Humility

I am inspired today to write about humility. There is a reason for this. And this reason has brought me closer to the realization that God is truly working in our lives and though we do not see it all the time there is no where he cannot be found!

On my roof at this time, even as we speak, there are 7 men and Ron putting on the new roof. Ron has spent all day with our friend, Bill Wallace, taking off shingles from the front half of the roof. The story really begins when Ron asked Chris , whose family works in building contracting, at Bible study last spring if buying shingles would be wise with the rise in gasoline prices. Chris said it would be well to do that, and when was Ron going to put the roof on. Well, Ron told him not soon, but we would have the shingles when we could budget the roofers. Chris came back a week or two later and told us if we could get the shingles off he, his dad, and brothers would put the roof on sometime in the fall. Right now in Christian charity and kindness these men and Ron are putting shingles on the roof. Well, Ron is still removing shingles from the other half of the roof. Twenty years ago Ron was part of a work crew that helped put a roof on another parishioners house. Perhaps a work repaid.

I feel certain when James was writing his letter he was speaking of such things as this (James 2: 14-26). These are faith filled men who by their works, honest and good, witness to their faith. It causes my heart to swell to be the recipient of such agape love. Tears well in my eyes as I realize the wealth we have in the goodness of God and our fellow pilgrims.

May we always be blessed with charity and faith. And the hope that we will be worthy stewards of the gifts offered and received. The three virtues are all integral to the life of a Christian!

~~~~~^j^~~~~~

My heart is so full, all I can say is,
"Thanks be to God!"

Knights of Columbus World Day of Prayer for Peace

At the 122nd annual meeting in 2004, the Supreme Council resolved that September 11 be observed each year as a World Day of Prayer for Peace. So please join me in praying:

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds
are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost. . .
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

~Pope Benedict XVI~
Prayer service at Ground Zero
April 20, 2008

~~~~~
Amen
and
Thanks be to God.

Sharing...

I received a couple of things this week from my email neighborhood that I would like to share with your. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

First:

Humor for Lexophiles

1. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

2. Police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

3. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now. 4. To write with a broken pencil is pointless. 5. The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. 6. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

7. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles , U.C.L.A

8. The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a
number on it!

9. The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on
shaky ground.

10. The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

11. A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

12. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is just two-tired.

13. A will is a dead giveaway.

14. A backward poet writes inverse.

15. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

16. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

17. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France , resulted in
linoleum blownapart.

18. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

19. A calendar's days are numbered.

20. A boiled egg is hard to beat.

21. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine .

22. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd
dye.

23. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

24. Acupuncture: a jab well done


Next:

Greaser Babies, a video destined for greatness?


All have a grand day!!!

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

A Simple Woman

I've remembered it is Monday. It's been weeks since I've done this but what a nice time for reflection. Please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

So I begin.

1. I'm thinking...what a wonderfully cool morning.

2. From the Kitchen...I have water on to boil for my cup of tea.

3. I am creating...a special gift for Marianne's wedding. Will have to share later as it is a surprise.

4. I'm wearing... my nightgown, robe and slippers. It's 5:00 a.m. CDT

5. I am reading...still The Apostles by Pope Benedict XVI

6. I'm hoping...to mail birthday/baby gifts to David and Kelly this week for Jonathan and Maddie.

7. I am hearing...Duchess snoring. She's asleep on the floor here in the office.

8. Around the house...we are slowly getting the family room arranged. But not too much as we will have to move furniture again when the windows are put in and the carpet is laid.

9. Few plans for the rest of the week...Fr. Joe and Fr. Ron are coming for dinner Wednesday so will continue to plan and re-plan the meal. Can't make up my mind yet what to fix.

10. One of my favorite things is...sitting outside in the fall and smelling the crisp cool air.

11. Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The elegance of carved marbel.
The High Museum, Atlanta Georgia
April, 2007

~~~~~~~
And for this day,
Thanks be to God!

Aside: I would ask you to remember those candidates and catechemen who begin the RCIA process this autumn. Pray also for us who will be presenting the Way to them. Thank you!

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!!