O My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love you! And I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, and do not love you.

Letter to Our Mother

Dearest Mother,

It's May, and it's your month.  We honor you as the Mother of God!  Thank you for listening to the angel's words and saying yes.  You are our advocate before Your Son, Jesus, our God and our brother.  For this, we thank you, and we praise God. 

St. Therese said that we, your children, are like flowers in a garden.  Each one is special and unique.  Each one of us has a purpose in life.  Each one of us was born with a mission that will glorify God.  How do you keep track of all your children dearest Mother?  It must have been easier with only one Son.

Dearest Mother, I often wonder about your life.  What was it like raising the King of Kings?  Did you and Joseph stand by His cradle and look at Him as He slept?  Did you wonder if He would fit in with the other children in your village?  Did you wonder how The Father would accomplish His gift of salvation through your Son?  Did you talk about this in your family as Jesus grew? 

Did Jesus help you in the kitchen when He was too young to work with Joseph?  Did you teach Him to cook and to clean?  When Joseph died, did you hold Jesus close and tell Him that all would be well? 

When Jesus grew into manhood, did you worry about Him?  You knew His mission of salvation would begin as Jesus left to find John and be baptized by Him.  You knew that He would do as you asked at the wedding in Cana even when He bantered with you.  We all know He couldn't resist your smile and love.  All you had to do was to tell the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." Jesus couldn't say no.  You pushed your little bird out of the nest and into His public life.  You had your mission, too. 

Dearest Mother, how your heart must have broken when you saw Jesus beaten, bruised and near death on His way to the cross.  How could you stand the pain? When Jesus gave you to John as his mother, he took care of you and gifted us with His Mother.  When Love died on the cross, your heart was pierced.  Your heart was shattered and broken.  You understood undying pain in the death of Love, but you accepted the sacrifice of the Lamb to the Father for the redemption of sin. 

Mother, how great was your joy, then, on Easter morning when you saw your Risen Son?  You, who gave birth to the Messiah, the great High Priest, saw your Son as God!  Mother, dear, how you must have rejoiced with the Apostles and disciples at the news of His resurrection.  How you must have rejoiced when His chosen ones saw Him for the first time.  The Promise of the Father was fulfilled.  Heaven was opened for mankind! 

Now, Mother of God, your mission continues.  Your job is to lead your children to your Son.  You work hard at this job.  You ask us to pray for peace, to pray for the conversion of sinners.  You ask us to pray the rosary daily.  You ask us to pray and fast. 

Our world is a difficult world in which to live.  You know that.  You try to teach us, but like naughty children, we forget.  Dearest Mother, pray for us.  We are your children.  Hold us close to your Immaculate  Heart.  Never stop trying. We will hear you.  Thank you, Mother.  Thank you.

We love you,
Your children

The Questions Aren't Always Easy, but the Anwer is Simple...

"When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,  and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.  “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 22: 34-40
Can you imagine how frustrated the Pharisees and the Sadducees must have to hear Jesus answer their questions?  Each time they tried to make Him stumble by giving Him a question  they thought would trick Him, Jesus came back with an answer that made these learned men retreat from Him with their heads hung in shame.  They hoped to humiliate and silence Jesus, but each time, Jesus, silenced them. 

The Jews were governed by the 10 Commandments that God gave to Moses.  The law dictated their way of life, and the prophets gave hope to Jews for the coming Messiah.   By the time Jesus lived, the law had been multiplied into so many pieces and parcels, that life was not simple for the everyday Jew.  Regulations ruled their lives.  The Sadducees and Pharisees dictated these laws.  As a practicing Jew, Jesus obeyed these laws, but He knew that His Chosen people had forgotten the true meaning of the Commandments and that was the law of love for God, neighbor, and self.  Knowing that we cannot give what we don't have, Jesus reminded these learned men that: 1) Love of God was the most important rule to follow in anyone's heart; 2) that each person needed to love her or himself; and 3) when each human being loved God and loved themselves, then each human being should share these gifts of love with their fellow man.  In this way, God's Love and Peace would reign on earth through the love of His children for Him and the rest of humankind.   

Simple, isn't it?  Everything comes down to Love. 
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding us that Your rule is simple.  Your rule is love.  Help us to open our hearts to the simplicity of Your challenge to us:  To Love God, to love ourselves, and to love everyone with the same love that we have for ourselves.  Amen.

Jesus Fell Three Times

I fell once, and the pain was great for me.
My foot swelled up, and, when I tried to walk, I winced with pain.
My foot, bruised, turned purple.
My foot, injured, swelled, so that I could not fit in my shoes.
I yelped in pain and refused to walk.

Jesus fell three times.
His feet, which carried Our Savior, were wounded and beaten.
His precious feet were bruised and swollen,
screamed in pain as they tried to bear the weight of Our God and His Cross of Love.
His sandals were gone.
Each step an exercise in pain,
but He uttered not a word.
He took His beatings.
He bore the pain.
His love for us,
His mission of Love,
bore the pain, the injustice, the brutal torture, the death on the cross.
Even when His own body betrayed Him for lack of blood,
for the pain He felt,
for the knowledge of what was finally going to end His life.
There was no one to wash and care for His feet as He walked the path of death.
There were no pain relievers to help Him bear His pain.

He walked,
finally with the help of Simeon carrying the instrument of torture and death,
He walked with love for us.
He bore the weight of our sins as he suffered
He walked and fell three times.

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us Now and at the Hour of Our Death. Amen

Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever. 

(Luke 1:46-55)

And The Word Was With God, And the Word Was God...

7 Quick Takes:: Motherhood and Mary, the Mother of God

--- 1 ---

No matter what our mothers did or did not do, they gave us the gift of life. Our mothers, like Mary, chose life for us. Imperfect creatures that they are, that we are, all mothers choose to give the gift of life to their children.

Mary chose life for Jesus. She, who was sinless, became the tabernacle for the living God. She said, "Let it be done to me according to His Will." She chose to give Jesus life and to carry Him in her womb for 9 months. She chose God and she chose life.

--- 2 ---

Many women glow with delight at their expanding bellies, the baby bump. They are elated to feel this new life in their bodies kicking and twisting and turning and growing. They long for the day when that child is placed in their arms. They give birth. They rejoice as their child grows into adulthood.

Mary felt Jesus growing inside of her. She felt him move within her body. Her blood flowed in a His veins as he grew in her body. Mary's body grew. She gained weight. She had a baby bump, a most blessed and holy baby bump! Mary rejoiced at the birth of her Son. She held him in her arms. She adored and worshiped her Son, her God. She radiated joy as she shared Him with her family and friends, even though they did not know who He was. She watched Him grow to be a man. She saw Him die on the cross. Her joy turned into sorrow. She became the sorrowful Mother, and then, Jesus rose from the dead!

--- 3 ---

Pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Morning sickness, raging hormones, expanding girth, extra weight, discomfort as the pelvis expands to house the little one all combine to make life more difficult. Yet, mothers go on. They live their lives and do what they have to do. They care their spouses, their other children, if there are any, and they continue to prepare for that new baby's birth.

 Mary, after Gabriel visited her, did what she needed to do. She left to go care for her elder cousin who was also with child. Together, they rejoiced in the miracles that their children were. Elizabeth's son, John, knew who Jesus was, and he leapt in his mother's womb for joy. Mary stayed with Elizabeth until John was born. She returned home, trusting that God would provide, and He did. Joseph took Mary into his home and they both prepared for the birth of their Son.

--- 4 ---

Many women do not have their own biological children, but they are mothers. Any woman who takes a child into her heart becomes a mother. She can be a teacher, a nurse, a coworker, or a friend. Any woman can become a spiritual mother to a child, whether she has given birth to that child or not.

Before Jesus died on the cross, He said to John, "Behold your mother." He said to Mary, "Behold your son". In that moment Mary became our Mother, a gift from Jesus to the world.

--- 5 ---

 With the exception of the royals and other celebrities, most mothers live an unseen, albeit busy, life.  The members of the press and other media reporters do not stalk them for the stories of their lives and pictures of their children.  These mothers work in and outside of their homes.  They play.  They juggle events.  They take their children to school.  They cook.  They clean.  They manage car pools! Whew!  I'm tired just thinking about all a modern mother has to do in the length of her day!  Yet, these women are not honored for their job of raising their children. They live ordinary, quiet, and busy lives.

Mary also lived a quiet, busy life with her husband Joseph and her precious Son, Jesus. She cooked.  She cleaned.  She took care of her family.  She lived a quiet, unseen life.  Joseph was a carpenter.   The family was ordinary.  They did not make the news.  They were ordinary, simple people raising a Son.  Mary, like women today, lived a simple life, unknown to the world, yet, nestled in her arms, as she sang Him to sleep each night, was Jesus, the Promised One, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and no one even suspected.

--- 6 ---

As our children grow up, we know that they will leave.  Like the robin who pushes her babes out of the nest to teach them to fly, mothers are often required to push that child out of the nest. Along the way, she teaches the children the skills they need to survive and grow in our world.  Even if the children leave the nest willingly, mothers are still there to teach them independence, and to love them. Mothers teach their children to love of God, to rejoice in The Lord.  They teach them social skills, everyday living skills, and help them to appreciate their roots.  Even if the children leave the nest willingly, mothers are still there to teach for children, nurture their children, help them, and support them, and to lend an ear in times of trouble.  This is motherhood..

Mary, the Mother of God,taught her Son as any mother would.  When it came time, it was Mary, inspired by the Holy Spirit who told Jesus, at the wedding in Cana, "They have no wine."  Knowing that He would do what she asked Him, Mary turned to the waiters and said, Do whatever He tells you."  Jesus must have smiled as He bantered with His Mother, "My time has not yet come."  Jesus began His public ministry through His Mother's intercession that saved the newly married couple the embarrassment of having no wine for their guests.

--- 7 ---

Mothers today not only have the gift of free will given by God and imprinted in every person's soul, but Mothers also have the "right" to choose whether or not they will give birth to their babies.  If a mother "chooses," she can have an abortion, thus ending her chid's life.

Women are asked if they want  to “terminate the pregnancy.”  A baby is referred to as a pregnancy.  What if a medical care professional asked, instead, ”Do you want to kill your baby?"  How would a mother respond?  I know it’s an agonizing decision for women to have an abortion or not, but our culture has made it easy to abort a baby and has made it acceptable. Women today don't realize the gravity of their decision to abort their babies.

 As difficult as it may be to allow a child to be born who is disabled or unwanted, God blesses the woman who gives her baby the gift of life.  We need to pray for the lives of all unborn babies and for their mothers.  We need to pray for all women who have had or are contemplating abortions.  We need to be the love of Christ for them in our world. 

Mary also had a choice.  She, like us, had been gifted with free will.  When the angel waited for her decision, Mary thought and asked one question, "how can this be since I do not know man?"
When assured that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, Mary did not hesitate.  She humbly accepted God's will for her, and Jesus, the Son of God, was conceived in her womb.   When He died, Jesus made His Mother, our Mother. 


Happy Mother's Day, to all women and our most Blessed Mother, for Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!
 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Words Thursday - 'Tis the Month of our Lady

Oh, Loving Mother of God,

You said Yes to the angel,

Your faith gave us the Son of God,

Your Son, 

Our God,

Our Brother,

Praise God!

Thank You, Dearest Mother!

Thoughts on Motherhood

Motherhood means different things to different people.  Some mothers are saints.  Some are not.  No matter, they gave us the gift of life.

When I look at this picture, I have to say to my mother, "I'm so sorry.  You really had your hands full!"
Yes, I was a brat!  I'm sure she smiled and laughed as I raised my own children! 

Thoughts on Motherthood.


"Motherhood:  All Love begins and Ends there." 
Robert Browning


"Motherhood is tough. If you just want a wonderful little creature to love, you can get a puppy."
Barbara Walters


"A miracle is really the only way to describe motherhood and giving birth. It's unbelievable how God has made us women and babies to endure and be able to do so much. A miracle, indeed. Such an incredible blessing."
Jennie Finch


"The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children."
Jessica Lange


"Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing."
Ricki Lake


"I never knew motherhood could be so truly gratifying until I had Natasha."
Natalie Wood


"There's no doubt that motherhood is the best thing in my life. It's all that really matters."
Courteney Cox


"It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding."
Erma Bombeck


"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
Oprah Winfrey

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Are You Worthy of Love?

The question is asked:  Are you worthy of love? 
The answer is simple:  Yes.
Why are you worthy of love?
You are worthy of love because:   "...He first loved us." John 4:19

We are the children of our beloved of God.  For this reason alone, we are worthy of being loved and loving others.  Our self esteem is dependent on this gift of love.  We must come to believe that our  God loves us with the depth of love that cannot be fathomed by the most brilliant mind on earth.  We are God's beloved children. He made each of us with an immortal soul and He imprinted on our souls, the gift of free will. We can choose Him or not.  Yet, He loves us.  God gave us the gift of His only begotten Son so that we could  be saved.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."  John 3:16

God is love, and He loves us.  We were created to be worthy of His love and the love of our fellow man on earth.  Not everyone treats us with the love and respect to which we are entitled, and this can cause us to doubt our worthiness to be loved by anyone, much less a Supreme Being whom we do not see, hear, smell, or touch and cannot understand. 

Why would anyone love me, you might ask?  I'm too fat for anyone to love .  Weight is an issue that you can control.  It might take work and discipline to loose the extra pounds, but, with the help of God, you can loose the extra weight.  Even when we are overweight or too thin, or we feel that we are ugly, God loves us.  That will never change.  God loves you.  God is love.  He made you.  You were created in His image and likeness.  You are His beloved child.  You are worthy of love. 

Carl Sagan wrote in "Cosmos,"

"The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star stuff."

God made us from stars that light up the night skies.  If we are made from the stuff of stars, we must share in the brilliance that is God.  God is love.  This cannot change.  He made us in His image.  We are worthy of love, and we are loved.  

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."   John 13: 34-35

At the End of the Day....

Look to the Creator and talk about your day.
God:: So, tell me about your day.

Me:: Lord, you're God, You know all about my day.

God:: Yes, I do, but I'd like to hear you tell me about it.

Me:: Well, what do You want me to tell You?

God:: Let Me see.  Did you follow My commandments today?

Me:: Well, yes, I did.  Well, most of them, I did.

God:: Really, most of them?  How was your drive to work today?

Me:: Great!  I made record time today.  You couldn't stop me!

God:: I know. You cut off 3 people and nearly caused an accident.

Me:: That wasn't my fault.

God:: Really, you seemed very impatient. That's not a gift of the Holy Spirit.  Think about it.

Me:: Oh, well, I'm sorry.

God:: Be sure to mention that when you go to confession.

Me:: Confession?   I haven't been there in years!

God::  I know.  Remember My love, mercy and forgiveness await you there.  Did you know that when the priest forgives you your sins and talks to you, it's really Me talking to you?

Me:: Oh, I guess I forgot that.

God:: By the way, what's today?

Me:: Sunday?  If you're going to tell me I shouldn't work today, I have a lot to do!  I have to get it done!

God:: What about the commandment to keep holy the Lord's Day?

Me:: I did, Lord.  I thought about you as I worked.

God:: I know you did.  You kept calling on my name, but not to ask for blessings.

Me:: You heard me?

God:: Yes, I did.  You missed Mass, too.  You could have gone last night.

Me:: Sorry about that, but I had to finish the lawn so I could go to work today.

God:: I rested after seven days.  It's good to rest and give glory to your God.

Me:: Oh.

God:: Do you remember the story of Mary and Martha?

Me:: Last names?  I'm not sure...

God:  It's in the Bible, Sacred Scripture?

Me:: I don't have one.

God:: Martha was busy in the kitchen. Mary chose to sit and listen to My words.  Martha was very upset with Mary because she was stressed out over the supper preparations.  I reminded Martha that Mary had chosen the better way. Martha realized I was right.  She relaxed and listened to me.  Dinner was wonderful!  Martha chose Me.

Me:: Oh.  Lord, look, I have a lot to do.

God:: Yes, I know you do, but when do you make time for Me?

Me:: Come on, you're God.  You don't need me!

God:: You're right. I don't need you, but you need Me.

Me:: I know that, but when things slow down, I'll make the time.  I promise.

God::  Well, I gave you the gift of free will.  It's your choice. 

Me:: I promise, Lord!  I will.

God:: My graces await you.  Please don't wait too long.  Life is short.  Eternity is forever.

Me:: I know that.

God:: Your friend, Phil?  He died yesterday. He was a year younger than you.

Me:: What?

God:: Think about what I said.  My graces await you, but it's your choice.  I love you and My Love is Unending.  No matter what, I'll always love you.  Remember that.  I'll always love you.  Good night.

Oxygen and Padre Pio

The Cross and St. John Bosco

Seven Quick Takes Friday - Thoughts and Happenings on Divine Mercy Sunday

--- 1 ---

Two magnificent men were declared saints by our most beloved Pope Francis on Divine Mercy Sunday - Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II are now officially saints in heaven, standing before the Throne of God! Praise God for these wonderful Popes now declared saints! Praise God for our Beloved Pope Francis!

--- 2 ---

Divine Mercy Sunday, decreed in 2004 as the Sunday after Easter by Pope John Paul II, is the day in which God pours out His Mercy into our sick and troubled world for all who seek Him and His Mercy. The simple catch is that we must open our hearts to God so that our hearts may be infused with His Mercy. We must also bring to God all of those souls for whom He seeks to infuse with His Mercy: all mankind, especially sinners; the souls of all priests and religious; all devout and faithful souls; all those who do not know Jesus or love Him; the souls of separated brethren; the meek and humble souls and souls of children; the souls who venerate and glorify Jesus' Mercy; the souls in Purgatory; souls who have become lukewarm. His Love is Unending!

--- 3 ---

Our priests were very busy hearing confessions before, during, and after our Divine Mercy celebration at church. I tried to get into line before the celebration began, but the line was long already. I wanted to stay, but I couldn’t because I had to be up in the choir loft ready to sing the Chaplet with our music director. I went back upstairs, reluctantly, but the prayer was AWESOME! After the celebration ended, I raced downstairs thinking our priests would be ready to leave, but I still had to wait in line for confession! God's mercy poured down on our souls! We are so blessed!

--- 4 ---

Our community was doubly blessed on Divine Mercy Sunday. It looks like we are no longer in drought conditions here. Today, along with a multitude of blessings, God poured down His rain, not snow, in many precious drops today. It's still cool here. I wish it were warmer, but it does please God to hear us say, "Jesus, I trust in You."

--- 5 ---

Waiting in line for confession was interesting. As I waited, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to enlighten me so that I would make a good confession. In order to remember my sins, I write then down in small notebook I carry in my purse. (I can never remember them all!) My daughter has offered to write the list for me, but that’s another issue! One person, next to me in line, noticed that I was writing in my notebook. (It's hard to keep things private if you want to remember what to confess.). He thought that this was a lot to write for anyone. The truth is that when you ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins, the list gets terribly long, even after one week. Reconciliation is such a gift! I felt God's Mercy in my soul today!

--- 6 ---

Once in the confessional, my confessor noted that my notebook seemed to be getting full. He suggested that I should get a new one, and, perhaps, a thicker one? He, like God, has a keen sense of humor. :0)

--- 7 ---

Jesus, I trust in You. It’s been a rough journey, but you have brought me this far. Mother Theresa used to pray, even in her dark night of the soul, "Jesus, I trust in Your tender love for me." Jesus, increase my faith and trust in You. Jesus, infuse my heart with Your Love and Mercy. Jesus, I am yours. I, finally, trust in You!!! Thank You! (Another gift of God’s Divine Mercy!)

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Words Thursday - May is the Month of Our Mother - Pull Out Those Rosaries and Honor Our Lady

“‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!’ No creature has ever said anything that was more pleasing to me, nor will anyone ever be able to find or say to me anything that pleases me more.”
Our Lady to Saint Mechtilde

Foot note:  Yes, I know this quotation has more than 30 words, but it's for Our Lady, right?

Say your Rosary with Love.  

Click HERE for information on how to say the Rosary!