Please make a special effort to remember all of the intentions of the St. Blogs community that I cannot gather together here, or that have not been expressed in writing, but rest in the hearts of the writers.
Special Urgent Need
For the people who died in the terrorist attack in Spain, for their families and friends, for all of the wounded and their families and friends, for the people of Madrid who are haunted by this horrendous act, for all of the people of Spain, and for those who would perpetrate such evil that God transform their hearts and minds into those of people befitting the title "Children of God."
Praise
M'Lynn reports that the court case is dismissed and her little one is reacting well to her medication. Keep praying, mothers like M'Lynn need all the reinforcements we can give them to bolster patience, courage, and a maternal heart.
Samuel appears finally to have recovered from his tummy bug.
It appears that Gregory Nemiroff is out of the hospital and doing well. Pleae pray for his continued recovery.
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for Peyton, a classmate of Samuel. She had a seizure last night and went to the emergency room (met mom and dad at the Doctor's the morning)
Please pray for Samuel who now has an ear infection and asthmatic symptoms. It hasn't been a good couple of weeks for the little guy.
For Terry of Summa Mamas, who appear to be contracting "something icky"
A request from Davey's Mom:"Please pray for S. and her newborn baby C., both had problems after the birth and C. is brain damaged and "unlikely to live." S. has three older children."
Please continue to pray for Samuel he seems to be much, much better, but still not quite himself.
For Pansy Moss and her new addition.
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss.
The dreadfully maladjusted T.S. O'Rama finds something risible about a thread going on at Disputations which is striving to knock Haloscan out of orbit without hacking. It is somewhat immodest of me to post this as I am involved in the discussion (at enormous length), but immodesty is the word of the day, and T.S. gave me a laugh. Thank you for noting our attempt at the longest non-political non-vituperative blog-exchange. Please mention us to Guiness next time you meet him.
from On the Passion of Christ According to the Four Evangelists
Thomas á KempisMay Saint Peter's fall and the apostles' flight serve me as a warning against sin rather than be obstacle in my path. Let their return to repentence instill in me the great hope that I too may seek mercy after my own failings; for there is no one so holy that does not sometimes fall into venial sin. If it should happen that I am deserted by friends and acquaintances or am looked upon, by those whom I love, as a stranger and as one who is worthless, then grant me, as a special remedy, to recall your complete desertion and abandonment, that I may readily forego all human consolation, and in some small measure be conformed to you as you undergo your trials.
Gentle Jesus, forgive me for having so often offended you, for so easily turning to vanities, and for not setting my heart on that which I have proposed to do. How often I look back on the amount of time I spent on so many things, all far from important, while I paid no attention to your Passion. You have preceded me along the narrow road, and with eyes dry I pass by as if your sorrows have no effect on me. Remember my foolish heart and instill in it a loving remembrance of your Passion.
It is entirely too easy to forget what Christ has done for us, even as we remember it. We are too easily distracted by the pretty baubles of God's good world, and too easily drawn away by our own trials.
We abandon Jesus for any reason or for no reason at all. We leave at the slightest provocation. We become wrapped up in ourselves and our trials and we forget Him, though we have promised to stay close to Him. We hunker down for Lent and spend perhaps an extra few minutes a week during which we cast Him a passing thought. Is this how we treat "My Life and my All?"
Unfortunately we do so. But, so then did the disciples when he needed someone most of all. Thomas encourages us to take a lesson and hope from this and to allow our wayward selves to tap into God's grace, as did the apostles. Yes, we will stray away, but let us always return to the straight and narrow path trodden out first by Christ and then by His legion of Saints throughout the ages. Let us give ourselves unreservedly to His Glory that it permeate the entire world. Let us make Love live in the hearts and minds of all who surround us through His grace. Let us rely upon grace and carry His light into the world.
Though we stumble and fall, He is there to pick us up as we were not in His dolorous way.
He Is My Heaven
Jennifer Moorcroft
Run out, or over to ICS Publications right now and get this book! I have been blessed more and more by the publications of the Institute--first with Barbara Dent's My Only Friend Is Darkness and now with this wonderful, short, clear biography of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity.
The outlines of Blessed Elizabeth's life are already well-known to many. Her remarkable similarity to and enormously strong differences from her near-contemporary St. Thérèse well-known. Moreover, to fill you in on the details in large part takes away from the surprises and interest of the biography.
I suppose I should say that I am not generally a fan of biographies. And hagiographies bore me nearly to tears. There are remarkable exceptions. Chesterton's concise and moving biographies (more appreciations) of St. Thomas and St. Francis, and others that my feeble mind cannot properly cite at the moment. This book falls into the category of exceptions.
It is brief, but complete. What is particularly nice is that there are extensive excerpts from the writings of Blessed Elizabeth. She didn't leave us with a full-fledged autobiograph á la St. Thérèse, but an extensive batch of letters helps give all the details of her thought and much infomration about her interior life and formation. Moreover the writing is, while not top-notch, certainly workmanlike and serviceable. I was profoundly moved, over and over again as I read about Blessed Elizabeth's life and her painful death (at the age of 26. I must say that it has crossed my mind more than once that being a Carmelite is not conducive to long life--I suppose living in the living flame may tend to burn one out very quickly.)
But do yourself a favor and find out more about this remarkable woman and saint. You can start by knocking on the door of Christine whose site is named for one of Blessed Elizabeth's famous phrases, and Revolution of Love, the authors of which seem to have a special devotion to Blessed Elizabeth.
One of the delights of serving the St. Blogs community is that from time to time, I get very special little gifts. In this case, I was given permission to share the gift with the community and it is truly tremendous. Please express your appreciation to this truly talented poet in the comments box below. And my most Sincere thanks to Father Woolley.
Cor Unum
O lover, pierced with sorrow, crowned with shame,
deign here to be consoled, adored, caressed.
Hide here thy face, a living signet pressed
to willing wax; and I'll, soft, whispering, claim
thee, veiled, my cherished own. Here slake thy flam-
ing thirst, thy wounded head here, cradled, rest,
safe on the flowery meadows of my breast.
Listen -- my heart beats nothing but thy name.Here, in this ardent ground, flower forth thy mys-
teries of crown, cross, chalice, thou blest mart-
yrs' prince, and fire-wine-apple-incense kiss-
es shower on brow, throat, breast till thou, I part-
less die, rest, rise and dowered with boundless bliss
blooms, springs in both our breasts one rose, one heart.Father Deacon John Woolley
There is much too much magnificent about this poem to even begin to delineate. The language is rich (much like my beloved Seventheenth Century--about which you have been spared in recent months), antique, and yet not incomprehensible, but somehow more tangible that much of our modern jabber. There is an intense enjambment (flow from one line to the next without stopping) that creates a dynamic tension of the poem. And what can one say as to the sentiment ultimately expressed. I do not know Father personally, but this certainly sounds like the fruit of spending much time with the Lord.
At any rate, my most sincere thanks, and my prayers that whatever gave rise to this magnificent poem continues to grow and bring the author ever closer to the God so supremely invoked here.
You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be made clean; you will wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
You will make me hear the sound of joy and gladness; the bones you have crushed will rejoice.
Turn your face away from my sins and wipe out all my transgressions;
create a pure heart in me, God, put a steadfast spirit into me.
(Psalm 51)
Please make a special effort to remember all of the intentions of the St. Blogs community that I cannot gather together here, or that have not been expressed in writing, but rest in the hearts of the writers.
Special Urgent Need
For the people who died in the terrorist attack in Spain, for their families and friends, for all of the wounded and their families and friends, for the people of Madrid who are haunted by this horrendous act, for all of the people of Spain, and for those who would perpetrate such evil that God transform their hearts and minds into those of people befitting the title "Children of God."
Praise
It appears that Gregory Nemiroff is out of the hospital and doing well. Pleae pray for his continued recovery.
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
A request from Davey's Mom:"Please pray for S. and her newborn baby C., both had problems after the birth and C. is brain damaged and "unlikely to live." S. has three older children."
Please continue to pray for Samuel he seems to be much, much better, but still not quite himself.
For Pansy Moss and her new addition.
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss.
You know, it's odd. There are days when I really need to "hear" a human voice through the comments box. God makes certain that those days comments are particularly sparse. Yesterday was one of them. I longed to hear someone say something, that something written actually meant something to them. Nothing. So I went over to Disputations and kicked up a fuss that must be spinning the HaloScan dials non-stop. It helped me to take my mind off (momentarily) the nearly constant gnawing fear and worry over Samuel.
But God does this for a reason. I'm supposed to be listening and dependent upon Him. As much as I love you all and appreciate your wonderful prayers and great comments, that isn't what should be barring the gates of worry and fear. What should be my defense is the certain and unshakeable knowledge that God really loves me. He loves me more than words can say, so He took action--He died and redeemed me. He is my rock, my foundation, my fortress, my God in whom I trust. He should be my first line of defense.
But the worry is the cross of the day--it extends into tomorrow and beyond, but I merely need to bring myself back and remember--one step at a time toward His open arms. What happens tomorrow, happens tomorrow. Right now, I need to trust and love Him. I need Him far more than I need blog comments. But that doesn't stop me from longing for a word. And it is that longing, that attachment that I need to learn to curtail by flinging myself into Him open arms and burying myself with Him to rise with Him.
Reiterating Peony's request below and giving it is full importance:
Please remember the victims of the terrorist attack in Madrid (170 dead, 600 wounded).
And the families affected. Pray particularly for the safety of St. Blogs member Jesus and his entire family and circle of friends.
I don't know about you, but this is an aspect of Saints' lives that always bewildered me. God made life beautiful, wonderful, and glorious. Why would we want to go through it suffering for His sake? Wouldn't it be better to glory in it for His sake? To appreciate the good, and treasure it for all that it is, the gift God saw fit to bestow upon us? Yes, I know that we will return home to the Father, and we should look forward to that wonderful day, but should we discourteously dismiss the wonderful gifts that He has given us so that we can suffer more? Is that the way we treat the gifts of our human parents? Box them up and ship them off so that we can do without?
Last night in my reading, I stumbled across this reminder, which I recall from reading St. Thérèse, but needed to hear again.
from He Is My Heaven
Jennifer MoorcroftIt is well worth quoting this remarkable letter [249] in full, if only because of the superb advice it contains. But it also reveals so beautifully Elizabeth's spiritual outlook. It is full of common sense, taking full account of our human weakness and yet at the same time piointng to the heights of holiness. It is completely without self-pity; far from asking "why me?" her utter assurance that she and others are totally loved by God enables her to see purpose and meaning in suffering. But there is no hint of suffering for suffering's sake. Her conversation with Mother Germaine shows the same commonsense approach; if it cannot be avoided, and we have a duty to look after ourselves, then we must use it for his glory. The whole letter is permeated with Scripture, which she mediatated upon and lived. Above all, this was no theory, but only wat she experienced for herself.
As the Buddha pointed out (incorrectly) "All life is suffering." Well, ALL life is not suffering, but even the very best earthly life comes with its share of sorrow, disappointment, and pain. When these cannot be avoided, as Blessed Elizabeth and a great many other Saints teach, they should be embraced and offered up to God. What a great common-sense approach to things.
We will suffer. That is a given. There isn't a single human being who has ever lived that has not suffered. However, we suffer even more when we try to avoid the reality of suffering and spend our time complaining about it and trying to find extraordinary means of fleeing it (drugs, alcohol-abuse, etc.). If there will be suffering, then it seems better to accept this as part of what has come from God to us--a kind of bitter-sweet gift, and offer it back to Him as a share in His own suffering from us.
So when we read about suffering in the Saints, keep this in mind. Most were probably not masochists, but recognized the wonders and the beauties of life. But they also recognized that suffering is the human lot. If it is to happen to us anyway (even after we have taken pains to avoid it) than the best we can do is to offer it back to Jesus after we have cherished it. Rhonda Chervin has a book that examines this called A Kiss from the Cross. One important point to remember is that we needn't go out of our way to make ourselves suffer--this I suppose would be a sin against God's goodness. We have enough suffering in life that we needn't make more for ourselves or for others.
God loves us. Suffering is a fact of our mortal bodies and a consequence of the fall. By accepting that lot and offering it back in some sense we help to redress the upset in balance that resulted from the fall.
And small acts of mortification, small deprivations of God's goods also help us to acknowledge that God is more important to us that these lovely baubles that surround us. Giving up what is good and right for a time, as we do in Lent, we experience some part of that "suffering." If we are "using" it wisely, we are allowing it to change our hearts and our lives so that they are more closely aligned with God's Heart and His vision for our lives.
Suffering is not purposeless, it reminds us of the transcience of the present world, and it acts like a cattle prod to keep our feet moving on the path toward holiness.
Please continue to pray for Samuel, a relapse/continuation found him in the Doctor's Office yesterday receiving IV fluids. He took it like a trooper but it nearly killed mom and dad.
Praise
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us, at least for a time. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
For Pansy Moss and her new addition.
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
Gregory Nemiroff had been released but has subsequently returned to the hospital, please continue and redouble your prayers for this boy and for his family.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For Christine and family as she journeys to Gordon to look at houses
For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace.
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss.
This was a particularly difficult quiz because so many of the answers were so appealing. Thanks to the blogmeister at Transcendence. Now, to be Shakespearean--"Would that it were true."
Congratulations, you're a Seraph! A member of the
highest, or first, choir of angels, you are
purity personified- a being of radiant light
and love so powerful that even other angels
find it difficult to look at you. You stand at
the throne of God, where your primary purpose
is to love Him and express that love through
song.
What Order of Angel Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
T.S. O'Rama directs us to this review of Mitch Albom's bestseller. And while the review is quite accurate and reasonable in both tone and critique, I have to say that I liked the book anyway.
Why might that be? Well, first I didn't take Albom's notion of heaven too seriously. The novel is obviously a parable about "the good [that is ] oft interred with their bones." It's a schmaltzy, touching rehash of It's a Wonderful Life that basically says we're all important to someone. Sometimes we're important in ways that we cannot know while alive.
What has this to do with Heaven? Well, I think that Albom's "Heaven" is actually the vestibule-heaven comes later. While in the antechamber of heaven this is what goes on in Mitch Albom's vision. We receive a notion of our interconnectedness.
I guess I'll say that I never really saw this as heaven, nor do I think that this is the fullness of Albom's vision of heaven. Albom was writing to make a point that should be reiterated every now and again. "No man is a island. . ." etc.
The second reason I liked this so much is that the vision of Heaven offered was at least different from that repugnant self-manufactured paradise of murderers found in Sebold's The Lovely Bones. If the reviewer really wants to be worried about images of spirituality and heaven, here is a good place to direct his attention. Sebold's main character spends her time "making her own heaven." From this heavenly abode she is able to look down upon Earth (and tends to do so obsessively, taking in all the gory details.) Also from this abode, she is conveniently able to commit murder--which is doubly bad because she does not choose to do so until much greater mayhem has occurred.
I read the two relatively close together in time, and so Albom's book, which is obviously metaphorical comes off far better.
By this I mean to say that Albom's book is a engaging piece of fluff, a reminder that we are all important in ways we cannot imagine. This is, in part, because we all serve in God's plan of salvation for the human race.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David,
as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages:
to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers. . . (Luke 1)
Praise
Samuel finally seems to be on the mend, and Mom apparently didn't have too bad a bout with the bug. Thanks for all your prayers, please continue them.
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us, at least for a time. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
For Pansy Moss and her new addition.
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
Gregory Nemiroff had been released but has subsequently returned to the hospital, please continue and redouble your prayers for this boy and for his family.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For Christine and family as she journeys to Gordon to look at houses
For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace.
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss.
Sorry, I'm on a Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity kick, and if you would get the book from ICS and read it, you'd see why. In the meantime, let me tell you the immediate cause of my enthusiasm:
from He Is My Heaven
Jennifer Moorcraft"Pray that I might have his passion for God and for souls," asked Elizabeth, "for a Carmelite must be an apostle." The Carmelite prays and strives for the closest possible union with God, not simply for her own holiness and salvation; she is aware that the more she is living in Christ, the more powerful she is in her prayer for others. Just as evil can pollute and corrupt, even more so goodness and holiness can transform.
Oh, how powerful over souls is the apostle who remains always at the Spring of living waters; then he can overflow without his soul ever becoming empty, since he lives in communion with the Infinite!. . .Let us be wholly His, Monsieur l'Abbé, let us be flooded with His divine essence, that He may be the Life of our life, the Soul of our soul, and we may consciously remain night and day under His divine action. (L 124)
As Tom promised a little while ago, he has begun to comment on Abbot Vonier, and I recommend his comments to your attention. (You may need to scroll down as direct linking seems to be on the fritz right now--it's the post with A Key in the title).
Then make a point of reading all the posts above the one indicated and remembering to thank God in prayer that we have such a one in the community of St. Blogs. Tom is an immeasurable treasure (don't tell him I told you) and we are indeed fortunate that he is generous enough to share his gifts with us. Last Lent, I think he went on a blogging break and I just about went insane--a good thing Dylan was around at the time.
And speaking of Dylan--make certain you all are mentioning him every single day. We got Karen back through prayer, and now I want Dylan back, and if I don't get what I want, I will, like the Carmelite I am, sit down and pray about it some more. May not change God's mind, but it sure makes me feel a lot better.
A very fine, it seems quite fair analysis of the St. Blogs community. (via Sursum Corda) While the person writing seems to intimate that traditionalism is largely a "negative response" to a perceived problem, much of what she has to say about the community is both fair and clear-sighted. It's refreshing to have an outside viewpoint. And equally refreshing is to find someone who ventured so far and wide within the community. She doesn't refer to everyone by name, but it is evident that she has seen a fair share of what we do here, and perhaps we would do well to consider her point about St. Blogs as evangelism.
Y'all just must spend some time with her. See this quote:
from He Is My Heaven
Jennifer MoorcroftMay Christ bring us into those depths, those abysses where one lives only by Him. Would you like to be united to your little sister in order to become wholly loving, wholly listening, wholly adoring?
To love, to love all the time, to live by love, that is, to be surrendered. (L125)
It really is only one step, but the really hard part is the preliminaries where God prepares you for the step. Our prayer is to Love God and to be Love for God here in the world. As St. Teresa of Avila can be paraphrased, "In the end it is not how much we know, it is how much we love that we shall be judged by." And by "how much," I take St. Teresa to mean both in quantitative (how often it is expressed) and qualitative (the actions by which it is expressed) mode. Some express their love in song and prayer and silence, others express it through strong refutation of error, counsel, and preaching, still others through hospitality. There is no end to the expression of love of God, and it is absolutely necessary for each of us to pursue through grace that end of loving in the particular way that God desires for us. For if we choose to love as we choose, then we do not really love at all.
Via Transcendence--this enormously important personality test.
I came out a Beaver. Don't know what it means, but they are cute, generally pleasant, and very very mysterious, so I guess it's better than a Wolverine.
Okay, don't be too hasty in reading that title and jumping to a conclusion. I didn't say "the only" nor do I mean to imply that this is necesarily the very best; however, I do think it is much more necessary than many people seem to think. My nomination for one important prayer that everyone should say hundreds, if not thousands of times a day: "Thy will Lord, not mine."
Why? Well consider this:
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Now look at the checklist:
patient
kind
not jealous
not pompous
not self-seeking
not quick-tempered
not brooding over injurices,
not rejoicing in wrongdoing
rejoicing in truth
bears all things
believes all things
hopes all things
endures all things
never fails.
Well our prayer pretty much fits the bill-in every particular. In order to pray it and mean it, the attitudes exemplified in this paean to love must be present. And even if we pray it, not really meaning it, but hoping that it may become the truth, then we plant the seed through our prayer, and through grace it will blossom.
To live the Christian live, we need to live God's real life in us. To do this we need to be obedient to His perfect will. And finally to do this, we must Love Him. So constant reminder and pleading for God's will is an inducement to a true love of God. True love of God is the only way to live life. Constant communion and communication with Him is the only desirable goal. To be constantly in His presence is to taste Heaven on Earth.
So one necessary prayer to encourage the humility and patience necessary for growth in the Lord: "Thy will Lord, not mine."
from He Is My Heaven: The Life of Elizabeth of the Trinity
Jennifer MoorcroftLet us live with God as with a friend, let us make our faith a living faith in order to be in communion with Him through everything, for that is what makes saints. We possess our Heaven within us, since He who satisfies the hunger of the glorified in the light of vision gives Himself to us in faith and mystery, it is the Same One! It seems to me that I have found my Heaven on earth, since Heaven is God, and God is [in] my soul. The day I unsterstood that everything became clear to me.For Elizabeth, this was not just a lovely spiritual idea, once she understood it, she lived it with unrelenting persistance, as she said herself, it was how saints were made. It was a way that was typical for her, since there was no dividing line between her spiritual life and her everyday life. In her letter to Guite [stevenote: Elizabeth's sister] Elizabeth went on to reassure her family, who were worried by the thought of the hard Lenten observance in Carmel: "Lent isn't tiring me; I don't even notice it, and then I have a good little Mother who watches over me with a quite maternal heart" (L 109).
And so we have a synthesis of Carmelite teaching. Live with God as with a friend in constant conversation, listening more than speaking; and make your faith a living faith. Perhaps this might be said to BE faith alive. That is when people look at your life they see the fire burning there, the faith that is the love of God shining forth. This should show forth not from what you say, nor even necessarily from what you do, but in how you go about it.
I think of it as the spiritual equivalent for Faith of what Audrey Hepburn was for sophistication, class, and beauty. She didn't need to preach classiness or sophistication--it was simply who she was. And reports have it that part of that may have been because of her faith. But when people look at us, as we conduct ourselves even virtually, they should see the constant striving to make real the presence of God within and among us. They should see living faith. And this only becomes possible when the most important thing in the world is a passionate, all-consuming love of God and desire for His will alone.
For some reason, this did not take this morning. (Later, I see what happened, I accidentally edited yesterday's entry and saved that.) Please forgive me. Please continue prayers for Samuel who was not doing as well as I would like and add Linda to your prayers, she appears to be coming down with the virus.
Praise
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us, at least for a time. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
Gregory Nemiroff had been released but has subsequently returned to the hospital, please continue and redouble your prayers for this boy and for his family.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For Christine and family as she journeys to Gordon to look at houses
For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace.
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.
This just in from Smockmomma:
Kirsten, "SpecialK" of the Summa Mamas, delivered her fourth child, Sophia Claire, this morning. There were no complications and Mommy and Baby are both doing well.
And a name like "Luminous Wisdom" bodes well for the young 'un. Praise God for His endless mercies.
For those of you using a palm, you should run, not walk over to THIS Freeware Palm page to get 'The Virtual Rosary." The original versions were very nice, but what makes this exceptional is that you can choose language--Latin, English, French, German, Spanish, Tagalog, Dutch and a few others--as well as what kinds of verses you want included for meditation and reflection--"Verses of Virtue", "Scriptural Rosary," Scripture, Mudjegorje (sorry, I always mess up that spelling). Anyway, it's free and it's fantastic. The new version includes the luminous mysteries and some verses to be mediation starters. I have found this a tremendously helpful devotional aid and recommend it highly. Now, I just hope the person who did the Stations of the Cross updates it for hi-rez palms.
Sorry for the lateness of this today, expect light blogging
Praise
Karen Marie Knapp has returned to us, at least for a time. Pray for her continued recovery.
Prayer Requests
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
For Samuel, who has a tummy bug, and for his parents who have had no sleep.
From Therese a request for Mark Cotter,SF0, 50, just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He has 2 children still in school.
Gregory Nemiroff had been released but has subsequently returned to the hospital, please continue and redouble your prayers for this boy and for his family.
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For Kathy in her trials
For Christine and family as she journeys to Gordon to look at houses
For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace.
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.
For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.
For Dylan's return to health and return to us.
For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.
For some recent concerns of my own
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim
For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light
For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.
(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(4)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.