Ephesians 4:1-3 (Ostrich Day!)

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

I, then, a prisoner for the Lord urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace... Ephesians 4:1-3 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: I attended a prayer breakfast, Pray Fergus Falls, at the local YMCA this past Tuesday morning. Little did I know that God had an appointment for me. I was edified by the words of a fiery Baptist believer from Georgia, but was troubled by by one comment. He shared, "A good Southern Baptist is afraid of two things: becoming Catholic and becoming Pentecostal." I uncomfortably looked at my pastor, Fr. Greg, who was also in attendance in his full clerics. He stood silently like a lamb before slaughter. I prayed, "Dear Lord, help me build a bridge with this man." As he was nearing an end to his preaching, he shared that he awoke that morning with a strange image on his mind - "Ostrich Day." Ostrich day? I was shocked as I recalled the image for last Friday's devotion - "Head in the Sand"! I raised my hand and shared with the group of Christians, "I'd like to confirm that message from the Holy Spirit. I sent out a devotion to over 500 Christians this past Friday, and the title of it was Head in the Sand." Ostrich Day. A bridge had been built. Only the Holy Spirit could do that. As he returned to his seat, which just happened to be right next to me, he thanked me, as he put his hand on my shoulder. His wife asked me, "Who are you?" With a wide smile and a twinkle in my eye I said, "I'm the Catholic who Talmadge is afraid of that found his Lord and Savior at age 15." With a joyful laugh he leaned over, hugged me, and laid his head on my chest; a genuine act of love between two lovers of Jesus! Unity. Paul's message to us today speaks of preserving Christian unity through the "bond of peace." The Holy Spirit, through the gift of knowledge in a dream, brought unity between two Christians. I'll never look at Christian unity the same - Ostrich Day!

Faith Challenge: Sometimes God speaks to us in the most unusual ways - never doubt those promptings of the Holy Spirit even when they don't make sense to you. They may make perfect sense to someone else - Ostrich Day!

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Job, A Friend of God

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pat Castle (work to elect ProLife politicians), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health)

* Sue Peters (husband Bill cut his hand severely, for no infection and guidance for the medical team), Robert Cox (daughter Pauline's health)

Feast Day: St. Peter of Alcantara: Peter was a contemporary of well-known 16th-century Spanish saints, including Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. He served as confessor to St. Teresa of Avila.

Faith Quote: "I do not praise poverty for poverty's sake; I praise only that poverty which we patiently endure for the love of our crucified Redeemer...." ~ St. Peter of Alcantara

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

Luke 10:6 (Peace be with You)

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

If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:6 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Peace is not to be found in the world (John 14:27), in others, or in ourselves. Peace is not the result of human effort. Peace is a gift of Jesus and can only come from Him. We receive the peace of Christ when we turn from pride and selfishness, and walk in the path that Jesus has shown us. If one were to live as an authentic Christian, everything that one intends, thinks, and does would be in tune and harmony with the will of God. This is the source of Christ's peace; the removal of moral conflict within one's heart that comes from denying ourselves and accepting God's will. May the peace of Christ rest on you and be with you always.

Faith Challenge: What things in your life prevent you from receiving the peace of Christ?

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Susan Boyle: Docs Told Mum to Abort Me. International singing phenomenon Susan Boyle has revealed in a new autobiography that doctors had told her mother to abort her, because they thought the pregnancy was risky.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Sara Ragan (healing from the miscarriage of her baby), Kay Castle (Jesi cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce post-surgery infection).

Feast Day: St. Luke

Faith Quote: "Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Matthew 11:29 (learn from Me)

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

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:29 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: In 2007, I sponsored my friend Justin in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; process through which interested adults are introduced to the Roman Catholic faith). At my parish, each RCIA sponsor was responsible for presenting a Bible to their candidate with a specific verse highlighted. After prayerful reflection, I chose Matthew 11:29 for Justin. Justin told me afterwards that this scripture was very fitting for his life at that moment, because he was in search of the peace and rest that Christ offers everyone. Lord, when I struggle in life, please remind me that I need only to learn from You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Learn from Christ and you will find rest.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: What is the purpose of a Christian in this world?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* 180 Congressmen Urge No Abortion on Military Bases

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).
* Rich Reich (cousin Tom diagnosed with liver and colon cancer), Jamie Simpson (for husband Ivan's alcoholic treatment and salvation)

Feast Day of St. Bonaventure: "Bishop and doctor of the Church."

Faith Quote: "The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy; rather it tries to make us great enough for life." - James L. Christensen

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

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).

Matthew 8:24 (resting in peace)

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

He was asleep. Matthew 8:24 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Someone once told me she wanted to be able to sleep during the storms of life, just as Jesus had in the boat. At the time, I thought it a rather creative understanding of the gospel passage. Now I think I'm beginning to understand what she meant: Absolute confidence, in the fact of life or death, remains at peace." by Sr. Kathryn James Hermes

Rich's comments: When we are afraid or stressed do we forget that God is with us during the storm? Peace is trusting in God that He will be with us to the end. Lord, help me to remember that You are always by my side. Fill me with Your peace. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: The next time that you find yourself in a storm, pray to God and you will find peace.

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).

Feast Day: (The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church) The holy men and women are also called the “Protomartyrs of Rome.” They were accused of burning Rome by Nero , who burned Rome to cover his own crimes. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called “disciples of the Apostles. . . whom the Holy Roman church sent to their Lord before the Apostles’ death.”

Faith Quote: "Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." - anonymous

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 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 5:39 (anger)

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

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. Matthew 5:39 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I am no glutton for punishment. But I can take Christ up on his invitation to imitate him in his humility. When Jesus faced the taunts and jeers of his enemies, he did not storm out of the room, slam the door or fight back. He did not further the argument. He silenced it. When I can practice this response to injury, I find I'm much more likely to keep my peace of soul. Lord, help me to pray for those who hurt me." by Rebecca Sande

Rich's comments: We should not feel guilty about the feelings we have. For example, anger is not a sin, but it is what you do with that anger that could lead to sin. God gave us the ability to have these feelings for a reason. You might wonder what is the purpose of anger, but it might be the passion connected to anger that moves someone to make a change for the better. Lord, help me to understand my feelings so that I may better understand myself and be an example of Your love. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Say a silent prayer for those who have attacked or offended you.

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, Jason Peters (his son JP in hospital), Rich Reich (his Dad's has blocked brain artery), Carla Neal (Jean, Brenda, Donna, Joe & family, Roy, Joan, Mary Ann, Christina, Kenneth, Angela, Sue, Tammy, Tim & Family), Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment was successful!), Rich Reich (Anne Vieira's sister-in-law died suddenly.)

Faith Quote: "This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections." by Saint Augustine

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)!

Acts 16:13 (retreating to pray)

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

In this way the love of God was revealed to us. 1 John 4:9 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I reflected on my life, on the trip and on transitions ahead, and I prayed God would lead me in the right direction. I knew time would bring changes as yet unknown, but in that moment, I was content just to be still. Such moments may be rare, but in them God's mysterious presence is available to us all." by Julia DiSalvo

Rich's comments: I find it very important in my busy schedule to set aside time to pray, read scripture, and reflect alone in silence. This time for me is early in the morning at work before I start my day. Since I am naturally a morning person, this is when I am at my best; the time when I am the most attentive. The time when I can be still and listen to God. Lord, help me to shut out the distractions of the World and bring me focus so that I may listen to You. Amen.

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

* NEW: If you do not already set aside time in your day to retreat to pray, start to do so now.

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

* NEW: Rich (Jim Russell who is battling cancer)

Feast Day: St. John I

Faith Quote: "If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. " by St. Thomas Aquinas

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)!

Hebrews 6:15 (patience)

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

After patient waiting, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:15

Living Faith snippets: "I have my desires, my dreams and expectations. I am frustrated by others who don't meet my needs and often resort to taking what I want. I know I've hurt others in the process, but I just can't seem to wait. If I wait and listen to the voice of the one who cares for me, I may get even more than I asked for." by Julia DiSalvo

Rich's comments: Why does impatience bring about anxiety and patience results in peace? I believe it is, because of the inner sense of control we all desire. I often get impatient when I am stuck in traffic. I get angry at how slow the drivers in front of me are going, because I have no control of how fast I can go. However, if I changed my perspective, and looked at the situation as me deciding to submit to the drivers blocking my path, ultimately giving them control, I would find peace. God is always in control, but nonetheless, if I submit to God and give God control of my life, I will find peace. May the peace of the Lord be with you always.

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

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (click here for images).

* 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, Mike Castle (eye infection), Dan Castle (alcoholics), Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza), Lynn McAleece Bishara (Aunt Mary battling cancer), Papa Joe Castle (bleeding in brain), Joe Castle (unsolved medical issues), Lutz Ettrich (girlfriend's Dad had stroke), Joe Hourigan (end contraception, Pres-elect Obama), Rob Ouellette (Mike & Bill), Jason Peters (health of son JP), Kelley Boddicker (Mom's surgery), Joe Levisky (recovering from pancreatitis)

Faith Quote: "Patience is the companion of wisdom." by Saint Augustine

Feast Day (St. Fabian): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=47

and (St. Sebastian): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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)!

Matt 4:23 (the Kingdom is here!)

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

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. Matt 4:23

Living Faith snippets: "The kingdom is here, inside and all around you, alive and active, and how I desire that you could see it, too! How I wish that your eyes could see and your ears could hear! The kingdom of God is here! Jesus, keep me so closely united to you this day that my life may proclaim to others that the kingdom of God is, indeed, here!" by Sr. Charleen Hug

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "New Year 2009‏‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. Some snippets: "Dearest Ones, If there is anything we truly need in this New Year, it is to get closer to God and to grow in the love of our Savior. Prayer and good Christian self-talk go a long way to having that Happy New Year that we have been wishing each other. Christian self-talk is handling the stress that comes your way by reacting to it in a Christian manner. What we tell ourselves as Christians is largely shaped by how familiar we are with the Bible. After all, God's word tells us that it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. This new year, face your fears. Fears are removed by replacing them with faith. Say to yourself again and again: "I trust in you, O Lord; my life is in your hands." I have been praying that Jesus will tell me what he wants me to do this new year and this is what I came up with: "to never consciously hurt anyone; to do as much good as possible, as often as possible, and in as many places as possible." Above all, I want to have a thankful heart and not take people or things for granted. The beauty God gives in nature, such as, the awesome beauty of silently falling snow has a way of uniting me with God. Each one-of-a-kind snowflake reminds me that each of us is wonderfully and uniquely created by God, and the peaceful white blanket is the security of His tender love for us, and the peace He offers us each day. If only I notice and remain grateful, I can see God's beauty everywhere. I pray you will be brave enough to look at your trials - not through fear but through hope, holding tight to the hand of Our father. Our journey of faith never ends. It continues and grows with each passing year, as we search for the inner peace that only God can give."

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

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (click here for images).

* 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, Mike Castle (eye infection), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick's prayer list), Rich Reich (Granny's health problems), Dan Castle (for alcoholics to accept intervention), Jason Peters (health of son JP)
* Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza)

* Praise: Liz Curry (friend Julie is cancer free!)

Feast Day (St. John Neumann): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=70

Faith Quote: Doug Young shared this verse on his Christmas card, "Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life." John 8:12

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)!

1 John 2:12 (New Year's resolutions...)

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

I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake. 1 John 2:12

Living Faith snippets: "We aren't very good at forgiveness, either offering or accepting. It's nearly New Year's Day. Instead of a bunch of resolutions you will find hard to keep, call or write a loved one, mend a fence, seek forgiveness, offer your love." by Paul Pennick

Rich's comments: "Love means never having to say you're sorry," is a line from the 1970 film Love Story starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal. This quote may seem romantic by Hollywood standards, but it misses the mark of what real love is by a mile. Love is saying you are sorry whether you are wrong or right. Love is more important than winning an argument, or holding a grudge. At church, when we offer peace to one another, I always find it most important to offer peace to my wife. During this time, I like to focus on the events of the past week and where I have fallen short of maintaining peace in our relationship. I take this opportunity to re-establish a commitment to her to be forgiving and patient in our marriage as a sign of my love for her.

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, Kathy Ayers (brain surgery recovery), Mike Castle (eye infection), Jason Peters (health of son JP), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick's prayer list), Rich Reich (Granny's health problems), Liz Curry (friend Bill), Dan Castle (for alcoholics to accept intervention)

Faith Quote: "Forgiveness is an act of faith. By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness of God to work out. I leave in God's hands the scales that must balance justice and mercy." by Philip Yancey

The next devotion is Mon, 5 Jan...Happy New Year!

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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 11:28 (find rest with Christ)

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

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus offers rest from our grueling burdens and arduous efforts. What surprises me is how easily I forget this generous invitation when I am overwhelmed with work or with troubles that inevitably arise. Instead of leaning on the heart of Christ, I give in to anxiety and worry. I work even harder and spend later hours in the office. I squirm and struggle, trying to get things to develop my way. Instead of turning to prayer and giving more attention to my divine resource, I lessen the time, believing it will help me "get more done." What a crazy response to Christ's wonderful invitation. I can receive an easing of what consumes me...if I deliberately slow down, become still, and turn my heart toward the One who urges, "Come to me." by Sr. Joyce Rupp

Pat nuggets:

* Today's devotion snippets (above) offer us great spiritual perspective and a rejuvenating resource to help us stay filled with peace and joy during this special (and busy) Advent time!

* I heard on NPR this morning that sadly 830,000 children die throughout the world from auto accidents. Rightfully, advocates discussed practical ways on how many of these lives could be saved with safety precautions. According to the Center for Bio-ethical Reform, ~42 million abortions occur every year throughout the world (115,000 per day) http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html. As ProLife advocates, what can we do to help save some of these lives? Kerry Tragesser shared that Planned Parenthood of Indiana advertised Christmas gift certificates that could be used for abortions (http://www.ppin.org/news.aspx?NewsID=84). To help counter this Culture of Death influence, we could donate to a Culture of Life influence in the name of a friend or family member (as a Christmas gift). For example, we could contribute to the "$5 donation drive campaign" for LifeSiteNews or to Priests for Life.

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), Kathy-jo Peterson (friend Dave with brain cancer), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection, Joe Castle medical appt today)

Faith Quote: "All sectors of life can be illuminated with the light of the faith. I am thinking, among other areas, of the world of culture, science and politics; of the promotion of the family founded on marriage between a man and a woman; of the creation of more just working conditions and the assistance of the disadvantaged; of concern for the environment; of defence of human life at every stage of existence, and of the right and obligation of parents to the spiritual and moral education of their children." Pope Benedict XVI

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)!

Isaiah 2:3 (Advent, Bella, ID)

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

Come let us climb the Lord's mountain...That He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths. Isaiah 2:3

Living Faith snippets: "An eagerness for learning and a craving for wisdom [God] is portrayed in the hearts of these pilgrims. The image of changing all weapons of war into tools for service and peace is indeed uplifting. Let us reflect on ways we can take our sword-like qualities and change them into peacekeeping qualities. How would our living conditions improve if we could change all of our complaints to gratitude, our bitterness to compassion, our envy to affirmation, our indifference to love? How would our lives be transformed if all negativity would soften into encouragement and fear to trust? [We] already know the answer to these questions. Meditate on these truths." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

Pat nuggets:

* Jesus' Christmas (birthday) List: Aaron Ferrie shared this great 2.5 min video on keeping Christ in Christmas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU). Christmas is Jesus' birthday party. This is how we give Jesus a birthday present..."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) with those in dire need of "daily bread" and love...feed children (http://www.compassion.com/), serve homeless, visit homebound & prisoners, write injured & deployed soldiers, help unemployed, help crisis pregnancies, etc (what else?). For our adult & child family members who don't need material gifts, consider giving them a nice hand written card with a gift certificate for spending time with you...presence (vs presents) is more valuable to relationships: lunch, sporting event, church/pray, hiking, fishing, etc (what else?). Give the gift funds you saved (from presence vs presents) to the needy. Consider giving to the needy in the name of a family member (as a gift). Consider asking family members to donate your gifts (funds) to the needy. Consider pooling gift funds with immediate/extended family members and give to the needy...God's work brings family closer together! Other ideas on how we can keep Christ in Advent/Christmas?

* Bella movie: Per Melissa McBride's recent reminder/recommendation, we rented the ProLife movie "Bella" last week. This movie did a fantastic job of putting abortion in perspective by bringing two people together who were wrestling with the sanctity of life. One accidentally killed a little girl (~4 yrs old) with his car, which caused him huge suffering. He worked with a woman who was considering an abortion to kill her very little girl (a few wks past conception). He reached out with a loving friendship (made sacrifices) to help open her mind, heart, and soul to the sanctity of life and evil of abortion...thereby saving her daughter's life (Bella) and replacing her own suffering with joy! The best indicators for real love are service and sacrifice.

Christian ID: How would unbelievers recognize a Christian in the world? By our love! Let's share things we can do to glorify God and love neighbor.

* (NEW) Pastor Don Bird shared: "Whenever I see Christian "ID", I am reminded of Freud's classifications of the id, ego, and superego. According to Freud, the id is the personality component made up of unconscious psychic energy that works to satisfy...those unconscious drives that help us survive and meet our own needs. Should not our faith, our Christianity, our spirituality, be so in-grained within us that it becomes the very thing that drives us? When our Christian ID takes over we respond differently, act differently, and pursue our needs and meet the needs of others differently. When we are troubled, we turn to prayer instead of worry. When we are angered, we turn to mercy instead of revenge. When we despair, we live in the hope of Jesus instead of wallowing in the mire of our own existence. When someone speaks poorly of us, we respond in silence instead of gossip. When we are confronted with hate, we respond in love. When our Christian ID becomes the driving energy in our lives, Jesus is shared in a real and evident way. May we continue to pray that our Freudian id does not drive us to meet our own needs and cause us to look selfishly at the world, but that our Christian ID leads us to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in our world today!" http://pastordonbird.blogspot.com/

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America will shine Christ's Light and build 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, Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne)
* NEW: Rob Ouellette (Jeff, Arleen, Ramona, Pat)

Faith quote: "If you only want to have more and more -- if your idol is profit and pleasure -- remember that one's value is not measured by what one has, but by what one is!" Pope John Paul II

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)!

2 Thes 3:10 (no work, no food)

* 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 instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 2 Thes 3:10

Living Faith snippets: "In order to be nourished with the food of hope and peace, I need to work hard at taking out the trash of negativity, cleaning up mess of resentment, putting fear back where it belongs in the hands of God. I need to set the table for the food of trust and joy. Lord, help us hear your voice encouraging us in the hard work required at this time in the human family. Then please feed us at the table of your peace." by Patricia Livingston

Pat nuggets:
* Denver ProLife Prayer Rally: Some of us attended the peaceful ProLife prayer rally in Denver on Monday night. Martin Luther King's niece (Alveda King) spoke and properly labeled the ProLife movement as a "civil rights movement." T-shirts that read "I survived Roe vs Wade" were handed out to those born 1973 or later. We marched and prayed our way around the new Denver Planned Parenthood that fills an entire city block...there were enough Christians to encircle the entire block in prayer...Amen! Stephanie shared this..."I couldn't get over the massiveness of the the new PP...looked like a death camp with the chain link fence and barbed wire." It is a death camp...

* Denver Archbishop Chaput's response to House Speaker Pelosi's abortion comments (Stephanie Kemp shared): "Interviewed on Meet the Press August 24, Speaker Pelosi was asked when human life begins. She said: "I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue that I have studied for a long time. And what I know is over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. [Incorrect!] The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose." Jesuit John Connery's wrote in 1977: "The Christian tradition from the earliest days reveals a firm antiabortion attitude. The condemnation of abortion did not depend on and was not limited in any way by theories regarding the time of fetal animation...abortion from the time of conception was considered wrong." The great Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Destruction of the embryo in the mother's womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed on this nascent life. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder." A proper understanding of the "separation of Church and state" does not imply a separation of faith from political life. But of course, it's always important to know what our faith actually teaches." For the complete response go to http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/ec4759bf-1f41-4c86-870d-921391e29552.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Sign up for updates at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm.

Feast Day (St. Monica): "Saint Monica of Hippo (332 – 387) is a Christian saint and the mother of Saint Augustine, who wrote extensively of her virtues and his life with her in his Confessions." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_of_Hippo

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners

Faith Quote: "Authority, obedience. To be frank, these are not easy words to speak nowadays. Yet, in light of our faith in Jesus Christ, the way and the truth and the life, we come to see the fullest meaning, value, and indeed beauty, of those words." by 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)!

2 Thes 1:2 ("go in peace")

* 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

Grace to you and peace from God [our] Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:2

Living Faith snippets: "Paul begins every epistle but one with this greeting. Mass opens with this greeting, closes by exhorting us to go in peace, and in-between, we all offer each other the sign of peace, which in our culture is a handshake. The dictionary defines peace as freedom from war or conflict...then continues with words like "harmony" and "serenity." Let us open our hearts and minds, push out all the unworthy thoughts, and receive the fullness of this gift [peace] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." by Heather Wilson

Pat nuggets:

* I was truly at peace working outside Saturday (gorgeous summer day). While filling the bird feeder, a beautiful yellow finch flew down and sat on the edge of the open feeder a mere 12 inches from me. The bird looked at me, ate some seed and casually flew off. The bird must have sensed that I cared for it...and sensed that I was truly at peace with God's incredible creation...

* Rob Rysavy shared: "A daily devotion that I use periodically is Sacred Space run by a group of Irish Jesuits. http://www.sacredspace.ie/"

* Dan Szarke shared about his pursuit of working a "holy hour" into each day (idea from Fulton Sheen). How does Fulton Sheen defines this hour? As it is difficult to etch out a separate holy hour each day, we can offer up time throughout the day that is given out of love for God and neighbor (helping a coworker, picking up your children from school, making dinner for others, etc) as well as our prayers throughout the day (morning devotion, meal prayers, bedtime prayer)...this could easily exceed an hour each day!

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

* Join in prayer for the peaceful ProLife prayer rally in Denver tonight, 25 Aug (in conjunction with Democratic National Convention)...and join in presence if possible. The St. Peter bus still has several seats open...reserve a seat by calling 481-4355 (Stephanie) and then meet at the north church parking lot at 5pm. Joe Hourigan (and children), Jimmy Hourigan, Doug Young, Sean Dalton (may MC the event) and I plan to attend.

* Deception on infant protection bill haunts Obama: http://www.onenewsnow.com/Election2008/Default.aspx?id=223514
* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): "It's a good time to think about how you may get involved in one of the campaigns. See how this unique outreach has already affected many cities around the country. Please sign up for 40 Days for Life updates at [http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm]."

Feast Day (St. Louis of France & St. Joseph Calasanz): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_IX_of_France and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph_Calasanz.

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners

* Jim Rogers (recovering from surgery)

Faith Quote: Sean Dalton has Gal 2:20 in his signature block. "I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me." Gal 2:20

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)!