Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
CRS Prayer
All of us can share this prayer no matter our church affiliation for we are all Christians striving to show the world the love of Jesus Christ ....
As Catholics, we recognize that prayer is of the utmost importance, an invaluable contribution to helping poor people overseas. We invite you to join us in bringing to Our Lord the following intentions and thanks.
As Catholics, we recognize that prayer is of the utmost importance, an invaluable contribution to helping poor people overseas. We invite you to join us in bringing to Our Lord the following intentions and thanks.
Lord, help us to recognize you in the stranger in need, whether you show yourself in our path or reveal yourself in the poorest and most vulnerable people across the globe.
Let us pray that, in the new year, the Spirit teaches us how to continually walk in faith and that the work of our hands, minds and hearts reflects the meaning of the Gospel.
Lord, teach us to live our faith. As your word guides our souls, so let it guide our attitudes toward people in great need who look to us as their only hope.
Let us pray for clearer understanding from you, Lord, of what you mean by seeking your kingdom first and by amassing treasure in heaven.
Amen.
Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. Psalm 106:1
Thank You!
Unfortunately, saying “thank you” isn’t all that common.
And yet, it’s what worship is all about.
Worship is when you’re aware that what you’ve been given is far greater than what you can give. Worship is that awareness that were it not for his touch, you’d still be hurting, bitter and broken. Worship is the half-glazed expression on the parched face of a desert pilgrim as he discovers that the oasis is not a mirage.
When we try to make a science out of worship—we can’t do it. No more than we can “sell love” or “negotiate peace.”
Worship is a voluntary act of gratitude offered by the saved to the Savior, by the healed to the Healer, and by the delivered to the Deliverer.
Worship is the “thank you” that refuses to be silenced.
Monday, December 26, 2011
He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them. 2 Corinthians 1:4
My child’s feelings are hurt. I tell her she’s special.
My child is afraid. I won’t go to sleep until she is secure.
I’m not a hero .… I’m a parent. When a child hurts, a parent does what comes naturally. He helps.…
Why don’t I let my Father do for me what I am more than willing to do for my own children?
I’m learning.
Being a father is teaching me that when I am criticized, injured, or afraid, there is a Father who is ready to comfort me. There is a Father who will hold me until I’m better, help me until I can live with the hurt, and who won’t go to sleep when I’m afraid of waking up and seeing the dark.
Ever.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:11
It was an ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds.
Then the black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an alien.
The night was ordinary no more.
The angel came in the night because that is when lights are best seen and when they are most needed.
It all happened in a most remarkable moment—a moment like no other.
God became a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened and place her most precious one in a human womb. God had come near!
In the mystery of Christmas, we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
His kingdom will never end. Luke 1:33
In Bethlehem, the human being who best understood who God was and what he was doing, is the teenage girl in the smelly stable.
As Mary looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty—she can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God.
So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel. “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)
He looks like anything but a king. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby.
Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.
God came near!
And Luke 1:33 says, “His kingdom will never end.”
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
and He sent His only Son with shouts of Peace, peace to the people on earth!
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The W in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of
Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the
presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the
letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a
small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.
Again, HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of
Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the
presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the
letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a
small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.
Again, HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Happy Birthday Kaeden!
Today is my oldest grandson's birthday. He is 9 today...how the heck did that happen? He is one very impressive, talented boy and I am not prejudice at all!
I am going to lunch with my Aunt Sandy and 2 men that I worked with at FMC. BB was my closest confidante and friend at the hospital....I still miss him! It is so good that my aunt and I both retired from the hospital she is the socialite and keeps me in touch with the group!
I am going to lunch with my Aunt Sandy and 2 men that I worked with at FMC. BB was my closest confidante and friend at the hospital....I still miss him! It is so good that my aunt and I both retired from the hospital she is the socialite and keeps me in touch with the group!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sts Peter and Paul Christmas
Last night we went to see the babies, Kaeden, Kamden and Kolliers', Christmas show at their school. It was ADORABLE!!! I love Sts Peter and Paul school it is small, warm and inviting. The priest is the brother of the priest that married my brother Joe and his wife Marie in another Ohio city.....it's a small, small world!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Hospital ER visits
I thank God for Timmy...Mom called about 9:30 on Friday night and Dad had a fever of 102. This was listed on the possible side affects of his procedure this morning and required an ER visit. There were warnings for black ice, which frightens me to death, and Timmy without hesitation took Dad and Mom to FMC!
He returned home about 3AM! He took my cell phone but could not figure out how to use it and I did not know my new number to call him......OMGoddness! Daddy white cell count was elevated, his temps were in the 99 range and they sent him home with the stipulation that he return Saturday morning.
On Saturday the girls came here with families in tow for our "Cookie Extravaganza" sooooo Timmy took Daddy to the ER (Mom said she wasn't going to sit there for another 3 hours). End result....Daddy is fine! He does have an ulcer with a narrowing of an opening that the DR felt was contributing to the problem so he stretched it. They did a biopsy of his esophagus and we will find out the results later this week.
This year the babies actually helped make the cookies! They unwrapped 54 hershey kisses for the Hershey's Thumbprints, made about 72 balls for the the candy cane cookies and they even formed the crazy things!
Ashley kept us moving right along and made 2 of the batches herself...and she says she doesn't cook!! Kristyl and her family spent the night and the kids and I had such fun. I love my family!!
He returned home about 3AM! He took my cell phone but could not figure out how to use it and I did not know my new number to call him......OMGoddness! Daddy white cell count was elevated, his temps were in the 99 range and they sent him home with the stipulation that he return Saturday morning.
On Saturday the girls came here with families in tow for our "Cookie Extravaganza" sooooo Timmy took Daddy to the ER (Mom said she wasn't going to sit there for another 3 hours). End result....Daddy is fine! He does have an ulcer with a narrowing of an opening that the DR felt was contributing to the problem so he stretched it. They did a biopsy of his esophagus and we will find out the results later this week.
This year the babies actually helped make the cookies! They unwrapped 54 hershey kisses for the Hershey's Thumbprints, made about 72 balls for the the candy cane cookies and they even formed the crazy things!
Ashley kept us moving right along and made 2 of the batches herself...and she says she doesn't cook!! Kristyl and her family spent the night and the kids and I had such fun. I love my family!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Doctor times a time of testing :=(
I am getting ready to take Daddy for a scope at FMC to see what the heck is happening with his stomach once again. A light bulb moment for me when I talked to Mom and she had stopped getting the meds that his Dr had recommended because...IT WASN'T PAID FOR BY MEDIGOLD OMGoodness. We had a talk! Daddy is now on the diagnosed meds...she can argue with the insurance company later!
I love that being frugal is her hobby but not when it effects their health it has gone beyond sanity!
She did the same thing with one of her meds we had a talk then also...she is back on her meds!
I love that being frugal is her hobby but not when it effects their health it has gone beyond sanity!
She did the same thing with one of her meds we had a talk then also...she is back on her meds!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mark 4:39-41
One of the hardest things that we will ever do is to put our total trust in God to direct our lives and to protect us from the unknown. It is this total trust that elevates us above ourself and into His agape love. At this Holy time of the year it is good to remember that He sent His only begotten Son that we could have an abundant life free from fear.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cards OH MY
Last night we were suppose to go out to eat with my parents for Timmy's birthday....Timmy is not really into eating out! So we made dinner here complete with the sweets that Mom is not suppose to eat and had a merry time playing cards....OH MY...it is a treat!
Daddy shared the fact that he told Mom to quit telling her children that she could not remember anything anymore.....his reasoning....they will put you in a home! He was only half kidding. We, all of us siblings, are becoming the parents and it scares him to death. He needed to let me know that taking away his ability to do things around his home and in his life is scary to him even if it done in total love...just like his siblings did with his parents. For the hundredth time he told me of his father who when they sold his farm, moved him to the city and got rid of his car and the last of his independence soon gave up on this earthly adventure and resorted to cutting the grass with a pocket knife.
Daddy made it clear that he was a lot like his father...it is up to us to tread lightly on his dignity.
I shared with them that it must suck to get old...to which we all had a really good laugh in agreement ( I am not far behind them).
Daddy shared the fact that he told Mom to quit telling her children that she could not remember anything anymore.....his reasoning....they will put you in a home! He was only half kidding. We, all of us siblings, are becoming the parents and it scares him to death. He needed to let me know that taking away his ability to do things around his home and in his life is scary to him even if it done in total love...just like his siblings did with his parents. For the hundredth time he told me of his father who when they sold his farm, moved him to the city and got rid of his car and the last of his independence soon gave up on this earthly adventure and resorted to cutting the grass with a pocket knife.
Daddy made it clear that he was a lot like his father...it is up to us to tread lightly on his dignity.
I shared with them that it must suck to get old...to which we all had a really good laugh in agreement ( I am not far behind them).
Thursday, December 1, 2011
He promised that the truth of His love would set us free!
We don’t have what it takes to be healed. Our only hope is that God will step into our hurt and helplessness and do it for us!
Which is exactly what he’s done!
I wish we would take him at his word. When he says we’re forgiven, let’s unload the guilt. When he says we’re valuable, let’s believe him. When he says we’re provided for, let’s stop worrying.
God’s efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless!
Max Lucado
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