Friday, November 28, 2008

It's Official...

The Christmas Season has begun...oh how I love Advent / Christmas and all it means to us as God's children! So, I begin my celebrations with one of my very favorite Christmas songs...Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmAe2T9UvLo


Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving...


Thanksgiving in Greek is Euchasristia.

Eucharist = the body and blood of Christ

Thanksgiving = Communion

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Hidden

The resurrection of Jesus was a hidden event. Jesus didn't rise from the grave to baffle his opponents, to make a victory statement or to prove to those who crucified Him that He was right after all. Jesus rose again as a sign to those who had loved Him and followed Him that God's divine love was stronger than death. To the women and men who had committed themselves to Him, he revealed that His mission had been fulfilled.

The world didn't take notice. Still, it was this hidden event that freed humanity from the shackles of death.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Reaching out...

John 14:6 tells us "Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.""

This verse tells us that no one gets to the Father except through the Son. That means believing in Jesus is the ONLY way to receive eternal life---to get to heaven. Many people use this verse when they evangelize others, telling them that if they don't believe in Jesus, they'll go to hell. But God doesn't want us to frighten others into believing in Christ. We aren't Christians out of fear but out of love.

Jesus wants us to reach out and share His love so that others may come to know Him. He wants everyone to know the way to everlasting life and peace. He wants us to share the good news with others.

Society has branded this a cruel, intolerant verse, but it isn't! Jesus isn't intolerant; only people are. Reach out and share His all-inclusive love.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Letting Go...

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB. Of the Abbey of St. Walburga

We hear from St. Paul, “Do everything without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent children of God.” (Phil 2: 14-15) What are the things that cause people to grumble or murmur? When something is taken, why do we cling to it? Why do we identify with something so much that we would be angry if it were taken from us? Sometimes the things you hang on to the tightest are the very things you should get rid of first; because they’re the very things that tie your heart down. They keep you from seeking God because you spend so much time protecting those things or identifying with them instead of identifying with the Cross.

I think one of the most precious things we have is our opinion. Sometimes we even have to give that to God and let Him dispose of it. We need to be able to give everything to God. Take notice of the things that ruffle you a little. Notice the things that your heart is entwined around. If it’s not the Cross it’s not of God. If we purify our heart we won’t be rooted in the earth, we’ll be rooted in Heaven.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What do you share...

I recently read the story of a young man in Medelin, Columbia named Louis. He lived in a world of wretched poverty and violence. His home was made from boxes and rusted scraps of metal. Yet, when a local missionary visited on occasion he would welcome him with open arms...even to the point of taking off his shirt and spreading it on the ground so his visitor wouldn't have to sit on the dirt. Sadly, Louis was killed in this world in which he lived.

Louis had nothing to offer but radical hospitality...he offered all that he had. How often have we missed the opportunity to welcome someone into our home, offer them our seat or even just a smile? It might cause some minor discomfort but no real sacrifice and yet we fiercely protect our personal space. What gifts has God given you? Do you share these freely with those who cross your path?

We must learn to be radical and share what we have to those God puts in our lives. Share freely with friend and stranger alike...we must learn to be like Louis and give everything.

Monday, November 17, 2008

A day in the life...

If you've ever worked with youth...you understand what I mean. If you haven't, well...even though we love them, some days look like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYU-uQNKQI8

And the rest of you wonder why we (youth workers) act like we do...

Saturday, November 15, 2008

True Friendship

We usually think of friends as people with whom we have something in common, yet true friends help us grow in a positive way. Friendships can be a wonderful part of life, but they also can be dangerous if they are based on the wrong things. When a relationship is based on violence, drugs, illegal activities, gossip, cruel behavior or other harmful things, is that really a friendship--or is it just a mutually beneficial arrangement?

Herod and Pilate did not become "friends" until after Jesus' death. They actually hated each other before they discovered a common bond--a bond that stemmed from their participation in the crucifixion of Jesus. Was theirs a true friendship?

It is very easy to have a destructive relationship, especially if you see some benefit in it. But ask yourself this question: In the long run, where will it lead me? Think about it...

Friday, November 14, 2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Freedom

There are two freedoms--the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; and the true---where a man is free to do what he ought.
Kingsley

Which freedom do you practice?
Why?
With one we can satisfy ourselves, but not God nor anyone else. The other satisfies God and ultimately ourselves.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Saints

When we are baptized we become part of a much larger family. We are a people "set apart" by God to bring light to a darkened world. God calls us His saints!

Most of us tend to think of saints as holy and pious and see them with halos and upturned eyes...but true saints are much more accessible than that. They are men and women who live ordinary lives and struggle with ordinary problems. What makes them saints is a clear focus upon God and His people. Some saints lives may look quite different, but most a similar to our own. They are calling us to become like them. Be a light, be a saint!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day


Means different things to different people...for those who serve or have served and for those who love someone who served or has served...it is a time of profound appreciation...

This is the Tomb of the Unknowns...from WWI, WWII and Korea. The inscription reads "Here rests, in Honored Glory, an American soldier, known but to God". They gave their lives and no one even knows their names...

Monday, November 10, 2008

God in unlikely places

Hubby and I are a little behind times when it comes to "Must see TV"...we rarely (OK never) watch series. But...sometime last year we came across re-runs of the "X" Files. Hubby doesn't sleep well and tends to be up at odd hours, and that's when they show these. We found them interesting...just because nothing is too far fetched! For his birthday, he received a boxed set with all 9 seasons and we are watching them. Sometimes one episode a week, sometimes 5 episodes in one evening.

Last night I showed one to the youth called "Revelations"...it had all the components to launch a million questions but it was also a great example of how God speaks to us today...imagine a series dealing with aliens and the paranormal touching on God and miracles. Needless to say the youth were thrilled to watch a DVD rather than listen to me for an hour and I was thrilled to find God in the most unlikely of places. I will do a better job of keeping my eyes open from now on!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Laundry...


I've seen this before...for the first couple of years that son was in college, he'd bring laundry home 'cause no one does it like Mom. Ok, I know it was a line so I'd take care of it but just the same...he was growing up and soon would no longer live at home during the summer so it was a connection. It gave us time together (I think he felt a little guilty so he'd hang around to help me sort, fold, etc.) to talk and laugh and yes, I could get an idea how life was treating him. It was an excuse to be together.

Now he is grown and hasn't lived at home for quite some time...and yes, I'd really love to see him pull up in the driveway with a mountain of laundry.

Friday, November 7, 2008

A Different Drum

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it's because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
Henry David Thoreau

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Esther

We studied Esther last night...she was a Jewish child, raised in Persia by her uncle/cousin and became the woman King Xerxes chose as his queen.

Esther was a person of faith, goodness, obedience, devotion and courage. Even though a Queen, she was not demanding. She merely asked...softly, quietly with dignity and respect. God used her to save a nation from destruction and devastation. She became His instrument "for such a time as this".

She could have said "No" and so can you. Do you have any idea what you will miss in your service to the Lord if you aren't willing to stand up? You are your only limitation in God's kingdom...

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

A Prayer for the day....

Almighty God,
Who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogance and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindred and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

From the Book of Common Prayer

Monday, November 3, 2008

Tomorrow is Election Day!




I have made it a point NOT to endorse a candidate on this blog. I leave it to you to do your research and vote your conscience. I don't believe in a "bully" pulpit. But, I do say...VOTE! It is your right, your privilege and most importantly your duty! I know the youth are not old enough yet but they too can make sure the adults around them do their part...

This could be one of the most important decisions we are called to make as a people and as a nation. Don't take it lightly! And while you're at it, join in this prayer by Ken Carter:

Creator of us all,
You are the source of every blessing, the judge of every nation and the hope of earth and
heaven. We pray to you on the eve of this important and historic election. We call to mind the best that is within us:
That we live under God, that we are indivisible, that liberty and justice extend to all. We
acknowledge the sin that runs through our history as a nation: The displacement of native
peoples, racial injustice, desecration of your creation, economic inequity, regional separation.
And yet, we profess a deep and abiding gratitude for the goodness of ordinary people who have made sacrifices, who have sought opportunities, who have passionately loved and cared for the earth and its fruits, who have journeyed to this land as immigrants strengthening its promise in successive generations, who have found freedom on these shores and defended this freedom at tremendous cost.
Be with us in the days that are near. Remind us that Your ways are not our ways, that Your
power and might transcend the plans of every nation, that You are not mocked. Let those who follow Your Son Jesus Christ be a peaceable people in the midst of division. Send Your Spirit of peace, justice and freedom upon us, break down the walls of political partisanship and make us one.
Give us wisdom to walk in Your ways, courage to speak Your name and humility to trust in Your Providence.
Amen