Prayer Request for Mom and Dad

I need prayer for Mom and Dad.  Mom is in hospital for some testing to see is she has had some small strokes and also for medication adjustment.  Her Alzheimer’s has gotten worse and we will be putting her into nursing home next week.  Daddy is so tired he can barely walk.  Please pray for Mom’s health, and strength for Daddy and myself.  Will keep you updated and I love and thank you all for prayers.  God Bless, SR

Friday Thoughts – “Our Life of Challenges”

Many times when we enter into our lives with Christ, we may think, “Now I will be blissfully happy and the road will be so smooth in my life.”  The reality when Christ calls us and we answer is,  ”There are going to be many challenges ahead of us.”

Sometimes the road is long and hard in these challenges, and it seems as if we are always trying to “move heavy stones uphill.”

We will always face “challenges” in our spiritual life.  There is a reason for them.  St. James said, “Count it all joy, my brethern, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  1:2

God Bless, SR

photo credit

inventionmachine.com

mypurpledreams.blogspot.com

quotepaty.com

Think It Will Work?

Maybe if we do this,

God will not do this!

God Bless, SR

photo credit:

catholicinbrooklyn.blogspot.com

empowernetwork.com

 

 

Where Love and Sin Met Long Ago, and Where it Meets Today!

“When I become immersed in the Lord’s Passion, I often see the Lord Jesus, during adoration, in this manner:  after the scourging, the torturers took the Lord and stripped Him of His own garment, which had already adhered to His wounds; as they took it off, His wounds reopened; they threw a dirty and tattered scarlet cloak over the fresh wounds of the Lord.  The cloak, in some places, barely reached His knees.  They made Him sit on a piece of beam.  And then they wove a crown of thorns, which they put on His sacred head.  They put a reed in His hand and made fun of Him, bowing to Him as to a king.  Some spat in is face, while others took the reed and struck Him on the head with it.  Others caused Him pain by slapping Him with their fists.  Jesus bore all this with meekness, Who can comprehend Him – comprehend His suffering?  Jesus’ eyes were downcast.  I sensed what was happening in the most sweet heart of Jesus at that time.  Let every soul reflect on what Jesus was suffering at that moment.  They tried to outdo each other in insulting the Lord.  I reflected:  “Where does such malice in man come from?  It is caused my sin.”  “Love and sin have met.”

And “Love met sin” again here!

And “they” meet again here!

My Note:  When I read this writing by St. Faustina, it truly made me think about how wonderful the Holy Eucharist is.  How each time we receive it, “love and sin” meet, at every Mass.  We bring to the Lord our “sinfulness” and He in return, gives us His “love.”   Does it get any better than that?

God Bless, SR

Writing contributed to:

St. Faustina’s Diary #408

Photo Credit:

blog.renewintl.org

jesusandfaith.com

st.maryhouston.net

Jesus Was The “Holy Seed”

When Jesus planted His seed into the ground and died, He was “God’s Holy Seed.”

He cultivated our soil into “holiness” to where we plant our seed, die to ourselves, and bring forth “life.”

In doing so, we should all become a “vineyard of fruit” for the world.

“God our Father, You allowed your Son to fall into the ground and die, make Your Church fruitful for the whole world.”  (Prayer from Magnificat May 4th)

God Bless, SR

photo credit

blog.adw.org

tedtraylor.com

winelawattorney.com

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

I know we will all be busy tomorrow, so I hope you have a great Mother’s Day!  Please feel free to tell how you are going to spend yours!  Mine is with my Mom, and kids are coming in Tuesday!

God Bless, SR

photo credit

kathiyavad.com

 

Which Flower Do We Pick First?

“O Supreme Good, I want to love You as no one on earth has ever loved You before!  I want to adore You with every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your Holy will.  My life is not drab or monotonous, but is varied like a garden of fragrant flowers, to that I don’t know which flower to pick first?”

“The lily of suffering?”

 ”The rose of love of neighbor?”

“Or the violet of humility?”

“I will not enumerate these treasures in which my every day abounds.  It is a great thing to know how to make use of every present moment.”

(St. Faustina’s Diary #296)

Dedicated to Lyn

God Bless, SR

photo credits

flowersftd.com

wallpaperpin.com

theresawrecker.webs.com

useofherbs.com

wordrat.wordpress.com

Firday Thoughts – “Defragmenting My Soul”

Yesterday I woke up in a “snit” of sorts.  Mom has had a bad week, which means we all have! So I am a little tired and not feeling very well myself.  I got up “complaining” about it all.   As I did something begin to pull me to #293 in St. Faustina’s Dairy and I will give part of it.

“When Jesus ravished me by His beauty and drew me to Himself, I then saw what in my soul was displeasing to Him and made up my mind to remove it, cost what it may; and aided by the grace of God I did remove it at once.”

My Note:  I very rarely ever think about what is in my “soul” that is displeasing to God.  When I “examine my conscience” it is always in the “action” form.  “What did I “do” today that was “displeasing to God?”  After I read this I begin to realise, “A soul with things in it which are displeasing to God, is “fragmented.” 

I looked into my soul to see what was actually there and this is what I found.  My “snit” came about because of my own “selfishness.”  I just did not “feel” like doing one more thing for one more person.  I also saw “resentment”  towards those who will not help me with my parents.  I found a very “tired” soul with “worry,” who has not “rested” as it should.  I also found a soul who has not taken the time to tell Jesus, “I need a Friend in You Lord.”

I begin immediately to “remove”  these things, into my “mental trash can.”  I cannot tell you the “weight” which was lifted off of me.  I actually felt it physically.  My “snit” also went away.

If we have a “soul in a million pieces” we will be “sick” all over.  It also is the cause of us “doing things which are displeasing to God.”  The only option we have, which is going to make it well, is to ”remove”  those pieces.  Then our soul’s will look like this:

This is the only way it will ever be “renewed and defragmented.”

Have a great weekend and God Bless, SR

“Looking into the Eyes of Another”

When looking into the eyes of those who have hurt, disappointed, or persecuted us, is this what we see?  If not, we should.

God Bless, SR

How Do We Obtain Peace?

This Meditation of the Day in the Magnificat had such a profound meaning to me.  I wanted to share it and give my thoughts.

“The beginning of peace must be acceptance of lack of peace, just as the beginning of relaxation must be acceptance of tension.”

“Peace comes about through acceptance of truth; if we accept the truth of ourselves-the shifting truth of what we are from moment to moment-and constantly give it over into the truth of peace and wholeness in Christ, to which we have access in the church, then we shall be in fact in peace, whether or not we feel ourselves to be at peace.  Peace is, then, something which enfolds us rather than something we grasp.”

“Peace is being what you are, what you really are, what you are in God, what you are in obedience to the creative Word of God, the “implanted Word” which is your freedom.”

“To be a peacemaker is….to declare the truth of God and the truth of creation; it is to announce that a fallen world can be remade.  It is to proclaim that the oneness of God has taken possession of the fragmented world of sin.”

“Peace and unity are not to be achieved by paring down the complications of life, but by entering into the magnetic pull of God’s unity.”

By- Father Simon Tugwell, O.P. 

My Note: When I read this I saw for the first time, all the wrong things I have done trying to “obtain peace.”  I do not think I ever “accepted” life does not work that way.  There truly is little “peace” in daily life.  I accepted that today, after reading this.

I do “accept” the “truth” about myself, my virtues and my faults.  You know, rarely do I take the time to examine them “moment by moment.”  By not looking at how I “shift” during certain moments of my day, I have no way of knowing what that “truth” is.  By not doing such, I am then “grasping” for peace, trying to obtain it the best way “I” know how.  I cannot do it.

The last thing I had to go to is how I try and “pare down my complications in life.”  You know there are “complications in life,”  we cannot “pare down.”  Illness, those who disrupt our lives at times, and even our own thoughts.

The “bottom line” is this:  Life is not peaceful!  The only way to obtain it is, “To let Jesus enfold within us.”

God Bless, SR

Friday Thoughts – My Conversation With a 80 Year Old Young Lady

This week I had a conversation with an eighty-year old “young” woman.  Now mind you, she still works to supplement her income, she has three donkeys, fifteen goats, five dogs, and a “herd” of chickens.  Busy she is. 

She is as cute as she can be.  Spry, always a smile, and puts me to shame!  She and I entered into a conversation which went something like this.  (I will refer to her as J.)

J:  “You know it is horrible when you are in an old woman’s body but you still have a young mind.”  I mean, you see these good looking young men and think, “Boy if I was a little younger I would go after you!”  Then I stop and think to myself, “Wait a minute I cannot be thinking that, I am eighty years old!”  “What is the matter with me?”

Me:  “Well J,  just because you are on a diet, does not mean you cannot look at the menu!”

J:  “I like that and I am going to remember it!”  (Laughing of course and that smile was all over her face.)

I asked J, “How old is too old, before all of this should go away?”  Her reply was, “Honey, you don’t ever get that old!”  Who says our ”elderly” has nothing to offer us in life?   

So in honor of “J,” and her “menu,”  is here my dessert menu!

Now to me that is whip-cream all over the place, with a cherry on top!

Have a great weekend and God Bless, SR

Ever Feel Like You are Drowning?

“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.”  Psalms 69:1

Sometimes we think, life makes us feel this way.  We have become a “society” of  “things.”  Truly, all it has caused is a society which cannot slow down.  We are absolutely “working” ourselves to death. Very few of us ever take time to smell the roses “daily” anymore.  Often times, we feel like this bear, “the waters have just come up to our necks,” and we see no way out.  I had to ask myself today, “Are my priorities where they should be?”   On some things yes, and on some the answer is, “no.”

The world offers to us many, many things.  We are so ready to “grab” onto them.  Along with them, come many, many bills.  You know, “God could give a hoot.”  God wants us to work for our needs.  He wants us to work for what sustains us in life.  To reach beyond this, is creating so much strife.  At times trying to keep up with it all,  will cause us to place “Him” on the back burner.

So if you feel like you are “drowning” look around, and maybe there is your reason.  Are we expecting so much out of life anymore, we cannot keep up with it?  In doing so, are we losing what is really important?  Like “inner peace” and “happiness?”

God Bless, SR

Mowing Musings – “Icons and Contemplative Prayer”

Today on EWTN they had a show on regarding “Icons,” and this statement was made:  “Icons bring us to the reality we cannot see.”  I really thought about that statement.

I have a beautiful icon of the “Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus.”  It was given to me by a very dear friend.  I pray the Rosary in front of it.  Until I prayed in front of the “icon” I had no connection with the “Child Jesus” at all.  (I am not saying I did not love Him, or did not know Who He is.  The closeness was not there, as it was with the “adult” Jesus.)

I begin to notice when praying the Rosary, when I said, “Blessed be the fruit of thy womb Jesus,” my eyes went immediately to the “Child Jesus.”  My focus became so strong on this “Child.”  It begin to take me to the “wonderful fruit of her womb,” Jesus truly was.  How she carried “God Man” as an “Infant” inside of her body.

It also brought forth in my “contemplation” the “Presentation.”  I could see our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph getting up with an “infant,” scurrying to get there.  Grabbing whatever kind of diaper bag they had, and maybe even crawling on a mule for the ride.  As an “infant” I am sure Jesus was a little “squirmy.”

Also, the “icon” brought to me His childhood.  Him growing up as a “boy.”  The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph teaching Him, “right from wrong.”  By twelve He knew God was His, “Father.”  (Maybe even before then.)  How did Jesus feel as a “child” knowing “God was His Father?”  Think about that.  This icon has made me ponder on so many things such as this.

I now have a closer relationship with the “Child Jesus” because of it.  It made me think about Him more, which I do not feel would have ever of happened without it.

Some may be able to “contemplate” things without a type of “visual.”  I am not one of those people.  When I heard the statement on EWTN I realised that is truly what has happened.

The icon brought me to, “The reality I could not see.”

God Bless, SR

My Miracle Last Night in Mass

I have not made “this” a blog “agenda” for different reasons, one it is very painful.  I must tell this story now, because I received such a “miracle” last night in Mass.

I was sexually abused from the age of 9 to around 13-14.  What it did to me as a child cannot be described.  I lived in constant fear and used to hyper-ventilate all the time.  My parents had no idea why, and I would not tell them.  This is what “child” sexual abusers depend on, “the child assumes their secret.”  I lost my childhood at nine years of age.  To some that may seem as “no big deal,” but when you are a child and are no longer a child, it begins a downhill spiral of your life.  The child in you “dies.”

I have lived with “flash backs” and these “memories” for 49 years.  They hit at any given time and moment.  For 49 years I have never shut my eyes for one night that I have not seen it all over again.  This is common for sexually abused victims as they grow older.  I would say over and over, “God,” “God,” God,” many times to make the “visual” go away, only to have it return the next night.  It is almost an unbearable way to live, and truly one cannot without God.

Do not ask me to be “objective” regarding “child sexual abusers,” past, present, or future.  All they do is bring forth a rage in me, and my “support” will always be for the “child” and the ”adult” living as I have.   I do pray for them, but that is as far as my mercy has ever been able to go.  I want them nowhere around me, or telling me their “sad sob story” of their “addiction” to children or child pornography.  It is not an “addiction!”  It is sheer evil!   To me the word “addiction” just makes it all easier for everyone to live with, and takes away from all the pain a child/adult goes through.

Over the years, I have given to God my pain and sufferings.  I have united them with the Cross.  I have begged, sobbed, and pleaded with Jesus to, “take these memories from me!”  Nothing! 

Last night in Mass, once again I was asking for these same things before I received the Holy Eucharist.  The Lord spoke and said, “Give me the child.”  “You never gave Me the child.”  Right away I knew I was about to be delivered from all of this.

You see I was like a “conjoined twin” when one attaches itself to the other and dies.  The one who is birthed carries this “dead child” with them.   Since I was 9 years old, I have carried this “dead child.”  I gave to Jesus all the sufferings and all else I had to endure, but never the “destroyed child.”  I bowed my head and said, “Jesus I give you the child.”  I knew at that moment, this “child” was going to be “resurrected,” and brought back to life!

Even today I had some “flash backs.”  I gave to Jesus that “child.”  Each time I did, she came to life!   She is happy, loved, and for the first time in 49 years, she is alive!  Now I am whole.  I have the child and the adult.

God Bless, SR

To 8 Kids, Mother of Nine, and Daily Mom Prayers

This post as been a while in the making.  I just want to take the time to let you all know how much I thank you for sharing your life with your kids with us.  My admiration and respect for you all knows no bounds, and I fall in love with your families.

When my days are long and hard, I look so forward to opening up your post!  There is always something one of your kids have done, which will brighten my day.  Usually a laugh or chuckle will come along with it.

You are selfless in that you sacrifice so much, in order to “give life.”  To me it is like, “Another one is on the way, so the others “scoot over” to make room.”  I love that feeling! 

I know you are so busy with them,  yet I never read a “complaint” about that part of your lives.  It is an acceptance in your lives that God has called you to have “children” and you do it so “graciously.”

I admire your “patience” and “love” for your kids.  You all have such a special gift from God, to be able to “endure.” 

I was not raised Catholic, and when I came into the Church my child-bearing years were over.  Well they were over at 28.  To read all of your “kid stories,” makes me think I might have missed something in life.  To read your “joy” about so much life being around you, I know I have.

My “hat” is off to you all, and because of you I have such a deeper respect for God’s way of doing things.  I also have a deeper “respect” for Church teachings on NFP.  There is nothing more “precious” than a “life of a child.”  What a “testimony” you all are to that fact. 

Your crying, noisy, spitting up, and running up and down the aisle babies in Mass does not bother me a bit!!!  It is the cutest thing in my week!  Thank you so much for giving the world so much life!   

God Bless, SR

Friday Thoughts – God Getting Me in the Dog House

  As most of you know I have a stray puppy, who is doing great by the way.  Anyways, a cold front came in with rain and I was trying to get her used to her dog house.  Of course she took one look at it and said, “No way!”  So this begin with me throwing treats in there, patting the blanket, and crawling in it as much as I could to get her to come.  All to no avail.  How frustrated I became and finally went into the house!  I thought, “Isn’t this how it is with God?”

He knows it is going to “rain.”  He is throwing all the “treats” He can, in my “dog house.”  “Patting my blanket,” and will even “go before me.”  Still I will refuse to even “stick my head in and see what it is all about!”  How frustrated God must become!  Does He really have another choice, other than to “go back in the house and leave me with my own will?”

After all it is so much better out here, when I do things “my own way!” 

Have a great weekend and God Bless, SR

The Blessed Mother, Me, and “Tomorrow”

Weekend before last I asked the Blessed Mother, “Mother please help me this week to get all I need done?”  “Please help me to once again get organized in my home?”   I had a lot to do and knew exactly what I wanted done.  My mind was on these things, and I was going to move forward on them come Monday morning or else!  The Blessed Mother knew things I did not and replied to me:

“Stay grounded into today.” 

Of course me being “me,” I did not want to listen.  I wanted to do what I wanted to do and that was it.  Well this is how last week went.

Monday night Mom fell and hit her head on a bookcase, so I was in ER until about midnight.  She is on blood thinners, and it looked as if her head had been cut off there was so much blood.   Four staples, which also meant I had to go, help her bathe, wash her head daily, change sheets and pillow cases from the blood drainage, and get what she and Dad needed.  Also this meant daily dressing of the wound. 

Thursday night she felt as if she was having another heart attack, which turned out to be a very “low” blood sugar level as we could not get her to eat that day, due to the Alzheimer’s.  They said she could have had “angina” as well.  This still meant another trip to the ER until 1:30 that morning, as she has had two previous heart attacks.  So by the time she was back in bed, it was Friday morning.  Did not matter much, as the head still had to be dressed.   

The Blessed Mother told me, “Stay grounded in today.”  I had different plans for “tomorrow.”  I was already “stressed” about what tomorrow was going to bring me.  If you want to know the truth, I “got none of it done!”  After we got the staples out yesterday, Mary reminded me of the Scripture:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”  “Let today’s own trouble be sufficient for today.”  (Matthew 6:34)

Do you think she knew something I did not?  I think I will remember this “lesson” always, and leave “tomorrow to its own.”

God Bless, SR

The Stronger the Yank, The Stronger the Grip!

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow Me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”  “No one can take them out of my hand.”   (Excerpts from today’s Gospel readings John 10:27-30)

My Note:  Have you ever felt like, “God was so disgusted with you?”  Whatever you attempted through the day, week, month, or even year was a complete failure.  The feeling of “unworthiness” crept in, and it felt as if God had totally deserted you?  I have felt this way, many times.  What did Jesus say in our readings today?  “No one can take them out of my hand.”   Now is that a promise or what?  Is that a Scripture to hang onto or what?  You gotta love it!!!

We need to always read the Gospels to truly see what Jesus has to say about us.  Small statements like this we can miss sometimes.  This is an actual “promise”  from Jesus. 

There are three things always trying to “yank us out of the hand of Jesus.”  The “devil,” “others in our lives,” and “ourselves.”  I can see Jesus in my soul, “the stronger the yank, the stronger the grip.”

He is not going to let go of us, and nothing can tear us from Him.  If the thought and trust in that promise does not give us “peace,” nothing ever will. 

He loves us so much and is willing to never let us go.  Yes, we are imperfect, we are sinners, and we fail, but this Man died for all of that.  When He said, “It is finished,” God gathered us right then, in the palm of His hands.  To this day, we have forever been in that “Grip!”

If we cannot be a “happy Christian” in this alone, then what is it going to take?  Sometimes I wonder if Jesus is saying, “I died for you, what more do you want Me to do?”

God Bless, SR

Catholics – “Give the Converts the Time They Need!”

I am writing this post, as I read a post regarding a “convert” who is becoming “confused” and a little “disenchanted” with some of what she is having to accept about the Church.  I felt I needed to write this, as “converts” need to be “SLOWLY” integrated into things, as far as their homes and personal use.  These are some of the reasons why.

1.  Medals and Medallions:  To Catholics who are “cradle” nothing to it.  All my life as a Protestant I was taught, these types of things are “witchcraft!”  “Witches” did/do indeed have these things.  So to start piling all of this on new “convert” is only going to serve to “scare” and “confuse” them.  Give them the time they need to understand the teachings behind them.

2.  Statues in their homes:  We all know the story behind this one.  “Idol worship!”  Some converts can grasp this in RCIA, as this is a big issue in “RCIA.”  Some such as myself it takes awhile.  Let the Holy Spirit lead them as to what they may need in their homes to serve as a “reminder” of things.  He did it with me, and it worked well, but took time!

3.  The altar in the home:  As Protestant you are taught all of your life, you pray to God “anywhere!”  (I am not saying Catholics do not, but this is about the “altar in the home.”) Being Protestant one sits nothing up in the home such as an “altar” to pray.  I was never taught “meditation” in prayer.  You are never taught the “visuals” surrounding you can help you to pray.  In fact there are no “visuals.”  There is very seldom a certain place, set aside to pray.  Give the converts time to understand the “home altar” is a designated place and time to pray.  Give them time to understand what they place upon their altar will help them in “meditative prayer” along with keeping them focused. 

4.  The Veil:  There is not one single person in my Church who wears the “Mantilla.”  I am not saying if the Church said, “We are going to wear it,” that I would not wear it.  Many are called to wear it and should if you feel as if that is what the Lord wants.  Right now we do not “have to.”  I have pondered it at times, and 8 years later have still not made up my mind.  “Converts” are uncomfortable anyway.  Keep it at a “minimum” for them, and let them come to you with the “questions.” 

The very worse thing which can be done, is to rush these kind of things into a “convert’s” life.  They need “patience” and “understanding.”  My motto is, “Let them get used to the kneeler first and the rest will come!”

God Bless, SR

Friday Thoughts – I Am Turning Into A Camel!

It is amazing to me how the “older” I get, I am turning into a “camel.”  “Two humps on my back, a swagging belly, a halter on my face (cheap face lift), a droopy tail, a wrinkled neck and knees!”  Need I say more?  Except….now all of you will have this “visual” of me when you read my blog!

Have a great weekend and God Bless!  SR

Giving Jesus Our “Five and Two”

This is a post I have truly thought about since last Friday.  Our readings were regarding the feeding of the five thousand, when all they had were “five loaves and two fish.”  (John 6:1-15)  What stood out to me in this passage “Jesus took the “five loaves and two fish.”  “He had them recline and fed those who were “reclining.”

I was in Adoration when I read this, and these were my thoughts:

“Do I give to Jesus my “five loaves and two fish,” to see what He will do with them?  Do I let Him, have the “mediocrity of my five and two” so that He can multiply them?” 

Of course my answer was, “No, I do not.”  What I do is, “crumble my bread into many crumbs, slice my fish into small pieces, and try to make it all go around.”

My note: As I said I was in Adoration.  I got down on my knees and said, “Jesus I give to you my “five loaves and two fish.”  “Please do something with them?”

A lot of the time we want to get out here and “make it stretch.”  Always thinking, “We need more.”  But……. maybe Jesus wants us to simply give to Him what we have.  Maybe He wants to show us what “He” can do with our smallness and incapablities.

Self-reliance is a wonderful “attribute” to have in and of its rightful place.  That “rightful  place” is not “in our lives with God.” 

We cannot feed “five thousand” with what we possess.  We will be in the “kitchen” all day trying to make it “stretch.”  Slaving over a “hot stove.”  You know, our Lord does not expect us to. 

What He wants is for us to give to Him our “five and two,” ”recline back,” and watch what He can do with it.  Until we learn to do this, we will forever be “serving up empty plates,” because we are relying on ourselves.  We are not capable of  becoming, giving, or doing “more” without Him.

God Bless, SR

My Thoughts On Pope Francis

I have not written anything about Pope Francis.  I am a more wait and see type person.  Of course many who follow my blog know how I felt about those who came out against him, falsely.  I decided to write what I have observed about our Pope to date.

For one I think Pope Francis is going to teach us humility, in every aspect of it.  The way we are supposed to behave towards others.  The importance of how others will view us as Catholics and as Christians, in regards to being “humble.”  (The Lord knows I could use it)  At times I will find myself thinking of how he carried himself, in situations.

I think another thing he is going to do, is teach us what it is and how to be “Catholic.”  To me Pope Francis is “very” Catholic.  He wreaks of it when I watch and listen to him.  I do not think as humble as he is, this will mean that he will not stand up for the Church.

I have also seen pictures of him in situations where he had a “sense of humor.”  He is simply “cute” in these pictures.

Pope Francis to my thinking is going to teach us so much about “how to love” and about “love in and of itself.”  Especially when it comes to those who are “suffering,” “sick,” and “dying.” 

Another thing I noticed about him, is how he is with children.  I always sense when I see him with our “youth” he knows therein lies the future of the “Church.”  To me it seems as if he places a “high regard and value” for our youth.

Pope Francis walks and speaks softly, carrying with him a “big stick of humility, love, and Catholicism.”  He carries out well, the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. He never has to speak a word, as his “examples” are forever with us.

God Bless, SR

I Am Sick and Tired of “Animal Cruelty!” I Am Sick and Tired Taking Care Of Your Animals!

I have a very good reason for writing this post!  I am sick and tired of rescuing your dogs!  About two weeks ago a dog was running around our community.  Every person here was feeding her.  I did not want her, as I have five, and another one I did not feel I could handle.  So a neighbor rescued her. 

Now they have the expense of spaying, shots, flea meds, and vet bills.  This makes their fourth one.

Yesterday morning I stepped out on my front porch, and their laid a half-starved, abused, thirsty, flea infested Australian Shepherd puppy, under my porch!    I know she has been abused as she will not eat with me standing there, she will shy away from the food bowl!  So to get her to eat, I had to lay down on the ground, and started to pet her.  She finally ate, today! 

Fleas were all over her, so I gave her a bath and put her flea meds on.  I also have to take her to the vet to see if she has heart worms.  Schedule surgery for her, and give her, her shots!  At least a good $300.00! 

I have five other dogs, and at this time they do not like her.  So I cannot put her in the fence with them.  My neighbor and I are trying to introduce them, as slowly and as best as we can!

To the “butt-wipe” (and that is the nice way of what I truly want to call you) who did this, if I ever find you, I will file charges on you!  Between three neighbors we have 14 “dropped off dogs!” 

If you do not love animals people, “QUIT GETTING THEM!”  They are a responsibility and a costly one at that!  If you do not want a “pregnant animal” then spay or neuter them.  All of you who “dump them off,” need to be ashamed of yourself, and you owe someone a lot of money, who took care of  “YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!”

I am sorry if this does not sound very “Christian.”  I am angry, upset, and I just do not feel like being nice about it “ANYMORE!”  P.S.  I forgot to mention someone chopped off half of her tail!

SR

Is Our Agenda List, God’s?

“Agenda” - “A list of things to be done.”  How often to do our “Agendas” affect God’s plan for us and others?  I went to the Bible for this answer and would like to do some small recaps.

1.  Abraham and Sarah’s “agenda” was to have a child.  They could not wait on God, which brought forth Hagar, which brought forth Ishmael.  God’s “agenda” was “Isaac.”

2.  Israel’s “agenda” was to have a king.  God’s “agenda” was to be their King, but He gave to them “Saul.”  Saul could not obey God, he was weak, and it was disastrous for him and his son, Jonathan. Both died.

3.  David became King.  His “agenda” was to commit adultery with “Bathsheba” and she became pregnant.  So David had her husband killed.  The child was born, which God called back to Himself.  God’s “agenda” was for David to be faithful.  The “agenda” of David, caused two deaths!

4.  Our Lord Jesus.  The Pharisees’s had an “agenda.”  “Better one Man die than a whole nation be destroyed.”  Their “agenda” Crucified Christ.

My note –  Many times our “agendas” are not the plan of God in our lives, or for those who are in our lives.  We need to make sure before we begin our “agenda list” for God, it is what He is truly wanting.  Sometimes that requires us to wait, be patient, and to stay quiet.  At times it calls us to pray more, maybe even ask for a sign, or talk it over with our “Spiritual Director.”  Often we can “rush” to help someone, and they neither want nor desire our help, nor does God.  It will “blow” up in our face, creating a bigger mess for God to correct, because we cannot.

You know, sometimes we need to go back to the ”first Agenda list” ever created.  Satan’s “agenda” was to destroy all of mankind, in the Garden.  We all know how that turned out!

God Bless, SR

Friday Thoughts – You Just Wish You Had This Neighbor!

I live in a tiny, tiny community.  I have some of the best neighbors in the world.  With my husband being a truck driver, they see about me, take care of things I am not physically able to do myself, and it is a wonderful place to live.

I have a neighbor who is the most wonderful person in the world.  As far as the “lifestyle” (in terms of today) she has none of what we deem as “essentials.”  No central air and heat, no dishwasher, and a home which is well over 60 years old. 

Very seldom does she ever buy new clothes or shoes.  Her “entertainment” such as going to movies, out to eat, etc… is almost non-existent.  What does her work consist of?

She gardens, cans and makes wonderful jelly, raises her own chickens, hangs her clothes on the line, mows, helps her husband with their business, (which sometimes the cash flow is there and sometimes it is not) adopts every dog that people throw out around here, cooks, makes her own soap, bakes all of their sweets, bakes her own bread, and is truly a busy woman.  What else does her work consist of?

“L” gives of herself to every single person in this community.  When my parents are sick, she is the one who takes care of my dogs.  When she bakes, many of us get a taste of the great cakes, cookies, pies, etc… that she makes.  We get a “slice” of her homemade soap.  She also gives us access to her wonderful tasting farm fresh eggs, which she sells for 2.00 a dozen.  (Go and buy farm fresh eggs in the store for that)

She is very busy in her Church.  Playing the piano, Bible study, dinners, and is on the council.  Let someone die, she is the first to fire up the stove, (no matter how hot her house is) and some of the most delicious dishes will come forth. 

“L” who truly has so little, gives so much!  Her time, her love, her compassion, and sense of humor are at the door of every single person who lives here.  She never, and I do mean never complains!

You know, sometimes we look at people who have “less” than we do, with a “sorrowful heart.”  “L” is far richer than so many, for what she has and gives money cannot buy.  “The love of God.”

Have a great weekend!

God Bless, SR

The Liebster Award – Thank You

I would like to thank “CircleCitadel” at http://circlecitadel.wordpress.com for nominating me for the Liebster Award.  I enjoy this blog very much which is filled with poetry, thoughts, and short stories.  There is much you have to do to receive this award, so let us get started.  You also need to go and check out Tardar Sauce the Grumpy Cat Video on this blog.

1.  Post the Liebster award graphic on your site.

2.  Thank the blogger who nominated the blog for the Liebster Award and link back to their blog.

3.  The blogger then writes 11 facts about themselves so people who discover their blog through the Liebster post will learn more about them.

4.  In addition to posting 11 fun facts about themselves, nominated bloggers should also answer the 11 questions from the post of the person who nominated them.

5.  The nominated blogger will in turn, nominate 9 other blogs with 200 or less followers.

6.  The nominated blogger will create 11 questions for their nominated blogs to answer in their Liebster post.

Eleven Facts About Myself:

1.  I am from south-central Texas and could live nowhere else in the world.  I am a proud “Redneck Woman.”

2.  I love to read, especially about the women who are Saints.  For some reason I gravitate to them.

3.  I love to draw but have not been able to do so for a long time, due to taking care of parents.  Tried my hand at it again, and my “dog” looked like a “pig.”  So am still practicing.

4.  I hate to cook!  Need I say more?

5.  My favorite saying to my husband when he gripes about my pets is, “Don’t make me choose, you’re gonna lose!”  (Not really, but I love telling him that.)

6.  I love outdoors and working outdoors.  It is hard for me to stay in when spring and summer comes.  So one day I am outside and one day inside.  This keeps me happy.

7.  My husband and I had to buy an extra-large king size bed so my Shih-Tzu can sleep with us.  (Yes we are still married!)

8.  I love the “simple” way of life.

9.  My telephone stays unplugged most of the time, as it drives me up the wall.  I leave my cell phone on for husband or family members to call.  They are the only ones with the number.  I would not have a phone at all, if it were not for emergencies, especially a “cell phone.”

10.  My neighbor calls me and her husband, “The two most unsociable people she has ever known.” 

11.  My favorite thing to do is pray.

Now the questions!

1.  Favorite writer – Alison Weir

2.  Why should someone look at your blog?  I don’t know, maybe because I write about a lot of different things, but am very honest how I feel about them.  You never know what you are going to get.

3.  Where did you get your blog’s name?  Due to last year and all I went through with my parents and in my personal life as well with our business, I had no choice but to be “faithful to the grace God gave to me, to get through it.”

4.  Favorite movie/series – Movie: “Secretariat”  Series:  The Tudors

5.  Favorite actor – Charles Bronson and Tom Hanks

6.  Why did you start your blog? – It relaxes my mind as I do not think about anything else when I am blogging.

7.  Who inspires you the most? – St. Faustina and St. Teresa of Avila

8.  How long have you  been blogging? – On and off for four years.

9.  What’s your most popular post? - ”Why Do I Defend the Catholic Church”

10.  What do you wish was your most popular post? – I think it would be “Why Do I Defend the Catholic Church.”

11.  If you could have one thing in the whole universe, all other different universes excluded, what would you have? -  Peace for all of God’s creation and all the technology we think we cannot live without to go away.

Now for the nominees:

1.  In Veritate Fortitudo - The blogger is Greg Ward and I recently came across his blog.  I have enjoyed reading it very much and so will you.

2.  Catholic Questions and Answers - This is a recent blog which explains why Catholics do what we do.  Very informative.

3.  When UR 64 - Beautiful photography.

4.  Spirit Island - Very in depth blog.  I really like reading it.

5.  Mother of Nine - The title speaks for itself.  Life on a hobby farm and some of the funniest post you will ever read.  It is also a spiritual blog as well.  It is an “anything goes” blog and you will love it!

6.  New Things - This Mom is a busy Mom and will inspire you alone with her life stories.

7.  Catholic Lite - A new convert to the Church.  She will inspire your hearts by her strength alone.

Now the questions for you:

1.  Do you have any pets?

2.  Do you live in the country or city?

3.  What is your favorite hobby?

4.  What do you get out of blogging?

5.  Do you like indoors or outdoors?

6.  Do you like your own company, and if so why?

7.  If someone took your computer away and you could never have one again, would it throw you into despair?

8.  Do you text message while driving? (Be honest!)

9.  Do you like to read?

10.  What is your favorite place to go and eat?

11.  If you could do one thing to make the world a better place to live, what would it be?

I know I am a two short on the nominations but this is as far as I could go.  I love all of your blogs and each of you give something to me every single time I read them.

God Bless, SR

Beezy and the Sock

For those of you who are new to my blog, “Beezy” is a stray lab I have had for around two years.  She is a wonderful dog, and I love her with all of my heart.   As I stated before in a post, I have to let her in at night because my male has never accepted her.  So every night in she comes, to keep them from ganging up on her and me not hearing it. (I know two post in one day, but I had to write this)

I have a utility room where we take our socks and shoes off when we come in the door.  Usually if I am mowing the grass gets down in my shoes and my socks are covered in it.  I noticed the other night, out she came from the utility room with my sock! 

She then proceeded to go to her bed.  She placed the sock between her paws and fell asleep.  When I woke up she had her head laying on it.  So the next night, I put one of my socks on the floor to see what she would do.  Again, she took the sock to her bed, put it between her paws and fell asleep. 

I found a sock with a hole in it, and every night now, I give her the sock and the same “ritual” happens.  As I was watching her do this, I thought, “When we sleep that is exactly how God does with us.”  “He places us between His hands, lays His head upon us, and protects us with His love.”

The thought of this gives me such a peaceful feeling, as I approach the “unknown” of the night.  I am “comforted,” I am “protected,” and I am “loved” as I close my eyes in rest. 

What my “dogs” teach me, seems to reach far beyond what I have learned from humans at times.  I always marvel how God works through them, for me!

God Bless, SR

“Act of Reparation” to our Blessed Mother and for Us

I thought after my last two post, this prayer was befitting for all of us to say and think about.

“O Most Holy Virgin and our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns placed therein at every moment by the blasphemies and ingratitude of ungrateful humanity.  We are moved by the ardent desire of loving you as our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart.”

“We therefore kneel before you to manifest the sorrow we feel for the grievances that people cause you, and to atone by our prayers and sacrifices for the offenses which they return your love.  Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins.  Hasten the conversion of sinners that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended.  Turn your eyes of mercy towards us, that we may love God with all our heart on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven.”  +

God Bless, SR

Thanking God Today That I Am A Catholic And For My Catholic Brothers and Sisters

Today is house cleaning day for me, and I usually turn the TV on for noise.  I came across Sun Life Broadcasting Network, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and they had some post on the screen regarding our Church.  So I left it on.  Well it did not take me long to see it was a severe bashing of our Church, beliefs, and many other things as well.  So I kind of tuned out, but ”in.”

All of a sudden I heard a “shaking voice” come across the television.  It was a “Dear Catholic Sister” crying and angry but in a very “humble” way, for what had been said regarding our “Blessed Mother.”  She made the statement, “I am going to defend her.”  Try she did, but with a panel of four, she did not get very far, even being told by Donnie Swaggart, “I am not being rude, but you do not know Scripture.”  (This was on Francis and Friends which I think will re-air tonight and I am asking prayer for our “Dear Catholic Sister” because she was so hurt.)

The show ended on that note, and all I could say was, “God I thank You so much that I am a Catholic.”  “I thank You so much for my dear “Catholic Brothers and Sisters.”  “I thank You so much for calling me out of all of this, even though I fought You so hard.”  “I thank You so much for having such great patience and mercy with and on me.”  “I thank You so much for sending me my Blessed Mother to call me to Your Son.”  “I thank You so much when I turn on EWTN, all I hear are people with humility and love.”

I love each and every one of my “Catholic Brothers and Sisters,” as well as our “Church.”  I love you for the support you give to me and prayers for my family.  I love you for being Catholic in your daily lives.  I love you for upholding me when I do not think I can take another step at times.  I love you because you love me even when my “dander” gets up.  You teach me and have taught me over the years, ”so much.”

I do not know why God thought I deserved to be called out of such “darkness.”  For that is truly what I was in.  I am so thankful and humbled He gave to me the “light” of the Church and my Catholic Brothers and Sisters.

God Bless, SR

The Blessed Mother Loves Us So Much, She Allows Herself To Take More “Hits” Than The Devil

All day today, I thought about our Blessed Mother.  How Scripture tells us she was “troubled” by what Gabriel had told her.  How she “wondered what kind of greeting this could be.”  How she “wondered how she could have God’s Child, since she had not known man?”  How she so quickly said, “Be it done unto me according to Your Word.”  How she walked with her Son, to His death.  This great Lady of ours, never “murmured” or complained.”  What a great example for us all, to follow.  Yet, She truly takes “more hits than the devil,” from human beings.

One of her desires is that we pray the Rosary daily.  How many times do we tell her, “Not today, I do not have time.”  I know in my life there have been days, not even a “decade” was prayed.  All she really ask is that we do it for the “conversion of sinners.”  How busy can we be, not to offer a decade of the Rosary for this?  What? “Five minutes!”

She allows herself to be called an “idol” by many.  She does it for the pure reason, that hopefully we will all enter into her Immaculate Heart, and let Her “take us to Her Son.” 

She is the “biggest stumbling block” for most converts coming into the Church.  I can speak for myself, until I became a Catholic, I had no love for our Blessed Mother.  She was the “woman who had Jesus.”  That is all I ever knew of her.  She held no true meaning or any importance in my life.

She is “slandered” and “talked about” as if she had no part in God’s plan for “salvation.”  Few people realise she had to say “yes to God,” before she could become the “spouse of the Holy Spirit.”

Our Mother loves us so much.  She is in heaven praying for and with us daily.  All of us.  She suffered more than any mother on this earth will ever suffer.  She was the “most obedient to God” outside of Christ.   Outside of Christ she is the “best example we can follow.”  Yet at times in our lives, she and her wishes are the first to be abandoned. 

We need to thank God for her daily.  From my own personal experience, if it were not for her, “I would not be Catholic today!”

God Bless, SR

NAP for “Needs A Parent”

Last night in Mass a family came in with their two children, and sat in front of me.  A little boy around 7 and a little girl around 10.  I should have known it was going to be a long Mass when the little girl, (who I will call Nap) slid across the pew from one end to the other.  I am going to explain what almost the entire hour of Mass consisted of and how the mother handled it.  The father never said one word.

It began with her pulling the kneeler up and down, over and over.  Then she stood up on the kneeler.  From there it went from standing up on the pew.  (Not just once but several times.)  Then she would lay down in her mother’s lap, “squirming and wiggling,” pulling her dress almost over her head.  Nap then commenced to turn her head to the other end of the pew, which the mother, father, and little brother actually scooted down to make room for her feet. 

Nap begin to thrash from one side to the other, pulling out almost all the hymnals, flipping through them, then throwing them down.  From there it would all start over again and again.  “Kneeler up and down.”  “Standing, kneeling, laying, and talking.”  So what did the mother do?   She grabbed  Nap by the arm and went and sat her by her grandmother!  Grandma gave her one stern look, and Nap never moved another muscle!

I have no problems with crying babies, and 1-3 year olds trying to run up and down the aisles.  Twisting and turning.  Froot-Loops coming out of the purse.  A crayon and piece of paper coming out.  A baby is a baby and we are a Church who “supports life.”  Come on though.  “Ten years old!”

Parents.  By the time your child is almost ready for Junior-High School, they ought to know how to behave in Mass, or anywhere else for that matter.  She knew how to behave when Grandma came into the picture! 

Being a parent is not a ”democratic system.”  These kids did not “vote for you!”  Please start teaching them from the time they are small, how to behave!  They need this, not so much for the sake of others, but for their sake “alone!”

God Bless, SR

Why Do I Defend The Catholic Church?

Most of you have known me from years of blogging here.  Most of you know I am extremely honest regarding how I feel about things.  I am not so “elegant” with my words, as many of you are, but I get my message across.  I never mean to “offend” anyone, but I will always “defend” the Church and her teachings.  Why?

Outside of the obvious that She is the Church Jesus started and  He lives there in the Tabernacle, waiting ever so patiently to unite Himself with us.  Outside of this I have many other reasons.

I was not born and raised a Catholic but when I became one, I realised what a gift She is to us from our Lord.  Inside of Her is contained the “beauty” and the “wisdom” of God.  Within Her is also every single thing we need to “maintain” our salvation through the Blessed Sacraments. 

She is our “teacher” and She is our “Mother.”  She is “Holy” and “Apostolic.”  She holds the “past,” the “present,” and the “future” for mankind.  She burrows Herself so deeply within the soul, there is no escaping Her.  Every moment of our day, She has a way of letting us know, we “belong to Her. ”

She holds the Blessed Mother, dear in the core of her heart, along with the Rosary. 

She is the only Church in the world, to which the Holy Spirit comes, and turns the “Bread and Wine,” into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord. 

She holds all the answers human beings will ever need, for spiritual “wisdom” and “growth.”  This is because contained within Her is the “truth” regarding Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Within Her is the most beautiful “Sacred Art” one will ever find.  Combined with Her art, She has the most “beautiful prayers” one will ever hear or say.

I will “defend” Her until the day I die.  I am a Catholic and not being born one, I know what a “truly wonderful gift to us She is.”  I also know how very much She loves us, because I know what it is to live without Her.

God Bless, SR

Since When Does God Ask Our Permission For Who Is Going To Be Pope?

What is wrong with you Catholics calling our Pope a “False Prophet” and insinuating he is the “spawn of the devil?”  Doing it because of some “prophecy.”  It is all pure speculation without one ounce of proof!

What are you teaching our Catholic youth?  That it is okay because some “fly by night” prophet/prophets said/say Pope Francis is “this,” “that,” or the “other” we must denounce him?  That we must see him as “the evil one?”  That God had no “idea” what He was doing when He chose this man to be the Pope of “His Church?”  It is still God’s Church and He gives us the “grace” to go and worship Him in it. 

You see, I trust that God knows what He is doing.  After all He has preserved it for over 2000 years without you and I.  He has chosen every single Pope to be the “Head” of it.  We need to get out of “God’s business.”  Maybe it is… you do not trust God enough, to trust “His choice?” 

I feel like there needs to be some “examination of conscience” going on as far as the motives for all this “Pope Bashing.”   You truly need to think why you are doing it?  You truly need to ask yourself, “Are you trusting God or trying to be Him?”  He does not ask our permission on who gets to be Pope, and He never has.  He does command that we “love.”  His heart desires that we “trust.” 

I do not know what kind of Pope, Pope Francis is going to be.  It is way too early to tell.  What I have seen so far is a man of humility and love.  You know it does not matter what I think, but it does matter what I say.  I say this, “I am a Catholic who trust that God knows what is “best” for His Church.”  “I am a Catholic who knows God never relinquished His authority of His Church, to “ME!”  “I am a Catholic who knows God never relinquished His authority of His Church to “YOU EITHER!”  The best thing to do right now, is trust God and stay quiet!  It is all in His hands, not mine, and not yours.  

“I believe in one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church”  Either you do or you do not?Think about what you are doing to God, His Church, and your Catholic brothers and sisters!  Most of all the example being set for our “Catholic Youth!”

God Bless, SR

Modern Day Prophecy – True or False

I have never seen nor heard so much “goggly-goop” which is going on today, as with these “Modern Day Prophets.”  “We are in the last days.”  (Which I have been hearing all of my life, so that is 58 years.)  “Jesus is coming.”  (Which is true, but “no one knows the hour or day,” not even Jesus)  “Our new Pope is a “False Prophet.”   (I think we need to let it all play out a little better first, don’t ya think?) God told me, “He is going to heal you.”  (Really?  Why didn’t God just tell me?)  God said, “He is going to bless your finances and make you rich.”  (Hmmmmmmmm…Still working for our living.) 

On the “doomsday” issue, if Jesus came at this moment, what are we going to do about it?  “Squat!”  If the “anti-Christ” is here, what are we going to do about it?  “Squat!”   (Please do not quote me a 1000 Bible verses I have read my Bible and it never told me the day or hour)

Ah, but the “signs” are here!  This earth has always had earthquakes, famine, sickness, disease, wars, pestilence, good Popes, bad Popes, good leaders of nations, and bad leaders of nations.  Good Protestant Ministers and bad Protestant Ministers.   It is like Mother Angelica said, “When sin prevails, nature rebels.”  Very true, as the Bible is full of these things!  Past, present, and will be in the future.  If Jesus Himself cannot tell us the “hour or day” why are you listening to those who think they can? 

As far as “getting rich” or “being healed?”  If you are still working at the same job you have had for 30 years and living from paycheck check to paycheck, you are not rich!  If you are still “sick” you are not “healed!”  I hate to tell Americans this but, “Jesus is not landing in the United States!”  Gees!

My goodness people quit living in so much “fear” and “gloom.”  Quit living in so much “false hope and sadness!”  Any one of us could die tomorrow and the end of this “world” will be over for us.  Above all quit “assassinating” people because some “wanna be prophet told you.”

Enjoy your life that God has given you on earth.  Quit running to all of these “Modern Day Prophets” who know, no more than you do!  If you want to know something, God gave to us the Bible and the Holy Spirit.  You will never be deceived by either of “These!”

God Bless, SR

What is the Strength of God, “Exactly?”

The other night I was watching the Bible, and it was on Samson.  All of you know the story, where he told Delilah where his strength came from, which was his hair.  In turn she cut it off, and Samson no longer had his God given strength.  Yet, we see at the end of the story where he cried for “God’s strength” one more time.  He pulled down the stone columns on those who had blinded him, and had been disobedient to God.  It got me to thinking, “When I pray for the “strength of God,” what am I actually getting?”

By the time we pray for the “strength of God” to get us through our trials and sufferings, our “hair has been chopped off.”  Sometimes it feels as if our “necks have.”  When we receive it do we actually know how “strong” God’s strength is?  Do we realise what we are “truly” getting?

The strength of God given to Samson, is what pulled the entire stone coliseum down.  That is actually what is imparted to us.  When we get up and work in and with it, we can move the “heavy stones” in our lives.

We need to keep this “visual” of Samson in our lives and hearts.  When life seems so “unbearable” we need to pray for God’s strength and tie our hands to those “stone columns.”  With the same “faith” which Samson had, begin to move them.

God Bless, SR

Monday Thoughts – When It Takes You Longer To Dry Off Then To Bathe, You Know You Are Getting Old

I thought we all could use a much-needed break and start the week off with something on the lighter side. I noticed the other night when I took my bath, it took me as long to dry off!  I mean I have the large towels, no fabric softener, and they do a good job!  Still I dry, dry, and dry some more!  What is wrong??  GRAVITY!!!

I noticed I am getting “skin folds!”  The nice word for “wrinkles!”  It is like all of a sudden my skin is shifting downwards!  So to dry off, it is a constant “pull up” and “pull across” to get the towel in all of these folds!  Everything has started “drooping!”

“Bath time” is supposed to be relaxing and all of a sudden it has become a chore.  Exhausting it is!  What happened to the “legs” that once looked so nice in high heels and a skirt, above the knees?  What happened to the stomach which never needed a “girdle?”  The “Girls!” I remember when a “push up bra” was not even thought of!  Now it is like you need a “crane!”  They are even in my “toes!”  There goes the “perfect sandal foot” my kids always said I had!  No matter how much you lift, push, and pull, it all goes back to “crevices!”  (Another nice word for “wrinkles!”)  The water just stays there????

“Oh Gravity, thou art thou art a “nasty little devil!”  I think I had rather float, at least I could air dry!

God Bless, SR

How Did Our Blessed Mother Do It?

My thoughts yesterday and today have not only been on our Lord, but also our Blessed Mother.  I do not know, how as a Mother, she watched her Son suffer so, and stood at the foot of the Cross?  I know this day over 2,000 years ago, gripped her heart as the the “cat of nine tails did her Son’s flesh.”

I always think about her, after they took her Son down from the Cross.  After they carried Him away, and she went to the “silence” of her home.  When she laid down this night, did she “hear the screams of the people to her Son?”  How many times did she see in her mind, “the three falls He made?”  How many times did she hear, “the cracks of the whips against the flesh of her Son?”  How many times did she hear, “His cries in agony?”  How many times on this night and many afterwards, “did she see her Son being Crucified?”  How did she keep from “losing her mind?” 

What “perfection” in obedience this “Dear Lady” left for us to follow.  It is not recorded in Holy Scripture where she ever made a sound.  She never came against God and His will, “one single time.”  As a mother, it is beyond me, how this “great and holy Mother did it?”

I know she was “full of grace,” but outside of that she was no different from you and I.  She loved her Son, named Jesus.  She would have given her life for Him, but she could not. 

“Blessed are you among women Dear Mother, Blessed are you among women.”

God Bless, SR

Marveling At Our Redemption

“On the Cross, Jesus offered a perfect sacrifice that never needs to be repeated.  On the altar, that once-for-all sacrifice is made present to us again that we can marvel at our redemption.  On the Cross, He took away our sins.  On the altar, He offers us continued strength to over-come the pull of sin and enter into His presence more fully.  In effect, the work of the Cross continues on the altar.  That’s how committed Jesus is to bringing us fully into His kingdom.”

“So when you go to Mass today, be sure to lift up your heart to the Lord.  Look intently at the consecrated Host, and see Jesus there before you.  See Him pouring out His mercy.  See Him pouring out His love.  He is there, at every Mass, always working to draw us closer to Himself.”

Meditation of the Day from “The Word Among us”

Joe Difato

God Bless, SR

Seeing Ourselves As God Sees Us

We are a ”pitiful lot” are we not?  We whine, moan, complain, ask God most of the time, “Where are You?”  “Why did you let this happen to me?’  ” I try Lord I really do, then You let this happen?”  “What have I done wrong?”  “What do I need to do?”  “Tell me and You have it.”  Of course it can go on and on.  I always say, “Out of all of God’s creation, we are the most “fickle” of all creatures.” 

Everything else does as they are supposed to off of pure intinct alone.  Not humans!  Oh no!  We have to think everything to death!  This usually leads us to more, “whining,” “moaning,” and “complaining.”  Then it goes from there to “straight condemnation,” either for ourselves or on others. 

You know, we could be happy.  We could be “happy” by seeing ourselves the way, “God sees us.”

None of us are “worthy.”  None of us are “righteous” enough.  None of us seem to ever get it “truly right.”  You see Jesus was all of these things, and He “got it right!”

When God looks at us, there is a huge Cross standing between us and Him.  There is “suffering” and a “slaughtered Lamb” hanging there.  There is “blood, “nails,” and “thorns.”  There is a Man so strapped to this Cross and God hears the words, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!”  When God focuses on that, then He sees us, “worthy,” and “righteous.”  He also knows those who believe in His Son, “Shall not perish, but have ever-lasting life.”  “Mercy” begins to flow.

We are a “pitiful lot” of that there is not doubt.  You see, God sees us “redeemed” through the “Blood of His Son.”  We need to start “believing” in that, and seeing ourselves as such.  Only by doing this, can we be “happy.”  Only by doing this, can we be at “peace.”  I believe with all my heart, this is truly how God wants us to spend our time on earth.

God Bless, SR

To All Of You Coming Into The “Catholic Church”

Becoming a Catholic was not easy, was it?  You had to give up a life-time of beliefs.  The way you read and understood Scripture changed.  Then all of sudden you were handed a “belief” in those who had died, and were told they were your “Spiritual Family.”  You were told it was okay to ask “them to pray for you.”   All the teachings of your life said, “This would most assuredly send you to hell!”

You found yourself being taught, “Jesus was present in the Blessed Host, in His totality.”  For months now you have watched others go and receive Him, and somewhere inside of you, you wonder, “What will it taste like?”  “What will it feel like?”  “Is this true?”

Then you were told to “confess” your sins before a man and he could “absolve” you of them, as a representative for Christ.  All of your life, you had gone straight to God alone for this.

You were handed a necklace “looking” piece of jewelry called the “Rosary,” and many thought you would pick it right up and ask this Lady called “Mary” to pray for you.  This was/is the last thing you ever wanted to do.  Some of you are still struggling with it today, but you will not forever.

Many of you had to give up family members and friends to enter into the Church, because they refused to understand, “God had placed this on your heart.”  They felt as if you had condemned your soul.  It was not “God” who placed this on your heart, but the “devil.”

You were surrounded by “statues,” “pictures,” and ”icons.”   The thought “Idol Worshipper” flooded your mind!  You wanted to run to the nearest exit, yet you knew this was the place God was calling you to.

You have struggled with it all for months.  You, ”Dearest Converts,”  know what it is to “give it all up for God.”  Being a “convert” myself, I was there with you eight years ago.

God has never stopped blessing me for being “obedient” to Him, in becoming Catholic.  When I became Catholic I entered not only a different Church, but for the first time in my life I had the “fullness” and the “beauty” of God. 

Very few things are “easy” when God calls us out of our “comfort zone.”  You have made it, and you are here.  You will never be the same!

Welcome Home!

God Bless, SR

Remembering My First “Holy Week”

Before becoming Catholic, I did not know there was such a thing as “Holy Week.”  I knew it was “Good Friday,”  Jesus died, some of the stores closed, and Easter was coming.  On that day it was Church which we did celebrate the “Resurrection of Christ.”  It proceeded from there to an Easter egg hunt and dinner with family and friends.  Truly that was about it.

I remember “Holy Thursday” was nice, but to be honest at that point and time, I guess the “impression” it should have had on me, I missed.  How well I remember “Good Friday!”  That is what truly gripped me!  I will never forget walking into the Church, the Tabernacle door being opened, and Jesus was “not there!”

I absolutely and positively could not wrap my mind around that! Through the entire Mass, I could not keep my eyes off of that “empty Tabernacle.”  How my thoughts went back to, “Jesus died!”  “They took Him off of the Cross and He is in a tomb!”  “He is not where He is supposed to be, which is in the Tabernacle!”  It was really a feeling of “sorrow” and “panic!”  I think that was the first sign I had, that I was indeed a “Catholic.”

From the moment I started RCIA until Good Friday, I had become so dependant on Jesus being in the “Tabernacle.”  I had become so dependant on the first thing my eyes were going to look upon was that “Tabernacle.”  The “emptiness” I felt that night, I will never forget.  In fact I still feel it, when I go to Mass on “Good Friday.”  (It still is like pulling teeth for me to say, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!  Last year was the first time I could ever say it and it has been 8 years)

I will be forever grateful for “Lent” and “Holy Week.”  These two-time periods in the Church bring about needed change in myself, and makes me recall the “Passion of our Lord.”  Before becoming “Catholic” I never had that.  I never did it.

“Holy Thursday” means as much now, as “Good Friday” and “Holy Saturday” do.  Nothing means as much to me as walking in on “Holy Saturday,” and “Jesus is where He is supposed to be!”

I am so blessed that I am “Catholic” and have “Holy Week!”  It is a gift I never take for granted.

God Bless, SR

What I Worked on for Lent

I hardly ever do a post on Lent, until it is about over.  Then I like to share what I worked on and if I succeeded or not.  I  think I did succeed, “Thank You Lord.”

This year I wanted to get rid of “guilt” and always “beating myself up.”  Now I am not saying “guilt” is a bad thing, what I am saying is, “Never letting go of it truly is!”  “Guilt” is a good thing and we need it, but holding onto it can rob us of so much “joy” in our faith walk.  I truly was tired of walking with my “head hung down” all the time!

Some of the ways the Lord and Blessed Mother relieved me of this were:  Making me see, that I truly was not trusting enough in the “grace of forgiveness.”  When I confessed and repented of my sins, with a contrite heart, God remembers them no more.  What freedom!

Another thing was:  When I prayed the “Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary”  and got to where Jesus was “carrying the Cross,” I begin to see “myself” on His back.  Then I would go to the “Crucifixion” and what was to be the “Cross” Jesus was nailed to, was indeed once again “myself.”  I realised, “Jesus was not only nailed to wood, but He also “nailed Himself to me.”   He promised, “He would never leave nor forsake me.”  Jesus made no stipulations on this promise.

Last but not least:  “Failures” and “sin” are two entirely different things.  “Failure,” is when I try to do something for someone, myself, the Lord, etc…but failed.”  “Sin” is when I do not try to do anything.”   I realised all God wants from me is “effort.”  As Jesus told me in Adoration Friday, “Give your failures to the Cross.”  See post http://beingfaithfultograce.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/adoration-jesus-and-me/

I love Lent.  I keep a mental/physical diary all year of what I want to change about myself, and these “forty-days” are the time in which to do it.  So my “hammer” is now put away, and the “guilt” only last until I “confess and repent.”  Another I got God down off the “dusty shelf.”  See post http://beingfaithfultograce.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/god-is-not-my-dust-collector/

If something continues to “rob” you of your “joy” and “hope” continuously with God, always remember, “That is not God” and needs to be done away with.  In fact I would go so far as to say it is the “devil.”

God Bless, SR

Excruciating Pain in Mass

Last night in Mass, I went in and knelt.  I prayed my prayers and then begin to pray the Rosary.  When I did the most “excruciating” pain I have ever felt hit my back.  Not only the “pain” but it also felt as if “coals of fire” were burning from the inside out.  Very hot ones at that.  I have three herniated disc in my back, and I am sure this is what it was. 

I begin to pray to our Lord to “please stop this pain?”  I wish I could say He did, but that was not the case.  It became so unbearable I could neither sit, stand, or kneel.  I just kept praying, “Lord at least let me get to you.”  All of a sudden the pain became so unbearable, I broke out in a sweat and my head started swimming.  I felt as if I was going to pass out.  All I could say was, “Lord give me the strength?”  I did make it, but as soon as I got back to my seat I had to leave.  It was that bad!  I did not want to leave before Mass ended,  but truly I had no choice.  I do not think it could have come on a better week!

I made it to my pick-up, sat down in it, and took a very deep breath.  I noticed I was actually “shaking” from the pain.  All of a sudden my mind went to the Passion of our Lord, at the “Scourging at the Pillar.”  The “cat of nine tails” ripping at His skin, as this is what the burning felt like in my back.  The “excruciating pain” He must have felt with the whips opening up His flesh, and then being “laid upon the Cross” with all of those opened wounds.  Was I experiencing some of “what He felt?”  I do not know.

All I do know is all I could say was, “Lord I unite this pain in my back with the pain in Yours, on that dreaded Day of the Cross.”  That is all I have been able to do today.

Though this pain is almost “unbearable,” and I am mostly flat on my back today, it is so comforting to know, I can unite it with the “pain of our Lord, during His Passion.”  Never have I been so “close” to His sufferings.  Even though the “agony” in my back at moments I still cannot bear, the “peace”  I have in my “soul”  is so well worth it.

God Bless, SR

Adoration, Jesus, and Me

What a wonderful hour I had with our Lord.  Truly, outside of the Eucharist, is there anything any better?  Two things happened Friday.

It started with me telling Jesus about my failures.  “How sorry I was for them.”  “How I want to do better.”  “That no matter how hard I try, by the end of the day “a failure is in there some place.”  To which the Lord replied, “You worry far too much about your failures.”  “Your failures are united to My success.” ”Give your failures to the Cross.”

My heart almost leapt out of my body, in joy!  I realised, “Yes, I am going to fail.”  “Yes, I am going to have failures.”  “Jesus knew this, and took them all to the Cross with Him.”  By doing this, Jesus can actually “do something with my failures.”  He even wants them! Is that not a wonderful thought?  All I have to do, is give them to Him.

The Second Thing:  There is this lady who sits in front of me in Adoration.  I have always admired her humility.  She dresses extremely modest, no make up, very pretty, and seems to have nothing but excessive love and humility before our Lord.  Her smile would light up a thousand gloomy hearts.  I was watching her and asked the Lord, “Lord can you please give me her heart?”  To which He replied, “No, but you can have Mine.”

I let it stand, which is exactly what I did!

God Bless, SR

 

Friday Thoughts – Mowing Musings

Yesterday was a wonderful day for outside.  I mowed, fertilized, and put my hand on the weed eater.  The grass is green and trees are in bloom.  How beautiful God’s earth truly is.  As I was mowing I begin to think about God’s mercy.  “What does God’s mercy truly mean to me?”

I know God’s Mercy above all things hung on the Cross.  I also know it means forgiveness and love.  I begin to realise His mercy meant something else to me.  Something entirely different.  God’s mercy is my “strength.”

I think I depend on His mercy, more than any other “attribute.”  I did not say, “I take His mercy for “granted,” but I do depend on it.”  I have to. 

You see, when I trust in His mercy it gives me the “strength” to continue on, sinner that I am.   If I did not trust, I would be in a solid state of “condemnation.”  I absolutely could not live like that.  Can you even imagine the “burden?”

His mercy also gives me the “strength” to be at “peace” in spite of myself.  To know, no matter what, if I confess my sins with a contrite heart, “mercy” will flow from God to me.  I can be at “peace” knowing that I am forgiven.

God’s “mercy” is something each and every one of us can count on.  We should derive nothing but “divine strength” from it.   It should make us so “joyful” in our hearts!  God gives it so “freely” to us, so we can continue to “run this race.”

Have a great weekend and God Bless, SR

God Is Not My “Dust Collector!”

I wish I could take credit for this post, but I cannot as it goes to 8 Kids.  I am giving you the link to the post which inspired mine.  If you have not read it, I urge you to do so.  http://8kidsandabusiness.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/late-have-i-loved-you/

Her post was dealing with “placing God on a dusty shelf,” “always expecting God to be there,” and among other things, “taking God for granted.”  Did this post ever inspire me to examine my life with God!  I have done so for the past few days, and truly did not like what I found.  Every word she said in her post was true, in my life.  I have made God a “Dust Collector.”

Please do not tell me, “I am being too hard on myself,” as this has truly been a “reality check” for me.  One which needed to be done.  I have been so ashamed and sorrowful for this sin, and I have finally found out what “true contrition” really is.

God is God.  He is our Creator and our Father.  He is not to be used as a “book” I have sitting on a “dusty shelf” to be pulled off whenever I decide to “read it.”  To be pulled off as some, “inanimate object,” when I feel I have the time!  Many times I have done this!  It stops, “NOW!”  It stops because truly, (pardon the expression) it is a “load of crap!”  I know better than this, and I love God more than my “busy life!”

He deserves that hour in the morning, no matter how early I have to get up to do it.  He deserves prayer from me throughout the day, no matter how short or long they are.  He deserves that praise from my lips during and at the end of the day.  God “deserves my love and respect!”  He deserves it because He does not command it, but desires it because He loves me!

I know God has forgiven me as I do have peace with it this afternoon.  I cannot express into words how sorry I have been for treating God in such a manner.

I want to thank you 8 Kids for waking me up to a “reality,” that truly I had not even given  much thought.  I am going to make confession for it.  Please go and read her post!  This is my prayer which I have been saying:

“To You O Lord, I make my prayer for mercy.  Heal my soul for I have sinned against You.  I make my prayer for mercy.”

God Bless, SR

Save Me From “Presumption Lord?”

We as humans often react to what we “presume” to be true or what we “presume” is going to happen.  The Websters New Dictionary defines “presumption” as:  “Belief supported by probability.”  That is truly all a “presumption” is, a “probability” a “maybe truth.” 

In Hebrew it means, “proud” or “arrogant,” which is what “presumption” usually leads us to.  How often our “presumptions” become “truth to us,” instead of the “probability.”

If someone lives with “trash” in their yard, we may presume they are “trash.” Maybe one is not physically able to do this type of work.   If someone is “poor,” we may presume they are “lazy.”  Maybe they just lost their job or a sickness entered into their family and took all they had to save someone’s life.  If we see someone doing something “not” according to Scripture we may presume they are “wicked.” Maybe they are the holiest of people, who sinned in that moment.  If someone speaks to us “sharply,” we presume they are a “tyrant” or a “mean person,” when they may be having a bad day. 

“Presumption” leads us to many “false truths” within ourselves regarding others.  At times it leads us into even thinking we must “convict” the heart of a sinner going astray, which we cannot.  Only the Holy Spirit can.  At times it leads us to speak “lies” about another with no basis for those “lies” whatsoever.  We just presume it is true.  So we see “presumption” is “arrogance” in and of itself.  Maybe this is why David prayed:

“From presumption restrain your servant and let it not rule me.  Then I shall be blameless, clean from grave sin.”  (Psalms 19:13-14)

God Bless, SR

Looking at Life Through the Eyes of “Beezy”

You know I probably learn more about life, through my animals than anything else.  Some of you may remember I rescued a chocolate lab about two years ago.  She was pregnant with nine puppies, starving, and thirsting to death.  It was 107 degrees that summer.  She came up to my home on a Saturday and by Tuesday I knew she was dying.

I took her to the vet, took the puppies, and had her fixed.  She came home and never moved for three days.  This dog slept night and day.  After she became well enough to go outside, (ten days later) out she went with the other dogs.  All of them accepted her but one!  The male, “Sammie.”  He has made her life a living hell for two years.  He hates her and passes by no chance to fight with her. 

We have had trips to the vet where he has bit her.  Truly she could take his head off, but she would not as she is sooooo sweet.  That is until the other night.  I mean that was one mad “female,” and all I saw was blood dripping off of Sammie’s neck!  All I could think was “Go Beezy!”  I did take care of Sammie, of course.

Anyways, due to all of this I started bringing Beezy in at night in case they got in a fight and I did not here it.  This is what she has taught me.

I looked at her sleeping down by my bed, and it seemed as if she was smiling.  She was calm and asleep.  It dawned on me, “Love can go so far, and make others feel so good.” “That is all she wanted was to feel loved.”  She is so “happy” to be sleeping on the floor by my bed.  Never bothers one thing.  I truly love this dog, and how she captures my heart!

Another thing she taught me was, “When we push someone too far, we might end up with blood running down our necks.”  We need to know when to stop, or at least think about what we are about to say.

So the next time someone seems so unlovable, “Remember Beezy!”  The next time we want to keep pushing our point of views, beliefs, not wanting to accept another, or not wanting to stay quiet, “Remember Sammie:>)” 

God Bless, SR

Crawling in Bed with the Blessed Mother

Last night was a pretty good “toss and turn” night.  I found myself putting in “I Love Lucy” CD’s to pass the time.  Though it did lift my “spirits” I still could not go to sleep.  I prayed, watched television, and read.  I got nothing but sore hips and back.  It was useless, I thought.  My thoughts begin to go to our Blessed Mother and the night of the “Day of the Cross.” 

I begin to think, “How did you handle that night, in the “silence and darkness?”  “How did you lay there remembering every “single hurt and cry of your Son?”  “How did you Dear Mother, ever find sleep again?”

All of a sudden, I realised in my “thoughts” and “soul” I had actually gone into her home.  I was sitting there beside her on her bed, simply “talking with her.”  Asking her questions regarding that Day.  As the Blessed Mother has always done with me, she answered each of them so well.  I then turned down the covers on the other side of the bed, and slid under them with her.  I begin to converse with her about all the things going on with my parents, and other things in my life.  The next thing I knew it was 9:00 this morning, and I cannot tell you the last time I slept until nine.

What started out as nothing but “tossing and turning,” turned out to be one of the most ”peaceful” nights I have had in a long time.  How wonderful it was to lay there with her, and “feel so much love”  How wonderful it was, to “feel so much warmth.”  She helped me so much, and gave to me so many answers.

There is not one single thing which we go through, that she does not understand.  She went through a “Day of Hell,” and I would imagine there were some nights in there also. 

The next time things seem out of control in your life, she is there.  She is there waiting for you.  “Just turn down the covers and crawl in bed with her.”  She will listen!

God Bless, SR

Once Again I Need Prayer – This One is for Daddy

Sorry this is so short, but am tired.  I need prayer for Daddy as he has an abscess we think in a saliva gland.  He has a huge knot on the inside, is in pain, and am trying to get him to go to the ER, but he wants to wait until Monday so he can go to doctor’s office.

Please pray I can either get him to the ER or God will intervene and this abscess will not burst.  I do not want all that poison going inside of him. 

I do have Mom at least calmed down right now.  So this is a good thing!!

Love you all, and will be back when I can!  God Bless, SR