A Delicious Solution for High Blood Pressure

A Delicious Solution for High Blood Pressure
By Jon Herring
More good news for chocolate lovers. A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that eating just a small amount of dark chocolate can be as effective at lowering blood pressure as making major dietary changes. And it is certainly an easier regimen to maintain.
German researchers at the University Hospital of Cologne divided 44 adults with early-stage hypertension into two groups. The subjects ate 6.3 grams of either dark chocolate or white chocolate each day. While the dark chocolate contained about 30 mg of beneficial polyphenols (from cocoa), the white chocolate contained none.
The subjects who consumed the dark chocolate experienced an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 2.9 mm Hg and diastolic BP reduction of 1.9 mm Hg. Furthermore, the percentage of the test subjects who were clinically diagnosed with hypertension dropped from 86 percent to 68 percent. And these improvements were made without any changes in body weight, blood lipids, or blood sugar levels. Those who ate the white chocolate saw no changes.
The polyphenols in cocoa work as vasodilators, helping the blood vessels relax and become more flexible, and thus reducing the pressure inside. And it takes a surprisingly small amount to have an effect.
So if you love chocolate, take heart. But stick to dark chocolate. Milk chocolate has very little cocoa and too much sugar. You can also buy organic powdered cocoa at most health food stores. I often mix a teaspoon or two into my coffee, or I mix it in milk and add a teaspoon of erythritol for a tasty and healthful chocolate drink.

Letter to Amnesty International

Good Day to All!

While the proposed action by Amnesty International (in support of abortion) may appear to some to support women's freedom or provide a compassionate response to women in difficult situations of pregnancy, abortion injures the health and dignity of women at the same time that it ends the life of the unborn child. A far more compassionate response is to provide support and services for pregnant women, advance their educational and economic standing in society, and resist all forms of violence and stigmatization against them. (See Bishop Skylstad's Letter to AI .)

Many of the great figures of our time who advanced human rights and compassion for the destitute - Susan B. Anthony, Mohandas Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Fannie Lou Hamer - also opposed abortion. Many will find it incomprehensible that these giants of human progress must now be seen as enemies of human rights. The action of the Executive Council undermines AI's longstanding moral credibility, diverts its mission, divides its own members (many of whom are Catholic or defend the rights of unborn children), and jeopardizes AI's support by people in many nations, cultures and religions.

I humbly ask that the action be reconsidered as many lives and the quality of other lives hang in the balance. There is a great opportunity presented in this issue to defend human lives, especially those who are unable to speak for themselves.

--
God does not ask about our ability, but our availability.
-Anonymous

Sandal tracksto Paradise

PRECIOUSNESS OF SILENCE

PRECIOUSNESS OF SILENCE
'But Jesus was silent.' Mt 26:63
-----------------------------------

The Silence is Meekness.
When you do not defend yourself against offenses;
When you do not claim your rights;
When you let God defend you;
The Silence is Meekness.

The Silence is Mercy.
When you do not reveal the faults of your brothers to
others;
When you readily forgive without inquiring into the
past;
When you do not judge, but pray in your heart;
The Silence is Mercy.

The Silence is Patience.
When you accept suffering not with grumbling but
joyfully;
When you do not look for human consolations;
When you do not become too anxious, but wait in
patience for the seed to germinate;
The Silence is Patience.

The Silence is Humility.
When there is no competition;
When you consider the other person to be better than
yourself;
When you let your brothers emerge, grow and mature;
When you joyfully abandon all to the Lord;
When your actions may be misinterpreted;
When you leave to others the glory of the enterprise;
The Silence is Humility.

The Silence is Faith.
When you keep quiet because you know that the Lord will
act;
When you renounce the voice of the world to remain in
the presence of the Lord;
When you do not labour yourself to be understood;
because it is enough for you to know that the Lord
understands you;
The Silence is Faith.

The Silence is Adoration.
When you embrace the cross without asking 'Why?';
The Silence is Adoration.
-------------------------------------

Thanks to the Missionaries of Charity who shared this with our friends at http://www.cukierski.net

Silence is so undervalued and yet, sometimes God speaks in a whisper.
Peace be with you all.

The Trend of 'Believing without Belonging'

The Trend of 'Believing without Belonging'

My belief requires belonging to Church. The apostles were all of one church. Christ always sends out his own in groups of 2. Jesus said "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst".

One sin that is at the basis of many is pride. If you can finid your salvation without church, you are putting pride in yourself above all. Church keeps the voice of Satan in check. If the inner voice contradicts church then prayer is needed for stregnth and guidance from God. His scripture and the teaching of the church will keep the evil one in line.

Lord be with us and align us always with your church. May we be subject to your your word and law so that we may rightly call you Lord of our life. Thank you Jesus for all you have done and continue to do in our lives. May we be one in you as you are one in the Father.

Holy Week: Walking to the Cross

Holy Week: Walking to the Cross

Gods Love

Nothing we can do holds the significance of Christ's action.

So if our inner drive is to prove something to God or the world or ourselves, our actions are a poor indicator then of the effect of God's Love in our lives. It is when we come to the cross, we see the cross, we respond to the cross- this motion that is cross-oriented that centers our thoughts lives and placement in creation.

The same activity- Acolyte, minster of communion, feeder of the hungry - activities that we are moved to do because of the love of God can backfire if we say "Look what I can do!". Even "Look what I can do for you Lord" is a big "Look At Me" that smacks of the evil the Lord has warned us against. Yet it is His word that brings us to action.

So let everything we Do or Say, be it in the Church or the Living Room, Our Car or the Work Place not promote anything but Life in the Shadow of the Cross. This is the Life Francis promoted: Do not look at what I can do for God, but what God can do.

Mother Of All Peoples - Mary, First Witness of the Resurrection

Mother Of All Peoples - Mary, First Witness of the Resurrection

Were you there when they rolled the stone away?......

I found myself thinking of Mary this past Sunday, After holding her dead son on Friday, and knowing his words and having an incredible trust in Jesus and the will of God. Why would the mother of God be involved in the reserection?

1. Jesus' Mother followed Jesus. She was mentioned as travelling with him often.
2. She was present at the foot of the cross. She had a great devotion to Jesus.
3. Her faith went beyond the visible physics of the universe, the Annunciation, The miracle of water into wine.
4. Her Love was returned tenfold. She was given a Son in John at the foot of the cross, she was the example of one who does Gods will when Jesus called All who do God's will as my mother, and my brothers and sisters.
5. Jesus did appear to only a few, but the few that would testify to the truth. Mary's life was a testimony to the truth. She was also blessed among women so her hope would not go unrewarded.

Our hearts could not fathom the joy in Mary's Easter encounter. This moment is one captured in the believers heart and not words.

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly

Scripture is the base of the Christian Catholic Faith. The above article reminds me of some of the truths of our faith:

1. We should not seek money first, but rather the will of God.

2. Christ said "Blessed are the Poor"

3. Christ said "You will always have the poor among you"

4. God gives us what we need in this life. This is what we pray for in the "Our Father" when we ask for our daily bread.

5. Earthly riches cloud our view and the scope of the Kingdom of God. "It is harder for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle then it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.". But then, nothing is impossible with God.

6. The Catholic Church is always asking for money, and so what is wrong with having it? NOTHING! However, the bottom line is what you do with what you have. This Church has been blessed to receive many kind donations. These donations go toward promoting the faith to the churched and unchurched in the community, primarily through acts of charity as promoted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Being that the church is run by people -sinners- we do not always make the best use of the resources.

We pray the we and our church use what resources we have available to us to further the kingdom of God on earth today!

To meet such a man

I received the following from one of my Franciscan sister, and reading this made me feel as though I was visited in a special way by the little poor man of Assisi on this day.

Spend some time walking with him.

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There,walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor."Looking for the pastor?" I asked."Not really," he replied, "just resting.""Have you eaten today?""Oh, I ate something early this morning.""Would you like to have lunch with me?""Do you have some work I could do for you?""No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.""Sure," he replied with a smile.As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.Where you headed?"" St. Louis .""Where you from?""Oh, all over; mostly Florida ""How long you been walking?""Fourteen years," came the reply.I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services,and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God "Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.""Ever think of stopping?" I asked."Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles . That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads."I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?""What?""To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?""Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments.Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said,"Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said."I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see"I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful."Where are you headed from here?" I asked."Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.""Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?""No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things."Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life.
I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.""Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.""I know," I said, "I love you, too." "The Lord is good!""Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.A long time," he replied And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem .""I'll be there!" was my reply.He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?""You bet," I shouted back, "God bless.""God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem ," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...If this story touched you, forward it to a friend!"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!

"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen."

"I sent this to more than four, but this story is so touching I felt each of you would enjoy it greatly.GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

He Called Me to the Window

He called me to the Window.

In the poverty of warmth

I was eager to obey.

All experience the presence

In many different ways.

Some run, some cower,

but Francis chose to stay.

Called by God from finery

True finess in the soul

Only once in heaven's gate

Would he truely know.

You can pretend she is far away

but then you must ignore the door

If you do not answer

You will not meet the Lord.

He will pass by, that choice is gone,

But none know more than He

The opportunities supplied

He'll send her patiently.

Some day the voice won't be ignored

For upon the cross the word will come

Our hearts and minds will be pierced by love

The Lady spurned will be greeted with open arms.

Francis' wounds, his bond of love

Renewed in us, his face to the world

Reflecting the face who is at the door

Greeted in love, Arms outstretched

In victory over sin, He, in Poverty, will free.

Family Prayer

UConn Mistaken on Pope

Pope Mistaken On Euthanasia - Commentary

Here we see the culture of death has returned to my alma mater. No accounting for taste.

Pope Benedict XVI denounced euthanasia over the weekend, once again proclaiming life a gift from God and asserting that it could not be terminated under "the guise of human compassion." The pontiff's announcement came after an Italian doctor was cleared of wrongdoing in an euthanasia case, and more or less echoed the statements made by Pope John Paul II during the 2004 Terri Schiavo case. While it is indeed the pope's prerogative to take a stance on such divisive issues, the purportedly infallible Benedict is undoubtedly mistaken on the issue of euthanasia. Without question, euthanazing a pain-wrought patient who is not going to recover is an act of genuine human compassion that should not be prohibited. Many terminal illnesses can be extremely painful to endure. In the event that a mentally-sound patient is afflicted with such a pernicious disease, it is his or her to right to end his or her life. To borrow from John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle," an individual should have complete independence when engaging in self-regarding actions - actions that directly affect only the individual making these choices. Choosing how and when one's life ends is a choice that truly affects the individual making the choice, and thus falls under the category of choices that should not be regulated by any outside presence. Accordingly, it is not the place of the pope nor the state to interfere with one's decision to end one's life in the event of terminal illness.The pope ought to heed the words of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, who contradicted the pontiff last month when he said that terminally ill patients deserve the right to refuse "unreasonably obstinate" treatment that will merely stave off inevitable death. While Martini does not support active euthanasia, i.e. administering a lethal injection to a dying patient, his nuanced perspective on the subject is appreciated, given the generally unyielding nature of the Vatican. Perhaps, in the future, a pope may come to realize, like Martini, that allowing a consenting party to die is not tantamount to murder. Societies proscribe murder because killing another human being entails violating his or her rights. In the case of an individual who wants to die, however, preserving life does not mean preserving one's rights - it means violating them. While the pope is right to believe that life deserves respect, he is wrong to maintain that all life must be continued. As evidenced by the will of some patients to die, some lives simply are not worth continuing. In these cases, euthanasia is the most rational and compassionate course of action.

The value of life goes beyond the visible - what is measured and even felt. Life is the gift and love is expressed from God and believers through life. By taking life into our hands we make ourselves like Gods. This is the sin which cast man from paradise- just because man can do something, does it mean he should?

Father, Please grant us the gift of respect of your Holy gifts, especially life. Let us not take any day for granted but see all as a gift from God.

Beatification cause opened for courageous Argentinean mother who rejected abortion

The following shows that the saints are still among us if if we live in the loving compassion of our God, we can be one with them.

Beatification cause opened for courageous Argentinean mother who rejected abortion
BUENOS AIRES, February 6 (CNA) - Archbishop Guillermo Jose Garlatti of Bahia Blanca has opened the cause for beatification of the Servant of God, Maria Cecilia Perrin de Buide who refused cancer treatments in order save her unborn daughter Augustina.The tribunal that will investigate the heroism of Cecilia Perrin, who was a member of the Focolare movement, will include Father Marino Giampetruzzi, Father Elio Ricca and Alejandra Belfoire.Cecilia Perrin died on March 1, 1985 at the age of 28, when she gave up her life for her daughter and refused to undergo an abortion. In February of 1984, while already pregnant, Perrin was diagnosed with cancer. Her daughter Agustina was born in July of 1984. By the time she gave birth, however, the cancer had already progressed toolic an untreatable stage, and Cecilia died eight months later.Her remains are interred at the Mariapolis Lia Cemetery in the Buenos Aires province and hundreds visit the place each year, especially pregnant women who pray for her intercession. On November 10, 2005 the Holy See declared Perrin a Servant of God, thus paving the way for the opening of her cause for beatification and canonization.

Father, grant us the courage to live as one of your saints. May the decisions we make in our lives give glory to your kingdom of life and love. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Phone thief repents after 21 text messages

Phone thief repents after 21 text messages Oddly Enough Reuters.com

A Chinese thief has returned a mobile phone and thousands of yuan he stole from a woman after she sent him 21 touching text messages, Xinhua news agency said on Monday

How often does God call us to repent of our sins? How often do we respond? If we ask forgiveness, He will provide.

Let us always be on the look out for the message from God that speaks of his love for us.

Nothing Will Grow There!

Nothing Will Grow There!

Brian Cavanaugh, T.O.R. tells about a magnificent harvest in his book "MORE SOWER'S SEEDS: Second Planting." One spring, he and two seminary friends sought permission to plant a garden. He says, "Our house of studies was located in the downtown area of a large metropolitan city. There wasn't much of a backyard. Actually, it was a stone-covered dirt parking lot with no extra space. However, we carefully planned our garden, taking into account the area that received optimal sunshine."The three of us approached the superior with our plan for a small area to plant some squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. The only real cost involved was to rent a rake, a pickax and a hoe. However, getting the superior's permission would still be difficult. None of us who were involved with this garden project will ever forget his response to our request. With a slightly bored, tilting of his head he glanced at us and abjectly replied, 'You're wasting your time. Nothing will ever grow there! But, go ahead if you still want to.'"We had received permission from on high! So what if it wasn't enthusiastic. We rented tools; raked four inches of stones into neat walls outlining the garden; hoisted the pickax and struck what must have been a former refuse area. A gardener's dream -- dark, composted, fertile soil just sitting there waiting to be discovered. We looked at each other with broad grins and repeated in unison, 'Ah, nothing will grow there.' As you might have surmised by now, things did grow there, in our garden. In fact, twice we re-staked the tomatoes, topping them off, finally, when they were seven feet tall."Have you ever felt that way about your life -- "Nothing will grow there..."? Have you felt discouraged about your life's progress? Worried about crop failure? Disappointed that nothing good ever seems to come up?What do you want to grow? Understanding? Faith? Courage? Optimism? Joy? Love? Or are you nurturing a new project or small business?Don't believe that "nothing will grow there." I like the observation of writer George Eliot, "It's never too late to be who you might have been." You may not always see the potential for growth, but it is there. All the rich compost you need may be hidden just beneath the surface, but can only be discovered after you begin digging.Ralph Waldo Emerson proclaimed, "Oh man! There is no planet sun or star could hold you, if you but knew what you are." You are capable of doing and becoming more than you might imagine!With careful nurture, something WILL grow there. And it will be magnificent.
By Steve Goodier

Father God,
The winter world seems cold and void of life. Let us look into our own lives, under the stones of neglect to find the fertile ground that brings forth our life, the fertile ground that is your love. Let is continue to realize that all good comes from you but that sometimes you want us to clear the stone of our lives. As St. Francis rebuilt your Holy Church we are called to rebuild our lives in the image of a perfect church, the bride of your son Jesus.

Bless us with the vision to see beyond the stones and to see and bring forth all the good that your love provides.

School bans Catholic girl from wearing crucifix

School bans Catholic girl from wearing crucifix

We take for granted that we can wear our crosses and have small reminders in our Christian Life, and people look at this as a nice little cross and think not more of it, except that Christ is given another opportunity to touch a life.

This girl is marked as out of the ordinary and unacceptable because she wants to display her faith. Truth be told, the girl would not survive the school if she truly lived this faith. She would be found out of the ordinary and unacceptable because of a gospel promoting life and love.

Heavenly Father look down upon us. Allow us to Share the Gospel with all those around us. May they see our smiles and our crucifixes and be drawn to you. May they see the love of our living God in our lives and be transformed by that holy presence.

And may those who sow the Gospel of Love reap His Peace.

Lifesupport: FORGET THE DUCK

The following story speaks to me about our relationship with God, why reconciliation is a sacrament and renews my thankfulness to God for His great Love. I newly accept His gift of freedom!

FORGET THE DUCK! from www.LifeSupportSystem.com

Richard Hoefler, in his book WILL DAYLIGHT COME? (1979, C S SPublishing Company), tells about two young children visiting their grandparents for the summer. Johnny was given his first slingshot. He practiced shooting in the woods, but missed everything he aimed at.As he returned to Grandma's back yard, however, he spied her pet duck. It wasn't the only duck she kept, but it was her favorite. Onan impulse he took aim and let it fly. This time he didn't miss. His stone struck and killed the duck. The boy panicked. He didn't mean to hurt the bird -- he was even sure he'd miss! But he had killed it. His panic grew to desperation and he hid the duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing to her grandparents. After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."Sally said, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you Johnny?" She whispered to him, "Remember the duck."(Blackmailed by his sister!) So Johnny did the dishes. Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally smiled and said, "That's all taken care of, Johnny wants to do it." Again she whispered, "Remember the duck." Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing. Johnny did both his chores and Sally's for several days, and could stand it no longer. He confessed to Grandma that he'd killed the duck.She said, "I know Johnny." She gave him a big hug and added, "I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I just wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."His grandmother was more ready to forgive then he was even to ask for forgiveness. Similarly, we are surrounded by more grace than we may realize. But a disturbing inner voice often whispers, "Remember the duck. Remember the duck." Some people live their whole lives enslaved by the voice that says, "Remember the duck." They never let themselves be forgiven! They don't know the meaning of deep peace. They are seldom free of guilt and feel as if happiness only comes to others more deserving.What does it matter if the whole world were to love us, and accept us in spite of our failings, if we persist in feeling badly? Are you sick of feeling sick about the mistakes of your past?Maybe it's time to forget the duck! After you've done all you can to rectify the past, then it's time to put it down. Forget the duck -- and be free.

Thanksgiving is Life-Giving

Thanksgiving was not really considered a "Catholic" holiday growing up. However, by looking at living life in the framework of scripture, giving thanks to God needs to be seen as a essential, supernatural, life-changing and life-giving activity. Giving thanks goes beyond a sense of duty and is a matter of good habit. We should take nothing for granted and give thanks and praise to God in all things.

Giving thanks goes beyond the tradition of doing something for others at Thanksgiving, although that response is good and thankful. We should give what we can, while we can, for the echo of the voice of God is found in the response. If we cannot give food, or a turkey, we can help distribute or deliver the food. God will send you the hungry, no problem.

Giving thanks is a central and essential part of life. If we look at life in a selfish way in terms of a "God and Me" relationship, God's contribution cannot be ignored and although God does not ask for thanks, we are compelled to offer our thanksgiving. If we look at life as part of a community, a faith community or otherwise, The thanksgiving not only multiplies but is joined by the angels and saints, an unending song of thanksgiving in which it is time for your contribution, be it a harmony or a solo.

Giving thanks is a supernatural part of life. God himself gave thanks while here on earth and is an example to us. He gave thanks because He knew a loving Father who provides for all His needs, just as He provides for us. His love is always present whether we appreciate it or not.
Giving thanks is also scriptural. We are reminded in the liturgy of the word, and we respond "Thanks be to God". God loves us so much that the truth is seen by anyone who opens their eyes to it.

In giving thanks, we show God our appreciation for this life in which he has provided everything for us. In return He reminds us of His endless love and the gift of eternal life he has offered us. As the weather turns to cold Let us thank God for his warmth. As the days get short, we thank him for his embrace. As our bodies, minds and souls ache, let us thank him for his healing power.

THREE STEPS TO SUCCESS

Sometimes we need to take a look at what we are doing and a simple word (or article) might help us focus on our goals. Here is another wonderful inspiration from Steve Goodier, (Life Support System) lss_publishing :
Here are three simple steps to make things happen in your life:

DO IT. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale put it like this: "Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful "perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all." If you wait until you have all the facts or until you know how you will handle every possible challenge that comes along, you'll never get started. Begin somewhere. You can't accomplish anything until you begin. Do it.

DO IT RIGHT. One poet put it like this:"If a task is once begun, never leave until it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all."It's true: if you don't have time to do it right, when will you find time to do it over? Do it right.

DO IT RIGHT NOW. In the Spanish-American War, as the American soldiers were trying to capture San Juan Hill, they were thrown back again and again. The black powder ammunition they were using pinpointed their position for their enemies. As soldier after soldier toppled, the troops began to panic. Up rode Teddy Roosevelt, on a little horse named "Texas," urging his men on. Encouraged by his bravery in exposing himself to the whizzing bullets, the troops began to cheer their commander. "Don't cheer, men," Roosevelt called out to them. "Fight! Now's the time to fight!"There is a time to cheer. A time to reflect. A time to plan. A time to reminisce. But there is also a time to act. Those who accomplish anything worthwhile know that time is now.

Do it. Do it right. Do it right now. These are three simple steps to success.

30 Things to Do in the Summer

I do not apologize for borrowing the following list that came to me from a webpage designed for single parents. The following list is only enriched by doing it with the ones you love. This has been a great summer, and can be made even greater. And if anyone want to add to this list, please send it in a comment. Each of htese also provides an opportunity to Praise God!

1. Have a water balloon fight.
2. Go for a walk along the beach or a wooded path.
3. See the sunrise.
4. Have a picnic.
5. Watch the sunset.
6. Make playdoh.
7. Read a chapter book aloud to your kids.
8. Read a novel (something just for you!)
9. Go to an amusement park or local county/state fair and ride all the thrill rides!
10. Go fishing.
11. Make homemade ice cream in a Ziploc bag.
12. Sit outside and sip iced tea.
13. Make fresh lemonade.
14. Camp out in a tent.
15. Catch fireflies.
16. Take pictures of the kids having fun!
17. Eat watermelon outside, and let the juice run all over the place!
18. Walk in the grass barefoot.
19. Use lotion, soap, or shampoo that smells like coconuts.
20. Paint your toenails.
21. Get out the kids' watercolor paints and paint a picture of summer means to you.
22. Collect seashells and save them with some sand in a decorative bowl.
23. Sleep in at least once.
24. Hang your bed sheets outside to dry and bask in their clean sunshine smell.
25. Eat strawberry shortcake.
26. Get someone else to take your picture with the kids, smiling and sun-kissed.
27. Write a letter to a friend and include at least three great things that have happened this summer.
28. Thank someone who has helped you out.
29. Eat fresh tomatoes.
30. Go swimming as a family.