Strings Attached

Not all things of beauty are without consequence. Sometimes, the web of strings are hard to see.
It is interesting how easily we fall into a trap because of the beauty of the prize.  We think that if something is pretty and attractive and it feels good to look at that it must be good.  In essence it is.  But because we live in the real world we must recognize that even things of beauty and pleasure can be to our own detriment.

While we focus on our spirits during Lent, we often think and identify with the suffering that Jesus felt in the desert.  But, it is nothing like the suffering of not having God in your heart.  Can you imagine not being able to see God because of the web of words woven by people? If you practice contemplative prayer (meditation for non catholics), then focus on sight. The ability to see closely and from afar-is difficult and takes much practice and experience. This week I thank God for the clarity of sight.

Ave Maria

Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with you,

Blessed are you among women,

And Blessed is the fruit of your womb,

Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us, sinners, 

Now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Feelin' Crafty?

A while back I gave my rosary away-to someone I love. I loved my rosary but, I knew that he needed it more than I did. So off it went.  I don't know if I will ever see it again, but, it served it's purpose.

Anyway, that left me without one for a few months now. I have just been making tick marks on a piece of paper instead when I need to pray but, really...it is hard to concentrate and stay in contemplation when I have to stop and tick off a prayer. (that reads kind of funny-tick off a prayer LOL!). I went searching on the web to find a new rosary and I came across this awesome guy making rosaries out of twine. 

No, I won't be making one but, I still think this is FABULOUS.
If you are the PDF type:
The Rosary Army Instructions
 
If you are the video tutorial type:
The Rosary Army-Video Tutorial

Some people are so resourceful.  I would never have considered this at all. Never. For reals. I still didn't find a rosary to buy.  That is not completely true.  I found one but, it was $600 on EBAY! Even made me gasp, I just wanted some pretty beads and a crucifix to help me keep track while I was deep in prayer. I guess, I need to check out a local craft fair and see if anyone can supply a more reasonably priced rosary.

God's merciful blessings upon you,
Me

Well Said

If we had been in a courtroom or at least seen courtroom dramas on tv and movies, then we may know what it means to be a witness.

To stand as a witness means that one is most likely to be cross-examined, or grilled, either by the prosecution or by the defense attorneys.

To be a witness, there are two necessary elements: to know the truth, and to speak the truth.

Jesus calls us to be His witnesses.

To be His witnesses, there are two necessary elements: to know Jesus and His teachings, and also to have a deep relationship with Him.

It is from this knowledge and relationship that we witness to Jesus with our words and actions.

We witness to Jesus in a world that may not know who Jesus is, and to a world that thinks it can do without God.

In a world that is filled with hostility and disregard for human dignity, our witnessing to Jesus is vital and necessary.
 --Rev. Fr. Yim -Homily for 5/30/2011

From the Quote Journal

Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how.
--Thomas Merton 

National Day of Prayer

Learning Christ
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle
In all the events of life-
  in disappointments,
  in the thoughtlessness of others,
  in the insincerity of those I trusted,
  in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside,
  to think of the happiness of others,
  to hide my little pains and heartaches,
  so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that is may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable. That it make me broad in My forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey Toward ETERNAL LIFE.

As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of power for Good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

Inspiration

Not In Vain

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life from aching;

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.
                                      -Emily Dickinson