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Catholic Prayers

A collection of prayers and worthwhile quotes to use in your daily life . . . . .and share with others !

Catholic Prayers

Dear Friends, Here is a second collection of quotes and prayers, divided into 5 different sections, and numbered for easier access. I will update and change these quotes every few months. Lent and Easter 1. Fasting and Feasting 2. Prayer in front of Jesus Crucified 3. The suffering and Passion of Christ 4. Lent is a time of . . . 5. Who's who in the Passion of Christ 6. Come to me 7. Prayer to a Sorrowful Mother 8. The Stations of the Cross 9. Because He lives 10. Fixing the Date of Easter 11. The origin of the Easter Lily 12. The legend of the first Robin Other Prayers 13. Prayer for forgiveness 14. The Important and Unimportant 15. Family Prayer 16. No matter what happens 17. Today 18. God hear our prayers 19. Be thankful 20. We pray that . . . 21. A Prayer of Hope 22. A Creed to live by 23. Hope 24. How awesome is He Mother's Day and Father's Day 25. The Story of Mother's Day 26  Reflections of a Mother 27. What is a Mother ? 28. Famous Quotes on Motherhood 29. Why Mothers cry 30. Grandmothers are mothers who are grand. 31. To my mother. 32. M-O-T-H-E-R 33. The origin of Father's Day 34. Why God made fathers 35. How I visualize my father 36. What makes a father 37. A Father's Day prayer 38. Another Father's Day prayer 39. God's Ten most wanted men 40. The Joy of Fatherhood General Prayers 41. Heaven's Grocery Store 42. When you thought I wasn't looking 43. No matter what happens 44. A Dog's plea 45. Hold on to each other 46. The Story of Jim 47. Remember 48. Spiritual Push-Ups for Lent 49. What does Easter mean to me ? 50. Not Yet 51. Only in America 52. Slogans of Famous People 53. Recipe for a Happy Home 54. Rules for a happy marriage 55. If you really cared  (spouses speak to each other) 56. The value of time _______________________________________________________ -- Lent and Easter -- 1. Fasting and Feasting Fast on criticism, feast on praise Fast on resentment, feast on contentment Fast on self-pity, feast on happiness Fast from hatred, feast on peace Fast from jealousy, feast on love Fast from pride, feast on humility Fast from selfishness, feast on service Fast on apathy, feast on faith Fast from complaining, feast on appreciation Fast from carelessness, feast on commitment Fast on egoism, feast on altruism Fast from gossiping, feast on concern Fast from laziness, feast on prayer Fast from anger, feast on joy Fast from dishonesty, feast on sincerity Fast from frowning, feast on smiling Fast from pessimism, feast on optimism Fast from revenge, feast on forgiveness Fast from anxiety, feast on hope Fast from sensual temptation, feast on purity Fast from taking, feast on giving Fast from stubbornness, feast on compassion Fast from fear, feast on courage Fast from impatience, feast on tolerance Fast from cheating, feast on honesty Fast from fighting, feast on reconciling Fast from the TV, feast on spiritual reading Fast from the newspaper, feast on the bible Fast from competition, feast on teamwork Fast from passive indifference, feast on positive action Fast from yourself, feast on Jesus & others 2. Prayer in front of Christ Crucified All you who are crying, come to Him, because he is crying too.All you who are suffering, come to Him, because he can heal you. All you who are afraid, come to Him, because He always has a smile waiting for you. All you who are hungry, come to Him, because He'll feed you the Living Bread. All you who are in darkness, come to Him, because He will guide you with His Light. All you who are lost, search for His guiding hand, and you will never get lost from now on. All you who feel persecuted, come to Him because he had his share of persecution too All you who feel you're always struggling, come to Him and He'll give true meaning to your life. All you who are lonely, come close to Him, because He too was very lonely on the Cross. All you who feel being punished unfairly, just look at Him. He died for you, unfairly. All you who've lost your sense of direction in life, come to Him, who is the Way, the Truth and Life. All you who are dying, come to Him, and you will live forever. 3. About the Cross and Crucifixion A medical doctor provides a physical description: The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood.  Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed.  The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain - the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves.  As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe.  Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath.  Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint wrenching cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber. Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over.  The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level-the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues and the tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues...Finally, he can allow his body to die... All this the Bible records with the simple words, "and they crucified Him", (Mark 15:24). What wondrous love is this? Many people don't know all the pain and suffering our Lord, Jesus Christ went through for us...because of the brutality, crucifixion was given as a sentence to only its worst offenders of the law. Thieves, murderers, and rapists would be the types who got crucified. Yet, here Jesus is being crucified between two hardened criminals...What did Jesus do? Did he murder anyone? Did he steal anything? The answer as we all know is NO!!  Jesus did nothing to deserve this type of death, yet he went willing to die, in between 2 thieves, so that we might be saved. And there, in between the sinners, was our slain savior for our sins. 4.  LENT IS A TIME OF . . . . .                                                                                           For Lent this year, try to........ - mend a quarrel, - seek out a forgotten friend - dismiss suspicion, replace with trust, - write a love letter, - share some treasure, - give a soft answer, - encourage youth, - keep a promise, - find time to pray, - forgive an enemy, - listen, - laugh a little, and laugh a little more, - go to Church - deserve confidence, then appreciate, - show loyalty, - pray a little more. During this Lent, let me do:     - some prayer for the good of the soul,     - some fasting for the good of the body,     - some almsgiving for the good of the neighbor. 5. Who's who in the Passion of Christ As we celebrate Holy Week, culminating with Easter Sunday, the biggest feast of the year, I thought of sharing with you some details about the main characters that are mentioned in the Gospel account of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor at the time of Jesus' Passion and Death. He ruled from 25 AD until 37 AD, and was responsible for Jesus' crucifixion. Caiaphas was the High Priest of the temple at this time. Annas was the Associate High Priest with Caiaphas. Herod was the ruler or Tetrarch of Galilee, and was looking only to be entertained by one of Jesus' miracles. Peter was one of the 12 apostles who eventually became the first Pope of the Catholic Church, but during the trial of Jesus, three times he denied even  knowing Him, and realized the terrible mistake he made when the rooster  crowed, remembering what Jesus had predicted. Soon after, he repented. John was the beloved apostle who followed Jesus all the way to Calvary, and then took full responsibility of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who became like his adoptive mother, and himself her adoptive son. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who turned traitor, when he betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, handing Him over to be tried and  killed. Out of desperation, he eventually hangs himself. Mary Magdalen was possessed by evil spirits, but then when set free and healed by Jesus, she became his follower, staying with Him until His crucifixion, and  was the first person to see Jesus after the Resurrection. Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who was released from prison when Pilate gave a choice to the people to release a renowned prisoner, whereupon he released Barabbas, and sent Jesus to be crucified. Simon of Cyrene was the man who was asked to carry the Cross for Jesus when he had fallen three times on His way to be crucified. Veronica was the woman who wiped Jesus' face with a white cloth, after which, the image of Jesus' face became imprinted on the cloth. Her name derives from the Greek words "Vera Icon", a "True Image" Joseph of Arimathea was the generous man who gave the family of Jesus the tomb where he would be buried in, a tomb he himself had hewn in the rock. Dismas was the name of the good thief who was crucified next to Jesus. Longinus was the Centurion who pierced Jesus' side with a lance after he died, proclaiming the famous words: "This was truly the Son of God." Golgotha or Calvary  the name of the hill on which Jesus was crucified. Mount of Olives or Garden of Gethsemane  the garden where Jesus prayed before the soldiers came and arrested Him, at the signal of Judas' kiss. 6. Come back to Me All of you who feel alone or abandoned, come back to me, and I assure you that you'll never get tired of my company and my presence in your life.. All of you who feel guilty of past sins, failures and shortcomings, come back to me, and remember that when I forgive, I also forget about it.. All of you  who may have turned your back on me, come back to me, and you'll find me waiting for you with open arms, for your big reunion with me All of you who may have left the Church for a while, come back to me, and remember that you're always welcome here - no questions asked. All of you who may have turned your attention to other gods, like comfort, pleasure and riches, come back to me, and I will give you another chance to redeem yourself, as I gave chances to so many Saints in the past after they faltered.. All of you who may fear that I may be angry at you for your turbulent past, come back to me, and you'll find me waiting for you with open arms and a comforting embrace.. All of you who picture me as a revengeful God, come back to me, and you will see the unconditional love I have for my people.. All of you who somehow, somewhere, sometime left me, come back to me, with all your heart, and I will love you always with all my heart. 7. PRAYER  TO  THE  SORROWFUL  MOTHER Sorrowful Mother, You who accepted with Courage the request to become the Mother of our Savior, give us the Courage and Strength to be open to God's challenges and invitation to follow Him more closely. Sorrowful Mother, You who were denied a comfortable bed to give birth to Jesus your baby, make us accept without any fuss the discomforts our lives sometimes demand, and be content with the simple things of life. Sorrowful Mother, You who were foretold that a sword will pierce Your heart, be with us in our moments of anguish, opposition or persecution, and remind us that it's OK to suffer for Your Son, once in a while. Sorrowful Mother, You who lost Jesus in the Temple when he was still a young boy, remind us never to lose sight of Jesus our Leader and Guide, and make us aware that He should always be our Number One priority. Sorrowful Mother, You who saw Jesus being rejected and expelled from His own hometown for preaching His Father's Word of Life, make us always a welcoming, friendly and courteous community. Sorrowful Mother, You who saw Your Son being tried, beaten, whipped, ridiculed, crowned with thorns, crucified and killed so innocently, help us to appreciate the tremendous love He shown for us and still has for us. Sorrowful Mother, You who stood by His Cross, mournful, praying, weeping desolate and wounded, encourage us to share in Jesus' pain and suffering, as we show ourselves hopeful, prayerful, forgiving, merciful, trustful, and compassionate towards our neighbors, whoever they may be. Sorrowful Mother, You who received Jesus' dead body on Your lap after He died on the cross, be with us when we receive Jesus in our hearts through the gift of the Eucharist, and whenever He comes in our lives like a true honest friend, and make us appreciate Him more. 8. The Stations of the Cross In every Catholic Church, you will notice hanging on the side walls 14 images, pictures or sculptures related to the Passion of Christ. These are the 14 steps Jesus went through before his death on Calvary. Also known as the Way of the Cross, this is devotion is very popular during the season of Lent, as people meditate on the Passion and Death of Christ. This practice started during the 14th century by the Franciscan Monks, and St. Leonard of Port Maurice preached frequently about this devotion in the 18th Century. Finally Pope Clement XII in 1735 gave the final guidelines, fixing the number of Stations at 14, commemorating the events related in the Gospel and from early tradition. Usually the Stations are erected on the walls of the Church, 7 on each side, but they may be placed outdoors too, as one can see in Church gardens and Retreat Houses. Most of the time, the Stations are prayed in the Church, with the people staying in their places, and genuflecting between each Station, as the leader and the altar servers move from one Station to another. The customary 14 Stations are as follows: 1. Jesus is condemned to death                                   8. Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem 2. Jesus accepts His Cross                                              9. Jesus falls the third time. 3. Jesus falls the first time.                                              10. Jesus is stripped of his garments. 4. Jesus meets his mother Mary.                                   11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross. 5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross      12. Jesus dies on the Cross. 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.                            13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross. 7. Jesus falls the second time.                                      14. Jesus is laid to rest in a tomb. Over the years, the same Stations were erected in each Church, but in 1975, Pope Paul VI approved a new series of Stations that are based on the Gospel. They start with the Last Supper and end with the Resurrection. The present Pope leads the Stations every Good Friday in the Colosseo in Rome, while many pilgrims to the Holy Land pray the Stations right along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows), the same street on which Jesus was led to be crucified. Many Parish Youth Groups perform dramatized versions of the Way of the Cross, and others create Audio-Visual presentations of the Way of the Cross, as I do here in our parish, both for adults and for our children. Regular Stations are held in our parish on the Fridays of Lent at 7:30 PM. A processional ecumenical Way of the Cross is held on Good Friday between all the Churches in Pleasant Valley. 9. Because He lives God sent His son, they called Him Jesus He came to love, heal, and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives. How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives. But greater still the calm assurance, This child can face uncertain days because He lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives. And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone! Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living just because He lives! 10. Fixing the Date for Easter The moon, as well as the sun, has a powerful effect upon the earth and upon the life of man. Some ancient people, such as the Hebrews, felt so strongly about this, that they based their calendars upon the rhythms of the moon. We call these "lunar" calendars. Other people based their calendars on the sun, including the Romans. As Christianity began in the Holy Land, establishing certain dates became difficult because some people used the "lunar" calendars while others used the "solar" calendar. They agreed on mostly all dates except for Easter Sunday. Then in the 4th century, with the help of some astronomers, a decision was made, taking into account the position of both the moon and the sun in relation to the earth. It was finally accepted that Easter would always be celebrated on the First Sunday after the full moon that follows the Spring Equinox (March 20 or 21). That is why Easter falls anytime between March 22 and April 25. 11. The Origin of the Easter Lily So many of us wonder why the Easter Lily decorates our Altars at Eastertime, just as the poinsettia does at Christmastime. The bulbs of the Easter lily were discovered by a missionary priest on an island off Japan, called Ryukyu Island. This priest took a few bulbs back to England, but he was stranded on Bermuda, where he eventually planted these bulbs. They bloomed on April 16th, for the first time ever, which happened to be Easter week. The lilies arrived in the United States in 1876 at Philadelphia. Today they are cultivated mostly in California, Oregon and Washington, but they are grown all over the world. It is the perfect flower for the Easter season. 12. The legend of the First Robin One day, long ago, a little bird in Galilee saw a large crowd gathered around a man carrying a heavy wooden cross. On the man's head was a crown made from a thorn branch. The thorns were long and sharp. The little bird saw that the thorns were hurting the man very much. It wanted to help him, so it flew down, and took the longest and sharpest thorn in its tiny beak. The bird tucked and pulled until the thorn snapped from the branch. Then a very strange thing happened. A drop of blood fell from the thorn onto the bird's chest, staining it in bright red. The stain never went away. And so today, the robin very proudly wears a red chest because it helped a man named Jesus. -- Prayers -- 13. Prayer of Forgiveness O God, forgive us for the faults which make us difficult to live with. If we behave as if we were the only people for whom life is difficult; If we behave as if we were far harder worked than anyone else; If we behave as if we were the only people who were ever disappointed, or the only people who ever got a raw deal; If we are far too self-centered and far too full of self-pity: Forgive us, 0 God. If we are too impatient to finish the work we have begun; If we are too impatient to listen to someone who wants to talk to us, or to give someone a helping hand; If we think that other people are fools, and make no attempt to conceal our contempt for them:Forgive us, 0 God. If we too often rub people the wrong way; If we spoil a good case by trying to ram it down someone's throat; If we do things that get on people's nerves, and go on doing them, even when we are asked not to: Forgive us, 0 God. Help us to take the selfishness and the ugliness out of life and to do better in the days to come. 14. IMPORTANT AND UNIMPORTANT God, our Father, forgive us that we so often give our best to the wrong things. Sometimes we put far more enthusiasm and thought and effort into our pleasures and our games and our amusement than we do into our work. Sometimes we keep our best behavior for strangers and our worst behavior for our own homes; and often we treat our nearest and dearest with a discourtesy and disregard we would never show to strangers. Sometimes we get irritated and annoyed and angry about things which in our calmer moments we know do not matter. Sometimes we lose our temper in an argument about trifles. Sometimes we allow very little things to cause a quarrel with a friend. Help us to see what is important and what is unimportant, so that we may never forget the things that matter, and so that we may never allow the things which do not matter to matter too much. 15. Family Prayer Some families are big, some families are small. But no matter what size, it's the same for them all. Families are fathers that frown and say "we didn't do things like that in my day. That shirt's rather bright. That shirt's far too tight. Now tell me again where you're going tonight." Families are mothers who fret and fuss. "Hurry up now or you'll miss your school bus. Straighten your tie, tidy your hair. Are you sure those big earrings are what you can wear ?" Families are brothers that joke and tease, and when you're not looking they give you a squeeze. They think they're much bigger and better than you, and far more important in all that they do. Families are sisters who share all your things, your bedroom, your records, your bracelets and rings. They use all your perfume and wear out your tights, and keep you awake playing music at night. But God's family is a unit where we all belong to support us in trouble when things have gone wrong He shares in our gladness, our sadness and fears He loves us and cares for us through all of the years. 16. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS I remember a time when each day was long, When the world was a playground and my life a song, And I fluttered through years with barely a care, Ignoring the future and what waited there. School was intriguing and filled with delights. I played away daytimes and dreamed away nights. My parents assured me I had nothing to fear, And that no matter what happened, they'd always be there. Little I knew of a world outside home, Where tragedy, sorrow and murder could roam. All I saw were blue skies, rainbows and stars. I looked past destruction of buildings and cars. As a child, my biggest concern was just me; I had to be happy, I had to be free. And if I was content, I would not shed a tear, And no matter what happened, I still would be here. But as I grow up, darkness starts to set in; My bright world has turned into concrete and tin. I now see the violence I looked past before; My friends start to die and my heart hits the floor. Deadly diseases claim people I love, There are landfills below me, pollution above. I often think back to when life was a game. But no matter what happens, it can't be the same. There are days when I just want to break down and howl, To give up completely, to throw in the towel, But I hold my head high and I push my way through. I have too much to give and so much to do. And I make a vow that, though it'll be hard, I'll go on with a smile and play every card. I'll give all I can, help others and love. No matter what happens, life will bloom again, and the strength I don't have will come from above. So come, take my hand, and through darkness we will sail If we all join together, we never can fail. We'll remember to care, remember to feel, And no matter what happens, our world we will heal. 15. Today I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free. Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because I've been provided shelter for my mind and body. Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. 16. God, hear our prayers O God, you are our steadfast LISTENER; hear our prayers. O God, you are our eternal LIGHT; enlighten our paths. O God, you are our reliable STRENGTH; equip us for service. O God, you are all-gracious COMPASSION; give us your mercy. O God, you are an abiding PRESENCE; be with us always. O God, you are our ultimate HEALER; heal all our wounds. O God, you are our ultimate PEACE; make us one with you. O God, you are our final SALVATION; may your WAY inform our ways, may your TRUTH inspire our thoughts, may your LIFE indwell in our lives. This we pray only in and through and for the sake and glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 17. BE THANKFUL Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. 20. We pray . . . . That you can cry with all those who cry, That you can console all those who feel depressed, That you forgive all those who hurt you in some way or another, That you pray in all the troubles that you may encounter, That you encourage every initiative that is worth pursuing, That you can walk with those who have lost their way, That you can sympathize with those who have experienced hardships, That you can be appreciative for all that God gave you, That you rejoice with the success of others, That you persevere in all the trials of your life, That you serve all those who are truly in need, And that you can see Christ in others. That you be creative in all your projects. 21. A prayer of Hope Father, I ask you to bless my friend reading this right now. Lord, show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace & mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, & strength as they learn submission to Your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its holdover my friends life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the demonic forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. In Christian love, Your Friend in Jesus 22. A Creed to live by Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, For without them, life is meaningless. Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other. Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; In addition, the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; To be without hope is to be without purpose. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. 23. Hope   If you can look at the sunset and smile, then you still have hope. If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, then you still have hope. If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly,  then you still have hope. If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope. If you can see the good in other people, then you still have hope. If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope. If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in  wonder, then you still have hope. If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope. If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, then you still have hope. If you give people the benefit of a doubt, then you still have hope. If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that  have touched your life, then you still have hope. If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a  pleasant surprise, then you still have hope. If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and  frustration, then you still have hope. If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end, then you still have hope. If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and  reflection, then you still have hope. If you still buy the ornaments, put up the Christmas tree or  cook the turkey, then you still have hope. If you still watch love stories or want the endings to be  happy, then you still have hope. If you can look  to the past and smile, then you still have hope. If, when faced with the bad,  when told everything is futile,  you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase...."yeah....BUT.." then you still have hope. Hope is such a marvelous thing.  It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break.  It sustains us when nothing else can.  It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in. Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage. Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it. Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the  direction. Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and  nurtured, and something that will refresh us in return.  And it can be found in each of us, and it can bring light into the darkest of places.  Never  lose hope. 24. HOW AWESOME IS HE He is the First and Last, The Beginning and the End! He is the keeper of Creation And the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the universe and The Manager of all times. He always was, He always is, And He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, And never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, Powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is The wisdom of the wise, The power of the powerful, The ancient of days, The ruler of rulers, The leader of leaders, The overseer of the overcomers, and The sovereign Lord of all That was and is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, Try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, Never forsake me, Never mislead me, Never forget me, Never overlook me, and Never cancel my appointment In His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, Everywhere, every time, and every way. He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine! My Father in heaven can whip The father of this world. So, if you're wondering Why I feel so secure, Understand this... He said it and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and That means all is well With my soul. Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! ____________________________________________________________ MOTHER'S DAY and FATHER'S DAY 25. The Story of Mother's Day The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England. During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration. People began honoring their mothers as well as the church. In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year. In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia. Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. 26. Reflections of a Mother I gave you life, but cannot live it for you. I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you. I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it. I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you. I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside. I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you. I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you. I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish. I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor. I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you. I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure. I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation. I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you. I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them. I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you. I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious. I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral. I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life. I can love you with unconditional love all of my life..... and I will. 27. What Is A Mother? A mother is someone to shelter and guide us, To love us, whatever we do, With a warm understanding and infinite patience And wonderful gentleness, too. How often a mother means swift reassurance In soothing our small, childish fears, How tenderly mothers watch over their children And treasure them all through the years! The heart of a mother is full of forgiveness For any mistake, big or small, And generous always in helping her family, Whose needs she has placed above all. A mother can utter a word of compassion And make all our cares fall away, She can brighten a home with the sound of her laughter And make life delightful and gay. A mother possesses incredible wisdom And wonderful insight and skill - In each human heart is that one special corner Which only a mother can fill! 28. Famous quotes on Motherhood A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.  --Victor Hugo All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.   --Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.   --Washington Irving (1783-1859) A mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart -- a heart so large that everybody's grief and everybody's joy found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.   --Mark Twain The mother loves her child most divinely, not when she surrounds him with comfort and anticipates his wants, but when she resolutely holds him to the highest standards and is content with nothing less than his best.  --Hamilton Wright Mabie "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." -- Jewish proverb "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -- Lin Yutang "The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -- Honore' de Balzac (1799-1850) "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -- George Washington (1732-1799) "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class." -- Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1907- ) "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom." -- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) "Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." --Author Unknown 29. Why Mothers Cry Why are you crying?" he asked his mom. "Because I'm a mother," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His mom just hugged him and said, "You never will!" Later the little boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason. "All mothers cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God and when God got on the phone the man said, "God, why do mothers cry so easily." God said, "You see son, when I made mothers they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children. "I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining. "I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child's boo-boo feel better and helps them share a teenager's anxieties and fears. "I gave them a tear to shed. It's theirs exclusively to use whenever it's needed. It's their only weakness. It's a tear for mankind." 30. Grandmothers Are Mothers Who Are Grand Grandmothers are mothers who are grand, Restoring the sense that our most precious things Are those that do not change much over time. No love of childhood is more sublime, Demanding little, giving much on demand, More inclined than most to grant the wings On which we fly off to enchanted lands. Though grandmothers must sometimes serve as mothers, Helping out, or maybe taking over, Each has all the patience wisdom brings, Remembering our passions more than others, Singing childish songs we long remember. 31. TO MY MOTHER Because I feel that in the heavens above The angels, whispering one to another, Can find among their burning terms of love, None so devotional as that of "Mother," Therefore by that dear name I have long called you, You who are more than mother unto me, And filled my heart of hearts, where death installed you, In setting my Virginia's spirit free. My mother -- my own mother, who died early, Was but the mother of myself; but you Are the mother to the one I loved so dearly, And thus are dearer than the mother I knew But that infinity with which my wife Was dearer to my soul that its soul-life. --Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) 32. M-O-T-H-E-R "M" is for the million things she gave me, "O" means only that she's growing old, "T" is for the tears she shed to save me, "H" is for her heart of purest gold; "E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining, "R" means right, and right she'll always be, Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER," A word that means the world to me. --Howard Johnson (c. 1915) 33. The Origin of Father's Day Father's Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards. In fact when a "Father's day" was first proposed there were no Father's Day cards! Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "Father's Day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all be honored on Father's Day. 34. When God Made Fathers - by Erma Bombeck When the good Lord was creating Fathers, he started with a tall frame. A female angel nearby said "What kind of a Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put the Father up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child into bed without bending, or even kiss a child without stooping." God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?" And when God made a Father's hands, they were large. The angel shook her head and said, "Large hands can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats." Again God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them." Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders, "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap?" the angel chuckled. God said, "A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, to balance a boy on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus." When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet anyone had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those boats are going to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party without crushing one or two of the guests?" God again smiled and said, "They will work. You will see. They will support a small child who wants to ride to Branbury Cross or scare mice away from a summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill." God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remain calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an after thought, He added tears. Then He turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?" The angel said nothing more. 35. How I visualize my father When I was: Four years old: My daddy can do anything. Five years old: My daddy knows a whole lot. Six years old: My dad is smarter than your dad. Eight years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything. Ten years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different. Twelve years old: Oh, well, naturally, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood. Fourteen years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned. Twenty-one years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date. Twenty-five years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long. Thirty years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience. Thirty-five years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad. Forty years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise. Fifty years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him. 36. What Makes A Dad God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad 37.A Father's Day Prayer Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and through him also our true Father, we thank you that you have given us our earthly fathers. As your representatives they have provided us with all that we need to support our body and life, and they have also given attention to our immortal soul. On this day, set aside for honoring fathers, we pray that you would impress upon all fathers their responsibility as head of their household. Help them in holiness and industry to provide for the physical needs of their family. And grant them the grace to raise their children in the way of your blessed Word. We pray that you would make us increasingly aware of the great debt we owe our fathers. Help us to cherish them as your precious gifts. May we always honor them with our love, our respect and our devotion. Let us not depart from the paths of righteousness in which they had led us from infancy. Cause them as Christian fathers to find happiness in our attempts to translate their precepts and examples into a life of unselfish service. Finally, when life's day is gone, grant us the joy and bliss of spending eternity with you, our heavenly Father, and with them our earthly fathers, as well as with all our loved ones. In Jesus' name we ask this. 38. Another Father's Day prayer Dear God, we thank you for our fathers and for their love, care and protection. During our youth you used the work of our fathers to supply us with all that we needed for our body and life. We thank you for their discipline, their tender love, and the moments of fun and play we have enjoyed with them. Move us to show our fathers how much we have appreciated all they have done for us. For all the children who have no father, we ask that you give them someone to offer them fatherly love, care and direction. Above all, we praise you today that we can call you our Father through faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. It is in his name we ask this. 39. GOD'S TEN MOST WANTED MEN 1. The man who puts God's business above other business. 2. The man who brings his children to church rather than sending them. 3. The man who is willing to be the right example to every boy he meets. 4. The man who thinks more of his Sunday Mass with his family than he does of his Sunday sleep. 5. The man who measures his giving by what he has left rather than by the amount he gives. 6. The man who goes to church for Christ's sake, rather than for his own or someone else's. 7. The man who has more passion to help others than he had to be helped himself. 8. The man who can see his own faults before he sees the faults of others. 9. The man who stands firm in his convictions, based upon the Word of God, that is a "backbone" Christian. 10. The man who is more concerned about winning souls for Christ than he is about winning honor. 40. The Joy of Fatherhood Naming rights. First, middle, and last! Glimpses of God every day. Giggles under the covers every night. More love than your heart can hold. Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. A hand to hold, usually covered with jam. A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, building sandcastles, and skipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain. Someone to laugh yourself silly with no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day. You get to finger-paint, play hide-and-seek, and catch lightning bugs. You have an excuse to keep: reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching cartoons, and wishing on stars. You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets, collect hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day. You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a splinter, filling the wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless. You get a front row seat to history to witness the first step, first word, first bra, first date, and first time behind the wheel. You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match. In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there with the angels. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you...do the same to their own children. -- Other Quotes and Prayers -- 41. Heaven's Grocery Store I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE". As I got a little closer, the door opened wide, and then I found myself standing inside. I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My Child, shop with care". Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And if you couldn't carry all, you could come back the next day for more. First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row. Further down was UNDERSTANDING; you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE. I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill. For I thought I had everything to do the MASTER'S will. As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER; and I just had to put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin. PEACE and JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf. SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel, "Now, how much do I owe?" He smiled again and said, "MY CHILD, GOD PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO." 42. WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things are special things. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked ... and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking. 43. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS I remember a time when each day was long, When the world was a playground and my life a song, And I fluttered through years with barely a care, Ignoring the future and what waited there. School was intriguing and filled with delights. I played away daytimes and dreamed away nights. My parents assured me I had nothing to fear, And that no matter what happened, they'd always be there. Little I knew of a world outside home, Where tragedy, sorrow and murder could roam. All I saw were blue skies, rainbows and stars. I looked past destruction of buildings and cars. As a child, my biggest concern was just me; I had to be happy, I had to be free. And if I was content, I would not shed a tear, And no matter what happened, I still would be here. But as I grow up, darkness starts to set in; My bright world has turned into concrete and tin. I now see the violence I looked past before; My friends start to die and my heart hits the floor. Deadly diseases claim people I love, There are landfills below me, pollution above. I often think back to when life was a game. But no matter what happens, it can't be the same. There are days when I just want to break down and howl, To give up completely, to throw in the towel, But I hold my head high and I push my way through. I have too much to give and so much to do. And I make a vow that, though it'll be hard, I'll go on with a smile and play every card. I'll give all I can, help others and love. No matter what happens, life will bloom again, And the strength I don't have will come from above. So come, take my hand, and through darkness we will sail If we all join together, we never can fail. We'll remember to care, remember to feel, And no matter what happens, our world we will heal. 44. A Dog's Plea Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear. Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege to sit at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands. 45. Hold on to each other Sufferings, trials, conflicts come to all of us at one time or another. They cannot be ignored or avoided. They are real  and they hurt. But in addition to trusting God in the midst of conflicts, We can cushion their shock or lessen their hurt by holding on to one another, by loving, sharing, helping to bear one another's burdens and sufferings. This is what it means to belong to the family of God. This is one of our purposes in representing and communicating Him in our walk upon this world. Let us be alert to the needs of one another, and thereby help one another remain faithful to God. 46. The Story of Jim A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in awhile. His shirt was kinda shabby and his coat was worn and frayed. The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap. Each time he knelt just for moment, lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear. He decided to stop the man and ask him  "What are you doing here?" The old man said, he worked down the road.  Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power. I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say: I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN." The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime. Time to go, Jim smiled, said  "Thanks."  He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer: I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN." Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, but he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious.  Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad, when no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared.  He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile; The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while Everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me: I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN." 47. REMEMBER One woman complained to a friend that she couldn't remember anything from one day to the next. "Let me get this straight," he said. "You can't remember anything from one day to the next. How long has this been going on?" She said, "How long has what been going on?" If your memory is not what you would like it to be, it may help to focus on the few things you really need to remember. This list, compiled from several sources, may just be suitable for framing. - Remember that your presence is a present to the world. - Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation. - Remember that your life can be what you want it to be. - Remember to take the days just one at a time. - Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles. - Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along. - Remember that most of the answers you need are within you. - Remember those dreams waiting to be realized. - Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance. - Remember to always reach for the best that is within you. - Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry. - Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. - Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets. - Remember not to take things too seriously. - Remember to laugh. - Remember that a little love goes a long way. - Remember that a lot goes forever. - Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting. - Remember that life's treasures are people, not things. - Remember that miracles can still happen. 48. Spiritual Push-Ups for the Lenten Season A family altar can alter a family. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. Don't put a question mark where God put a period. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church. Exercise daily. Walk with God! Forbidden fruits create many jams. Give God what's right, not what's left. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God grades on the willingness to change, not the past. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts"! God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible! He who angers you, controls you! He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone! Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. "Pray" is a four letter word that you can say ANYWHERE Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty! The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"! We don't change the message, the message changes us. We set the sail; God makes the wind. We're too blessed to be depressed. Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say.  2) Not saying it. 49. What does Easter mean to me ? Easter is about hope, optimism, new beginnings. Easter is seeing the new light emerging from the darkness of Good Friday. Easter is the victory over death, the triumph of good over evil. Easter is Easter lilies instead of an empty altar, candles instead a dark sanctuary. Easter is hearing once again the happy strains of Alleluias. Easter is realizing that there is no victory without a struggle, no Easter without a Good Friday. Easter is cracking those eggs and saying to one another "Christ is Risen, truly, Christ is Risen." Easter is realizing that Jesus is alive and well, right here in our midst, encouraging us to hope. Easter is knowing that we can be cleaned by the life-giving waters of Baptism. Easter is seeing a group of Christians being received into the Catholic Church. Easter is seeing another group of catechumens being baptized as Catholics at the Easter Vigil. Easter is seeing children looking for Easter eggs and collecting them in their baskets. Easter is seeing young children waiting for the Easter Bunny bringing them chocolates, jelly-beans, candy and other goodies. Easter is watching the crocus, daffodils and tulips sprout from the ground, punctually  every year. Easter is seeing Jesus coming out of the tomb, victorious over death, triumphant over evil. Easter is displaying the Sacred Oils blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday. Easter is reminiscing the celebrations of Holy Week in Malta and the blessing of the houses in the weeks following Easter Sunday. Easter is seeing little girls with their Easter bonnets, and little boys wearing their suits for the first time. Easter is entering the Church is smelling the smell of incense and hearing the organ playing. Easter symbolizes the beginning of spring, and the end of a cold, long winter.              Easter heralds the first Baseball games, and happy family trips to the ballpark. Easter is listening to Rossini's Stabat Mater, Handel's Messiah, Bach's Easter Oratorio. Easter is reflecting on the Murillo's Crucifixion, Michelangelo's Pieta, and El Greco's Resurrection. Easter is remembering the Passover and the special meal all Jewish people have together. Easter is remembering to clean your closets and give away some old clothes. Easter is remembering the new life that Christ is living, and our own resurrection at the end of time. Easter is looking forward to the Ascension of Christ in 40 days. Easter is looking forward to the descent of the Holy Spirit in 50 days, on Pentecost Sunday. Easter is about being together, being family, being a community of faith and love. 50. Not Yet Sometimes I ask the question "My Lord, is this your will? It's then I hear you answer me - "My precious child...be still" Sometimes I feel frustrated because I think I know what's best. It's then I hear you say to me - "My busy child...just rest" Sometimes I feel so lonely and I think I'd like a mate, your still small voice gets oh so clear - and says, "My child...please wait" I know the plans I have for you the wondrous things you'll see If you can just be patient child... and put your trust in me I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow There's much I do you cannot see, and much you do not know But know this child...I Love you. You are precious unto me Before I formed you in the womb, I planned your destiny I've something very special I hope for you to learn The gifts I wish to give to you are gifts you cannot earn. They come without a price tag but not without a cost At Calvary I gave my son so you would not be lost. Rest child and do not weary of doing what is good. I promise I'll come back for you just like I said I would. Your name is written on my palm - I never could forget Therefore, do not be discouraged when, my answer is ...."Not Yet" 51. Only in America Only in America do people drive on a parkway, and then park on a driveway. Only in America do people send goods by a car and call it a shipment, and then send goods by a ship and call it cargo. Only in America can a homeless combat veteran live in a cardboard box and a draft dodger live in the White House. Only in America do people have their noses run and their feet smell. Only in America can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance. Only in America are there handicapped parking places in front of a skating rink. Only in America do people put suits in garment boxes and then put garments in suitcases. Only in America do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions. Only in America do people order double cheeseburgers, a large fry, and a diet coke. Only in America do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters. Only in America do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and leave useless junk in the garage. Only in America do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place. Only in America do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight. Only in America do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "Poli" in Latin meaning "many" and "tics" meaning blood-sucking creatures. Only in America do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering. ONLY IN AMERICA 52. Slogans of famous people THINK (IBM Longtime Chief Thomas J. Watson) There is no limit to what a person can do and where he can go, if he doesn't mind who gets the credit. Babe Ruth struck our 1,330 times  -  It can be done ! ( all three by ex-President Ronald Reagan) Lead, follow, or get out of the way (Ted Turner, broadcasting and sports mogul) Ain't nothin' gonna come up today that me and the Lord cannot handle. (Ann Landers, columnist) Do it right. It will take more time to do it over. (Abigail van Buren, columnist) Be bold, and venture to be wise  Be not afraid. (both by ex-NYC Mayor Edward Koch) Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be overcome first. Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. (both by Stanley Marcus, merchandise consultant) The only legitimate happiness is honesty, hard work and the surmounting of obstacles. (Leo Tolstoy) The Truth is incontrovertible; Panic may resent it; Ignorance may deride it; Malice may distort it, But there it is ! (Winston Churchill) (Both of them on Frank Borman's desk, ex-astronaut) Make no small plans here  You can, if you think you can. (both Mary Kay Ash, cosmetics manufacturer) The search for truth is in one way hard, and in another easy. For it is evident that no one can master it fully, nor miss it wholly. But each adds a little to our knowledge of nature, and from all the facts assembled there arises a certain grandeur. (Aristotle, used by Isaac Asimov, author) Every good and excellent thing stands moment by moment on the razor's edge of danger and must be fought for. (Ross Perot, billionaire) Nothing in life just happens. It isn't enough to believe in something; you have to have the stamina to meet obstacles and overcome them, to struggle (Golda Meir, used by Joel Hyatt of Hyatt Legal Services) Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records) While alive, Live. (Malcolm Forbes, publisher) Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. (Willard Scott, TV weatherman) 53. Recipe for a happy home Preheat Home with Love to the 100th Degree. Add one carefully selected man and one carefully selected woman. Add to the man the ability to be gentle, openly affectionate. Stir in stability, strength and decisiveness. Add to the woman the ability to generously offer encouragement. Stir in loyalty, tenderness and creativity. Boil, until all traces of nagging evaporate. Carefully blend the two together. Grease immediately with maturity. Flour with a generous dose of common sense. Add heaping amounts of respect and honesty. Constantly add kindness and understanding. Carefully drain off selfishness, but retain individuality. Whip in a sense of humor. Add enough smiles and laughter for a good appearance. Grind in responsibility and commitment. Fold in patience mixed with insight. Stir in the ability to sacrifice. Soften with trust, tolerance and forgiveness. For added richness, blend in plans and dreams for the future. Season with children. 54. Rules for a Happy Marriage 1. Never both be angry at the same time. 2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. 3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate. 4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly. 5. Never bring up mistakes of the past. 6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. 7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. 8. At least once a day try to say one complimentary or kind thing to your life's partner. 9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness. 10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking. Father Julian Cassar

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This is a picture I took in 1998 in Larchmont, New York. It was a sunrise over looking the Long Island Sound, and it captures the beauty of God. I hope you can use it as a meditation to reflect on and find yourself in God's presence by admiring the beauty that only He can create.

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