Mark 2:22 (Shed Your Skin)

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

"Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins." ~ Mark 2:22 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: I often reflect back on my metanoia (change of heart) that I experienced back in 2006 and the events that led to it. The main impetus was my reconciliation with God. By going to confession, I prepared myself with "fresh wineskins," allowing myself to receive the Holy Spirit. I did not merely clean out my "old wineskins" by going to confession and then returning to my old ways of life. I made a conscious decision to put aside my former way of life, and to put on a new skin (the new nature of Christ). Christianity is not a belief, but a way of life. If you are not prepared to radically change your life after confession, beware. The Holy Spirit will not only see right through you; He will "burst" right through you like new wine through old wineskins. Lord, help me shed my "old wineskins" so that I may contain the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Go to confession and receive your new skin today.

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: St. Fursey

Faith Quote: "Faith is confirmed by the heart, confessed by the tongue, and acted upon by the body." - unknown author

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). Mt 28:19.

1 John 2:24 (Leaky Vessels)

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


"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father." ~ 1 John 2:24 (full readings)


Rich's Reflections: When I experienced my metanoia (change of heart) in 2006, it was a powerful spiritual experience. I had a very strong craving for Jesus Christ, and I could not get enough of Him. Now it is 5 years later, and the feeling has slightly faded. I seek, but can no longer find the fire that once drew me so strongly. In the first reading today, St. John tells me not to let the memory fade with the feeling or doubt the reality of my first experience of faith. We are imperfect vessels (jars of clay, 2 Cor 4:7) and we leak; therefore, we need to be constantly re-filled with the Spirit. We must devote ourselves to the teachings of the Church and study the Scriptures daily, both of which helps us grow. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. How can we expect to remain in Him if we do not increase our faith? Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ, and if we are ignorant of Him, we cannot remain in Him. Lord, let me know You better through the Scriptures. Draw me closer to You and deepen my faith. Amen.


Faith Challenge: Read God's Word daily and remain in Jesus.


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: St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen


Faith Quote: "Ignorance of Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." (Catechism, 133)


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). Mt 28:19.

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

Galatians 2:2 ("hey Dad, Phil 4:13!")

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

I presented to them the Gospel that I preach to the Gentiles–but privately to those of repute–so that I might not be running, or have run, in vain. Galatians 2:2 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections:

* My dear wife Angi and I were blessed to race the Lewis & Clark half/full Marathon on Respect Life Sunday (St. Charles, MO). Lewis & Clark explored so citizens had freedom to live further west...we ran so Unborn citizens have the freedom to simply live! The LIFE Runners jersey, "REMEMBER The Unborn, Jer 1:5", gave voice to the voiceless Unborn who are not safe under the Silent Holocaust of abortion. We didn't "run in vain"...

* While waiting to cheer Angi to the finish line of the full marathon, daughter Grace brought me a leaf with a Monarch butterfly. The butterfly sat on my finger for about a minute and then flew gracefully away. The butterfly symbolizes metanoia (change of heart)...a great symbol of hope for our ProLife mission. In yesterday's devotion Rob challenged us to pray that abortionists have a metanoia. Let's also pray that we have a deeper metanoia for Christ's divine mercy, inspiring greater love/sacrifice for standing against the Silent Holocaust.

* Just a few miles from the finish line, Angi slowed to encourage a man who was getting sick..."do you need help? try to keep walking." After Angi told us her personal best finishing time (4:13:01), daughter Paige said, "hey Dad, Phil 4:13!"...possible because Angi slowed to present the Gospel. While running to the finish line, Angi raised her hand to God and shouted, "for the babies!"

* Need a Spiritual pick me up? Light Up the Sky song: "So I run straight into Your arms...Your love is rushing in!"

Faith Challenge: To support 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), spend an hour of prayer in front of your local abortuary...presenting the Gospel. "Preach the gospel at all times...if necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi

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

* One Year Ago Today - The Miracle of Abby Johnson's Conversion. This article posted yesterday...check out yesterday's devotion by Rob Rysavy. Coincidence?, I think not!

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce recovering from brain surgery & pneumonia), Rob Rysavy (AF Academy roommate Nick having back surgery)

* Beth Hughes (nephew died in swimming accident), Carol Nesbitt (special intention), Carolyn McKissack (daughter's health)

Feast Day: St. Bruno

Faith Quote: “In the cross of Jesus, the measure of Love is Love without measure.” St. John of the Cross

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

1 Cor 4:2 (Trustwothy?)

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

"Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy" 1 Cor 4:2 (full readings)

Steve's Thoughts: Over this past year I have been contemplating an interesting thought, "Does God put His trust in us?" We often hear how we must put our trust in God which is a very important element of any relationship to grow toward deeper intimacy. I believe that God wants to lavish his many blessings on each of us. The Gospels tell us a basic truth that the reward is the same for all no matter when they come to the harvest. Am I trustworthy? Can God trust me with his many blessings? Simply put - no I have not always been trustworthy. I have not always been a good steward of the "mysteries of God".

We learned a few weeks back in the Gospel that all must have the appropriate attire for the wedding feast or we will be cast out - humility and a contrite heart. This is what God desires from each of us. To truly encounter God in my life has been a sometimes painful journey of humility and contrition as I have come to understand how frail I really am without God. This encounter with God has changed me. I am different today than I was when I first encountered Jesus as a fifteen year old kid. I was surely not trustworthy having no belief in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist; a belief that abortion was a necessary evil; and no desire to serve the Lord in any capacity. He took me anyway. That brief moment of grace where I saw just a glimpse of how much God loves me in spite of my frailty has fueled me to this day. Over the past 19 years God has convicted and changed my heart. He has walked along side me every step of the way gently prodding and moving my heart towards his most sacred heart. The invitation I received then is the same today. Today I have a deep love for our Lord in the Eucharist, I am actively advocating for the Unborn, and I am working for the Church. Only God can do that!

Faith Challenge: Lord, in what ways am I untrustworthy? How would you bless me if you could trust me? Where are you gently inviting me to change?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Hope.

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pam McGushin (Terry Reszel cancer), Hourigan Family (Dick's funeral today), Rich Reich Sr (Pat Coy heart attack), Karen Ryan Philpott (for newborn William Mucher with heart block)

Faith Quote: "God cleans His fish after He catches them." ~ unknown

Graciously & Humbly Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

1 Cor 3:9 (Harvest Time!)

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

For we are God's co-workers; you are...God's building. 1 Cor 3:9 (full readings)

Pat nuggets: We are God's co-workers...wow! Although He could certainly plant/harvest without our help, He invites us to be part of His mighty work. Contemplating this helps bring the humility needed for God to help us tear down the world walls that we allow (decisions) to slowly form (apathy) around us (God's building). In humility, let us cry out for God's mercy and grace (strength). Once we let those world walls crumble in God's hands, the healing begins, love grows, and God can welcome us as His co-workers. That metanoia process is described by this inspiring song (Healing Begins): "So let 'em fall down. There's freedom waiting in the sound. When you let your walls fall to the ground. We're [Trinity] here now!" "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Matt 9:37

* Project Truth : A Youth Defence Project (41 sec video of baby in womb).

* LIFE Runners update (12 Sep race): taper body, ramp up soul!

Faith Challenge: Ask God what He would like you to do today for His holy harvest.

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Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Teen Pro-Life Phenomenon 'Lia' Defends Rights of the Unborn

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pam McGushin (Terry Reszel cancer), Hourigan Family (Dick's funeral this Friday)
* Rich Reich Sr (Pat Coy heart attack), Karen Ryan Philpott (for newborn William Mucher with heart block)

Faith Quote: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world...then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Rom 12:2

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

Matthew 22:14 (Lord's Wedding Feast)

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

Many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: Today's chosen scripture comes from the parable of the Wedding Feast (Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride). This parable mentions a wedding garment, which my study Bible explains is the repentance, change of heart (metanoia) and mind, that is the condition for entrance into the kingdom and must be continued in a life of good deeds. In the parable, one of the wedding guests attended the feast unprepared and was not dressed in a wedding garment. He was consequently "cast into the darkness outside." All of humanity has been invited to the Lord's Wedding Feast, but not all will be prepared for the union with Christ. Lord, prepare my heart so that I may be fit to come into union with You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: What do you do to prepare for the Wedding Feast?

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Read about the conversion story of Scott Hahn, which is also detailed in his book titled Rome Sweet Home.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Reports Reveal $3M in Federal Funds Misappropriated by New Jersey Family Planning, Planned Parenthood

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (Cousin Tom's battle vs. cancer).

Feast Day: St. John Eudes

Faith Quote: "Let us therefore give ourselves to God with a great desire to begin to live thus, and beg Him to destroy in us the life of the world of sin, and to establish His life within us." - St. John Eudes

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Jeremiah 18:6 (Mold Me Lord)

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

Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:6 (full readings)

Rich's comments: I find it very relaxing to build sandcastles on the beach. I like working the sand with my hands, keeping myself busy sculpting walls and digging trenches. However, no matter how much time I spend on building my fortress, the water will be there to wash it away. The water (Holy Spirit) breaks down my walls (pride) and fills in my trenches (struggles) making everything new again. Lord, You make everything new again. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Allow yourself to be molded by God's hands. Listen to God's words and be open to change.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Walking on Water

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

* ABC Family's New Program 'Pretty Little Liars'

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention).
* Rich Reich (Cousin Tom starting chemotherapy), Pat Castle (Kimberly Martinez recovering from car accident), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Joe Levisky (thanksgiving for birth of granddaughter), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with rare leukemia & kidney failure)

Faith Quote: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Feast Day: Read how St. Martha was open to change.

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Jeremiah 14:20 ("Saved to Life")

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

We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness,the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. Jeremiah 14:20 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* Regarding today's verse, how about the wickedness of allowing legal access to murdering children (abortion) right in the middle of our neighborhoods (Planned Parenthood)? Lord have mercy.

* I found today's "Saved to Life" image in a Pictures of the Year International slide show with this caption. "Six-week Michele Olofsson weighed 2 pounds at birth...and she survived."

* In addition to birthdays, Chad Livingston suggested celebrating "conception day" to remember that life begins at conception!

* Kimberly Martinez (Alpha Center director) shared: "We are SOOOOO very thankful for all of you [LIFE Runners]! Just the other day we had a girl in who is 33 weeks pregnant with twins. She had an abortion scheduled, came to the Alpha Center through recommendation of a friend, received an ultrasound, and chose life! These babies are the ones you run for! When it gets hard to run or Sue, when it gets hard to raise funds, think of these little babies and their precious moms. Be encouraged knowing that your hard work makes a difference that leaves legacies far beyond that which you can imagine. Be blessed and know we are praying for you!" See Faith Challenge below.

* We saw the silly cartoon movie "Despicable Me." Angi pointed out that this is a story about a metanoia (change of heart)! Paige said it was better than Toy Story 3.

* Here is a great feel good song...enjoy! Hold Us Together.

Faith Challenge: Thirteen of our LIFE Runners will race the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon (12 Sep)...for ProLife ministry and to support the Sioux Falls Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. The bus reaches those who need free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and the Good News...saves lives! Last year, we raised $2100 for an ultrasound at a FL center. So far, we have only 6 sponsors ($387 total), which includes the donation from Angi/me. If we all donate a little, we will have a big impact. Please let me know if you donate because I would like to add your name (not $) to our sponsors list for thanksgiving prayers. To sponsor the LIFE Runners, go to Alpha Center, and click on "donate." When you get to PayPal "review your donation" screen, click on "comments" and write "LIFE Runners." Marathons for ProLife FB page and Blogsite. Thank you for considering!

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Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Poll: More than Half of Americans Favor Abortion Restrictions.

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

* Pat Castle (Kimberly Martinez recovering from car accident), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Joe Levisky (thanksgiving for birth of granddaughter), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with rare leukemia & kidney failure)

Faith Quote: "When it's all said and done, no one remembers how far we have run. The only thing that matters is how we have loved." Blink by Revive

Peace & JOY be with you!,
Pat
Phil 4:13

Matt 10:14 (dust off your shoes?)

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

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Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Matt 10:14 (full readings)

Pat's nuggets: Today's verse caught my attention because the Gospel reading from this past Sunday Mass had the same message (Luke 10:10-11). Yikes! This message seems so harsh. As I prayerfully reflected on this verse, I changed my perspective. The Apostles have generously left everything behind and traveled to distant lands to give their neighbors the greatest gift of all...the eternal life saving Good News. Their neighbors have the God given gift of free will to accept this unconditional gift or to turn away the Apostles (Body of Christ) who have no food or bed. Apparently, some of the strangers turned the Apostles away. Based on the Prodigal Son story, we know that God will welcome the strangers home with open arms if they change their heart (metanoia). I have had a front row seat when friends have a metanoia experience...and God indeed butchers the fatted calf (blessings)! As we follow Christ in the footsteps of the Apostles, there is peace in knowing that God expects us to simply invite (not convert) those we encounter to taste and see His goodness. The stranger's conversion is not for our credit or blame, as it is up to them to accept Christ's redemptive victory on the Cross and in turn God's gift of eternal life, making them our brothers/sisters in Christ. If our loving/patient invitation is apparently not being received, God wants us to dust off our shoes and press on to the next needy soul, as we continue to pray that the strangers eventually ask God to make the planted seed of faith grow (1 Cor 3:6-9)...allowing us to continue our mission trip in peace (Matt 28:19).

Faith Challenge: Pray for the wisdom to know when to dust off your shoes and move on to the next needy soul.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Thorns and Roses‏.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* 30+ Major Pro-Life Leaders Joining Forces for Landmark 'Ending Abortion' Web Event July 10

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

* Julie Weiss (friend Marie has cancer), Those struggling with addictions (AA) and their families (Al-Anon), Neighbor whose mother passed away suddenly, Those sacrificing in defense of the innocent Unborn (and their parents).

Feast Day: St. Grimbald.

Faith Quote: "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead."

Through Christ Our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

Psalm 17:15 (Content in Your Presence)

Let's welcome God today 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

But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking I shall be content in your presence. Psalm 17:15 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When asked if Death is the final step, Sir Walter Scott replied, "No, it is not the final awakening." Every day when I awaken, I find it a precious moment. The face of God seems close at each awakening. At the waking time of day, it is good to spend a few grateful moments in God's presence before rising to face our daily activities." by Fr. James McKarns

Steve's comments: I had the privilege of spending this past weekend on retreat. There is something amazing when you are able to see the power of God's Grace transform other people's lives. I think back to my first encounter with Christ as a 15 year old boy on a retreat not unlike the weekend I just experienced. I wanted nothing to do with Jesus and the Church. I sat reading letters of love from my family and friends and saw Jesus lovingly staring back at me in their words. As I read those words I experienced for the first time in my life the love of God. I was transformed - I knew at that moment that God had a plan for my life and it wasn't all about Steve. I felt apart of something bigger than myself and that every moment of my life had prepared me for that moment. I chose Christ on that day and dedicated my life to his service. Oh, I also met my future wife on that weekend (thanks, Jesus!). I don't know why God looked down with mercy on me that day, but I'm sure glad he did. I now try to take one weekend a year to serve on a retreat where I can share my story and be reminded of how I came to first encounter Christ in my life.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (~250 of God's children).
* NEW: Find a retreat in your area and make some time for yourself and Jesus - the encounter may fuel the rest of your life and bring someone else to Christ.

Counter-Culture News: , 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 Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and 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), Joe (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention). Carol Nesbitt (Ron Hayes in ICU with H1N1 and pneumonia; Dody Gustaf with untreatable cancer)

Feast Day: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne "Women-who-prays-always"

Faith Quote: "“We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds back nothing for self.... The truest crosses are those we do not choose ourselves.... He who has Jesus has everything.” ~ St. Rose Philippine Duchesne." -

Through Christ our Lord,

Steve

Romans 12:2

* 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).