Indifference....

A PRAYER FOR LENT

O gracious Master,

infuse in our hearts

the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom

and open the eyes of our mind

that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel.

Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments,

so that having curbed all carnal desires,

we may lead a spiritual life,

both thinking and doing everything to please You.

For You, O Christ, our God,

are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies;

and to You we render glory,

together with Your eternal Father,

and with Your all holy,

life-creating Spirit,

now and ever, and forever.

Amen.

What is Lent Really About?

Within my parish many are following this season of penance, by giving up 'things'. Some have decided to go without sugar in their coffee, one lady said she would go without cream in her cup of tea and also give up eating dessert. Others said they were forgoing watching their favourite television shows 'for God.'

How does this affect God? I don't think it affects God at all. What can we give to God who is sufficient unto Himself?

Lent is about purification and a time to reflect and ask within ourselves the hard questions. Lent is also a time of inner surgery, where we find and search deep within our souls and personality to see where have we offended God. Where have we failed to do His Will? Where have we wounded Him and in so doing wounded ourselves and others?

Where have we walked away from God and what opportunities to do good did we overlook or fail to act on even though we knew it would benefit another?

Then there are the other questions we need to ask. What have we placed before God, where have we been inattentive to His Will. And most importantly how much time do we spend with God, alone.

These weeks of Lent are our time 'spent in the desert' as we seek God's guidance and weed out our weaknesses and those things which seperate us from His Divine Love.

In order for God to work fully within our souls we need Him to purify us from all that which holds us to the world. It is time to weed out selfishness, laziness, unkindness, impatience, anger, pride. This is a momentous task, for me at least especially as I fall into many of the above categories.

Once we confront these lesser qualities within ourselves and through the Sacrament of Penance only then can God fill the empty vessels of our souls with His Divine Love so that we too arise, renewed and filled with joy.

Rather than give something up, give of yourself to those in your community who are hungry, tired, lonely, sick, deprived and unloved.

What is our most precious commodity? The thing we prize most of all?

Our time.

Amen, Amen my God, breatheth in me the dew of thy Grace which bringeth me to the well spring of they Awesome Love, which overcometh my timid soul, and fills it with all good things, so that I may boast, here in lay my strength. I am nothing and God is ALL.

Written by Marie

Take Courage...

The Challenge

Let others lead small lives,

but not you.

Let others argue over small things,

but not you.

Let others cry over small hurts,

but not you.

Let others leave their future

in someone else's hands,

but not you.

Jim Rohn.

Best Songs of All Time

He aint heavy he's my brother-The Hollies

This is one of the best songs of all time. What do YOU think?

Hope Endures-A book Review

During my blogging break I read a very challenging book written by a former Nun who joined the Missionaries of Charity. Not only did this Nun leave Mother Teresa's Order she also lost her faith, which is incredibly sad.

The book is titled 'Hope Endures' by Colette Livermore but it should be re-titled 'Hopeless and Lost'.

The great tragedy of Colette is her lack of calling and the fact that her Superiors including Blessed Mother Teresa failed to pick up on this integral part of any religious journey. Every Sister when asked why they joined a particular Religous Order nearly always state they felt an 'inner calling' this did not happen to Colette, instead she saw a documentary on the television called 'Something Beautiful for God' and decided then that she wanted to help the poor.

Colette Livermore failed to understand that a Religous life has nothing to do with social work and everything to do with Vocation and the most serious of Vows, Obedience.

There is only one area where I agreed with the authors perspective and that is in the area of humiliation. To me humiliation has nothing to do with humility.

Where in our Lords Ministry did Jesus humiliate and demean his disciples and those he met on his journey? Where did Our Lady humiliate and demean others? It never happened.

We are all in need of correction but this should always be done in a spirit of gentleness, compassion and love in the full knowledge that we are ourselves, imperfect.

I do not agree with the theory that humiliating and degrading another person somehow makes them more humble, if anything it creates resentment and can lead to severe psychological abuse on both sides.

It is a challenging book but I came away from it feeling depressed and frustrated that noone picked up on this young girls lack of calling. This young woman would have served mankind better if she had pursued her medical career or taken a course to become a social worker.

I pray that she will return to her faith and once again embrace her Catholic heritage and the Sacraments.

But I would like to know what you think about this need to humiliate others in an attempt to engender humility? I feel it does the opposite. What are YOUR thoughts?

Written by Marie

The Comfort Zone

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.

The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,

But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.

I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.

I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,

But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.

I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,

I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,

Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; Success is there for you!

Anon

Something to Sing About

Streets of London

********************

I love music. When it comes to music I am eclectic in that I like all types, yes! Even some country music lol.

So this year I will be sharing what I think are some of the greatest songs ever sung and hope that you will let me know what you think about my choices.

I also love to sing even though my dogs howl in protest(they're my choir really lol) and birds fall from the tree's(they're just dizzy at the stunning resonance of my er vocal talents)and cats whine(they're just trying to be my background singers).

Now here is one song that really is a classic.

What do YOU think?

President Bush--A little Respect

As President Bush prepares to leave office many in America & around the world are contemplating his legacy and not all in a spirit of fairness. I hope this piece is written in a fair minded manner.

Under the guidance of President Bush America has faced only one terrorist attack and none of us will forget September 11th 2001. It is the defining moment of recent history and the world will now remain before and after 9/11.

Imagine getting up in the morning and reading reports where this or that terrorist group is planning to strike your country. Can any of us imagine the enmormity and responsibility of protecting millions of their fellow country men from harm? President Bush has faced this task every day for eight years.

There are those who criticize the war in Iraq but this faces us with a conundrum(I face this too). We often hear of atrocities and in hindsight we wonder how did Pol Pot manage to murder millions of his own people? How did the Hutu's in Rwanda slaughter millions of their own country men? How did Idi Amin brutalize his own people? How did Saddam Hussein gas and murder the Kurds even little babies?

Because we chose to look the other way. It wasn't happening to us.

You see we speak about peace in the safe confines of our own living rooms as we see these atrocities take place. We say things like, 'this shouldn't happen,' and those 'poor people. Lord look after them.' And then we turn the TV over to watch American Idol or Greys Anatomy.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

We read the above quote by Edmund Burke and most agree with it but do we understand his meaning? We are the ones doing nothing.

We wept over Cambodia but we did nothing. We prayed for the people in Rwanda while we ran away. We cried as we saw the horror of the Kurdish people and then turned away.

In the end it wasn't happening to us and we didn't care enough to really care about them.

You see, Freedom costs but most of us dont want to know the price.

Every intelligence agency told President Bush that Iraq had weapons of Mass Destruction. What was the President supposed to do, cross his fingers and toes and hope they got it wrong?

Whether you agree with the Presidents decision or not, he acted. He stopped a brutal mass murderer and tyrant and I for one am not going to weep over the loss of Saddam Hussein and his murderous sons.

This time the American President for good or worse did not look the other way. He stopped a mass murderer and he freed a country with the help of his Allies.

Many call the President himself a mass murderer, those who do this then please show us his mass graves? Show the world his hidden rape rooms. Oh that's right, wrong country that was happening in Iraq. President Bush and his Allies helped stop it.

Has President Bush made mistakes ofcourse. The economy for one, he took his eyes off the ball and many Americans and people the world over will be paying a price for his lack of oversight. The buck really does stop at the Presidents desk.

But there are also successes. President Bush banned Post Partial Abortion. Praise God there was a President ready to take on the feminist nazification philosophy of sheer evil, the murder of half born babies.

Who knows how many children that President Bush has saved by banning this evil act, but rest assured God knows.

The President also appointed two Pro-Life Supreme Court Judges once again facing down the Feminazi brigade and those liberal, heretical 'catholic' politicians who don't have the backbone to stand on their beliefs!

As for the Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush, he is still alive. Under Saddam Hussein he would now be dead and that is the difference.

Now you may not agree with all of President Bush's policies, but at least give the President some credit where credit is due.

In Africa the President has a popularity level of over 80%. Why? Because once again he is not just standing by. His policies has saved lives, African lives.

In America his popularity is at an all time low at below 30%. Why? Because many 'talk' peace with no teeth. We want to weep for the suffering people without it costing us anything.

So the next time you feel like insulting the President ask yourself this. What have you done today to make the world a safer place and how have you helped the poor?

Written by Marie

Anything is Possible....

If there was a time to dare,

to make a difference,

to embark on something worth doing,

IT IS NOW.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily...

but for something that tugs at your heart,

something that's your inspiration,

something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.

HAVE FUN.

DIG DEEP.

STRETCH.

HAVE COURAGE

DREAM BIG.

Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.

there will be good days.

And there will be bad days.

There will be times whe you want to turn around,

pack it up, and call it quits.

Those times tell you

that you are pushing yoruself, that you are not afraid

to learn by trying.

PERSIST.

Because with an idea,

determination, and the right tools,

you can do great things.

Let your instincts, your intellect,

and your heart, guide you.

TRUST.

Believe n the incredible power of the human mind.

Of doing something that makes a difference.

Of working hard.

Of laughing and hoping.

Of lazy afternoons.

Of lasting friends.

Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

THE START OF SOMETHING NEW BRINGS THE HOPE OF SOMETHING GREAT-ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Do You Love Me

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah... the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.

He asked me, "Do you love me?"

I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do and thought about the things that I take for granted. I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our very hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"

I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?"

I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?"

I had no answers, only tears.

The Lord continued. "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. "Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."

I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered, " Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

Anon

The World At My Doorstep

I peered out my window. I could see it waiting for me; watching me. I just couldn’t go out. For there, outside, was the world at my doorstep.

How could I venture out? It was so dark. The faces that I could make out in the darkness were angry and hostile. I just couldn’t go out there.

My master saw my struggle and He said to me, “You won’t go out because you can’t see through my eyes.” He took my eyes and gave me His. Then He said, “Look now”. I looked out the window. For the first time I no longer saw anger, but rather the pain and the suffering on the faces outside my door.

My master said, “You won’t help them because you don’t have my hands.” He took my hands and gave me His. Then He said, “Go.” For the first time, I opened my door and greeted the world at my doorstep.

I saw the pain and suffering. I reached out with newfound desire to help this darkened and needy world, but I was soon discouraged. I just couldn’t go on.

I returned to my door and went inside. It was light and felt safe and warm. My master said, “There is one more thing I must give you…my heart. Now go and meet the world at your doorstep. See them through my eyes, touch them with my hands, but most of all…love them with my heart.”

I opened the door and boldly went out to the world at my doorstep.

Anon

Achieve Your Dreams

~Life is what happens while you are making other plans.~

~A person of words and not deeds is like a garden full of weeds.~

~The key to happiness and success is to have a dream.~

~All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.~

~You always pass failure on the way to success.~

~You have to wake up in order for your dreams to come true.~

~Don't let lack of praise nip you in the bud.~

~The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra.~

~Count your age by your friends, Count your life by smiles.~

~Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.~

~If you don't lie down no one can walk on you.~

~Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes.~

~Happiness is the journey not the destination.~

~To succeed do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.~

How to work through Life's Hot Spots

Keep on walking. A surefire way to get burned is to stop walking. When you are afraid, or under extreme stress, or hurting -- keep going. You will get through if you keep dealing with the everyday tasks at hand to the best of your ability.

!!! Persevere !!!

Remember that this difficult time will pass. It may feel that you are in a repeating time warp, but realize that pain is time-limited. All problems have a beginning and an end.

!!! Be Patient !!!

Make rough times work for you. Not everything is good, but the Bible reminds us that everything can be used for good if you submit your will to God. Look for ways to learn, grow, or cope in your pain or stress.

!!! Have Courage !!!

Take "what is" and make the most of it. Make lemonade from your lemons. You are not called upon to create perfection from every situation, only to make the most of it. Don't waste your time on ceaseless complaining, but look for meaning and joy in all situations.

!!! Be Content !!!

Clean up your own trash. Stand on your own feet and don't try to blame others for your problems. You are not a victim. Choose to live the rest of your life with a controlled response to what is happening.

!!! Take Responsibility !!!

Be true to you. You will have more strength for dealing with ordeals in life if you have the courage to be true to your own values. Hypocrisy destroys internal energy.
!!! Model Integrity !!!

Be gladder than madder. Expressions of gratitude calm the soul and clear the mind.
!!! Show Gratitude !!!

Have as much fun as you can. Anticipation of fun raises the level of your energy. Learn to laugh through your trials.
!!! Display Humor !!!

Determine what is within your control You cannot control what happens to you, but you can choose the frame you put around your experiences. You can choose how you will deal with all situations.
!!! Exhibit Internal Control !!!

Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm literally means, "God in us." If He is in you, let your life so shine. Learn to love life.

!!! Show Your Passion !!!

Memories-Within Temptation

**************

If you love romantic songs, you will love this one. It is one of my favourite songs.

Enjoy listening

Marie xoxoox

Let Go & Let God

As children bring their broken toys,

with tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God

because he was my friend.

But then, instead of leaving Him

in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help,

with ways that were my own.

At last, I snatched them back and

cried, "How can you be so slow?"

"My child," He said,

"What could I do?

You never did let go."

Blogging Difficulties

Some of our fellow bloggers have been experiencing problems in posting on their respective blogs. Two of these ladies are Jean and Esther, I hope that the blogger team will solve this problem promptly as we need good blogs such as these two ladies provide and other excellent quality blogggers.

Hopefully blogger will resolve this problem quickly and we can enjoy diversity and a variety of opinions in the blogsphere. After all, this is not China and we are free to express out thoughts and opinions freely without need of censorship.

Now back to my blogging break.

God's abundant love to you all

Marie xoxooxox

Prayer for Melissa-RIP

Lord at times we do not understand Your Will but we do trust Your Love for us, even when we fail You.

We know your love for Melissa was so great that You as a Loving Father have brought her into Your Majestic Presence.

Though her loving presence will be missed by her family and friends, yet Melissa is now with You and by the side of our Blessed Mother and the Saints in Heaven.

We pray now Lord great Comforter and Consoler of the sorrowful that You in Your great Mercy will comfort and aid her grieving family and friends.

Thankyou Lord for the wonderful gift of Melissa, a unique, extraodinary and loving human being.

Joy she gave and Joy she has received.

Amen.

Thankyou Kathy and Kimberly for keeping us informed about this dear child of God. God bless you both.

Make A Difference In Tough Times-Esther's Blog

I read this article over at Esthers blog and found it very aspirational. It is when we forget our own private concerns and worries and step outside of our own safe confines that we become true to ourselves and true to God.

We need to be constantly reminded to give from our hearts and not from our largesse. Rather than spend our time whining about life, instead rejoice that we have an opportunity to show God's unfailing Love to those who need to see it and feel it.

It is a paradox that in giving we receive much more in a spiritual sense, and surely that is where our hearts should be and not always on the size of our wallets.

Please do read this excellent article at Esther's blog and ask yourself where can I make a difference in someone else's life?