Ijournal 091514 #37 Feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows. GO SAINTS! Quotes by St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Rob Clemenz, and Garrett Johnson. Article: "Friendship Deficiency", by Tony Agnesi. Article: "We all need a range of friendships", by Patty Maier. Video on friendship from Dogwork.com
💔😰💔 Our Lady of Sorrows
"The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows flourished in the Middle Ages, and the hymn Stabat Mater was composed for it. Although it is officially celebrated today, the day after the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, popular devotion in many parts of the Mediterranean celebrates it with processions on the Friday before Holy Week"
🏉👼🏉 SAINTS 24 BROWNS 26
What's that about? A lost two weeks in a row,
Look boys, next week you all better put on a better show!
🍞🍞🍞The Cheese & Crackers
🔴"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship". By St. Thomas Aquinas
🔴"If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed". By Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
🔴"Patron Saint of Friendship, invoked for loyalty, St. John the Apostle is known as one of the “Sons of Thunder” and was the most loyal of all the Apostles. Of the 12 Apostles, John is the only one who continuously stood by Jesus and never once rejected Him. John was a great Evangelist and created a strong chaparral of followers of Jesus. His rigorous pursuits, his relevant preaching with purpose, and his vigorous relationships with all the people he encountered led Jesus to assign him the most arduous tasks. John bravely faced great challenges, never once complaining about all the difficulties he faced. John also reaped great rewards, for jobs well done. John was the Guardian of Our Lady, Mother Mary, after the Crucifixion. John kept Mary safe from harm during the most difficult time of her life. When Jesus was Resurrected, he appeared to John first and foremost. John is known as a patron saint of burn victims and is the only saint recognized by the Papacy as its Patron of Friendship. His symbol is the eagle and most renderings of John include a bald eagle, as does our Saint John the Apostle medallion. Pray to John the Apostle for guidance when faced with extraordinary challenges in life". By Rob Clemenz
🔴"The concept of friendship has enjoyed a renewed prominence in the vocabulary of the new digital social networks that have emerged in the last few years. The concept is one of the noblest achievements of human culture. It is in and through our friendships that we grow and develop as humans. For this reason, true friendship has always been seen as one of the greatest goods any human person can experience. We should be careful, therefore, never to trivialize the concept or the experience of friendship. It would be sad if our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families, our neighbours and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of work, education and recreation". By Garrett Johnson
🍆🍆🍆The Veggies
The thought to have an upcoming ijournal entry about friendship came about a week or so before the first emails arrived that were to become my meat & potato dish. Now, because of the quantity of material assembled, it's not just going to be "an" entry, but there will be a part two. After the first set of emails, something came from my PIC3 (will have to have a glossary of terms in the tab labelled "other" on the menu bar at the gigapostolate site. PIC= Partner In da Climb, number 3). From then on, when viewing various subscriptions, something about friendship would constantly be "attention getting".
Thank God for the blessing of the day, and that is to be able to humanly and spiritually smell. To be able to spiritually discern "what's up" by the aroma, and tell what's cooking, is so very important. Sniffing the aroma coming from the Holy Spirit, and then having the right meat and potato dish appear on the scene: "priceless". Talking about aroma, how are you smelling spiritually? If you are not what you should be, no problem, get to work! As for me, the dog tag around my neck is: "work in progress". Please everyone, pray for me, as you all are remembered in my prayers. Let us do pray one for another.
That our spiritual goal might be accomplished, let us avail ourselves to grace:
📖 2 Corinthians 2(15-16) "For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to the latter an odor of death that leads to death, to the former an odor of life that leads to life. Who is qualified for this?"
📖 Philippians 4:18 "I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, “a fragrant aroma, ” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God"
We all can't play football, but we all can play "follow the leader", and score a spiritual touchdown. Don't be a looser, join in and play follow the leader. Just make sure that the leader is the one and only "Good Shepherd". Who is up to playing follow the leader?
📖 Ephesians 5:(1-2)So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
While preparing the entry that featured the potluck dishes received from others, it was at that time that something popped up that was sent by Miriam a while back that served as the clincher for the birth of this ijournal entry. It's something over a year old, so instead of serving as a review, Miriam, to you, this might appear as new. O.K., that's it, poetic mode on lockdown. Headed back on track, progressing to the main point, that of serving up the veggie of the day.
My visit at the Adoration Chapel was very special on the day we celebrated The Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday. Of all the rhymes in my arsenal, this is the first one that pays tribute to The Immaculata. Considering this composition a birthday present from her. On her birthday she not only receive our gifts, but she in turn gives us gifts, graces as allowed by God. So with the Holy Spirit at work, this is the finished product:
Holy Blessed Special Lady
Sweet Virgin Mother Mary
Living life without asking for your intercession is a bit crazy
Personally for me it would be so, so, very scary
God Himself gave His only Begotten Son to you
So following in His lead, for sure it's da right thing for all of us to do
Being so full of grace you do only what is pure, just and true
May those who forsake imploring your help be among the few
You make for us such a wonderful helpmate
No one is so closely related to The Trinity & can as effectively placate
Your goal is to bring us closer to Jesus so Heaven will be our fate
Our weak efforts & good works you enhance & always perpetuate
Heavenly Mother, to us as to Jesus, you offer only tender loving care
You give assistance in all circumstances, at all times & everywhere
For saint & sinner, you intercede that our crosses we'll be able to bear
Doing all to merit eternal life with God, so His happiness we'll share
May the Holy Spirit your Divine spouse give us the wisdom
That like St. Joseph we'll embrace you in freedom & not be mum
As done by The Father, & Jesus your Son, even more in time to come
We'll honor & shower U with love, in God's sight that's so wholesome
Thank you for your perfect response, an emphatic & resounding yes
May we to also embrace God's will, and with His grace He will bless
As Mediatrix you'll deliver, it's up to us to do our best, nothing less
Stumble & a fall, it'll be confession & repentance to clean up the mess
So this day we invite you into our life in a special way
And with heart filled sentiments we sincerely say
So long Ago, you were born for such a good cause, a very happy day
By The Father's choice, to bear The Savior, our ransom He did pay
tmm/TruGIG
™
After writing this in the chapel, proceeded to do my regular scripture R&R (reading & riting) for the day. The "at random" scripture that was opened up to happened to be from the book of Esther, chapter 8. How well it complements the poem. It can be seen how Queen Esther is referenced in the shadows of Our Blessed Mother, Mary Ever Virgin. The Queen of Heaven and earth definitely have clout with her Divine Son, Jesus. Her intercession for the people of God merits us much favor, blessed be God for that.
📖 Esther 8(1-3) "That day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther; and Mordecai was admitted to the king’s presence, for Esther had revealed his relationship to her. The king removed his signet ring that he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther put Mordecai in charge of the house of Haman. Esther again spoke to the king. She fell at his feet and tearfully implored him to revoke the harm done by Haman the Agagite and the plan he had devised against the Jews"
📖 Esther 8(5-6) said: “If it seems good to the king and if I have found favor with him, if the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a document be issued to revoke the letters that the schemer Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote for the destruction of the Jews in all the royal provinces. For how can I witness the evil that is to befall my people, and how can I behold the destruction of my kindred?”
📖 Esther 8:8 "you in turn may write in the king’s name what you see fit concerning the Jews and seal the letter with the royal signet ring.” For a decree written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked"
Besides the "at random" scripture, another one of my scripture reading was amazingly able to drive home a main point to be stressed: We are commanded to love one another, so we all should love the Mother of God. Why do some fail to "sho some luv" and befriend her? Even in the "Big Ten", we are commanded in number 4, or is it 4? (yes it is), to honor our father and mother. It's a no brainer, if we are called to honor our earthly mothers and fathers, for sure we are to honor the mother of God.
Do you remember all ten of the commandments? When the GIG first began, a review of the basics was stressed by the Holy Spirit. How can one live the commandments if you aren't able to recall them? Before going any further, recall all ten, and score your results.
Unveiling my results
1⃣ I am The Lord thy God thy shalt not have strange gods before me ✔️
2⃣. Thy shall love The Lord God thy God with thy whole heart, thy whole mind, and thy whole soul❌
[thou shalt not take The Lord's name in vain]
3⃣. Thy shalt love thy neighbor as thy self ❌
[ those shalt keep the Sabath Holy]
4⃣. Thy shall honor thy father and thy mother ✔️
5⃣. Thy shalt not steal✔️
6⃣. Thy shalt not lie✔️
7⃣. Thy shalt not committed adultery ✔️
8⃣. Thy shalt not covet thy neighbors wife✔️
9⃣. Thy shalt not cover thy neighbors goods✔️
1⃣0⃣. Blank on number 10. Got it! Thou shalt not kill.✔️
Score of 80 what's your score?
Here are passages from my personal regular scripture readings of the day: The scripture from 2 Kings demonstrates love in action and the one from John 15, supports the command to love.
📖 2 Kings 16:7 Meanwhile, Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, with the plea: “I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the power of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are attacking me.”
📖 2 Kings 16:9 The king of Assyria listened to him and moved against Damascus, captured it, deported its inhabitants to Kir, and put Rezin to death.
📖 John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
📖 John 15:17 This I command you: love one another.
🍟🍟🍟The Potatoes
Article: "Friendship Deficiency", by Tony Agnesi
CAFA: http://tonyagnesi.com/2014/09/friendship-deficiency/
The article is written from a male perspective, but it can very well be applied to females. The principles that are discussed are gender neutral and most definitely applies to both makes and females.
Excerpts from the article:
📖 John 15:12-17 "This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another"
"One Thursday morning, waiting for 8AM mass to begin, I realized that I was surrounded by eight male friends. Thursday’s are special because after mass we all go to breakfast together. It’s a time to share stories and tell jokes, but it’s also a time for prayer and concern for others. For a moment, I flashed back to a trip Diane, the boys, and I had taken to Italy. As we visited Lake Como, Diane and the guys were enjoying the sites and I slipped away on my own and walked to a nearby funicolare (cable car) and took a ride to the top of the mountain to a small village called Brunate. As I reached the top, I walked down a sidewalk along the side of the mountain enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Como below.
Minutes later, I noticed a group of men, sitting at table playing cards, drinking wine and eating pizza. They were laughing, joking and having a fun time. I could tell they were life-long friends. “Buon giorno il mio amico. Vieni, unisciti a noi!” said an elderly grey-haired man. (Good morning, my friend. Come, join us!). As I approach, one of the men pointed me to a seat, handed me a slice of pizza and a glass of wine. Within a few minutes we were laughing, communicating with each other via broken English and broken Italian. We had become instant friends.
Is this the norm? Are these scenes repeated thousands of times each day? I’m afraid not. Male friendships have taken a hit over the years. A 2006 study found that people in the United States, especially men, had fewer friends that they had 20 years ago. In 1985, men claimed to have three close confidants, 20 years later only two. Friendship is difficult for most men. A good number of men today have one good friend, their wife!
One in four people said they have no one to talk to. That’s right, no one! So, what has happened, and what can we do about it?
✔️One thing is time famine. We spend so much time on jobs and careers that there is very little time left for friendship. And, what little time we do have left is spent with our spouses and children.
✔️Another factor is that we move often for new jobs and need to start over cultivating new friendships. Ask any guy right out of college, and they will tell you that as their buddies got married, one by one, their close friendships diminished. Yes, they were still friends in theory, but rarely get to see one another.
Having strong friends cuts your risk of death by 60%, lowers blood pressure, and increases happiness. Research indicates that women live longer (one of many reasons) because they are better than men at friendships.
📖 Proverbs 18:24 “There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.”
What are some of the things we can do to build better friendships? And, not just golf friends or poker buddies, but true friendships where we can share intimate life details, problems, and shortcomings. These are friends that will hold us accountable for our behavior, and help us in our relationship with God and with our wives and children. Here are a few things to try to build better friendships:
1⃣🔲At work, try to get to know fellow workers and their interests. Ask someone that shares your interests if they want to go out to lunch. When you get to know coworkers, they just might become friends.
2⃣🔲At church, join a men’s group, prayer group or bible study. Many of the guys in my men’s group have become good friends, and they are not afraid to hold me accountable and expect me to do the same.
3⃣🔲At home, try reaching out to old friends. Call them, send them an e-mail or text them. Check in with them, set a time to get together, watch a ball game, or meet for lunch.
4⃣🔲In your spare time, get out of the house! Many men become couch potatoes, watching football, playing video games, surfing the web. How about joining a gym, take a class on a subject that interests you, or sign up for a men’s basketball or softball team.
Jesus and the apostles give us a fantastic example of male friendship on which to model our own friendships. They truly enjoyed one another’s others company, held each other accountable for their actions, and supported each other on their life journey.
My wife is my best friend and that’s very special to me. But, having male friends to share my questions, problems, and shortcoming with, who will go out of their way to help me and hold me accountable, that’s something special, too!"
🍔🍔🍔 The Meat
The article: "We all need a range of friendships" by Patty Maier
This was not staged, but the Holy Spirit is having His own way. This article is from the female perspective, whereas the other article, in the potato section was from a male's point of view. This article would be the double clincher that this ijournal entry should be about friendship. On my birthday Mrs. J placed a copy inside the birthday card with a note stating that she thought it was interesting and true. My response upon seeing the article was: Praise The Lord, the Holy Spirit is at work. It seems everyone is on the same page, no matter the city or state of their residence. To top that off, it was truly an "AAAAHHH!!" moment when opening her card. Mrs. J is someone in my spiritual circle, so she is not familiar with my family. She said she tries to be "God led", operating in the Holy Spirit in every move that she makes. Well it was a shock when the Mass birthday card came from the Monastery of The Infant Jesus, where my aunt (now deceased two years) was a cloistered nun for over 60 years. Had to take a second look at the label on the envelop to make sure that the card didn't come from someone at the monastery, because had already opened Sr. Augustine's card. Couldn't wait to call and tell Mrs. J about the connection. When we spoke, she said that there are several places across the country that she uses for Mass enrollments, and she had no idea about my close connection with the Monastery of the Infant Jesus. This is a place we have visited annually since my infancy. Putting in a plug for the Dominican Monastery of the Infant Jesus, do put them on your list for card enrollments. They are located in Lufkin Texas.
Article:
"We moms need friends. Plural. One friend is not enough. I'm not suggesting everyone needs a dozen best friends. Personalities dictate how many close relationships are comfortable. But it's important to realize no person can be physically and emotionally available all the time. That's why moms need multiple friends.
No two friends are alike. No two friendships are either. Friendships come in different shapes and sizes and arrive in different seasons of out lives. It's a waste of time to compare because every friendship matters. Some friends all every day, but friendships don't need daily contact. A genuine friend is always a friend even if there are long gaps between communications.
Different friends fit different needs, occasions, and moods. Some friends are intense, whole others are more aid back. Some are more serious, others more fun. Some are easier to relax with, and some keep us on our toes more. Some will be growing through the same season we're in, while others will be a step or two ahead or behind.
Each friend offers different experience, wisdom and uniqueness:
🚹🚺 Some make you want to be better than you are. Some help you fee letter about yourself.
🚺🚹 Some are enjoyed more I small doses, while others you can't get enough of.
🚹🚺 Some help you think things out, and some are great motivators.
🚺🚹 Some think a lot lime you do and validate you. Others think very differently bad stretch you.
🚹🚺 Some friends are convenient. Some aren't.
🚺🚹 Some are a good voice of reason, stability and rationality. Some offer solid advice, encouragement and prayer support.
🚹🚺 Some are great accountability partners, while others...not so much.
🚺🚹 Some will pray for you, and some will pray with you.
🚹🚺 Some help you laugh more, and some are great for deep conversations.
🚺🚹 Some will cheer you on when you talk about doing something crazy. Others will tell you to stop and think.
🚹🚺 Some are strong for you, and some will let you be strong for them.
🚺🚹 Some face the same struggles you face, while others have their own issues.
🚹🚺 Some are great listeners and some will give you a dose of reality when you need it.
🚺🚹 Some will hold you while you cry; others will cry with you. And some will run to the store for more tissues.
Find ways to invest in your friendships. Plural. Enjoy and appreciate each"
🍦🍪🍦The Dessert
http://media.giphy.com/media/4ji2aiquPipy0/giphy.gif
This video is like a mini Walt Disney movie, shared by Miriam
http://www.dogwork.com/ddcv4/
🔗🔗🔗 My response: The magnificence of God in seen in His creatures in such a beautiful way. The interconnectedness and unitive nature can thrive if we only but let go and let God. Love conquers all and will last forever, it is the bridegroom of contentment reigning in the soul.
₣ŖÏËŅĐŚ ÏŅ ĊȞŖÏŚȚ, 2 B ŴËĻĻ Ů ŅËËĐ 2 ȚÄĶË ŚPÏŖÏȚŮÄĻ ĊÄŖË
ĐÄ ŚPÏŖÏȚ MÖVËŚ PÖŴËŖ₣ŮĻĻŸ, ŚÖ B ÄĻËŖȚ, ËŅĊÖŮŖÄĠËĐ & ÄŴÄŖË
ȚÄĶË ĊÖŮŖÄĠË & ĶŅÖŴ ȚȞËŖË'ĻĻ B ŅÖ ĊŖÖŚŚ Ů ĊÄŅ'Ț BËÄŖ
ĻÏVË ₣ËÄŖĻËŚŚ ĊÄŮŚË ĠÖĐ'Ś ĻŮV, ŚȚŖËŅĠȚȞ, & ȞËĻP ÏŚ ÄĻŴÄŸŚ ȚȞËŖË
✞ⓂⓂ (❁´◡`❁)
💔😰💔 Our Lady of Sorrows
"The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows flourished in the Middle Ages, and the hymn Stabat Mater was composed for it. Although it is officially celebrated today, the day after the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, popular devotion in many parts of the Mediterranean celebrates it with processions on the Friday before Holy Week"
🏉👼🏉 SAINTS 24 BROWNS 26
What's that about? A lost two weeks in a row,
Look boys, next week you all better put on a better show!
🍞🍞🍞The Cheese & Crackers
🔴"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship". By St. Thomas Aquinas
🔴"If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed". By Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
🔴"Patron Saint of Friendship, invoked for loyalty, St. John the Apostle is known as one of the “Sons of Thunder” and was the most loyal of all the Apostles. Of the 12 Apostles, John is the only one who continuously stood by Jesus and never once rejected Him. John was a great Evangelist and created a strong chaparral of followers of Jesus. His rigorous pursuits, his relevant preaching with purpose, and his vigorous relationships with all the people he encountered led Jesus to assign him the most arduous tasks. John bravely faced great challenges, never once complaining about all the difficulties he faced. John also reaped great rewards, for jobs well done. John was the Guardian of Our Lady, Mother Mary, after the Crucifixion. John kept Mary safe from harm during the most difficult time of her life. When Jesus was Resurrected, he appeared to John first and foremost. John is known as a patron saint of burn victims and is the only saint recognized by the Papacy as its Patron of Friendship. His symbol is the eagle and most renderings of John include a bald eagle, as does our Saint John the Apostle medallion. Pray to John the Apostle for guidance when faced with extraordinary challenges in life". By Rob Clemenz
🔴"The concept of friendship has enjoyed a renewed prominence in the vocabulary of the new digital social networks that have emerged in the last few years. The concept is one of the noblest achievements of human culture. It is in and through our friendships that we grow and develop as humans. For this reason, true friendship has always been seen as one of the greatest goods any human person can experience. We should be careful, therefore, never to trivialize the concept or the experience of friendship. It would be sad if our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families, our neighbours and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of work, education and recreation". By Garrett Johnson
🍆🍆🍆The Veggies
The thought to have an upcoming ijournal entry about friendship came about a week or so before the first emails arrived that were to become my meat & potato dish. Now, because of the quantity of material assembled, it's not just going to be "an" entry, but there will be a part two. After the first set of emails, something came from my PIC3 (will have to have a glossary of terms in the tab labelled "other" on the menu bar at the gigapostolate site. PIC= Partner In da Climb, number 3). From then on, when viewing various subscriptions, something about friendship would constantly be "attention getting".
Thank God for the blessing of the day, and that is to be able to humanly and spiritually smell. To be able to spiritually discern "what's up" by the aroma, and tell what's cooking, is so very important. Sniffing the aroma coming from the Holy Spirit, and then having the right meat and potato dish appear on the scene: "priceless". Talking about aroma, how are you smelling spiritually? If you are not what you should be, no problem, get to work! As for me, the dog tag around my neck is: "work in progress". Please everyone, pray for me, as you all are remembered in my prayers. Let us do pray one for another.
That our spiritual goal might be accomplished, let us avail ourselves to grace:
📖 2 Corinthians 2(15-16) "For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to the latter an odor of death that leads to death, to the former an odor of life that leads to life. Who is qualified for this?"
📖 Philippians 4:18 "I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, “a fragrant aroma, ” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God"
We all can't play football, but we all can play "follow the leader", and score a spiritual touchdown. Don't be a looser, join in and play follow the leader. Just make sure that the leader is the one and only "Good Shepherd". Who is up to playing follow the leader?
📖 Ephesians 5:(1-2)So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
While preparing the entry that featured the potluck dishes received from others, it was at that time that something popped up that was sent by Miriam a while back that served as the clincher for the birth of this ijournal entry. It's something over a year old, so instead of serving as a review, Miriam, to you, this might appear as new. O.K., that's it, poetic mode on lockdown. Headed back on track, progressing to the main point, that of serving up the veggie of the day.
My visit at the Adoration Chapel was very special on the day we celebrated The Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday. Of all the rhymes in my arsenal, this is the first one that pays tribute to The Immaculata. Considering this composition a birthday present from her. On her birthday she not only receive our gifts, but she in turn gives us gifts, graces as allowed by God. So with the Holy Spirit at work, this is the finished product:
Holy Blessed Special Lady
Sweet Virgin Mother Mary
Living life without asking for your intercession is a bit crazy
Personally for me it would be so, so, very scary
God Himself gave His only Begotten Son to you
So following in His lead, for sure it's da right thing for all of us to do
Being so full of grace you do only what is pure, just and true
May those who forsake imploring your help be among the few
You make for us such a wonderful helpmate
No one is so closely related to The Trinity & can as effectively placate
Your goal is to bring us closer to Jesus so Heaven will be our fate
Our weak efforts & good works you enhance & always perpetuate
Heavenly Mother, to us as to Jesus, you offer only tender loving care
You give assistance in all circumstances, at all times & everywhere
For saint & sinner, you intercede that our crosses we'll be able to bear
Doing all to merit eternal life with God, so His happiness we'll share
May the Holy Spirit your Divine spouse give us the wisdom
That like St. Joseph we'll embrace you in freedom & not be mum
As done by The Father, & Jesus your Son, even more in time to come
We'll honor & shower U with love, in God's sight that's so wholesome
Thank you for your perfect response, an emphatic & resounding yes
May we to also embrace God's will, and with His grace He will bless
As Mediatrix you'll deliver, it's up to us to do our best, nothing less
Stumble & a fall, it'll be confession & repentance to clean up the mess
So this day we invite you into our life in a special way
And with heart filled sentiments we sincerely say
So long Ago, you were born for such a good cause, a very happy day
By The Father's choice, to bear The Savior, our ransom He did pay
tmm/TruGIG
™
After writing this in the chapel, proceeded to do my regular scripture R&R (reading & riting) for the day. The "at random" scripture that was opened up to happened to be from the book of Esther, chapter 8. How well it complements the poem. It can be seen how Queen Esther is referenced in the shadows of Our Blessed Mother, Mary Ever Virgin. The Queen of Heaven and earth definitely have clout with her Divine Son, Jesus. Her intercession for the people of God merits us much favor, blessed be God for that.
📖 Esther 8(1-3) "That day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther; and Mordecai was admitted to the king’s presence, for Esther had revealed his relationship to her. The king removed his signet ring that he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther put Mordecai in charge of the house of Haman. Esther again spoke to the king. She fell at his feet and tearfully implored him to revoke the harm done by Haman the Agagite and the plan he had devised against the Jews"
📖 Esther 8(5-6) said: “If it seems good to the king and if I have found favor with him, if the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a document be issued to revoke the letters that the schemer Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote for the destruction of the Jews in all the royal provinces. For how can I witness the evil that is to befall my people, and how can I behold the destruction of my kindred?”
📖 Esther 8:8 "you in turn may write in the king’s name what you see fit concerning the Jews and seal the letter with the royal signet ring.” For a decree written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked"
Besides the "at random" scripture, another one of my scripture reading was amazingly able to drive home a main point to be stressed: We are commanded to love one another, so we all should love the Mother of God. Why do some fail to "sho some luv" and befriend her? Even in the "Big Ten", we are commanded in number 4, or is it 4? (yes it is), to honor our father and mother. It's a no brainer, if we are called to honor our earthly mothers and fathers, for sure we are to honor the mother of God.
Do you remember all ten of the commandments? When the GIG first began, a review of the basics was stressed by the Holy Spirit. How can one live the commandments if you aren't able to recall them? Before going any further, recall all ten, and score your results.
Unveiling my results
1⃣ I am The Lord thy God thy shalt not have strange gods before me ✔️
2⃣. Thy shall love The Lord God thy God with thy whole heart, thy whole mind, and thy whole soul❌
[thou shalt not take The Lord's name in vain]
3⃣. Thy shalt love thy neighbor as thy self ❌
[ those shalt keep the Sabath Holy]
4⃣. Thy shall honor thy father and thy mother ✔️
5⃣. Thy shalt not steal✔️
6⃣. Thy shalt not lie✔️
7⃣. Thy shalt not committed adultery ✔️
8⃣. Thy shalt not covet thy neighbors wife✔️
9⃣. Thy shalt not cover thy neighbors goods✔️
1⃣0⃣. Blank on number 10. Got it! Thou shalt not kill.✔️
Score of 80 what's your score?
Here are passages from my personal regular scripture readings of the day: The scripture from 2 Kings demonstrates love in action and the one from John 15, supports the command to love.
📖 2 Kings 16:7 Meanwhile, Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, with the plea: “I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the power of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are attacking me.”
📖 2 Kings 16:9 The king of Assyria listened to him and moved against Damascus, captured it, deported its inhabitants to Kir, and put Rezin to death.
📖 John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
📖 John 15:17 This I command you: love one another.
🍟🍟🍟The Potatoes
Article: "Friendship Deficiency", by Tony Agnesi
CAFA: http://tonyagnesi.com/2014/09/friendship-deficiency/
The article is written from a male perspective, but it can very well be applied to females. The principles that are discussed are gender neutral and most definitely applies to both makes and females.
Excerpts from the article:
📖 John 15:12-17 "This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another"
"One Thursday morning, waiting for 8AM mass to begin, I realized that I was surrounded by eight male friends. Thursday’s are special because after mass we all go to breakfast together. It’s a time to share stories and tell jokes, but it’s also a time for prayer and concern for others. For a moment, I flashed back to a trip Diane, the boys, and I had taken to Italy. As we visited Lake Como, Diane and the guys were enjoying the sites and I slipped away on my own and walked to a nearby funicolare (cable car) and took a ride to the top of the mountain to a small village called Brunate. As I reached the top, I walked down a sidewalk along the side of the mountain enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Como below.
Minutes later, I noticed a group of men, sitting at table playing cards, drinking wine and eating pizza. They were laughing, joking and having a fun time. I could tell they were life-long friends. “Buon giorno il mio amico. Vieni, unisciti a noi!” said an elderly grey-haired man. (Good morning, my friend. Come, join us!). As I approach, one of the men pointed me to a seat, handed me a slice of pizza and a glass of wine. Within a few minutes we were laughing, communicating with each other via broken English and broken Italian. We had become instant friends.
Is this the norm? Are these scenes repeated thousands of times each day? I’m afraid not. Male friendships have taken a hit over the years. A 2006 study found that people in the United States, especially men, had fewer friends that they had 20 years ago. In 1985, men claimed to have three close confidants, 20 years later only two. Friendship is difficult for most men. A good number of men today have one good friend, their wife!
One in four people said they have no one to talk to. That’s right, no one! So, what has happened, and what can we do about it?
✔️One thing is time famine. We spend so much time on jobs and careers that there is very little time left for friendship. And, what little time we do have left is spent with our spouses and children.
✔️Another factor is that we move often for new jobs and need to start over cultivating new friendships. Ask any guy right out of college, and they will tell you that as their buddies got married, one by one, their close friendships diminished. Yes, they were still friends in theory, but rarely get to see one another.
Having strong friends cuts your risk of death by 60%, lowers blood pressure, and increases happiness. Research indicates that women live longer (one of many reasons) because they are better than men at friendships.
📖 Proverbs 18:24 “There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.”
What are some of the things we can do to build better friendships? And, not just golf friends or poker buddies, but true friendships where we can share intimate life details, problems, and shortcomings. These are friends that will hold us accountable for our behavior, and help us in our relationship with God and with our wives and children. Here are a few things to try to build better friendships:
1⃣🔲At work, try to get to know fellow workers and their interests. Ask someone that shares your interests if they want to go out to lunch. When you get to know coworkers, they just might become friends.
2⃣🔲At church, join a men’s group, prayer group or bible study. Many of the guys in my men’s group have become good friends, and they are not afraid to hold me accountable and expect me to do the same.
3⃣🔲At home, try reaching out to old friends. Call them, send them an e-mail or text them. Check in with them, set a time to get together, watch a ball game, or meet for lunch.
4⃣🔲In your spare time, get out of the house! Many men become couch potatoes, watching football, playing video games, surfing the web. How about joining a gym, take a class on a subject that interests you, or sign up for a men’s basketball or softball team.
Jesus and the apostles give us a fantastic example of male friendship on which to model our own friendships. They truly enjoyed one another’s others company, held each other accountable for their actions, and supported each other on their life journey.
My wife is my best friend and that’s very special to me. But, having male friends to share my questions, problems, and shortcoming with, who will go out of their way to help me and hold me accountable, that’s something special, too!"
🍔🍔🍔 The Meat
The article: "We all need a range of friendships" by Patty Maier
This was not staged, but the Holy Spirit is having His own way. This article is from the female perspective, whereas the other article, in the potato section was from a male's point of view. This article would be the double clincher that this ijournal entry should be about friendship. On my birthday Mrs. J placed a copy inside the birthday card with a note stating that she thought it was interesting and true. My response upon seeing the article was: Praise The Lord, the Holy Spirit is at work. It seems everyone is on the same page, no matter the city or state of their residence. To top that off, it was truly an "AAAAHHH!!" moment when opening her card. Mrs. J is someone in my spiritual circle, so she is not familiar with my family. She said she tries to be "God led", operating in the Holy Spirit in every move that she makes. Well it was a shock when the Mass birthday card came from the Monastery of The Infant Jesus, where my aunt (now deceased two years) was a cloistered nun for over 60 years. Had to take a second look at the label on the envelop to make sure that the card didn't come from someone at the monastery, because had already opened Sr. Augustine's card. Couldn't wait to call and tell Mrs. J about the connection. When we spoke, she said that there are several places across the country that she uses for Mass enrollments, and she had no idea about my close connection with the Monastery of the Infant Jesus. This is a place we have visited annually since my infancy. Putting in a plug for the Dominican Monastery of the Infant Jesus, do put them on your list for card enrollments. They are located in Lufkin Texas.
Article:
"We moms need friends. Plural. One friend is not enough. I'm not suggesting everyone needs a dozen best friends. Personalities dictate how many close relationships are comfortable. But it's important to realize no person can be physically and emotionally available all the time. That's why moms need multiple friends.
No two friends are alike. No two friendships are either. Friendships come in different shapes and sizes and arrive in different seasons of out lives. It's a waste of time to compare because every friendship matters. Some friends all every day, but friendships don't need daily contact. A genuine friend is always a friend even if there are long gaps between communications.
Different friends fit different needs, occasions, and moods. Some friends are intense, whole others are more aid back. Some are more serious, others more fun. Some are easier to relax with, and some keep us on our toes more. Some will be growing through the same season we're in, while others will be a step or two ahead or behind.
Each friend offers different experience, wisdom and uniqueness:
🚹🚺 Some make you want to be better than you are. Some help you fee letter about yourself.
🚺🚹 Some are enjoyed more I small doses, while others you can't get enough of.
🚹🚺 Some help you think things out, and some are great motivators.
🚺🚹 Some think a lot lime you do and validate you. Others think very differently bad stretch you.
🚹🚺 Some friends are convenient. Some aren't.
🚺🚹 Some are a good voice of reason, stability and rationality. Some offer solid advice, encouragement and prayer support.
🚹🚺 Some are great accountability partners, while others...not so much.
🚺🚹 Some will pray for you, and some will pray with you.
🚹🚺 Some help you laugh more, and some are great for deep conversations.
🚺🚹 Some will cheer you on when you talk about doing something crazy. Others will tell you to stop and think.
🚹🚺 Some are strong for you, and some will let you be strong for them.
🚺🚹 Some face the same struggles you face, while others have their own issues.
🚹🚺 Some are great listeners and some will give you a dose of reality when you need it.
🚺🚹 Some will hold you while you cry; others will cry with you. And some will run to the store for more tissues.
Find ways to invest in your friendships. Plural. Enjoy and appreciate each"
🍦🍪🍦The Dessert
http://media.giphy.com/media/4ji2aiquPipy0/giphy.gif
This video is like a mini Walt Disney movie, shared by Miriam
http://www.dogwork.com/ddcv4/
🔗🔗🔗 My response: The magnificence of God in seen in His creatures in such a beautiful way. The interconnectedness and unitive nature can thrive if we only but let go and let God. Love conquers all and will last forever, it is the bridegroom of contentment reigning in the soul.
₣ŖÏËŅĐŚ ÏŅ ĊȞŖÏŚȚ, 2 B ŴËĻĻ Ů ŅËËĐ 2 ȚÄĶË ŚPÏŖÏȚŮÄĻ ĊÄŖË
ĐÄ ŚPÏŖÏȚ MÖVËŚ PÖŴËŖ₣ŮĻĻŸ, ŚÖ B ÄĻËŖȚ, ËŅĊÖŮŖÄĠËĐ & ÄŴÄŖË
ȚÄĶË ĊÖŮŖÄĠË & ĶŅÖŴ ȚȞËŖË'ĻĻ B ŅÖ ĊŖÖŚŚ Ů ĊÄŅ'Ț BËÄŖ
ĻÏVË ₣ËÄŖĻËŚŚ ĊÄŮŚË ĠÖĐ'Ś ĻŮV, ŚȚŖËŅĠȚȞ, & ȞËĻP ÏŚ ÄĻŴÄŸŚ ȚȞËŖË
✞ⓂⓂ (❁´◡`❁)