Ijournal entry 020116 # 5. February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family. Quotes from St. John Bosco, Dom Hubert Van Zeller, and Henri Nouwen. Aphorism from Balthasar Gracian. Anticipating Lent: Your Pre-Lent Pep Talk, By Laura Rabiipour. Book: "The Soul Sanctified: Catholic Wisdom on the Way of Salvation", by Anonymous. Audio Presentation: "Heaven and Earth: A Study of the Creation Narrative", by Dr. Steven Smith
to the Holy Family. Though the start of the Lenten season changes within the calendar year, a fair-sized portion of February gives us a space of time between the Christmas celebrations and the increased focus on Jesus's public life and ministry, which occurs in Lent. It is a transition from the feast of Christmas to the fasting of Lent. Therefore traditionally February has become a time to recall the Holy Family; within the Holy Family is where Jesus spent the time between his birth and embarking on his public journey"
Info from this site: http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/monthly-dedications-of-the-church-year/article/184/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/missal,%20magnificat,%20calendar
Gay, another GIG RIP
Info from this site: http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/monthly-dedications-of-the-church-year/article/184/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/missal,%20magnificat,%20calendar
Gay, another GIG RIP
Gay, a beautiful soul, able to wear so many hats with spiritual ease and elegance. Best of all, and you will wear it well, is the heavenly crown:
It's been text messages to her phone and she has been deceased for over two years. You never know who is reading or who is not reading when correspondences are sent out, so was unaware of her death. Just over a week ago her husband called after the "am text mess" was sent out. He said he kept her phone and had been meaning to see who those daily texts were coming from. Well, as usual, at the appointed time, things happen when they should happen as God so pleases. He didn't realize her death was unknown to me. We used to work together, and we kept in touch, but somehow this slipped by me. Sometimes when she was hospitalized she would call me from there, and on my list would be a visit to go and pray with her. It was probably the same year that she last called me to visit that she died. Because after visiting, no more calls came from her.
She was so nice to me, and she is the instrument that God chose to get me to start journaling. One Christmas she gave me a journal for a Christmas present. That corresponded with The Lord introducing me to Lectio Divina, at the time, didn't even know that was what was going on. The next step was to begin writing down at Holy Hour what it seemed the Lord was saying to me. It was like we always talk, talk, talk, but surely there must be something the Lord is dying to say to us. So you see, her simple act, have really snowballed and taken root. We all are being used by God, even when we least expect it. It's to just have a generous kind heart looking always to do good, like Gay, then we will live a life glorifying God. May her gift of self to so many be richly rewarded, as she shares in abundance the master's happiness! Lord have mercy another death of someone in my circle, but how enriching for the kingdom.
She was so nice to me, and she is the instrument that God chose to get me to start journaling. One Christmas she gave me a journal for a Christmas present. That corresponded with The Lord introducing me to Lectio Divina, at the time, didn't even know that was what was going on. The next step was to begin writing down at Holy Hour what it seemed the Lord was saying to me. It was like we always talk, talk, talk, but surely there must be something the Lord is dying to say to us. So you see, her simple act, have really snowballed and taken root. We all are being used by God, even when we least expect it. It's to just have a generous kind heart looking always to do good, like Gay, then we will live a life glorifying God. May her gift of self to so many be richly rewarded, as she shares in abundance the master's happiness! Lord have mercy another death of someone in my circle, but how enriching for the kingdom.
Balthasar Gracian's Aphorism #155 :The Art of getting into a Passion
"If possible, oppose vulgar importunity with prudent reflection; it will not be difficult for a really prudent man. The first step towards getting into a passion is to announce that you are in a passion. By this means you begin the conflict with command over your temper, for one has to regulate one's passion to the exact point that is necessary and no further. This is the art of arts in falling into and getting out of a rage. You should know how and when best to come to a stop: it is most difficult to halt while running at the double. It is a great proof of wisdom to remain clear-sighted during paroxysms of rage. Every excess of passion is a digression from rational conduct. But by this masterly policy reason will never be transgressed, nor pass the bounds of its own synteresis. To keep control of passion one must hold firm the reins of attention: he who can do so will be the first man "wise on horseback," and probably the last."
MTA= After reading the aphorism, coming to mind are the following scripture passages from the books of Mark, Corinthians, and Phillipians.
"If possible, oppose vulgar importunity with prudent reflection; it will not be difficult for a really prudent man. The first step towards getting into a passion is to announce that you are in a passion. By this means you begin the conflict with command over your temper, for one has to regulate one's passion to the exact point that is necessary and no further. This is the art of arts in falling into and getting out of a rage. You should know how and when best to come to a stop: it is most difficult to halt while running at the double. It is a great proof of wisdom to remain clear-sighted during paroxysms of rage. Every excess of passion is a digression from rational conduct. But by this masterly policy reason will never be transgressed, nor pass the bounds of its own synteresis. To keep control of passion one must hold firm the reins of attention: he who can do so will be the first man "wise on horseback," and probably the last."
MTA= After reading the aphorism, coming to mind are the following scripture passages from the books of Mark, Corinthians, and Phillipians.
Mark 7:21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 “But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” |
Therefore, is necessary to frequently "clean house" in regards to our thoughts.
2 Corinthians 10:5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ" |
We bag garbage before we throw it out, so spiritually, we follow suit. Becoming sensitive to and mindful of disordered and uncharitable thoughts seems to be a first step. Next is turning to God, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit in prayer. Step three would be the reception of sacramental graces from The Sacraments of Reconciliation & Eucharist, bringing about empowerment. With the three steps in operation, it's now to practice to make perfect. An open heart where Jesus is abiding, will allow Him to accomplish in us the great victory over vice.
Something Mignon (RIP)said is also coming to mind: "Anyone can see-saw, but it's really hard to balance". With that said, it's easy to control what haven't started, so stay safe and do not play with fire.
As your "take away" (YTA), what angle of the pizza bite are you choosing to bite from?
Something Mignon (RIP)said is also coming to mind: "Anyone can see-saw, but it's really hard to balance". With that said, it's easy to control what haven't started, so stay safe and do not play with fire.
As your "take away" (YTA), what angle of the pizza bite are you choosing to bite from?
⚫️ “Listen: there are two things the devil is deathly afraid of: fervent Communions and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Do you want many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to grant you only a few? Visit Him but seldom. Do you want the devil to attack you? Rarely visit the Blessed Sacrament. Do you want the devil to flee from you? Visit Jesus often. Do you want to overcome the devil? Take refuge at the feet of Jesus. Do you want to be overcome by the devil? Give up visiting Jesus. Visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is essential… if you want to overcome the devil. Therefore make frequent visits to Jesus. If you do that, the devil will never prevail against you.” By St. John Bosco
⚪️ "God is not going to reward anyone one else's work but His own. You cannot expect Him to recognize a holiness that He has done nothing to bring about. When you get right down to it, there is only one real goodness, one perfection, one sanctity, and that is God's. When man invents a holiness of his own, God lets him look for it but does not help him find it, because a holiness of one's own does not exist, and it is a waste of time searching for it. It is as if someone were to look for moonlight without the moon. Once you admit that all moonlight is bound to come from one particular place, and that it is a thing you cannot make yourself, you have learned something". By Dom Hubert Van Zeller
🔵 "To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you" But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one." As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God". By Henri Nouwen
⚪️ "God is not going to reward anyone one else's work but His own. You cannot expect Him to recognize a holiness that He has done nothing to bring about. When you get right down to it, there is only one real goodness, one perfection, one sanctity, and that is God's. When man invents a holiness of his own, God lets him look for it but does not help him find it, because a holiness of one's own does not exist, and it is a waste of time searching for it. It is as if someone were to look for moonlight without the moon. Once you admit that all moonlight is bound to come from one particular place, and that it is a thing you cannot make yourself, you have learned something". By Dom Hubert Van Zeller
🔵 "To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you" But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one." As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God". By Henri Nouwen
When finally arriving at the Adoration Chapel one day, it was such a relief. Tried leaving home, and the automatic gate wouldn't open. In and out the day before, but now when pressing the remote, nothing would happen. Schooled in knowing how to change the fuse, attempted that, but a "no go" in that area. Next step was to take the large battery out and bring it to the store to see if was still good. Thank God for knowing how to disconnect the arm & open the gate manually to be able to get out of the driveway.
After checking the battery at the Radio Shack, and finding out that it was good, felt a little bit crestfallen, because the next step to resolving the problem would mean calling the repair company. Getting a bit better in this area. Working on accepting things as they come, as best as possible, with the intent on trusting God to act and help me as He sees best. It's to know that timing is best left to Him. At this point, decided to head over to the Adoration Chapel, like was the original plan. Because of listening to an audio presentation about St. Agnes on her feast day, my spirits didn't sink too low and soon buoyed up. Thinking about her led me to be at peace, knowing it was possible to work through the problem with God on my side. Praying yes, God will surely help me:
After checking the battery at the Radio Shack, and finding out that it was good, felt a little bit crestfallen, because the next step to resolving the problem would mean calling the repair company. Getting a bit better in this area. Working on accepting things as they come, as best as possible, with the intent on trusting God to act and help me as He sees best. It's to know that timing is best left to Him. At this point, decided to head over to the Adoration Chapel, like was the original plan. Because of listening to an audio presentation about St. Agnes on her feast day, my spirits didn't sink too low and soon buoyed up. Thinking about her led me to be at peace, knowing it was possible to work through the problem with God on my side. Praying yes, God will surely help me:
In the chapel my thoughts sprouted wings of thanksgiving. It was to be thankful that it was not storming, otherwise it would not have been possible to get out at all to disconnect the arm. It was to be grateful to God for His unfailing help in times of need, because He will never fail to be our bottom line. We may go down, but never under, because the mighty hands of God supports us. He holds all things in His hands, so we are secure there. No matter what is unfolding, how low things go, God is beneath, above, and around, so nothing is beyond His help. Another thing to be thankful for is that we always receive grace in some form or fashion in the midst of troubles, trials, and tribulations. It's to look and find an element or elements for which to give thanks, doing this habitually, we will discover more and more that God is truly with us. That will be our source for experiencing the joy of the Lord, which will strengthen us, enabling us to persevere and wait upon the Lord until all is back on track.
Grand and glorious will be the day when we will, like the saints before us, welcome each minute, as God so allows the day to unfold, and say as St. Paul said:
Grand and glorious will be the day when we will, like the saints before us, welcome each minute, as God so allows the day to unfold, and say as St. Paul said:
Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me" |
It turned out that my visit to the chapel was right in Divine timing. The person there had completed her hour and the next person did not show up, so my being present meant the person could leave. A small good came from the gate incident. It's like that in numerous unseen ways, God is always working something for good in untoward situations.
This verse from my regular scripture reading is coming to mind and serves to solidify a useful point here:
This verse from my regular scripture reading is coming to mind and serves to solidify a useful point here:
We ask for an egg, and when we receive not according to our expectations, we behave as if it was a scorpion that was handed to us. When first being given an egg, we are not aware of what is inside. A mature Christian knows that it's not a scorpion, even though it appears that way, but God is working some good, as we must walk by faith and not by sight to understand this. We need to keep this in mind, and always take heart and continue to pray unceasingly. Things happen, we ask God for help, and it's an egg that we will receive, and never will it be a scorpion. A scorpion can be represented as a feeling of abandonment and not receiving any needed help.
For those interested in the resolution on the electric gate dilemma read on, if not help yourself to the wonderful potato dish. To continue on, the gate company was called and the guy was very nice. He instructed me over the phone how to flip the arm over, unscrew the cover and check the computerized board to see if the light was on. If the battery and fuse is good, it means thee must be some internal trouble. Just coming out would be a hefty fee, so God knew He a Himself could help me with the diagnosis. So the guy told me what to do, then call if necessary.
At that point felt frightened and thought it's no use for me to try taking the cover off and checking the board. Then decided to pray and cast lots, because, thanks be to God, He really is with me and this far answers my prayers and instructs me through the little method of lot casting. Prayed and casted lots to see if attempting to take the cover off was the right thing to do, or just call the repair guy to come out. Well, it was for me to "do it". Said to myself, this will surely be a test to see if The Lord is speaking, cause it might be impossible for me to do any good.
Left home for Mass, then gave this a try after Mass, A wise move, since great graces are imparted to our souls after receiving the Precious Sacrament of Eucharist. Graces were surely needed, because with the gate being open, after arriving back home, found the little battery powered toy motorbike from my uncle was stolen. It's like whoever was passing by, in broad daylight, looked in the yard, saw it and claimed it as their's. People are something else, like my aunt Nora (RIP) would say something like this: "thieves want a half share in everything that's not theirs, things that belongs to someone else".
Getting over that hump and prayed up, attempted to follow the instructions the guy told me. Unexpectedly, found a little bit of water inside the arm box. The night before it rained heavily, and thanks be to God the computerized electronic circuit board was not affected by that water or moisture. Turned it over so that the little bit of water could drain out. When the arm was flipped again, the charging light came on. At that moment, felt like things would be ok. Replaced the cover, reconnected the arm, and pressed the remote control, and Hallaluia, the gate opened. Praise God, He really did speak, letting me know to check the gate myself. Didn't cost me a dime to get the gate working again. Happy, so happy, praise The Lord. Knelt in prayer thanking God and truly remorseful for falling so short day by day in living completely for Him as He so deserves. Felt a great desire to want more and more to become a better person, and to happily do His will day in and day out.
Called the repair guy to tell him the good news, and recount the way my faith played out in all of this, casting lots, etc. He was happy to hear things turned out well. Told Him my prayers were that he get some business from some wealthy person in need of a service call. Yes Lord, bless Lark's business and also bless him, in body, soul, and spirif.
End of story, join me in giving God the glory!
For those interested in the resolution on the electric gate dilemma read on, if not help yourself to the wonderful potato dish. To continue on, the gate company was called and the guy was very nice. He instructed me over the phone how to flip the arm over, unscrew the cover and check the computerized board to see if the light was on. If the battery and fuse is good, it means thee must be some internal trouble. Just coming out would be a hefty fee, so God knew He a Himself could help me with the diagnosis. So the guy told me what to do, then call if necessary.
At that point felt frightened and thought it's no use for me to try taking the cover off and checking the board. Then decided to pray and cast lots, because, thanks be to God, He really is with me and this far answers my prayers and instructs me through the little method of lot casting. Prayed and casted lots to see if attempting to take the cover off was the right thing to do, or just call the repair guy to come out. Well, it was for me to "do it". Said to myself, this will surely be a test to see if The Lord is speaking, cause it might be impossible for me to do any good.
Left home for Mass, then gave this a try after Mass, A wise move, since great graces are imparted to our souls after receiving the Precious Sacrament of Eucharist. Graces were surely needed, because with the gate being open, after arriving back home, found the little battery powered toy motorbike from my uncle was stolen. It's like whoever was passing by, in broad daylight, looked in the yard, saw it and claimed it as their's. People are something else, like my aunt Nora (RIP) would say something like this: "thieves want a half share in everything that's not theirs, things that belongs to someone else".
Getting over that hump and prayed up, attempted to follow the instructions the guy told me. Unexpectedly, found a little bit of water inside the arm box. The night before it rained heavily, and thanks be to God the computerized electronic circuit board was not affected by that water or moisture. Turned it over so that the little bit of water could drain out. When the arm was flipped again, the charging light came on. At that moment, felt like things would be ok. Replaced the cover, reconnected the arm, and pressed the remote control, and Hallaluia, the gate opened. Praise God, He really did speak, letting me know to check the gate myself. Didn't cost me a dime to get the gate working again. Happy, so happy, praise The Lord. Knelt in prayer thanking God and truly remorseful for falling so short day by day in living completely for Him as He so deserves. Felt a great desire to want more and more to become a better person, and to happily do His will day in and day out.
Called the repair guy to tell him the good news, and recount the way my faith played out in all of this, casting lots, etc. He was happy to hear things turned out well. Told Him my prayers were that he get some business from some wealthy person in need of a service call. Yes Lord, bless Lark's business and also bless him, in body, soul, and spirif.
End of story, join me in giving God the glory!
"Anticipating Lent: Your Pre-Lent Pep Talk", By Laura Rabiipour
Info from this site: http://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/anticipating-lent/
✍🏼FOCUS ON LOVE
"Lent is fast approaching and Catholics across the world will soon gather in solidarity on Ash Wednesday to embark on the 40+ day journey into the proverbial wilderness of self-denial. Denying ourselves something we enjoy during Lent is a simple and clear way to remember all that Christ has sacrificed on our behalf. Yet, Lent is often remembered as an “ordeal”. We fall into the trap of characterizing Lent as a miserable and grumpy time. Why?
When we are dreading an event we are already predisposing ourselves to not get as much out of it. Because we all are longing for that certain thing we have sacrificed. We focus on our need and desire, rather than our sacrifice of love and thankfulness. When we are not looking forward to something, we tend to put it off. But we don’t have to feel this way about getting ready for Lent. We can change our attitude. These days before Lent are a time to start anticipating with positivity what is about to happen.
✍🏼GETTING READY
If we want this year’s Lent to be life changing, we have to start preparing now. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, not the first day to start thinking about your Lenten practices for this year. The devil and his team of minions have already begun preparing their attack to dislodge your Lenten sacrifice. What are you doing to prepare yourself and gather reinforcements against him?
✍🏼THE REWARDS
Anything worth doing is worth doing right, and you don’t want to miss any of the blessings this season holds. What can we gain from Lent?
🍞Spiritual growth
🍞Greater openness to the Word of God
🍞Closer relationship with our Savior
🍞Developing a stronger will through self-denial
🍞Offering up worthy sacrifices in union with Christ
🍞Greater zeal for the faith
Do we desire this change? We can obtain these rewards, but just like any reward it has to be earned. How much we want to grow is dependent on how much we are willing to give. We are compensated for our time in Lent with an outpouring of grace. Whatever we give to Him, He will give us back so much more because God cannot be outdone in generosity.
✍🏼THE LENTEN PENANCE
How many times will you be asked the age-old question: what you are giving up for Lent? But, focusing on what you are giving up is not the only way to get the most out of Lent. This is the Lenten guideline I have always followed: cut something out and add something in. In the past I have added daily prayer in the morning/evening, dedicated 10 minutes to reading a Lenten devotional book, kept a weekly Adoration hour, and prayed the Stations of the Cross. You will be amazed at how much doing a little something extra will transform your Lenten experience. These simple practices do not require a large sacrifice of time, they only require 40 days of dedication.
If you’re still unsure of what to give up or add, ask someone who knows you well. I assure you they will have lots of ideas. Those who surround us may have a better understanding of our failings. If they suggest something that you really don’t want to do, or your response to them is, “I could never do that!” then you have stumbled upon your Lenten sacrifice. God may be working through those around you, so listen. And remember, be supportive of what others are giving up for Lent. Lent is only 40 days and our sacrifice is a language of love for Christ and our fellow man. It does not take a lot of time to prepare for the beginning of Lent. It just takes eagerness and focus. God can do so much with that."
Info from this site: http://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/anticipating-lent/
✍🏼FOCUS ON LOVE
"Lent is fast approaching and Catholics across the world will soon gather in solidarity on Ash Wednesday to embark on the 40+ day journey into the proverbial wilderness of self-denial. Denying ourselves something we enjoy during Lent is a simple and clear way to remember all that Christ has sacrificed on our behalf. Yet, Lent is often remembered as an “ordeal”. We fall into the trap of characterizing Lent as a miserable and grumpy time. Why?
When we are dreading an event we are already predisposing ourselves to not get as much out of it. Because we all are longing for that certain thing we have sacrificed. We focus on our need and desire, rather than our sacrifice of love and thankfulness. When we are not looking forward to something, we tend to put it off. But we don’t have to feel this way about getting ready for Lent. We can change our attitude. These days before Lent are a time to start anticipating with positivity what is about to happen.
✍🏼GETTING READY
If we want this year’s Lent to be life changing, we have to start preparing now. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, not the first day to start thinking about your Lenten practices for this year. The devil and his team of minions have already begun preparing their attack to dislodge your Lenten sacrifice. What are you doing to prepare yourself and gather reinforcements against him?
✍🏼THE REWARDS
Anything worth doing is worth doing right, and you don’t want to miss any of the blessings this season holds. What can we gain from Lent?
🍞Spiritual growth
🍞Greater openness to the Word of God
🍞Closer relationship with our Savior
🍞Developing a stronger will through self-denial
🍞Offering up worthy sacrifices in union with Christ
🍞Greater zeal for the faith
Do we desire this change? We can obtain these rewards, but just like any reward it has to be earned. How much we want to grow is dependent on how much we are willing to give. We are compensated for our time in Lent with an outpouring of grace. Whatever we give to Him, He will give us back so much more because God cannot be outdone in generosity.
✍🏼THE LENTEN PENANCE
How many times will you be asked the age-old question: what you are giving up for Lent? But, focusing on what you are giving up is not the only way to get the most out of Lent. This is the Lenten guideline I have always followed: cut something out and add something in. In the past I have added daily prayer in the morning/evening, dedicated 10 minutes to reading a Lenten devotional book, kept a weekly Adoration hour, and prayed the Stations of the Cross. You will be amazed at how much doing a little something extra will transform your Lenten experience. These simple practices do not require a large sacrifice of time, they only require 40 days of dedication.
If you’re still unsure of what to give up or add, ask someone who knows you well. I assure you they will have lots of ideas. Those who surround us may have a better understanding of our failings. If they suggest something that you really don’t want to do, or your response to them is, “I could never do that!” then you have stumbled upon your Lenten sacrifice. God may be working through those around you, so listen. And remember, be supportive of what others are giving up for Lent. Lent is only 40 days and our sacrifice is a language of love for Christ and our fellow man. It does not take a lot of time to prepare for the beginning of Lent. It just takes eagerness and focus. God can do so much with that."
Book: "The Soul Sanctified: Catholic Wisdom on the Way of Salvation" by Anonymous (Author)
Chapter 20: Confidence in God
Chapter 20: Confidence in God
Audio Presentation: "Heaven and Earth: A Study of the Creation Narrative", by Dr. Steven Smith
http://s3.amazonaws.com/2015icclectures/Heaven+and+Earth-+Smith-+Part+1.mp3
A little Lagniappe from the site, so time to get revved up 4 Lent
↘️Written Resources:
Handout 1
Handout 2
Part 1 Presentation Slides
Handout 3
Part 1 – Discussion Questions
Part 2 – Discussion Questions
http://s3.amazonaws.com/2015icclectures/Heaven+and+Earth-+Smith-+Part+1.mp3
A little Lagniappe from the site, so time to get revved up 4 Lent
↘️Written Resources:
Handout 1
Handout 2
Part 1 Presentation Slides
Handout 3
Part 1 – Discussion Questions
Part 2 – Discussion Questions