Tag Archives: God

A Change for the Better

imagesCAUBH40PDo you find it hard to admit when you’re wrong. Even though you want to do what’s right, you sometimes fail. The harder you try to e be good, the harder it gets. We can fail on a daily basis. If you understand that, it allows you  to find the forgiveness and grace we you need to change your life.

A quick prayer in the morning let’s God know we want his help. If we run into trouble during the day, stop and ask for guidance. Praying reminds us that we aren’t alone in figuring out what is right. Thank God at night for his help. He’s your friend and is always with you.

St. Scholastica (480-542?)

St. ScholasticaSt Scholastica and her  twin brother Benedict were born in 480 of wealthy parents.  Scholastica and Benedict were brought up together and shared like interests and goals. Benedict eventually left central Italy for Rome to continue his studies.  Later, she founded a religious community for women five miles from where her brother governed a monastery. The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing spiritual matters.their spiritual lives.

It has been recorded the brother and sister spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica knew her death was close and asked Benedict to stay with her overnight. He had a rule the monks could not spend the night outside and refused her request because he would break his own rule. Scholastica asked God to find a way her brother could stay. A thunderstorm broke out and it was a five-mile walk, so Benedict remained.

Benedict cried out, “God forgive you sister, What have you done?”

Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.”

Comment:  This is the kind of relationship we should want with God. We should lean on Him in good times and bad. He is always there to help us. God will answer with what He believes is best for us, just like our earthly parents.

St. Paul the Hermit (c. 233-345)

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Saint Paul of Thebes lived a life of solitude and penance became an inspiration to the monasteries during its early years. St. Paul survived in the desert by drinking from a stream near his cave and eating and clothing himself from a fruit tree. He lived in close communion with God. Most of Paul’s 113 years were spent in solitary devotion.

With all our busyness, do we know how to be alone with God. We don’t have to move to a desert cave to find it. We only need to put down the electronic devices and pick up a bible, listen to some spiritual music, or just talk to God. St. Paul lived most of his live doing this and he lived a long time. 

God’s Gift to Us

 

MC900444830Do you  realize that God’s call to have a  special relationship with us is possible. You are good enough and holy enough for God to love us in this personal way. Scriptures remind us over and over again that God’s love is not earned: it is a gift. Talk to God today and tell him your worries, dreams, give him your love today.

ALL SAINTS DAY

Today is the day for remembering  all the Saints. To join the company of the saints in heaven, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, conform to His image, and follow the Father in all things. We can do this by  devoting our lives to God and by helping our neighbors. In this way, our holiness will grow into an abundant harvest of good, like the lives of the saints. Today we celebrate known and unknown saints.

There are some things we can do to celebrate All Saints Day:

  • Visit a cemetery and pray for your relatives and saints during the Octave of All Saints’ Day (November 1 through November 8).
  • Spend a little time after Mass thanking God for all the unnamed saints, some of whom could be our own relatives.
  • Plan a special dinner this week.
  • Have your mom light a candle during dinner in honor of your family and the Saints.

On http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/recipes/view.cfm?id=1060, I found a recipe for Coffee Braid.It’s a favorite pastry  for November 1 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among the Slavic nations, in Hungary, and in some Latin countries. Have your mom copy this recipe and bake the bread together.

Here’s the Ingredients:

  • 1 package active dry, or cake, yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • dash salt
  • 2/3 cup lukewarm milk
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Reserve 10 minutes.

Stir in flour, salt, milk, 2/3 cup sugar, butter, egg yolk with yeast mixture until firm dough results. Add raisins; mix until smooth. Knead on floured board until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Let rise until double in size.

Form 4 rolls 2 inches thick, 2 rolls 1 inch thick, 2 rolls 1/2 inch thick. Gently and loosely braid 2-inch rolls, fastening strands at ends and tucking under. Place on lightly greased baking sheet; brush with egg white. Braid 1-inch rolls; place on top of large braid. Brush with egg white. Braid 1/2 inch rolls; place on top of medium braid. Brush with egg white: cover. Let rise 1 1/2 hours in warm place. Bake 50-60 minutes at 300°. Sprinkle with sugar, almonds.

Recipe Source: Catholic Cookbook, The by William I. Kaufman, The Citadel Press, New York, 1965

Unfortunately, I’m writing this on the feast day, but the Octave of All Saints is from November 1-8 you still have time to bake the bread and celebrate the saints. If you believe that saints lived only in ancient times; remember many thousands of persons are leading lives of holiness at this present moment. Be one of them.

Guardian Angel Day

 

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here.

Ever this night/day be at my side to light and guard, to

rule and guide. Amen.

I’ve believed in guardian angels, since I was small. I prayed the Guardian Angel prayer each night. My Guardian Angel has been with me since I took my first breath and will with me  for my  last breath.  Your angel will look out for and will stay with you wherever you go and what ever you do. You are never alone!

My guardian angel is Jhudiel. St. Jhudiel is the guardian of people born on Friday. He is one of the Holy Archangels and is said to be the bearer of God’s mercy and love. His image is shown to be holding a flaming heart pressed on his chest representing the love of God. In times of confusion or stress I feel comforted to know that my angel is guarding me. Find out what day you were born and then check and see which guardian angel is yours.