Thursday, June 02, 2011

Inches into Miles


An excerpt from
The Best Way Out is Always Through (Link leads to meditative movie)
by BJ Gallgher
Our journey of life is about progress,
not perfection.
It's not about doing one thing
100% better -
it's a matter of doing 100 things,
1% better each day.

Progress is evolutionary
not revolutionary,
and most days we measure our progress
in inches,
not miles.

What matters most
is showing up for your life
whether you feel like it
or not.

Ask yourself,
"What two or three little things
can I do today
that would move me forward?"

You'll be amazed
at how much distance
you can cover
by taking it in increments.

The little things add up;
the inches turn to miles;
and we string together our efforts
like so many pearls.
Before long,
look what you have -
a whole strand!

Ah... beautiful.

Saturday, May 07, 2011

One Solitary Life


An excerpt from One Solitary Life
by James A. Francis
He was born in an obscure village
the child of a peasant woman.

He grew up in still another village
where He worked in a carpenter shop
until He was thirty, and then for three years
He was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never had a family.
He never owned a house.
He never went to college.
He never visited a big city.

He never traveled
two hundred miles
from the place
where He was born.

He did none of the things
one usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself.

He was only thirty-three when
the tide of public opinion turned against Him.
His friends ran away.
He was turned over to His enemies
and went through the mockery of a trial.

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.

While He was dying
His executioners gambled for His clothing,
the only property He had on earth.

When He was dead
He was laid in a borrowed grave
through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone,
and today Jesus is the central figure
of the human race,
the leader of mankind's progress.

All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that have ever reigned
put together

Have not affected the life
of mankind on this earth
as much as that
one solitary life.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Your Cross



A young man was at the end of his road , seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the 
tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a 
far wall.


"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."


When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see 
what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more 
fortunate than you imagined.

YOUR CROSS
Whatever your cross
Whatever your pain
There will always be sunshine
After the rain
Perhaps you may stumble
Perhaps even fall
But God's always there
To help you through it all 

Monday, January 24, 2011

BEATITUDES: Blessings for our Time


BEATITUDES: Blessings for our Time

Francis San Damiano window
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 30) build appropriately on the themes of FAN's "Creativity for Creation". In living from life to gospel the gospel shows us successful results- blessings.
We are invited also to participate in a webcast on January 26. On January 25, we celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul, who invites us along with the Corinthians to "[c]onsider your own calling, brothers and sisters" (1 Cor 1:26). The webcast provides this opportunity.
Zephaniah admonishes us to "seek justice, seek humility" (Zep 2:3). The Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel (5:1-12) expand on this oracle's path to favor with God and offer a fitting meditation in preparation for and reflection on the webcast.
FAN is a movement which lends itself to the Franciscan Mission- The Christian Mission - to Love one another as first, Christ Loves us.


We are blessed to be poor in spirit, when we embrace the richness of Franciscan poverty and simplicity;
We are blessed to mourn, for the damage caused by our choices as we turn to Franciscan penance and return to Christ;
We are blessed to be meek, that we might be fitting heirs of the land and the kingdom;
We are blessed to hunger and thirst for righteousness, in our pursuit of right relationship and open dialog leading to mutual respect and love;
We blessed to be merciful, when we encounter each other and all creatures;
We are blessed to be clean of heart, with pure intentions towards all of Sister Earth's goods;
We are blessed to be peacemakers, who heal the restlessness that drives greed and excess;
We are blessed to be and do all these things in the face of rejection and opposition, that the kingdom of heaven might be our reward.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Jesus, help my eyes to see




Jesus, help my eyes to see
All the good Thou sendest me.
Jesus, help my ears to hear
Calls for help from far and near.
Jesus, help my feet to go
In the way that Thou wilt show.
Jesus, help my hands to do
All things loving, kind, and true.
Jesus, may I helpful be,
Growing every day like Thee. Amen.

~~~~~~

Jesus, help my eyes to see

God has given us the great gift of ourselves and as all good gifts, meant to be shared.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Retreat to Nature Beckons

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~


It is not a very pretty day outside

from the picture out the window
Yet creation goes beyond the frame
A line of sight pretends to form.

My Faith, my knowledge, hopes and dreams show that within my grasp
All creation sings out praise
In silence as in thunder blast.

If for nothing else I give praise
For the creators mighty hand
Enter a time to spend with God.
He is near; draw near to Him.



The amazing beauty of nature provides many moments and small pleasures to treasure. Take a few minutes away from the daily fast pace to enjoy the award winning photography, music and beautiful words in the 4 minute movie, Nature's Inspiration. It will be a welcome break!





Click this link for a 4 minute natural retreat:

A blessing for today



May the blessing of the God of peace and justice be with us;
May the blessing of the Son
who weeps the tears of the world's suffering be with us;
And may the blessing of the Spirit
who inspires us to reconciliation and hope be with us
from now into eternity.
Amen.

[Blessing for Order of Ecumenical Worship Service for Christian Unity]


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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...

Friday, October 29, 2010

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). 

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

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.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

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.

cid:009701cae65a$9a276a80$2f01a8c0@myhome.westell.com

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!!!!!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Into Thy Word

Into Thy Word ..........

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.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

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.

Friday, April 16, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Billy Graham @ 90 - A Prayer for Our Nation

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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..

Sunday, April 11, 2010

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,

Saturday, April 10, 2010

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

Thursday, March 25, 2010

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.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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.