Monday, December 12, 2011
'A BABY IS GOD'S WAY OF SAYING THAT LIFE SHOULD GO ON'
.Twenty eight years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child, I saw this quote on a little plaque. My pregnancy was unplanned and extremely stressful as I was not yet married to my son's father. So this little plaque was especially meaningful to me and I bought it for "Terry's" room. This quote seems to be coming to mind as I prepare this year for Christmas. I've been thinking about how the message was not only true, but powerful in my own life as a mother. I didn't grow up thinking I was a princess as many young girls do, dreaming about a wedding and children and happily ever after. I felt strong, independent, full of life, plans and ideas. After years of that independence, I became a mother. Don't get me wrong, I was happy and excited about the baby, just afraid. But the graces I received through this child and the other two beautiful children I was blessed with, Eric and Dana, are immeasurable. Even from the child I miscarried, Joseph Anthony, I continue to receive and give love. Those babies were pure love and innocence, and their dependence upon me was so natural, exciting, and strengthening. A child is a sign of hope and proof of God's miraculous plan. I could go on forever about each my children, how beautiful and unique each one is - the great times and the struggles - every day another new start, sharing my life intimately. But as we approach Christmas, I keep thinking about how a baby changes everything in your life. We celebrate baby Jesus coming every year. His coming into our lives personally changes everything. He opened heaven back up to every person ever born or ever will be born. He is that pure innocence we are gifted with and is part of our family. We have the same bloodline, just like our own children. That relationship is so strong. He changes us, gives us hope, helps us realize the goodness in others and even in ourselves. In a way, he depends upon us like our babies did. He depends upon us to just be open to Him, just love Him and be loved by Him - just like our babies - no expectations or judgement. Some people equate that unconditional relationship with animals. Animals are surely a reflection of that but I think we sometimes recognize it in them because we have been so let down and hurt by people. All of creation is a reflection of God's beauty and power. It is all a gift to let us know joy and help us through this life. The greatest gift can come to us every day in the Eucharist. The greatest gift, as we celebrate every Christmas, is baby Jesus. These reflections are a blessing to me and I hope to you. Let's think of baby Jesus, treat Him tenderly and RECEIVE Him in that pure way this year. A baby changes things - Thank God.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Your Face
When I finally get to see you face to face,
will I recognize you?
Do you look like the man, woman, or child I saw today?
Will you have sadness in your eyes, or complete delight?
Will I be able to cast my gaze on you, or turn away in guilt?
Will your shine lighten me and take away my fears?
I wonder what we will feel for each other when our eyes meet.
I seek to know you and grow closer each day but know it will all change when I see your face.
It will be a love like the first time I saw my newborn childrens' faces.
I carried them, dreamed about what they would look and be like, but it all changed to pure joy and love when I saw their faces.
Lord, I am not ready or worthy, but I long to see Your face.
will I recognize you?
Do you look like the man, woman, or child I saw today?
Will you have sadness in your eyes, or complete delight?
Will I be able to cast my gaze on you, or turn away in guilt?
Will your shine lighten me and take away my fears?
I wonder what we will feel for each other when our eyes meet.
I seek to know you and grow closer each day but know it will all change when I see your face.
It will be a love like the first time I saw my newborn childrens' faces.
I carried them, dreamed about what they would look and be like, but it all changed to pure joy and love when I saw their faces.
Lord, I am not ready or worthy, but I long to see Your face.
Friday, October 21, 2011
When?
.When we open the door coming home
Let's thank God that we have a place to call home
and pray for for those who have none or are losing theirs
and vow to help the homeless and ask God to show us how
When we go to a job we know will be hard
Let's thank God that we have a way to earn a living
and pray for those who have no job or are losing theirs
and vow to offer help any way we can even if it's just lending a hand
When we spend time with family and friends
Let's thank God for the true blessings they are
and pray for the lonely or those who feel unloved
and vow to reach out and spend time really listening
When we delight in receiving Jesus at Mass
Let's thank God for the true faith imparted to us
and pray for those who are missing out on this grace
and vow to share that faith and invite someone to Mass
When we awake each morning and welcome the day
Let's thank God for our lives and the time he gives us
and pray for those who will die today and souls in purgatory
and vow to make the most of each day for His purpose
When? When can these needs be fulfilled? When?
When will human suffering end? When?
When we are our brothers keeper and live as true
children of the same Father can we live more in His peace.
I pray I will see the next opportunity WHEN I can thank, pray and serve
Will you ask WHEN with me?
Let's thank God that we have a place to call home
and pray for for those who have none or are losing theirs
and vow to help the homeless and ask God to show us how
When we go to a job we know will be hard
Let's thank God that we have a way to earn a living
and pray for those who have no job or are losing theirs
and vow to offer help any way we can even if it's just lending a hand
When we spend time with family and friends
Let's thank God for the true blessings they are
and pray for the lonely or those who feel unloved
and vow to reach out and spend time really listening
When we delight in receiving Jesus at Mass
Let's thank God for the true faith imparted to us
and pray for those who are missing out on this grace
and vow to share that faith and invite someone to Mass
When we awake each morning and welcome the day
Let's thank God for our lives and the time he gives us
and pray for those who will die today and souls in purgatory
and vow to make the most of each day for His purpose
When? When can these needs be fulfilled? When?
When will human suffering end? When?
When we are our brothers keeper and live as true
children of the same Father can we live more in His peace.
I pray I will see the next opportunity WHEN I can thank, pray and serve
Will you ask WHEN with me?
Monday, October 10, 2011
Repetitive Prayer Can Reset Your Stress Thermostat
This is a reprint of an article dated 11/17/2006 in the Diocese of Covington Messenger. It was written by Agostino Bono and was added as a supplement to the Messenger from Mr. Bono's story through Catholic News Service. I have copied this article and given it out to others as well as referred to some of the information while promoting the rosary. It seems that science is catching up with the benefits of praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary - benefits and blessings many Catholics have realized for many years. One of the aspects of my St. Gerard Majella Prolife/Prayer project is distributing and promoting the rosary. I can make my prayer sheets available to you in quantities as well as possible connections of large quantities of cord/mission rosaries for distribution to your parish, community, or group of friends and family. I have found no surer means outside of the Eucharist in growing in my faith than the powerful rosary. My hope is that you can appeal to people to try the daily rosary with information from this article and help me share this powerful tool and weapon against evil with many. It helps me everyday as a little twenty minute respite from the hectic world and calms my body, mind and spirit. It can do the same for you!
Are you all stressed out? Try a few prayers and some meditation. How about reciting a few decades of the rosary?
If you are a believer, your faith may well contain the tools to combat stress and in the process improve your chances of living longer.
Stress, a scourge to psychological health, cuts into physical health by aging the body's cells and their ability to reproduce. It also causes hormone rushes that can cripple the body's chemistry.
Health care professionals dealing with stress-related problems note that there is no preventive stress medicine. Stress is a part of life. The health issue is how people deal with stress to minimize the harmful effects.
"Managing stress" is the term often used, and it involves techniques for letting go of the stress rather than internalizing it.
In terms of letting go, "I can't overemphasize the importance of the early training of Catholics in prayer," said Dr. Herbert Benson, who specializes in stress-related illnesses.
Prayer repetition is a relaxation technique that helps people disregard thoughts that cause stress and the harmful physical consequences produced, said Benson, director of the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Chestnut Hill, Mass., and a Harvard University associate professor of medicine.
People who are not religious can repeat muscular movements, words meaningful to them or sounds such as in chanting, he said. Relaxation techniques have been used for thousands of years in different cultures, Benson added.
It's a question of finding the repetition techniques that have meaning in a person's culture, he said.
"In the West, for Catholics nothing beats the rosary," said Benson, who is Jewish.
Stress occurs when people are in a situation that requires them to change behavior patterns, he said. "Stress evokes a flight response. It prepares you for running or fighting," Benson said.
Physically, blood pressure rises, the heart beats faster and brain waves speed up, he said. These are the results of hormones rushing into use, he explained.
"Repetition breaks the train of everyday thoughts that can cause stress, like worrying about an accident, losing money or worrying that there is a terrorist ahead," he said. It's not even necessary to repeat the entire "Hail Mary" prayer, he said. "Just repeat - Hail Mary full of grace - over and over. When a stressful thought or situation arises, say "Oh well" and repeat the prayer," he said.
A repetition technique "allows us to tap into the inborn capacity we have to combat stress," said Benson. "For a religious person, this is contact with God." For a nonreligious person, a repetition technique is a way to get in contact with processes within them derived from evolution, he added.
These techniques DECREASE METABOLISM, LOWER THE HEART BEAT AND QUIET DOWN THE BRAIN," he said.
Benson cites research showing that stress releases a hormone, norepinephrine, that can cause or worsen existing diseases (such as circulatory illnesses and infertility), while relaxation techniques RELEASE NITRIC OXIDE, WHICH COUNTERACTS THE HORMONE.
Good health care has three components: medicine, surgery and self-care, said Benson. "There are no drugs or surgery to counteract stress," he said. It comes down to self-care, and for believers spirituality is an important part, he added.
Benson suggested daily relaxation techniques for about 10-20 minutes to keep the nitric oxide flowing.
"Get up. Shower. Breathe slowly, and say "Hail Mary," Benson said.
But does all this really prolong life instead of just getting people through a momentary crisis? Apparently YES, answered Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Project and a Boston University associate professor of medicine.
His centenarian project is a nationwide study of people 100 years old or older and their children.
"A very large percentage of centenarians are religious, so it makes you wonder if religion helps manage stress," he said. "Religion gives you a global view. You don't sweat the small stuff," said Perls.
"Prayer, meditation, breathing right - these help RESET YOUR THERMOSTAT," he said.
Perls was organizing a study to investigate the role of religion and spirituality in longevity.
Meanwhile, science is establishing links between stress and aging.
Perls cited new research showing that the constant stress suffered by women with chronically ill children was causing the tiny caps of their cells' chromosomes to shrink. These cells are called telomeres, and when they become too short the cells become "older," stop multiplying and eventually die."
**** So there you have it, more evidence of only good things coming from praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary daily. Actually, many miracles have been attributed to it as well as promises attached to those who pray it.
I would love for my apostolate to grow and for me to be available to work on it full-time. If you would like to sponsor me - I came up with an idea. Many people participate in walks, etc. to raise money for causes and research. Much of that money goes to administration, etc. I am asking for anyone who would like to sponsor me, to pledge some amount per hour of work. Any money donated goes directly to time I am working to further prolife/prayer/homeless, etc. projects. More information about the apostolate can be found in posts here at www.savebabies-savesouls.blogspot.com. Additional money is needed at times for printing and supplies for mothers and for the homeless but much of that is donated. If interested, contact me at sharoncecil2005@yahoo.com. Please pray for my apostolate and for all those it touches.
The power of the rosary - changes lives and leads us closer to God.
Are you all stressed out? Try a few prayers and some meditation. How about reciting a few decades of the rosary?
If you are a believer, your faith may well contain the tools to combat stress and in the process improve your chances of living longer.
Stress, a scourge to psychological health, cuts into physical health by aging the body's cells and their ability to reproduce. It also causes hormone rushes that can cripple the body's chemistry.
Health care professionals dealing with stress-related problems note that there is no preventive stress medicine. Stress is a part of life. The health issue is how people deal with stress to minimize the harmful effects.
"Managing stress" is the term often used, and it involves techniques for letting go of the stress rather than internalizing it.
In terms of letting go, "I can't overemphasize the importance of the early training of Catholics in prayer," said Dr. Herbert Benson, who specializes in stress-related illnesses.
Prayer repetition is a relaxation technique that helps people disregard thoughts that cause stress and the harmful physical consequences produced, said Benson, director of the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Chestnut Hill, Mass., and a Harvard University associate professor of medicine.
People who are not religious can repeat muscular movements, words meaningful to them or sounds such as in chanting, he said. Relaxation techniques have been used for thousands of years in different cultures, Benson added.
It's a question of finding the repetition techniques that have meaning in a person's culture, he said.
"In the West, for Catholics nothing beats the rosary," said Benson, who is Jewish.
Stress occurs when people are in a situation that requires them to change behavior patterns, he said. "Stress evokes a flight response. It prepares you for running or fighting," Benson said.
Physically, blood pressure rises, the heart beats faster and brain waves speed up, he said. These are the results of hormones rushing into use, he explained.
"Repetition breaks the train of everyday thoughts that can cause stress, like worrying about an accident, losing money or worrying that there is a terrorist ahead," he said. It's not even necessary to repeat the entire "Hail Mary" prayer, he said. "Just repeat - Hail Mary full of grace - over and over. When a stressful thought or situation arises, say "Oh well" and repeat the prayer," he said.
A repetition technique "allows us to tap into the inborn capacity we have to combat stress," said Benson. "For a religious person, this is contact with God." For a nonreligious person, a repetition technique is a way to get in contact with processes within them derived from evolution, he added.
These techniques DECREASE METABOLISM, LOWER THE HEART BEAT AND QUIET DOWN THE BRAIN," he said.
Benson cites research showing that stress releases a hormone, norepinephrine, that can cause or worsen existing diseases (such as circulatory illnesses and infertility), while relaxation techniques RELEASE NITRIC OXIDE, WHICH COUNTERACTS THE HORMONE.
Good health care has three components: medicine, surgery and self-care, said Benson. "There are no drugs or surgery to counteract stress," he said. It comes down to self-care, and for believers spirituality is an important part, he added.
Benson suggested daily relaxation techniques for about 10-20 minutes to keep the nitric oxide flowing.
"Get up. Shower. Breathe slowly, and say "Hail Mary," Benson said.
But does all this really prolong life instead of just getting people through a momentary crisis? Apparently YES, answered Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Project and a Boston University associate professor of medicine.
His centenarian project is a nationwide study of people 100 years old or older and their children.
"A very large percentage of centenarians are religious, so it makes you wonder if religion helps manage stress," he said. "Religion gives you a global view. You don't sweat the small stuff," said Perls.
"Prayer, meditation, breathing right - these help RESET YOUR THERMOSTAT," he said.
Perls was organizing a study to investigate the role of religion and spirituality in longevity.
Meanwhile, science is establishing links between stress and aging.
Perls cited new research showing that the constant stress suffered by women with chronically ill children was causing the tiny caps of their cells' chromosomes to shrink. These cells are called telomeres, and when they become too short the cells become "older," stop multiplying and eventually die."
**** So there you have it, more evidence of only good things coming from praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary daily. Actually, many miracles have been attributed to it as well as promises attached to those who pray it.
I would love for my apostolate to grow and for me to be available to work on it full-time. If you would like to sponsor me - I came up with an idea. Many people participate in walks, etc. to raise money for causes and research. Much of that money goes to administration, etc. I am asking for anyone who would like to sponsor me, to pledge some amount per hour of work. Any money donated goes directly to time I am working to further prolife/prayer/homeless, etc. projects. More information about the apostolate can be found in posts here at www.savebabies-savesouls.blogspot.com. Additional money is needed at times for printing and supplies for mothers and for the homeless but much of that is donated. If interested, contact me at sharoncecil2005@yahoo.com. Please pray for my apostolate and for all those it touches.
The power of the rosary - changes lives and leads us closer to God.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Consider joining iCatholic!
You can network with awesome prolife Catholics on www.iCatholic.com. Join today and add me as a friend. I have additional pro-life/prayer posts there.
I consider it a priviledge to be a member of the Catholic Church which Jesus Christ founded. With that priviledge, comes the responsibility to be united with my brothers and sisters to further God's life and soul saving plan. There are so many hurting people in the world today, let's lighten the load for each other through prayer and witness! If you have any projects you would like me to participate in or share, contact me at sharoncecil2005@yahoo.com or comment here.
I think about what all of the generations before me did that allowed me to be part of God's Church on earth today. Thank you Lord for their faith and may I be worthy to help ensure it to future generations.
We CAN save babies-save souls!
I consider it a priviledge to be a member of the Catholic Church which Jesus Christ founded. With that priviledge, comes the responsibility to be united with my brothers and sisters to further God's life and soul saving plan. There are so many hurting people in the world today, let's lighten the load for each other through prayer and witness! If you have any projects you would like me to participate in or share, contact me at sharoncecil2005@yahoo.com or comment here.
I think about what all of the generations before me did that allowed me to be part of God's Church on earth today. Thank you Lord for their faith and may I be worthy to help ensure it to future generations.
We CAN save babies-save souls!
Save Babies - Save Souls
Below is my initial blog outlining the mission of this apostolate. Please check out the "older posts" for additional prolife resources.
Save babies - Save souls
I have an apostolate called St. Gerard Majella Prolife Prayer Project. It has many components, but it starts with prayer. I have found the rosary to be such a powerful prayer tool and want to share it's benefits with others. It has a calming psyiological affect because of the rhytmn and because you are meditating on the mysteries of Jesus' life and praying for specific virtues on each decade, the prayer is focued. This focus allows God to put different people in mind for intentions based on what they might be going through, or show me a reflection of Jesus' life I did not have before. The beauty and power of these mysteries is infinite. Here is just one example, when I am praying the sorrowful mysteries and get to the third decade of the crowning of thorns (virtue focus is courage), I might think of Jesus' head with the crown of thorns and pray for all those suffering from mental anquish, depression, brain cancer, eye problems, etc) These prayers bring me so much peace and take my mind off of my own problems, giving God the control to work miracles in people's lives and give them strength to carry their own crosses as well as me carry my own. People of all ages need something to hold on to during difficult and joyous times in their lives and I want to give them the rosary. My original work included providing rosary packets to parishes that included the prayer sheet I made up regarding how to pray the rosary (some people do not remember exactly how to do it or noncatholics can learn) - it included the virtue prayed for during each decade which really helps to focus. I always feel that even if God's will is not the specific thing we are asking for, it is definitely His will to help me grow in these virtues. IT IS VERY EMPOWERING! My goal is for the priests to announce this distribution but more importantly, to share with the parishoners of all ages, about the power and benefits of the rosary in reaching personal potential to feel God's love fully and sharing this with the world. This will strengthen the parish over time and I feel, could save a life. There might be a young person contemplating suicide sitting in the pew and this could be just the small piece of hope they need to hear. It could benefit the sick or lonely - any trial is lightened with prayer and hope, especially knowing that you have a faith family that really believes in God's power!
The next step in this project is for the parish to enlist the patron saint of the parish for intercession and introduce or reintroduce the parishoners to the saint, their gifts and mission. The church's are not named after a particular saint for no reason. That saint can come alive and produce those same virtuous results in their parish today. Book/discusssion groups about the saint is a great way to involve people in the parish life, especially teens. I like to put a quote from that saint in the bulletin every week just to perk the interest in them. Blessed medals of the saint can be distributed, novenas started, and celebrations of their feast days honored.
This is just the first couple of steps in my apostolate - I will write more each day. You will see, the prolife aspects unfold as well as personal sanctity strived for. We can change our world - give people hope - love and respect everyone from conception until natural death - and defeat the evil forces in our world with hope and trust in God.
Save babies - Save souls
I have an apostolate called St. Gerard Majella Prolife Prayer Project. It has many components, but it starts with prayer. I have found the rosary to be such a powerful prayer tool and want to share it's benefits with others. It has a calming psyiological affect because of the rhytmn and because you are meditating on the mysteries of Jesus' life and praying for specific virtues on each decade, the prayer is focued. This focus allows God to put different people in mind for intentions based on what they might be going through, or show me a reflection of Jesus' life I did not have before. The beauty and power of these mysteries is infinite. Here is just one example, when I am praying the sorrowful mysteries and get to the third decade of the crowning of thorns (virtue focus is courage), I might think of Jesus' head with the crown of thorns and pray for all those suffering from mental anquish, depression, brain cancer, eye problems, etc) These prayers bring me so much peace and take my mind off of my own problems, giving God the control to work miracles in people's lives and give them strength to carry their own crosses as well as me carry my own. People of all ages need something to hold on to during difficult and joyous times in their lives and I want to give them the rosary. My original work included providing rosary packets to parishes that included the prayer sheet I made up regarding how to pray the rosary (some people do not remember exactly how to do it or noncatholics can learn) - it included the virtue prayed for during each decade which really helps to focus. I always feel that even if God's will is not the specific thing we are asking for, it is definitely His will to help me grow in these virtues. IT IS VERY EMPOWERING! My goal is for the priests to announce this distribution but more importantly, to share with the parishoners of all ages, about the power and benefits of the rosary in reaching personal potential to feel God's love fully and sharing this with the world. This will strengthen the parish over time and I feel, could save a life. There might be a young person contemplating suicide sitting in the pew and this could be just the small piece of hope they need to hear. It could benefit the sick or lonely - any trial is lightened with prayer and hope, especially knowing that you have a faith family that really believes in God's power!
The next step in this project is for the parish to enlist the patron saint of the parish for intercession and introduce or reintroduce the parishoners to the saint, their gifts and mission. The church's are not named after a particular saint for no reason. That saint can come alive and produce those same virtuous results in their parish today. Book/discusssion groups about the saint is a great way to involve people in the parish life, especially teens. I like to put a quote from that saint in the bulletin every week just to perk the interest in them. Blessed medals of the saint can be distributed, novenas started, and celebrations of their feast days honored.
This is just the first couple of steps in my apostolate - I will write more each day. You will see, the prolife aspects unfold as well as personal sanctity strived for. We can change our world - give people hope - love and respect everyone from conception until natural death - and defeat the evil forces in our world with hope and trust in God.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Prayer Partners
Would you become a prayer partner with me in Saint Gerard Majella Prolife Prayer Project? I had a a little seven year old neighbor named Mark who brought me back a license plate from a vacation that said Prayer Changes Things. Let's keep up that innocent faith of children and believe in this power. My apostolate is at a stage where it may be possible for me to work at it full time. Please become a follower and prayer partner today and invite others! Many of the features of the work are in the earlier posts and if you know of any parish or group that would like to benefit, please contact me. I can't wait to see where God will use me next!
Miscarriage
I lost a baby to miscarriage in 1995. In prayer, I felt the baby was a boy and I named him Joseph Anthony. I found a prayer which I am sharing below that helped me a lot. I hope it will also be of comfort for anyone who also lost a child to miscarriage. Please share this with others either from the blog or by ordering the cards from link. I did not get to baptize my child or have a burial option I guess because I was only 12 weeks along but this should not have made any difference. I would love to support any work any of you may want to do to promote these changes in hospitals. My apostolate is evolving and the projects are varied. Please pray for my work that doors may open to reach many in these various ways. Miscarriage Prayer by Mother M. Angelica My Lord, the baby is dead! Why, my Lord --dare I ask why? It will not hear the whisper of the wind or see the beauty of its parents' face --it will not see the beauty of Your creation or the flame of a sunrise. Why, my Lord? Why, My child -- do you ask "why?" Well, I will tell you why. You see, the child lives. Instead of the wind, he hears the sound on angels singing before My throne. Instead of the beauty that passes, he sees everlasting Beauty -- he sees My face. He was created and lived a short time so the image of his parents imprinted on his face may stand before Me as their personal intercessor. He knows secrets of heaven unknown to men on earth. he laughs with a special joy that only the innocent possess. My ways are not the ways of man. I create for My Kingdom that could not be filled by another. He was created for My joy and his parents' merits. He has never seen pain or sin. He has never felt hunger or pain. I breathed a soul and into a seed, made it grow and called it forth. I am humbled before You, my Lord, for questioning Your wisdom, goodness, and love. I speak as a fool -- forgive me. I acknowledge Your sovereign rights over life and death. I thank You for the life that began for so short a time to enjoy so long an Eternity. This can be obtained from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, Birmingham, Alabama www.ewtn.com for a small donation.
Friday, April 1, 2011
you really matter to me
We did not see your face here on earth---- you did not get God's gift of birth---- Someone decided you should not be---- but someone cares about you - it's me---- So as you wait in the palm of His hand---- pray for all the others in our Godless land---- That there may soon come a day---- When we cherish new life and say---- God is love and He made each one---- for His special purpose under the sun.---- So hold on tight and you will see---- How much you really matter to me
Friday, March 4, 2011
A Little Bird Told Me
A Little Bird Told Me
By Sharon C. 2011-02-14 . About sixteen years ago, I sat in a waiting room under serious conditions. My painful path had led me closer to God in so many ways, but this particular sign from Him is one of the sweetest - to this day.
I agonized over the meeting I was to have and silently pleaded with God to show me what He wanted me to do. I looked up and saw a painting of red birds. I've always loved them but they really had no special significance to me. There was though, just a slight lightening of my spirit. The meeting brought about even more challenges regarding decisions I needed to make. A couple of days passed and in my ongoing trials, feeling overwhelmed, I saw a cardinal fly across my car windshield. It was a little nudge that seemed to show me that God knew my heart and wanted to brighten my way. Over those years, I actually didn't see many cardinals but when I did, it was at a particular time when hope was so needed. I liked to think that this was our special little sign. No words, just beauty, life, movement, and mostly hope. Those little red birds told me that I was important. Their presence told me that I was loved. They told me that God would never abandon me and that He would always show me a way. That way was also to include simple pleasures and even joy. I smile every time I see one and for many years now, have a birdfeeder right outside my kitchen window. I watch them everyday and truly enjoy the simple pleasure of their visits.
Well I guess today I am ready to share that special little sign that I felt was between God and me. The next time you see one, think of the magnitude that our Lord loves you. He gave everything to make it possible for us to be with Him eternally. He guides us and gives us gifts both large and small, every day. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life and each time you see one of these little red birds, smile and realize His love is even in the details!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
One Million Rosaries
Please join me in participating in and encouraging others to participate in www.Saintmichaelthearchangelorganization.org. It is an international event to pledge praying the rosary to end abortion with the awesome goal of one million rosaries prayed in unity. You will be able to quickly pledge to pray. This year, the event is over three days in May. Check back frequently as they also do novena of masses for the intentions of saving children from abortion. These activities are easy to bring to the attention of your parish community, friends and family to not only be part of the group praying, but to gain so many graces for each other.
I have personally experienced miraculous answers to prayer by praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary. We CAN see miraculous intervention for countless unborn children.
I have personally experienced miraculous answers to prayer by praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary. We CAN see miraculous intervention for countless unborn children.
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