tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660966582030985862024-03-14T06:48:53.743-05:00Scripture4YouUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-14612501050460058432017-08-20T17:43:00.000-05:002017-08-20T17:43:05.919-05:00Scraps<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Isaiah 56:1, 6-7~~~ Psalm 67 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 ~~~ Matthew 15:21-28 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus believes that what comes from your mouth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
originates first in the heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 15:18)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus knowing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that she would most likely be turned away </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or at least ignored.</div>
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But still she calls out to Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The apostles wanted her calls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to fall on deaf ears, but Jesus clearly hears her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">My daughter is tormented by a demon.”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This brave woman came to encounter Jesus on a personal level.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This desperate woman was not seeking favor for herself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This strong woman sought healing for her child, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whom she loved dearly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXtYy6Z6ICZp6gYHO3DuqbxXXaPrz5QxhGWwAmt36WEikzSDXccroAiF3916BIAdtKNj788NUE2WqXNeZTtfqANjPgk3a4T0oARAFpZxmJStRVe4TcMtJtyWAGHfJPmget4Zi1ZqFJ22L/s1600/2017-08-13+August+AutumnLeaves+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXtYy6Z6ICZp6gYHO3DuqbxXXaPrz5QxhGWwAmt36WEikzSDXccroAiF3916BIAdtKNj788NUE2WqXNeZTtfqANjPgk3a4T0oARAFpZxmJStRVe4TcMtJtyWAGHfJPmget4Zi1ZqFJ22L/s400/2017-08-13+August+AutumnLeaves+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Imagine how surprised she was when Jesus initially tells her "No".</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Has Jesus ever given you a similar answer?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Not only does Jesus deny her request</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he compares her to the dogs.</div>
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How demeaning and humiliating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be one with the dogs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This woman exhibited greater faith in Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than did his own disciples.</div>
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<br /></div>
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She came alone to plead her case</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the healing of her daughter.</div>
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She wasted no time being afraid or feeling unworthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She refused to give up...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she believed that even the scraps,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whatever they would look like,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would be more than enough</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to heal her daughter.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, that we should have such faith!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Faith as small as a mustard seed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can indeed move mountains.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Would you pass the faith test?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pray for a deeper faith...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a faith capable of overcoming</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
insurmountable obstacles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We know who Jesus is...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you believe he can do all things?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soon after this encounter Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
takes a few 'scraps'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and feeds the crowd of thousands.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Lord, please increase our Faith.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-48660660284043831252017-08-13T11:32:00.000-05:002017-08-13T11:32:51.190-05:00Never Doubt...<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Psalm 85 ~~~ Romans 9:1-5 ~~~ Matthew 14:22-33 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">...the LORD said to him (Elijah),</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Go outside and stand on the mountain...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">the LORD will be passing by."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah trusted in the Lord, but he was frustrated </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because everywhere he looked the Lord was not there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah looked for the Lord in the strong </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and heavy wind crushing rocks, but he was not there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Next the ground began to violently shake </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in an earthquake, but he was not there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Soon Elijah sees a raging fire nearby,</div>
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but he was not there either as he had been for Moses.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally it was a tiny whisper that caused Elijah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to come to the entrance of the cave...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this was indeed the Lord, quietly passing by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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The Lord instructed Elijah to stand on the mountain.</div>
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Promising there he would see the Lord.</div>
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<br /></div>
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How many times we long to see the Lord, </div>
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but we give up just before he arrives.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">When the disciples saw him walking </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">on the sea they were terrified. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Even though Peter was afraid he quickly hops </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out of the boat heading toward Jesus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peter does not hesitate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until it hits him that he was doing the impossible...</div>
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he was literally walking on liquid...water...the sea.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No one can walk on top of water </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unless...it is Jesus who calls you to "Come".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus always invites us to "Come"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
toward him. He will never send us away.</div>
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He will never scold us for wanting to be with him...</div>
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to be in his presence.</div>
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There is safety in his presence.</div>
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We must approach Jesus with confidence in our hearts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Never doubt...Jesus </div>
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invites you to be with him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Never question...Jesus </div>
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completely supports you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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The more often we </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get out of the boat... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and walk towards Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the deeper and stronger </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our trust in the Lord will become.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">I will hear what God proclaims;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">the LORD — for he proclaims peace.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear is squelched by trusting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the peace of the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Profound Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-10329896986625614772017-08-06T17:19:00.001-05:002017-08-06T17:19:42.419-05:00Adorned in Glory<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~ Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 ~~ Psalm 97 ~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ 2 Peter 1:16-19 ~~~ Matthew 17:1-9 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"This is my beloved Son, with whom</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"> I am well pleased;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">listen to him."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both times recorded in the Bible where God<br />
speaks words about Jesus we have witnesses.<br />
<br />
During this mountain top transfiguration<br />
Jesus brought three of his most trusted followers.<br />
Peter, James, and John, they walked beside Jesus...<br />
They were witnesses to his public ministry of healing.<br />
<br />
They knew first hand of the power he had at his disposal...<br />
power he shared in with God the Father.<br />
The same God who spoke to Moses<br />
on the mountain.<br />
<br />
The same God who gave Moses the stone tablets.<br />
The same God who spoke through the prophets.<br />
The same God who called Moses to lead<br />
his chosen people to the land of milk and honey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God brought Moses down to stand with Jesus<br />
on the mountain to witness the transfigured glory of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Moses and Elijah were given the privilege<br />
to hear God speak about his Son, Jesus.<br />
<br />
They did not have the opportunity to witness<br />
God's power demonstrated on earth<br />
through Jesus like the disciples present had.<br />
<br />
In a way God was saying to Moses and Elijah...<br />
now you see why your work was so critical.<br />
<br />
Simultaneously God was saying to Peter, James and John...<br />
now you have even more proof that your work must continue.<br />
<br />
This Transfigured Glory of Jesus<br />
transcends all time.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Do not tell the vision to anyone </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."</span></i><br />
<br />
We are not first hand witnesses,<br />
but this incredible event has been passed down<br />
to us so that we can pass it on to others.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seeing this Glory of Jesus<br />
is what we believe Heaven has in store for us.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus touches his disciples and dissolves their fears.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">But Jesus came and touched them, saying,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Rise, and do not be afraid."</span></i><br />
<br />
I hope to have this experience one day<br />
as I lay on my death bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seeing the Glory and hearing the voice of God<br />
can indeed be frightening<br />
unless you trust that Jesus will come to<br />
calm you with his touch of peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May the Transfigured Glory of Jesus<br />
bring peace into the depths of your soul.<br />
<br />
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-63726948412072873352017-07-20T16:47:00.000-05:002017-07-20T16:47:28.370-05:00"I Am Who Am"<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Exodus 3:13-20 ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Matthew 11:28-30 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Standing with shoes removed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before a burning bush that is not consumed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moses hears the voice of the Lord say...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"I am who am."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God reveals to Moses and to all generations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his very existence...an existence that is timeless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is the same past, present and in the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God speaks of himself in the present tense.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He expresses to Moses concern for his people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">I am concerned about you</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and about the way you are being treated...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lest you ever question whether or not </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God cares about you record this verse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in your prayer journal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Commit this verse to memory...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take this verse to your prayer time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does it mean to you personally</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to hear God saying those very words to you?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gP6so1uW7hLq8_444jHEnHPmeJ2Mfo20yLAcZVFKFj4RnLcfbhUdnS0R7qZduHHzkpE3yCl6IiB7ZW_W7kie8AkI9d8nR6W_AHd0PyvB1BViBFQ_8qSFIJQLq4oXgcsXETuVRHZdwXyU/s1600/2017-07-11+July+132044_001+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gP6so1uW7hLq8_444jHEnHPmeJ2Mfo20yLAcZVFKFj4RnLcfbhUdnS0R7qZduHHzkpE3yCl6IiB7ZW_W7kie8AkI9d8nR6W_AHd0PyvB1BViBFQ_8qSFIJQLq4oXgcsXETuVRHZdwXyU/s400/2017-07-11+July+132044_001+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you accept that God is concerned about you?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"I am who am."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is clearly stating I am here with you...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am here with you in the dark times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am here with you in the times of joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am here with you when </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fear and sorrow torment your spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is nothing hidden about God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God cannot not exist.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God cannot contradict who he is...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not who he was when he created the world...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not who he was when he spoke from the burning bush...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not who he was when Jesus died on the cross...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not who he is today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who always keeps his promises to care for his people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A God who is so concerned for us </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that he is willing to carry all of our burdens for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He invites us to let him be more present</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during our deepest struggles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and I will give you rest..."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The I AM who loves you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is present at this very moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are never alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-71431304116041006202017-07-13T17:42:00.000-05:002017-07-13T17:45:21.933-05:00The Kingdom of Heaven<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Genesis 44:18-21, 23B-29; 45:1-5 ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Matthew 10:7-15 ~~~</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Kick the dust off your feet...keep moving forward...</div>
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spreading footprints of peace.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you have been baptized</div>
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you have been commissioned to bring</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the eternal message of peace.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you carrying out that mission?</div>
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There is no need to wait for those called</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to missionary work to speak on our behalf.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTznW3WumZewjSCYDJuQX5navSrsJW9M9H2jcq0pGaLQ9TbhK-sjHHIYJchxUkBEHmndw3kgIqeWd1RHHJcRmyOhs2-PC2sQnRL5uLGDoYSr0DtApjnNHZTVQZn18JHTnn9mQK17Mczoc/s1600/2017-07-10+July+scan0002+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTznW3WumZewjSCYDJuQX5navSrsJW9M9H2jcq0pGaLQ9TbhK-sjHHIYJchxUkBEHmndw3kgIqeWd1RHHJcRmyOhs2-PC2sQnRL5uLGDoYSr0DtApjnNHZTVQZn18JHTnn9mQK17Mczoc/s400/2017-07-10+July+scan0002+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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In order to continue to spread peace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is necessary for us to leave the past behind...</div>
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to kick the dust off our feet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peace must come from the purity of heart.</div>
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It does not come up from the dust of our feet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Have we become numb to hearing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that the 'kingdom is at hand'?</div>
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<br /></div>
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What does it mean for something </div>
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to be 'at hand'?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you have anything that you keep at hand?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Could the Kingdom already be here?</div>
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Did Jesus leave it here when he was raised from the dead?</div>
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<br /></div>
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If we are living in the Kingdom of God now</div>
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what does that mean for you?</div>
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Is there anything in your life that you need to adjust?</div>
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<br /></div>
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What if 'kingdom' is not a place, as we believe,</div>
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but rather an action as defined in the Hebrew language.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In Hebrew 'Kingdom' is active. It is action.</div>
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It is God active in the lives of men and women.</div>
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Those who have surrendered their lives to God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'Kingdom' refers to those who are keeping God's</div>
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word alive and living within them.</div>
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The apostles that Jesus called joined him</div>
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in becoming the 'kingdom' and we can too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Remember the marvels the Lord has done.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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How adept are you at kicking off the dust from your feet?</div>
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Is it difficult for you to move forward?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Where do you go to restore your inner peace?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who inspires you to seek greater </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
peace in your own life?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So many times in the Bible peace </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is reached through the door of forgiveness.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joseph forgives his brothers years after</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they sold him into slavery.</div>
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His peace comes in being reunited with his father again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph, the Apostles, and us...</div>
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we are all the Kingdom of Heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-23356453410915517202017-07-10T16:46:00.000-05:002017-07-10T16:46:07.747-05:00'Blind Spot' and Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Genesis 28:10-22A ~~~ Psalm 91 ~~~ Matthew 9:18-26 ~~~</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">"Truly, the LORD is in this spot, although</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"> I did not know it!"</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Could it be that when we question the presence of God </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he is really just obscured in our 'blind spot'?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a scientific explanation of our 'blind spot',</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe it can help explain our spiritual challenge to see God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Science tells us it is the physical structure</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the eye that creates this precise spot </div>
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where we cannot see.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We are not aware of this 'blind spot' because </div>
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our brain automatically fills in the missing information.</div>
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The brain fills in with information that is known and available.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91u7C3xabgzTrM-ONwA82nqdrVLueVvqpqoZny9XAC-GsuW7p2tFLok8rm_03Hbk_tHFl2SNNDjVYRdJ4Mx_vZ6npzQh_UfwVyVKpYrdHkbN9fpXrP9vxCE4pxg9ALYXYAwAn4J_yLczG/s1600/2017-07-09+July+652188+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91u7C3xabgzTrM-ONwA82nqdrVLueVvqpqoZny9XAC-GsuW7p2tFLok8rm_03Hbk_tHFl2SNNDjVYRdJ4Mx_vZ6npzQh_UfwVyVKpYrdHkbN9fpXrP9vxCE4pxg9ALYXYAwAn4J_yLczG/s400/2017-07-09+July+652188+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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In things of the spiritual nature </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is our faith that fills in the missing parts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Even when we cannot 'see' the presence of God</div>
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we believe he is present by our faith.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">A woman suffering </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and touched the tassel on his cloak.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This woman believed that she could seek healing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from Jesus from behind him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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She believed that eye to eye contact</div>
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with Jesus was not even necessary.</div>
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<br /></div>
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She believed that her cure was not dependent </div>
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on her words...on even her verbal request.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus had to stop and turn around to see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this desperate woman.</div>
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He did not allow her to remain obscure.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus wanted to see the woman</div>
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who displayed such great faith and hope.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">"Courage, daughter! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Your faith has saved you."</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus fills in our spiritual 'blind spot'</div>
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with blessings of greater faith.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Allow your trust in the goodness of the Lord</div>
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fill in the missing parts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Say to the LORD,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"> "My refuge and my fortress,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">my God, in whom I trust."</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps one day we will learn that </div>
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heaven is near just hidden in our </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spiritual 'blind spot'.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pay attention to what may be hidden </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
within your 'blind spot'.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He is always near to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-25195937208438392542017-07-09T15:26:00.000-05:002017-07-09T15:26:52.423-05:00The Burdens of Life<div style="text-align: center;">
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Zechariah 9:9-10 ~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Romans 8:9, 11-13 ~~~ Matthew 11:25-30 ~~~</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and I will give you rest.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">for I am meek and humble of heart;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">and you will find rest for yourselves. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are a few scripture passages</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that most people either know or at least recognize; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today we hear one of those.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are your 'heavy burdens'...</div>
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are they physical...are they mental...emotional...</div>
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or are they spiritual?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We each have some sort of burden.</div>
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Jesus invites us to surrender it to him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are we just too hard headed and stubborn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to let go of our burdens?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are we afraid that God will let us down?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY0Ne0vhhHodGie1k9my8b3nsskAG3dc7Wi9HUJumGnJF6t2r4RNikV5CocgS1awqGQERE6T_Fm2eSYI4kCM59ixyxULh26UHJkTIaT7qZH6cV_kzE5Q1rxrk6hztR5QYRpmGs-6d_tPG/s1600/2017-07-08+July+130552_023+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY0Ne0vhhHodGie1k9my8b3nsskAG3dc7Wi9HUJumGnJF6t2r4RNikV5CocgS1awqGQERE6T_Fm2eSYI4kCM59ixyxULh26UHJkTIaT7qZH6cV_kzE5Q1rxrk6hztR5QYRpmGs-6d_tPG/s400/2017-07-08+July+130552_023+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes our burdens make us want to crumble</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the ground in a tangled heap.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God reaches out to us.</div>
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He says you are not alone.</div>
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He says I am here to help lighten the load.</div>
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He says let me be the one who relieves your pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">...the one who raised Christ from the dead</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">will give life to your mortal bodies also,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">through his Spirit that dwells in you.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is this very Spirit that comes to give us rest...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this very Spirit that will carry our burdens.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The meek and humble of heart...the little ones;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they know God will be there to carry their burdens.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The little ones admit that they cannot</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
carry their burdens alone.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we trust in the Lord </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is through grace that we can </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surrender our burdens to him.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come to the Lord.</div>
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He will give you rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-28918085756215147012017-06-22T20:57:00.000-05:002017-06-22T20:57:39.949-05:00Shiny Juicy Temptation <div style="text-align: center;">
~~~2 Corinthians 11:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 111 ~~~ Matthew 6:7-15</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning this phrase was highlighted in the homily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul is speaking to the people of Corinth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He begins by reflecting on the garden where </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eve was tempted and ultimately succumbed to disobedience.</div>
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Her initial pure intentions became corrupted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The shiny juicy temptation won over her commitment to God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">...from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The question I ask myself is,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can we protect ourselves from taking the 'apple'?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NBGBPsZg2wTupy8-dcvjCP2sJM15Fznr61OBaaJTjuN6kjCxP4ZUnAOOgP3RxFeuA-6K0ZavI1EliloCVtBOxhKxKBGIdmieUVQK2YD-i-aJTgzHcCIn_m9DNPg_7ofg3I_PW9BN0_3o/s1600/2017-06-22+June+12.29.2016+193103+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NBGBPsZg2wTupy8-dcvjCP2sJM15Fznr61OBaaJTjuN6kjCxP4ZUnAOOgP3RxFeuA-6K0ZavI1EliloCVtBOxhKxKBGIdmieUVQK2YD-i-aJTgzHcCIn_m9DNPg_7ofg3I_PW9BN0_3o/s400/2017-06-22+June+12.29.2016+193103+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When does the temptation become greater</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than our sincere commitment?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can we renew and affirm our commitment?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can start now to renew</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our sincere and pure commitment to what </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has been freely given to us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerity...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our thoughts and our words must both</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mirror our sincerity.</div>
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Our words and our actions must be pure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eve ended up playing a game with herself...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she did not believe that one simple action would </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
damage her commitment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps she was not sincere to her own heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Years ago I remember being taught to close a letter with...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely yours...then the signature.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You were committing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the words you had written.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But I am afraid that...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">your thoughts may be corrupted...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No one can control your thoughts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scriptures can nourish our true commitment to love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Without love our thoughts, words, and actions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can hardly reveal sincerity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Protect your thoughts with love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is our best defense.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No temptation is worth giving up your </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sincere and pure commitment to Christ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no matter how shiny and juicy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be strong!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-80400461968627697662017-04-16T11:51:00.003-05:002017-04-16T11:51:51.393-05:00Easter Light<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Easter Sunday~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Acts of the Apostles 10:34A, 37-43 ~~~ Psalm 118 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Colossians 3:1-4 ~~~ John 20:1-9 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">This is the day the Lord has made; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">let us rejoice and be glad.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Light we seek is the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light of the Glory of the Resurrection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We long for this light...we desire its illumination...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we hope to claim it for our eternity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrq_KVEV4pCYrgEhnO2LRnED5BKR8gsuJrKZmlv5EKGRv0SodI5twBuGJKijhWC554k3g1BrAnl7MqkU1brEyRRsIuf3-utS9h6iMUJLwXBJev2x4JclW124LBMcGeX1XdsTs5HIbgZCV/s1600/2017-04-16+April+14_001+Breeze+chandelierKalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrq_KVEV4pCYrgEhnO2LRnED5BKR8gsuJrKZmlv5EKGRv0SodI5twBuGJKijhWC554k3g1BrAnl7MqkU1brEyRRsIuf3-utS9h6iMUJLwXBJev2x4JclW124LBMcGeX1XdsTs5HIbgZCV/s400/2017-04-16+April+14_001+Breeze+chandelierKalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Risen Jesus is the blinding glory</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the salvation promise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allow all the Glory of the Resurrection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
envelope you...allow it to cleanse you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bask in this Glory of the Resurrection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for this is our hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hope to one day to be joined </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with Jesus in all of his Light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tomb is empty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Light of the Resurrection fills all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tomb simply appears to be empty. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The physical body of Jesus is no longer needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus is now present to us in the Eucharist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
each time we come to His table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We approach to receive a sliver of His Resurrected entity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sliver, a fracture is all it takes to share</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the experience of His Resurrection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allow the Easter Light </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of His Resurrection be enough to heal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your heart, body, and soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is enough...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He always was...always is...always will be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter is all the evidence I need</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to believe in life everlasting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">This is the day the Lord has made; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">let us rejoice and be glad.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roll back the stone from your heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shed the ritual burial garments.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soak in the light of the presence of the glory </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the Resurrection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alleluia, Alleluia!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light has overcome the darkness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no greater gift...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love does indeed conquer all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Easter Blessings~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PEACE</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-49633971530270534212017-04-14T13:27:00.000-05:002017-04-14T13:27:40.199-05:00The Foot of the Cross<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Good Friday~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Isaiah 52:13—53:12 ~~~ Psalm 31 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 ~~~ John 18:1—19:42 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As frightening as it is we cannot </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hang back with the crowd chanting "Crucify Him".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We cannot wash our hands in the bowl beside Pilate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you stand by watching as they carefully formed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the thorn branch into a crown?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you hide in the darkness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as Jesus suffered the Agony in the Garden?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could you hear his spoken words to the Father?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you climb onto the rooftop as He carried </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the cross down your street?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the Foot of the Cross </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it all comes together...all the pain...all the agony...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all the mercy...all the love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0bgs9tgj0SI2ep_H0ognSz1Ow0j0HpJQT2w62WIU3sYH6avSbNLNzQMgR_fRcDiBCnouHqNKgjxd98FV7bsnIsJ2qBE0nMUOiSqYBW_ANrPLD-wn0CQvojiyz-KDLdnOL9GN1lDg2Ibh/s1600/2017-03-31+March+abstract+leaves1+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0bgs9tgj0SI2ep_H0ognSz1Ow0j0HpJQT2w62WIU3sYH6avSbNLNzQMgR_fRcDiBCnouHqNKgjxd98FV7bsnIsJ2qBE0nMUOiSqYBW_ANrPLD-wn0CQvojiyz-KDLdnOL9GN1lDg2Ibh/s400/2017-03-31+March+abstract+leaves1+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Will you join the Blessed Mother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mary and the beloved disciple at the Foot of the Cross?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and Mary of Magdala.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We must place ourselves with heartfelt </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sorrow at the Foot of the Cross.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We must gather up the courage </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to make our appearance...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to take our place</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the Foot of the Cross. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is here at the Foot of the Cross </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we can join our tears with His precious blood. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is here at the Foot of the Cross where we</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can seek His unconditional mercy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His deep healing forgiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is at the Foot of the Cross</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we can look up into the face of Our Lord Jesus Christ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and admit to our personal sinfulness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is at the Foot of the Cross</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we can shed the illusion of who we pretend to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is at the Foot of the Cross</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we can open our heart surrendering to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the great love that can only come from Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come to the Foot of the Cross...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope overcomes fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith surpasses our doubts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love conquers Death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mingle your tears with His drops of blood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Together he makes you into a more </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
compassionate person.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings and Peace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the Foot of the Cross.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-29121276572054929822017-04-09T17:49:00.000-05:002017-04-09T17:49:42.011-05:00100% Human 100% Divine<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Palm...Passion...Sunday ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Isaiah 50:4-7 ~~~ Psalm 22 ~~~ Philippians 2:6-11 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Matthew 26:14—27:66 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">did not regard equality with God</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">something to be grasped.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Rather, he emptied himself,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">taking the form of a slave,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">coming in human likeness;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and found human in appearance...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we were blessed with a wonderful homily </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the person of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is fitting for us to reflect in a special way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you look at the labels on the inside of your clothes?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do. For some odd reason I find it interesting to know</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the percentages of the different fibers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some are 100% cotton or 100% polyester.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But many of my items of clothing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are combinations of two or more fibers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like the feel of fabric with a small percent of spandex.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It just feels more comfortable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Five or ten percent spandex or nylon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is just the right amount.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG0IV-0w1ldW4IWFHPcYS4EmUqR4mqlfBhBoNVH-hNcf72651KRYefgeLaWEYAL-dsgdLDfntlIAB52I1kq3GF-hXd3cgbRgratagcx7lfHGVWc2teP-RyDxThpq3AQxvutE4pHV3Pg6o/s1600/2017-04-09+April+mercy+lina+scarfi+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG0IV-0w1ldW4IWFHPcYS4EmUqR4mqlfBhBoNVH-hNcf72651KRYefgeLaWEYAL-dsgdLDfntlIAB52I1kq3GF-hXd3cgbRgratagcx7lfHGVWc2teP-RyDxThpq3AQxvutE4pHV3Pg6o/s400/2017-04-09+April+mercy+lina+scarfi+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe that Jesus is both Divine and human</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we tend to want to put a percentage on each.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever asked yourself when he </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was acting as his human self </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or when he was acting as his Divine self?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Consider when his friend Lazarus died.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus wept when he heard the news...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that was clearly human. Right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When he stood at the entrance and called </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for Lazarus to come out...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that was clearly Divine. Right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This example seems pretty easy to understand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"My Father, if it is possible,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">let this cup pass from me;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">yet, not as I will, but as you will."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we picture Jesus in the garden praying</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we see his humanity and his divinity for a moment, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
almost in turmoil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He enters the garden to pray fully knowing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the physical suffering that awaited him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His humanity is fully engaged as he contemplates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his most certain agony.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He calls out to the father...maybe there is another</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
option here for our salvation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Within the same thought his divine </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
connection breaks through...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">yet, not as I will, but as you will.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He reaches out to his Father...his </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Divine connection for strength.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He needs to draw upon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his Divine Connection with the Father,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because he is fully human...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We tend to forget that Jesus was not </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10% human and 90% Divine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was 100% human and 100% Divine at the same time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He came down from heaven to save us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He left his heaven where all is perfect in the Trinity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He came down and fully embraced his </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
humanity to become one of us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He experienced all of our human emotions,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
joy, sorrow, and pain;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to name just a few.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So when he calls out from the cross...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is humanity that cries out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it is his Divinity that surrenders </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the pain and agony out of love for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus was granted the strength and the stamina</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to withstand the horrific pain and agony of the crucifixion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
precisely because of his Divinity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We see something similar in our martyrs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They of course are fully human but,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they have developed a strong divine connection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This connection gives them the strength and the grace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to remain faithful even unto their death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">And about three o'clock Jesus cried</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"> out in a loud voice, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"which means, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Within moments of his calling out to the Father</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus gave up his spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He surrendered all of his humanity back to the Father</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as he took his final breath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus surrendered his human self so that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we might have a part in his eternal life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no way that we, as humans, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can express enough gratitude.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May we strive every day </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to come closer to loving Jesus 100%.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May the Passion of our Lord Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
call you to surrender your heart to him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-5796152041215796582017-04-04T14:50:00.000-05:002017-04-04T14:50:26.643-05:00Handiwork of the Devil<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Deuteronomy 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Psalm 23 ~~~ John 8:1-11 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">for you are at my side.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The two stories from these readings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so beautifully complement one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first reading features Susanna, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who was wrongfully accused of adultery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her accusers were ready to pick up their stones </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and pummel her to death with them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was definitely plunged into the dark valley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two men came forward claiming they had seen </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her in the garden with another man. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ultimately they were proven to be lying</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when questioned by Daniel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by their own conflicting information.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you decide to lie you risk the power of truth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you lie you eventually erode more</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and more good from your heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two accusers lost touch with how their lies </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would impact their own lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God came to the side of Susanna;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she was found innocent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwkfCBVt0Yk4Z1PdJk6H1ZEH56e5JLm4RJ7MkAva8mxtD9dQXGX5c4WbFvuTwqwwgNafgty-DJU8-iKGLO4vv3iKqUffPu-ini7ZHwhod4RHdKzLGowsHd_sJRhJq9hFWDmCVxP0UzMi5/s1600/2017-03-29+March+4900+spider+lily+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwkfCBVt0Yk4Z1PdJk6H1ZEH56e5JLm4RJ7MkAva8mxtD9dQXGX5c4WbFvuTwqwwgNafgty-DJU8-iKGLO4vv3iKqUffPu-ini7ZHwhod4RHdKzLGowsHd_sJRhJq9hFWDmCVxP0UzMi5/s400/2017-03-29+March+4900+spider+lily+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deception is always the handiwork of the devil.<br />
Deception by design masks truth and beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deception is like taking a black marker and scribbling<br />
on something that would otherwise be clear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The gospel brings us the woman caught in adultery.<br />
She is thrown down into the dirt right at the feet of Jesus.<br />
These accusers claim to have caught her in the act.<br />
<br />
While we know their goal was to trick Jesus<br />
we do not know if they were hiding half of the truth.<br />
<br />
What if they set up this woman?<br />
Could they have paid a man to seduce her<br />
for the prime purpose of catching her in the 'act'? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unlike Susanna this nameless woman<br />
was brought directly to Jesus.<br />
He was to be her judge.<br />
He was the one who would pass the<br />
judgement for her to be stoned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her accusers were not expecting Jesus<br />
to turn the tables on them.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead giving the green light for this poor woman<br />
to be stoned to death he writes in the sand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever Jesus wrote in the sand that day resulted<br />
in the elders quickly and quietly turning away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suddenly they no longer wanted<br />
to stick around for the customary stoning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">for you are at my side.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This woman too was walking in the dark valley.<br />
She too feared for her life as she knelt in the dirt.<br />
She trembled with anticipation of the<br />
first stone to pelt her bare skin.<br />
<br />
Instead she heard the voice of Jesus...<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"Let the one among you who is without sin </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">be the first to throw a stone at her."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who among you is without sin?<br />
<br />
As we approach Holy Week I invite you to take<br />
one last examination of conscience.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe you can hold a stone and meditate<br />
on the words of Jesus from this Gospel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Go, and from now on do not sin any more."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From now on do not sin any more...<br />
it is never too late to begin again.<br />
Jesus offers words of mercy and encouragement.<br />
<br />
Jesus walks in the dark valley with you.<br />
He is slow to anger abundant in grace.<br />
You are never alone.<br />
<br />
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-83785144507663211842017-03-31T14:06:00.004-05:002017-03-31T14:12:33.184-05:00Broken Heart Remedy<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Wisdom 2:1A, 12-22 ~~~ Psalm 34 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you are in the brokenhearted realm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you may not be able to think clearly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merriam Webster defines brokenhearted:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
filled with great sadness especially because </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
someone has left you or died...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
overwhelmed by grief or disappointment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There really is medically something called</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'broken heart syndrome'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted because</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects are real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord cares for us on every level of our being.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Severe emotional pain can cause physical</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
damage to the heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The emotional pain of a great loss maybe </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
part of our natural survival instinct. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the pain is real, it is not imaginary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcQwKgURZG75-NBudYwfLDcEcMhHKL0HSr61t0FVTsx_FdCmu3Chv-OEiYQoySykOnSssPzT12JOK3grCzZslh_brXGJ9drsKdy_3cZNA9gRMH1ETSfkh6v4119gMQaYm1UmXxnAuR9iS/s1600/2017-03-22+March+5555+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcQwKgURZG75-NBudYwfLDcEcMhHKL0HSr61t0FVTsx_FdCmu3Chv-OEiYQoySykOnSssPzT12JOK3grCzZslh_brXGJ9drsKdy_3cZNA9gRMH1ETSfkh6v4119gMQaYm1UmXxnAuR9iS/s400/2017-03-22+March+5555+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During Lent we may encounter a sense </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of our distance from God through our sinfulness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This can result in feelings of deep grief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus desires to heal us of our broken heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus desires us to be fully whole in mind, body and soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is with us in our time of need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is with us especially when we experience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a broken heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">...those who are crushed in spirit he saves.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you find this verse as comforting as I do?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is so important to reflect upon things of such importance </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before we actually find ourselves in the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grasp of a devastating crisis.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We must reinforce our faith in God's presence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the good times and in the times when we are suffering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lent is the perfect time to meditate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on just how great God is...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that his love for us is immense.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He never wants us to suffer from a broken heart...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He never wants our spirit to be crushed...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He wants us to come to him in our times of distress...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
times of brokenness and crushed spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Has your broken heart or crushed spirit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
brought you closer to the Lord?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come to the feet of Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
curl up in the hem of his garment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the brokenhearted is invited to come to the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings for the Brokenhearted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-1393766452009848422017-03-27T23:36:00.000-05:002017-03-27T23:36:40.593-05:00The Quest for Good<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Isaiah 65:17-21 ~~~ Psalm 30 ~~~ John 4:43-54 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Seek good and not evil so that you may live,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and the LORD will be with you.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of those who actively oppose Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are not in the habit of seeking good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the prophet Isaiah said God was going to create</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a new heaven and a new earth </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
people were skeptical. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even today we long for that prophecy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be our reality.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"> ...there shall always be rejoicing and happiness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">in what I create...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our times are no different than Biblical times;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are still struggling to 'seek good'...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and perhaps we always will be on this quest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The prophet promises no more tears...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no more premature dying...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we will build our own houses</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and raise our own fruits and vegetables.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this wonderful world </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the 'good' will be visible every where we turn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just this thought makes me want to sing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It's a Wonderful World</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the top of my lungs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc-gbpHZmBmVgMAoGpeqnNckdeJTP0XR8J9GAANQmWnePYih6F2FhUiq4wmFG4aXs_vkUq-ynTuUHqolIIpjMNWve2TgCnZSp5w4eo-dH5q-G_RAQV5A8WhQ9EQKZV0UwJrbEYY6aGCNW/s1600/2017-03-25+March+The+Doubt+of+St.+Thomas+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc-gbpHZmBmVgMAoGpeqnNckdeJTP0XR8J9GAANQmWnePYih6F2FhUiq4wmFG4aXs_vkUq-ynTuUHqolIIpjMNWve2TgCnZSp5w4eo-dH5q-G_RAQV5A8WhQ9EQKZV0UwJrbEYY6aGCNW/s400/2017-03-25+March+The+Doubt+of+St.+Thomas+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'seek good'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Believe that there is goodness </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and beauty in this world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
waiting for you to witness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The royal official thought Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had to physically see his ill son before </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he would be healed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'seek good' and the Lord will be with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Jesus said to him, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"You may go; your son will live.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The man believed...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we must believe with the same conviction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is the good in this world that gives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
us a reason to live.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is the quest for good that brings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
us closer to Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lent is a time </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when seeking good</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leads us to life everlasting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with our Savior and Redeemer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Lord is with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-18316270659768575522017-03-24T11:56:00.000-05:002017-03-24T11:56:01.604-05:00The Sound of Love<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Hosea 14:2-10 ~~~ Psalm 81 ~~~ Mark 12:28-34 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm ninety-five from yesterday<br />
and today's psalm are connected to one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"> If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Yesterday we are told that hearing<br />
God's voice is a good beginning point.<br />
If we are deaf to God's voice we<br />
will be missing a huge part of living.<br />
<br />
Being 'deaf' to the voice of God usually means<br />
we value ourselves more than we should.<br />
Perhaps we are under the impression that we<br />
alone have our lives under control.<br />
<br />
God's voice can seem distant and faint...<br />
too much trouble...<br />
Why bother to listen for God?<br />
<br />
The next part of this verse goes deeper;<br />
'harden not your hearts'.<br />
Ouch! We are warned about the possible abyss<br />
when we are not attentive to God's voice.<br />
The longer we refuse to acknowledge his voice<br />
the more rigid our heart becomes.<br />
<br />
The more rigid our heart the more likely<br />
we are to completely miss God's voice.<br />
<br />
I cannot speak for others,<br />
but I want to hear his voice.<br />
I would love nothing more than to close my eyes<br />
and hear the beautiful voice of God.<br />
Of course if that ever happened it would<br />
be very frightening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNhu1H1tJGZYYH4ScmBqoIMjXQdoT6Eb6MigBqbQIYLLdHS3Oj0Hf-mR_4LHeVkLk8duiRQyMZ1NnIwnPa3K9rt6i25bZvvj6UEgx7W-qPyBnh1OhZyZqXbh4wVV09y7l3VtpKXikS9zt/s1600/2017-03-24+March+The+Doubt+of+St.+Thomas+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNhu1H1tJGZYYH4ScmBqoIMjXQdoT6Eb6MigBqbQIYLLdHS3Oj0Hf-mR_4LHeVkLk8duiRQyMZ1NnIwnPa3K9rt6i25bZvvj6UEgx7W-qPyBnh1OhZyZqXbh4wVV09y7l3VtpKXikS9zt/s400/2017-03-24+March+The+Doubt+of+St.+Thomas+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"> I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's odd that we must be reminded that God is God...<br />
that he is who he claims to be...<br />
He is our God.<br />
The one who made us from nothing...<br />
the one who loves us beyond measure...<br />
the one who knows us from deep within our soul.<br />
<br />
It is this God who must remind us<br />
to 'hear his voice'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His voice is the voice<br />
of truth, justice, kindness,<br />
mercy, forgiveness, and above all<br />
his voice is the voice of Love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God's voice must be the sound of Love.<br />
<br />
God is love...<br />
He created us out of this Love...<br />
He calls us to live in this Love...<br />
to be this Love.<br />
<br />
The voice of God's Love<br />
is given to us to share with our neighbors.<br />
<br />
It is widely held that you can only give<br />
of that which you possess.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been blessed<br />
with this incredible gift of his Love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is in hearing God's voice that we can truly learn<br />
to love ourselves; because he loves us.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we love our neighbors as ourselves<br />
it's really God's love that we are sharing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is love!<br />
The love that we choose to share<br />
comes to us through his great love for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">You shall love the Lord your God </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">with all your heart, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">with all your soul, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">with all your mind, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and with all your strength.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can this be difficult when we are literally<br />
returning to God that which he has given to us?<br />
<br />
I invite you to spend some time as soon as possible<br />
contemplating how you return God's love back to himself.<br />
<br />
Just maybe it is best measured<br />
in how you love others.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lent is surely the perfect time<br />
to reflect on God's love for you personally.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every drop of blood he shed was<br />
out of his love for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surrounded by Blessings<br />
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-60190723230506868902017-03-21T15:36:00.000-05:002017-03-21T15:36:49.953-05:00The Uniqueness of God<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Deuteronomy 3:25, 34-43 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Psalm 25 ~~~ Matthew 18:21-35 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fifth book of the Bible is Deuteronomy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It sums up many rules and laws.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It also stresses the uniqueness of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The uniqueness of God is made visible to us in many ways</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
most importantly through the life of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is so unique that he sent his son down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be a witness for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus did not just witness to this uniqueness,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his actions were the ultimate living proof.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">But with contrite heart and humble spirit</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">let us be received...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the season of Lent it is precisely </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our faith in the uniqueness of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that draws us to desire a contrite heart...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a time for us to practice humility before God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">So let our sacrifice be in your presence today</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">as we follow you unreservedly...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is through our personal humility</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that we choose to make sacrifices before God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only you can decide what constitutes a sacrifice for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is only with the spirit of humility </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that we can unreservedly follow the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it possible to be 'all in' in serving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Lord with your whole heart?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is possible to hold back parts of your heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while unreservedly following the Lord?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV2eDY3ipWhP3s5Kb0NrA-mNFbPlsSMdNP234cZ8aPWrmXAmH0nJ6uLBWrxqQ35HllESKdMWjyreTxtzUYOrX4P2jiCcrlGewY2W8b1z7ap9tZ6LsPT4Q8HUtna7mvYCNdBW_PVa6wo4N/s1600/2017-03-12+March+Ship+Pool+3716+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV2eDY3ipWhP3s5Kb0NrA-mNFbPlsSMdNP234cZ8aPWrmXAmH0nJ6uLBWrxqQ35HllESKdMWjyreTxtzUYOrX4P2jiCcrlGewY2W8b1z7ap9tZ6LsPT4Q8HUtna7mvYCNdBW_PVa6wo4N/s400/2017-03-12+March+Ship+Pool+3716+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">And now we follow you with our whole heart,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">we fear you and we pray to you.</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does it mean to you to follow God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with your whole heart?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do you know you are actually using your whole heart?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Using our whole heart means we must tap</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into the uniqueness of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The very uniqueness that invites us to forgive</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
those who trespass against us no matter how many times it takes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The very uniqueness that causes us to seek God's mercy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">...deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Deliver us by your wonders...</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Deliver us by your wonders</i>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
brings us back to honoring and believing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the uniqueness of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is often to our benefit that God's </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ways are not our ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May your Lent be blessed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the wonders of the uniqueness of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Peace ~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-33614363602468395002017-03-19T19:21:00.000-05:002017-03-19T19:21:14.105-05:00One Conversation<div style="text-align: center;">
Third Sunday of Lent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Exodus 17:3-7 ~~~ Psalm 95 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 ~~~ John 4:5-42 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of us are familiar with the woman at the well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She came to the well late in the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She came for water as she did most days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was her normal routine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was not expecting to meet anyone at the well, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surely not a man and absolutely not Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Imagine what was going through her mind </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when this Jewish stranger spoke to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #674ea7;">Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some might say she was the least likely </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
person for Jesus to befriend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He saw something within her...she had longing in her heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She came for water but got so much more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR3IAR_5tKOaToUJ9RXZjIwALhSFL0XDQKvujc5zEgyK7BJkBD0TUDhi7uj-cwt5Mld7IURu3vbR9h9Al6N2ujKlf-IYrvzRv-7g8GgbRlOSZnwNArmx16mV4ojk552GY9KgdrIcWu-rW/s1600/2017-03-13+March+4303+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR3IAR_5tKOaToUJ9RXZjIwALhSFL0XDQKvujc5zEgyK7BJkBD0TUDhi7uj-cwt5Mld7IURu3vbR9h9Al6N2ujKlf-IYrvzRv-7g8GgbRlOSZnwNArmx16mV4ojk552GY9KgdrIcWu-rW/s400/2017-03-13+March+4303+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Following her conversation with Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Samaritan woman left her water jugs and ran back to town.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">The woman left her water jar </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and went into the town and said to the people, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You might say she left everything behind </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
once she learned about this Jew called Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you remember some others in the Bible</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who left everything behind to follow Jesus?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I think they may have left their nets on the beach.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"Come see a man who told me everything I have done.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Could he possibly be the Christ?"</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This woman can now extend the invitation to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'come as you are...'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus was eager to come into her town...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eager to meet her neighbors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was not someone who ever went </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
around enthusiastically engaging others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This conversation with Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
changed her life forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drawing water from the well </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will never be the same for her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now she understands the meaning </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of 'living water'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are you willing to leave behind?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who will you tell to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'come and see'?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever we leave behind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
must be as a result</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of what we learn from Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus comes to each one of us...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you are least expecting him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be Blessed this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-34110110606643556702017-03-17T13:49:00.000-05:002017-03-17T13:49:55.463-05:00Sold for Good<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13A, 17B-28A ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~<br />
~~~ Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Here comes that master dreamer!</span></i><br />
<br />
Joseph's brothers mocked him<br />
by calling him 'the master dreamer'.<br />
<br />
We all have dreams.<br />
Why is Joseph different?<br />
<br />
Joseph was the youngest of the brothers.<br />
He was born late in the life of his parents.<br />
Perhaps he reported the mischievous behavior to their father.<br />
<br />
They were able to find many reasons to tease and taunt him.<br />
When Jacob made Joseph a beautiful new colorful tunic<br />
that was it. The brothers had had enough.<br />
<br />
Joseph had recently shared with his father<br />
and his brothers two dreams.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">“Look, I had another dream,” he said; “this time, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">the sun and the moon and eleven stars </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">were bowing down to me.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Genesis 37:9</span></span></i><br />
<br />
They were primed for evil to enter into their hearts.<br />
Once they were away from their father<br />
they began to actively plot his death.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvWTqkILTDo-PffzA0z4asFU6kS3o_ib7wmUNXsNcWC5gjRHTov4MKz0XyOJ_gkFcsMZiCwfHNMUCY3RrfduMT3RyDOYPn-cvqDznZIZz278HfvYYvdilvXBdvCOR-DhtE9gOI-3xNDvx/s1600/2017-03-17+March+Broard+billed+hummingbird+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvWTqkILTDo-PffzA0z4asFU6kS3o_ib7wmUNXsNcWC5gjRHTov4MKz0XyOJ_gkFcsMZiCwfHNMUCY3RrfduMT3RyDOYPn-cvqDznZIZz278HfvYYvdilvXBdvCOR-DhtE9gOI-3xNDvx/s400/2017-03-17+March+Broard+billed+hummingbird+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The brothers refused to accept the dreams of Joseph.<br />
He was the laughing stock of his brothers.<br />
<br />
Little did they know what God<br />
had planned for their little brother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because they were distracted from killing their brother<br />
by an approaching caravan of Ishmaelites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ultimately they sold Joseph into slavery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For them this was a win win.<br />
They got rid of him and his wild dreams.<br />
The added benefit earned them<br />
some extra money in the deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because of their evil plot, Joseph<br />
was able to save his people<br />
including his own family<br />
from certain starvation.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Remember the marvels the Lord has done.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What if your worst enemy was the very person<br />
God would use to save your life one day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How would you feel?<br />
<br />
What if you had the opportunity to save<br />
your worst enemy...<br />
Would you do it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Joseph saw the doom of the great famine in a dream.<br />
He could have kept it to himself and done nothing.<br />
<br />
Joseph was given the grace<br />
to understand that God was using him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God wanted to save the people from starvation;<br />
it was Joseph who was tasked to tell the King.<br />
<br />
The King had learned to listen to Joseph.<br />
More often than not he interpreted his dreams<br />
in the long run to the benefit of the King.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God continues to do great things for his people...<br />
this includes you and me.<br />
God continues to use individuals to bring<br />
about his Divine plans for us.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be open, God may be planning to use you<br />
in a very unique way.<br />
<br />
Now is the time to pray for the grace<br />
to see how and where God wants to use you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God spoke to Joseph in his dreams.<br />
What do you dream?<br />
<br />
Blessed even in your dreams.<br />
<br />
~~~ Peace ~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-41263898835413325812017-03-14T20:39:00.000-05:002017-03-14T20:46:35.815-05:00Who is God Seeking<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~~ Matthew 23:1-12 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus scolded the scribes and the Pharisees </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for not being who they claimed to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He warned the people to not be fooled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by their behavior...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their actions were not even aligned </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with their own words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">All their works are performed to be seen.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These holy learned men shrouded</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their true selves in fine clothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They become their own diversion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But nothing can be hidden or disguised before God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM3XnWohox-XG35yK3khtx8kN-pS-xem5ACaJl9O3Ll0mfpYQlQWHP2cSwG-GbpFdVw4EhCRByv5m8nqBSZ59WorkmciaXhF2HzWrmFtPGU_mpMSAFcMidIqw9QssXqkMMa15M0I0vFCm/s1600/2017-03-09+March++handbags+5719+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM3XnWohox-XG35yK3khtx8kN-pS-xem5ACaJl9O3Ll0mfpYQlQWHP2cSwG-GbpFdVw4EhCRByv5m8nqBSZ59WorkmciaXhF2HzWrmFtPGU_mpMSAFcMidIqw9QssXqkMMa15M0I0vFCm/s400/2017-03-09+March++handbags+5719+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God looks deep within...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God sees the 'pimples' in our soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is not impressed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with your position at the banquet table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God seeks those who desire </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a humble and contrite heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God seeks those who...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">cease doing evil; learn to do good.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is precisely what we are called </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to do each year during Lent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have forty focused days </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to catch ourselves doing evil...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
none of us are perfect...we are all sinners.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have forty focused days </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to learn to do good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now is the time to do some soul searching.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now is the time to stop sinning...at least</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
make the serious intention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you really want to do good?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or is it only when people are watching you?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus shows us the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do not have the task to discover </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what being 'good' means.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is seeking you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help Him find you faster 'do good'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for He already knows who and where you are today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
turn away from evil and do good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-3713308773333730022017-03-12T18:00:00.002-05:002017-03-12T18:00:47.763-05:00Light of Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Second Sunday of Lent ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Genesis 12:1-4A ~~~ Psalm 33 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ 2 Timothy 1:8B-10 ~~~ Matthew 17:1-9 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus called Peter, James, and John to follow him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had no idea that when they followed him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
up this mountain they would be stunned </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by what happened to their leader.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They climbed the mountain to witness </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the blinding light of the divine glory of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">...he was transfigured before them; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">his face shone like the sun </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and his clothes became white as light.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were given a glimpse of heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God also sent down Moses and Elijah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moses, chosen by God to lead the people to the promised land.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah, one of the greatest Jewish prophets.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we look at the sun our vision is greatly effected.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You might call it a sunburn of the eyeball.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If the sun is brightly shining in your face you instinctively</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
want to protect your eyes from the light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The human eye is very sensitive to bright light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAO5zbTTh74FEhQ0MP1HoagfGgh24ywq1XjJkvcLoGERx6M0FtP1ZoJ7HuWBfUf85oZXSUHnFwRWw4MQfw03jfenOM2w4IZ2ruyLJ0wXCd3jzJ8QHpmccIAyavZ9wrlwaJGQn_0E7Azkb/s1600/2017-03-10+March+cat+in+the+hat+5748+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAO5zbTTh74FEhQ0MP1HoagfGgh24ywq1XjJkvcLoGERx6M0FtP1ZoJ7HuWBfUf85oZXSUHnFwRWw4MQfw03jfenOM2w4IZ2ruyLJ0wXCd3jzJ8QHpmccIAyavZ9wrlwaJGQn_0E7Azkb/s400/2017-03-10+March+cat+in+the+hat+5748+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the Transfiguration the face of Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was as bright as the sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The three apostles with Jesus must have initially reacted </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by turning away or covering their eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Subsequently they saw a dark cloud...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heard the voice of God and succumbed to fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus immediately responds to their reaction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He comes to them...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Jesus came and touched them, saying,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"Rise, and do not be afraid."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we take our last breath many people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have reported seeing a bright light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This bright light seems to be an invitation to come closer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If this is the light from the face of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it might explain why there is an experience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of peace and not fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Transfiguration gives us hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">"Do not tell the vision to anyone </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let this second week of Lent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bring you closer to realizing that Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will never leave you or abandon you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Transfiguration is the Light of Hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Blessings & Peace ~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-76825276099991141562017-03-09T19:00:00.000-06:002017-03-09T19:00:08.930-06:00Story Time<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Matthew 7:7-12 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a child my mother read to us every</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
day right after lunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was nap time </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the little ones and 'rest' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
time for the older ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She read from this big book </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a short story for each day of the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the time she reached 'the end' the little ones </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were usually asleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today most young parents have minimal time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to actually read to their children.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><i>As a child I used to hear from the books</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><i> of my forefathers</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><i>that you, O LORD, always</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><i> free those who are pleasing to you.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Esther, in her time of distress,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is able to recall the goodness of the Lord</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because as a child she was read to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by the adults in her life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What we hear as young children </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is able to be internalized more easily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As young children we still have a pure unbiased heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Esther draws strength from </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the words she remembers hearing as a child.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P4CbM_4IV8V-0jtaYk_F7f-jbQolFrp8duzPkpvm7T2PgaKdBg9DNKnPLH3h6TP8vq-id8gGOdwTLel5c6CFXKf-QbdLK9xGKNJaAsDNbIIcFURRnDG-VrC0jv6LOiDr8gpTxWfO1NA0/s1600/2017-03-08+March+4306+Perpetual+Help+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P4CbM_4IV8V-0jtaYk_F7f-jbQolFrp8duzPkpvm7T2PgaKdBg9DNKnPLH3h6TP8vq-id8gGOdwTLel5c6CFXKf-QbdLK9xGKNJaAsDNbIIcFURRnDG-VrC0jv6LOiDr8gpTxWfO1NA0/s400/2017-03-08+March+4306+Perpetual+Help+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have the occasion please read Bible </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stories to any child you love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God the Father is the best parent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He gives us all that we need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Which one of you would hand his son a stone</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">when he asked for a loaf of bread,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">or a snake when he asked for a fish?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God listens and answers to our prayers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is not ever trying to trick us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When his answers seem to be a 'stone' or a 'snake'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is only because he has something better in store for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">...how much more will your heavenly Father</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"> give good things</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">to those who ask him.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you need a visual during Lent to remind </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you to turn away from sin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
find a large 'stone' and keep it near you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at that 'stone' remembering...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God gives you so much more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Esther received valuable memories from her childhood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Gospel today reminds us all to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
believe that we have God as our Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed to seek, find, and receive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-82636415751365903482017-03-07T18:44:00.001-06:002017-03-07T18:44:26.694-06:00The Perfect Prayer<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Isaiah 55:10-11 ~~~ Psalm 34 ~~~ Matthew 6:7-15 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">In praying, do not babble like the pagans,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">who think that they will be heard </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">because of their many words.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Do not be like them.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are not babies...We are not pagans...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can speak; there is no need for us to babble.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Babble means to talk foolishly, too fast,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in an incomprehensible way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus teaches us what it means to pray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in today's Gospel reading from Matthew.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is not hard of hearing, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we do not need to talk louder and louder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do not need to give God an endless litany</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of our needs when we pray.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Your Father knows what you need </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">before you ask him.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus teaches us to pray...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Our Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKB2O35JI66WimPy2wOCVt_q7xZp5zjYKFhel0LHhvrqmNnD6CwDV6kA4vHyCuU_G0tekxU1JKuh7OTmaxG_PsP0HMXj5JIq79osfxOXWya9pXdojxBbB0mTbi1f-vT0ty8q5OAVSyECz/s1600/2017-03-07+March+bunk+beds+2729+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKB2O35JI66WimPy2wOCVt_q7xZp5zjYKFhel0LHhvrqmNnD6CwDV6kA4vHyCuU_G0tekxU1JKuh7OTmaxG_PsP0HMXj5JIq79osfxOXWya9pXdojxBbB0mTbi1f-vT0ty8q5OAVSyECz/s400/2017-03-07+March+bunk+beds+2729+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To really pray the Our Father we must</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have some level of comprehension.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The words of the Our Father are not meaningless words...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they are not a mere string of foolish words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Our Father may be the perfect prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The words of the Our Father are perfect because</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were given to us from Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These words are not to be taken lightly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These words hold the potential to greatly impact our life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is fitting that in the first week of Lent </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are given the Lord's Prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This prayer is capable of changing us...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This prayer is capable of cleansing our heart...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This prayer is capable of replacing our </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heart of stone with a new heart...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This prayer is capable of creating within our soul</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an attitude of humility and gratitude.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>Our Father who art in heaven,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>hallowed be thy name,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>thy Kingdom come,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>thy will be done,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>on earth as it is in heaven.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>Give us this day our daily bread;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>and forgive us our trespasses,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>as we forgive those who trespass against us;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>and lead us not into temptation,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i>but deliver us from evil.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let this familiar prayer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fall afresh upon your heart during this Lent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you desire to have a fruitful forty days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let this prayer transform you to be more like its author.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you be Blessed with the best Lent ever...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a changed heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-58244305363472258822017-03-06T12:08:00.001-06:002017-03-06T12:08:53.453-06:00Instructions for Holiness<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 ~~~ Psalm 19 ~~~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">'Amen, I say to you,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">what you did not do for one of these least ones,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">you did not do for me.'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This reading from Leviticus and the Gospel </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from Matthew are closely connected today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord gives Moses a complete list </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of what it takes to be holy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no stealing, lying, swearing, speaking falsely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no fraudulent behavior, cursing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not acts of dishonesty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slander is condemned as well as hatred</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and holding a grudge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">Be holy, for I, the LORD, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">your God, am holy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For some people this list is just</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
too overwhelming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is mostly negative and we live in the 'feel good' era.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The instructions to become as holy as God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seem to be a bitter pill to swallow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYKyu23SSOCSnHPNts1CqCUw4Vthw1lFjIJ2x4R89c4hHJQZRCqzDRGgyC2_2buLv7IvISmzGSBfKXtN5B3fGd31GzIF3PKBQcalrjrUx7bIVokO0BLuwuzN71-JgxNbIqk8l9hm-Gh1D/s1600/2017-03-06+March+4431+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYKyu23SSOCSnHPNts1CqCUw4Vthw1lFjIJ2x4R89c4hHJQZRCqzDRGgyC2_2buLv7IvISmzGSBfKXtN5B3fGd31GzIF3PKBQcalrjrUx7bIVokO0BLuwuzN71-JgxNbIqk8l9hm-Gh1D/s400/2017-03-06+March+4431+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, however. is the reflection </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of this extensive list in Leviticus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His reflection is the resulting goodness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the very holiness we long to attain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His words, no matter how challenging they are,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lead us to the holiness that he believes we can reach.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holiness is our goal...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holiness is what keeps us </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
faithful to his commands...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holiness gets us a place in heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus is very specific with his words in the Gospel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stating emphatically that when we treat </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
others with kindness and love;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is God whom we are serving in disguise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">'Amen, I say to you,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">what you did not do for one of these least ones,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">you did not do for me.'</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The positive message is what you did do </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the least ones you really did for Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we sincerely want to be more holy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then we must operate within the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'spirit and life' of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">find favor before you,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During this first week of Lent let us try to see others</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as a reflection of the holiness of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put aside everything that is a distraction from the words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of God to be holy as he is holy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings in knowing that God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would not ask us to do the seemingly impossible </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without being right there by our side.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you have the peace of the Lord.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-19048149174603259322017-03-05T14:00:00.000-06:002017-03-05T14:00:30.887-06:00One Bite<div style="text-align: center;">
First Sunday of Lent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Romans 5:12, 17-19 ~~~ Matthew 4:1-11</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">One does not live on bread alone,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One bite from the fruit of the tree</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of good and evil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cast us all into the darkness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of temptation and sin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One bite of sweetness made us </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
feel ashamed of our own beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One juicy bite caused us </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to run and hide from the voice of God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One bite...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cleanse me Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before you alone I confess my guilt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before you I acknowledge my offenses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cast me not from your holy presence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give me back a willing spirit to remain steadfast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in loving you with all my heart and soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QOYvSjncoullJGeOouOBTxxZQNJtSPkTF4Fl0U6XV7qew0_PIrMTjGPsgrMScQ1C0RJ0bj8iM3sn6tN7D4ZR1MR_wqau8LzUBxKBiJXdl29zkvOMk-CXP45cfwPJTwLTnnktoXTM4WOK/s1600/2017-03-05+March+guys+in+cruise+shirts+1931+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QOYvSjncoullJGeOouOBTxxZQNJtSPkTF4Fl0U6XV7qew0_PIrMTjGPsgrMScQ1C0RJ0bj8iM3sn6tN7D4ZR1MR_wqau8LzUBxKBiJXdl29zkvOMk-CXP45cfwPJTwLTnnktoXTM4WOK/s400/2017-03-05+March+guys+in+cruise+shirts+1931+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cleanse my heart with a contrite spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give me back the joy of knowing you will always love me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Teach me to embrace the power of your words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your words are more than bread alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your words bring healing and forgiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your words have the power to cleanse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and heal the broken-hearted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your words are more nourishing than one bite </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the fruit of the tree of good and evil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I invite you to let this be a Lent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sustained by the reassuring words of the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For He will send the angels to sustain you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One bite is nothing compared</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the living words of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings along the journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666096658203098586.post-64926686288722111032017-03-04T12:40:00.000-06:002017-03-04T12:40:09.639-06:00Swimming Upstream<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~ Isaiah 58:9B-14 ~~~ Psalm 86 ~~~ Luke 5:27-32 ~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Teach me your way, O Lord, that I </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">may walk in your truth.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are given the advice to 'follow your own path'...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ralph Waldo Emerson said,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
" Do not follow where the path may lead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go instead where there is no path </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and leave a trail." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hear slightly different words from Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus invites us to come follow him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus invites us to merge our individual path with his.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus invites us walk the path of truth </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and justice that he created for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8iuwjdnNtMZ0ALMoDe4YPvTPBzqtXo6rPqW00c2k5mS5x5DMkU_7HqNIFvb8EeKQT6mO905zPq15mFyRGzg5Tg2-92NkHKUgq2wzhUnpM4S8UcYfvLUHm6Txa9ZgNnXWGTNNcTa8Vkpo/s1600/2017-03-04+March+Lent+art+181506+KalPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8iuwjdnNtMZ0ALMoDe4YPvTPBzqtXo6rPqW00c2k5mS5x5DMkU_7HqNIFvb8EeKQT6mO905zPq15mFyRGzg5Tg2-92NkHKUgq2wzhUnpM4S8UcYfvLUHm6Txa9ZgNnXWGTNNcTa8Vkpo/s400/2017-03-04+March+Lent+art+181506+KalPics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The desire to create our own path as followers of Jesus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
must be to walk more closely in his footsteps.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will always have the right to choose our own path.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps some soul searching is in order when it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
comes to finding our own path.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus came to show us the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His path is visible to all seekers...seekers of truth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It may indeed take more courage to walk along the path</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
marked by Jesus than to create our own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75;">and attend to the sound of my pleading.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During this time of Lent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pause for awhile...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
examine your personal path...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you walking in the footsteps of Jesus?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the end that is what really matters the most.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Following Jesus may at times even feel like </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are <i>swimming upstream</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is true that you must walk your own path...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no one can make the journey to holiness on your behalf.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The path you choose is up to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join those who follow Jesus;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you will not be alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you be confident in your decision</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to follow Jesus even if it means</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>swimming upstream</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a Blessed Lenten journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you along the path.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~Peace~~~</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0