John 16:20 (LIFE Runners!)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).

"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy." John 16:20 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Jesus uses a beautiful metaphor of what authentic Christian joy looks like in the face of grief - a mother holding her newborn baby just moments after the pangs of childbirth. This joy, born of sacrifice and suffering, is denied mothers with the evil of abortion. As a Pro-Life community, we are facing a time of trial and grief as we labor and cry out to be a voice for the unborn, but we can make a difference! June 13th marks the beginning of the 18 week Kansas City Marathon (15 Oct) training for the national LIFE Runners team. Much like the mother who labors for the joy of her newborn baby, over 100 LIFE Runners from 17 states and Canada/England/Turkey/Kenya will labor for 18 weeks through heat, exhaustion, 20 mile training runs, speed workouts, and tempo runs...for the Unborn. We run to end abortion and the culture of death. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for the Sioux Falls Alpha Center Fleet for Little Feet bus that provides free ultrasounds in rural areas. We offer our training sacrifices and physical pains as a living prayer for abortionists, mother's and unborn babies in crisis, post-abortive families and aborted babies. Our grief over the millions lost will become a cry of joy for the lives saved through the mercy of our Father God. The LIFE Runners team will experience the joy of crossing the finish line...for Pro-Life!

Faith Challenge: Please join us as a LIFE Runner, sponsor, prayer partner, or race weekend volunteer (14-15 Oct). Details at http://www.run.liferunners.org/.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Lets Take Back Sundays

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >

Feast Day: St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, martyrs (d. 1886) "One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. He protected his fellow pages (aged 13 to 30) from the homosexual demands of the Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, and encouraged and instructed them in the Catholic faith during their imprisonment for refusing the ruler’s demands."

Faith Quote: "As a LIFE Runner, all of me is being involved." ~ Rosemary Bernth

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 15:11 (sharing joy)

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The joy of friendship grows when people share the values that make them who they are. The greater the sharing, the greater the joy. It was a joy for Jesus to share his word with the people of his time, just as it is a joy for him to do so with us. We hear his word through the Scriptures and through his Spirit that speaks in our hearts. Jesus' love prompts him to share his values with us, and if we make them a part of our lives, we begin to resemble the mind and heart of Jesus. What a cause for joy!" by Fr. Kenneth Grabner

Rich's comments: As I am nearing the end of my PhD program at the University of Florida, I have the incredible urge to share with others in my research group tips on how to survive grad school. I don't think that I gain anything for myself by sharing this information (except that I don't like to watch people struggle or suffer), but I have this inner desire to pass on these "pearls of wisdom" in hopes that my colleagues gain a greater sense of joy during their grueling ordeal of writing a 200-page dissertation. Jesus knows and understands our struggles and sufferings. Jesus has been through it all and He wants to share His Truth with us, because it brings Him great joy and He loves us. Lord, thank You for sharing Yourself with me, and thank You for my ability to bring You joy through my acceptance of Your word. Amen.
* NEW: Discover the joy that forgiveness brings by reading Sr. Francelle's devotion on Forgiveness.

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: How might you bring the joy of Christ to others? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, to encourage many...thank you!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Oklahoma Ultrasound Law Temporarily Suspended: "The abortion industry would like to hide the truth from women about their unborn children." "We believe the ultrasound bill will provide much needed information to women in advance of an irrevocable, lethal decision, and that both she and her baby will benefit from her having that information."

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion.
* NEW: Rich (Erica's swollen inner ear & job search)

Faith Quote: "He loves each one of us as though there were only one of us." - St. Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Matthew 4:16 (JOY: Jesus, Others, You)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, Facebook), based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

On those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has risen. Matthew 4:16 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The Magi witnessed Christ's birth into a world where death might often seem to be the victor. Jesus' family soon fled to Egypt to escape the forces of death that followed them. His eventual death was early and cruel. But for us, the crucifixion carries the secret of the resurrection, and therefore death is overshadowed by Life. Christ our Light, arise in our hearts." by Mary Marrocco

Pat's nuggets: Merry 11th day of Christ-mas!

* Within all the college football bowl games hoopla, high five to those players who pause to give God praise for their abilities, like FL quarterback Tim Tebow (today's image, Eph 2:8-10). The image caption could read, "Yes, God...I will gladly use your playbook!"

* Pastor Don's devotion (Happy New Day!): "...those every day promises that I am going to choose life over death. That I will choose love over hatred, grace over resentment, wisdom over folly, courage over fear, joy over sorrow, compassion over anger, patience over impatience."

* Sr. Francelle's devotion (Gratitude - the key to happiness): "As we begin a new year, let's resolve to accept with joy the twists and turns life brings us. Let us open our hearts to the wonder of each new day. "For all that has been, THANKS. For all that will be, YES.""

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the "invite people to join" link on the Facebook Group. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.

* NEW: Let's commit ourselves to a year filled with JOY...Jesus, Others, You...in that priority order!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Shantelle Castle (special intention), Health care reform bill

* NEW: Shannon Ketchum (Grandma passed away), Michael Moon (thanksgiving for Metanoia)

Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: "...first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church."

Faith quotes: "Walk with Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" John Paul II

Blessed New Year!
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

Matthew 8:3 A 'Simple' Touch

Let's welcome God every morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

[Jesus] stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I will do it. Be made clean." Matthew 8:3 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus could easily have cured the leper without stretching out his hand and touching him. This bodily movement of actually touching the one needing healing creates a strengthening connection between the healer and the one being healed." by Sr. Joyce Rupp

Rich's comments: At Church we are directed to offer each other the Sign of Peace by shaking another's hand or giving a hug to a person next to us. For some people you can tell that it is an insignificant gesture by their posture, lack of eye contact, and their inaudible murmur of "peace be with you". For other people, myself included, I feel energized and excited after exchanging peace with others. My heart feels lifted. It is like going to a family reunion to see all of your closest loved ones. I don't believe many people understand the healing power that a 'simple' touch can have, or they wouldn't be so reluctant to offer a genuine sign of peace to others. See if you can touch someone's life today by providing a 'simple' touch of peace. Peace be with you.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Be a sign of peace for someone today who is troubled. Show them you care with a 'simple' touch.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Carla Neal (Jonathan Barlow, Margaret Solms, Dan, Joe and Becky), Church job interview for Steve Castle on Saturday.

Faith Quote: "If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another." - Tenzin Gyatso

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 5:14 (love that can't be hidden)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by giving a few minutes to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "It wasn't so much his skill as an architect that has remained with me. It's the light of love she showed me--not only their love of each other, but also their love of God. No bushel basket covered their lamp. Nor could this mountain city be hidden. Thank God." by Mary Marrocco

Rich's comments: When I experienced my metanoia (change of heart) in 2006 and renewed my faith in Jesus Christ, my wife was very thrilled, but she thought that it was going to be just a passing faze for me. See my wife knows me well. She knows that when something catches my interest, that I become enthusiastically focused on the activity. Then this passion usually dies out over time and the object of obsession is abandoned like the electric guitar sitting in the corner of my house. My love for Jesus though is different. I feel that I am on fire for Jesus. The more that I get to know Him within the Word of God and in prayer, the closer I want to be to Him and His people. Once you are ignited with the love for Jesus, you will find that it is a love that can't be hidden, and must be shared. Holy Spirit, keep my faith burning brightly. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.

* NEW: Share your love for God with others. Spread the fire of His love.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment), Carol Nesbitt (cousin Rob Mischel with brain cancer), Carla Neal (Cyndy, Anita & Collin), Jason Peters (his son JP in hospital), Rich Reich (his Dad's has blocked brain artery)

Feast Day: St. Ephrem the Syrian left us hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inflamed and inspired the whole Church. Read more about him here.

Faith Quote: "If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

John 16:22 (finding joy)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The good news of Jesus is not a promise of a perfectly joyful life in the here and now, absent of pain and filled with never-ending bliss. Christians face the same joyless times and moments of dissatisfaction and anger, as do those without faith. But, thankfully, there is more to this life of faith than meets the eye. For with Jesus come another life beyond this one, another chance at childlike joy that no one can take away. Jesus, fill me with the joy of your eternal life." by Steve Givens

Rich's comments: Although Christians face the same joyless times and moments of dissatisfaction and anger as do those without faith, Christians differ in the way we deal with these feelings by responding with a Christian attitude. Please read Sister Francelle's devotion on "Blessing those who curse you." (Matt 5:44) Jesus provides us the keys to experiencing peace in our hearts during times of trouble.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Read Sister Francelle's devotion and practice blessing those who curse you.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Rich (Jim Russell who is battling cancer), Rich (Jack Myers, tumor in esophagus)

Feast Day: St. Rita of Cascia

Faith Quote: "To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others." by Pope John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 28:8 (Christ has risen!)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed... Matthew 28:8

Living Faith snippets: "How could the fear of these women possibly be described? How could the joy? The utter horror of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion is now followed by an earthquake, an angelic appearance and the tomb of Jesus empty! The Easter story is the wellspring of our most unimaginable hope, hope in God's power to bring life out of death. Jesus tells us: "Do not be afraid." Not only for our physical death, but for all the other endings, devastations and breakings. Happy Easter!" by Patricia Livingston

Pat nuggets: On Easter morning, I joyfully woke up Paige (8) and Grace (5) with the greatest news of all time..."The rock is rolled away...the tomb is empty...Jesus has risen!" As if not surprised at all, they both grunted with irritation at my joyful announcement. They looked at me like "well duh, God said He would and He did"...confident faith! Then, they asked if the Easter bunny made it...they don't have as much confidence in the bunny's delivery. In response, I said, "yes...because Jesus is alive!"...in all of us. We are the Easter bunny and Santa Claus to one another (love and service to neighbor). Happy Easter...Christ has risen...we are free from death!

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: Let's share our Easter joy with at least two people today...

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Luke 9:24 (cycle of Christian life)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

[Jesus said,] "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Luke 9:24

Living Faith snippets: "You can't "lose" a life for Jesus' sake if you don't have a life to "lose." Anytime you begin to feel like you no longer have a life, that's when you need to take some time for yourself. The mature Christian life is cyclic, giving and serving, prayer, learning and leisure, then going back to serving others. Lord Jesus, help me remember to nourish my life so I can give it away." by Mitch Finley

Rich's comments: Today's Gospel reading reminds me of Toby Mac's lyrics "I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul." I believe this message is addressing those who believe that they can find happiness in serving themselves. There are many examples in the media of those who have reached stardom, fame, and fortune, but still are not happy. Jesus is trying to show us the way to true happiness, which is found through serving others. I heard an analogy during Fr. Jose's homily yesterday that when we are focused on ourselves, we start spinning around like a dog chasing its tail, which can only lead to us becoming dizzy and nauseous. It is only when we begin looking outward in serving others, that the wooziness subsides and we find true focus in Christ.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?

NEW: Make a list of the things that make you truly happy and thank God for these gifts.

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.

* 40 Days for Life campaign (25 Feb - 5 Apr) is an around the clock prayer vigil in front of abortion mills in 130 communities around the world. Please sign up for even just one hour (sacrifice out of love for God & neighbor).

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.

* Let's pray for courage to share ProLife Truth to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer), Peters family (JP updates), Rob Ouellette (Janet Colson by-pass surgery)

* NEW: Rich Reich (friend undergoing surgery to remove breast cancer)

Faith Quote: "It is not repentence that save me; repentence is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus." by Oswald Chambers

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Luke 8:2 (misunderstood)

* Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Mary, called Magdalene... Luke 8:2

Living Faith snippets: "Hacking our way out of this underbrush of wild speculations, Mary may well have been a solid family and business woman, like many of the women in church on a Sunday morning. Seeing her that way makes her less a character in a melodrama, more a model for many of us today." by Kevin Perrotta

Sr. Francelle devotion: Read her devotion titled "You will seek Me and find Me when you search...‏‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. From the intro..."In 1975, while teaching psychology at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD I was also involved in teaching a CCD [religion] class to high school students. I was impressed with a few young people, who seemed so excited about their faith. When I asked them how they got that way, they said because they attended Search [retreat] weekends. After Search found a home at Presentation, I coordinated over 100 Searches over a period of 20 years."

Pat nuggets:

* In 1988, I accepted Sr. M&M's invitation to attend Sr. Francelle's Search retreat program in Aberdeen, SD (see above)...which helped myself and several LIFE Devotions Group members grow close to Christ at a young age. Sr. Francelle, thank you for this gift! Let us pray for the Sioux Falls Search program starting in November...

* Mary Ellen Seibert shared the image for today (God smiling), which I received this morning. After adding the image, I realized the connection to today's faith quote (below). Coincidence...I think not!

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): http://www.40daysforlife.com/. Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

* "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II" (9 PM EST, Sun, 21 Sep, EWTN channel): "A brand-new world-premiere documentary about 40 Days for Life will be airing in 128 million homes around the world! Watch the two-minute preview video: http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm. This episode is on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hope in communities across the nation." by Dave Bereit

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, integrity of our leaders, Mike Castle (for grandson Isaac and his caregivers), strength to live the virtue of chastity, hurricane recovery, Kay Castle (for Nancy Wheeler recovering from chemotherapy), loss of loved ones, lack of faith.

Saint Feast Day (St. Januarius): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Januarius.

Faith Quote: Dani Pavelk shared: "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 17:4 (lasting joy)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Matthew 17:4

Living Faith snippets: "[Like Peter] I can't have it all right now. Life's joys come and go. They can't be contained. In heaven, all the joys I so briefly glimpse here will be gathered up and be transfigured [see feast day link below] into the eternal, glorious presence of Love that never ends. Lord, I take joy in my journey to eternal life with you." by Amy Welborn

Pat nuggets:

* God sightings: I flew to Steubenville, OH this past Spring to visit the Aborn family. Afterwards, I realized that I did not interact with people sitting next to me on the flights (opportunities to share the joy of Christ which can heal all wounds). While waiting at the airport for my flight home from IN last week (conference, visit my brother Joe), I noticed the person next to me was highlighting her Bible. I said, "looks like a lot of highlights." She said, "it's all really good." I smiled and said, "I agree." I then told her the story of seeing Jim Hourigan's Bible which is essentially highlighted cover to cover. We ended up sitting in the same row on the plane [coincidence, I think not!]...and together gave faith responses to the problems of the person sitting between us (a nanny who was employed by a couple with serious family issues). On my final flight I collaborated with a wonderful 87 yr old woman about sharing the joy of Christ with her atheist son. Good and amazing things happen when we embrace God's command to share the Good News (Mark 16:15). "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Luke 10:2)...let's embrace this song, "Here I am Lord, I will go Lord!"

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

* Joe Castle shared: "Think about the Psalm in this days devotion [on Monday] in relation to the unborn." Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal? Psalm 69:5

Feast Day (Transfiguration of the Lord): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_of_Jesus

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, kidney tumor surgery), Deb Kayser (rotator cuff and hand surgeries)

Faith Quote: Chad Livingston shared this one. "The most important thing you think is what you think about God." - A. W. Toser

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

2 Cor 4:8 (hardship brings us closer to God)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Cor 4:8

Living Faith snippets: "Our daily pains and disappointments can wear us down and make us ask why we must endure them. Afflictions do not depress [St. Paul]. They elate him. He says they bring him closer to Jesus. Accepting pains and sorrows, as Paul did, enables us to live with more peace and purpose." by Fr. James McKarns (author of Lean Against the Wind)

Sr. Francelle snippets: "Dearest Ones, Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11) How many of you experience this joy? The world has a shortage of joy and too much fear, worry, and discouragement. True joy comes from filling the spiritual emptiness with God, who is pure joy. Happiness comes and goes, while joy goes on forever. Jesus said His joy "would remain in you" and "your joy no one will take from you." (John 15:11) A common mistake is to think that getting something will make you happy. But joy comes from giving and not from getting. To keep joy in our hearts, we must get rid of self-pity, and selfishness. For joy to stay, we must focus on loving others. We also rejoice in our trials when we understand how God uses those trials to help us build godly character. "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops faithfulness to God." (James 1:2). How can we be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit? Pray for it: "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full!" (John 16:24) Joy and Peace to you,Sister Francelle" To read her entire devotion, go to sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

* Get out the Vote Campaign: "If we as [Christians] want to affect change in our society and culture we must vote and encourage our friends and family to do the same." http://www.cccgotv.com/

* Steve Castle shared an article with this anonymous comment: "I am ashamed to say that, as a Christian, I do not believe in abortion but have done nothing to take a stand against it. I have not really thought enough about it...until a couple days ago. Someone sent me a video link about Obama supporting abortion and it showed scenes of a late term, partial birth abortion. I was sick, to say the least, and will never be the same. Seeing is believing. It is easier to ignore something until you actually SEE it." http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=187692

* "Being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II" (airs 6:30 PM EST, Fri, 25 Jul, EWTN): "Interviews volunteers, national leaders, and former abortionists on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hope in communities across the nation."

Feast Day (St. James): "James is described as one of the first disciples to join Jesus. James was one of only three apostles whom Jesus selected to bear witness to his Transfiguration.[4] The Acts of the Apostles 12:1-2 records that King Herod had James executed by sword,[5] making him the first of the Twelve Apostles to be martyred. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James%2C_son_of_Zebedee

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki M. (her cancer treatment), Joe C. (11 yr old Devantae paralyzed), Kay C. (friend Nancy Wheeler cancer treatment), Kathy-jo P. (friend Maria has terminal brain cancer), Gina Prevett (Ty's uncle who had triple bypass surgery, friends with dementia)

Faith quote: "Is it consistent to profess our beliefs in church on Sunday...and then adopt positions that contradict the right to life of every human being from conception to natural death? Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel." Pope Benedict (Apr visit to USA)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Mark 8:35 (eternal life, not alone)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com).

Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35

Living Faith snippets: "We were made to be like God, and we are seemingly happiest when doing good for others. A lifetime of caring for those in need is a blessing that can be ours if we are willing to model Christ in our everyday lives." by Fr. James Stephen Behrens

Sr. Francelle snippets: "Dearest Ones, it is normal to be lonely and it's nothing to be ashamed of - Jesus was lonely, too, because he was fully human. The night before his death, He asked three good friends to accompany Him as He faced His agony because He didn't want to face it alone. His loneliness on the cross can only be imagined - nearly everyone rejected Him in His last hours. We will probably never experience such loneliness as that. The Bible has many quotes where God asks us just to listen. "Be still and know that I am God." I must give Jesus a chance to talk in my prayer time. Jesus said, "My sheep know My voice; they hear when I call." Despite all the false teachings in the world, the Lord still speaks directly to the hearts of those willing to hear. "And Peter went upon the housetop to pray,and there came a voice to him." (Acts 10:9) Paul "fell to the earth and heard that voice." Till we meet in heaven, Sister Francelle" See the entire devotion at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

Our Prayers:

* Praise prayer from Pam McGushin: "The genuine love and concern I have felt through [LIFE group] prayers and individual emails to me has been overwhelming. After my [prayer] request, we almost immediately began to see a change in [her Mom's depression]. Once she was a bit more stable, I shared with her what I had done and some of the responses I received. There is no way anyone could doubt her "recovery" is anything short of heaven-sent. I know in my heart He heard the prayers of so many and responded with such power and love for her. I am happy to say that today, as her and my dad celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary, she is almost completely back to her "old" self. As we were together for dinner tonight, I could also see a strength in their marriage that was not there before. Who would have thought this ordeal would bring about such an abundance of positive change? How truly blessed we are to have the favor of the Lord and the love of so many!"

* Open: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, earthquake in China, depression/despair, Kay Castle (crimes against children), Vicki Miller (cancer treatment), Pam McGushin (Cindy's cancer treatment), Tom Tenpenny (Anna's cancer treatment), Dale Sundermann (strength for his Mom), Jenny Senour (ProLife job interview)

Faith Quote: Jean Noon sent this one..."To move forward in faith, your God image must periodically fall apart. Your self-image must periodically fall apart as well. If you are willing to let go of both of them, you will really grow." Fr. Richard Rohr

* If you come across an inspiring faith quote, please send to me for sharing in the devotion.

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

life-devotions.blogspot.com

* Let's invite family, friends, and our "neighbors" to join the LIFE Devotions group, providing routine spiritual connection and strength for our faith communities.

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.

* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)! Let's make room to share with non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead your friend to Christ)...and work on perpetual re-evangelization of ourselves and those close to us (Western culture), drawing closer to God's will by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service...

Psalm 87:7 (Center of our Souls)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com).

My home is within you. Psalm 87:7

Living Faith snippets: "No matter where we travel or what obstacles we face, no matter what personal crises or health issues we battle, God sits at the center of our souls and connects us to something real and true and strong. Most importantly, God is our anchor that holds us fast to himself, the only thing that never changes in an ever-changing world." by Steve Givens

Rich's comments: "My heart is restless, O God, until it rests in Thee" - St. Augustine. I believe that God has imprinted on everyone's soul, even non-believers (God doesn't believe in atheists), a longing desire to be in communion with Him. The World seems to be searching for happiness in all the wrong places (success, wealth, material things, other people). God is the True source of happiness. Only God can fill our God-size holes. Today's devotion made me think of the day that I finally realized this. I went to confession at the beginning of Advent 2006 with my LIFE faith-sharing group. It had been 20 years since my last confession. I had been avoiding the healing powers of this sacred sacrament for many years. After confessing my sins, I remember the priest hugging me and telling me, "Welcome Home!!" I felt so awesome and complete. Jesus, please lead the Way back Home through the fog of the World. May we quietly listen to our hearts for what we truly desire, for when we do, we will find You. Amen.

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* Defend the unborn: Pro-Life websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Other devotions: Sr. Francelle (sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com) and COUGARS daily (cougarsdaily.blogspot.com). Would you like to be added?
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Matt 28:8 (Christ has risen!)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion, which has snippets from Living Faith (http://www.livingfaith.com/). Please consider sharing a comment at life-devotions.blogspot.com.

They went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed... Matthew 28:8

Living Faith snippets: "The women in the Gospel chose joy. Perhaps this will be the Easter when somewhere in the womb of our hearts something will crack open with delight, and we will lose our fear and let the joy of Easter flow in." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

Sr. Francelle snippets: "Dearest Ones, All day long, it seems I'm calling on the Holy Spirit to direct me to make right decisions. How do I know if the Holy Spirit is leading me or if it's my own will? If I feel peaceful, I believe it's the Spirit. If I feel selfish and restless, I know it's my own will. Who is this Holy Spirit? He is the LOVE of God! We are not facing life all alone. We have a Helper! To ignore the Holy Spirit is like a starving man having a million dollars in the bank, but not using it. HE IS RISEN. HAPPY EASTER." Sister Francelle
* See the entire devotion at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

Pat nuggets:
* On Holy Thursday, Grace vomited on herself and me while I was carrying her out of Mass! I washed Grace's feet and more in the restroom. This experience helped me embrace the loving humility of Christ washing the filthy feet of the apostles.

* On Good Friday, I gave an opening reflection/prayer at a Welcome Home Warrior workshop for care-givers of soldiers who experienced war trauma. A few snippets: "Regardless of your beliefs, Jesus was a historical person who was crucified [read a description of crucifixion, traumatic!]. If you believe Jesus was God, then we have a God that totally understands trauma. Warriors often have guilt…wondering if they could have prevented the death of a friend. I’m sure the disciples felt the same way about Jesus. How could they have prevented this? Warriors, like the disciples, typically take on too much blame. Greater powers are also involved…commanders, government, etc. In the case of the disciples, a MUCH greater power was at work! Dear heavenly father, thank you for the gift of our lives. Thank you for understanding us, forgiving us, and making yourself available to us. We pray for your blessings on this Welcome Home Warrior workshop, for your wisdom for this group, and for your healing for your warriors fighting the “good fight” around the world." Thanks to Liz Curry for collaborating with me on the reflection!

* On Holy Saturday, I saw a national news article about the Shroud of Turin: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23742885/from/ET/. If you watch the video, you will see Dr. John Jackson working in the Shroud Center, which is actually his basement...where just a few weeks ago, Doug Young and I visited with John Jackson about his research.

* On Easter Sunday, I received a ProLife news update source from Stephanie Kemp. You can sign up for automatic update emails at http://www.lifesitenews.com/. As Easter people, let's live out the Newsboys lyrics "shine, make ´em wonder what you've got"...and then gladly tell others when they ask (Mark 16:15)!

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Daily Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* LIFE Prayers at life-prayers.blogspot.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Defend the unborn: Pro-Life websites are listed on the blog. "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die" (Prov 24:11). "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" (Jer 1:5). "It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish" Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Sr. Francelle devotions at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.
* COUGARS devotions at cougarsdaily.blogspot.com.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!