Holy Anticipation

Glory in the light

Wonder of our salvation

Glory be to God

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As we begin the holiest week of the year on Palm Sunday, let us thank God for sending his Son to die for us and thus gain for us eternal life.  I have always loved this week of the year, even more than preparation for Christmas.  From Holy Thursday, Good Friday to Easter Sunday I have an opportunity to be with my Savior again as He journeys to Calvary.  He died and rose for me, for you!  Take this time to be thankful!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!!

 

At the center of the entrance cloister at Monte Cassino stands this beautiful bronze statue by the sculptor A. Selva. The work is based on the description given by St. Gregory the Great, who wrote the biography of St. Benedict's life. He is standing, supported by monks after having received the Holy Communion. This statue was a gift from the German Chancelor K. Adenauer in 1952.

God's mercy and love

Lifts us out of the abyss

God's gift to us all

God's gift to us all

Everlasting joy and peace

The gift to all saints

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Finally, I am joining A Soulful Life for Soulfood Friday

Praise God!

There is never a time when praising God is not appropriate. At Mass yesterday I was touched by the reading from the Prophet Baruch. It suddenly stuck me how important it is to CELEBRATE, PRAISE GOD!

Jerusalem! take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever; wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor; you will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God's worship. Baruch 5:1-9

It was one of those moments when, though I have heard this reading many time, I got it!!! "Cathy!!!" it said, "wake up!!! Joy is yours!" It filled me with satisfaction, again, knowing that God is with me! Alleluia!!!

Then, last night at the Christmas Concert at church given by John Angotti, he sang Mary Did You Know and again I took comfort and solace in knowing that the Mother of God didn't have to know all to say, "Yes." I don't have to know all either! I just have to love God and follow His son, Jesus. Yes, indeed I must LOVE God with all my heart, my soul and all my being. That alone is all important. And, yes, all will be taken care of!

Wishing you all a grand day!!! May God wrap you in his warm embrace and carry you on!

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Thanks be to God!

Valentine's Day Poetry

Roses are red.
Violet are blue.
It's Valentine's Day.
And I love all of you.

Daisies are white,
Lovely and pure.
Remember this day
That God's love is sure.


~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

I am reminded of the days on the playground when we girls would stand around and compose our "Roses are Red" poetry. They were grand times and there are such fond memories. My wish to you is that you can make some fond memories on this Valentine's Day.

If you wish to contribute your poem to this day known for its "Love Notes" please compose and add the link to your blog here so we can all read your beautiful
words...

God, Our Companion On the Journey

A gift to me, I have tried to adapt this into my prayer life, some days more successfully than others. It's a wonderful text that calls one into prayer, guiding and affirming.

Today as he left for work, Ron, for the first time, voiced his concerns about his workplace. A BIG meeting is scheduled for day after tomorrow and he is anxious. Let it be known that The Kellers have been tested and survived. Certainly not as painfully as some, but tested none-the-less. God has ALWAYS provided us with the grace and courage to succeed in answering his call. Though anxious, we have every reason to be sure that whatever the outcome we will be provided for. In our life together there has never been a time when he has not guided us along the next step of our journey.

And so it was, when I opened my prayers this morning with this source, that I was led to Tobit 13: 1B-8. I just want to share with you the verses that comforted me.

If you turn to him with all your
heart and with all your soul,
to do what is true before him
then he will turn to you
and will no longer hide his
face from you.
So now see what he has done
for you;
acknowledge him at the top
of your voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness
and exalt the King of the ages.

Tobit 13: 6

I take comfort in these words. For:

O God, you search me and you
know me. all my thoughts lie
open to your gaze. When I walk or
lie down you are before me ever
the maker and keeper of my days.

Bernadettte Farrell
Text based on Psalm 139

Comforted by this I go out today, knowing that, indeed, he cares about us and we can rely on his justice and mercy. Wishing all a joy filled day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Another "Lost Book"

You know when you remodel, clean (really deep clean) or make changes, it's amazing what you find you don't need, want or have lost sight of. Yesterday I found my book The One Year Book of Personal Prayer from Tyndale House Publishers.

Today, I opened it for reflection and found that my favorite Psalm and accompanying thoughts really have touched me. It seems today I am emotionally in tune. I was brought to tears a number of times this morning at Mass. So today is, for me, a God-feeling day. These times don't often happen to me but when they do I cherish them.

This is my offering, then to you all, who share this world with me.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51: 10-12

Change me,
God Please change me.
Though I cringe
Kick
Resist and resent
Pay no attention to me whatever.
When I run to hide
Drag me out of my safe little shelter.
Change me totally
Whatever it takes
However long You must work at the job.
Change me--and save me
From spiritual self-destruction
Ruth Harms Calkin

Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God.

Oswald Chambers

You see what I mean? Today is the day He opened the window again and I have been refreshed by His presence. He was there in my tears at Mass and He is with me now as I converse with you! Whew!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

The Wonders of God's Hand

From the ice storm in February,

to the snow we that was sent our way yesterday,

I find that two Friends have sent me "spring flowers".

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii and Marie from A View From the Pews have graciously given me this great friend award. I have met some tremendous people since I started this adventure nearly a year ago. I have been affirmed, guided, educated and I have laughed along the way! Thanks so much to you all. But I would like to add a special thank you to my daughter-in-law Kelly at Musings, for assisting me in starting this effort and would like to offer this award to her first. Thank you, Kelly, for your example and grace, sense of humor and gift for writing. As for those other gifted and talented friends I would like to add these who have shared much with me in friendship.

Oh, And...This
Episcopollyanna
Psalm.Poem
Eileen on Him...At Least, I Try!
...UKOK's Place...
Are We There Yet
Christ's Rose
Contemplative Haven asylum for your refugee soul
La Dolce Vita: The Good Life with Three Sons
And one for good measure!
Mommy of Four

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Thanks be to God!!

Must add an addendum: While visiting UKOK I found that she had gifted me as well with these lovely flowers so to her I say, "Many Thanks!"