THANK YOU LORD: PICTURE (FB)

A PARENT'S PRAYER ---REV FR JOSE VETTIYANKAL, VC

A PARENT'S PRAYER

Most merciful Jesus, I offer my children to you. No other person can understand my sorrows and anxieties and give me a greater help. Give me the grace to bring up my children because I know that without your help my work will not be fruitful. Purify my actions and enlighten my teachings before my children. Free them from sin, teach them to grow in love, protect them from bad company, help them in their studies, make them loving and merciful to the poor, the unfortunate and the suffering people. Keep them in God's grace and in good health, so that they may grow for the sake of God's glory, the good of others and the satisfaction of their parents. And when after death I appear before you, My judge, let Your mother take good care of my children. I promise You that hereafter I shall serve You, Trust in You and spread this devotion. Amen.
(Thanks to Rev Fr Jose Vettiyankal, VC for this wonderful prayer offered for children.  Dear
parents, pray this prayer daily because our children needs cont. protection.  As in Psalm,
God will send his angels lest our foot dash on a stone!  Outstanding prayer).  New World
Credit:  www.nityaradhana.com

He will not break the crushed reed: Matthew 12:21: Reflection by Cynthia AbegailHi

“A bruised reed he will not break, a smouldering wick he will not quench until he brings justice to victory.  And in His Name the Gentiles will hope.  (Matt 14: 20-21).

Lord Jesus is the hope for all nations.  When someone is battered or wounded, He will not crush that soul!  When a person is already down or already poor, we do not press him more to the deepest despair!  It’s a sin to oppress!  This is the very yoke that Jesus is breaking.  The yoke of slavery, ultimately the slavery to sin.

For example, one is drug dependent.  A follower of Christ will not oppress that person but will gently guide the person to the right path!  These people are slaves to the works of the flesh.  Christians should look at them with compassion; help them, nourish them.  If they are danger to society, then other options must also be done to protect the community.

Never judge them!  We do not know what harrowing experience they have been through.  Nothing is too late for the Lord.  God can make miracles for the lost youth.  If it is His will, they could be saved.  Easy for the Lord!  But, we have to pray for them.

A smoldering wick he will not quench!  God is gracious, God is good.  He only saves but could throw anyone to the abbys.  With His great mercy, anything is possible.

As the saying goes,  “You’ll never know.”  Take life a day at a time.  We do not even know if we are still here the following day!  Lord, thanks for waking up today, we love you forever and ever.

Cynthia Abegail

THE GLORY OF GOD: REFLECTION BY MARIA CASSIA

THE GLORY OF GOD

The Lord, God of hosts, he who touches the earth
and it melts, and all who live in it mourn, and all
of it rises like the Nile, and sinks again like the
Nile of Egypt; who builds his upper chambers in
the heavens and found his vault upon the earth;
who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them
out upon the surface of the earth---the Lord is
His Name.
                                                            Amos : 5-6


The might of the Lord is incomprehensible and beyond
understanding.  He is the All-Powerful and the All-Knowing.
If the Lord wills it, it will happen!  He is the source of
everything, the Creator of all creatures and things.

But the Lord is full of mercy for his creatures.  "For we
are from dust and to dust we shall return."  It is pleasing
and right that one realize one's nature and being.

One can call Almighty Father, "Abba," an endearing term
meaning Father!  We look up to our earthly fathers with
honor and esteem.  How much more to the Almighty God
whose words in Jeremiah echoes in our mind, "I have plans
for you, not to harm you but for your welfare, to give you
a hope and a future."

That is the glory of God.  He cares for all of us, from the
smallest to the most significant man on earth.  The Lord
is His Name.

Maria Cassia

LOVELY DEER FORWARDED BY ABRAHAM G

JUST LOVELY! WE SEE THE GRACEOF GOD BY LOOKING AT THESE DEER...

SOBER CREATURES OF GOD!!!

(THANKS ABRAHAM G) NEW WORLD

SERVE ONLY GOD: REFLECTION FORWARDED BY PRAYER AID

SERVE ONLY GOD

“We did not heed the voice of the Lord our God in all the words of the prophets whom he sent to us, but we each followed the intent of his own wicked heart by serving other gods and doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord our God.” Baruch 1:21


God is speaking to us through the scriptures, through loved ones, He is speaking to us all the time! Maybe we do not like what He is saying, or we find it difficult to change our view. In humility and faith, let us listen to Him, let us put our thoughts and plans aside and begin to ‘heed the voice’ of our God, and so avoid bringing misery into our lives. Let as ask the Holy Spirit to be sensitive to God’s guidance, and for the strength to obey His Word.

(Thanks to Jane Pimenta; an eye-opener reflection. Superb!) New World

THINKING OF OUR TIME TOGETHER: STORY FORWARDED BY SR ELSIE BABY

ARE YOU AT THE EFFECT OF THE SITUATION?

(Sr.ELSIE Baby: A friend sent me this story:)

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to survive and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean , mother?'
Her mother explained that! Each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were
Unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is
The darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?
How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in.

Life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

May we all be coffee!!!!!!Realize Your Inner Magnificence
the ideas of Dr Ruth Garret.  Republished

THE GOOD NUN: SHORT STORY FORWARDED BY CYNTHIA ABEGAIL

THE GOOD NUN

Whenever I see a nun during my childhood days, I could not help but sigh
a breath of admiration.  In our culture, the nun is a symbol of purity and chastity.
I remembered Sr. Cecilia whom I always bump at the corridor of St Benedict's
chapel.  She is wearing this maxi-cream linen attire as she carries a greenish
pail full of water.  She then greeted me with a very sweet, "Good morning."  I
am quite abashed and sheepishly replied, "Good morning, too Sr. Cecilia.  "What
are you up to today, " asked the petite and charming young nun.  "Sr., I am going
to the chapel to bring some fresh flowers to the Most Sacred heart of Jesus, Blessed
Mother Mary and St Joseph."  Sr Cecilia responded,"Those are crispy, reddish and pink
roses.  Where did you get them?" I replied, I cut these fresh flowers from my tended
garden in the hills of Swan Valley."  Is that where you live?  Sr Cecilia replied stunned!
"O' no, Sr.  I just live close to this area, but my dad has a farm over there.  Early in the
morning!  The Lord, Blessed Mother and St Joseph should be pleased.

After a couple of years, I was blessed to go overseas, but my memories of Sr. Cecilia, the
joyful and modest nun stayed with me.  I send her cards until we lost contact with each
other because of the hectic roles I took in my new-found oases.

In the spring of the fifth year, I was pensive in the garden of the school where I studied.
My meditation was shortened by a sweet, high-pitched voice.  She greeted me, "Hi!  I am
Sr. Lorena, a new student in the graduate school."  I replied, "Good morning Sr Lorena,
pleased to meet you."  I am a third year student in this college and I specialize in biblical
studies."  Sr. Lorena answered, "What a coincidence, I am also taking up a biblical subject
this semester.

Along the semester, Sr. Lorena always bring snacks for me every Tuesday.  I am so shy to
receive this favor, so I started to bring some fruits for her as a compliment.  Our friendship grew
and I can feel her warmth and loving nature.  I have learned that she is a nun of a brilliant caliber.
She is really intelligent, but she is very humble.  She use to ask me to edit her essay, but I promptly
and politely declined and I just say, "This is an excellent one, no need to edit Sr."

What I liked about her is her mission in her home country.  They are feeding young children of orphans and unwedded mothers.  She is soliciting aid from her friends.  I was inspired by her sincere compassion for these children.  I remembered, Sr. Cecilia, my confidante!

Sr Lorena bid me goodbye the following semester, she is going home to establish her mission.  I
resolve to do something, to help in little ways this good nun.  One day, sometime I will see her again.  She may be pleased, I have something for her, for her little children!  Joy filled my heart!  I
called her, Sr Lorena!"  She was back in town.  She replied, "What are you up to now?"  Hmm,
echoes Sr. Cecilia!

Sr Lorena, the good nun is back!  Like an eagle, her mission was accomplished...
Morale:  Goodness come in different forms, either in the consecrated and the lay.  On the other hand, the nuns and priests are consecrated to the Lord!  The lay is also consecrated to the Lord in another way.  (The unity of both is like 'oil running through Aaron's beard.) 

WHEN THE HEART IS FULL OF LOVE

WHEN THE HEART IS FULL OF LOVE

There is beauty in the forest
when the trees are green and fair.
There is beauty in the meadows
when wild flowers scent the air.
There is beauty in the sunlight

And the soft blue beams above.

Oh, the world is full of beauty

When the heart is full of love.

-Author Unknown

CHEERS FROM TAL BONHAM:CYNTHIA ABEGAIL'S COLUMN

Jokes CornerA missionary heard about a native who had five wives.
"You are violating a law of God," said the good missionary.
"So you must tell four of those women they can no longer
live here or consider you their husband."
The native thought a few moments, then said,
"Me wait here. You tell 'em."
******************************
A minister answered his telephone to hear a woman's voice request, "Send six cases of vodka, please."The pastor recognised the voice as that of one of his parishioners. Gently he replied, "I am your minister."He expected an apology by her for dialing the wrong number.Instead she retorted, "What are you doing at the liquor store?"
*****************************************
The evangelist for a country church high up in the mountains was out visiting prospective members one day. He had spotted a house up in a mountain range that required a least a two mile walk.He discovered a man rocking back and forth on the porch."Howdy, friend, my name is Evangelist Jones, What's yours?'"Calloway's the name. What can I do for you?"The minister said, "I would like to ask a few questions.""Shoot! replied the mountaineer."
"Mr. Calloway, have you made peace with God?""Peace with God?" questioned Calloway, Me and God ain't never had no argument!""Mr. Calloway, are you a Christian?""I just told you, my name is Calloway, the Christians live four mountains up the road."Mr. Calloway, I am having a hard time getting through to you. Are you lost?"No I ain't lost. I've been living here all parts of my life!'"Well, Mr Calloway, what I really wanted to know is, are you ready for judgment day?"Judgement Day? When's its going to be?" The young minister replied, "Well, Mr Calloway, it could be today or it could be tomorrow.""Well, land sakes alive, parson, don't tell my wife.She'll want to go both days!"
**************************************
Tal Bonham


Source: The Treasury of Clean Church Jokes

Love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength

Reflection by Maria Cassia

“Jesus answered, “The first is, “Hear O Israel:  The Lord our God, the Lord is one, you shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”  There is no other commandment greater than these.’

———

All of our lives should be based on these pillars of Christianity.  There is a difference between the 1st greatest commandment and the second one.  The first love is one of Worship and Adoration while the second one is filial love.

Still, love God above all!  When one loves God fully and devotedly, the 2nd commandment is easy to follow.  The grace of God being showered on you as you love Him 100 percent, no doubt, no ifs and buts:  you will love your neighbour spontaneously.  Why?  It’s because, only His grace and mercy will provide all the rest that we need.

Relationships are more fruitful if we surrender this area to our Creator.  The grace of unity and friendship with God Almighty binds all with love and blessings as we abide in Him!

This is not a secret but it’s the great truth.  Love the Creator of all things first and foremost.  All things will follow and all will be given unto you.

The others will argue, Love your neighbours first!  No, love God Almighty first.  We love you, God Almighty in your Son Jesus by the grace of Holy Spirit! We love our neighbours too, as You have commanded. Thanks forever and ever.  Amen

ROCKING CHAIRS: STORY FORWARDED BY ABRAHAM G

ROCKING CHAIRS BY ABRAHAM G

I wonder what it would be like if the world had more
rocking chairs? There is a popular restaurant called the
Cracker Barrel that have rocking chairs in front of their
doors for customers to sit and rock while waiting for a table.

Remember when our children were small and we rocked
them when they needed comfort or to help them to go to sleep?
I think I enjoyed the rocking as much as they did.

One thing I remember about the rocking chair times of my
life, is that life slowed down. I had to stop all the rushing
around and stop for a few minutes and just rock. The rocking
chair helped me to enjoy the moments with my children.
I think that my stress also slowed down when I was rocking in the chair.

I just went over and sat in my rocking recliner and I felt like I
was cosying up to a close friend. It felt very comforting; very soft and safe.

I wonder if God has rocking chairs in Heaven? A rocking chair
where I can spend quality time rocking and talking with Him?
Can't you just see our Heavenly Father, sitting in His rocking
chair with a smaller one for us... His child... talking with us?
What a beautiful and safe picture that brings to mind.

I think today, if I need time to de - stress, I will picture myself
crawling up into my heavenly rocking chair and talking to
my Father.Abraham G
(Very nice story; so vivid and the metaphor is excellent). New World

A BEACH IN HAWAII: FREEHDWALLPAPERS

THANKS TO freehdwallpapers!

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY WITH NICE

COLORFUL HUES!!!

 

 

"For the Lord delights in you" Isaiah 62:4

"You shall be no more termed Forsaken and your land shall be no more termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you and your land shall be married.  Isa 62:4

Are there times that we felt that the world has collapsed on us and our heads are at the breaking point of stress.  Problems come, but problems go, too.  It will depend on God's will, on how we pray and how God pour His graces upon us.

No more, no more Forsaken, things had become rosier!  But how?  Believe that it will be!  Remember St Peter who has put all his hope in the Lord.  He was imprisoned as read in the Acts of the Apostles.  What happened?  An Angel of the Lord arrived and released him.  What I meant is when one is always anxious and worried, that person is imprisoned in his own fear, it's paralysing.  Yet, the Lord works in mysterious ways.  God can release you anytime from slavery or any mishap because He delights in you!  He will save you no matter what predicament you are in!  

On the other hand, we have to pray, we have to seek God with all of our hearts, minds and souls.  We have to be on our knees with all humility because we are praying to an Awesome, Almighty God.  We can't succeed casually, we have to be full- time in awe of God.

It is only God's grace that could save man and this world!  We may say, why it's still chaos?  Yes, because not all have done their part.  This is a spiritual battle and all must be ready to align to the loving God.

God delights in you!  When He delights in you, that special bonding occurs in a metaphor of marriage.  It is an ideal state, but what's wrong with ideal?  When people die, they either go that ideal state of bliss or a state of hell.  Yes, my brothers and sisters, what we have now is an imperfect state, but as St John said ,  "We will see Him as He is, because we will be like Him," we would presuppose if we are blessed to go to heaven in the future."

“The hair of your head are numbered:” Reflection by Prayer Aid (Jane Pimenta)

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?  And not one of them is forgotten before God.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows”  Luke 12:6-7

Jesus knows our situation is difficult, yet He asks us not to worry!  He loves us deeply, and intimately, He knows everything about us, He is aware of things in our lives that even we may not be aware of.  I find this very comforting, if in times of worry and anxiety we turn to Him, and surrender the situation to Him, He will lead us in a perfect way.  Let us be quiet and try and understand that God’s love will lead us, and protect us in any and every situation.   “Jesus I surrender everything to you, you take care of it” (We always forget that God provides in all situations, but we simply have to ask!  Thanks Jane for this deep reflection.  Brilliant).  Cynthia Abegail for New World).