Bad Haiku Friday

Humble is the heart
That never quite gets is right
But keeps on trying.


Image of Saint Therese
by
Brother Claude Lane, O.S.B.

On this feast of my patron saint, Saint Therese of Lisieux I would offer these words of hers for reflection.

It seems to me that if a little flower could speak, it would tell simply what God has done for it without trying to hide its blessing. It would not say, under the pretext of a false humility it is not beautiful or without perfume, that the sun had taken away its [splendor] and the storm has broken its stem when it know that all this is untrue.

I often reflect on the gift of humility and find that being truly humble is one of life's most difficult tasks. Humility requires of us honesty and acceptance of who we are. We must try to know ourselves. It is so hard to look inward, because some days it is not a pleasant sight. It becomes a sight we try to avoid. Well, take a look! Yes, there are flaws! But the beauty in the flaws is that even in them there is a love so powerful that when we accept it we too can see the signs of perfection there because God made us! And that is why He loves us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Picture Puzzle Day

Sunset, December 2008

Sunsets are glorious gifts from God. A time of day to reflect on the way you have progressed in this earthly journey. A time to see the challenges and gifts for what they are, an opportunity to grow in the love of God. The sunset becomes a beautiful cloak to be warn as we rest in the arms of our loving Father.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Music In Prayer

High Museum
Atlanta, GA
April, 2007

St. Augustine once said, "that a song sung, is a prayer prayed twice." So even when I am humming a song I am often reminded that I am, indeed praying the words as they run through my mind. Consider there are 150 Psalms. Early Christians recited them daily. Hear the Gregorian Chant during prayer. Music is centering. Music is harmony and discord. Music is life.

I reflected on these words by Archabbot Lambert Reilly, O.S.B. from his book Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth.

Cantare amantis est
("To sing is characteristic of the lover")
St. Augustine

When one is in love one can't stand still and keep quiet. One must speak to the beloved. One must speak of him. And sometimes, filled with the love that is too much for words, one must sing.

The Psalms are our love songs to God. Some are attributed to King David, others to unknown figures, all of whom bring forth tin their songs all the sentiments, emotions, feelings, and desires that anyone who knows love is able to experience.

It is the Spirit who inspires the lover and it is the lover who sings the glorious dependence on the Lord God in the Psalms, the prayer book of the Holy spirit.

But I will sing of thy might;
I will sing aloud of the steadfast
love in the morning.
For thou has been to me a
fortress and a refuge in the
day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises
to thee, for thou, O God, art
my fortress, the God who shows
me steadfast love.
~Psalm 59:16-17~

So it is as a lover of God, one's music becomes a gentle offering of prayer. Voices lifted in praise, thanksgiving, petition and repentance, like incense, rise to heaven as an offering to the Almighty God! Whether gifted in voice and music or not, one should not be restrained from offering this gift. And so I say to one and all, "SING!!!"

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

A Grand Weekend of Celebration

Click here to view these pictures larger

Yet another great weekend here for the Keller Family. After we worked at Mother Teresa's Treasures we met Wes, Roy, Neil, Ainsley, and Lindsey at the Evansville Museum for Astronomy Day. The kids got to see some of Grandpa's meteorites on display and then it was out to dinner at Hacienda.

This morning we celebrated with Kellie as she made her Confirmation. What a joy!! I had to delete some pictures because they were blurred. Sometimes it's hard to take a good picture through the tears of joy! Later we gathered at the Ackerman house for a traditional Grandy's buffet and wonderful cake and cupcakes.

What a wonderful day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

GoD And DoG by WJ Francisco

Just had to share this. It was sent to me by Emily and I cannot thank her enough for this. It is so tender. Please enjoy!

This will be a busy weekend as Wes, Annie and the girls will be here for Kellie's Confirmation on Sunday. It is so exciting to celebrate your oldest granddaughter's special day!

Wishing you all a grand and glorious weekend!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!