Laughter Is The Best Medicine LOL

Men and Spirituality

There is one thing I have just realised there are very few parish activities that involve men when it comes to prayers and devotionals. Why is this?

Yet, if the Church needs painting or renovating men's hands go up, as they volunteer their time to their Parish. This also includes any outside work.

The father is the head of the home and in some cases the sole wage provider. He faces hardship and temptations everyday.

There will be times when his employer will not appreciate the work the he has done, and where it is simply stressful to continue in a job that he may not like but where he must stay in order to provide for his family.

When it comes to temptations they are everywhere from women who dress immodestly and flirt openly to graphic billboards. There are even young women in the work place who view married men as challenges and like any challenge these young women aim to win.

We are not self sufficient and though women also face their own difficulties and stresses there are groups who can help replenish them. From Rosary groups to young Catholic mothers groups and other woman organizations but where do men go to gain strength and spiritual nourishment?

Perhaps it is time to begin addressing this by starting up prayer warrior groups for men where they can come together and pray for their families, their jobs and resist temptation as well as other important issues.

I know in some cases that men are wary of the 'spiritual' word thinking it to be feminine and yet some of the Church's spiritual giants are men, St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, St Francis de Sales and ofcoure Jesus.

We see through Christ's example where he would leave the disciples in order to pray to His Father. Prayer was important to Jesus. Why then is prayers and devotionals seen as a 'woman thing?'

Look at your own parish and see how many men have prayer groups/bible studies etc?

If none exist then perhaps it's time to start. It's a very tough world out there, men also need to be replenished and renewed.

In a dog eat dog world, men need to be validated. To have their own 'place' to go in order to replenish their spiritual strength and to share their concerns with other men who are striving to do the best and be the best for their families.

Men need groups of their own. What wife would want to hear that a younger woman may be tempting her husband at his work place? Yet, some men do face these temptations and battle them daily.

Do YOUR Parishes have male orientated prayer groups/Bible Studies?

The Incorruptables

Saint Bernadette

I have always found the Incorruptable fascinating. To be able to see our dear Saints preserved for as long as God Wills- It is truly a Gift for us all.

Here are some of our Incorrupt Saints. If you have seen these wonderful Saints please do think about writing pieces on your own blog and what you experienced up close and personal with this marvelous Miracle from God.

If you do decide to write about your experiences in seeing this Miracle of the incorrupt Saints please let me know via the comment box so I may go and read your own personal experiences.

Here are the Incorruptables.

Saint Catherine Laboure Saint Silvan-Martyr

Saint John Vianney(in black and white) and Saint Vincent de Paul.

The Size Of Your Heart

It isn't the size of your house as such

That matters so much at all.

It's the gentle hand and its loving touch,

That make it great or small.

The friends who come and the hour they go,

Who out of your house depart,

Will judge it not by the style you show,

But rather by the size of your heart.

It isn't the size of your head so much,

It isn't the wealth you found.

That will make you happy -- it's how you touch

The lives that are all around.

For making money is not hard --

To live life well is an art:

How people love you, how they regard,

Is all in the size of your heart.

Author Unknown

Why Do Catholics Worship Mary?

Did the title grab your attention?

Catholics do not worship Mary. What Catholics do is Venerate, Revere, Respect and admire Mary.

Why do Catholics love Mary so much?

Because God loved her first and chose Mary for Himself from the beginning of time. (Genesis 3:14-15).

What makes Mary so special?

Look at it this way. Do you think God would choose you to carry His Son in your womb? Think about it. Are you that pure? Or that sinless?

In order to preserve God's Word the Jews constructed the Ark Of The Covenant. It was so Holy that when Uzzah reached out to steady it, God struck him on the spot and Uzzah died. (II Samuel 6:6-7).

If God protected His Word so carefully, why would God do less for His Beloved Son?

In order to nuture the Son of God, Mary had to be pure, holy and sinless. Do we think God could not do this miracle within the heart and soul of Mary? Of course God can and did so. God did this when Anne was pregnant with her daughter, Mary. Remember, God can do all things. It is man who is limited.

One more thing needs to be considered. Would God use a woman as a human incubator and then carelessly toss her aside as if she were worthless? To do this would break one of God's own Commandments, 'Honour thy mother and father.'

It is inconceivable that God would treat the Mother of God so disrespectfully. How can any person think such a thing?

When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth the child within Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy as Elizabeth cried out, 'Most blessed are you among women.' Elizabeth mentions Mary first then Elizabeth continues, 'and blessed is the fruit of your womb.' Then Elizabeth says, '...That the mother of my Lord should come to me?' Mary then proclaimed the Greatness of God, her spirit rejoices in God her Savior and she continues to say, 'from now on will all the ages call me blessed.'(Luke 1:41-43, 46-48)

When looking at the above statements are both Elizabeth and Mary deluded or prideful? Or are they speaking Divine Truth?

In order to carry the Son of God Mary had to be without corruption, in other words without sin. The Divine cannot co-exist with corruption.

When we understand Mary's purity, her holiness we then understand the chasteness of the Marital Union between her and her holy spouse, Joseph.

If the Ark of the Covenant could not be touched by human hands then how could Mary be touched intimately by a man? To understand Joseph is to honour the fact that both Joseph and Mary's union remained Chaste and pure.

The Immaculate Conception remains Dogma because it is Truth revealed and cemented in Church Teaching and Tradition. It merely cements into Church Tradition the Biblical understanding when Gabriel says, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you...The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God."(Luke 1:28,35)

Just as sin was brought into the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. The sting of death was negated by the birth, death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior through Mary's FIAT.

Jesus and Mary restored that which was broken by Adam and Eve.

There was only one voice which objected to Mary's preeminence, and with a cry of 'I do not serve' Lucifer was thrown down to hell.

In the end if God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit chose Mary, who are you to disagree?

Spanking Your Child-A Crime?

I will write this objectively in that I do not have children but what is going wrong with a society when Governments are prepared to raise your child for you?

Growing up I was never spanked by my parents. I was often beaten up by my teachers but not my parents.

My teachers often referred to me as a 'quiet rebel' in that I did not throw tantrums or was rude in anyway. But I was stubborn and would not do what I felt to be wrong. Neither could I be forced to do something I did not want to participate in.

Are we heading towards a time where children will be able to report on their parents because they were spanked? I mean spanked not beatings. No child should be beaten by anyone parent, or teacher.

What do YOU think about a law to stop parents spanking their child because of their misbehaviour?

What is next a government camera in your living rooms?

Personally I think it is crazy. Let me know your thoughts on this?

Emmanuel Award

Emmanuel Award

"God With Us"

In a consumer society it is a blessing to read blogs where the writer's main focus is God. Where they express their love for their faith so visibly and joyfully.

In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.

Through their faith, lives and spirituality, they bring God to us, they in essence make God visible, 'God with us.'

This Award goes to all the faith filled blogs who make evident 'Emmanuel'- God with us, with Joy in their hearts.

Please share this Award with Christian blogs that focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.

Peace, JOY & Merry Christmas

Marie & Ginny

Australia A Change in Direction

On Saturday, Australians went to the polls. Unlike America our system works pretty fast, when voting in a new Government, thank goodness.

One of the issues that many Australians were disgruntled about was the unfair IR Law known as Australian Workplace Agreement(AWA). How can an employee discuss their work options and come to a mutual agreement with an employer? That may work for small business but what about large conglomerates? Where workers are viewed as statistics and the employer keep's his eye on the profit margin. What is fair about a 'contract' that is weighted in the employers favour?

Here is what Bishop Manning had to say, "The right of workers to act collectively is central to Catholic social teaching. It was stated explicitly in [the encyclical] Rerum Novarum... Let us be very clear about this: there is no right to collective bargaining under the legislation. Any collective bargaining that may take place is entirely at the whim of the employer...Work Choices violates Catholic Social Teaching on the Option for the Poor and, indeed, any reasonable notion of a ‘fair go.. In the regulation of the labour market, governments have an obligation to protect the rights of the vulnerable. No fair-minded person could say that Work Choices does that."

Unlike Prime Minister Howard, the newly elected Prime Minister, Rudd will sign the Kyoto agreement. He will also bring our troops back from Iraq, while maintaining our troops in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister John Howard should have noted one thing. When you arrogantly presume to act for the worker then you best do so with their best interests at heart and not a self serving one. For in the end the workers will let the sitting government know just how unhappy they are in the ballot box.

For an example at my brothers work place the maintenance team must now work 50 hours a week before they can get overtime. If they work on the weekend the pay rate stays the same with no overtime. The new 'rules' are weighted in the Employers favour, which may suit the affluent but leads to the detriment of the working man.

I wish Maxine McKew, the very best as she seems destined to unseat a sitting Prime Minister from his own electorate.

'The Golden Compass'

The part about Pullman hating the idea of God is completely accurate. He uses his stories to twist and distort familiar biblical accounts of creation, fall, and redemption, making heroes of those who rebel against religion, and having one of his "good" characters even say, "The Christian religion is a very powerful and convincing mistake." It’s sort of a Da Vinci Code theme for kids. Read FURTHER.

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

I must be behind the times, I have never heard of these books by Pullman. Why would such good actors do a movie that is anti-Christian? I am disappointed in Nicole Kidman in that she is Catholic. Are the books rabidly anti-Christian? Would it profit me to read it so as to know the enemy rather than remain in ignorance? Let me know your thoughts on this? I would appreciate it.

With thanks

Marie

Radiating Christ

Dear Jesus,
help me to spread Your fragrance
everywhere I go.
Flood my soul with Your Spirit and Life.
Penetrate and possess my whole being
so utterly that my life may only be
a radiance of Yours.
Shine through me and be so in me
that every soul I come in contact with
may feel Your presence in my soul.
Let then look up,
and see no longer me, but only Jesus!
Stay with me and then I will begin
to shine as You shine,
so as to shine as to be a light to others.
The light, o Jesus, will be all from You;
none of it will be mine.
It will be You, shining on others through me.
Let me thus praise You
in the way You love best,
by shining on those around me.
Let me preach You without preaching,
not by words but by example,
by the catching force,
the sympathetic influence of what I do,
the evident fullness of the love
my heart bears for You. Amen.

Composed by John Henry Cardinal Newman
and one of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's favorite prayers.
She TRULY LIVED this prayer!

Wake up call

The Great Temptation

We live in a future culture, a state of mind that says: Tomorrow, tomorrow I will do it. I will turn to God tomorrow. I will apologize tomorrow, I will be happy tomorrow, I will make peace tomorrow, I will give up wine and women tomorrow, I will study for that exam tomorrow. The list is endless. It’s as if we are saying “as soon as I get though school I will start living.” We get through school and say “when I get a job I will start living.” We get the job and then we say” when I get married I will start living.” We get married and have children and say “ as soon as the children have grown up an leave home I will live.” All this time has passed and we realize we don’t know what it means to live and we will most likely die with out ever having lived.

Henry David Thoreau wrote “Oh, to reach the point of death only to find out that you haven’t lived at all.” Think about it!!

Being a tomorrow man or woman is one of the greatest temptations. It is the temptation to wait until tomorrow to do what needs to be done today. We wait for the stars to be in their right orbit to make a move in our lives. We wait until the financial situation improves, the house is built and the baby is born. We go on waiting and in the meantime life passes us by like a ship in the night. We are left behind, we have not lived, we have merely existed.

Life Is Now

Life is not yesterday nor is it tomorrow. Life is NOW. God is not tomorrow, God is not yesterday, God is NOW. Love is now. Forgiveness is now. Peace is now. You cannot produce it but if you come into the present, into the now, you will experience all that life has to offer you. Everything seems to have changed once we reach this realization yet indeed no change has taken place. The world has not changed; the sun still rises and sets every day. We simply see it with new eyes!

Let us remember to live in the now, the present. When we eat, eat, when we sleep, sleep, when we look, look. The fact is hardly anyone does this because hardly anyone lives in the present. It is in the present that we find God and find life. This is why Jesus, St. Paul and the Church urges us to wake up….. wake up before it is too late and we end up dying … without ever having lived.

Feast of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ The King. I can think of no better way to celebrate this than with Handel's Messiah. this is one of my favourite pieces of music and it is only fitting tribute to the King of Kings Lord of Lords, And He will reign forever and ever!!! ALLELUIA!!!

Why Jesus?

JESUS was born,
that I might be born twice.

HE became poor,
that I might possess wealth.

HE became homeless,
that I might have mansions.

HE was stripped,
that I always should have clothes.

HE was forsaken,
that I always should have friends.

HE was bound,
that I might have perfect liberty.

HE was sad,
that I might have full joy.

HE descended,
that I should be lifted up.

HE became a servant,
that I might be a son forever.

HE was hungry,
that I should always have food.

HE was made sin,
that I should share HIS righteousness.

HE died,
that I should never taste Eternal death.

HE will come down,
that I might go up.

All of this -- that HE might display in me the riches of
HIS grace and mercy for me.

Character-Honesty

At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people or influence people. You can impress people from a distance, but you must get close to influence them, and when you do that, they will be able to see your flaws. That's okay. The most essential quality is not perfection, but credibility. People must be able to trust you, or they won't follow you. How do you build credibility?

Not by pretending to be perfect, but by being honest.

Truths to Remember

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, Prayer is like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still, So He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day; it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It is all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle; it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are. While your reputation is merely what others think you are.

Single In a Married World

For the single person the question most dreaded is, "Why aren’t you married?"

I’ve wracked my brain, but I can’t for the life of me figure out what kind of answer people expect. Are they hoping to hear some inner secret? "I have hideous personality flaws." Are they looking for gossip? Or a sad story, perhaps? "Gee, I can’t figure it out myself. Do you think it’s my hair?"

I’ve never heard anyone ask a married person, "So, why aren’t you single?" If she were asked, she’d probably slap the person and say, "Because I fell in love and got married, you idiot!" But when we say, "Because I didn’t fall in love with anyone I thought I should marry," we’re obviously too picky. Apparently, if we’re not married by thirty, it’s time to settle.

I know that the family is the basis of society, and that a good marriage is a wonderful and holy thing. I may marry someday, myself. But there are certain advantages to being single; advantages that one might imagine God would use among those who trust Him.

Many single Catholics are getting involved in youth ministry. They’re taking care of their aging parents. They’re making a difference in their communities.

Do you think maybe God has something to do with that?

Single people always ask me, "Whose fault is it that I’m single — mine or God’s?" In most cases, I have no clue. The point is, that God writes straight with crooked lines. Maybe there are more single adult Catholics these days because there’s a crisis in faith; maybe that makes it harder for holy people to find each other. Maybe it’s because the family is falling apart, and Catholics are scared like everybody else. Maybe it’s because there are less priests, so God needs more people with free time to help out. I don’t know.

All I know is that God is still God, and He’s Lord of the single as well as the married. We’re all put here to share His love, and that’s where we’ll find fulfillment. Single people may do that in a different way but, if it’s done right, it’s no less fulfilling and no less important.

Attention, single people: Stop obsessing over what you don’t have, and start concentrating on what you do have, and all of the good you can do with it.And, married people: stop asking the single people why they’re not married. You may not mean to, but you’re giving them the impression that you consider their lives somehow inferior to yours.

Mary Beth Bonacci (edited version)

If You Have A Dream

Don't wait for some distant day to come,

it may be too late before you've even begun.

Not everyone will agree with all you decide.

Be true to yourself first and foremost.

The only important thing in life is what you do

with the time you spend here on earth.

Don't be afraid to follow your desires,

they are not silly nor selfish.

Take the time and do what makes you feel alive.

Leave your fears and regrets in the past,

for this is where they belong.

Don't cloud today with things that can't be undone.

You have no more control over yesterday or tomorrow,

than you do the raging of your passions.

Do not quiet these dreams nor quench your desires.

For if you do, your journey is ended.

You have only today to begin anew and follow your dreams.

For in the end all we have are our memories.

When the twilight comes to us, let there be,

No excuses, no explanations, no regrets!

Author Unknown

Blog Bouquets-Tabitha & Autumnrose

This weeks blog bouquets go to Tabitha & Autumnrose, for the exceptional work they do on their blogs.

In this cyber super highway we can become overloaded with too much information. On Tabitha's blog one feels instantly a sense of peace and tranquility as the problems of the world slip away. We are left to ponder the words of Scripture and quotes by the Saints which Tabitha thoughtfully provides her readers.

This gentle lady also allows us a glimpse into her own spiritual journey and the challenges she has faced and overcome. Tabitha's blog offers the weary a place to rest, a place to simply drink in God's Word and feel blessed. I do encourage you all to visit Tabitha's blog you will gain a sense of being spiritually, renewed.

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At Autumnrose blog we see a woman on a quest to try and live her faith with honesty and integrity in a world which lacks both. It is not easy to maintain our faith in a secular world but through Autumnrose we see a woman who tries to do exactly that.

It is also through adversity that we see God working in the life of this gentle woman who has overcome some major health problems. We are able to glimpse the strength which illuminates this woman's heart. A heart that is full of love for God and her Faith which is The Catholic Church. Please do visit her blog where Autumnrose shares her beloved faith.

God bless you both and may our Lord continue to Breathe His Spirit into your hearts as you share your faith experiences with us all.

Marie

Bloggers For World Peace-Prayer

Almighty God,

from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed,

kindle in the hearts of all men the true love of peace,

and guide with Your pure and peaceable wisdom

those who make decisions for the nations of the earth;

that in tranquility Your kingdom may go forward,

till the earth be filled with the knowledge of Your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Thanksgiving Humour

This fella has a friend going out of town for Thanksgiving and accepts the job of watching his parrot over the holiday. Problem is, this parrot swears like a sailor, and this guy is a quiet, conservative type. Before long, the bird's foul mouth is driving him crazy. The guy finally snaps, grabs the bird, shakes him and yells, "QUIT IT!!!" This, of course, just makes the bird mad and he swears more than ever. Then the guy gets angry and locks the bird in a kitchen cabinet. This really aggravates the bird and he claws and scratches, and when the guy finally lets him out, the bird cuts loose with a stream of vulgarities that would make a veteran sailor blush!

At that point, the guy is so mad that he throws the bird into the freezer. For the first few seconds there is a terrible din. The bird kicks and claws and thrashes. Then it suddenly gets very quiet. At first the guy just waits, but then he starts to think that the bird may be hurt. After a couple of minutes of silence, he's so worried that he opens the freezer door. The bird calmly climbs onto the man's outstretched arm and says, "Awfully sorry about the trouble I gave you, old chap. I will do my best to improve my vocabulary from now on." The man is astounded. He can't understand the transformation that has come over the parrot. "So, by th way," the parrot says, looking nervously back towards the freezer, "what did the turkey do?"

Thanksgiving Thoughts

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~Jackie Windspear To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. ~Albert Barnes

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

In Christ We Have

In Christ we have . . .

A love that can never be fathomed,
A life that can never die,
A righteousness that can never be tarnished,
A peace that can never be understood,
A rest that can never be disturbed,
A joy that can never be diminished,
A hope that can never be disappointed,
A glory that can never be clouded,
A light that can never be darkened,
A purity that can never be defiled,
A beauty that can never be marred,
A wisdom that can never be baffled,
Resources that can never be exhausted.
Jesus our all in all!

The Beauty That You Are

In the quiet of the night, I wait to hear you speak to me

On my knees I pray, for Your answers

And yet, I must be still & wait for You, to impress upon my heart Your desires of me.

In the quiet of the night I wait...

In the quiet of the church, I’ve come to be with You a while

On my knees I pray for Your guidance

On my knees I beg for your helping hand

And yet, I kneel so still & gaze at You, for all all the beauty that You are, to me

In the stillness of the church, I pray...

In the quiet of my heart, I think of all the things I’m sorry for

I know You’ll forgive me, again and again.

Still I weep for my failures to You

And yet, I must prepare, and come to you, to sail Your ocean of forgiveness, Your love

In the quiet of your presence, I pray... To You

In the quiet of my prayer - I thank You

Sophie's Courage

You may not have heard the story of this brave little girl. So let me tell you about the strength of the human spirit to overcome all adversities.

Sophie Delezio was born in 2001 and lived a pretty normal life, so what makes Sophie different from millions of other children? Here is her story.

December 15, 2003 began like many other mornings. Sophie was dropped off at her Childcare Centre thats when Sophie's life changed forever.

What began as a normal day turned into a day of horror when a car crashed through the Childcare Centre and landed on Sophie and her friend Molly. Both girls were trapped as the car erupted into flames. People came from everywhere to evacuate the children to safety but little Sophie and Molly were trapped beneath the burning car.

Little Sophie suffered 3rd degree burns to over 80% of her body. Sophie also lost both her feet, some fingers from her hands and her right ear. Here is a description of how the surgeons saved what they could on Sophie's body.

"Working with a bio-engineered skin product developed in the US, Integra - comprising porcine, shark and bovine collagen - and a patch of skin about the size of a man's palm taken from the only unburnt part of her body, the scientists and surgeons succeeded where most others worldwide have failed...Using a combination of three technologies, Dr Maitz said, surgeons treated Sophie's wounds - some so deep that they had exposed bone and deep muscle tissue - in operations over several months."

What is amazing is Sophie's spirit of survival. Through all the operations, skin grafts and learning to walk again, Sophie kept her beaming smile.

After spending months recovering and being able to keep her smile, as she inspired all those who came into contact with her that Sophie's life would be normal. Not so!

In May 2006 Sophie was hit by car when using a pedestrian crossing with her care giver and care dog. Once again Sophie suffered serious injuries as she was thrown 18 metres on impact with the car. Sophie suffered a broken jaw, broken shoulder bone, bruising to her head, broken ribs and her left lung was pierced, she lost a huge amount of blood.

What makes this story so amazing is Sophie's indomitable spirit, she did not point the finger at God, she didnt blame the drivers, she just kept on smiling. Sophie stole the heart of a nation and I hope her story will touch your hearts.

Here are the words of her mother, "She's just got that extra something special..The fact that she has to put on legs to take that first step does not faze her at all, and she'll do it with a smile on her face.We're very fortunate to have that personality in our daughter."

And her Doctor, "She just has this amazing inner spirit, to smile despite all adversities."

So the next time you think life can't get any worse? Think of Sophie and smile.

Post Script.

Sophie's friend Molly suffered burns to 40% of her body. This brave little girl underwent 18 operations, spent nearly 2 months in hospital. She is well on the road to recovery.

Sophie and Molly

Going Too Fast

Live your life like the wind.

Speed up when necessary,

And know when to slow down.

Slow down when life pushes so hard and fast,

You cannot consume anymore air.

Slow down when you can't see

Where you're going

Or where you're coming from.

Take time to stop and realize

What you have right in front of you

When you cannot find what you're looking for.

When you cannot find what you want in someone else,

Look inside of yourself.

Don't sweat the small things,

And make the best of the big things.

Cherish the experiences you've had,

And use the lessons you've learned.

Our lives are rubber bands,

Bending and stretching to fit

Even the most awkward situations.

You can adapt to anything,

Regardless of its size or shape.

You just have to realize and use

What you have in your own hands.

Author Unknown

Wholesome Fruits

We need to accredit to God what is from God, with full knowledge that nothing happens to us that God has not allowed. As the Word of God says to paraphrase, 'the rain will fall on the good and the bad in equal portions.'

We know not the mind of God, but our Heavenly Father knows our minds and the inner workings of our heart, therefore He knows what needs strengthening within our weak natures. So none should become disheartened if troubles visit our door or if friends turn out to be feckless. Was not Judas also a 'friend' to Jesus? Did Jesus deny his friendship to Judas?

This is why prayer is essential for our spiritual lives. Prayer is our Holy Compass which guides the soul onto the narrow road. When we ignore prayer, we are easily overcome by slights and hurts. It is prayer that centres a soul on Christ alone.

We must always keep our eyes on our Lord lest we use the devils tools by mistake, which are, lies, distortions, anger, infidelity and betrayal. In order for us to be children of God we need to speak the Truth with compassion and to understand that none of us are perfect. Just as we have been wounded so we also have caused wounds to another. This is self knowledge.

In all things we must turn to our Lord and seek Him for the Gifts we need and also the humility to understand that we are but tools in His Divine Hand.

So in all things turn to God and with filial trust and confidence with a deep awareness of one's own faults and failings. Also to keep the Sacraments of the Church, most especially the Sacrament of Penance. It is the Eucharist that gives us the fortitude and perseverance to fight the good fight.

When misfortune comes your way, do you trust God, in the knowledge that God can turn adversity into a blessing? Or do you blame Satan?

An Attic Offering

I recently came upon a note -- copied in the fair hand of a grandmother -- in a trunk in an attic. The author is unknown, but isn't it interesting that despite all our modern technology, some things never change.

"One of these days I must go shopping. I am completely out of self-respect, and I want to exchange the self-righteousness I picked up the other day for humility. They say it is cheaper and wears well. I want to look at some tolerance, which is being used for wraps this season.

Someone showed me some pretty samples of peace -- we are a little low on that; never seem to have enough. And I must try to match some patience that my neighbor wears; it is very becoming to her and might look nice on me. I want to try on the garment of long-suffering they are showing; I never wanted to wear it, but feel myself coming to it.

And I must not forget to have my sense of appreciation mended, and look for some everyday goodness. It is surprising how quickly my stock of that is exhausted."

Author unknown.

Do You Pray or Say The Rosary?

The one thing that truly annoys me is listening to a Rosary that is said at the speed of light.

There is no pause for meditation. No reflection on the particular Mystery as the Hail Mary's pour forth so fast that it almost becomes gibberish.

Let's face it would we talk to our own mothers so fast that they would not understand us? Would we talk to our friends at the speed of light?

What are we saying to our Blessed Mother when we pray at speed?

To say the Rosary at speed is to insult our Blessed Mother. It is as if we are telling the Mother of God that we have no time to actually spend with her, but we wish to keep up 'appearances'.

I have been to Rosary prayer groups where a clock is set for ten minutes in other words the Rosary must be finished within that ten minute period. What is the point, if your heart is not involved?

Now I prefer to pray the Rosary privately where I can spend time to meditate and reflect on the lives of our Lord & Saviour and Our Lady.

Pray the Rosary with the understanding of how honoured we are to be given this form of prayer rather than treat Our Lady as if she should be honoured by our non prayerful presense.

Love Our Blessed Mother enough to long to spend time with her in acknowledgement that it is we who need her and not the reverse.

How long do YOU spend praying the Rosary?

Remember The Souls In Purgatory

As we are half way through November please remember in your prayers The Holy Souls in Purgatory. If you can offer up Masses for these noble souls. Keep in mind these holy souls only have YOU to rely on.

When I read the life of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich I was stunned upon reading that the souls who spend the most time in Purgatory are our Seperated Brethren. This is because so few pray for these dear souls, and so they languish as they long for reprieve from their suffering.

If you can visit the blog 'The Friends of the Poor Souls' which is dedicated to these suffering souls in Purgatory.

Many thanks,

Marie

Forgive Me, Lord

Forgive me Lord
For the wrongs I have done.
For anger I shouldn't have
Against anyone.

I know I'm weak Lord,
But I love You, I really do,
And in spite of my weakness,
I know You love me too.

Forgive me for not reading Your word,
And for the times that I stray.
Forgive me for just being too tired
When I don't take the time to pray.

Give me the strength, Lord
To do what I should each day.
Let Your love shine through me
So others will follow Your way.

Even though I've failed You Lord,
I know You'll forgive me,
And this I promise Lord,
A better Christian I will be.

For Your presence is in me
Filling my heart with Your love,
And I have Your reassurance
You're guiding from above.

I love You Lord, and thank You
For the blessings You bestow,
I will tell others about You
So Your goodness they too, will know.

The Jars

The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit.
He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different, he explained.

Then he upset one and it oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out. "When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out."

Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed.

Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks ( Luke 6:45)

What if someone tipped you over today ??
What would flow out ??
Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm ??

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8)

Have a terrific day knowing that the one who upsets you may be just looking for some honey.

Makes ya think...

There is an uproar over the killing of dogs in Puerto Rico on all the news channels yet babies are killed and thrown in dumpsters, no regard or respect for life and the word is mum. Don't get me wrong I love dogs but makes ya think....

Translations

There were four clergymen who were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its simple, beautiful English.

Another liked the American Revised Version best because it is more literal and came nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek.

Still another liked Moffat's translation because of its up-to-date vocabulary.

The fourth minister was silent. when asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I like my mother's translation best."

The other three expressed surprise. They did not know that his mother had translated the Bible.

But he assured them, "She translated it into life, every day of her life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."

Putting the Pieces Together

A father wanted to read a magazine but was interrupted by his little girl. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.

Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country.

Tearing it into small pieces for each state, he gave it to his daughter, and said, "See if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today."

After a few minutes, she handed him the map correctly fitted together with tape.

The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. "Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together."

This Day

This day's going to be a good one. I'm alive and well.

This day's going to be a fine one. I'll sit and rest a spell.

This day's going to be a great one. I don't have to go to work.

This day's going to be a swell one. I got some coffee to perk.

This day's going to be a fun one. My bills are paid on time.

This day's going to be the best one. I got some words to rhyme.

This day's going to be a happy one. I got my attitude in check.

This day's going to be a praising one. I'll give that old devil heck.

This day's going to be a dancing one. My feet feel fancy free.

This day's going to be a one of a kind. Cause it's my day and there's only one me.

Covering of Prayer

I snuggled down in comfort
upon my nice warm bed,
and pulled the blanket 'round me,
touching the pillow with my head.

I closed my eyes in peacefulness
and waited patiently,
for the sound of angels' fluttering wings
as they surrounded me.

I felt the Lord as He drew near
to wrap me in His care,
and my lips uttered my praises
as I approached my Lord in prayer.

When I gave to Him my worries,
and all the turmoil of today,
I felt His gentle touch on me
as He wiped tears and fears away.

When stardust floated downward,
my worries lay in a heap,
as the Lord discarded each one
before filling my eyes with sleep.

Oh, the joy of knowing nightly
that Jesus would be there,
because the blanket that I pulled up
was a covering of prayer.

Grateful Hearts

May God give us grateful hearts

And keep us mindful

Of the need of others.

The Road Of Faith

Shine your light O Lord
So that I may see
Just where I am heading
And what’s in front of me

Your word is the light
The lamp unto my feet
It may not light far ahead
Nor show me where it’s steep

But it gives enough light
For each step I take
Just enough to see ahead
Along this road of faith

For this is what it surely is
As we walk with Jesus Christ
The road that we are travelling on
Is by faith, not by sight

So shine your light O Lord
So we may see our way
Though you only show in part
It’s enough for each new day

The 10 Most Important Things Are

LOVE
The Special Feeling That Makes You Feel
All Warm And Wonderful.

RESPECT
Treating Others As Well
As You Would Like To Be Treated.

APPRECIATION
To Be Grateful For All The Good Things
Life Has To Offer.

HAPPINESS
The Full Enjoyment Of Each Moment.
A Smiling Face.

FORGIVENESS
The Ability To Let Things Be
Without Anger.

SHARING
The Joy Of Giving
Without Thought Of Receiving.

HONESTY
The Quality Of Always
Telling The Truth.

INTEGRITY
The Purity Of Doing What's Right,
No Matter What.

COMPASSION
The Essence Of Feeling Another's Pain,
While Easing Their Hurt.

PEACE
The Reward For Living
The 10 Most Important Things.

For You

May angels rest beside your door,
May you hear their voices sing.
May you feel their loving care for you,
May you hear their peace bells ring.
May angels always care for you,
And not let you trip and fall,
May they bear you up on angel's wings,
May they keep you standing tall.
May they whisper wisdom in your ear,
May they touch you when you need,
May they remove from you each trace of fear,
May they keep you from feeling greed.
May they fill you with their presence,
May they show you love untold,
May they always stand beside you
And make you ever bold.
May they teach you what you need to know
about life here and here-after.
May they fill you always with their love
And give you the gift of laughter.

Remember Me When

Remember me when,
You are sad on a rainy day,
And you feel all alone.

Remember me when,
You feel as though you have no friends,
Or no one who understands your thoughts.

Remember me when,
You are exhausted and you feel as though you can not go on any longer,
I will be your strength.

Remember me when,
You think you can not go through any more trials,
For I have been through them all.

My child, remember me,
For I will always be there for you.

Even If

Even if
Your heart is breaking
Your mind is unclear
Your tired and restless and full of fear
Come to me

Even if
You say words you shouldn't
You don't do things you should
You doubt and try to change,
but never think you could.
Come to me

Even if
You thought an evil thought
You thought the thought again
You turned the thought to action and now your bound in sin.
Come to me

Even if
You say "But I knew better, I belong to you"
Child, I am not surprised by anything you do.
I made you in my image, I fashioned you with care,
When you cried tears into your pillow, remember I was there.

I have always been and always will I be.
For even when you do those things, you still belong to me.
Even if you do these things, Oh child, don't you see?
Even if, even if, you still can come to me.

There is a secret place I have created where you may seek my face,
This place I have for you is called "The Father's Warm Embrace"
And when I have held you in my arms and rocked you, listening closely to your fears,
I will place you on my lap and wipe away your tears.
Then, I will smile. A smile to let you know I am pleased.
For when you hurt and when you sinned, still- you came to me.

So, do not draw back from me my child,
I am Abba Father to you, remember in my word I said -Behold,
I make all things new.
I will forgive you, heal you, restore you,
I will shower you with grace.
I will never turn my back to you, but you will see my face.

On your journey home, when I see you I will run.....
Even if, Even if, My child, even if just come.

The Glory of Creation

There's a glory of the sun and moon,
And of every twinkling star,
Declaring the wondrous love of God
From His mighty throne afar.
Each beam brightly flickering forth
Proclaims His glory and grace,
Reaching deep within the soul
Lighting the darkest place.
The glorious beauty of a sunrise
Engulfs the heart in rapture,
And the radiant glow of a sunset...
No artist's brush can capture.
Whenever we look toward heaven,
The magnificent sea, or land,
We stand in awe of majestic splendor
Created by God's own hand.
Each and every creature included-
Beautiful by His design,
Having a glory all their own...
No poet can define.
Praise God for The Glory of Creation-
The bodies that are terrestrial,
But most of all for the Glory of Christ,
And new creatures in Him celestial.

"There are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:
but the glory of the celestial is one,
and the glory of the terrestrial is another."
(1 Cor.15:40)

Walking With Life

May the desires of your heart be pure.

Seeking not to obtain but to learn.

Soaring as the eagle above the trials and tribulations.

Bringing peace to all who cross your path.

Never allowing the dark clouds to prevail.

Letting the lands remain free and untamed..

Walk tall but softly keeping track of where you tread.

Remember your brothers and sisters with kindness.

Don't let mistrust lead your paths astray.

Waste not what you have been given to survive.

All creatures have a purpose and place.

Keep your arrows true and straight.

For unnecessary plight may come from the crooked.

Ask for nothing in return for giving.

Listen, watch and gather wisdom from the elders.

Their paths have been tried by the fire.

Don't believe because of prominence alone.

Be weary for the thief comes in the night.

Righteousness is the overcoming force.

Truth will always be your friend.

The Singular Fruit

Notice the word *fruit* is singular, yet it lists nine. So there is only one fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is LOVE.

The others...

Joy - love smiling

Peace - love resting

Patience - love waiting

Kindness - love showing itself sensitive to others feelings

Goodness - love making allowances

Faithfulness - love proving constant

Gentleness - love yielding

Self-control - love triumphing over selfish inclinations.

Stepping Stones

The Lord came to me like a dream one day and asked, "why do you sorrow?"
I answered, "Lord my life is so full of pain, I can't face one more tomorrow."

The Lord sat down beside me, and gently took my hand.
He said, "Let Me explain to you, and then you'll understand.

Each sorrow is a stepping stone you must surmount each day,
And every stepping stone you climb is a sorrow that's passed away.

The road of life is a mountainside, with crevices in which to be caught,
But as you struggle on your way, I, the Rock, will lend support.

Every stepping stone you climb, makes spirit and heart grow strong.
Exercising character and faith, this road seems painful and long.

The way is paved with stepping stones, to uplift your heart and soul,
Though difficult, they aid your way, to a City paved with gold.

I know that you are tired, for I too have walked this way,
My sorrows did they multiply, but I cleared many stones away.

I left My Rock to lift you up, I left behind My story.
To give you strength to make your climb, to that special place in glory.

And never fear, the Rock is here, you'll never climb this mountain alone,
Surmount life's sorrows, continue on, for they are but stepping stones.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6