Scripture Reference #1 from SCRC 2016

Romans 12: 1-2  The New Life in Christ

12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Totally diggin' this song

Wake up with JOY

I invite all of us to examine our consciences, repent and ask forgiveness for our sins from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, taking comfort in His Forgiveness and Love for us.

Let's wake up in the morning, clothed in His Love for us, fresh, anew, pure and clean.  We have been forgiven our sins, from our baptism from Original Sin, and venial sins forgiven through His Graces and Sacraments.  I love Reconciliation/Confession, which is needed for forgiveness of mortal sins, and is wonderful for venial sins as well. But our venial sins are forgiven in other ways as well.

It's so easy to feel that we are stained with sin, but let us remember that we are pure and clothed in His Mercy and Forgiveness. Remember this, not our own selves.

Let us wake up with JOY, filled with His Love, and bask in the warmth of knowing of all He has for us.  Today, let us not go about our ways as if we are nothing more than sinners; for while we sin and are sinners, more importantly, we are His, God's Children. He created us, He knows us from our weaknesses and sins, to our joys and triumphs.  Let His Gifts REIGN all over us.

Begin each day draped in His Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, knowing that while you sin, ultimately, you are God's Creation, and He loves no one more than He loves you. He wants us to be happy, succeed in His Plan for us and be with Him in Heaven when our time here is done.

Thank you Papa, for Your Grace

Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.

Yesterday, I was just having a bur or two under my saddle. I overslept and missed the Latin Mass we had planned to go to; one thing led to another, and we were on track for 8 PM Mass at the Cathedral across town.  It's a beautiful building, but there are some human things inside that really distract from its beauty, and underwhelm the Mass as well. (We like the priest; it isn't him.)

Anyway, the bur under my saddle was just rubbing me the wrong way, but I was managing not to let it get to me.  That is, until we got to the Church.  Then it went wrong.  No parking, no parking assistance, and it's not an area I'm that familiar with. They will tow you if you are parked in the wrong spot.  The security guard did his best to annoy me, both when I asked him where to park, and when we finally were making our way to the Church, and it was like he was trying to argue with me about his directions (which were not good).  I didn't initiate the conversation, but kept on going, as now we were late for Mass. ARGH.  I much prefer being early, and we had arrived in plenty of time essentially.  It was hot inside, I was cranky, Mass was starting, people were talking all through Mass, being disrespectful, the acoustics were impossible..........oh how I could go on!! (I promise not to go on, so read more after the break!!)

Little consolations are BIG in my heart and soul

I posted this a year ago, regarding stained glass windows: "When you let the sun shine through, it becomes more stunning.

When you let the Son shine through you, you become more brilliant. When His Light shines, you are even more beautiful, starting from the inside out.  Your face becomes a beacon for His Love; your joy is in the warm glow of His Love."
-------------------
So, I recently visited Denver and attended Mass at the Cathedral at Logan and Colfax.  During my conversation I posted about earlier this week, I spent a LOT of time gazing upon a certain stained glass window. I mentioned it in the earlier post.

I've been away from my page more than I would have liked this past year, but I'm working on that.  I know even if no one else is listening, God is, and this blog is a prayer, an honor, to Him, for Him.

So, I was reflecting on some of my posts of the past year, and came upon this post, with these three stained glass pictures; the one on the top looked familiar. I realized suddenly that it was the same one that I gazed upon, and prayed with Mary in it, during Saturday afternoon.  I don't remember knowing it was from the Denver Cathedral.    The above quote is written, by me, right next to the picture I'd never seen before.

A few days ago, I let His Light shine through me; I obeyed Him from His Command from a year ago, and I was rewarded with putting all this together; I didn't ask for a reward or consolation for doing what He placed in my heart.  I thanked Him for it, for the opportunity to share His Love for us, and the blessing that the young man was to me, but I never expected I would be touched even deeper by anything else regarding it, especially a sign of His Love for me.

It's so amazing that I posted that in the last year or so, when there are literally tens of thousands stained glass windows, plus pictures on the internet.  Thank you, Papa, for knowing long before I did what I would need before I needed it.

He is looking out for us, even when we don't know what is coming.  Trust and believe in Him at all times.  He is showing Himself to you, through all your senses, and beyond, deep in your soul.  Thank you, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for showing me your love today, one year ago, and every second of my life.

Evangelizing in the Church before Mass with a stranger

I've had need to go to Confession, and had some time on my business trip to do so, and attend Mass afterwards.  Preface: apparently, I was attending Mass in one of the areas that a large part of the homeless gather, the doors in the bathrooms at McDonald's are locked, and there was little to no parking.  (Denver-ites....the Cathedral)  I wondered why I was meant to be there that day, and just chalked it up to God would let me know if He wanted me to know, if it was more than doing as I was expected (Confession and Mass). (I have to do that a lot.)  I did it just over a week ago as well.

Anyway, after encountering more than a few people asking for help or money, and even being approached directly while eating, along with a few more adventures, I decided to see if the Church was open an hour before Confession and 2 before Mass. It was. YAY! I didn't have to sit in my car surrounded by strangers! (Not really afraid, but not completely comfortable either, given what I'd seen.)  I was one of the first to get in line after praying, and confessed my sins.  I then went to the 'side' near Mary's statues and pictures to pray.

I sat down shortly thereafter, and turned to face the main part of the Church, to enjoy the beauty and artwork, especially the stained glass of Mary (at Assumption?).  I felt someone's eyes on me, and turned to look.  A young man smiled shyly at me, and I smiled back.  This happened a couple times, and he then asked me if he could ask me a question.  I said of course, and moved back a few pews to him.  (He didn't seem to be homeless, but I could be wrong. Doesn't matter; was just giving background on the area I was in.)

He asked: "What is faith, to you?"  The only thing I could think of to respond was, "A gift from God, to believe in Him and to return to Him."  He was apparently satisfied with this answer.  He continued on with other questions, and somehow, God shut my mouth and opened my ears to hear both the young man and God.  For some reason, he reminded me of David from the Old Testament.  Not really sure why, but I shared this with him.  When things come to me like that at these times, God seems to let me know when to share and trust in Him and His Plan.  It's easier than arguing with God in my head; He always wins in these cases... ;)  Sometimes His 'win' is to let me win, which is pretty cool when it happens, but I know that was His Plan for me to get me way, as long as I give in to His Will.

I also had on, as always, my silver chain with a number of blessed medals on it.  I took it off, and for the first time (that I can remember, anyway), gave one of these medals to him.  I've given away extras, but never off my own chain.  It was my blessed Holy Spirit medal, which I love, but can be easily replaced.  We had kind of a deep discussion about God, whether or not God is 'He' or 'She', meditation versus praying, fear, and many other things.  He isn't sure if he believes in God, and seemed very tortured. I think he was afraid of giving in to that push from the Holy Spirit. I fought it hard when I was away from the Church too.  He wanted to know how we knew Jesus was real.  He wanted to talk about Heaven and Hell.  He claimed he wasn't religious, just spiritual, but I believe he'll be coming Home to the Faith soon. He asked how we could know who we are; he was worried about his life and direction.  He was carrying a wooden Rosary in a pristine white cloth. He said he didn't know why.

I asked "David" (his real name might have been Lawrence....) what brought him to Church that day, he told me didn't really know.  He just ended up there.  I smiled on the inside, because I knew that wasn't true........even if he didn't.  God brought him there, just as he brought me there, just as He has done many times before for me; He puts me where I can do His Work, when I turn my decision and acquiescence over to Him.

I really didn't expect to evangelize for over an hour before Mass (he did not stay). It was a good experience, and a reminder to carry extra medals and nice rosaries, along with booklets.  We did talk about using the Rosary to pray "Jesus, I love you." or something of the sort, while moving along the beads.

Please pray for "David", and all young men and women, especially those away from God, and the Faith.  He was a blessing to me, and I hope we meet again, and that his life gets better.

PS: How awesome is it, Denver, that y'all had 3 priests hearing Confessions, and it still went an hour, at least? :) Sooooo awesome!

Angel watching over me

I was recently driving home late one night, and was fairly tired, although  in no danger of falling asleep.

Just as I started on the last leg a few minutes from home (it was only a 30 minute drive in all), for some reason, I thought "If I were to 'go' right now, I couldn't be any more content or happy, and I would accept that it would be God's Will for me."  I then proceeded to make the Sign of the Cross.  I also had Christian music on the radio (like K-Love or Air1).

I had barely finished my prayer, when a box appeared before me on the road, and right or wrong, I pulled hard to the right to avoid it (at 70 MPH), but was able to turn back quickly.It all happened so quickly.  Had I gone off the road at that point, there was a good chance it would have been tragic, either in severe injury or fatality.

I truly believe in the powers of God, and that He allows us to see as much as He wants us to, and the more we believe, the more we see Him in everything.  I have no doubt that I was saved, either through God's direct touch, or by my Guardian Angel.

My favorite perfume/designer is Angel/Thierry Mugler.  At that moment, I was wearing my Angel necklace, watch, lotion and perfume, plus earrings and a bracelet styled similarly.  That was the first and only time I've had that much 'Angel' stuff on, and I didn't even think of it until the next day.

I truly feel that I was saved by God, or His Servant, that night, literally. It isn't the first time that I've escaped dying or injury when there was more than a 50% chance I shouldn't have made it out either nearly unscathed, or the incident was averted completely.  It brings me joy, but it also brings me.............a bit of concern!!  What is it that is going to happen in my future that I need to be here for?  I may never know what it is, though, and that's okay.  But I think our God has great plans for me, and for each of us!! Open yourself to His Will, accept His Will as yours.

Of course, He might have been telling me that I still needed some more time to repent, as well, and to clean up my act before I perished on both Earth and the after life.

Either way, praise God for my answered (immediately!) prayer!

Make a change.........

Ask yourself today: do I want to be the same person that I was yesterday, or is there a way, even in a small way, I can improve and be better? Smile that extra smile at a stranger, pray one more prayer, clean just a little longer, meditate a bit more, walk one block or parking spot more, hold the door open for one more person, thank Him for one more thing. 

And then add that to your daily routine. Improve every day, somehow, someway. Add in a weekly note or call to different people to keep in touch, to check in. Keep notes, or keep track, and then in one week, one month, one year, look back and see how far you've come, when it will probably feel like you were standing still. The 'constant' will be you. The change will be within.  Peace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Cor 12:9

2 Corinthians 12

I recently attended a Healing/Charismatic Mass in our diocese. It's the 4th or 5th one I've attended, the first being last November.  I could write about this Mass, and how different it is than the parish Masses I attend during the week, and on Sundays.  I will, later on.  But I will instead share with you, the best I can with the talents God has given me, what happened at the end of this Mass, that showed me again how the Holy Spirit touches us and makes Himself known to us. (click to read more)

SPOILER alert! Choose the light!

That's a phrase we see or hear nowadays, when people are about to allude to something that gives away the ending.  There have been a *few* times when I was reading a book that I was struggling to get into, and I did skip to the end to see if the ending was worth it, worth sludging through the rest of the book.

Well, I've got a great spoiler alert for you............

God wins! No matter how bad things are going personally, or in the world as a whole, the ending will be spectacular.  We have the choice to be part of the glorious ending, or we can choose the one that ends in darkness. I'm choosing the LIGHT!

I look around and see the demise of our communities, cities, countries, and the world.  The seemingly smaller things are like small arrows, wounding but not killing the Body of Christ, of which we are members.  It's easy to despair about the state of our world, with so many attacks against God, against the Faith, against all Christians, attacks both small and large, obvious or insidious (I think there are more that are this way).  The attacks on religious freedoms, on marriage, on families.  Society is trying to force us to accept and drink the poison it considers normal.  There are so many things, I can't even begin to detail them here.  I hope one day we'll be able to look back and while seeing the horrors that were the norms during this time, that we are able to rejoice that the world was set right.

I used to worry more about things; I still do worry about my sons.  But knowing the ending helps a lot.  As long as I stay in a state of Grace, remain right with the Lord, I know what my ending will be.  Troubles will still come along, but knowing that my loved ones are basking in the Glory of God's Love helps me a lot when losing a loved one.  I know it will get harder.  It might be sooner rather than later. I pray that I remain confident in God's ending no matter when it happens.  But when I returned to God and the Faith a year and a half ago, I quit being scared to die. I don't *want* to die; I think I have a lot left to do for Him.

I'm back!

Hey y'all!
I'll be back to posting on a more regular basis now that I've returned from our family vacation in the South.  We had just an amazing, joy filled time. I'm so thankful to God for His Blessings, especially of my amazing husband and kids, the safe travels for all of us and those who were also traveling to and from the same events we attended (ACRAs).  God's Love and Graces are so amazing, wondrous
and abundant. God is SO great and awesome! Thank you Lord!

Prayer for travelers over the holiday

Father,
Please hear our prayers for all those traveling during this busy holiday weekend in the United States.  We send up all our prayers to You for safety for all those traveling, especially those with families.  We ask St. Christopher to pray for us, and bring our petitions to You, oh God Almighty Father. You are Amazing and Powerful, and we know You hear our prayers.  We pray for those that have accidents, that You keep them healthy and safe.  Lord, we also pray for those that are injured this coming weekend, that You may guide them to health.  Please, oh Consoler, be with those who will be in need of such consolation this weekend, that Your Spirit ease their hearts, and fill them with Your Love.   May they know Your Mercy and Love.

Oh God, our beloved and perfect Creator, I offer up to you any and all graces that I receive from attending Mass this week, for those travelers in need of Your Mercy and Love, whether by their own neglect, or their deaths or injuries during travel.  Surround them with others who will share Your Love and Mercy.  Thank you, O Great One, for the freedom that we have to travel where we need or want to go this weekend.  We thank you for keeping us safe, for You are Love beyond all things.  We praise You, God, our only need. We love You; we want to glorify You in all things, great and small.

Amen, Alleluia, Amen!
(cmg 5-20-14)




Prayer to Saint Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers, for
St. Christopher's Protection

Dear Saint Christopher,
protect me today
in all my travels
along the road's way.
Give your warning sign
if danger is near
so that I may stop
while the path is clear.
Be at my window
and direct me through
when the vision blurs
From out of the blue.
Carry me safely
to my destined place,
like you carried Christ
in your close embrace.
Amen.
http://www.toweringpines.com/stchristopher.html

I AM

I was so honored and pleased to be able to attend Mass on the feast day of my Confirmation Saint, St. Dymphna, this week.  I was blessed to be able to attend at one of the most memorable parishes of my youth, and my maternal grandmother's parish when she was alive.  My mom grew up across the street from this parish.  Just walking in, the incense smell took me back to my youth, even though as a youth I didn't appreciate the early morning Mass or rosaries. (Still not a morning person!)

Thursday's Gospel reading was:

Gospel John 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master

nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.

If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.

I am not speaking of all of you.

I know those whom I have chosen.

But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,

The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.

From now on I am telling you before it happens,

so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. 

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send

receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

The brief homily by Father Nick emphasized an important point. Jesus said that "I AM."  After the short weekday Mass, I returned across the street to my car in the parking lot, and began to make my way back to my mom's house for lunch. (I was visiting her another city a few hours away from my home.)  The radio was playing as I started the car, and guess what song it was?

"I AM"!!  WOW!  I love how these God-incidences (not coincidences) happen and give me such peace and joy.

Here is another of my favorite 'I Am' songs as well:

Amen, amen, amen! All joys and praises to our God, our Savior!

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares......

UPDATE!! The event was CANCELED! It was not only removed from campus, it was not held at all.  Claims are that they held it at a restaurant, but a report from a restaurant employee said that they were only sitting at the bar drinking. AMEN!!!! Original post: Tonight, a student group will be hosting a 'black mass' by a satanic group. They are claiming it is an informational event, but it is truly a persecution not only of Catholics, but of all Christians everywhere.  They are being allowed not only to mock, but desecrate all that we believe and hold in our hearts.  This would not be allowed if the religion was Islam, Buddhist or others.  The Church is specifically being persecuted. I have many other thoughts on this, but for now, I ask for you to pray, especially with the greatest Angel above, St. Michael.  Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Expect amazing!

Many times, especially in the throes of a bad day, bad week, bad month, do we struggle to see tomorrow? Sometimes, we even struggle to see today!

I've had some bad days in my life, a few in the past year.  Getting older is complicated! :) Sometimes, just living is complicated.  I can't see today, and I surely can't see tomorrow.  It's like a black curtain is pulled over my eyes, over my heart, and the pain of the darkness is unbearable.  I don't know how to get through it.  I had one of those nights recently. It was hard. It was painful. It was darkness...not just for me, but for my husband who helped see me through it.  It was bad.  But even when I was hurting, I was praying inside...please God, help me, help my husband.  I didn't give up, even though it might have seemed like it on the outside.  This was a difficult time for me, and it was, sadly but now gladly, the first time I've really prayed deeply in the middle of the raging storm.  I know how easy it would have been to slip, to give in, to the pain and the darkness. I've lived through it before, not because of my own weakness, but because it's an illness I've struggled with my entire life.  I knew this wasn't the illness like it has been before, but it reminded me so much of it.  I only survived before because of the Grace and Hand of God, even though I didn't know Him at the time like I do now. (continued............)

May: Novenas and Litanies in honor of Mary

I've added a new tab for May, in honor of Mary.  I love you, Mama.
http://lifeisanopenbooktest.blogspot.com/p/may-novena-to-mary.html

Happy May!

Oh what a great month that May is!  Spring might actually decide to stick, for one thing. But I love this month for many other reasons as well.



It's my birthday month. (YAY!)
My confirmation saint has her feast day this month.

And it's MARY month! The most beautiful woman ever born, the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Catholics do not worship Mary, despite allegations of non-Catholics.  We simply ask for her assistance, and honor her as the mother of Jesus, the woman chosen to give birth to Him and raise Him.  We honor and respect our friends' mothers, and our own mothers; why wouldn't we honor Mary on an even higher level than that?

I plan to honor her with special devotions this month. If you need a jumpstart (beyond the Rosary), here's some info to get you started:
http://www.salvemariaregina.info/Prayers/May.html
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/prayers/devotions/to-the-blessed-virgin-mary/month-of-mary-may-devotions/
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/05_1.cfm

For my new friend

A new acquaintance is going through some things, and I'd like to share the following thoughts with her (don't cry through this one! :) :) :) ) :  (let me know when you've seen this and I'll take it down if you like)

Thanks for your email last night!
Congrats on doing such a great job for your health! That's amazing, and shows what a strong person you truly are. I know it isn't easy.

You can call any rectory and meet with any priest. You don't have to go to the parish where you attend Mass. You can attend Mass, even, at any parish, not just your neighborhood/local one, so don't worry about 'belonging'.  Do your very best to get to Confession, and remember that God knows your heart and limitations. I'd sincerely recommend using your time at Confession or the rectory to visit with the priest about your life as a whole, along with your confession.  Do you visit the doctor for your follow up? They can also provide some information about other services that you might need.

I have met Jesus Christ in the Confessional many times. I urge you to do the same. He is there, waiting for you, but remember, He is ALWAYS with you.

God bless and keep you. I will keep you in my prayers, and ask others to do the same.

Isaiah 41:10

do not fear, for I am with you,

    do not be afraid, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Jesus is looking for you

I read this recently and wanted to share it:
http://www.nwcatholic.org/columns/archbishop/609-jesus-is-looking-for-you

Divine Mercy Sunday-quick thoughts

Hallelujah and Amen!

What a wonderful amazing day today will be, with the Canonization of two Popes, including the first one I really remember as a child, Pope John Paul II!  It is also Divine Mercy Sunday.  Christ's Mercy and Compassion for us sinners is boundless.

May God bless you and rain down all His Mercies on your soul today!

St. Faustina, pray for us!

St. John Paul II, pray for us!