7 Quick Takes This Week:: Remembering the Souls in Purgatory, showtime, tree, Advent, Thanksgiving

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It's not November any more, but it is always important to pray for the 

Souls in Purgatory.

They need our help.

Guess what's being offered up here.  

I developed tendonitis of my thumb

getting ready for a show starting today.

Yikes!

It hurts, but I know the 

Souls in Purgatory 

suffer so much more,

so with joy  I offer this pain up to Jesus for the 

Souls.

 Use it, Jesus, to help the Souls.

Use it, Jesus, to save souls.

Thank You,
Loving Savior.

 --- 2 ---

 My article on Catholic365.com has had over 1.4K shares on Facebook.   Praise God that it's reaching so many people!

Here's the link::

Click  HERE

 --- 3 ---

 

I don't do many shows a year.

Often times, they are not worth the time invested.

I only do 1-3 selected shows a year.

Most of them are scheduled around this time.

There was only one show that I was able to be in, and it begins today.

I'm featuring these ornaments in the show.

If they don't sell,

they are going to be on my tree! 

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 Even though it's still Advent, our tree is up and lit.  I love our tree!
The ornaments are all new.  I thought we had bought way too many new ones, but it was just enough!

Now, I wait for the birth of our King!

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Yes, it's very non-traditional, 

but this is our Christmas wreath.

It took me about ten minutes,

and
I think it's the best one in the neighborhood.

Remember,

you can offer your joys, too,

for the 

Souls in Purgatory.

They appreciate anything you do for them.

 

 --- 6 ---

The flowers are finally gone.

What's left of the roses are these beautiful rose hips.

I don't have enough to make 

Rose Hip Jam, but I do love to look at these beautiful seed pods

nestled 

against the snow.

The red and green are 

Christmas colors.

They are brilliant against the snow. 

 --- 7 ---

 Memories of Christmas Past.

Dreams of Christmas Present.

Anticipation of Christmas Future.

God is Good.

Have you thanked Him for all the beauty in this earth?

Praise God!

Thank God!

We are your servants.

Thank You!

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

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 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

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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!

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 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









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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 

  
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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

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 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!

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.

  

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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!

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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!

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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!

 

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 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!

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7 Quick Takes:: The Holidays are upon us

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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

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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! 

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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.

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 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! 

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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!

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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
 

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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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."

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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!

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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)

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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!)

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