No arguments please...

Never Stop Singing: "Even more so, we must avoid an argumentative attitude. When asked why he would not argue with people, Archbishop Fulton Sheen used to say, 'I would rather lose one thousand arguments than one soul!' "

I'm not saying that there is never a time for speaking your mind...just that most of the arguments that we get into just aren't worth it...they do nothing but smear the evil one's excriment. The Lord has been working with me on this lately...especially in regards to DH...and believe me...this is not natural for me. But...He has asked me to always return snappy comments with lots of love...yikes...this is SO much easier said then done. God help me.

Man's first sin

Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 SECTION 2 CHAPTER 1 ARTICLE 1 PARAGRAPH 7: "
397 Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command. This is what man's first sin consisted of.278 All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in his goodness. "

It's for children

Intercessors Of The Lamb: "Now you might be thinking, 'Oh this is for people who have prayed a lot...the professional prayers or those who are well-trained.' No, not necessarily. It's for everyone, even children, and especially for children. Right now, I'm thinking of all of us who are going to allow ourselves to be truly children of the Lord. It's for children because they're the ones who are going to obey the Lord and allow themselves to be directed by God in this kind of prayer. "
Oh Lord, I don't know why you are calling ME to this...maybe you are trying to use my 'stubborness' for the good, or whatever other weakness I posess...but whatever it is Lord...I trust in You.

demon of dispute

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world: "Division is being sown and that turns into the spirit of contention -- the demon of dispute -- and when we realize it, we can combat it; when we do not, we fall prey."

I felt this so strongly yesterday...it was like having a pack of dogs sniping at me. Normally...I would have sniped back and all hell would have broken lose. I kept in mind what was at the heart of these matters and brought it immediately to the Lord and then kept quiet and even went above and beyond when offered the chance. Amazing results!

A Prayer for Wisdom

Almighty God, you know the perils that surround me, and how easy it would be for me to slip and fall. Give me the wisdom that I need to do your bidding, and avoid the snares that are set before me.
My path is dark before me. Send your Holy Spirit to fill me with your light, and to guide me.

Help me do your will, and to do what is best for me and those who depend on me.

Grant me the grace of wisdom. Make me wise enough to choose truth over falsehood, that I may not be deceived to my own undoing, and to the harm of others.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

New Beginnings

myCatholic.com � Customizable Catholic Homepage: "Cheerfulness

Once again you had gone back to your old follies! And afterwards, when you returned, you didn't feel very cheerful, because you lacked humility.

It seems as if you obstinately refuse to learn from the second part of the parable of the prodigal son, and you still feel attached to the wretched happiness of the pig-swill. With your pride wounded by your weakness, you have not made up your mind to ask for pardon, and you have not realised that, if you humble yourself, the joyful welcome of your Father God awaits you, with a feast to mark your return and your new beginning.

� St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #65"

Hmmm...why do we bother spending so much time beating our selves up for falling? Maybe it is pride. My first instinct after the realization that I've sinned is 'how could I have done that'...why am I so shocked at my failure? Am I better then others? We are all sinners to some degree. I need to get back up, ask for forgiveness and move on. Oh the joyful celebration in heaven on that moment.

A Rule of Life

A Catholic Life: "A Rule of Life
For Those Who, Living in the World, Aspire after Perfection

By Father Michael Muller, C.Ss.R.

In the Morning

1. Rise at affixed hour, for example, six o'clock; do not remain longer in bed without a reasonable motive.
2. As soon as you awake, offer your heart to God, make the sign of the Cross, and dress yourself quickly and modestly. Then, on your knees, say three 'Hail Marys,' in honor of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to obtain a great purity of body and soul.
3. Say your morning prayers, and make a meditation during half, or at least a quarter of an hour. It is better to say short prayers - 'Our Father' and 'Hail Mary,' - or to say your prayers going to or at your work, than to say no prayers at all.
4. Hear Mass, if it is possible.

During the Course of the Day

5. Read a spiritual book for at least a quarter of an hour.
6. Say your beads, if possible, with the rest of the household.
7. Pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the church if you can do so. N.B. - For these three last exercises you can choose whatever time will
least interfere with your daily occupations.
8. Frequently make short ejaculatory prayers, above all at the beginning and end of your actions. Employ chiefly acts of the love of God, such as these: My dear Jesus, I love Thee ... I wish very much to love Thee ... make me love Thee more and more, etc.
9. Practice the mortification of the eyes, of the ears, and of the tongue, by sometimes refraining from looking, hearing, or saying things, which, though not dangerous, are useless, in order to be able more easily to abstain from what is dangerous, or even bad.
10. Seize carefully every opportunity of suffering any little pain, contradiction, or humiliation, for the love of God. In every such occasion submit yourself to the will of God, saying: O my God, this is Thy Will; may Thy holy Will be done!
11. At your meals deprive yourself in part or entirely of some little thing you are fond of; and never completely satisfy your appetite.
12. Do not eat between meals without necessity.
13. Fly idleness, bad company, and every occasion of sin, especially those in which chastity is in danger.
14. In temptations, especially those of impurity, make the sign of the Cross, if you are alone; and say in your heart, Jesus and Mary, help me. If the temptation still continues, do not be troubled, but pray with greater earnestness, saying, My dear Jesus, I would rather die than offend Thee.
15. If you have the misfortune to commit a sin, so not give way to trouble, even though the sin be grievous, but make immediately a good act of contrition, with a firm purpose not to fall again, and to confess it as soon as possible.

In the Evening

16. At a fixed hour, for example, nine o'clock, say your night prayers, and make your examination of conscience; recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, and then read over the subject of the next morning's meditation.
17. Having said, on your knees, the three "Hail Marys," as in the morning, undress yourself with all modesty, and be careful to remain always decently covered in bed, and to preserve a modest posture.
18. Until you fall asleep, occupy your mind with the subject of the tomorrow's meditation, or with the remembrance of death, or some other pious thought.
19. Choose a good [Traditional] Confessor, in whom you have confidence; open your heart to him without reserve, and be guided by his advice; do not quit him without strong reason.
20. Go to confession once a week, and receive the Holy Communion as often as your director judges proper. (Note: This was before Pope St. Pius X's decree encouraging frequent and daily communion.)
21. Attend sermons and instructions as often as you can, endeavoring always to apply them to yourself, and to draw some practical resolution from them; enter some pious confraternity, with the sole view of attending to the interest of your soul.
22. If your health will permit, fast on every Saturday, and on the eves of the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin. At least perform in Her honor some little act of mortification on those days, according to your state of health and your occupations. Nourish in your heart a tender devotion towards the Blessed Virgin, and address to Her from time to time this fervent prayer: My
good Mother Mary, help me to love your divine Son Jesus with all my heart. Wear the scapular, and at least the miraculous medal.

Observation

As this rule of life does not of itself impose any obligation under pain of sin, no one must be alarmed if he cannot follow it in every thing. Let each one take that which is in accordance with the duties of his state of life, which ought always to be attended to in preference to any exercises of piety which are not of obligation. Thus let each one do what he can, but cheerfully, and for the love of God.
"

I think this is worthy of a print out. We need to pray over these things and see if the Lord is leading us in a particular area. Sometimes we need to go in tiny baby steps...so we need to trust the Lord will guide us...instead of rushing in our own strength and stumbling.

Reflections on Readings

Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings: "Psalm 23 begins with a soothing picture of comfort. The Lord, the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11), refreshes the psalmist, who refers contentedly to the Lord in the second Person, as 'He' (Ps 23:1-3). Suddenly, the psalmist encounters difficulty and suffering in 'the dark valley' (Ps 23:4). Notice that the psalmist now refers to the Good Shepherd in the first person, as 'You' (Ps 23:4-5). We come to know the Lord personally when we suffer with Him."

We can look on our temptations as opportunities for suffering with Christ. Turning away from them entails some initial 'dying to self'. It is only 'tempting' because it initially looks or promises to feel good...it just wouldn't be tempting otherwise. So our saying 'no' to something that we are perceiving as a 'good' takes self denial...suffering. If we could only have enough sense of mind at those moments to look beyond the moment of trial and see the consequences of our choice...giving in to the temptation will bring captivity, death and destruction...embracing the momentary pain will bring us closer to the Lord...now who wouldn't want that?

Great advice

My Domestic Church: What the Titus II woman is facing.: "First, I don't think this command applies to strangers. I think when Paul said for older women to teach the younger women he meant young women you know, like your daughters or grand daughters, or nieces that have to put up with you, or neighborhood girls, women, or students that seek you out. Everyone else you teach at a distance and by example only. "

This really is great advice from Elena here...and I'm thinking that it was acquired by tons of personal experience. I think this one of the reason why I feel that this blog needs to remain 'under the radar'. I know that He will put into my heart who He wants me to invite...not that I have anything to 'teach' to anyone else...God knows how much learning that I still have to do...but He will bring forth those that are within my own circle...those kindred spirits that can most benefit from my own struggle and who can in turn help me to grow. Those willing to have their 'grave clothes' peeled away and aren't afraid to tug at some of mine instead of always just uttering the sugary words they think I want to hear. The truth hurts sometimes...especially when some of the layers have been hanging on us for such a long time...OUCH!

Psalm 23

Your Pastoral Coach: Gospel Reflection for Sunday July 23, 2006: "What they said reminded me of what we read in this Sunday's Psalm (23). They recognize that the only way that they can survive, is to completely surrender to a higher power, a shepherd. Every time they think they can go alone, they stumble and fall. As they walk through the dark valley, full of temptations and problems, they fear no evil because they recognize they are powerless and only through God they can gain the courage and wisdom to succeed. Their words and principles I heard last night are so useful for all of us... "

The above quote is from Hector's blog and it says it perfectly...only with God can we make it. Fr. Ron preached on Psalm 23 today also (which by the way is one of my favorites...my husband gave me a psalm 23 bracelet for Mother's Day and it broken a link...he got it fixed and funny enough it is back on my wrist today...God is good!)

The point is that a 'shepherd' does two things for his sheep...1)protects them and 2)provides for them.
There it is again...Savior and Lord. We just need to accept the offer.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, (white) I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, (green)
he leads me beside quiet waters, (blue) he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness (clear) for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (black)
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, (brown) they comfort me.
You prepare a table (brown) before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil (yellow); my cup (purple) overflows.
Surely goodness and love (pink) will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord (gold) forever.

Pleasing to the eye

Intercessors Of The Lamb: "So if the choice is something good, really test it. At first glance we may think this is from the Lord, but it may not always be the Lord. Scripture tells us that when Eve saw that fruit, she saw that it was good and pleasing to the eye (Gn 3:6). It may have been good and pleasing to the eye, but it was not the better decision because she was not being led by God. She was in disobedience. So we don't know what is the best, other than the fact that God chose it. Once God shows us His preference, then we know that that is always the better choice...not just a good choice or a good decision, but it's the best one. It's the better part. "

If I could only have full presence of mind when I'm confronted with temptation.

Four Types Of Christians

Four Types Of Christians: "So how does the Bound Christian become free? First, he applies 1 John 1:9 to his life:
'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' (See also Psalm 32:5 & Proverbs 28:13)
If you confess your sins Jesus will forgive you. When you do that you are set free from sin. And 'if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed' (John 8:36).
Second, we pray a prayer like we find in Psalm 25:4:
'Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.'
We ask God to teach us His ways, to help us follow His commands. Yes, there will be times when we stumble, but we don't have to be slaves to sin. We can be slaves to righteousness. When this happens we can rejoice they way Paul did when in Romans 6:17-18 he said:
�Thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.'"

yep...that's what the Lord has been showing me too...
1)Confession...not only confessing your sins, but confessing with your lips that you want satan and his works ousted.

2)Obedience

the gift of chastity

myCatholic.com � Customizable Catholic Homepage: "Chastity is a moral virtue. It is also a gift from God, a grace, a fruit of spiritual effort. The Holy Spirit enables one whom the water of Baptism has regenerated to imitate the purity of Christ. "

Bless us oh Lord with this gift...it is evident the lack of it is at the heart of the world's troubles.

Prophecy of St. Nilus

Article by Fr. Thwaites and Prophecy of St. Nilus

Prayer

EWTN Prayer Page:
"Prayer For Help Against Spiritual Enemies

Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe.

Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen. "

Two Starving Girls in Parents' Basement - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

FOXNews.com - Kansas Police Find Two Starving Girls in Parents' Basement - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News: "'It's the worst case of malnutrition I've ever seen,' said police Lt. E.J. Bastian, adding that the 6- and 7-year-old girls were so thin when police found them in the home's basement that 'they looked like concentration camp survivors.'

The girls' stepmother, whose own biological children were found healthy and well-fed upstairs, was taken in for questioning. Their father, who travels frequently on business, would be questioned when he returned to town, police said."

God have mercy!

Sex is on everyone's mind

Sex is on everyone's mind at swinging convention - Yahoo! News: "'I've never been a big swinger, that's not the point,' McGinley said. 'What I would like to do is bring a new understanding of sexuality in our lives and our relationships.' "

'A new understanding of sexuality'...that actually sounds pretty good to me...but I think I'll stick to reading 'Theology of the Body'. This other stuff is not 'new' at all. Satan really attacks most severely in those areas that are most precious to God and His people...families, relationships, marriage, our sexuality.

Satan paints a pretty picture with his deceptive ways...makes us temporarily blind and encourages us to desire that which if we were to see clearly we wouldn't go near with a ten foot pole.

Oh Lord enlighten me...give me the grace to see clearly...unleash me from satan's grip.

Yes Lord!

Intercessors Of The Lamb: "'A body you have prepared for Me,' so that He can continue coming and dwelling within people and living out the Father's perfect will. That is always the victory over satan. That is always the maternal 'yes' over the 'no.' Everything becomes 'yes' for intercessors. Everything is, 'Yes Lord!' It brings grace, not only to us but also, to others."

I saw this so clearly this morning. satan started his gimmicks early in the morning...as I was trying to make it to Mass...all the sudden my car wouldn't start...this had never happened before. After calling Roy and verifying that I wasn't doing something wrong and that it indeed wasn't starting...I started to pray for Jesus' intercession. Then I conceded that if necessary I would take Roy's truck (which I've never driven before by the way and would really hate to start now)...wouldn't you know that the car started at that very moment. I need to persevere more often. Be determined to do was is right instead of just giving in to the first little obstacle that comes my way. Praise God for giving me the grace to do just that...so I already have all I need.

Mary Magdelene

myCatholic.com � Customizable Catholic Homepage: "St. Mary Magdelene (1st century)
Mary Magdelene was a horrible sinner who had seven demons exorcised from her by Jesus. She was present at His Crucifixion, and at His empty tomb. After the Ascension, she lived as a contemplative in a cave in France, where her only food was the Eucharist, given to her daily by angels. She died when she was 72."

Today is her feast day...Mary Magdalene pray for us!

Destroying Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:3-4

"Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds."