Luke 2:35 (Pierced Her Heart)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"...and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." ~ Luke 2:35 (full readings)

Rosemary's Reflections: As an athlete, I'm very familiar with the phrase, "That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." This mainly refers to the pain we endure for our sports. What Simeon said to Mary at the temple was preparing her for the pain she would endure by watching her Son suffer and die. Where some would succumb to despair, Mary steps up to the foot of the cross to be our Mother and hear our prayers. Because of this pain, Mary can hear the hearts of the unborn crying out to her. With each life lost, one must wonder if it feels like another sword has again pierced her heart.
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Faith Challenge: During the Feast of the Holy Family, let us make our spiritual family stronger. Help our dear Mother by praying for our unborn brothers and sisters.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion:  Words

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Feast of the Holy Family.

Faith Quote: "He that raises a large family does, indeed, while he lives to observe them, stand a broader mark for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rosemary

2 Tim 4:7

* 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 (22% 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). Mt 28:19.

Luke 21:2 (Don't Waste the Gift)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners(FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"[Jesus] noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins." ~ Luke 21:2 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus noticed a poor widow donating her last two coins in the treasury. The widow in the Gospel and today's feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are very much related. Both women trusted in God and gave their all to Him. In this week of Thanksgiving, let's focus on the gifts that God has blessed us with and give thanks to the Lord by giving our all to Him. As a runner, I am inspired by Steve Prefontaine, who once held the American record for seven distance track events from the 2,000 meters to the 10,000 meters. His coach always criticized him for being a front runner and not drafting with the rest of the pack during a race. Prefontaine's response was "to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Don't sacrifice the gifts that God has blessed you with. Offer up everything that He has given you to do His will. Lord, thank you for the gifts that You have blessed me with. May I use them for Your purpose Lord. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Give thanks to the Lord by offering up the gifts that He has blessed you with...to do His will.

Counter-Culture News: Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Headline Bistro, Patheos, Pewsitter, New Advent, National Review.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed & Patron Saint. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faith Quote: “What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” - Eleanor Powell

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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 (22% 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.

Revelations 11:19 (The Third Ark)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple." ~ Revelations 11:19 (full readings)

Rich's reflections: Today's Scripture mentions the ark of God's covenant. A covenant is an agreement between God and His people in which God makes specific promises and demands. After original sin, God decided to start over by having Noah build the first ark to escape the destructive floods. God then established His covenant with Noah and the chosen people (Genesis 9:9). Later, humanity fell into sin again and God established a new covenant with His people (Exodus 24:8). He also made a better ark, the ark of the covenant (Numbers 10:33). This second ark contained the tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:12). Then again, humanity fell into sin. This time, God started over by making the best ark and the best covenant of all. Mary is the new ark of the new covenant. As the third ark, Mary carried in her womb Jesus, God Himself, Who established a new covenant with us in His blood (Mt 26:28). The whereabouts of the first two arks remain unknown to this day, but today we celebrate the knowledge that Mary (the third ark) is present with Jesus, our Lord.

Faith Challenge: Search diligently for Mary, the new ark, and find new hope in Jesus.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel.

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: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the death of Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven, before her body could begin to decay. This is a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time.

Faith Quote: "The Assumption is the culmination of the struggle which involved Mary's generous love in the redemption of humanity and is the fruit of her unique sharing in the victory of the Cross." ~ Pope John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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 (22% 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.

Isaiah 7:14 (FIAT)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us!"" Isaiah 7:14 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Today we celebrate, in the life of the Church, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This is a key moment in our salvation history as it marks the moment Mary cooperated with divine grace by fully giving herself over to God's will. As the Angel Gabriel states in his greeting (Luke 1:28), she is "highly favored" (full of grace) which renders Mary speechless. Her response to the angel Gabriel is meant for all of us and for all times. In that moment, Mary's eternal fiat (Latin for "be it done") echoes for all ages, "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In today's verse, that moment was prophesied by Isaiah nearly 800 years prior. The incarnation is the ultimate theological proof for God's plan for life from the moment of conception. Simply put, Abortion is a mockery of this truth. In this moment, the moment of all moments, God humbled himself and took on flesh. Only love can accomplish this. As Paul so beautifully states in Phil 2:6-11, "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Amen. For inspiration, listen to this awesome song by Natalie Grant, Your Great Name.

Faith Challenge: Are you fully cooperating with the will of God in your life, or are you resisting the subtle promptings (Annunciations) of the Holy Spirit? Take some time today in prayer to reflect on where God is gently leading you.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: What does God think? "In keeping with Lent, a time for alms-giving (which means to give from the heart), we can offer our prayers and sacrifices for them (Tsunami victims), so they don't lose hope."

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

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: Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord "The feast of the Annunciation goes back to the fourth or fifth century. Its central focus is the Incarnation: God has become one of us. From all eternity God had decided that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity should become human. Now, as Luke 1:26-38 tells us, the decision is being realized. The God-Man embraces all humanity, indeed all creation, to bring it to God in one great act of love."

Faith Quote: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you." ~ Angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:28)

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.

Luke 1:38 (FAITH)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'" Luke 1:38 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: We should all be very grateful that Mary, the virgin mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, was humble and obedient to the Lord. She trusted Him and said "yes" to a pregnancy without a natural father. She said "yes" to persecution and rejection, knowing that an unwed mother with an illegitimate child in her time was completely unacceptable, unlike today's culture. Mary is our model of faith (FAITH=Forsake All, I Trust Him), for she displayed the kind of faith and commitment that God looks for in all of His children. Mary submitted to the will of God, allowing Him to use her in His plan to bring Jesus into the world so that we may all come to know Him and be saved. Lord, may we all have the courage to imitate the faith of Mary and say yes to You Lord, especially those mothers who are considering an abortion. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Try to imitate the faith of Mary by forsaking all (materialism, individualism, hedonism, etc.) and trusting in Him (FAITH=Forsake All, I Trust Him).

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

* Planned Parenthood reports: abortions up, adoptions down, business is good

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Dominic of Silos

Faith Quote: "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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.

Luke 1:38 ("may it be done to me")

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections: In today's Genesis reading, Eve was referred to as the "mother of all the living"...but upon Eve saying yes to Satan, death was allowed into the world. Much like Christ was the new Adam, Mary was the new Eve...and serves as "mother of all the living." On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us celebrate Mary's "yes, Lord"...and our own mother's yes to God and Life!
* When setting up our manger scene, Mary broke. After gluing her back together, she is missing a piece on the top of her head...holiness! This reminded me of the little boy who didn't get what he wanted for Christmas, so he covered up a statue of Mary, kneeled down, and said, "Lord, if you ever want to see your Mother again..."
* When the devotion auto email does not work, you can access the devotion on the website (posted at 0230 CST). The devotion website now has a RSS news feed sign up (in blue border).
* Check out the LIFE Runners update and TrueManhood post.

Faith Challenge: During Advent, visit a nursing home with your family/friends...ask the elderly about their lives...sing some carols...prepare to be blessed! Also, my extended family is giving our adults Christmas funds to the Alpha Center...please consider this critical need...a true Christmas gift for the Unborn.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
* New video shows Chile’s defense of life doesn’t stop with trapped miners
* Enjoy this amazing Hallelujah song...sure surprised the mall food court!

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Faith Quote: "God's presence in us is the basis of our existence. The road of interiority and contemplation is not for the chosen few, but for every authentic believer." ~ John Paul II

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* 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.

Luke 12:48 ("Out of the Depths")

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. Luke 12:48 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections: Life is God's gift from conception to natural death! As highlighted in today's Scripture, having been entrusted with this Truth, more will be demanded of us...like voting for ProLife politicians who will build on a Culture of Life that shines Light on the destructive hopelessness of abortion (see Faith Challenge below). Our hope is renewed with life-saving efforts, like today's devotion image of baby Jessica's rescue from Out of the Depths (14 Oct 1987). Last week, cultures from around the world united to save the 33 Chilean miners from Out of the Depths (article filled with God Sightings). With the power of prayer through the Rosary, the miners escaped death after being trapped nearly 70 days. They were rescued on 13 Oct, the anniversary of the Our Lady of Fatima miracle. From our Mother of Life devotion, "the three Fatima children...saw Mother Mary on the 13th Day for six straight months. On 13 Oct 1917 'an estimated 70,000 witnesses reported that the sun appeared to change colors and rotate...the sun danced.' On 13 May 1917 the children received a secret related to the Pope John Paul II assassination attempt, which happened 13 May 1981. The last visionary, Sister Lúcia, died on 13 Feb 2005, just a few weeks before Pope John Paul II."

Faith Challenge: In preparation for the upcoming elections, review the National Right to Life Voter Guide and read our 2008 pre-election devotion: fear God, choose Life. Turn your compassion to action...pray/work to save the Unborn (and families) from the destructive hopelessness of abortion, by advocating for ProLife candidates. Convince others what is really at stake in the elections. Lives depend on your vote!

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Todd Church (fruitfulness for a friend's tubal ligation reversal)

* Dear Lord, help us work the upcoming elections as an opportunity to change hearts/minds for rescuing our culture Out of the Depths of abortion.

Feast Day: St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin "If anyone knew rejection, ridicule and disappointment, it was today’s saint. But such trials only brought Maria Bertilla Boscardin closer to God and more determined to serve Him."

Faith Quote: "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD." Psalm 130:1

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

Mt 12:50 ("Mother of Life")

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother. Mt 12:50 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* Regarding today's verse, Christ makes it clear that Spiritual relationship trumps blood relationship.

* Steve Castle shared today's "Mother of Life" devotion picture (by Nellie Edwards). Steve saw a very similar depiction of Mary in a mystical dream 15 years ago.

* The Knots Prayer last week inspired Bobby Aborn to share about Mary the Undoer of Knots. "Mary has been known as the Undoer of Knots since the early Church. The first Eve tied the knot of disobedience and the New Eve, Mary, untied the knots by her obedience to God."

* We watched the "The 13th Day" movie about the three Fatima children who saw Mother Mary on the 13th Day for six straight months. On 13 Oct 1917 "an estimated 70,000 witnesses reported that the sun appeared to change colors and rotate...the sun danced." On 13 May 1917 the children received a secret related to the Pope John Paul II assassination attempt, which happened 13 May 1981. The last visionary, Sister Lúcia, died on 13 Feb 2005, just a few weeks before Pope John Paul II.

* If you can handle hip hop music, this music video has a great ProLife message, "Can I Live?"

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Faith Challenge: A couple weeks ago, the big sports news was about The Decision, where self proclaimed "King James" (basketball player) would "take his talents." As Christians, let us help others with a much bigger decision (eternal), choosing to take talents to God's Team...led by King Jesus!

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Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.

* Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg: 'We Will Never Go Back' to Outlawing Abortion: We work and pray that abortion is outlawed for defense of the Unborn (and parents) and to prevent normalizing this murder...choosing life is ultimately a decision to love (sacrifice), as Christ loved us.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).

* Sue Peters (special intention), Carolyn McKissack (special intention), Jamie Simpson (for husband Ivan's salvation and alcoholic treatment)

Feast Day of St. Charbel: from Lebanon (1828-1898)

Faith Quotes:

* "When we freely use the wisdom acquired over the years to give thanks in all things, sorrows flee more quickly, joy is a daily guest, and growth is inevitable." by Sue Patton Thoele (shared by Aaron Ferrie)

* "To be neutral in a situation of injustice is to have chosen sides already. It is to support the status quo." by Desmond Tutu

In God We Trust,

Pat

Phil 4:13

Luke 1:31 (The Moon)

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

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus. Luke 1:31 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Mary asked it, but I can't help but ask it in another sense. How can this be? Who are we that Go loves us all - all of us - so?" by Amy Welborn

Steve's Thoughts: I once heard a beautiful analogy that I believe describes Our Blessed Mother Mary's role for all Christians. Mary is like the Moon; without the Sun we would not see her. She would remain clothed in darkness and obscurity. With the Sun (Jesus) her brilliance is revealed as she reflects the light of the Sun. Everything about the Moon points to something greater in the brilliance of the light it reflects. So, too, Mary is like the Moon reflecting the light of the Son and illuminating our lives as Christians. As Mary said to those at the wedding feast at Cana, "Do whatever he tells you." Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of your Mother and her perfect example to all Christians of how to perfectly trust in your will for our lives. Amen.

Sr. Francelles's Devotion: Peace of Heart "Throughout the world, people are searching for peace of heart. We all like to be around a peaceful person. For me, the most important gift God gave us is peace. Consider the parting words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." If you choose to accept God's spirit of peace, then you will think peaceful thoughts, speak in peace and create serenity all around you."

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: How can you learn from Mary's example of Trust made perfect in her eternal YES to God? Please consider sharing your devotion thoughts on the Facebook page, to be appreciated by many.

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life, LifeSiteNews, Vatican, 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 expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion, Stephanie Kemp (special intention), Pat Castle (Uncle Jim Castle with blood clots).

Faith Quote: "Hail (Mary), full of grace, the Lord is with you..." - Luke 1:28

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
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, 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).

Psalm 13:6 (The Nativity of Mary)

Let's welcome God this 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

Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord. "He has been good to me." Psalm 13:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The Father made and redeemed us through the Son and the Spirit, but he did it for our sake--starting with Mary, in whom it was accomplished not only first but best. Do we detract from Christ's finished work by affirming its perfect realization in Mary? On the contrary, we celebrate his work, precisely by focusing our attention on the human person who manifests it most perfectly." by Scott Hahn, author of Hail, Holy Queen

OBOB snippets: "Because we are Christians, we are into birth. We are born again, "begotten from above" (Jn 3:3). We received a new birth through the waters of baptism (Ti 3:5). We are "born of the Spirit" (see Jn 3:8). We've been reborn through the word of God (Jas 1:18; 1 Pt 1:23). This love for birth and for what Jesus treasures leads us to joyfully celebrate the birth of Mary, Jesus' mother and our mother (Jn 19:26). Mary was born so Jesus could be born of her. Mary is therefore declared to be "a sign of sure hope" (Lumen Gentium, 68). Her birth is "a birth unto hope" for all of us (1 Pt 1:3). "And this hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us" (Rm 5:5).

Faith Challenge: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>220 ProLife Christians).

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 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, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Stephanie Spader (healthy pregnancy), Adrian Hermosillo (sister Angelica battling cancer).

Feast Day: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faith Quote: "Through [Mary], through [her] 'yes', the Hope of the ages became
reality." (Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict XVI, 50)

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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 (Matt 28:19).

Matthew 15:28 (Zealful Faith)

Let's welcome God this 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

O women, great is your faith! Matthew 15:28 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "But what little faith the women had, she put to use. She shouted at Jesus in the street, to get his attention...Hers was a real in-your-face faith. And that's what Jesus liked about it. He liked that face-to-face confrontation with her. Undoubtedly, he'd like that kind of face-to-face confrontation with you and me, too." by Kevin Perrotta.

Steve's Thoughts: Faith begets miracles...miracles do not beget faith. It is interesting to note that this story of healing (this women was begging for the life of her demon-possessed daughter) is immediately before the feeding of the 4000 one of the greatest miracles Jesus performed. She was a Canaanite and knew she was unworthy to even ask...What were the words to Jesus to invoke such a blessing upon herself and her daughter? "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters table." Lord, please help me to always know my humble place in this world and please send a few crumbs along the way! Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (~200 Christians).

* NEW: Challenge a friend, a co-worker, a family member or even a stranger in their faith 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!

Feast Day: Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome...This feast commemorates the miracle of the snowfall that occurred during the night of August 4-5 in the year 358 on the site where the basilica now stands.

Faith Quote: You may be the only bible the people you meet today will ever read. ~Unknown

Through Christ our Lord,

Steve Castle

Ephesians 6:10-18

* 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.

Colossians 3:17 (anchors our devotion intro)

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

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Today we honor St. Joseph the Worker. Jesus was just a "carpenter's son." God entrusted His only Son and Mary to Joseph, the worker, the protector of this Holy Family. He is a model of humility, compassion and duty, a shining example for all of us working to build God's kingdom. And for that we give thanks to God the Father." by Paul Pennick

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

* Like St. Joseph and St. Mary, let's strive to share our Living Faith through humility, compassion, and duty.

LIFE Group nuggets:

* Note that today's verse is the standard anchor for our devotion intro (Steve Castle's idea).

* Sr. Francelle's devotion: Holy Spirit

* Robert Cox shared today's picture called Mother of the Unborn...read about it here.

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, addictions,

* Kelley Boddicker (her Mom passed away)

Feast Day: St. Joseph the Worker

Faith Quote: "At the Annunciation the Blessed Virgin welcomed the announcement of her divine motherhood. The "yes" she gave is the highest example of the "yes" every mother gives to the life of her baby." by Pope John Paul II

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 1:38 (yes, God!)

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 said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38

Living Faith snippets: "Moved by God's grace, Mary chose to respond with loving faith to the plan God had laid out for her, a plan she did not fully understand. God promises to be with us when the events of our lives carry us beyond our ability to understand them. Our trust in God will ultimately bring us peace of mind and heart. God will certainly give this gift to all who pray for it, for without faith, our lives can have no meaning or joy." by Fr. Kenneth Grabner

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "Whatever you think is what you become...‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "I watched the Hallmark special, "Front of the Class." As a young boy, Brad Cohen became afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological condition which causes one to twitch, utter odd noises and at times makes one feel out of control. In 1997, Brad was chosen "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" in the entire state of Georgia. When asked why he thought he received this honor, he said it was because of Tourette's Syndrome. Without this challenge, he felt he would not have succeeded. I wonder if each of us has a "Tourette" in our lives, some difficulty to overcome? God loves us just the way He made us! Keep on having a faith-filled Advent and you will have a beautiful Christmas!"

Pat nuggets:

* Sr. Francelle said "keep on having a faith-filled Advent." Not having a faith-filled Advent is like going to a buffet meal and not getting full. We have so many opportunities to experience our faith during this Christ focused time. At the Thurs morning Chemists for Christ Bible (CFC) Study, Joel Cain pointed out that the networks still play the Charlie Brown Christmas special where Linus tells Charlie Brown the true meaning of Christmas (Luke 2:8-14, see 1 min video).

* Today's verse is my favorite Christmas scripture because by definition everything good flows from our obedient, faith-filled "yes" to God (first commandment). Sr. Francelle said, "I wonder if each of us has a "Tourette" in our lives, some difficulty to overcome?" The answer to this question is "yes"...and our "yes" to God is the source of everything we need to overcome the "Tourette" (challenges) in our lives. By saying "yes" to God's love, my brother Dan is a recovered alcoholic who celebrated his 1 yr sobriety birthday on 1 Dec. Dan is now using his "Tourette" (alcoholism) to help other alcoholics find sobriety. By saying "yes" to God's love, my Uncle Mike is a recovered Vietnam Vet and now uses his "Tourette" (war trauma) to help other war veterans find peace. In a recent email, my brother Steve had this to say to my Uncle Mike. "You have been an example of God’s love to me. Your caring heart for others is second to none. Thank you for taking on the pain and suffering to become that man you are today. Frankly, I’m a better person for knowing you as a broken and shattered marine – a “bloody brother”. Thank God for the first “bloody brother” – Jesus." [See faith quote section below.]

Jesus' Christmas list: This is how we give Jesus a Christmas (birthday) gift..."whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25:40). The true meaning of Christmas is to share our gifts (time, talent, treasure, faith, hope, love) with those lacking in "daily bread" and love. Who is in dire need of our Christmas gifts?

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, John Peak (parent's health & his deployment), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection)

Feast Day (Our Lady of Guadalupe): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=456

Faith quote: "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis

Through Christ for ProLife,

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.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie 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 live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 9:28-29 (do you believe?)

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

Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to Him. Then He touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." Matthew 9:28-29

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus' words are reminiscent of Mary's fiat: "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Whatever knowledge His divinity might have given Him, Jesus surely learned to recognize the power of faith in God at home. So Jesus asked the poor and injured, "Do you believe...?" He simply invited them to share in His hope, a hope He had seen and lived out from His earliest days. Jesus, your family had faith in you. May my hope be in you and your will be in me." by Julia Schloss

Pat nuggets:

* Christ is the hope we believe in!

* Kay Castle shared this short video filled with God nuggets: http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/.

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "The Sheep and the Goats‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "Dearest Ones...Of all the parables, that of the "sheep and the goats" is probably the most startling (Matthew 25:31-46). At the end of the world, Jesus says people will be either like sheep or goats, those who took care of their neighbor and those who did not. Jesus said, "What you did to the least of these, you did to me." Our Lord compares the sheep to loving and giving people, who follow Jesus and do whatever He tells them to do. Love is the answer. It is as simple as that. No love for others, no reward in heaven. May you find joy in reaching out to others."

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne), Rob Ouellette (Jeff, Arleen, Ramona, Pat), Mike Castle (eye infection), John Peak (parent's health & his deployment)
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message (through Christ) to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Faith Quote: "One time I read that people need "islands of stability" - things that do not change in their lives. God is our island of stability even in uncertain times." Pastor Don Bird

Through Christ for ProLife,
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.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie 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 live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

John 19:26-27 (Behold!)

* 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

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." John 19:26-27

Living Faith snippets: "The cross challenged Mary to let go in a way she could never have anticipated. When the knife of the Roman soldier pierced the side of Jesus, Mary felt it plunging into her own as well. She will now be the mother of the Redeemer, and of the redeemed." by Fr. Alfred McBride (author of "The Seven Last Words of Jesus")

Pat nuggets:

* Last week, my daughter Paige (8) was aware that a teacher's mom was dieing. When Paige saw the teacher across the hallway, she folded her hands together and then pointed up to heaven to let the teacher know that she was praying for her. The teacher told my wife Angi that Paige's sign of faith brought her great peace. May we embrace our role in the Body of Christ and boldly bring peace to those around us today...

* Carol Nesbitt shared: "In light of recent media discussions regarding the value of life – choice, etc - especially those who have some type of “disability”...Tom Vander Woude, Cathedral [H.S.] '60, died Monday saving the life of his 20 year old son who has Downs syndrome. Joseph had fallen into a septic tank on the family farm. Tom jumped in to save Joseph, the youngest of his seven sons, and died in the process. He literally stood in the muck holding up his son so Joseph’s head would be above the muck while Joseph’s mom and another man tried to pull him out. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/09/AR2008090903691.html?hpid=topnews."

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. Each parish in C. Springs has signed up for one or more days (St. Peter has Sat, 4 Oct). Bishop Sheridan will lead a Mass in front of the abortion mill at 9:15 AM, Sat, 4 Oct (rosary at 7:30 AM). I'm sure several Protestant churches are involved again with this ecumenical campaign.

* Nationwide Life Chain (Sun, 5 Oct): Stephanie Kemp shared..."2008 is the 21st year, with over 1400 cities participating. Please join in the long ecumenical chain of prayer for one hour (2-3 PM) on Academy Blvd (Austin Bluffs to the Chapel Hills Mall). Life Chain signs can be picked up at 1 PM at Old Chicago Pizza at Austin Bluffs and Academy."

* Steve Castle shared this "Last Chance -- For Life" article: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28517. The article is about the impact of the Presidential election on overturning Roe vs Wade.

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, integrity of our leaders, Mike Castle (for grandson Isaac and his caregivers), strength to live the virtue of chastity, Kay Castle (hurricane recovery)

* Kay Castle (for Nancy Wheeler recovering from chemotherapy)

Faith Quote: 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11).

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)!