Sep 30, 2010
Roberto Benigni -Love, and do what you do want...
Here is a man who is in love with life!
A comedia clown, and found someone who will play with him!
A Zani,
God bless those who do not 'fit in'.
A comedia clown, and found someone who will play with him!
A Zani,
God bless those who do not 'fit in'.
Sep 27, 2010
Depression...
I sat in meditation
wondering why this overwhelming sadness
so followed the mantra
deep within
not fearing the pain
but letting it show
My Lord
Why did it hurt so when my husband left?
I knew he was coming back
it was an overseas school trip
See, here he lies beside me
but my heart is cold to breaking.
Why, Lord, the unreasonable pain?
Thy beautiful chest
the Sacred Heart
Surrounded by thorns.
Will you let Me?
Just one pierces mine...
Thy beautiful chest
the Sacred Heart
Surrounded by thorns.
Will you let Me?
Just one pierces mine...
I see the same sadness in my 10-year-old son
and I want to release him too.
And I was ten again
kneeling at my bed
crying because I had just been to
Jesus Christ Superstar
and I would never see Jesus (John English) again
knowing the tears were for
my stepfather
who had left before Christmas.
One clean tear fell
and as it slipped down my cheek
the sweet salt on my lips
a drop of blood
dripped down Your exquisite Chest
the same chest I blushed over at Your baptism.
You bled for me!
You took the greater burden
and purged me!
As gratitude and wonder swelled,
it dawned:
He came back!
and sleeps beside me again.
And I tucked into a cuddle with my man
Warm and loving again...
You are the New Covenant
the sins are not passed on down the generations
if we dare to prevail upon You.
A new wonder dawns at another view of
"You died for us, You suffered for us"
to share and carry our burdens
You recognise our sins stem from wounds
We stagger under.
You tenderly hold out Your Hand
to pluck the thorn
to bleed with us...
I watch confessions of debilitating depression
and people's heroic efforts to tame the demons
staggering under loads not their own
and I wish many more would prevail upon You
who aches to release us all
to bask in His Love
Lord I pray that many more find You
Just taste, just try,
Even as an experiment...
Just open a chink
to let You open their door wide!
Sep 16, 2010
Sep 15, 2010
Dr Seuss
To my darling 11-year-old son, as he flies off overseas on his first big trip!
http://www.teamhope.com/seuss.htm
With love from Mum
http://www.teamhope.com/seuss.htm
With love from Mum
Sep 4, 2010
From the Aitareya-Upanishad
"Out of water he lifted an egg.
He warmed it, and because of His warmth a being with a mouth opened through a crack, for His own form lay within it. From the mouth came speech; from speech fire. A nose appeared; from its nostrils came breath, from breath air. The eyes appeared; from the eyes came sight; from sight the sun. The ears appeared; from the ears came hearing; from hearing the four quarters. The skin appeared; from the skin came hair; from hair vegetation. The heart appeared; from the heart came the mind; from the mind came the moon. The naval appeared; from the naval came the downward breath Apana; from Apana death. Sex appeared; from sex came seed; from seed water."
And watching the chick hatch, it needed warmth to have the energy to start the move out into the world. First appears the beak, then it peeps, then its nostrils, you can see it panting with the effort. Then its eyes, the whole head, and the final squirm, the whole body breaks loose, the fluff still wet. Not until it is fully born, do we know if it is male or female...
He warmed it, and because of His warmth a being with a mouth opened through a crack, for His own form lay within it. From the mouth came speech; from speech fire. A nose appeared; from its nostrils came breath, from breath air. The eyes appeared; from the eyes came sight; from sight the sun. The ears appeared; from the ears came hearing; from hearing the four quarters. The skin appeared; from the skin came hair; from hair vegetation. The heart appeared; from the heart came the mind; from the mind came the moon. The naval appeared; from the naval came the downward breath Apana; from Apana death. Sex appeared; from sex came seed; from seed water."
And watching the chick hatch, it needed warmth to have the energy to start the move out into the world. First appears the beak, then it peeps, then its nostrils, you can see it panting with the effort. Then its eyes, the whole head, and the final squirm, the whole body breaks loose, the fluff still wet. Not until it is fully born, do we know if it is male or female...
New Life
Henrietta von Cluck,
she disappeared a few weeks ago:
"The cats did get her while she was laying."
Then she appeared one day at the doorstep,
puffed up and quick-step clucky
growling at the roosters' enthusiastic welcome.
She was happy to be scooped up,
but there was only one thing on her mind
Food!
She frantically gobbled the bowl of offerings on the kitchen floor
then fussed straight back -
to the nest!
Yes, Ari followed her and found a clutch of eggs -18!
tucked in the garden under our bedroom window.
Over the next couple of weeks
Matti made a fortress of branches around her,
"so the cats can't get in, but see the little doorway I made for her?"
and every couple of days
she'd appear at the door
gobble frantically
then back on duty within 15 minutes.
One day she appeared later than usual
and peeping could be heard;
two wee chicks huddled under the daffodils.
We checked the nest,
the eggs were cold.
Were they explosive or full?
Gingerly we tucked them in some hay,
ousting the guineapigs,
to shut her in their hutch for the night.
The following morning
Ari delicately woke us with another wee peeper,
so new it was happy to sit on my chest and peck at the blanket.
The rest of the day it has been full of exciting news updates
"Another egg is cracking"
"We can hear peeping in the eggs!"
"She's showing the bigger ones how to drink water"
"We have five now!"
"We've shut her back in the hutch cause she won't stay on the eggs"
"Its ok, she's settled back on the nest now."
"I watched one make the final burst out!"
The next door neighbour's toddler girls
had to be invited over to share in the excitement.
So simple,
so profound.
she disappeared a few weeks ago:
"The cats did get her while she was laying."
Then she appeared one day at the doorstep,
puffed up and quick-step clucky
growling at the roosters' enthusiastic welcome.
She was happy to be scooped up,
but there was only one thing on her mind
Food!
She frantically gobbled the bowl of offerings on the kitchen floor
then fussed straight back -
to the nest!
Yes, Ari followed her and found a clutch of eggs -18!
tucked in the garden under our bedroom window.
Over the next couple of weeks
Matti made a fortress of branches around her,
"so the cats can't get in, but see the little doorway I made for her?"
and every couple of days
she'd appear at the door
gobble frantically
then back on duty within 15 minutes.
One day she appeared later than usual
and peeping could be heard;
two wee chicks huddled under the daffodils.
We checked the nest,
the eggs were cold.
Were they explosive or full?
Gingerly we tucked them in some hay,
ousting the guineapigs,
to shut her in their hutch for the night.
The following morning
Ari delicately woke us with another wee peeper,
so new it was happy to sit on my chest and peck at the blanket.
"Another egg is cracking"
"We can hear peeping in the eggs!"
"She's showing the bigger ones how to drink water"
"We have five now!"
"We've shut her back in the hutch cause she won't stay on the eggs"
"Its ok, she's settled back on the nest now."
"I watched one make the final burst out!"
The next door neighbour's toddler girls
had to be invited over to share in the excitement.
so profound.
Reconciliation
It has been hanging over me for ages, that I need reconciliation.
So last night, I prepared dinner for family (who are all down with the bot) and slipped out for Saturday Vigil (it being the first Saturday of the month) and surprised myself by arriving 20 minutes or so early. I sat in the car, realising there was time. So I made a bargain with Jesus: If He was sitting waiting by or in the confessional, then I'd go in.
I walked in, and there he was, sitting outside the confessional. So, it was natural as, to ask if he was there for reconciliations, we fussed around trying to find the lightswitch for the room (he's a temporary priest until the new one settles in). I was then ransacking my mind, what was I going to say, what were they all, that had sent my heart in a downward spiral?
Then sitting down, the words were perfect, and I didn't blubber, though tears pricked, and it was as natural as sitting for a cuppa with a friend.
During Mass, there was a difference, and I wondered what it was. And there was no self-consiousness, the sincerity was simple too.
Talking about with my son during bedtime afterwards, it dawned on us - the mind wasn't going round and round in circles. It was quiet. He laughed that others (like myself) agonise over going. He finds it simple and normal.
Today, I haven't spent time in useless stuff, in fact, no desire to...
So simple.
So last night, I prepared dinner for family (who are all down with the bot) and slipped out for Saturday Vigil (it being the first Saturday of the month) and surprised myself by arriving 20 minutes or so early. I sat in the car, realising there was time. So I made a bargain with Jesus: If He was sitting waiting by or in the confessional, then I'd go in.
I walked in, and there he was, sitting outside the confessional. So, it was natural as, to ask if he was there for reconciliations, we fussed around trying to find the lightswitch for the room (he's a temporary priest until the new one settles in). I was then ransacking my mind, what was I going to say, what were they all, that had sent my heart in a downward spiral?
Then sitting down, the words were perfect, and I didn't blubber, though tears pricked, and it was as natural as sitting for a cuppa with a friend.
During Mass, there was a difference, and I wondered what it was. And there was no self-consiousness, the sincerity was simple too.
Talking about with my son during bedtime afterwards, it dawned on us - the mind wasn't going round and round in circles. It was quiet. He laughed that others (like myself) agonise over going. He finds it simple and normal.
Today, I haven't spent time in useless stuff, in fact, no desire to...
So simple.
Sep 2, 2010
1st September 2010 from Anne a Lay Apostle
Jesus
Be at peace in your day, dear apostles.
Perhaps you are learning to move more slowly, and perhaps this has helped you to be more connected to My presence in your service. How blessed you are if this lesson has taken root in your life. Strive to achieve this way of life because you will have the greatest gifts available to you if you move methodically, with Me. Sometimes, people are unaware of the nature of My grace flowing into the day through their cooperation. This is best, dear apostles.
Be like little children who throw many leaves from a bridge into a stream and then walk away. The impact of their action flows down the stream without any help from the child and the impact from your daily service flows into the greater stream of the Church without any further action on your part. Truly, your consistent service impacts the entire Church in some way, both in the day you are spending your time and in the future where you may not be spending time. Each of you serves as a result of the service of many people. You were formed and directed in your faith by the sacrifice of those who went before you in service. Be grateful for their sacrifice and then you, also, give willingly and generously for those around you and those who will come after you.
Dear friends, I am sending formation through each of you that is very specific for this time. It is for this reason that I implore you to remain fixed on Me and all that I am asking you to do. I want you to be holy. I can bring the greatest amount of mercy into the world if My beloved friends help Me. Be disinterested when the enemy of unity brings you reasons to disagree with those around you. Be interested when your Jesus begs you to overlook the flaws of others and serve alongside them in harmony.
Dear apostles, we have nothing without unity. Our campaign of love will only be successful if we concentrate on love. Love overcomes everything, even the most profound suffering. Because, when one of God’s children has nothing and he is bereft, the smallest bit of love is like the greatest feast.
I, your Jesus, am now a beggar. I am begging you to love. Allow Me to see to justice because only I am equipped to pass judgement. You must see to loving, despite any wounds you have suffered. I am the greatest victim of injustice so I am the best consoler. Bring your suffering to Me and I will send you away with love, which you will then continue to distribute on My behalf. Be serious about My work, dear apostles. It is important.
http://www.directionforourtimes.org/
Perhaps you are learning to move more slowly, and perhaps this has helped you to be more connected to My presence in your service. How blessed you are if this lesson has taken root in your life. Strive to achieve this way of life because you will have the greatest gifts available to you if you move methodically, with Me. Sometimes, people are unaware of the nature of My grace flowing into the day through their cooperation. This is best, dear apostles.
Be like little children who throw many leaves from a bridge into a stream and then walk away. The impact of their action flows down the stream without any help from the child and the impact from your daily service flows into the greater stream of the Church without any further action on your part. Truly, your consistent service impacts the entire Church in some way, both in the day you are spending your time and in the future where you may not be spending time. Each of you serves as a result of the service of many people. You were formed and directed in your faith by the sacrifice of those who went before you in service. Be grateful for their sacrifice and then you, also, give willingly and generously for those around you and those who will come after you.
Dear friends, I am sending formation through each of you that is very specific for this time. It is for this reason that I implore you to remain fixed on Me and all that I am asking you to do. I want you to be holy. I can bring the greatest amount of mercy into the world if My beloved friends help Me. Be disinterested when the enemy of unity brings you reasons to disagree with those around you. Be interested when your Jesus begs you to overlook the flaws of others and serve alongside them in harmony.
Dear apostles, we have nothing without unity. Our campaign of love will only be successful if we concentrate on love. Love overcomes everything, even the most profound suffering. Because, when one of God’s children has nothing and he is bereft, the smallest bit of love is like the greatest feast.
I, your Jesus, am now a beggar. I am begging you to love. Allow Me to see to justice because only I am equipped to pass judgement. You must see to loving, despite any wounds you have suffered. I am the greatest victim of injustice so I am the best consoler. Bring your suffering to Me and I will send you away with love, which you will then continue to distribute on My behalf. Be serious about My work, dear apostles. It is important.
http://www.directionforourtimes.org/
Sep 1, 2010
In defence of Medjugorje
A post I wrote in response to an adament 'no' to Mother Mary's visionaries in Medjugorje.
She has been a major part of my conversion to the Catholic faith.
To expand, an example is the 'five pebbles' of:
She has been a major part of my conversion to the Catholic faith.
To expand, an example is the 'five pebbles' of:
- prayer (particularly the Rosary)
- fasting (Wednesdays and Fridays)
- daily Eucharist/Mass,
- conversion (which is always a challenge to daily return to the Father),
- reconciliation,
have lead me deeper into a love of Jesus. Her motherly ways have always been gentle, compassionate and so patient... on a heart which used to have no space for Her Son, Jesus. Six years later, I am still struggling with each of the pebbles, but there is always encouragement and confirmation of any efforts made...
She does not precede Him - He is the Word of God, part of the Holy Trinity, made flesh - but isn't she is the vessel? We are warned to read the signs of the times... both of the visionaries and the sad state of our earth, spiritually and physically. She calls for unity, reconciliation and prayer, to start our work of love and service in our own families. I turn and look at my own family, and there is much work to be done.
Dancing suns and photos of pilgrims' miraculous sights are not what I seek. But Her words are full of peace, sorrow, patience and joy. The visionaries' witnesses are humble and simple.
Through her I have come to know and love the Body, the Church, and the authority that Peter has been entrusted with, the rock on which the Church is built - that is why I chose the Catholic faith, rather than one of a myriad of others.
The Rosary gave me a path through the Bible, together with daily Mass.
And so, all preparation is waiting for Christ who comes like a thief in the night. Regularly He knocks on my door, when I am least prepared... the times when I slack off, is when the visitor arrives. But there have also been times when I have been grateful for Her disciplines to be ready and respond with full measure.
God bless
Aug 20, 2010
The Cool Dark
O Lord!
Thank you for Your Home
Where we can rush through puddles
shake off the rain
find a quiet corner in a pool of silence
and through our prayers
find the quiet pool of silence in our heart
where You reside.
Bless thee child
I am always waiting
And another comes in
from Poland
he walks the aisle
kneels before Thee
in tailored woollen overcoat
and shiny black shoes
then sets himself upin tailored woollen overcoat
and shiny black shoes
before the Icon in Mary's sanctuary
as natural as Grace Itself.
Bless Thee Lord
May I have the simplicity
to prevail upon You again.
Aug 12, 2010
Love of the Divine Love
In love with the Divine, our Lord, our Mother
who walk hand in hand)
Dance of Quan Yin, Buddhisatva of Love and Compassion, Divine Mother
http://youtu.be/xgHmSdpjEIk
The handmovements:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTrDG2r6cbI&feature=related
Classical Indian Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNcIjWTwBo&feature=channel
(this dancer is called Anita)
Kyrie e leison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR3Y5hDncn4http://youtu.be/xgHmSdpjEIk
who walk hand in hand)
Dance of Quan Yin, Buddhisatva of Love and Compassion, Divine Mother
http://youtu.be/xgHmSdpjEIk
The handmovements:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTrDG2r6cbI&feature=related
Classical Indian Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNcIjWTwBo&feature=channel
(this dancer is called Anita)
Kyrie e leison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR3Y5hDncn4http://youtu.be/xgHmSdpjEIk
Jun 14, 2010
Thank you
I visited a friend, single, in her thirties. She had a sweet two-bedroom flat which she had decorated to her own tastes (was in the midst of repainting), had many friends and an active social life, was writing a book, teaching and studying. She had widely travelled, and varied interests. Her life was her own. I sat in her cosy flat with a cuppa and chatter, quietly envious.
Then I drove home, and waiting for me at the gate were two boys, who were bright-eyed and tail-wagging happy to see me. They opened the gate, crawled in the car to chatter and give hugs and join me in the trip up the short driveway. One sat on my knee and 'drove' the car to its parking space. Inside, the house warm and glowing, hubby quietly sitting on the couch, (sorting fossils, his passion) and the light in his eyes was the same. It mattered that I was a part of their life, very much.
And Shakespeare's "For thy sweet love remembered, such wealth brings, that then I scorn to change my state with kings."
May 16, 2010
Apr 23, 2010
Jesus is the Son of God
It really hit home!
Saul, who was a devout defender of the Jewish determination to
exterminate the new little Jesus sect,
returned after his encounter on the road to Damascus and his baptism,
to the Temple,
and said,
Jesus is the Son of God.
That was what the Jews crucified him for,
for saying that he is the Son of God.
Saul/Paul, stout heart!
We would know nothing about Jesus
if you had not heard and obeyed.
How, Lord, do I serve this family?!!
I knelt and prayed before Mother today, prayed for Her help, Her intercession. To pray to the Father for forgiveness for blundering around my children last night. Oh Lord, if I heard a teacher getting so angry with their class, I would tut-tut.
On the kneeler's arm-rest is a little picture, again of Jesus washing Peter's feet, and this time Peter has his hands held up in protest, caught in the moment of "You should not be washing my feet!"
And Mother smiled. I looked again. My son throws his hands up when I ask for obedience, simple service around the house, "not now", and blatent, "why?", or even "no!", or "the problem is...".
I am serving him by asking for jobs and looking after uniform, and so on...
The rage doesn't work though, does it Mother?
I look again to Jesus. Did he get angry at Peter's response? Did He throw His hands up in anger and despair? Did he echo Peter's loud protest? Did He shut down in resentment?
No, He sank deeper in His Father's Love and served truthfully. Be still and know that I am God.
I am with you always. Continue in My work shaping your children. What you ask for is true, but your methods lack finesse.
So, we arrived home,
and again the protests about clearing gear from the car, changing into playclothes, homework...
Remember Me, before protesting Peter. I could even smile, and stay small...
I nearly threw my hands up myself to withdraw all service, but...
"I send the rain and shine on the undeserving too..."
O Lord!
So dinner was continued, the washing was continued
quiet firmness maintained...
and the children quietened, returned refreshed and apologetic...
Thank you Lord!
On the kneeler's arm-rest is a little picture, again of Jesus washing Peter's feet, and this time Peter has his hands held up in protest, caught in the moment of "You should not be washing my feet!"
And Mother smiled. I looked again. My son throws his hands up when I ask for obedience, simple service around the house, "not now", and blatent, "why?", or even "no!", or "the problem is...".
I am serving him by asking for jobs and looking after uniform, and so on...
The rage doesn't work though, does it Mother?
I look again to Jesus. Did he get angry at Peter's response? Did He throw His hands up in anger and despair? Did he echo Peter's loud protest? Did He shut down in resentment?
No, He sank deeper in His Father's Love and served truthfully. Be still and know that I am God.
I am with you always. Continue in My work shaping your children. What you ask for is true, but your methods lack finesse.
So, we arrived home,
and again the protests about clearing gear from the car, changing into playclothes, homework...
Remember Me, before protesting Peter. I could even smile, and stay small...
I nearly threw my hands up myself to withdraw all service, but...
"I send the rain and shine on the undeserving too..."
O Lord!
So dinner was continued, the washing was continued
quiet firmness maintained...
and the children quietened, returned refreshed and apologetic...
Thank you Lord!
Jesus Washing Peter's feet
http://www.painting-palace.com/en/paintings/11926
The quiet intensity on my Lord's face, first of all, so young, so absorbed in His teaching. The eye lingers on the nape of the neck, the muscular arm, past the rolled sleeves and crumpled towel, to the foot in His determined grip. You can almost hear the splash of water echoing and ringing in the copper bowl.
And dear Peter, the look on his face - "What is this young whippersnapper up to now!" makes me smile. As he continues to watch, he is absorbed into the attention that Jesus is giving him, sinking deeper and deeper into the love which pours from the firmness and simplicity of His touch.
Jesus looks like a Son: as he serves Peter, he serves his Father. Young, determined and the ear is open to the reactions around. Unmoved, He continues, until the job is done.
The quiet intensity on my Lord's face, first of all, so young, so absorbed in His teaching. The eye lingers on the nape of the neck, the muscular arm, past the rolled sleeves and crumpled towel, to the foot in His determined grip. You can almost hear the splash of water echoing and ringing in the copper bowl.
And dear Peter, the look on his face - "What is this young whippersnapper up to now!" makes me smile. As he continues to watch, he is absorbed into the attention that Jesus is giving him, sinking deeper and deeper into the love which pours from the firmness and simplicity of His touch.
Jesus looks like a Son: as he serves Peter, he serves his Father. Young, determined and the ear is open to the reactions around. Unmoved, He continues, until the job is done.
Apr 16, 2010
Louis Armstrong and Roger Whittaker
Two voices from childhood, after a dip in Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY-2einPmd4
Reminds me of stormy nights on holiday at Mangawhai Heads, tucked in a wee basic two-room bach, rain lashing at the window, woolen jersey over summer clothes, dim light-bulb and Nana's little angel dangling over the table.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY-2einPmd4
Reminds me of stormy nights on holiday at Mangawhai Heads, tucked in a wee basic two-room bach, rain lashing at the window, woolen jersey over summer clothes, dim light-bulb and Nana's little angel dangling over the table.
Apr 11, 2010
How can this not be from our Beloved!
(From TLIG.org)
All flesh must come to You
All flesh must come to You
with all its sins;
though our faults overpower us,
You blot them out;
Happy the man You choose, whom You invite
to live in Your Courts.
Fill us with good things of Your house,
of Your Holy Temple. 1
My Vassula, let Me use your ear, so that you hear Me; let Me use your hand so that you write down My sayings; then let Me use your mind to fill it with My Knowledge and fill your whole being with the instructions coming from Wisdom; accept all My offers, My beloved friend, and you will advance in the pace I had foreseen;
I want, My Vassula, for this generation and for the generations to come, to leave an everlasting memory of My Mercy; none of all these Riches that are coming from the treasury of My Heart would be attributed to you, since you knew nothing at all in the beginning at the time when you were called by the Lover of mankind, since your whole body laid then in darkness; but since I am the Lord of the saints, I am no less Lord than of the wretched; I looked at you and loved you .... I am renowned for My Mercy and for the tenderness of My Heart; I am renowned for the weakness I have for children;
rejoice then, daughter, that your King stooped from His Throne to give you thrice the kisses of resurrection on your soul; inebriated by the sweetness of My kisses, your soul now sings praises to Me, glorifying your Lover; I knew then that by throwing just one of My glances on you I would soften instantly the hardness of your self-will and shatter the crust surrounding your heart; and so I did .... oh, what would I not do for such a frail soul to bring it to a complete spiritual union with My Deity and make it one spirit with Me!
I have bidden you, My beloved, to build a holy temple within you, an altar in the city where We2 would pitch Our tent, a copy of that sacred tabernacle which We had prepared from the beginning, and so you have, faithful little friend; this is why Wisdom was able to help you and through you thousands of other souls; Wisdom educated you and many others through this Divine Work, leading everyone into a marvellous road; this Work is the proof of My overflowing Love;
O blessed and overflowing with graces
Heart of Jesus, Divine Goodness,
You who with one of Your glances
overthrow kings and kingdoms,
intoxicating cities and towns,
inebriating to folly hearts
and holding them captives of love
and for ever enamoured of Your Divinity,
Your Eyes, my Lord,
are a Garden of Eden, exquisitely beautiful;
Your Heart is like an infinite universe of grace in Grace,
Your whole being, like an ivory tower
with glittering precious stones encrusted on its walls;
Eternal Light,
Your two Natures are the movement of our heart;
O God! I find that I do not suffice to form one intelligible word
that might come close enough
to describe such Sovereignty and Splendour
as this of my Lord's.
ah Vassula, My comfort! I was determined to take you to share My Kingdom! this Love I have, this thirst I have for souls, burns in My Heart; it is love that led Me to the Cross, unmindful of its shamefulness; it is My Love that leads Me now to you, generation, calling one of the most inadequate creatures amongst you, the one who lacked the knowledge not only of Scriptures but also the knowledge of My Will; at that time, a scandal in the eyes of My saints and angels; to call such a wretched soul from her death and raise her to My Divine Heart, bringing her up in My royal courts, is a sign you should not ignore, it is a sign for the rest of you to grow in your confidence and learn that I call every soul, to abandon its evil conduct of today and turn to Me wholeheartedly so that she may share too My Glory;
come, My beloved one; I, Jesus, love you;
Apr 10, 2010
Ann a Lay Apostle (direction of our times)
She receives a monthly message from our Lord (Vatican approved)
This month's message, it fits....
This month's message, it fits....
On the first of every month, Our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.
"April 1, 2010
Jesus
My dear apostles, I am with you. I am present in every challenge you experience. I see your struggle and I provide everything you need to serve Me in each day. If you have given Me your day, then the day belongs to Me. Your self-will has been offered to heaven and heaven exchanges it for My will. How do you experience this? On most days your experience of serving Me is a mystery to you. How could it be otherwise when you are seeing with eyes that have not yet been exposed to the divine vision? Day after day, you offer your will to Me and day after day, I use your offering to gently push Myself through you to others.
Do you feel successful? Or do you feel, at times, that you are unsuccessful? Poor little apostles, I understand your questions and I understand your doubts. I assure you, in My human experience, I did not feel successful at every moment. My experience was often much to the contrary. I often experienced the temptation to believe that I was failing the Father. I sometimes, in moments of human temptation, wondered if, in fact, love was enough. Could love succeed in turning hearts to goodness? Could love succeed in persuading God’s children to accept the Father’s beautiful plan for humanity?
Yes, please believe that I suffered temptation. And now, you suffer temptation. Together, our temptations suffered for the Father, bring soothing graces to others.
You, My beautiful apostle, serve despite temptations to abandon Me. Where others leave, you endure. You endure for Me, as I endured for you.
From My perspective, all is well, despite your suffering. My plan is perfect and if you are serving Me, listening to My voice, there are no problems. If you are not serving Me and you are not listening to My voice, then there are many problems for you and there will continue to be many problems for you.
‘Ah’, you say, ‘Jesus, I am listening to you and still I have these problems’. We must differentiate small problems from big problems. Small problems are the sufferings you bear for the sake of the divine will. Big problems are the problems you face when you abandon My will and insert your own will. Are you praying? Are you in steady communication with Me? Do you ask Me what I want you to do in situations where you are unsure? Do you spend time in silence, considering heaven and heaven’s plan for you in the day? Answer yes to these questions and I assure you, your problems will be manageable.
Do not believe I ignore your sighs or turn away from your fears. I am with you. I will never abandon you. My plan will be realised through your perseverance and through the perseverance of many apostles like you.
I am so pleased when you pray for each other because this is how you experience, in advance, My gratitude. You see My gratitude in the graces received by others through your intercession.
Rejoice. I am responding to your pain and answering your prayers. Truly, I am with you."
Resentment
Thomas Merton has a couple of words to say on this....
"The most necessary of renunciations: to give up resentment... It is the last-ditch stand of freedom in the midst of confusion. The confusion is in escapable, but at least we can refuse to accept it, we can say "No". We can live in a state of mute protest.
...But if it is a device which enables man to survive, it does not enable him, necessarily, to survive healthily. It is not a real exercise of freedom...
... The problem is to learn how to renounce resentment without selling out ... in a spirit of uplift and willing complicity...
...It is not that someone else is preventing you from living happily; you yourself do not know what you want. (!!???!!! between the eyes, mate!) Rather than admit this, you pretend that someone is keeping you from exercising your liberty. Who is this? It is you yourself... (Oh...)
...Paradoxically, it is the acceptance of God that makes you free and delivers you from human tyranny, for when you serve Him you are no longer permitted to alienate your spirit in human servitude. God did not invite the children of Israel to leave the slavery of Egypt, He commanded them to do so."
(New Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton, pg 110)
I look to the anger which bursts forth, am surprised to see a seed of resentment hiding, a mute protest as I pick up the next thing off the floor, drive to work again, demand politeness and jobs from my children, put aside my thoughts and desires for others... It is heavy, it creates headaches, joy is stifled, life is a chore, opportunities are missed, and no-one understands... What an absurd way to live!
And behind it, I remember times of serving Thee, in the midst of absurdity, and it works. The politics of work, the sullen looks, the new load of dishes, slide off like water off a ducks back, as I give all to Thee. Thy quiet steadiness prevails, the fresh way opens up, the miracle of daily life surprises again...
Bless. You always give what I need, not necessarily what I want...
And You whisper in my ear how much You love me... delight in all efforts to return to Thee, find anyway possible to remain with Thee, even when it hurts and I stomp my feet in protest. Glory to God in the highest! It is not flattery, but gentle, joyous encouragement. Blessed be God forever!
"The most necessary of renunciations: to give up resentment... It is the last-ditch stand of freedom in the midst of confusion. The confusion is in escapable, but at least we can refuse to accept it, we can say "No". We can live in a state of mute protest.
...But if it is a device which enables man to survive, it does not enable him, necessarily, to survive healthily. It is not a real exercise of freedom...
... The problem is to learn how to renounce resentment without selling out ... in a spirit of uplift and willing complicity...
...It is not that someone else is preventing you from living happily; you yourself do not know what you want. (!!???!!! between the eyes, mate!) Rather than admit this, you pretend that someone is keeping you from exercising your liberty. Who is this? It is you yourself... (Oh...)
...Paradoxically, it is the acceptance of God that makes you free and delivers you from human tyranny, for when you serve Him you are no longer permitted to alienate your spirit in human servitude. God did not invite the children of Israel to leave the slavery of Egypt, He commanded them to do so."
(New Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton, pg 110)
I look to the anger which bursts forth, am surprised to see a seed of resentment hiding, a mute protest as I pick up the next thing off the floor, drive to work again, demand politeness and jobs from my children, put aside my thoughts and desires for others... It is heavy, it creates headaches, joy is stifled, life is a chore, opportunities are missed, and no-one understands... What an absurd way to live!
And behind it, I remember times of serving Thee, in the midst of absurdity, and it works. The politics of work, the sullen looks, the new load of dishes, slide off like water off a ducks back, as I give all to Thee. Thy quiet steadiness prevails, the fresh way opens up, the miracle of daily life surprises again...
Bless. You always give what I need, not necessarily what I want...
And You whisper in my ear how much You love me... delight in all efforts to return to Thee, find anyway possible to remain with Thee, even when it hurts and I stomp my feet in protest. Glory to God in the highest! It is not flattery, but gentle, joyous encouragement. Blessed be God forever!
Henrietta Chook
Our dear priest has given our children back to us, telling us it is our job to lead our children to reconciliation. He helps us to prepare for reconciliation ourselves, but then says, pass it on.
He likens it to a hen with her chickens.
So I bought a wee bantam hen and ten little chickens.
Henrietta Chook. Black, with gold flecks round her neck, a bright red crown and sharp black eyes.
She puffs herself up, and clucks quietly as she steps around the lawn. Her chicks peck at everything, chase flies, hop on her back, tuck away amongst her feathers when tired. She earnestly scratches in the earth, searching, searching, searching. Ah, a tidbit! Excitedly she calls, head bobbing, "dook, dook, dook, dook", tapping the ground with her beak. They drop everything, scamper over, a flurry of wings and peeps, to sample what she shows to be good.
Serenity Prayer
Lord!
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference...
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference...
Love one another as I have loved you...
Saw this picture on the wall as I left Church today and it stopped me in my tracks. Tears pricked, seduced again by His quiet teaching, His simple intensity to always go for the Truth alone.
The old man has finished protesting, and leans back, surrendering his foot, to watch this young whippersnapper quietly washing it. What is he up to now? he scowls. And as he watches, he is drawn into the quiet, still not convinced, but willing to try.
The creased robes, the towel wrapped round his waist, the sleeve rolled up to the shoulder, the muscular arm, the arch of His neck, the hand cradling the ankle, our Lord at the height of his physical beauty.
There is a firmness within the gentleness, a humility within the leadership. Only the truth will do.
Within the gesture, He teaches how to serve, with full attention.
And I look to all that I am asked to do, and how can I refuse You?
Mar 30, 2010
Easter Eggs
Found this lovely site, advertising Ukranian Eggs, but also gives a potted history of the origins and legends associated with them....
http://www.ukrainian-n-things.com/pysanky2.htm
Feb 20, 2010
Jan 31, 2010
Simple Grace
Simple Grace may be in a moment
a gesture
an object
a conversion of heart
Bless all who find
Simple Grace in their lives
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