A Thanksgiving Prayer - the challenge of giving thanks...

When we think about thanksgiving, we are inclined to rush to the warm fuzzy feelings of Thanksgivings gone by, as well as a happy thought of Thanksgivings to come.  I am firstly thankful that this nation has the need to be thankful.  I am also reminded though the day to day challenges that this holiday does not go without its own...

The following prayer appeared in St. James Stratford, CT bulletin and has settled in my heart.  I share this my thanksgiving prayer with you and pray that all who are open to receiving the great gifts of God will receive them abundantly.

Let us Pray

May God bless us with discontent at easy answers,half-truths, superficial relationships, so that we will live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, abuse and exploitation of people, so that we will work for equality, justice and peace.

May God bless us with tears to shed for thise who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we will reach out our hands to comfort them and change their pain to joy.

May God bless us with foolishness to think that we can make a difference in this world, so that we will do things which others tell us cannot be done.

If we have the courage to accept these blessings, God will bless us with happiness because we will know that we have made life better for others;

With inner peace because we will have worked to secure peace for others;  

With laughter because our hearts will be light;

With friends who will share our stories and honor our dreams.

Adapted from Ruth Fox, OSB

So Let us act...

Preparing to vote: The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument

One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this amazing historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. , are displayed two words: Laus Deo.

No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history , you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia , capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply,
they say " Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo. "Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution! So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.


Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings.
As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message..
On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore ;
on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians;
on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy "One Nation, Under God."
I
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo ", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1). 

Pray the Rule!

Good Morning! I received this article in email and think that this is a powerful morning prayer: May all who pray it obtain the graces it invokes and may they be close to Jesus always. 

PRAY THE RULE

Liam McCarthy, OFM

O Lord, our God, we intend to make present the charism of our Seraphic Father Francis in the life and mission of the Church, in various ways and forms but in life-giving union with one another. By our profession, we pledge ourselves to live the Gospel in the manner of St Francis by means of our Rule approved by the Church (Arts. 1-3). Help us, we pray, so that daily we may:

• observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St Francis, going from gospel to life and from life to the gospel (Art. 4);
• seek to encounter the living and active person of Jesus Christ in our brothers and sisters, in sacred scripture, in the Church and in the Eucharist (Art. 5);
• go forth as witnesses and instruments of the Church's mission among people, proclaiming Christ by our life and words (Art. 6);
• conform our thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by the radical interior change which the Gospel calls "conversion", making use of the sacrament of reconciliation on the way to renewal (Art. 7);
• let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all we are and do (Art. 8);
• imitate the Virgin Mary's complete self-giving in her openness to your every word and call (Art. 9);
• faithfully fulfill the duties proper to our various circumstances in life (Art. 10);
• seek the proper spirit of detachment and purify our hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power (Art. 11);
• acquire the purity of heart needed to set ourselves free to love God and our brothers and sisters (Art. 12);
• accept all people as your gift, Lord, and an image of Christ (Art. 13);
• exercise our responsibilities competently in the Christian spirit of service (Art. 14);
• be in the forefront of promoting justice by the testimony of our human lives and by courageous initiatives (Art. 15);
• esteem work both as a gift and as a sharing in the creation, redemption and service of the human community (Art. 16);
• cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity and respect for life in our families, striving to make it a sign of a world already renewed in Christ (Art. 17);
• respect all creatures, animate and inanimate "as bearing the imprint of the Most High" (Art. 18);
• be bearers of peace and messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, as immersed in the resurrection of Christ, we serenely tend towards Sister Death and our ultimate encounter with you, our Father (Art 19).

All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Brother.

Amen.

Truth Shines Through!

UNBELIEVABLE PHOTO

This is a beautiful photo of a giant American flag in Arizona . The photo is authentic, UN-Touched and was taken on regular Kodak 35mm film. The person who took the Picture couldn't believe the image created by the sun's rays. Nice of them to share it with the world! Read what it says under the picture.

For those who prefer to think that God is not watching over us. Go ahead and delete this.

For the rest of us.. Pass this on!!!!!

How to Plug the Oil Leak!

Making the rounds in email this morning!

Into Thy Word

It is into thy word Lord I find
Much strength for each new day,
It fills my heart and soul with joy,
It prepares me for the by and by.

Lord, each new morning as I flip
Through its pages smudged and worn,
I find such comfort within my soul,
It fills my heart and makes me whole.

I ask for wisdom each time I read
To understand thy word indeed,
It gives me strength, joy and peace,
Thy word brings, such sweet relief.

Lord, thy word is a map for my feet
As I learn thy truth from within,
I will apply it to my daily living,
And seek to do the best I can.

Thy word is my strength and tower
It is my bread for each new day,
It is my drink when I am thirsty,
Lord, you're my life, You are the way.

Inspirational Gift Ideas

Framed Inspirations are a perfect gift for the upcoming gifts for Moms, teachers, coaches, graduates and Dads. The beautiful photographs and inspirational quotes will inspire your friends and family throughout the year.

Giving Thanks for the dogs in our lives...

Giving Thanks for the dogs in our lives...

Why is it that dogs get such a bum rap... treated like a dog, ugly as as dog, etc.

I am not currently in a relationship with a family dog (cats rejoicing here!!!)
but the dogs of my memory have been wonderful companions and create unforgettable family moments.

My sister has a puppy (?!?) This huge, excitable pit/rot mix who is happy to see everyone and completes my sister's family. They are going through some ruff moments and their Belle helps my dear sis keep her sanity.

Jennie and I both have had shelter dogs and it is rewarding. After hearing of a friends ordeal with their dog in the veterinary ER last night, and the copious amount of love that these furry gifts of God bring to us, it crosses my mind that it might be nice to have a dog around...

But the cats are not of the dog owning persuasion and they are threatening the furniture... looking at me like I should keep my opinions to myself... If only they would keep their opinions to themselves...

Look for their rebuttal post when they learn my password. They already spend more time on the computer (and/or printer) than the kids.

Billy Graham @ 90 - A Prayer for Our Nation

Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation

THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare... We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.. We have abused power and called it politics... We have coveted our neighbour's possessions and called it ambition.. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free.. Amen!'

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over both our nations and wholeheartedly become our desire for our North American Continent.

Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!) One Nation Under God..

Join KofC in Novena for Pope Benedict

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI

Lord, source of eternal life and truth,

give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit

of courage and right judgment, a spirit

of knowledge and love. By governing

with fidelity those entrusted to his care,

may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter

and Vicar of Christ, build your Church

into a sacrament of unity, love and peace

for all the world. Amen.

V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.

R/ May the Lord preserve him,

give him a long life,

make him blessed upon the earth,

and not hand him over

to the power of his enemies.

V/ May your hand

be upon your holy servant.

R/ And upon your son,

whom you have anointed.

http://kofc.org/un/eb/en/papalnovena/index.html

The St. Francis Pledge | Catholic Climate Covenant

The St. Francis Pledge

I/We Pledge to:

• PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and protect the poor and vulnerable.
• LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.
• ASSESS how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations-contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc.
• ACT to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change.
• ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.

The St. Francis Pledge | Catholic Climate Covenant

Todays Puns (Because everyone needs to groan once in a while)

  1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir
  Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

   2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it
  turned out to be an optical Aleutian  .

   3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

   4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class,
  because it was a weapon of math disruption.

   5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little
  behind in his work.

   6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

  7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

   8.   A grenade thrown into a kitchen in  France  would result in
  Linoleum Blownapart.

   9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

   10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

   11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are
    looking into it.

   12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

   13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat
  said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'

   14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

   15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

   16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a
  hospital.  When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a
  nurse said 'No change yet.'


   17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

   18. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small
  medium at large.

   19. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a
  seasoned veteran.

   20. A backward poet writes inverse.

   21. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's
  your count that votes.

   22. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

   23. Don't join dangerous cults:  Practice safe sects !

   24.  A crowded elevator smells different to a midget.

Divine Mercy Sunday

 

Bishop William E. Lori will be the celebrant at the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass on April 11, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at Assumption Church in Westport, CT.  There will also be a blessing with a relic of St. Faustina.  Please come and join everyone in a joyful celebration of God's Mercy.  A reception with the Bishop immediately following in McGrath Hall (downstairs in the church).  For additional information, call Dian Mayo:  1-203-938-2113.  Please spread the word to friends and relatives that all may be truly

blessed.  

From Inspired Faith: Obedience

We all know there are negative consequences to disobeying God, but do we ever stop to consider all the blessings and rewards that come to us through obedience? Have we made obedience a drudgery that steals the fun from life, rather than affirming how much sweeter and better it makes life? There are more rewards and blessings from obedience than can be listed on a single page, but consider the following as you look up the corresponding Bible verses.

* Obedience gives us a clean conscience:
Psalm 19:13
* Obedience keeps us from danger:
Psalm 119:10
* Obedience brings material blessings:
Deuteronomy 11:13–15
* Obedience prolongs life:
Deuteronomy 11:9
* Obedience is a blessing to our family:
Psalm 112:1–3
* Obedience brings joy:
Psalm 119:33–35
* Obedience frees us from addictive habits:
Psalm 119:44–45
* Obedience increases our faith:
James 2:17

Lord God, thank You for enriching my life as I walk in Your ways. Amen.

The Richest Man in Town

“The Richest Man in Town” movie is all about leading with your heart and a service attitude.  It may make you laugh, cry or both. Enjoy this 3 minute movie that may also cause you to pause to reflect on life.

Thanksgiving Litany: Dylan

Today I give thanks for my 8 year old son Dylan.

Last year he went to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show and was very impressed.  He talked about various parts of the show during the weeks leading up to Christmas.  His retention for detail was excellent, his observations picked up small details many people may miss or not notice.

His Aunt and Uncle asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he said he wanted to bring his mom and dad to New York to see the Radio City Christmas Show.  And so the day of the trip to NYC is here.  It is like Christmas today even through the adversity of the economic environment and uncertainty of the future.

The star of Christmas finds it way to the hearts of those who look for it; in the heart of a hopeful eight year old and the heart of a forty eight year old dad who will always refuse to turn away from God's gifts no matter how hidden they may be.

Thank you Dylan. Thank God for never ending hope.

Swine Flu Symptoms

Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptom	Cold	Swine Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF
High Risk Groups
·        Children below 5 years  
·        Senior persons above 65 years
·        HIV infected persons
·        Diabetic patients
·        Pregnant Women
·        Lung & Heart patients
·        Obese persons
Warning signs for children
*        Troubled or abnormal breathing
*        Bluish skin color
*        Lessened intake of water/fluids
*       Extended sleep or lack of interaction
*        Irritable
*        Fever with rash
*        Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough
Warning signs for adults
·        Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
·        Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen
·        Sudden dizziness
·        Confusion
·        Severe or persistent vomiting
*       Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus
*   Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment
* Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection
. TAKE CARE FRIENDS .

The First Food and Drink on the Moon

The Apollo 11 crew had a variety of foods that were nutritious if not delicious. Much of it was freeze-dried in pouches, so astronauts had to squirt water into the bags and squish the contents around to prepare the food. There was no hot water aboard the Lunar Module, so the moonwalkers were stuck with cold meals and snacks for a day.
But the first things a man ate and drank on the moon were a Communion wafer and a thimbleful of wine.

Buzz Aldrin was a Presbyterian church elder at the time. The pastor of Webster Presbyterian in suburban Houston near the Johnson Space Center gave him a home Communion kit to take to the moon. It contained the wafer, a tiny vial of wine and a thumb-sized silver chalice.
NASA had urged Aldrin not to celebrate the sacrament publicly. Atheist activist Madelyn Murray O'Hare had already filed suit because the Apollo 8 crew read from the Book of Genesis for all the world to hear as they orbited the moon on Christmas Eve the year before.
So instead, Aldrin got on the radio shortly after the moon landing and asked everyone listening to observe 'a few moments of silence' to think about what had just happened and to give thanks in their own way.
Aldrin's way was to turn off the microphone and administer Communion to himself. Armstrong watched silently as Aldrin poured the wine, read a few lines of scripture from a card, then ate the wafer and drank from the tiny cup.
It was years before Aldrin told anyone about his Communion on the moon. He doesn't attend church anymore. Wine is no longer on his menu. Aldrin has been outspoken recently about his battle with alcoholism and his 30 years of sobriety.
'My Sunday mornings are spent in a recovery meeting in Pacific Palisades,' he told the New York Times.
Aldrin brought the little chalice back from the moon and returned it to Webster Presbyterian Church, which has it locked in a safe-deposit box. The church uses a replica of the chalice every year in a service marking the anniversary of the first moon landing.

A story passed to me on the internet. A very important distinction is that this is not the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Still an interesting story of the role God played in the astronaut's lives

Who can this be?

Who can this be? Who can this be? that the sea and the wind obey him?

My wife Jennie likes thunderstorms. The raw power of God's creation is so awesomely displayed that she delights in them. I like the smell of the world after a storm.
My 8 year old enjoys the rainbow after the storm, most likely for the beautiful brilliant colors. I am always reminded of God's promise that He will not touch us with anything like the flood of Noah's day.

Near the top of my blog I keep a quote: Lord I shall be very busy today... I may forget thee, please don't forget me.

God keeps nature in line, and the storms come to allow us to experience "after the storm". I sometimes forget that the storm is also gift, a gift that God invites us to embrace and make our own.

I pray today for all my brothers and sisters in whatever storm they stand in, that God will give us the strength to see it through, but if it is Gods will that we have to stand in it, may He be our umbrella, freeing us to obey Him and to act, as always, in love.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory now and forever. Amen.

English as a Human Language

You think English is easy???

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. Are English speakers verbally insane?
There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France.
Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find
that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea
pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't
groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't
the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese?
One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends
but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and
get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables,
what does a humanitarian eat?

In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a
wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy
of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in
a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the
creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all.
That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the
lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?