O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Advent Has Begun! We Await the New Born King!

Pope Francis

50 Ways to Show God You Love HIM!

Love His Mother.
Start your day with God.
End you day with God.
Pray.
Offer your day to Him.
Give Him your night.
Tell God you love Him.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in all His ways.
Follow His Commandments.
Be kind to all you meet.

Pray for the souls in Purgatory.
Pray for non-believers.
Pray for your children.
Pray for your families.
Pray for the lonely.
Pray for the sick.
Pray for the depressed.
Pray for our military personnel.
Pray for the homeless and hungry.
Pray for those who are alone.

Tithe, if possible.
Share what you have.
Take the priests a meal or out for a meal.
Make a meal for someone who is ill.
Give to your favorite charity.
Invite someone over for dinner.
Make a meal for a new mom.
Clean someone's house for them.
Visit a shut-in.
Visit a nursing home. 

Pray a novena.
Say 3 Hail Marys
Turn off the TV and pray.
Listen in silence for God.
Attend adoration frequently.
Trust in God.
Become a regular attendee of the Sacrament do confession.
Visit the sick.
Make friends with an enemy.
Be kind to those who do not like you.

Read Sacred Scripture.
Meditate on the Word of God.
Bless your food before each meal.
Praise God.
Thank God.
Give to the poor.
Follow the laws of God.
Take care of your body.
Be kind to others.
Be kind to yourself.

A Moment in Time - We Met at Our Lady's Altar

The Mass had ended.  We began to gather at the back of the church to wait for our priest  to hear confessions.  Usually there was a second priest assigned to hear confessions after Saturday Mass, but he wasn't there, so we waited.   Ally, a young high school teacher, saw an elderly lady waiting in line behind us.  Ally suggested that we allow this lady to go to confession ahead of us.  The woman was grateful as she opened the confessional door.  When she closed the door, Ally and I noticed that the line had grown behind us.  Shortly, the second priest arrived and the lines melted into two separate, shorter lines. 

As Ally and I waited for our turn in confession, Ally asked me for prayers.  She confided that she had just accepted a job as a Catholic missionary on college campuses.  She could be sent anywhere.  She hadn't told her parents yet.  Ally is a young woman who is very close to God.  I prayed then, and I ask for your prayers for this young woman.  I looked at the other line for confession, and I noticed that another friend was going in to receive this precious sacrament. 

Distractions and me.  We waited for the confessional to open.  I prayed to the Holy Spirit.
My turn had come.  Ally left the confessional and I walked in with my soul in my hands.  Father noted that I had come in dragging my soul behind me.  With tears and supplications for forgiveness, I opened my heart to God.  The power of the Holy Spirit flowed through Father as he absolved me of my sins.  Father gave me, what I considered, a harsh penance, but I left the confessional with peace in my heart.

I walked to the altar where Our Lady of Guadalupe is enshrined.  I looked ahead, and there was the friend  who had received the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our other priest.  Hidden in the back of these pews, at Our Lady's shrine, was Ally.  The three of us gathered there without knowing that we would. We ran to Our Lady to be covered by her mantle and protected by her Immaculate Heart.   It was only a random moment in time, but it was an important moment in time.  I felt blessed to be gathered there with these two holy women.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas.  Pray for us.

Ezekiel 34: 15-17

Pope Francis Speaks

7 Quick Takes This Week:: It's Been an Interesting Week

--- 1 ---

 Poor Pixie!

She's not very happy right now.

We had new carpet installed yesterday.

This is to replace the carpet that Pixie ruined by having many, many accidents on the old carpet.

When we are gone,

Pixie now has to go down to the wonderfully 

warm, bright basement with her bed

and wait until we get home.

Poor Pixie!

Life is very difficult sometimes.

She'll get used to it.

Sigh.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

--- 2 ---

The show is tomorrow.

I might be ready.

I have a feeling, though, it's going to be one of those 

"shows"

where people come and window shop.

I decided that I have to make

$20

an hour to make my fee.

If I make that,

I will be very happy.

(It's a 5 hour show.)

Say a little prayer for me, please!
Yet, let this be for the honor and glory of God!
His Will, not mine.

--- 3 ---

 I didn't know that 

St. John Paul II had written a pastoral letter to artists.

This is a wonderful rendition of this letter.

You can read the entire letter

HERE.

It is both beautiful and amazing!

--- 4 ---

 Although the "Snow-magedon" we were promised didn't happen,

we finally got the first pretty snow of the season. 

This is one of my favorite shots.

The scarf looked so pretty in the sunlight as the ice melted off of it.

"a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,"
Ecclesiastes 3: 7









--- 5 ---

My city has a walking art tour all year long.

I found this statue called

"Fruits of Summer," 

outside a local bagel shop.

Since then, I have become addicted to their kitchen sink bagels and their bacon scallion store.

I love them!

After morning Mass,

when I'm not joining MC for breakfast at Perkins,

I sneak over to the bagel shop.

Dang it!

Those are really good!

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10: 31 

  
--- 6 ---

Last week, I tried to make a banana look like a lemon.

I learned that really doesn't work.

A banana looks like a banana.

A lemon looks like a lemon.

It just doesn't work to try and change their natures.

 Click

HERE

to read the post on my

"other"

blog.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Hebrews 13: 8

--- 7 ---

 Next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day.

Hopefully, your day will be filled with family or friends, but always with 

Happiness and no drama.

Please remember to give thanks to God on this day.

He is the Giver of all.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

 For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Psalm 34: 4-6

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
    and delivered me from all my fears. 

Look to him, and be radiant;
    so your faces shall never be ashamed. 

 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
    and was saved from every trouble."

Psalm 34: 4-6

Saint John Paul II speaks to artists!

This article,

written by 

Lux Populi

captures St. John Paul the 2nd's love of artists and their work.

To read the entire article click

HERE

In the meantime,

here is the UTube video

that summarizes 

St. John Paul's letter to artists.

A call to art is a call to love!

Ways to Help the Souls in Purgatory

Impatience is a sin which I regularly confess.  Most of my impatience happens when I drive.  Today was no exception.  I drove on Highway 14 heading towards Sam's Club to shop.  The Lord has a sense of humor!  Within 5 minutes of being on the road, I found myself driving behind a car going less than 55 mph in a 65 mph speed limit.  Grrrrrrrrrrr!  The cars behind me were moving over to the fast lane to pass both of us.  Since there were so many cars, I was stuck.  The car in front of me slowed down to 50 mph.  Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.  I. Was. Impatient. To. Pass, and my exit was approaching!  I thumped my fingers on the steering wheel.  Then, my guardian angel must have whispered in my ear.  I thought of the souls stranded in Purgatory who so desperately need our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity to enter heaven.  

I realized I could offer my contrition for my impatience  to God for the beloved souls.  I whispered a quick apology to God and asked Him to forgive me and bless the driver of the slow car in front of me.  Then, I asked God use what He could of my repentance for the souls.  After that, each time I started to become impatient, I offered it up for the souls in Purgatory. I was still stuck behind that slooooow car. The drive became much more tolerable knowing that I had this gift, this tiny sacrifice, to help the souls stuck in Purgatory.

When I reached Sam’s, I saw that the driver was an elderly man bringing his elderly, disabled wife to shop.  He smiled at me when we parked next to each other.  I was ashamed and added impatience to my notebook for confession. 

As I shopped, my angel reminded me that there are many more ways to help the souls who are moving slowly through Purgatory knowing there is nothing they can do to help themselves.  

Pray for the souls daily, hourly. 
      A quick prayer to say is:  Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love You!  Save souls!  Say this prayer 9 times and you have prayed a novena for the souls. 

Say the St Gertrude prayer which is said to release 1,000 souls each time it is prayed.

Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in Union with all the Masses said throughout the world today, in reparation for sins, for the Holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home, and in my family. Amen.

I always add::

All praise and honor be to the Precious Blood of Jesus for it wrought our salvation and redemption. Amen. 

All of these prayers said together will take less than five minutes and you will have helped souls move beyond the bounds of Purgatory.

2) Attend a Holy Hour of Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament and offer the time spent adoring Jesus for the souls.

3) Offer up your aches and pains, (We all have them,) for the souls.

4) Turn your sins into virtues by repenting of your sins, changing your behaviors, your thinking, and offering up the emerging virtues for souls.

5) Every morning, dedicate your day for the Holy Souls.

6) Fast for the souls in Purgatory.  Skip a meal. Don't buy that coffee you crave.  Give up soda.   Turn off TV. Offer your "fast" up for the Souls.

7) Your acts of charity should not be wasted either.  You know that co-worker that annoys you?  Smile and say a kind word.  Offer the merits of your kindness for the souls.  You know that family member you haven't spoken with in 10 years?  Forgive the infraction.  Forgive the hurt, and this can be very difficult.  Offer your merits for the souls who suffer so greatly.  The souls will never forget your kindnesses to them.

When you die, and you are released from the bonds of Purgatory, the souls you helped to release will be waiting at the Gate of Heaven to take you to Jesus as you make your triumphant entry.  They will never forget that you helped them see the Face of God sooner than they could have without your merits going for their souls.  While you live, they will pray for you and with you.  They will intercede for you even as they suffer the pangs of Purgatory.  They love you!  They want to be in heaven with you. 

Always remember that God loves the souls in purgatory. He also loves those who love the souls.  You are His beloved child.  His Love is unending for you and for all His children. Help save souls!

The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of the Lord!

The Glory of the Lord!  It comes after the storm has passed!

Take this journey with me!

The neighborhood is dressed in God's creations!

The road reflected His Glory!

The roadways are dressed in the purity of snow.

The streets are also graced with His Glory!

The trees are frosted with His Kindness.

Even the hills show His strength.

Even in the frost, the green remains!

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Pray for the Souls in Purgatory

7 Quick Takes This Week::

--- 1 ---

 My first article published on the site Catholic365
has had 251 Shares on Facebook and 2 Tweets.  Feel free to share and tweet!  The article is called:
Say a Hail Mary and Clean Those Beans!

 Let's do this for the Honor and Glory of God!
Spread the word and Evangelize!

Catholic365.com helps to spread the Word of God by posting articles about our Catholic Faith.

  

--- 2 ---

Spent a wonderful day with Father Samuel Leonard.  He came back to our parish for a visit.  Father Samuel now ministers in Santa Clara, California at Our Lady Queen of Peace Shrine.

His website is wonderful to visit.

Click

HERE

to go to Father's website. 

Listen to Father Samuel's homilies.  

AMAZING!

   So what did we do?

We visited several elderly parishioners that Father Samuel dearly loves

and

(insert smile here)

Hobby Lobby!

He's such an enabler!

It was a great day!

--- 3 ---

Dear Lord, if I must carry a cross, let me carry this one!

This crucifix graced the home of a 97 year old woman who was moving into a nursing home the day, and almost the hour that Father Samuel and I were visiting her.  The crucifix was about 3.5 feet tall.  It's one of the most beautiful crosses that I have ever seen!  It was such a thrill to visit the home of this lovely lady who was making a change in her life.  She was leaving her home behind her and taking very few possessions with her.  Not only that, the love of God and the movement of the Spirit was in her home.  This visit reminded me that we need to pray for the elderly and the lonely.

Jesus, bless our elders.  Let their caretakers be kind and patient with them.  Let them be happy whether they are in their own homes or in nursing homes.  Let them live the remainder of their lives with with grace and dignity.  Jesus, help those who care for the elderly and the sick, realize that these human beings are sources of grace for those who are employed to care for them.  Thank you, Jesus!

 --- 4 ---

 Angels!  Angels! Everywhere!

I've been looking for props to use at my next show, a week from today.

I am so happy to report, that I found these angels at a thrift store in town!

I am so pleased, and the most expensive angel was 

$1!

These will be fun to use!

 --- 5 ---

A gray and gloomy day it was, until I stopped for lunch at Taco John's!

Lunch was free that day!

Their computer system crashed and there was no way to charge anyone,

so when I got to the front of the long line, 

lunch was free.

That was so nice of 

Taco Johns!

Thank you!

 

--- 6 ---

I've had more fun making these buds and flowers this week.  

I'm wire wrapping them now, and I'm hanging them on ribbon.

They really look lovely.

I have more to go, and they will soon be necklaces and ornaments.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of creativity!

 

--- 7 ---

 Turkeys are in season.  There were 7 turkeys outside.  One of the them was clearly a Tom.  He guided his family where he wanted them to be.  

They found food.

All were happy!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Sacred Scripture:: 10 of My Favorite Verses

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.

Proverbs 3:5 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Phillipians 4:6

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent."

Acts 18:9

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:7

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12: 9

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 John 16:33

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:30

 

Rejoice in the Lord!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.^"

^{Phillipians 4: 4} 

^{" Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  "}

^{1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18}

^{Depending on which version of the Bible you read, the word "rejoice"  is used from 180 times to 265 times.}

^{God says so much to us through Sacred Scripture.  Isn't it amazing that He continues to tell us to} 

^REJOICE!

^{"Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
    Praise befits the upright."}

^{Psalm 33:1} 

^{Do you rejoice in the Lord or are you a gloomy Christian?}

I think we've all heard the comments in Church:

"What's wrong with these priests?  They don’t know what they're talking about.  

Why doesn't the church stay out of politics?  

There's too much emphasis on Mary.  

God doesn't care if you don't go to Mass on Sundays.  

I hate singing at church.  

Why don't they get some new singers?  

The church has a lot of money.  

Why can't we pay the fuel bills? 

 We need a more progressive church.  

If it weren't for the music, I wouldn't be here.  

Why can't they get volunteers around here?  I don't have time to help.  

 The Mass is too long.

Why can't that priest make his sermons shorter?  His last sermon was 21 minutes long!

Gasp!

Rejoice in the Lord, indeed.

Let's all be a part of the solution and not part of the problem

Smile.

Greet the person next to you.

If they are new, welcome them!

Sing in church.

Make eye contact with those around you.

Don't complain.

Lift your heart up joyfully to the Lord.

Be the solution.

Praise the Lord.

This video might help you.

Feel free to sing along!
It's a Catchy tune! 
Scroll down!

 

Special Edition!

My article written  for Catholic365.com was just published.  It's called::
"Say a Hail Mary and Clean Those Beans."
To read the story, click

HERE.

Women of the Bible I would Like to Meet:: Part 3:: Martha

 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10: 38-46 

I think, when I meet Martha, I will find her in the kitchen cooking.  She has the Gift of Hospitality.  

Martha, you were good friends with Jesus and His followers, weren't you?  How did you feel about that?

Did Jesus visit you often? 

Were you always busy cooking for Him?

What were His favorite foods that you cooked?

Did you get to meet His Mother, too?

Did Jesus ever help you out in the kitchen?

Did you have many quiet conversations with Jesus?

Were there many who wanted to eat at your home when Jesus was there?

How did Lazarus and Mary feel about Jesus being at your home?

Did you and Lazarus and Mary share a home?

Were you the eldest child?

You must have been very stressed when Jesus was at your home that time.  Were there a lot of people who were hungry or was it just a bad day for you?

How did you feel when Jesus, your Master, reminded you that you were distracted because you had so much to do?

How did you feel when He reminded you that you should relax and follow your sister's lead?

Were you embarrassed?

What did you do after Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part?

How did you feel when Jesus refused to tell Mary to go and help you?

Did you cry?

Did you forget about the kitchen and sit down with Jesus and Mary?
 
Did you continue to work in the kitchen?

How was the meal?  

Did Jesus enjoy the lovingly cooked meal you prepared?

Did Mary help?



 
 

When Praying for the Souls Gets Real...

My cousin died, very unexpectedly,
last week.  She made her husband's  lunch.  She called her children, then she went to bed and sleep.  The next morning, her husband was not able to wake her.  She was pronounced dead in spite of heroic efforts of her husband to revive her. 

I received a text at morning Mass regarding her death.  The text came in the middle of Mass, so I shut my phone off without looking at the text.  It wasn't until later that I read the message. 

The name on the text was not familiar to me, but it came off of Facebook.  I checked the sender's page to discover that the sender was my second cousin who had been requested by Facebook to use his actual name, instead of the nickname he had chosen.  (No judgment, just frustration.)

I was sitting at breakfast when I realized that it was my 58 year old first cousin how had died in her sleep.  

I quickly said the St. Gertrude Prayer for my cousin.  She was in decent health at the time of her death.  The coroner signed off saying her death was due to a heart attack.   I also went back to church to schedule some Masses for the repose of her soul.  Is she in Purgatory?  I don't know.  Did she go directly to heaven?  Again, I don't know.  Did she go to hell?  I don't know.  I certainly hope and pray that she didn't, but again, we don't know. 

I am going to assume that my cousin is in Heaven or Purgatory.  If she is in Purgatory, there is nothing she can do for herself.  She must endure the purging of her soul, which will bring her to heaven.  The pains of Purgatory are quite real.  Those who are in Purgatory, while suffering greatly,
rejoice in their sufferings and pray for those who are still on earth.  They know they are holy.  They know they are saved, but they have not achieved perfection and must suffer until they do.

We, on earth, can help the dear Souls.  We can pray for the souls daily, hourly.  We can offer our Masses for them.  We can have Masses said for them.  We can pray the Divine Mercy for them.   All of these offerings to God, relieve the Souls in Purgatory and help them gain heaven.  Right now, I am storming heaven with prayers for my cousin.  If she's not in Purgatory, then the prayers I offer will go to someone else.  If she is in Purgatory, then my prayers will help her. 

I hope she is out of Purgatory soon.  If you can see your way to offer a prayer for her, that would be most appreciated.   We want her to be in heaven soon.

The Sabbath

Pray for the Souls in Purgatory

7 Quick Takes:: The Holidays are upon us

--- 1 ---

Whether we are Ready for it or not, the holiday season has officially begun.  (It actually started in July when I saw the first Xmas items on display.)  As usual, our food banks will be needing your support.  In addition to food, there are other items that are not essential, but very much appreciated.  Here’s the link::

ARTICLE

“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;  for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?  And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?  And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’  And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25: 34-30

--- 2 ---

The leaves are gone from the trees.  They are now sculptures nestled against the sky.  My neighbor raked my leaves this year and used them in her garden.  God bless her!  I looked at the rest of my untended garden.  A lot of the leaves blew in there, and I just thank God and leave them.  While all the other flowers are gone, the roses are still blooming.  It’s a unique miracle!  Only the roses, some of the most delicate flowers, are still blooming in my garden! 

 --- 3 ---

November is the month when we remember our dead.  At church, we have a Book of Remembrance where we remember the dead in our parish.  Names are written in the book, and everyone is encouraged to pray for the dead. 

Sadly, I will be writing a new name in our Book of Remembrance  tomorrow.  My cousin, who was 8 years younger than me, died in her sleep last night.  She was healthy when she went to sleep.  She never woke up.  Please pray for the dead.

This prayer, The St. Gertrude Prayer, releases 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time that it is prayed.

Eternal Father, I offer you the Most Precious Blood of your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with all of the Masses said through out the world, In reparation for sin, for the Holy Souls in Purgatory , for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those within my own home and within my family.  Amen.

Pray for the souls each and everyday.  Offer sacrifices for them, for they can do nothing for themselves any more.  Pray.

--- 4 ---

 Mother Theresa had an unwavering devotion to the Mother of God.  She believed that Our Mother would intercede before the Throne of Jesus to provide her with all her needs.  When she needed something, she would pray her 911 novena.  She would say, the Memorare 9 times in a row.  This is a very effective novena.  You don’t forget days, either, because you pray the novena all at once.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

--- 5 ---

Just found out about a Xmas show in two weeks.  I think I’m about ready to go, or not.  Luckily, it’s in my hometown, so the driving won’t be far.  I have with me some  Christmas Pickle ornaments. 

The story of the Christmas Pickle, which originated in Germany, is that the first child to find the pickle hidden in the tree on Christmas morning, receives and extra present from Santa that day or good fortune in the coming year.  Not sure which I would want! 

--- 6 ---

Speaking of pickles, I found a recipe I need to try.  It’s called, “Dill Pickle Soup.”  The recipe is on the blog, The Noble Pig.  Here’s the link.

Dill Pickle Soup

I’ll bet this would cook well in a crockpot, and it could be ready after a long, snowy commute home.  Crusty bread would be a good side.  I think I’m drooling!  I love Dill Pickles!

---7---

Weekend plans include the Sacrament of Reconciliation,  a mini retreat at church for all ministers who participate in Mass  including cantors,  choir, lectors, greeters, and ushers.  Then it’s home to rip up carpet.  I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year, so I ordered new carpet!  It will be installed next Thursday.  I can’t believe that Thanksgiving will be here so quickly!

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.” 
Psalm 118: 1-4
 

 For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

30 Words Thursday::The Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being  in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."

John 1: 1-5

 

Choices

 

 “ See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.  And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

1 John 3: 1-3

 What is the purpose of life?

To Know God.

To Love God.

To Serve God

in this world 

and in the next.

Do you know God?

Do you love God?

Do you seek to serve God?

Today,

The pull of the world is strong.

The values, on which we were raised, are mocked, not cherished.

The gravity of sin has been forgotten.

The family is being broken apart.

Freedom of religion is being destroyed.

The self and control have become gods.

"Where is God?"you ask.

Look at our world!

Does God know us?

Does God love us?

Does God serve us? 

Who has become the god?

We have forgotten that we are children of God.

We are not the parents.

We are the children.

Children learn and obey unless they turn away from the Creator.

If you know God,

if you love God, 

if you serve God,

would the world be as it is?

Being a child of God 

is not easy.

 We are attacked for our values.

We are mocked for our beliefs.

Many are martyred for our faith.

Yet, 

God loves all of His beloved children.

As a God of love, He wants to give us His Home, Heaven.

As a God of Mercy, He wants to give us every chance to gain Heaven.

As a God of Justice, He must hold us accountable for our choices.

Not every child of God goes to Heaven.

Many go to hell where God is not.

Hell is reality.

People deny that hell exists.

They are wrong.

The time has come.

We must make our choice.

God loves you!

He wants you!

He waits for you!

He has the words of eternal life.

 

  So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?”  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 

John 6: 67

Look at His Face.  His eyes are on you and you alone.  Jesus says:

"Do you also wish to go away?"

Your answer is....