After I finished re-organizing my blog/website, I came across a website that is inspirational. It's devoted to a woman that I admire more than words can say, Mother Teresa. Here is the link http://www.ewtn.com/motherteresa/words.htm I know that I did not come across the it by chance but by divine help. I Thank God for His guidance. Pictured are two angels sent from heaven to teach us and guide us to Him. They were some of God's great gifts to his children.
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For the past few days, I've been waking up with a prayer or religious song going through my mind. This feeling is both relaxing and enjoyable. There is a part of me that wonders why and the other part that says, "let it be". I've decided to go with the latter and welcome in the new. I shall pray that it continues on. Instead of having a feeling of dreading the day, feeling overwhelmed or just going through the motions, I am embracing the day from the start. A gift from God, I do not doubt. His gifts are my blessings of grace. I believe that grace is absolutely necessary in my day-to-day activities. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones. - Wisdom 3:9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - Ephesians 2:8. Oh God my Father who gives me strength and love, Please be with me for always and guide me from above. I praise you for your patience and understanding that I need, So my words and actions will glorify you as you continue to be my lead. For you are the Holy Lord, my Savior, you are He, Lead my path towards you, I ask you let it be. Amen. (by: me, Gracemarie)
Many people, including myself, pray for blessings. When our prayers are answered, they are bestowed upon us. But what happens when our cup starts to runneth over with many blessings bestowed? Sometimes we are grateful and other times we are shocked. Then, there are times that we take blessings for granted, maybe not intentionally, but in our actions. Has this ever happened to you? There are probably hundreds of thousands of us out there. That does not make it right, but it is rather humbling when we realize what we have done.. taking God for granted! I caught myself this week with many blessings and forgetting to stop and thank God for them. All that effort spent praying for these blessings and after He bestows them, I don't even stop to say thank you. It's not that I did not pray, It's that I did not 'Thank God' in my prayers. God is never too busy to hear from us, and I was too busy for Him. My prayer for the next many days is for forgiveness. Today, Memorial Day, is still called by some, Decoration Day. Many people use this day for a picnic, R&R or perhaps spend time at home with the family. But how many actually take time to say a prayer and thank those who gave their lives for our freedom? (Which was NOT free!) Perhaps, after you read this, you can start a tradition in your family to not forget the true reason of this holiday. If you have any questions, here is a link to a website chocked full of history and bet-you-didn't-know tidbits: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
Below are two of my favorite Memorial Day Tributes. The first poem below was written by a Will Carleton who was a famous poet and his works span from 1869-1908. You may notice references May first is also called May Day. I remember hearing 'May Day' as a cry for help and sign of distress. Perhaps saying 'May Day' as a ship's sinking or a pilot's going down in the movies or news. So, that is why I felt an importance to write about help and distress, but on a more personal level.
Whenever you are in need who do you turn to? During this pilgrimage, I have found the ultimate help that is always there, just for the asking. If you find yourself in a dark tunnel and need light, just ask and He/God is there for the asking. If you find yourself with nobody to talk or turn to, He is always there to listen. When you find yourself at the end of your rope, grab His hand and He will hold you. Those times when the world is on your shoulder, He is willing to carry the load for you. Even when you've walked the path and can't walk any more, He will carry you. God is there for the asking. Are you willing to ask for help? “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. - Luke 11:9 May this link to a song that touches my soul help to keep you going: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN8oN8I3lrk Have you ever found something that meant so much to you? It's partly because I adore the person who stated it and it cuts to the core of the problem in society. The following was on a bookmark that I received at last year's DCCW Convention that will be going on this weekend - Ladies, I wish you a sisterhood full of spiritual enlightenment.
"Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy." - Mother Teresa Just as the "cliff swallows" return to the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California to reclaim their old nests - Gracemarie must come back home to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem for a visit now and then. The only difference is that they are cute little guys that migrate twice a year and I'm on pilgrimage, not as cute and without wings. (Although I do fly in my dreams, in case you wanted to know.)
There is something special about giving and receiving those warm hugs from old friends and those who are your adopted family. May God bless you all! The Passion of Jesus Christ began today for the salvation of mankind! Coming soon is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There is a part of me that feels that we just finished celebrating New Year’s Day and wondering where the time has gone. May your Holy Week, dear readers, be one of fruitful reflection and preparation for the Easter celebrations. For those traveling, may you be safe and may God be with you. Holy Week Prayer - By: Fr. Richard Rohr
I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming a human being so I do not have to pretend or try to be God. I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming finite and limited so I do not have to pretend that I am infinite and limitless. I thank you, crucified God, for becoming mortal so I do not have to try to make myself immortal. I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming inferior so I do not have to pretend that I am superior to anyone. I thank you for being crucified outside the walls, for being expelled and excluded like the sinners and outcasts, so you can meet me where I feel that I am, always outside the walls of worthiness. Amen. I never really liked being categorized with others. I'd rather be labeled as me. Nothing more, nothing less. (by unknown) Growing-up, I remember hearing things like, oh, you're always sick or of course you got an "A" because you're smart and many more. These statements/labels bother me to this day. I didn't want to be known as the sick one, the smart one, the happy-go-lucky girl and such. Truth is, I spent many days alone at home sick and not having fun. I studied extremely hard to get those good grades because it didn't come easy to me. I tried so hard to look happy and disguise the sadness that lurked within. So, I tried to fake it until I felt it. Isn't it time to stop being defined by the labels we’ve been given? I feel that if we not only stop defining ourselves by labels, then it will provide a profound effect on the judgment we have on others. Believe this is called Breaking the Chain.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. - The Serenity Prayer is the common name for an originally untitled prayer by the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr |
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