PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

NOVENA PRAYERS FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS AND THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS
After each invocation say:
My Jesus, pardon and mercy through Thy Sacred Wounds

O JESUS, Thou didst suffer and die that all mankind might be saved and brought to eternal happiness. Through the Agony of Thine Crown of Thorns I offer it to Thy Eternal Father that Thou wilt hear our pleas for further the grace of final perseverance for the just and mercy on sinners:

My dear parents and grandparents,
My brothers and sisters and other near relatives,
My godparents and sponsors of Confirmation,
My spiritual and temporal benefactors,
My friends and neighbors,
All for whom love or duty bids me pray,
Those who have offended me,
Those who will offend me,
Those who have suffered disadvantage of harm through me,
Those whom I, still a sinner, will offend,
Those who are especially beloved by Thee,
Those whose death is near at hand,
Those who desire most to be united to Thee,
Those who endure the greatest sufferings and trials, especially spiritual torments,
Those whose death is most remote,
Those sinners have no one to pray for them,
Those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church,
The rich who do not need Thee and are thus the most destitute,
The mighty who spurn Thee,
The spiritually blind, that they might see their folly,
The frivolous, who spend their time in idleness,
The poor, who do not seek the treasures of Heaven,
The tepid, who devote little time to prayer,
The indolent, who neglect to perform good works,
Those of little faith, who neglect the frequent reception of the Sacraments,
The habitual sinners, who require for their salvation to a miracle of grace,
Parents who fail to watch over their children,
Superiors who are not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them,
Those who strive for worldly riches and pleasures,
The worldly minded, who fail to use their wealth and talents in the service of God,
Those who witness the death of others, but do not think of their own,
Those who blaspheme and commit sacrilege,
Those who violate the dignity of the human body and mind through impurity,
Those who sin because of my sins and bad example,
Those who do not provide for the life hereafter,
Those whose judgment will be severe because of the great things entrusted to them,
The pope, kings and rulers,
The bishops and their counselors,
My teachers and spiritual advisors,
The priests of this diocese,
The priests and religious of the Catholic Church,
The defenders of the holy Catholic Faith,
Those who die on the battlefield,
Those who fight for their country,
Those who will be buried in the sea,
Those who are to die suddenly, in accidents and from other causes,
Those who will die of heart attacks,
Those who suffer with cancer,
Those who suffer with AIDS,
Those who shall die without the last rites of the Church,
Those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours,
For Catholic apostates, heretics, and other unbelievers,
For Catholics who hold Masonic membership or in other secret societies,
For the conversion of the Jews, Thy chosen people of old,
For abortionists and those who aid them,
For women who seek abortions,
For those who promote or practice contraception,
For those who give scandal, especially to children,
My own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat.

PRAYER
Final perseverance and pardon grant unto all of these, O Lord; and let Thy graces through these petitions flow unto them and be fruitful. Amen.

Jesus Crucified as my country right this very day will anytime again be visited by a Super Typhoon, please protect and keep us in mind Oh Lord, and not our sins and iniquities, Lord Jesus kindly look upon us your children with your merciful eyes Oh Lord, for we are still trying to recover and arise from the devastation. So many still are suffering, both physically and emotionally from the horrors of losing their loved ones, their homes and their possesions.

PLease do bless and give strength to those hardest hit and let them not lose hope in you. Bless all the people who are helping my countrymen and pulling their resources to keep others afloat. Bless our government, the military, the red cross, and so many unsung and unknown heroes for their untiring efforts to do what they can.

Jesus Crucified, we appeal to you to please cover the whole Philippines, my family , relatives and friends and all our possesions with your Most Precious blood. Amen

Mama Mary our Mother too, please intercede for the Philippines! St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle.

TRIBUTE to DADS

TO ANY LITTLE ONES FATHER- author unknown

There are little eyes upon you, and theyre watching night and day
There are little ears that quickly take in everything you say
There are little hands all eager to do everything you do ;
And a little boy whose dreaming
Of the day he’ll be like you
You’re the little fellows idol
Youre the wisest of the wise
In his little mind, about you
No suspicions ever arise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds that all you say and do
He will say and do in your way
When hes grown up just like you
Theres a wide eyed little fellow, who believes youre always open
And he watches you day and night
You are setting an example, Everyday in all you do: for the little boy who’s waiting
To grow up and be like you.


Id like to end this tribute to all Dads with a story:

Once the Duke of Wellington had a big feast after defeating Napoleon Bonaparte in one of the wars, and the elderly chief of his cavalry, and all other head of his chiefs or the regiments,were invited, the Duke boasted of his gem studded ring and in the course of letting every chief see it , it got lost.

He ordered an immediate search of all the pockets of the head of the regiments , save for one the elderly chief who didn’t let anyone search his pockets. Immediately all suspected and spread the word that it the elderly chief who pocketed the gem.

Another year passed and on changing his pants the Duke found to his consternation that the lost gem was only in his own pocket!...at once he asked someone to search for the home of the elderly chief, and went there,
there he saw how poor the living conditions of the elderly chief and his family were, and there he asked the elderly chief why on the particular night that he lost the gem, as to why the elderly chief did not submit his pockets to be checked.
And he answered “ Sir, that night, my pockets were so full of food and meat and other food I didnt eat so I could bring them home to my family who have not eaten for two whole days.
The Dukes eyes welled with tears and he cried, immediately he gave jobs to the elderly chiefs family.


So dads out there, through your children , you leave a legacy of good or bad, its up to you,
if you’ve been good you are indeed blessed if not, there’s still time.

On this day Lord bless Fathers everywhere, Bless them for the love they always share and still can share.

to my dad, thank you for bringing me into this world, i love you!

On this day Lord bless Fathers everywhere, Bless them for the love they always share and still can share.

on .. FATHERHOOD

FATHERHOOD
To my Dad, thank you, you didn’t come in this earth for nothing, perfect you are not, but the all knowing and all loving God gave you to us, because your just right for us! And we right for you  … but the legacy you will leave will be carried in the family, thank you and I love you DAD!

Parents are pattern
From good parents come a good son. – Aristotle

Even in Scripture Parenthood has its slot, Sirach 30 :1-13, and us sons and daughters our duty to them Sirach 3: 1-18
Sirach 30:1-13
1 He who loves his son chastises him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up.
2 He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates.
3 He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends.
4 At the father's death, he will seem not dead, since he leaves after him one like himself,
5 Whom he looks upon through life with joy, and even in death, without regret:
6 The avenger he leaves against his foes, and the one to repay his friends with kindness.
7 He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry.
8 A colt untamed turns out stubborn; a son left to himself grows up unruly.
9 Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief.
10 Share not in his frivolity lest you share in his sorrow, when finally your teeth are clenched in remorse.
11 Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies.
12 Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, Lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate.
13 Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke, lest his folly humiliate you.
Sirach 3:1-18
1 Children, pay heed to a father's right; do so that you may live.
2 For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
3 He who honors his father atones for sins;
4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.
7 He who fears the LORD honors his father, and serves his parents as rulers.
8 In word and deed honor your father that his blessing may come upon you;
9 For a father's blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother's curse uproots the growing plant.
10 Glory not in your father's shame, for his shame is no glory to you!
11 His father's honor is a man's glory; disgrace for her children, a mother's shame.
12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.
14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root.
15 In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.
16 A blasphemer is he who despises his father; accursed of his Creator, he who angers his mother.
17 2 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.


Fathers day was created in America in 1910celebrated every 3rd week of a June Month, the creators primary reason was to remind all fathers the about how enormous the obligation and responsibility God gave them.
According to psychological studies most of those who have been a problem child, or have had a criminal mind may not have had experienced a good father image. Children in the womb already absorb things around them good or bad , called “Primal Pains” according to Dr. Arthur Janov.

In his researches of those who had experienced anxiety attacks, neuorosis, or people who had come in to him for consultation regarding difficulties in relating with other people, most did not experience a good safe haven earlier in the womb, nor a good childhood.

In the course of helping them, he leads them in an empty room and lets the person shout Mommy , Daddy , repeatedly, and in the course of all the shouting crying, anger, rolling in the floor, the person himself often enough discovers his traumatic experience which needs to be healed. Most often that not.. patients undergoing this really have not felt a FATHERS care and love. And from there Dr. Arthur Janov started the Healing of Memories.


In order to grow and progress we as human being need three things in life: Someone who will listen to him, someone who will take him seriously and someone who will understand him. Ive read somewhere that men find affirmation and worth among men. Hence the reason, why sons need the affirmation and see their worth in their Fathers eyes. Communication lines should be open, in order to heal the hearts that may have deep memories of hurt. A mother can never substitute affirmation found in a fathers eyes.
There are a hundred ways to be a good father. With the complication of modern day living we cant expect fatherhood to be an effortless and unconscious process. Children need more models than critics.It is their love and sacrifice that count… in the life of his child.

One Father is more than a hundred school masters - Herbert George


FATHERHOOD- Edgar Guest.

Someday the world will need a man of courage in time of doubt
And somewhere as a little boy, that future hero plays about
Within some humble home, no doubt, that instrument of greater things
Now climbs upon his Fathers knees or to his mothers garments clings

And when shall come that call for him to render service that is fine
He that shall do Gods mission here maybe your little boy or mine
Long years of preparation mark the pathway for splendid souls
And generations live and die and seem no nearer to their goals
And yet the purpose of it all, the fleeting pleasures ands the woe
The laughter and grief of life that all who come to earth must know
Maybe to pave the way for one, One man to serve the WILL DIVINE
And it is possible that he maybe your little boy or mine

Someday the world will need a man , I stand beside his cot at night
And wonder if I’m teaching him as best I can to know the right
I am the father of a boy..
For his life is mine to make … or mar
For he no better can become than what my daily teachings are;
There will be need for someone great, I will not falter from the line
The man that is to serve the world
Maybe that little boy of mine

Perhaps your boy or mine may not ascend the lofts height of fame;
The orders for their births are hid, We know not why to earth they came
Yet in some little bed tonight, the great man of tomorrow sleeps
And only HE who sent him, the secret of His purpose keeps.
As fathers then our care is this.. to keep the Great Design
The man the world shall need someday maybe your little boy or mine. – Edgar Guest.

On this day Lord bless Fathers everywhere, Bless them for the love they always share and still can share.

on SIN

... my reflections about and on sin these past ten days...

we only understand the gravity and evil of sin when we realize the extent of the damage it has done to us or to other people God lets us encounter. All our lives are inter-related, or inter-connected and when we sin God cannot make the most of what you were created for, or why He planted you. . .

We all our like dippers being used by God in HIs big vineyard, a dipper full of holes, holes of imperfection, but holes used by God, holes wherein the water of the spirit flows to help yourself and help others, but when this dipper gets rusty and clogged through sin, water cannot and will not flow anymore. Our souls are like that dipper, white , shiny overflowing with the spirit, but the spirit cannot work in us if the dipper is rusty, dirt and clogged. Hence confession is needed, to clean us up so we can function again, and more better.

some reflective things i learned:

-Sin makes our inner moral and spiritual compass get distorted too.
-Error is discipline through which we advance.
-its what you learn and do after you know it all that counts.
-How i take my successes and failures , and my moments of satisfaction and wants will see i see who i really am or need to be.
-to understand the falsehood and deceit of sin we must compare its promises and payments together:
promise of good life, pleasures, profit - may equivalent torment, destruction, no peace and death.

After all in the end we face God with nothing but the only thing He requires
........ our souls...... we only have one, we should take good care of it.

on FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. Oxford defines it as , to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offence or debt'....

hmmmmmm depending on the degree of a thing done to us maybe also is the degree too of how easy it will be also to forgive.. this i think is the commmon track of thought.

if we have been victimized from child abuse to rape,to all others crimes, from psyhcological abuse, forgiveness doesnt mean what happened to us is discounted, excused, overlooked, disregarded, trivialized, or the offense is being minimized for but its choosing to help yourself move on.

so, why is it hard to forgive???


.. we people find it hard to forgive because we have been hurt
.. we have been offended
.. the thing done may have caused us shame
.. we just cant let go
.. we focus on what we mght have lost person or thing
.. we want to carry it like a knapsack on our back
.. we just dont want to forgive
.. we even wish the other person to hell (....hmmmm not knowing that eventually that unforgiveness may take them there too.)


Unresolved anger is often a factor in addictive and compulsive behaviors and relapse. Holding on to old anger can cause people to avoid conflict, procrastinate, and give up their needs. It can poison relationships and prevent true intimacy. It breeds bitterness, resentment, mistrust and fear.

"People who carry around a lot of resentment tend to be more reactive to day-to-day situations," said Rosemary Hartman, supervisor of the Hazelden Family Program in Center City, Minn. "If a driver makes a slight error in judgment on the highway, some people may react by screaming or shaking a fist at the driver--not because of the actual occurrence, but because they have a huge bank of anger inside that is tapped with the slightest provocation.

Many people have a lot of anger inside them, but not realize it. Accepting that we are angry and identifying the reasons why, may help us begin to let go. We need to work through the anger and move beyond it to forgiveness and reconciliation. Otherwise, were just stuck in a cycle of resentment and bitterness."

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. Forgiveness does not mean martyrdom. Forgiveness does not guarantee trust or reconciliation. BUT.....

according to ...
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identified denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance as the five stages of grieving (or dying, or loss). Forgiveness is what you do when acceptance is not enough, when you've lost something important -- a relationship, a dream, a self-image, a physical ability -- and you still feel empty or bitter inside.You start forgiving the other person for having died or having left you or having injured you. Forgiveness completes the grieving process, allowing you not only to “move on,” but to become stronger and more loving.


FORGIVENESS – is giving love when theres no reason specially if the person does not deserve it. Unforgiveness and not letting go can lead us to completely miss the opportunity weve been given to learn about real love. healing and peace. ... By embracing forgiveness, we embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy... and also....forgiving always feels better than hating and hurting.

NIGHTLY REFLECTIONS

1.What have I done today?
2.Where have I strayed?
3.What good have I commited?

Something to think about every night before we sleep.

ON PRAYER

PRAYER
- sometimes blessings or answers to our prayers come disguised in forms that are difficult to appreciate

When what youre asking is not right, God says NO
When the time is not right, God says SLOW
When you are not right, God says GROW
When everything is right, God says GO.

- God answers prayers, sometimes when hearts are weak, He gives the very gifts believers seek.
But often faith must learn a deeper test, and trust God’s silence when He does not speak:
For He will send the best. For God is true
His promises are sure for those who seek.

Prayer is not the spare tire we pull out when we feel our life has gone flat, it’s the steering wheel that helps direct ones life in the right path

YOUR PRAYERS ... ANSWERED OR NOT?

Ah.. Prayers here are some reflections and common things we read about it, there are alot of quotes out there regarding prayer but here are a few of my favorites.. i do believe that every prayer is answered, mostly not on our terms BUT on what God thinks is best for us, most times we really do not understand but eventually we do. For our answered prayers.. always remember to THANK GOD for it, for those we think that are up to present unanswered..... lets wait and be patient on God... we need to keep our peace, and trust He knows better.... after all...
He never is late, and is always right on time.:)


PRAYER
- sometimes blessings or answers to our prayers come disguised in forms that are difficult to appreciate

When what youre asking is not right, God says NO
When the time is not right, God says SLOW
When you are not right, God says GROW
When everything is right, God says GO.

- God answers prayers, sometimes when hearts are weak, He gives the very gifts believers seek.
But often faith must learn a deeper test, and trust God’s silence when He does not speak:
For He will send the best. For God is true
His promises are sure for those who seek.

Prayer is not the spare tire we pull out when we feel our life has gone flat, it’s the steering wheel that helps direct ones life in the right path

IF I HAD KNOWN

IF I HAD KNOWN– May Carolyn Davies

If I had known what trouble you were bearing
What griefs were in the silence of your face
I would have been more caring
And tried to give you gladness for a change
I would have brought warmth into the place
If I had known.

If I had known what thoughts despairing drew you
I would have lent a little friendship with you and slipped my hand within you.
And made your stay more pleasant in the land,
If I had known.

on Death and DYING

- you tell me am dying, I tell you that’s not so
the “house” I live in is worn out and that of course I know
It has been in use a long while, it weathered many gale
Im really surprised you think its getting frail
The color changing on the roof, the windows getting dim
The walls a bit transparent and looking rather thin
The foundations not steady, as once it used to be
My “house is getting shaky, but my “ house” isn’t me

My few short years, cant make me old, I feel am in my youth
Eternity lies just ahead, a life of joy and truth
Im going to live forever there life will go on – its grand
You tell me am dying, You just don’t understand
The Dweller in my “house” is young and bright and gay
Just starting a life to last throughout eternal day
You only see the outside, which is all that most folks see
You tell me I am dying? You’ve mixed my “ house” with me
The house you covered with sand this … (month)
Will lay still, will undergo decay
But I have soared beyond, have found my niche on heaven
Mourn not for me, my dear, at last I am safe in Him!

CANCER .... is limited,,,,,

CANCER IS LIMITED - dan richardson
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot eat away peace
It cannot destroy confidence
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot shut out memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot reduce eternal life
It cannot quench the spirit
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection

A TRIBUTE TO ALL MOTHERS

to all the sons and daughters out there cheers to your Moms! I love you Mommy!

What does it take to be one?

A lot! From what I have observed , it takes a 24/7 job plus a few more ….it starts the moment you realize your pregnant, and theres a life you carry with you and within you, then comes the body and hormonal changes, then the trips to the Ob-Gyne, then the things you cannot do and can only do, the things you cannot eat and eat , frequent travels to the comfort room, backaches, water retention all these while infanticipating…. ahah! That is only the introduction…

Then comes the day the baby goes out either via normal route or C-section, no amount of pain killers nor explanations can describe the pains mothers go through, the time baby decides its now the right time to go out of baby’s secure world. And for Mommys- breastfeedings , then the sleepless nights, diaper changes, sick little baby episodes, teething, experimenting to lay on their chests, then sit, then crawl , teething, walk and talk , ah… and of course the Joys of being a mommy: that no any amount of money can buy : the look, the baby smell, the depending on you, wanting only you for themselves, wiping tears, the hugs, the kisses, the smiles and the sticky ones too, sigh…. babies…

.. and then they start to grow and discover things on their own, Mom now becomes the jack of all trades, specially the working moms, as I said earlier a 24/7 job… you morph into the Nurse, Doctor, Chef, driver, dishwasher, craftsmaker, a talented sewer, janitor, accountant, teacher, playmate, comforter, guidance counselor, cheerleader, story teller, magician, comedian, judge, lawyer, police trouble shooter, fashion consultant etc.. name it she might have done it… oh, did I mention wife and sex siren? all rolled into one Webster definition….. Mom, Mommy, Mama. One Jewish proverb states that : GOD couldn’t be everywhere at the same time and therefore He made Mothers.

To be a parent is to be a miracle worker of some sort. You have to mold, shape and develop children into the kind of person that God meant your children to be. With children, its always a mix of gentleness and firmness. They must not always have their own way, for if you give up your authority once, you will hardly get it again.

As someone said… no any person can replace Mothers no-one. And also the famous saying of William S. Ross – “the hand that rocks the cradles rules the world”. Most of all the other beautiful things in life comes by Twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of sunrise, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sister, but only one mother in the whole world.

One day in my life, I called her, full of tears, sadness, resentment and disappointments with all the things that was happening in my life, My mom listened quietly in the other line, after I finished telling her my woes, she said the magic words that helped tell me I was not alone, I was understood and most of all that I was loved, she said, in a voice that told me, I was not the only person crying, “Miles, come home“..

Come Mother’s Day –
We should remember how we can make her feel we love her much and appreciate her for being there guiding us, loving us, or just being there for us, understanding us, supporting us, forgiving us, or if your at odds with her, forgiving her, understanding her, loving her…… When was the last time we got to visit her? embrace her? Kiss her? Had her time off? Made good our promises to her? Or plainly did something for her? Tell you love her? Had your picture taken with her? Life is short….. if your Mother, mother figure , is still alive….. do it now tell her now.

IN EMPTINESS.....TO BE FILLED

I am oppressed by the uncertainty of my future, but i cherish the lively hope of seeing my dreams fulfilled, because the Lord cannot place thoughts and desires in a person's soul if he does not really intend to fulfill them, to gratify these longings which He alone has caused - St.Pio of Pietrelcina

How often we complain of lifes monotony and emptiness, but as St. Ireneaus has said in God nothing is empty of meaning, nothing without symbolism. So does St. Agustines' restless are our hearts until they rest in Thee".
We are not fully at ease and at peace because we seek peace and ease where its not there.

In all the worlds riches, beauty and majesty.. has it ever been able to really satisfy the heart? ... to really give it rest...... and that peace it seeks?
.....inside each one of us is what the philosopher Blaise Pascal says, a God-sized vacuum that longs to be filled of its emptiness.
And at privileged moments we get a taste of the fullness that we await....
til the time we get to be united to God in eternity.

Lord, i pray that for all those who are seeking that peace, who seek rest, who are troubled, worried, feel restless, feel empty, depressed and lonely... may they realize that .. that emptiness is You, reaching out to us.

WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU

1.) APPLY THE THREE C's
seize every opportunity to Compliment, Commend, and Congratulate your partner.. As St. Paul says All that commands reverence, all that makes for right and all that is pure, all that is lovely, all that is gracious in the telling virtue and merit, wherever virtue and merit are found-let this be the argument of your thoughts (Phil 4:8)

2.) SHOW PATIENCE
the Key to everything! according to Arnold Glasgow is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it open. Though you may not always understand your partners actions or attitude, showing patience an make the difference. For no matter how close you are, its not always possible to be fully aware of your partners struggles.

3.)3 WISHES
grant your partner three wishes, Most people are comfortable giving than receiving. You can make it easier for your partner to be on the receiving end of favors by granting his ir her wishes.

4.) THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
Raised voices lower esteem, Hot tempers cool friendships. Loose tongues stretch truths. Swelled heads shrink Influence. Sharp words dull respect. Words can be a powerful instruments injuring, inspiring, hurting, or healing. While its right to let your partner know how you feel , choose your words carefully.

5.)ROUTINELY SEND LOVE SIGNALS
little things mean alot, small gestures often convey large meanings:
-let them do things they love
-do one of their regular chores
-sympathize, instead of pointing out how he/she helped create the problem
- brag to a third party within hearing distance of your mate about something he/she did well.
-whisper to your partner that hes/shes the most attractive person in your life
-pick something for him/her the next time your out.

6.) LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
When your partner is upset let him/her express feelings freely. Dont corret inaccuracies, dont refute logic, ---just listen. speaking only to seek clarification. Waiting until feelings have cooled may mean youll choose a much better time to respond.
- Do you make eye contact with your partner and ignore outside interferences?
- do you really listen? instead of thinking of your reply?
-do you try to provide questions or comments that will help your partner clarify his or her thoughts
- do you encourage positive comments by accepting them in a positive way?

7.) BE GENEROUS WITH FORGIVENESS
forgiveness involves letting go of anger, restoring respect, and offering acceptance. With your hands and heart free, you and your partner can begin build a new and more fulfilling relationship .

8.) HAVE FAIR DIVISION OF LABOR,
resentment builds quickly when one partner feels the burden of doing the most of the work around home, like grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning.

9.)TURN OFF THE TV
most couples work outside the home and juggle many responsibilites such as parenting household management and community involvements, for relaxation the turn on the TV and get ensnared by the electronic monster. Turn it off!... instead discuss and share your day with each other and share happy occurences.

10.)LIGHTEN AND BRIGHTEN LIFE WITH LAUGHTER
laughter adds richness, texture and color to otherwise ordinary days, its a gift, a choice a discipline, and an art.Life has its own troubles day in and day out, its best most to keep laughter there, for after all laughter is still the best medicine:)





condensed from 10 BEST WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU by Mr. Victor Parachin

POWER OF 3 WORDS

Some of the most significant messages humans can deliver to one another come in just three words. the power to make or break relationships, to forge new friendships, deepen old ones, and restore those which have cooled, ease tensions, can enrich every relationship :


1.) I APPRECIATE YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy... sometimes we really have to fully appreciate the worth of people in our lives, what they represent and reflect how our lives would be if we lose peopel who are important to us, it maybe our partner, our parents, our siblings, friends relatives, before its way too late for us and for them. This words affirm


2.) I MISS YOU - more relationships marriages might have been saved and strenghtened if more couples said this each other, its a powerful affirmatioon that tells yoru partner theyre desired and loved.

3.) ILL BE THERE - if you have experienced being alone, depressed, and afraid, or calling a family member to help you because your in the hospital and had an emergency, or your car broke down, you know how good it is to hear these saving words, how its softens up the grief and alteast lessen the pain or shorten it.. When were truly present for other people important things happen to them and to us. We are restored emotionally and spiritually.

4.) PLEASE FORGIVE ME - many broken relationships could have been healed if people admitted their humaness and asked for forgiveness. It just means we all are vulnerable, we have faults and that we would like to intelligently begin again

5.) I UNDERSTAND YOU - people are different in thoughts ways, and words, but everybody wants to be understood one way or the other, and being accepted and understood for who we are makes us feel closer and enjoy relationships more

DECISIONS

According to one researcher we make around 300- 1500 decisions a day from minor to major ones... from waking up to sleeping time... but mostly we only delay deciding when it comes to major ones.. what course to take, what job offer to grab, to change jobs, make a go of a relationship or break a relationship, to get married and stay married etc.

Here are Six steps in choice making to help in the right decision making, they may not guarantee in you making the right decision but it might help in avoidance of making costly mistakes

1.) DEFINING THE PROBLEM- defining or pinpointing the problem helps make it smaller, problems almways do not come singly but large ones have smaller attachements to it... Define the biggest one to keep things in their proper perspective and not make you feel so overwhelmed.

2.) GATHER ALL NECESSARY DATA - it always helps to put things on paper as we were used to in our younger days, write it, it helps us concentrate on the present, it also helps to be investigative, we have lots of information in the net that we can use aside from self help books, or people we can ask help from.

3.)LIST YOUR OPTIONS - list possible solutions, we humans do things differently some start from the smaller ones climbing to the bigger ones, ive learned that it really helps to start with the big ones, to be out with it, then solve from there, because most times when you solve the bigger ones, the smaller ones almost always eventually solve themselves.

4.)CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES- every decision always makes us leave something behind, the thing that we did not choose, the things left unsaid, the things we should have done, in order to not have regrets, reflect much on decisions,specially those with people involving our lives, to always think and decide for the greater good, we do not live in this world only for our selves but for others, in this day and age, media and the net always bombard us to think only of ourselves, if we decide will it be a win win situtation? will it affect people in our lives? will it be best to consult the immediate people who would be affected, instant things maybe good,onlypreferably when its noodles or household appliances, kidding aside, were now being made to believe to always choose to make our life easier... fine..who wouldnt want that. . come to think of it the why are we rushing and always think time is not enough with all the gadgets media says that will make our lives easier?

... remember that maybe.. just maybe the things we are trying to avoid are the things that will either strengthen and mature us.

5.)PRAY - it always help to pray. God always answers prayers it may not be in the exact package we want BUT it maybe the thing He knows we need and is the best for us. If maybe your not the religious one, it may now be the time to start to do so.

6.) MAKING THE DECISION - make it if its for everybodys good and your good but do it unselfishly not for selfish reasons. Dont make it or dont do it, if at the end of your life youll regret it and hurt the people you love and dont want hurt.

REFLECTION:

What important decisions am i making now , or not making now? Will this directly affect people? positively?

CLAY VESSEL

today i want to share with you a particular favorite of mine thats been sent to me by a friend, its been around the net nor do i know who the author is was, to you whoever you are , thank you ....evertime i read it it makes me reflective and thankful of everything and everyone... hope it too maybe an inspiration to you as it is to me...

(photo courtesy of Mr Ian Pilbeam - thanks!)


A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a
canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled
clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.


They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out
of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay
balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it
cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each
contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in
the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the
beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their
hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in
treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown
it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we
see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It
isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as
less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or
wealthy, but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside
that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to
know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees
him, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine
forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away
a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we
see the people in our world as God sees them.

Lord, Thank you for looking beyond our clay vessels.

FASTING, 14 REASONS WHY ITS GOOD FOR US

Scripture and Science speaks about the benefits of fasting... condensed from Catholic Digest-Victor Parachin.


1.FASTING EXPANDS COMPASSION - our sensitivity to what others are suffering is increased, we become reflective of others hunger, its easy to talk of world hunger, but the physical impact and emotional awareness of the problem is heightened. During Good Fridays we do voluntary fasts and not used to it makes us feel cranky and irritable or tired and resentful, whats it life for those who have no thing to eat for that day?

2.FASTING IS WAY OF PREPARING TO MEET A MAJOR CHALLENGE - Its Biblical! Biblical Personalities who faced great trials and challenges often prayed and fasted to enhance spiritual guidance and decisions, so hwy not us?? in the Story of Queen Esther she fasted for 3 days, JESUS prayed and fasted for 40 days! in preparation of things to come. Who better to be our role model. Paul and Barnabas in Scripture fasted before making important decisions concerning Church ministry (Acts 13:2-3 14:23)

3.FASTING CAN ENLIGHTEN OTHERS - this can be used as a teaching tool one good example is Mahatma Gandhi, he fasted in prison as protest and a non violent one at that, he fasted to persuade government to remove discriminatory laws

4.FASTING CAN PROMOTE PHYSICAL WELL BEING - people live longer and healthier when food is reduced.

5.FASTING CAN BENEFIT OTHERS. - Money saved by not eating can be used and shared with others who need it.

6.FASTING CREATES MORE TIME FOR OTHER SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES - sometimes we skip meals due to "busyness" ... so maybe instead of this other forms of busyness we might use this time to do spiritual reading or praying.




7.FASTING IS ALWAYS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. - According to St. Thomas Aquinas irrational feeding darkens the soul and makes it unfit for spiritual experiences, because many Godly people who practice fasting lead a spiritual renewal, increased insight, deeper commitment to God, clarity of purpose, and a greater intimacy with God

8.FASTING IS A REMINDER THAT WE DO NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE - fasting provides the soul with stamina and vitality, People experiences a hunger that annot be filled but any human food nor material things. Fulfillment and contentment result from a healthy relationship with God.


9.FASTING IS A CONCIOUS PROTEST AGAINST MATERIALISM - advertisments tell us that we can be healthy, happy, content, popular, wise, beautiful through using products they promote, by fasting we are asserting that we need not be totally dependent on external things. If our most basic ned for food and drink can be suspended for 24 hours , how much more our needs for all the nonessentials.

10.FASTING CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL VITALITY - Ironically we think better, and more quickly when our stomah is not full, most times an overloaded stomach can interfere with prayer by making us feel sluggish and tired adn sleepy.

11.FASTING HELP US APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS - experiment, that those who have gone without food for days would take and appreciate food more, in our modern days of instant things and easy to cook things our appetite is blunted. Fasting makes it more pleasurable and re-appreciated.

12.FASTING STRENGTHENS VIRTUES AND WEAKENS VICES. - All great virtues bear the imprint of self denial, People who pray and fast regularly often experience greater ompassion, kindness, sensitivity, love and humility.

13.FASTING RE-INFORCES SELF DISCIPLINE - since birth we have been taught to look for our happpiness to get what we want , and to be free of discomfort.To become self indulgent. We are in danger of becoming less resilient to trials, and troubles.

14. FASTING IS A WAY TO FOLLOW CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES - Jesus Himself spent 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting, as He said, When you fast... NOT ... if you fast.. MT 6:16... so why shouldnt we?


The Holy Week is fast approaching let us remind ourselves that fasting and abstinence is not just refraining from things that our Physical Senses (eyes, ears, taste, touch) usually gets bombarded with and we particularly indulge with, but also from things that destroys our heart and eventually our soul, anger, hatred, unforgiveness, judging others, snide remarks, discouragement, complaining, resentment, bitterness, spending too much time and resources that wouldnt really help our souls nor others. Let us strive to keep Lent HOLY.

Reflections on a Holy Week

Lent - ( Holy Tuesday) the entire Christendom come together this week in observance prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to a standstill , to veer away from everyday things, to reflect on himself, his God and his relationship with God.

St. Paul says the whole purpose of living is to have time to repent, to be converted and to change. As far as we know everything that lives or is alive is always changing and growing, when a thing is not then its dead. The trouble with change is its not an easy thing to do. And there can be no change unless we want to. I think most of us humans are afraid of change, but this fear is the biggest obstacle.

Change means giving up things that we are attached to and trying unknown fields. When we change its an admission that theres something amiss, that we need to grow, that we might have realized we made a wrong decision or what we have been doing is not good or is not working. But the saddest things is someone who thinks he does not need to change ironically .. those who do think this way are the ones who might need it the most.

Basically Lent is conversion, and conversion is turning away from illusory dried up wells that do not give life, its turning to God, who is our true fountain of love and abundant life.

Mortification is a word we hear during this season, came from the Latin word Mortificare, to deaden by religious or other discipline, as the carnal affections, bodily appetites, or worldly desires; to bring into subjection; to abase; to humble. especially by abstinence or self-denial or sarifice or discomfort. Fasting and abstinence is a must, not to torture us but its main purpose of all fasting and all self denying is to remind us that there is a source of life more profound than food and drink or anything created in this earth and that is God.

STORMS

STORMS

Storms when they happen are usually severe, along with it are wind,thunder,lightning, angry waters, floods, our homes are shaken, properties are damaged, or worst lives are lost... any storm in our lives does that, shakes us up, overwhelms us, sometimes leaves us helpless...it uproots us, we feel at a loss,we dont understand why things happens as they are, things we thought that were sturdy or people we thought we could lean our backs on were just not there.. or nobody can help us, or are maybe the ones causing the storms in our lives.

we should take heart and remember before and after a storm there is that calmness, that peace...

Most times, God preprares us... but were not aware of it..When were prepared, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically,
we have nothing to fear. Can we sleep when the wind blows through
our life? we need to secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding
ourselves in Gods words and promises. Most times.......We don't need to understand, most times ..we wouldnt be able to understand anyway... in times like this we dont need to understand .. were not called to understand...
but maybe we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the midst of the storms.

COLLECTION OF SINGLES PRAYERS

Today ill be posting a collection of Singles Prayers ive collected over the years from different websites and friends:

Dear Jesus,
I know many single Christians who are in search of that special someone. Please teach each of us to learn from you and listen to your messengers, so that we will be able to recognize the one you have in mind for us.

Thank you for being patient when we choose a different path. Sometimes we think we know better and take a little more time to come around to your way of thinking. Help us wash away our fears and break those old bad habits that have been getting us into trouble, preventing us from having healthy relationships.

Show us how to manage our time better in our busy lives so that we can make new friends. As you know friendship is a good way to get to know a person before entering into a romance.

And Lord, give us Your guidance to become people of good character and prepare us to meet our new soul mate. We ask this in your precious name. Amen.

SEEKING A MARRIAGE MATE

Lord, You said that it is not good for us to be alone. You made us for each other. But Lord, I find it so hard to find that mate who would be a good spouse. Help me, Lord, to put this yearning for marriage in its proper place.

Lead me, Lord, to the one whom You choose for my spouse. While I wait for You to reveal Your Will in this matter, help me to know myself better. Help me to address those areas of my life which are disordered and which would interfere with my having a successful marriage. When my desire to find a spouse becomes all consuming, help me to relax and practice patience. Help me to invest in wholesome friendships which bring me closer to You and which will assist me in making such an important decision. It is so natural, Lord, to seek love.

Teach me to seek You first and to learn to give love before I try to receive it. Help me to remember that whatever journey this life leads me on, You are always present, always offering companionship, and always filling my deepest need. I offer You, Lord, my loneliness and my longing for marriage. I wait for You to lead me to Your perfect Will for me in this and all things. Amen.

FINDING FUTURE SPOUSE
Dear Heavenly Father, Who said, "It is not good that the man should be alone," I come to you asking for help to find my life partner.

I pray to You for guidance, for I am Your child, and You are my loving and heavenly Father.
As I seek to assume my place in life and fulfill my mission, I long to share my love with another, to establish a home and to raise a family. In Your tender mercy direct me to a companion who will appreciate me and requite my love. I do not want to be alone, but would prefer to share my joys and sorrows with a beloved mate - one of my faith and my way of life. Hear my prayer for the sake of Him who blessed marriage by His presence during His ministry on earth. Amen.

WISE CHOICE IN MARRIAGE

Glorious Saint Raphael, Patron and lover of the young, I feel the need of call­ing to you and of pleading for your help. In all confidence I open my heart to you to beg your guidance and assistance in the important task of planning my future. Obtain for me through your intercession the light of God's grace so that I may de­cide wisely concerning the person who is to be my partner through life. Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand to find each other. May all our movements be guided by your light and transfigured by your joy. As you led the young Tobias to Sara and opened up a new life of happi­ness with her to holy marriage, lead me to such a one whom in your angelic wisdom you judge best suited to be united with me in marriage.

St. Raphael, loving patron of those seeking a marriage partner, help me in this supreme decision of my life. Find for me as a helpmate in life the person whose character may reflect some of the traits of Jesus and Mary. May he (she) be upright, loyal, pure, sincere and noble, so that with united efforts and with chaste and unselfish love we both may strive to perfect ourselves in soul and body, as well as the children it may please God to entrust to our care.

St. Raphael, angel of chaste courtship, bless our friendship and our love that sin may have no part in it. May our mutual love bind us so closely that our future home may ever be most like the home of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Offer your prayers to God for the both of us and obtain the blessing of God upon our marriage, as you were the herald of blessing for the marriage of Tobiah and Sarah.

St. Raphael, friend of the young, be my friend, for I shall always be yours. I desire ever to invoke you in my needs. To your special care I entrust the decision I am to make as to my future husband/wife. Direct me to the person with whom I can best cooperate in doing God's Holy Will, with whom I can live in peace, love and harmony in this life, and attain to eternal joy in the next. Amen.

In honor of St. Raphael: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be .

Dear God, You created human beings and imbued in them a mutual attraction for one another.
Let me realize that male and female complement one another in many things, including sexual love.
Help me to enjoy the many ways in which young people can fulfill one another---without falling into selfishness and sin. Lord, may my partner and I return from this date more fulfilled, more human, and in closer union with you than before the date. Grant us the knowledge, the will, and the ability to have fun in You and to treat each other as true followers of You. Amen.

For the Choice of a Good Spouse

St. Raphael, you were sent by God to guide young Tobiah in choosing a good and virtuous spouse. Please help me in this important choice which will affect my whole future. You not only directed Tobiah in finding a wife, but you also gave him guidelines which should be foremost in every Christian marriage: "Pray together before making important decisions." If through prayer we keep God as the "third Partner" in our marriage, we will have the strength and grace we need to always accept and do His will. Amen.Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be...

Prayer to St. Valentine
Patron of Sweethearts, Young People, Love & Happy Marriages

Dear Saint and glorious Martyr, who are so popular with lovers, be kind to those whom we love and to us. Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and God in each other. Amen.

LACK OF HUMILITY

The Seventeen Evidences of a Lack of Humility

1. To think that what one says or does is better than what others say or do

2. To always want to get your own way

3. To argue with stubbornness and bad manners whether you are right or wrong

4. To give your opinion when it has not been requested or when charity does not demand it

5. To look down on another's point of view

6. Not to look on your gifts and abilities as lent

7. Not to recognize that you are unworthy of all honors and esteem, not even of the earth you walk on and things you possess

8. To use yourself as an example in conversations

9. To speak badly of yourself so that others will think well of you or contradict you

10. To excuse yourself when you are corrected

11. To hide humiliating faults from your spiritual director, so that he will not change the impression he has of you

12. To take pleasure in praise and compliments

13. To be saddened because others are held in higher esteem

14. To refuse to perform inferior tasks

15. To seek to stand out

16. To refer in conversation to your honesty, genius, dexterity, or professional prestige

17. To be ashamed because you lack certain goods

~~ From the Writings of Bl. Josemaria Escriva

Dear Jesus,

Please teach me to bear slights and humiliations with patience, and remove resentment when others are preferred more than me, grant me knowledge and acceptance of my nothingness, teach me to be humble in thought word and deed. Amen.

GODS PROVIDENCE

" GOD'S work done in God's way will never lack Gods supplies "




Prayer for the day:

Lord when i lose heart and forget that it is your show and not mine and im just your instrument in your ministry... let me be reminded when i feel powerless to let go and let you do your stuff... that your there and you provide everything. Amen

MOMENTO MORI - REMEMBER DEATH

MATTHEW 16:24

"What will it profit us to gain the whole world if we lose our souls"....
when we are tempted to sin, to decide against the good and the truth,
we should try to keep in mind that we only have one soul,
a soul that cannot be bought, changed or traded.

in these reflective month of Lent.. we should reflect how our souls stand before God, the Just Judge from whom nothing is hidden, who takes no bribes, and accepts no excuses , while we live we can take advantage of His Divine Mercy , and when our earthly life is over... our souls might receive this strict justice.

REJECTION

Rejections in any form, hurts and develop scars, it usually is caused by things we want, things weve prayed for that still has no answer, it maybe people we care for, who does not give back the same care or love, it makes us hurt, angry, dissappointed, powerless, hopeless and helpless.

It is normal and ok to mourn and to feel hurt. But try not to miss out on the good things there is still about life, it maybe your supportive family, friends, relatives, your job or try to focus on things that your still blessed with. Whats important is to not get stuck in the mourning period.


as i read somewhere : man's rejection, God's protection.

Cheer up, God isnt finished with you yet, learn to hope and be patient, He always wants whats best for us, it maybe not in the package we want or hoped for but always in the package that He thinks we need.

10 GUIDELINES from GOD

.....a friends sent this to me, whoever wrote it deserves acknowledgement
thank you for the millions of lives you have touched by it... and will continue to touch..im one of them.. I had to share it with you.
hoping that you will be blessed by it too like me.

Ten Guidelines From God

Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need
to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines :


1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit
and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here
to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little
thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it
on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY
to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care
of the problem. I can't help you until you turn
it over to Me. And although My to-do-list
is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact,
if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me,
quit trying to take them back. Trust in
Me. Have the faith that I will take care of
all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.
Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to
help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say,
"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think
I can handle it from here." Why do you think
you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking
care of them. I also renew your strength
and cover you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back,
you will be right ba ck where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about
them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because
you know I'm in control. But there's one
thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't
forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having
a conversation with Me. I want to be your
dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you
can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;
you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you,
and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were
only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with
those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in
such a long time. Share your tears with those
who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can
you be so impatient then when it takes Me
a little longer than you expect to handle
something on My to-do-list? Trust in My
timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in
only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I lov e them just
as much as I love you. They may not dress
like you, or talk like you, or live the same way
you do, but I still love you all. Please try
to get along, for My sake. I created each
of you different in some way. It would be
too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not
love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love
in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go
wrong. You are very precious to me.
Don't ever forget......

ST. JOSEPH'S FEAST DAY - MARCH 19

IN NEED OF HELP TODAY ?

try to ask St. Josephs intercession..... foster-father of Our Lord, chaste spouse of Our Lady, patriarch of the Church, and protector of the needy.Please take advantage of Saint Joseph's great intercessory power to ask for graces on his feast day.

Prayer to Saint Joseph

O thou, whom no one has ever yet invoked in vain, thou, whose power with Our Lord and Our Lady is so great, that it has been truly said, "In Heaven, Joseph commands rather than supplicates," tender father, intercede for me!
St. Joseph, be my advocate with thy Divine Son, Whose foster-father and faithful protector thou wert here below. Add to all thy glories, that of gaining the despaired of cause that I confide to thee. I believe, yes, I believe thou canst obtain my deliverance from the troubles that overwhelm me, and the desolation in which my soul is plunged. I have the firm hope that thou wilt neglect nothing in favor of the afflicted who invoke thee.
Humbly prostrate at thy feet, dear St. Joseph, I implore thee to have pity on my tears, cover me with the mantle of thy merciful protection and bless me. Amen

(prayer taken from americaneedsfatima.org)

more on St.Joseph in the following links:

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/story.php?id=32698

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/story.php?id=32697

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=32701

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/story.php?id=32699

TAKING UP OUR CROSSES

If theres one requirement in following Jesus its, to follow Him and take up our cross.

so what does comprise this cross:

1.) Our cross is our own limitations- it maybe our pains, physical flaws that makes us insecure, imperfections, sad experiences, loneliness, fears, insecurities, our sins

2.) then again they are other people who become a cross to us - most times our sufferings comes from the people we love or care the most. This is due to their inability to understand, to take care of us, ignore us, their offenses, indifference or betrayal. Through society we also share crosses - wars, injustices, hunger, poverty , unemployment, global crisis, conditions that are against our human dignity.

3.) and the deepest meaning of the cross comes from our relationship with God, since we cannot see Him and were still pilgrims on our way home, There are still many questions to be answered, still many promises and desires to be fulfilled.

To take up our cross means to TRUST in God, specially when its difficult, when we cant see immediate results, its an act of hope, it helps purify us, and stimulate our desire for God, an abandonement in Gods hands. The cross has the power to liberate us from hate and restore unity.


" Whatever we maybe called to endure, Jesus has already endured."

VACUUM

" Remember to look beyond what seems to be an empty space and you'll see its hidden beauty."

There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man,
a thirst, a loneliness, a desire, a fire, a certain peace, a certain something
which cant ever be filled by any created thing.....
........ but only by God.

in the words of St. Augustine:

Our hearts are restless, until they rest in YOU.

TIME

" One reason God created time was so that there would be a place to bury,
the hurts and failures of the past."



Prayer for the day:

Lord help me to use this gift of time to learn to forget things done to hurt us, and to eventually forgive, and realize lessons i need to learn too. Amen

MATURITY

Maturity is love in Action, maturity through love demands dicipline.

Maturity is being myself... its harmony between what i want, between myself and others, between my desires and my faith.. its reconciliation with my past, trust in my present and hope in my future. Its when my mind , heart and actions run in the same direction.

Emotionally Mature?

entails self esteem, stablility of character, personal autonomy, positive rapport with ones sexuality, capability of solidarity: sincerity, enthusiasm and sens of humor.

Mature in Decision Making?

ability to make wieghed decisions, sense of responsibility, fidelity to ones promises, affirmation in the face of pressures, initiative

Mature Judegement

sound assesment of events and people, opennes to dialogue, overcoming selfishness and dogmatism, interiorized set of values, cultural identification, frankness.

Maturity is a lifelong growth process.

(taken from Vocation Horizons - Fr Rafael Ponce Gonzalez)

on MISSING SUNDAY MASS

.... Yes, In this day and age it is heart wrenching that there are still people struggling ... under the pains of prison, physical torture, rape, burning to death, specially Christians in non-Christian places, to attend Mass, to hear God, to partake of communion.... still.. they try.... Whats your excuse?

and yet i who can , and who need not undergo difficulties to visit you, and have my hour with you, is either late for it.... not listening, complain when mass is too long or too short, or worst is physically present but mentally absent.


Prayer for today:

Lord, let me offer my prayer and sufferings today for those who are oppresed and struggling to come and be with you. Amen

SO U THINK YOUR.....

..... sometimes we think were righteous, sometimes we think were perfect, or we dont see any speck in our eye, unaccountable, or blameless..... maybe.. but maybe not.....aha! think again.... and most importantly we must reflect.


Prayer for the day:

Lord God, when i think im without sin, let me be reminded... to look kindly at the one who sinned .... and reflect and tell myself.... There go i, but for the grace of God.

THE TRUTH

" The TRUTH can be twisted, hidden, delayed, complicated and manipulated..
but in the end the truth will come out.



Prayer for the Day:

Lord help to be liing in TRUTH all the days of my life for afterall,
YOU are the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. So that ill know the WAY, and have LIFE, according to the TRUTH. Amen

PRAYER OF THE PORCUPINE

Porcupines Prayer:

Lord, Let them know my protection is also my isolation,
help them to look beyond my appearance.

....I am truly soft underneath..

DROWNING ?

God brings men in to deep waters, not to drown them, but to cleanse them.





Prayer for the Day:

Lord when at times i feel im already drowning... let me not lose hope, because much as i rebel, i do need this momentary cleansing to be able to see things in their right perspective and so that after being cleansed..... i can hope again. Amen

THE LOTUS

" Observe a Lotus, it remains white , beautiful and radiant , even as it lingers in the filthy waters of a pond ". -Confuscius.



Prayer for the Day:

Lord even if evil be around us, we should be like the lotus, since it has to start with one to fill the the pond with more. Amen

DELAYS

GOD's delays are never Gods denials.... maybe you have to wait awhile.... maybe you have to grow ahwile... but God will answer your prayer, keep you hopes up... cheer up..it may not be in the exact package you want it but in exactly how He see's you will merit from it.

CHANGE

Change always leaves something behind,
a letting go... or a loss of some kind... usually its not without pain that we experience this,
most times we fear this "growth spurts" because we have become used to it and comfortable with it



Prayer for the day:

Lord, let me not fear my growth spurts, but let me be confident that you are with me as in the changes that are/will be happening. Amen.

Growth

" We only grow by taking risks, authenticity requires courage and humility,
it means, facing our fears
fear of exposure,
rejection,
of being hurt,
its the healthy way to grow spiritually and emotionally, but the most difficult.



Prayer for the Day:

Lord teach me to overcome my fears, of being hurt, difficult as it may seem, it is my only means too of learning to love... as you did. Amen

Trust

Let nothing disturb thee, nothing affright thee
all things are passing
God never changes
patient endurance attaineth to all things
who God possesseth in nothing is wanting
alone God sufficeth - St. Teresa of Avila


Prayer for the day:

Lord when at times you allow us to be in
profound darkness, remind us that we should place our trust in you. Amen