God the Consoler

A few nights ago I came across a video on You Tube for the song "Mary Did You Know?" It is a wonderful Christmas song contemplating what is in store for the Holy Family over the next 33 years. It consisted of scenes from a few movies, including Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ." I still have not seen the movie because I don't think I can handle it.

One short clip, taken from the "Passion of the Christ", was of the guards dragging away a battered Jesus after the Scourging at the Pillar. I admit, I am not strong enough to view these scenes. When I do, they often bother me for days. But, I am often consoled by God - usually in a dream.

This time it was last night. I had a dream I was among the crowds just before the crucifixion. I remember feeling distressed and I wanted to stop it. Then the events took a different turn from what we hear in the Bible. Everyone disappeared for a moment - or at least it seemed so. Then, as Jesus carried the cross, He turned to me and told me that this is God's plan for our salvation. He then led me to the exact spot where His cross would be placed.

Once again as in the dream I had over a year ago, I don't remember the words. It was like watching a silent movie and yet I understood everything He told me. I came away from the dream with the understanding that this is the way God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit wanted it.

I remember feeling better, but still concerned. Then He showed me what it might have been like even if everyone felt like I did. He showed me Him teaching the crowd that he must be crucified to fulfill God's plan. I think it was a dramatic display of God confirming that this is all part of His plan. Logically, I know that and always have. It's seeing Him in such a state that gets to me sometimes. He is our King and our God and that was what we did to Him.

But once again, God consoled my soul and brought peace to it. Just like the last time, I can't remember His words, but I'll never forget the peace He left me with. And when I let the peace fill my heart I remembered that the Crucifixion was NOT the end of the story. Jesus rising and opening the gates of Heaven for us was the final outcome of the Crucifixion. Now He lives in Glory forever - as our God and King should be.

Manhattan Declarationn of Christian Conscience

A group of people from different denominations of Christianity banned together on Nov 20,2009 in objection to laws that attack such Christian values as: right to life, traditional family, faith and liberty.

They formed and signed a document titled the "Manhattan Declaration of Christian Conscience." These people remind us through their actions that even in a world with so much negativity, Christ's light is still there. His light of hope.

Please visit the webpage and read all about this important declaration. If you are as inspired as I was, consider adding your name to the list of signatures. Here's your chance to add your Christian voice: Do not force us to pay for vital issues against our beliefs. When we leave this world and face judgement, we will have to answer for all our actions.

Thank you to the brave people who created this declaration!

Never Underestimate the Rosary

I try to make a habbit of saying the Rosary every night. I used to attempt it at the very end of the night and most of the time I would fall asleep. I'm pretty sure the reason is every time I say the Rosary, I'm filled with peace. A calm, worry free, relaxing peace. But because I have a hard time making it through the entire Rosary that late at night, I've been saying it a little earlier.

Tonight, my 4-year old son was having a hard time going to sleep. I chose to stay in the room with him until he settled down. I tried reading 4 of his favorite books to him. It worked for a second, but he was determined to stay up. His older sisters were awake. Why couldn't he stay up too? After attempting to read to him, I turned down the lights and sat very quiet. However, he took that time to try to convince me to let him stay awake.

Then I decided to say my Rosary. I started to say it quietly in my head, but it was hard with my son's fussiness. So, I said it aloud. I was up to the first decade when I decided to say my prayers out loud in front of my son. By the time I got to the second decade, he was silent and calmed down. He was amazingly peaceful for the entire Rosary. He listened intently, and became relaxed.

It's hard to tell when he actually fell asleep, but to be sure, I started a second set of mysteries. After the second decade I stopped, for he was surely asleep.

I pray the Rosary as often as I can and it never ceases to amaze me. This is the most powerful prayer in the world. It has calmed me after severe hurtful situations, it always brings peace to my heart, and now I've wittnessed it bring peace to my son's heart.

If you've neglected your Rosary ( as I have until about 1 1/2 years ago), consider picking it up. You'll be glad you did.

Prayers For Writers - a New Blog

Once again I feel I was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Small prayer-like lines filled my head - all of which had to do with authors. I started writing them down. That's when I chose to start a new blog Prayers for Writers at http://prayers4writers.blogspot.com . They aren't too elaborate, just words of inspiration and asking of God's guidance as we teach through our words. Head on over and check it out sometime.

Our Lady of America

To me, the apparitions of Our Lady of America to Sister Mildred Mary Neuzil are a new concept. I may have come across the title in other research before, but never really learned about it. Then, one morning in my mailbox was a free copy of a newsletter all about our Lady of America.

It was quite an interesting read, however, we have been warned by Jesus himself of any false prophets. So, with skepticism I did some research about these apparitions and found conflicting information. Some places I've read that it has been approved. Other places say there has been no decision. Either way, the message is about love.

It's funny, but here in America, you would think we'd hear more about her and her messages. There was nothing sensational about the visions. It appeared to me to be a repetition of what she's always been asking all humanity: consecration to her heart, love, accepting God' s Mercy and living for God.

There were times during these apparitions where Mary was sad. I often wonder what she is feeling. How awful it must be to watch as her children harm themselves. The only thing I can compare it to, which doesn't even come close, is any mother standing by helplessly as their child self destructs.

Mary keeps visiting us for a reason. She is our mother and wants us to survive. But we can only survive if we want to. He has given us the gift of Free Will. You can't help those who don't want to help themselves.

Let's accept God's offerings of grace and Mercy. Love God. Live for Him. Don't just know who he is and like it. Love who He is and Love Him. Love him through your thoughts, actions, words and deeds. He is our Father and wants us to be with Him.

Praying for the Sick

One of my favorite prayers is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Ever since I learned about it, I make it a point to pray it when I know of someone who is ill. Jesus taught this chaplet to Saint Faustina. He told her to pray it when someone is dying, and they will receive His mercy at their time of death.

Since I'm never sure of how things will go, whenever I hear of someone becoming ill I offer the chaplet. This past Saturday, my Father-in-law had a heart attack. My Mother-in-law called us as they were on the way to the hospital. My husband left the house and joined them. I was home with the children, so I did what I could and offered the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I often feel at peace when I finish the Chaplet. My husband returned home hours later and reported that his father survived the heart attack. He was in the ICU in the hospital recovering. While there are still many things the doctors must attend to, I view this survival as a miracle.

Usually the Chaplet is helpful in death, but I often wonder if it had to do with my Father-in-law's survival. Was this a second chance at life? While nobody knows for sure what role the Chaplet played in this incident, I am sure that it was as helpful as it has always been. God hears our prayers. And as long as it is in line with His Will, He answers those prayers.

Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers.

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The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Crucifix - 1 Our Father

Then say:

1 Apostles' Creed, Hail Mary and Glory Be

On all the Our Father Beads before each decade of the Rosary, say this prayer:

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and the Blood of you dearly beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On all the Hail Mary beads say this prayer:

For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

After the final prayer in the 5th decade repeat this prayer 3 times:

Holy God,Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us and on the whole world.

A Special Thank You for Brave Bishops

It warms my heart to see such good in a world surrounded by darkness. There were 83 Bishops who spoke out against President Obama's attendance at the Notre Dame graduation. As with all witnesses for Jesus, these brave men risked ridicule, persecution, and their reputation in order to promote the Catholic Teachings. They endured many trials, but their support enforced the passionate students who value their faith.

When I see thngs like this, it proves there's still good in this world.

As a special thank you, the Cardinal Newman Society presented a Spiritual Boquet to the 83 Bishops who spoke out agains t the Notre Dame Scandal.

Click here. to see a copy of the Spiritual Bouquet Certificate sent to the bishop.

Click LifeSiteNews.com. to see the list of all 83 Bishops.

The overwhelming prayer response in the spiritual bouquet includes:

Mass Intentions: 116,741

Divine Mercy Chaplets: 74,974

Aspirations: 57,728

General Prayers: 236,615

Eucharistic Holy Hours: 37,125

Holy Rosaries: 146,944

Novenas: 19,877

Days of Fasting: 28,862

In addition to these prayers, Catholic priests offered 3,272 Holy Sacrifices of the Mass for the bishops.