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' ?

A Prayer for Discernment.

Lord God, by the words of St. Francis lead me where you will Today!

"Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord that I may carry out
Your holy and true command. Amen."

Draw near Oh Lord....

Oh Lord,
Hear our prayer as we turn our hearts to you.
Take our world, our nation, our family and ourselves
And draw us ever the closer to you.

When we turn away, allow us to hear your voice calling us back.
When we ignore you, show us your truth and open our hearts to you.
When we forget you, do not forget us and gently remind us of your love.

Come close to us Lord, and give us the courage and strength to change our lives
So that we can forever sing with all creation
Of your mighty deeds.

Pro-Life Conversion Prayer to Saint Paul

Conversion Prayer to Saint Paul

Blessed Apostle Paul, who labored so zealously for the conversion of the Gentiles in many lands, obtain for us a perpetual zeal for the salvation of souls and especially enkindle our interest in the conversion of our separated brethren. Ever mindful of the interest that our Divine Lord, the Good Shepherd, has for the other sheep not of His fold, I now beg your intercession and obtain for me the gift of the true faith for Barack Obama and all the supporters of abortion and any other policy that forsakes the sanctity of life.

May God grant this request so close to my heart and thus enable me to extend to another what I so richly enjoy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Pray with Our Holy Father

Jesus Help Me

Jesus Help Me

In every need let me come to Thee with humble trust, saying,
Jesus, help me!

In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations,
Jesus, help me!

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials,
Jesus, help me!

In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles and sorrows,
Jesus, help me!

When my heart is cast down by failure, at seeing no good come from my efforts,
Jesus, help me!

When others fail me, and Thy grace alone can assist me,
Jesus, help me!

When I throw myself on Thy tender love as Father and Savior,
Jesus, help me!

When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me,
Jesus, help me!

When sickness and loneliness overcome me,
Jesus, help me!

Always, in weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind,
Jesus, help me and never forsake me.

Thanks to http://www.cukierski.net/index.shtml

Prayer For Employment

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Red Letter Day......

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500-0001

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

MISSING- Update:Found :(

MISSING!



FRISKY

Missing on or around 10/15/08 in the Canaan Court area.
He is a grey tabby (long hair)brown eyes
He is approximately 3 yrs old.
He does respond to his name and is a very friendly cat.
If you've seen him please call Jennie at 243-3373
or Paul at 685-0544

On February 3, 2009, We found Friskie in the middle of the road less than a quarter mile from our house. Thanks to all who searched, prayed and hoped for his safe return. Although it was a horrible end, I know that any pain or suffering is over.

I found a poem which reflects aspect of heaven (which I define as living in the full presence of God and his many gifts, outside of temptation and sin)
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

May all creation forever praise the living God!

A prayer for Life for focus in the coming week

A prayer for Life for focus in the coming week.

Daily Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God,
I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing
that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death
by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself
never to be silent,
never to be passive,
never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself
to be active in the pro-life movement,
and never to stop defending life
until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
and our nation once again becomes
a nation with liberty and justice
not just for some, but for all.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Priests for Life

Kutless Giveaway

free Kutless MP3 is being given away at Bible Study Magazine. They are also having a contest to win cool Kutless gear and Logos Bible Software. Go check it out!

Please Pray for Zimbabwe from Anne Seggerman - paul.kravitz@gmail.com

Please forward this to as many people as you can.

St. Martin de Porres Guild *

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A beautiful Christmas greeting, sent to me by a dear friend, from Jesus, who said that in essence with the crass materialism of the Christmas season, He was not being invited to His own birthday party. Mother Theresa of Calcutta said that when she was taking care of the poor, hungry, neglected, mistreated; the poor of the streets of Calcutta, that she was taking care of Jesus.

Many of us are faithful sisters and brothers of St. Francis and so we have been exhorted to take care of these multitudes increasing at an alarming rate and now, particularly, with the unspeakable horrors of the genocide taking place in Zimbabwe.

It has been said that in these days, sometimes referred to as the Latter Days, satan has been set loose, for he knows his time is short. It has also been remarked that many of the people who are now found in positions of leadership have been taken over by satan himself or by one of his evil spirits. No one fills that description better than avowed communist Robert Mugabe, who for 28 years has inflicted the tortures of hell on his own people, now along with mass starvation culminating in a deadly epidemic of cholera killing hundreds a day.

In Medjugorje, we have been told that for some difficult situations prayer alone does not suffice, but prayer accompanied by fasting is required to be rid of grave evil.

Along with St. Martin de Porres, and all the saints in heaven, I plead with you, my sisters and brothers in Christ, to pray every day and fast however and whenever you can for the poor, sick and starving millions of victims in what was once the bread basket of Africa, a place once called Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and that the Lord God Almighty might rescue these people from the terrible scourge of the evil Mr. Mugabe.

Together, our prayers and fasting directed to the salvation of these people and of their nation can become the greatest birthday present we could offer to Our Savior on His birthday!

Anne C. Seggerman SFO DM

NOVENA TO SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES

For 9 days in a row, say:

Saint Martin de Porres,

your concern and charity embraced

not only your needy brethren,

but also the animals of the field.

You are a splendid example of charity;

we thank and praise you.

From above,

hear the requests of your needy brethren.

(Mention your request here...)

By modeling our lives after yours,

and imitating your virtues,

may we live content knowing that

God has looked favorably upon us.

Because this is so,

we can accept our burdens

with strength and courage

in order to follow

in the footsteps of our Lord

and the Blessed Mother.

May we reach the Kingdom of Heaven

through the intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

A traditional Catholic fast, as recommended by the seers of Medjugorje, is on Wednesday or Friday or both days. During fast days a single simple meal is allowed after sundown so that one goes without food for 24 hours from the last evening meal to the meal the following evening closing the fast. Only water and plain bread if necessary is permitted during a fast. Only those persons considered well enough should fast. Check with your doctor before embarking on a fast.

* a committee of the Fourth World Foundation Inc.

Human Rights Day

A Call to All Franciscans to . . .
A Day of Prayer and Fasting
On Wednesday, 10 December 2008
World Human Rights Day
To Commemorate the 60th Anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
To Be in Solidarity with Our Sisters and Brothers . . .
. . . In the DR Congo; Palestine / Israel; India
and Wherever People Are Suffering Violence
Let us use
“The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis” and/or
“The Canticle of Creatures”
to unite our voices in a cry for world peace
with universal justice and respect
for all of God’s creatures.

Prayers to the unborn Lord Jesus

Think about Jesus, as an unborn child within the circumstances that God placed him within our story of redemption. Thank you Lord for coming to us and being with us.


Lord, thank You for first coming among us as the Unborn Christ Child. Today, untold numbers of our tiny sisters and brothers have been abandoned by the world’s leaders, by the traditional defenders of justice, by the healing professions and even by their own parents. But You are their Savior—You have not forgotten them. Savior, rescue and protect these little ones from the neglect and violence of an uncaring world.

Merciful Lord, Your tiny infant heart, which was later emptied on the cross, offers this world its only hope. Forgive us our sins against the unborn, against their parents and against all Your children. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Prince of Peace, through Your healing Spirit, help us to lovingly accept every conceived child created in Your image and likeness, as a messenger of peace and goodwill towards all people. Amen.

Taken from : The Unborn Word Alliance

Getting Into Advent

A nice meditation to start Advent:

Advent Conspiracy

I have set the framework for Christmas this year.
It shall be a Holy Day like NONE OTHER.

Jesus is coming.

He has shown us the way.

We are blessed if we look upon it.

Join the conspiracy, look down the path. And know that the gift is here.

With us.

Every Day.

Waiting to be unwrapped. Waiting to be taken. Waiting to be given.

A day like none other is coming soon. Will you be ready?

http://www.adventconspiracy.org

A thought from St. Therese

St. Therese: 'Why should we defend ourselves when we are misunderstood and misjudged? Let us leave that aside. Let us not say anything. It is so sweet to let others judge us in any way they like. O blessed silence, which gives so much peace to the soul!'"

This theme reminds me of many of the Saints who faced persecution of all sorts. If we apply this to how faith is looked at in the country, and actively persecuted in other parts of the world, we should consider ourselves blessed to be called to bring the gospel to the marketplace.

Our joy goes far beyond what is visible in this world, for where is the Love of Christ in this world- it can not be seen in countries or buildings or programs or even prayers and devotions, but in the hearts of the followers of Christ.

So live your life as you are called to, for in the understanding and judgment of the Lord all will be brought to light, and for those who live in the light, darkness can no longer be.

Thnaks to Wendy and company for the quote.

Franciscan thought of the day 10/24/08

Keep on truckin', fellow travellers:

"'Let my Gospel be your Rule, and My life be your life, My cross your repose, My charity your life, My death your hope and resurrection, Let the reproaches, blasphemies, and mockery against Me be your honors, blessings, and commendations; let your life, joy, and glory be to endure death and torments for Me; let your portion and riches be to wish to have nothing under heaven; let your distinction, consolation, and triumph be to be humbled beneath all and to rejoice to be afflicted and vilified on account of My name.' (Angelo Clareno, The Book of Chronicles [Prologue, Christ Instructs Francis])"

Our True Face

Ghandi said:

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

It seems to me that Christ still suffers today.

If we have the spirit of Christ within us, and everyone who accepts Christ and eats his flesh and drinks his blood, Then the anonymous face on the street is not so anonymous. We will have to answer to the king when he asks us of we fed the hungry clothed the naked and all the meriful acts he REQUIRES of us as followers.

Anything less is lip service and brown nosing.

If the Christian (myself included) does not live up to this, yet insures that SELF is fed, SELF is clothed and we do not concern with the person next store or the person holding their hand out on the street, then we deny Christ. If we see Christ in ourselves but cannot see Christ in the Other, then we are missing the Christ He wants us to see.

No matter how hard we try, we cannot see our true face:
In a mirror, the image is reversed.
In a photo we are captured in a monment.
Though a video, we see what the lens (or person behind the lens) can see.

Yet a stranger walking the street would see our glance.
Our spouses can see the look of the emotion of the moment.
Nature can observe the joy.

Discipleship has a price....

PLEASE PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS IN INDIA
Christian Persecution India

From: persecution, 2 weeks ago

Christian Persecution India

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: india persecution)

Christan persecution India


SlideShare Link

A Call For Convention

Today, the Connecticut Supreme Courts approved "Same-Sex" Marriages as being legal. I am not surprised that Connecticut would do this, but I am saddened, and I hold up this state to Almighty God to continue showing His mercy towards us.

It seems we have turned our face away from him- again.

At first, I was not in favor of the vote to invoke a constitutional convention, which I saw as a waste of taxpayers money and pretty much a waste of time.

But Times (and opinions) change. I join the bishops of the state in calling for votes to support a convention.
I encourage you to do the same.

Perhaps this state can return to morals that are consistent to the Gospels, with a lot of prayer and a lot of votes.

Here is what the CCC had to say:

Connecticut Catholic Conference calls for Constitutional Convention

Vatican Official Simplifies Voting Guidlelines for American Catholics | Agnus Daily

Here is a simple explaination of why I support John McCain.

Vatican Official Simplifies Voting Guidlelines for American Catholics | Agnus Daily

If you support the respect of all human life, you will support him as well!

A Message to Obama

Meditate on this and vote Pro Life.

SFO Mom: A Message to Obama

Thanks SFO Mom

An Election Day Prayer - Mary stand with us

An Election Prayer to Mary

O most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life.

Trusting in your most powerful intercession, we pray,

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen

Msgr. William J. Blacet

Servant and Steward: Sad yet happy

Servant and Steward: Sad yet happy

A great reflection on the Stigmata of Francis.

I remember the flags.

I remember the flags.

This is the 7^th September 11 that went by since the terrorist attack on our country.

I remember the sound of the incredulous radio broadcaster announcing the first tower being hit. I remember thinking that it was just some sort of crazy media scare, something blown out of proportion as I sat in my car on the way to the office.

I remember praying in front of the neighbors television as we came from nearby offices to see "Ground Zero" and witnessing in the collapse of the second tower the deaths of thousands of innocent people - and I was thankful, as I was often the person in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I remember the uncertainty of what was going on around us- rumors of other incidents until the dust cleared. How much was hanging on the thread of civilization, which I had not ever seen as vulnerable before.

I remember the desire to get home to be with Jennie and the kids… The desire to light a candle, say a prayer and commend the day's events to God.

I remember our personal response, a pulling together of loosely fitting neighbors. I realized on September 11^th that being an American was something to not be taken lightly.

I remember singing the patriotic songs. And the flags that sprung up as flowers in a place where the dirty destructive fingers of terrorism had spread a rotting odor. The flag reminded us where we were, where we came from and where we wanted to go. And the flag moves forward. The American People move forward. The stench of terrorism is in the air, no longer ignored, but overwhelmed by the sweet breeze of freedom which is felt in our hearts and seen in the flutter of the flag.

I don't see them around so much these days. Much like the feeling for the appreciation of our American way of life, the flag is mostly put away and only taken out when we need to remember. But the flag is there. Always real. Always ready. We will see it when we need to and know that we do not stand alone, but as one nation under the protection of almighty God.

Prayer for the Coming Kingdom

I bow to the sacred in all creation.
May my spirit fill the world with beauty and wonder.
May my mind seek truth with humility and openness.
May my heart forgive without limit.
May my love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure.
May my needs be few and my living simple.
May my actions bear witness to the suffering of others.
May my hands never harm a living being.
May my steps stay on the journey of justice.
May my tongue speak for those who are poor without fear of the powerful.
May my prayers rise with patient discontent until no child is hungry.
May my life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence.
May my soul rejoice in the present moment.
May my imagination overcome death and despair with new possibility.
And may I risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to the children.
- Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB.

God Answers Prayer!

God's responses to prayer:

1.) No, not yet
2.) No, I love you too much;
3.) Yes, I thought you'd never ask;
4.) Yes, and here's more"

Moments

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD

A Letter from God

I came across this some time ago and wanted to share this.

I hope it lifts your day and that you experience the touch of the Father.

Peace be with you.

A Letter from God

The American Life League Report on blip.tv

The American Life League Report on blip.tv

Why would youtube pull this but allow Planned Parenthood (Prenatal Peril) their "clever" ads.

I asked God...

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.
I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.
I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

31 Days to a More Powerful You

31 Days to a More Powerful You

A program of reading the book of proverbs over the month for 1 year. Give God's word a chance to take root in your life. It will be a true blessing to you.

MANGER SCENES VANDALIZED

The world would destroy what is is looking for!

Please erect display and promote manger scenes so that people can be reminded of what CHRISTMAS is all about.

I don't know what a holiday season is supposed to be about, but Christmas is something I do know (being a son of Claus) and is a time of love and family.

I hope that the Christmas gifts of Hope, Peace Joy and/or Love are yours always, kind reader.



MANGER SCENES VANDALIZED

Today, the Catholic League erected a nativity scene in Central Park. Unfortunately, vandals have destroyed or stolen manger scenes nationwide. Here are some of the locales:

· Foreman, Arizona
· Rogers, Arizona
· Antioch, California
· Glastonbury, Connecticut
· Arredondo Farms, Florida (three instances)
· Bal Harbour, Florida
· Fort Walton Beach, Florida
· Panama City, Florida (more than a dozen incidences)
· Tampa, Florida
· Bainbridge, Georgia
· Schaumberg, Illinois (two instances)
· Kearney, Missouri (two instances)
· Kirkwood, Missouri
· Bozeman, Montana
· Lattimore, North Carolina
· Westbury, New York (the homeowner was assaulted)
· Elyria, Ohio
· Sylvania Township, Ohio
· Greensboro, North Carolina
· Leesburg, Virginia
· Marlow, West Virginia

In perhaps the sickest incident, an elementary public school coach in Marietta, Georgia drove students around the area in his pickup truck instructing them to thrash Christmas displays after dark; they also created obscene displays with some of the adorning statues.

baby hedgehog - iriqi

baby hedgehog - iriqi
Originally uploaded by The Kosovar

I saw this picture and it reminded me of our pet hedgehogs we had about 6 or 7 years ago.

They are very hard to find, and I found a pet store that was willing to order it. We took a triip also to NYC where I found a nice fellow on the internet who had a pet hedgehog and was trying to get someone to pay attention to her.

So we had 2 hedgehogs. They lasted about 4 or 5 months. We used to let them go on the couch with us and Jennie would make a tunnel for them to run along. Our pet cats were curiouis but kept their distance.

How a spikey creature got to be so close to us is beyond me. When they picked up a cough and passed on it was sad for the whole family. Their time with us ws a special blessing and I'll aways have a warm place in my heart for these creatures.

Just this side of heaven
is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies
that has been
especially close
to someone here,
that pet goes
to Rainbow Bridge.


There are meadows
and hills for all
of our special friends
so they can run
and play together.

There is plenty
of food, water
and sunshine,
and our friends
are warm
and comfortable.

All the animals
who had been ill
and old
are restored
to health and vigor.


Those who were hurt
or maimed
are made whole
and strong again,
just as we remember
them in our dreams
of days and times
gone by.

The animals are
happy and content,
except for one
small thing;
they each miss
someone
very special
to them,
who had to be
left behind.

They all run
and play together,
but the day comes
when one suddenly
stops and looks
into the distance.


His bright eyes
are intent.

His eager body
quivers.

Suddenly he begins
to run from
the group,
flying over
the green grass,
his legs carrying
him faster
and faster.

You have been
spotted, and when
you and your
special friend
finally meet,
you cling together
in joyous reunion,
never to be
parted again.

The happy kisses
rain upon your face;
your hands again
caress the beloved head,
and you look once more
into the trusting eyes
of your pet,
so long gone
from your life
but never absent
from
your heart.

Then you cross
Rainbow Bridge
together....

Author unknown

One in a million shot A smile from God...

Miracle Monday

The following reflection from Jim Rohn reflects my belief that Miracles abound in everyday life. Thanks to Sr. Pat for the quote!

I have found in life that if you want a miracle
you first need to do whatever it is you can do -
if that's to plant, then plant;
if it is to read, then read;
if it is to change, then change;
if it is to study, then study;
if it is to work, then work;
whatever you have to do.
And then you will be well on your way of doing the labor that works miracles.
Jim Rohn.

What miracles did you experience today?
The smile of a child.
A revelation of a mystery of who I am
Feet trodding familiar paths
A fall breeze foreboding winter.
A memory of a face from the past, a prayer on my lips.
A moment to pause and marvel- Shhh... I'm talking to God!

Remember Me- Veteran's Day

The email I received had the following note:
This film was made by a 15 year old girl.

The following is the hottest thing on the Internet and on Fox News today.

Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits as of this morning. In case you missed it, here it is.



Take a minute. Remember Them. Pray for them.

And When they are home, embrace them.

How Halloween Can Be Redeemed

How Halloween Can Be Redeemed

I learned a few things about the background of Halloween, and I now I can support if for the right reasons!

Happy Halloween! And walk carefully, for Sister Death follows.......

Hang On to Each Other - [from LifeSupport]

The following illustrates how God may send us to others, to shower his love on them, and in the process, shower His love on us.

HANG ON TO EACH OTHER

Too often we feel alone. But there is always someone ready to take our
hand. There is a beautiful story of an overworked nurse who escorted a
tired, young man to her patient's bedside. Leaning over and speaking
loudly to the elderly patient, she said, "Your son is here."

With great effort, his unfocussed eyes opened, then flickered shut
again. The young man squeezed the aged hand in his and sat beside the
bed. Throughout the night he sat there, holding the old man's hand and
whispering words of comfort.

By morning's light, the patient had died. In moments, hospital staff
swarmed into the room to turn off machines and remove needles. The
nurse stepped over to the young man's side and began to offer
sympathy, but he interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked.

The startled nurse replied, "I thought he was your father!"

"No, he was not my father," he answered. "I never saw him before in my
life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I realized he needed his son and his son wasn't here," the man
explained. "And since he was too sick to recognize that I was not his
son, I knew he needed me."

Mother Teresa used to remind us that nobody should have to die alone.
Likewise, nobody should have to grieve alone or cry alone either. Or
laugh alone or celebrate alone.

We are made to travel life's journey hand in hand. There is someone
ready to grasp your hand today. And someone hoping you will take
theirs.

-- Steve Goodier www.lifesupport.com

Do You Have It?

I bet you'll know the answer before reading this article. If not, you'll know when you are done.

LifeSupport : Message: The Symptoms of Inner Peace

Prayer for Autumn Days
God of the seasons, there is a time for everything; there is a time for dying and a time for rising. We need courage to enter into the transformation process. God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so. God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them. God of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives. We always need to recognize your power-filled presence. May we gain strength from this. God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender. We must wait for harvest in faith and hope. Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings. God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future. We yearn for insight and vision. God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons. God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life. For all this, we are grateful. Author Unknown

Fund Adoption Vanity Plate

In this day of vanity let some vanity do some good.... with a vanity plate. (available in CT, NY, and NJ)

Fund Adoption

Abortion is not a choice, it's a baby!

99 Balloons

What is life truly about? I think Elliot and his family have a gimpse of the answer and have shared a taste of the truth about the purpose of life. This is really moving and brought me to the tears which are a gift from the Spirit to allow us to know that we have touched the Holy, the veil has been lifted and God is with us today.

Took My Place!

One day, a man went to visit a church, He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near; the driver got out and said, ' I always park there! You took my place!' The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, 'That's my seat! You took my place!' The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ' That's where I always sit! You took my place!' The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, 'What Happened to you?' The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tearfell from his eye, 'I took your place.'
Say a prayer when you see this. Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking of who took our place.

Author Unknown

May the Lord Bless You....

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27"