JMJ

Love this. ♥

Sorry I've been away. Peace & Love, Anne

*JMJ* Merry Christmas Everyone! I've seen this on EWTN the other night. Maybe you have seen it too. I thought that this pic was a day late and a dollar short????? Really? Isn't this night just the beginning of our Christmas season???

Peace & Love, Anne

Check This Out!

*JMJ* I got this in an e-mail and I just had to share it with all of my bloggers. I think this is so cool! Check this out ... A couple purchased an old church in Kyloe, Northumberland. They invested a lot of money on the interior but the exterior Remained almost completely intact. They did more of a restoration Rather than a renovation which would have cost them 3 times less. Had they not purchased the old church who knows what would have happened to it As it was in very bad shape. The couple however adapted very well to the interior while leaving the outside with the minimum appearance of a house.

Aren't these photos amazing! I wanted to see more of them! As amazing as these photos are, I don't know if I could ever feel comfortable in a place like this. And not because there is a cemetery right out there window, lol. What about you? Could you see yourself living in a home like this? I do have to say though, that I do love the pew chairs at the dining room table. Have a blessed day! Love & Peace, Anne

P.S. I just want to thank the person who sent me this e-mail.

Palm Sunday

*JMJ* Hello fellow Catholics. As you well know, we just celebrated Palm Sunday in the Catholic church. I just love palm Sunday. For one I know that the Easter Celebration is just a week away. And that Lent is just about coming to a close. But! But not without our parish priests leading us through the sacred triduum first. Which is so sad to me. This is the time when us Catholics should feel the pressure of Christ's cross weighing on Him because of our sinfulness. And how much our good Lord had to suffer because of our sins that we commit even to this very day and time in the year of 2010. The triduum a very difficult time to go through in the Catholic Church. Just the somberness of the triduum stifles my breath. Significant but simple gestures add to this difficult time. When there is no music playing. When no one speaks. The alters are bare. When all the priests and the deacons lay prostrate before the alter. You witness all these priests prostrate, who give their whole lives to follow Christ and His Church. It makes me feel so humbled. We are nothing without Christ. Christ is our everything. We all take part in nailing Christ to the cross because of our sins. But yet I have deep sorrow when we walk through the triduum and have to feel the suffering that our Lord had to endure for all of us. I feel much suffering and I'm not the one who was crucified. How can you not venerate that cross on Good Friday and say, "I'm sorry Lord. Have mercy on me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me so that I to may be with you in heaven."

As sad and difficult as this time is, we all can look forward to the triumph of our Lord's Victory when we are all able to shout out Alle......Oh! Not yet! We must wait for Easter before we can finally feel the joy of our risen Lord's victory.

I just get chills when I think of the Easter scriptures. When the angel sits upon the moved rock and says....."Christ is not here. He is risen." Or when the risen Lord asks Mary Magdalen why she is crying. She says that she is crying because they took her Lord somewhere and she doesn't know where. And then all Jesus has to say is "Mary." Then Mary's face looked up on the risen Lord's face. She knew then who it was. Those are just a few of the favorite scriptures that make me hold my breath and pull at my heart strings. But I'm getting to far ahead of myself. I hope that you all will join in your parish for the triduum. It's such an important prelude to our Easter season.

Finally getting to the reason why I started this post. Are you one of those people in church who look upon the others who make those beautiful crosses out of those palms and wished you were able to do that? Well, in my parish bulletin this year, they had instructions. I still was having a hard time. So I looked up the directions on the Internet and found the same directions but with pictures which made it a whole lot easier to understand. So here are my palm crosses.

I think they turned out pretty good for my first time. And here is the link that will show you how to make them. http://www.fisheaters.com/customslent11.html

I'm wishing all of you a continued spiritual Lenten season as we all get ready to walk through the triduum together, you and I. So continue to stay on course as we all will be able to finally celebrate the Easter season together. Alle.....(no,no,no. Not yet.)

But I do have to admit that I am very much looking forward to that cup of coffee on Easter morning which I gave up for Lent. Mm. I can't wait!

Peace & Love, Anne

A Letter From Satan

A LETTER TO YOU FROM SATAN I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you Didn’t even bless your meals, or Pray before going to bed last night. You are so Unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am That you have not changed your Way of living, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been Going steady for years. And I still Don’t love you yet. He kicked me out of heaven, And I'm going to use you as long as Possible to pay him back. You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, And I'm going to make your life a Living hell. That way, we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God. Thanks to you, I'm really Showing Him who's boss in your life with All of the good times we've had. We have been cursing people out, Stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, Telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, Back stabbing people, disrespecting adults, And those in leadership positions, No respect for the Church, bad attitudes. SURELY you don't want to give All this up. Come on, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me To you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use You for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, You give in HA, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take it's toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, Get drunk or drink while underage, cheat, gamble, Gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all of this in the presence of children and They will do it too. Kids are like that. Well, I have to let you Go for now. I'll be back in a couple of Seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, You would run somewhere, Confess you sins, Live for God with what little bit of life that You have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, But to be your age and still sinning, It’s becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you. P.S. If you really love me, you won't share this letter with anyone. Written by Unknown

It's Coming....

*JMJ* Yep, it's true. Lent is coming! Like I said in last years post, Lent is my favorite time in the church. To me it's a time when you want to shout out...(pointing) I'm Catholic! I'm...I'm...I'm a Catholic!!!! Me...I'm Catholic (Lol). Oh I'm fasting because...I'm a Catholic! Oh I can't eat meat on Friday because...I'm Catholic! Be proud to have those ashes on your forehead because...I'm a Catholic! And the list goes on and on. I think I get this from the fact that I didn't grow up in the Catholic faith until almost 11 years now. So I'm excited to see that I am still excited about my Catholic faith. Does it get boring? Heck no! With each year, I become a better Catholic. And let me tell you, it's going to take me a lot of Lenten seasons, probably all of my life, to get myself to were God wants me to be! I know I always say this, but when I first became Catholic, I use to pray and asked the Lord why he chose me to become a Catholic. I use to say, "Jesus, I'm such a terrible Catholic (Lol)." I really was. I use to tell the Lord that he made a big mistake calling me to the church. The Lord had no problem pointing out all of my faults. And trust me, there were and still is quite a bit. With more Lenten seasons, I trust that the Lord will iron out all of my wrinkles. And I'm not kidding. It will probably take my whole life time for that! But I've come to learn that our faith is a journey. It will take my whole life to walk through my journey of faith.

Over the past years, I have really liked the Stations of the Cross prayer. So this year, I went out hunting around at different Catholic stores to find the Stations of the Cross prayer beads. I was so happy to finally have one for my own. I've always wanted these prayer beads. They have the 15 pictures for each station. And I real big crucifix. The crucifix has the trinity on it. Father, Son & Holy Spirit. I've never seen a crucifix like that, I like it.

So I'm going to really enjoy using these for the Stations of the Cross prayer this Lenten season. So all I have to do is dust off the ole' bible and grab my rosary beads out of the bottom of that drawer and I'm good to go for this Lenten season. Oh yeah I gotta get me one of those little black books to.

I hope that you all are preparing for Lent. Because it's coming!!

God bless all of my readers. I hope that you all have a very spiritual Lenten season that brings you closer to God. Don't forget that Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It's not a day of Holy Obligation. But please go to mass. It's a wonderful way to kick off the Lenten season.

Peace & Love, Anne

P.S. I'm giving up coffee for Lent!

A Blessing Prayer

*JMJ*

A Blessing Prayer

God bless you in the morning

with His Presence shining bright,

and make the whole day happy

with His radiant love and light...

God bless you in the evening

when daytime hours depart,

and-like a benediction

leave His Peace upon your heart.

I found this little prayer in my parish bulletin. I thought I'd share it with you today. Like the gospel reads this morning, we're each very important to Christ. And Christ has given each individual a personalized gift, and that we all take part in bringing up the kingdom of God. I pray that I am using the gifts that the Lord has given to me to bring up the kingdom of God. I hope you all feel the peace of Christ this Lord's day. God bless each and everyone of you!

Love, Anne

The Names of God

*JMJ* I read this from a prayer card that was given to me. I thought I'd share it with you all.

~The Names of God~

"I AM YOUR PROVIDER"

Gen 22:14

"I AM YOUR HEALER"

Ex 15:26

"I AM YOUR VICTORY"

Ex 17:15

"I AM YOUR PEACE"

Judges 6:24

"I AM YOUR SHEPHERD"

Ps 23:1

"I AM YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS"

Jer 23:6

"I AM YOUR SALVATION"

"Jesus"

"I AM WITH YOU"

Ez 48:35

On the flip side of this prayer card reads....

"My contentment is

not in wealth,

but in seeing You

and knowing

all is well between us.

And when I awake

in heaven

I will be fully satisfied,

for I will see You

face to face."

I just love this little prayer card. But I can't remember who gave it to me. I do hope it comes to me.

On another note, I have been suffering from tension headaches for the past five months now. Please pray for my healing of these headaches. It has been rather awful because it has dragged on for some time now. Thank you.

Happy 2010!

After Christmas Blues?...

*JMJ*  I can honestly say, that I don't feel "the let down," after Christmas this year.
So I've concluded that it's probably what I have learned what Christmas is all about over these past ten years since I've became a Catholic.
Does it mean because I'm maturing with age that I now know the true meaning of Christmas. No. I believe that a child, a teenager, 20's and 30 something's folks, can know what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
You have to be taught though what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Yes, Catholic parents have the obligation of teaching their children this. Parents promise Christ to teach their children about the Catholic church and to raise them in a Catholic home when the they are up at the alter recieving the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
But if those parents weren't taught, then how can they teach their children?
So I don't feel that you learn the true meaning of Christmas as we mature and age. I believe, it needs to be taught. Because there are folks older than I, who don't know the true meaning of Christmas. In my opinion, it's because they weren't taught the true meaning of Christmas.
With that said, I made sure this year, that my youngest son knows what the true meaning of Christmas is.
I feel that if you do know what the true meaning of Christmas is all about, you won't feel that Christmas "let down." Infact, the church is just beginning their Christmas with rejoicing! Christ is born!
That is why I have decided to leave my Christmas decorations up a little longer this year.
Walking into my parish this Christmas season feels so wonderful. I feel like Christ is giving me and my family a big welcome hug. And I feel so at home there. All the Christmas decorations are up and everyone one is singing Silent Night.
I truelly hope that you all found the true meaning of Christmas this year. Because when you know what Christmas is really about, then there will be no room for that Christmas "let down," because your hearts will be full of love for the little Babe in the  manger.
God bless you all and Merry Christmas to you!

Always Listen To Your Mama.....

*JMJ* Today's scripture reading. The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Mk 13:24-32 But in those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather [his] elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch be- comes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. I don't know about you all, but whenever I hear or read from the bible of the Lord's second coming, I get all giddy inside. Especially for all the people who do not believe. Because they are going to get such a rude, rude awakening. They won't be able to miss the day when, from out of the clouds comes the Almighty Jesus Christ! Because we (Christ's follower's) get laughed at. But also I get giddy about the Lord's second coming because all of the evil will be brought to light! Amen. All of our sins will be there for the world to see. All the abuses to children. All of the rapes. All of the murders. All of the souls who starved to death. All of the homeless looking in dumpsters for food. We will also see the babies who were aborted, standing behind their Lord! Amen!! How will we ever be able to look those babies in the eyes after are gaze looks passed the Lord's shoulders. And then standing next to them I'm sure will be the Mother of God. We will be lamenting of the cruelties that we, all people have done. All the evil that was done in the dark will be brought to light for the world to see. And there will be no escaping. For all of the injustices that were done to people, there will be justice. But most importantly is all of the injustice done to our Lord Jesus Christ. He will bring forth his rightly deserved justice. For he is King of heaven. All of the people who never believed in Him. Never prayed to Him. Never wanted to sacrifice anything for Him. People who never went to church. Not once did they visit the Lord before blessed sacrament. Never recited to Holy Rosary but treated it as some good luck charm. Never read there bibles to get to know God. The injustices that are done to him go on and on and will till the end of time. I could not possibly write them all done. Isn't that amazing though, how this will all be brought up and the end of time. It makes you wonder just how long our last judgement is going to be. Hours, days, months, yikes! As we know, the Lord's time is a little different then ours. =) At an intersection on my way to church, there has been no left turns allowed due to construction. Well, I have been cutting through a grocery store parking lot to avoid that intersection. This time I took the alley from behind the grocery store to avoid the parking lot and we seen some old man, looking through the garbage dumpster. He had a decent truck and the fellow looked clean. But maybe he lost his job and was hungry. I don't know. On the way home from church, again I took the ally shortcut form behind the grocery store. My son told me that on the way to church when I did the ally shortcut,that there was a sign that said do not enter, one way. I just simply said. "Oh I didn't see that. (I really didn't. It was God intervening.) I told my children, "I'm sure God would forgive me. Because on the way to church, I seen that man. If I hadn't seen him, I wouldn't have been able to offer up my Holy Communion for him." God seen that I needed to pray for that man. And I did. I would never let an opportunity pass me by like that when I see people in need of my prayers. I even told my children as we were entering the church to pray for that man. At the end of time, I do believe, that we are going to be faced with people who needed our prayers but let an opportunity pass them by. I'm by know means tooting my own horn. I'm just saying that my family and God were the only ones who probably seen that old man. There are so many sad instances in this world where there are horrific situations that only the Lord sees. But at the end of time, those terrible tragedies will be brought to full light for all the world to see. Where is it in Revelation? I found it!..........(Thank you Jesus!) Revelation 1:7...... Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. All the peoples of the earth will lament him. Yes. Amen. If that doesn't make the hair on the back of your neck stand up! It sure does mine! Don't ever do anything that you would not want the world to see. But also, have a pure heart to. I don't know if I want to still be alive for the Lord's second coming. But I would have to believe, that the souls in heaven will probably be trembling when God the father tells Jesus our Lord......it is time.

Some Reminders

*JMJ* I just wanted to remind my readers that October is dedicated as the month of the rosary. So don't forget to say your rosary everyday. That's what the Blessed Virgin Mary asks us to do. It's a very powerful prayer. Mass is the perfect prayer as we know. So I would imagine that the rosary is probably close by. So say your rosaries every day and make the Mother of God happy. Also just another reminder that Pope Benedict the XVI's album is being released November 30. Just in time for Christmas. I can't wait to get my hands on that. And what a great gift idea to give to your loved ones for Christmas. All of the proceeds will be going to musical education. Also, please pray for Pope Benedict the XVI. He broke his wrist and needed surgery on it.

Happy Autumn~

*JMJ* If God brings it to you- God will bring you through it. HAPPY FALL TO YOU!

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'The coworker replied,

'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch,

brings you in,

and washes all the dirt off of you.

Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

This was passed on to me by another pumpkin. Now it's your turn to pass it to other pumpkins. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.

I had gotten this via e-mail the other day. I thought it was cute and wanted to share it with all of you.

I hope everyone is enjoying God's splendid beauty in this fall season!

An Awesome God!

*JMJ* I absolutely love to read the National Geographic's. I love, love, love this magazine. This is the only magazine that I read from cover to cover. No kidding. I sent away for a subscription. They have a great deal going on right now and I get a free world map. I just love free stuff. =) But the reason why I'm writing this post in my Catholic blog is because every time I pick up one of these magazines, it brings my mind to God. Every single time. Even if I don't pick one up for six months. And the August issue was no different. When I see the photos of strange, but beautiful colored birds. I think of God. It also had a picture of leaves. But if you looked closer, you can see three frogs! They were blending in with there surroundings to hide from predators. When an article talks about the biggest volcano in Yellowstone park that will eventually pop some day. And they show graphs of the depths of these volcano's going thousands of miles below the earths surface. This just amazes me. When the Yellowstone volcano erupts one day.....and it will.....that it will destroy the whole earth. That's what the experts are saying. You can see photos of strange ocean creatures. Again it will bring my mind to God who created them. It's just amazes me. Or there will be an article talking about how Salmon go back to there birth place to mate and then they die. But the generation keeps repeating it self. It's just, so fascinating. It brings my mind to God. How did God create all of this in as little of six days! Oh my gosh. It's a mystery. I will never understand it. Not now anyway. But hopefully one day. I forget what country, but bodies were being found in the bogs in a leather like state in almost perfect condition from thousands of years ago. It's just so remarkable. Get this. The last article was about camels! That brought my mind to Christ. Because there were camels in His day for transportation. The three wise men, right? When I got to it, I thought "This doesn't bring my mind to God." Then I thought, "Oh my gosh! It does! It does!" Lol. =) See! And to think that God had created all of us human beings. But what really gets me is all of the intricacies. How all humans, animals, plants, the atmosphere and the bodies of water, all work. It's just so mind blowing. But to know that there is such an awesome God who created this. Created this from NOTHING. Hello. Wow. God is so great. That is why I give the National Geographic such a high score in my book. Because it brings my mind to God. So the next time you see a National Geographic on a book stand, go ahead, and pick one up! I'll bet you'll be delighted to see, that it brings your mind to God. God bless you all!

Check This Out!

*JMJ* My husband found this illusion on the Internet. I just had to share it with you all!

You have to stare at the center of this illusion for at least 30 seconds. In the area of those four small dots. After 20, you might guess what the image is, but continue to stare at it for the full 30 seconds. Then quickly look at a white wall or a white piece of paper and begin to blink quickly.

Awesome isn't it?! I thought it was just awesome. No other word for it. God bless!

Ladybug! Ladybug!

*JMJ* Okay...so it's been over a month. What can I say. I have been writing in my other blog on Peek-A-Boo Street. That seems to be my main blog. When I started blogging, that is the one I first started. I don't write in my blogs as frequently as others, but when I do write in them, it's what I want to write in them and not just me letting you know that my house is cleaned. Or snapping photos of my kids or my house. =) Not that that is a bad thing. =) I don't want to upset anyone. =) I just don't blog about those things. I'm very selective about what I blog about. Sometimes I'm on fire with ideas and some times...well....I'm not. Or even sometimes I'll even kick myself in hein sight and say, "I should have blogged about that!" I'm sure we all can relate. But anyway, getting back to the topic. I was going to write this post on my Peek-A-Boo Street blog but changed my mind and thought I'd write it here, on My Catholic Oasis. Today I got a picture of a Ladybug. I love Ladybugs and always have. Even as a child. Ladybug! Ladybug! Fly away! The house is on fire! And the kids ran away! That is how we use to chant this childhood song. But when I looked it up on the Internet it was a little different. I've never heard it said like this, but maybe you have.... Ladybug! Ladybug! Fly away home. Your house is on fire. And your children all gone. All except one, And that's little Ann, For she crept under The frying pan. ....My name is Anne. Neat. Never heard it sung like that before. My father-in-law said something to me a couple of years ago how the Ladybug was tied to the Blessed Virgin Mary somehow. Well he told me the story but I just forgot. So I looked it up on the web and of course I found a few variations of the story. One was that farmers were praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary because their crop was getting eaten up by insects. And then a whole swarm of Ladybugs came to the rescue and ate up all of those bad, nasty pests up. So they named this beetle a....Ladybug. ♥ Lately, as I posted in my Peek-A-Boo Street blog, I've been drawn to the years gone by. Lately I will blog about things that remind me of being a child. My Peek-A-Boo Street blog is even decorated to the years gone by. I've also been interested in buying some vintage things. It reminds me of...the years gone by. And some of it is even before my time. But I still like it. It reminds me of the past. How do I explain this... Well we are all told that God's time is different then "our" time. That there is no time with God. No past. No present. No future. It's a mystery. We don't understand it. And we won't, until...God willing....the Lord let's us in on the little secret when we all get into.....................OK, I'm saying it............purgatory. But.......I have a little strange story and I'm sure we all do. I was sitting in my parish getting ready for mass to begin. It was during the week. And this probably took place, about a year and a half ago. Well I was just sitting there, minding my own business...... and well my eyes started to....wander. I was just looking around at all the the things in my parish. And then my eyes rested on the stained glass that we have in our parish. It has different colors and some pieces are very small. Well I was looking through some small yellow pieces of this stained glass and then it grasped me. How do I explain this? I felt my Uncle Jim's sky in his neighborhood through the stain glass. He's been long passed away and I've only been to his house as a young child. How can I explain this....for like 20 seconds, I felt the way I felt as a child, being in his neighborhood. I don't know any other way of describing this. It is what it is. The happiness, the blue sky, the innocence of a child. It was all there. But what I felt most, was the feeling of being a child, in that moment of my childhood. I forgot about that time and that feeling.........God didn't. He brought the memory back to me in just those fleeting seconds. I don't know why God used that particular time in my childhood. Probably because I loved my Uncle Jim. He was Catholic and and good Uncle. I loved going to his house. I know exactly what it was at that exact moment. It was God, lol. But it was Him letting me know, that my past......isn't His past. He was letting me know that His time is......lets just say, a little different then, my time. =) And that my whole past, will not be lost and forgotten about somewhere and brushed underneath some dingy old rug. That's what my awesome God was telling me. Even if he puts me on this earth till I'm 110. If I let go and move on.......it's still in the eyes of my Lord, forever. That brings me peace. Amen.

We Got Five New Saints!

*JMJ* On Sunday, May 3, 2009, at St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict the XVI announced five new saints! How exciting! Instead of me copying the words from the news article, you can read all about it right here @ USA Today newspaper to get all the details. http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-04-26-pope-saints_N.htm The article isn't that long. Also this is the month of May which is dedicated to our Blessed Virgin Mary. So please, don't forget to say your rosary every day. Especially during these trying times with the bad economy for which families are having a hard time and for the outbreak of the swine flu. For our troops to return safely to their families. And for the end of abortion. That is just a few reasons to pray your rosary daily. I'm sure you can add to that.

I Won An Award!

*JMJ* Thank you Michael for this award! Apparently this award is for showing great attitude or great gratitude! This is my very first award for this blog. I do appreciate it. You can read Michael's blog here at this link http://www.reachparadise.com/. He has a very nice blog indeed. You all are welcome to join me at my other two blogs as well if you like. Here our the links http://peekaboostreet.blogspot.com/ and http://grannyanniescrochetblog.blogspot.com/ Peek-A-Boo Street is more of my everyday blog and Granny Annie's Crochet blog is well....a crochet blog. I am suppose to pass this award on to ten of my blogging buddies but don't have much readership as of yet. But there are a few who do visit every now and then. So I will pass this award onto them if they so choose to pick it up and place it on their blog. But you have to show your love and link this award back to me if you place this award on your blog. Have a blessed day everyone and thanks again Michael for this award!

I'm Dying

*JMJ* Yep I'm dying. Not in a sense where I have a fatal illness at the moment or anything. But I'm dying. I'm 40 years old and I know that one day I'm going to die. No matter how well I take care of my body, I'm going to die. I thought of this post for awhile. It's kind of morbid. No one wants to talk about death. Especially their own. It's a post where you'd probably not want to read in a regular day to day blog. But.....this is my Catholic blog. =) This is why I started a Catholic blog. I can write about Catholicism. You don't have to visit or even look at my Catholic blog if you don't want to. I'm OK with that. It's who I am. Catholicism is so much apart of me, I can't deny it. Because if I did, I would be denying Christ. I live my life like I am dying. I know that sounds morbid. Like I have mentioned previously, I have been a Catholic for ten years now. And since then, I have really grasped the notion of having a purpose in this world that just belongs to me and no other. I know that because God created me. And we're all unique. Since that first Christmas that I became Catholic I realized that presents, snow and decorations wasn't the true meaning of Christmas. For the very first time I realized who John Paul ll was at the Midnight Mass on EWTN. I learned what "this" Rosary was and meant. When I stumbled into the Adoration Chapel and sat down (I was 30 at the time), I thought, "My gosh. This is what I've been looking for for the past 30 years of my life!" I was literally looking around and thinking....."Does anyone else know about this place?" Seriously. I had absolutely no clue. How did I find Christ? Who brought me to the place I was at? Why did I feel compelled to enter into the Catholic church after my grandmother had passed away? I have to be honest here. The R.C.I.A. was very difficult for me. There were time I would just cry because I could not grasp all this Catholic stuff. It was just so overwhelming. I just could not comprehend what in the heck this Mass "thing" was all about. Oh but I no. I know how I conjured up this force to keep moving forward. And let me let you in on a little secret. That's just it. It wasn't me who fell into this. Oh no. It was Christ's will. And I just happened to follow, by some miracle. Because trust me, it wasn't and easy road. I use to say all the time in prayer, "Christ, why do you want me to be Catholic. I'm such a lousy Catholic!" And I surely don't set a good example. And whom would I be a good example for? And who's steps would I foll0w? Just who was left in my life who hadn't already abandoned me? I had many adults who were older than I, who chose to turn their backs on me. That's the sad truth. But even with all that pain, it was not from me to find a "religion" to help me get through. Oh no. The faith that the Lord had given me to continue on with the Lord's plan, had nothing to do with with them. It had to do with Christ, and me being apart of the Lord's plan. I feel that those sad people have failed their test. Because if they did the Lord's will, then they would have never of turned their backs on me. Period. They are going to have to deal with the consequences of their actions. This isn't my religion. They don't have to make anything up to me. Oh no. They don't ever have to look me in the eye ever again and tell me that their sorry. Nope. I don't expect an apology from them. They can turn their backs on me. But I pray for those people that they don't turn their backs on the Lord. Because that is not good. Quite frankly, that can be dangerous. Also when I was becoming Catholic I would be arguing with the Blessed Virgin Mary to the confessional in my car! I would say to her...."Why do I have to do this? I'm just going to commit this sin again. This is so stupid. This is so dumb." I was like a little kid having a tantrum! I still have a hard time laughing about it all to this day! That was such a hard time in my life at the time. Because let me tell you, the Lord was laying it on thick. And I mean thick! He was letting me know about ALL of my lovely flaws and it was starting to get on my last nerve, let me tell you. Going back and forth to the confessional was a nightmare! Anyway moving along and getting to the point. It was by the grace of God that I became Catholic. I know from the bottom of my heart, that my faith is a gift from God. Because I could not continue on to this day, without Christ's plan for me. Every night when I lay my head down...."Lord did I do your will today and not my own?" I want to live every day for the Lord. I'm going to die one day! I'm going to be judged. The Lord is going to look into my pitiful eyes one day. My soul is going to be so bruised that I won't be able to look into the eyes of my Lord one day because of my sinfulness. But......wouldn't it be nice if the Lord said......."Every day of your life, you tried to do my will." Because folks, the end is coming. That's a sure fact. Are you preparing for your death? We don't know if we're going to live to be 100. I think the Lord has let me in on a little secret of my purpose in life. I am living my life by that little secret and the Lord hasn't stomped that notion out yet. I think I might be on to something. As long as I stay focused on the Lord's will. Period. The End.

Son's First Holy Communion

*JMJ* I've just been getting ready for my son's First Holy Communion. We're getting closer now. My son will be making this sacrament on May 17th. Oh my gosh, as a mother I'm getting so excited! I'm happy and thrilled and feeling all kinds of emotions. This is the day that I have been waiting for since my youngest son was born! And now the time is almost here. We're on our home stretch now. We still have so much work and preparation to do to but I can clearly see our goal is much closer now. Thank heavens! Last month we got my son's black dress shoes. Yesterday I found a pair of black slacks that fit him perfectly. We got him a long sleeve white shirt which is required of all the boys receiving their sacraments in our parish anyway. The director of the chatacism is going to sell white ties for $5 which are suppose to be really nice. White ties are required to. But no suit jacket can be worn. If he wears it to the church, he must remove the jacket when he is seated. Oh my gosh I'm getting so excited just thinking about this and sitting here writing about this. I can't wait for that day to come. I have to purchase a rosary and a little communion book for his pictures that I'm going to have done. As soon as I get his tie, I'll have to make the appointment for his photo shoot. See, just thinking of him getting his pictures taken is making me all giddy again and has me smiling from ear to ear. We have to go to another 4 hour workshop tomorrow afternoon for my son's First Holy Communion. And no it's not the last one either. We got one more to go to. The church does ask a lot of the families but I'll do whatever I have to do to get my son's First Holy Communion sacrament done. I don't care if I have to go on a week retreat, I'll do just that!!!! I was talking to some people and stating my opinion that this is going to be my son's most important day of his life. They were disagreeing with me and saying that when he gets married and has his own children, would be the most important day of his life. Ugh, disagree with them, as they disagree with me. But my point being...what could possibly be more important than the beginning of receiving Christ in the Eucharist for the rest of your life here on earth. What could be more important? What could you possibly compare, receiving Christ into your body, to anything else? To me, in my opinion, this will be and is the most important thing that will happen to him in his life. Yes marriages and children are wonderful and even important to. But not more important than this sacrament. I'm sorry. But I totally disagree, respectfully. =)

My Catholic Baby

I have three children. Their births were spaced apart. I have a daughter that I talked about and she is 22. I have a teenage son, and he is 16 3/4. My youngest son is 7 3/4. I call him my Catholic baby. I talked about my other two children so now I'm going to talk about my little guy. I call him my Catholic baby because he was my only child born after I had become Catholic. So he was my first baby to be baptized in the Catholic religion. My other two children completed their sacraments into the Catholic church also. The only sacrament that they missed was their baptism. They were baptized Lutheran. The Catholic church accepts the Lutheran baptism because we're only supposed to be baptized one time in our life. Also my first born daughter was a little late for her First Holy Communion. But it all got worked out. Like I said, their all up to date on their sacraments. I didn't think that my hubby and I would have anymore children. My second child was 9 1/2 years old when I got pregnant with my third child. I see how God surprised us! So that's why I call him my Catholic baby. The first night he was born I held him in my arms. All the visitors were gone. It was just me and this little baby I was holding who was just hours old. The room was dimmed and I could see the lights of the hospital through the window. The day was drawing to a close. I whispered in his little ear and recited the Our Father and the Hail Mary. I wanted to be the first person to recite these two most important prayers to him. Although I'm sure he already heard of them because he had just left heaven and entered into our lives. I thought, I have this baby that I can teach the Catholic religion to him from the get go. From birth. This child of mine is going to be a cradle Catholic. I could see God's hand in this plan. My son was 13 days old when I took him into the Adoration Chapel with me. I just wanted to thank the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament for a beautiful and healthy baby boy. I just felt so blessed. When he was still a baby I wanted him to go to a Catholic school when he reached kindergarten age. But that didn't pan out to be. But I thought that that was fine because I can still teach him Catholicism. I'm his mother. Secretly I began to wish for him to become a priest one day. I just thought that that would be so wonderful if my son became a priest! My son was around five when he came up to me and showed me a picture that he drew. He said "Look Mom." I almost fell out of my chair when I seen it. It was a picture he had drew of the crucified Jesus on the cross! It had the nails in it and everything. I just held him and hugged him. I always kept it in the back of my head that he might be a priest one day. To myself, I use to say "Oh he's going to be my little Catholic priest!" Some point after that, I told my son that he could be a priest one day if he'd like. Every once in awhile I'll ask him, "Are you going to be a priest one day or are you going to get married?" He tells me that he's going to live by himself with a family of dogs. I realized that he might not have a calling from the Lord to be a priest. And that's ok. I'm not going to push it. But I just wanted him to know that he could be a priest if he wanted to. I even told my other two children that to. They can enter into religious life, get married or live alone. Last year during Lent, my youngest son asked me out of the blue, if I would take him to the Stations of the cross up at our church. Just for a reminder, her was six when he asked me this. It's something I always wanted to do but never did. I just hugged him and told him, "Ok, we'll go." How could I look into his eyes and tell him no. A...I might be in a bit of trouble from the Man upstairs if I were to say no!!!! I know it sounds strange but my little Catholic baby, (now 7) always liked to stations of the cross. If I were looking at it in a book, he wanted to see and hear the prayers to. If I was watching it on EWTN, he would sit with me and watch it along side of me. This little child has always liked the stations of the cross. I wasn't quite sure how he'd react to the crucifixion part but he was ok with it. I just thought, well if he's ok with it, I'm ok with it. =) When we went last year to the Stations of the Cross, his chatism teacher came up to my son afterward and said how proud she was to see my son there. She said that he was the only one in her chatacism class that was there. She said that she was going to give him a little surprise at the next chatacism class just for him because he went. The chatacim teacher looked at me and said, this is wonderful that he is here. It starts with the parents inside the home. That just made me feel good. She's a very devoted Catholic. I see her in church all of the time. My son was even upset when she wasn't going to be his chatacism teacher anymore at the end of the school year. My son and I are planning on going to the Stations of the Cross this Friday evening. Maybe it will be the beginning of a little tradition that him and I do together. He's my little Catholic baby. The other day he told me that he remembered something that happened, when he was two. He said it was his birthday party and that he was flying through the hallway into the living room. I told my son that he was just probably dreaming that. He said, "No. I seen myself in the living room at my birthday party but I couldn't move my arms." I just sort of looked at him and said, "Maybe it was your guardian angel who carried you." But he didn't respond. Then I said, "Maybe it was the Blessed Virgin Mary who carried you." And he looked me square in the eyes and said, "Yeah, I think your right." ♥

After The Fast

*JMJ* Well I'm glad that that it over with. Whew that fasting is really hard. I was OK for most of the day yesterday but between 3 to 5 pm, it was not going to good for me. I finally did eat my one meal for the day at 5:30 pm. And that made me feel kind of sick after I ate because I didn't eat for the whole day. But it did give me enough energy to make it through the evening mass to receive my ashes. As soon as I came home from church I just went to bed and I was starting to feel hungry again. But I just closed my eyes and knew that when morning came, I could have my favorite bowl of cereal. When I woke up this morning I wasn't hungry. I even worked out before I ate breakfast. I did eat after my workout before I carried on with my day. It was so weird yesterday though. I just felt a peace with me all morning long. I also didn't get a headache which I usually do when I don't eat enough. I could really feel the Lord's presence yesterday. I even prayed and did some light housework and some blogging. That helped to occupy my mind away from my hunger pains. Now I'll have to do that again on Good Friday but that's not for several weeks away yet. I hope you all drew close to the Lord yesterday as it was the beginning of the Lenten season and continue to do so. I hope that this is your best Lent yet, as far as drawing closer to the Lord. God bless each and everyone of you!

Ash Wednesday, The First Day of Lent

Today Catholics celebrate ash Wednesday. It's the first day of Lent. The mardi gras celebrations are over. It's a day of fast and prayer. The whole Lenten season is a time for being sorry for our sinfulness. Not only our own but for the whole world's sinfulness as well. We pray that we want to be better Christians. We ask Jesus to help us change to be better follower's of Christ. It's also a time of alms giving. To help by giving money or giving your time to someone in need. And penance which is being sorry for your sins and going to confession. Don't forget that Catholics are obligated to make at least one confession a year. And you guessed it...we're to go during Lent. Also it's a day we get to go to mass and receive the ashes on our foreheads in the form of the cross. It's to remind us that we will all die one day. Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. Which means you are not required to go to mass. But don't you want to? Why would you miss out on an opportunity to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? Plus it's just the perfect way to start Lent. Yes mass is in the evening and I'm starving at that point in the day. But I do it for the love of Jesus I guess. I always look around the church and think, are these people starving like I am or what? I usually leave my cross of ashes on till the next morning. I like to sleep with it on my forehead. I go to mass in the evening so my children can go after school. But what about you? Do you go get your ashes in the morning? Do you where your ashes wherever you go that day? The ashes that are used are blessed from the priest. Also the ashes come from the palms that were collected and then burned, from the previous year. I wish you all a prayerful Lenten season in hopes that everyone will draw closer to the Lord. "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return...."

Soon It Will Be Lent

*JMJ* I told you Lent was coming a few weeks ago and now it officially starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Yep and we all know what that means. Fast. Ugh. It's so hard to fast. But because I have been watching what I've been eating this past year, I'm hoping it won't be so hard on me. I love to fast but then I hate to fast. Does that make any sense to anyone out there? I love this time in the church. Like I said in my previous post, It's a time I feel like I can really participate in the church. I don't like to fast because it's so hard to. I think if you don't fast, it's a mortal sin because it's something the church is asking us Catholics to do. But we are allowed to have one full meal during that day. We have to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Those are the only two days that the Catholic church tells us to fast. I think if your over 62 you don't have to fast. But check with your church for I'm not real sure on that age. I do know that you don't have to start fasting until your 18. But when your 14 you do have to abstain from meat. Also check with your church for these ages as well. Also on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday your not allowed to eat meat. The six Fridays during Lent your not allowed to eat meat either. I post a note, 'No meat' on the fridge on those days for a reminder. I usually won't work out on those days or do heavy housework. I have to preserve my energy the best I can. I don't do good on the days I have to fast. You are allowed to have coffee, hot tea and water. Your not allowed to have like a milk shake. Every time I fast I always say that I'm going to get myself up at 12:01 Thursday morning to eat! But that never happens. If I do wake up in the middle of the night I'm usually not hungry because I've been sleeping. But I always smile knowing that the fast is over and I'll be able to eat when I wake up. Yeah! I love that feeling when I know the fast is over and I did it, with the Lord's help of course. It's hard. It's really hard. I have to get my mind set on fasting for tomorrow. I struggle with not being able to eat. But don't fear because I have a yummy menu for Thursday's dinner. A whole baked chicken roasted in the oven with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. Mmmmm. But do not forget. Today is Fat Tuesday. So remember to get your punchki's and we'll just have to worry about fasting tomorrow when Mardi Gras is officially over. God Bless you and good luck to you all during your fasting!

My Little Black Book

*JMJ* Yep I got my little black book for my Lenten reflections. You can get a blue one during Advent and a little white book follows after the little black book for the Easter season. I just love those little books. They do help you to pray daily to. It has neat little tid bits about Lent on the left side of the page. The right side is for some scripture taken from the bible. Then at the bottom of it, it leaves you with a time to reflect. You'll know what I mean if you get the book regularly. It says, 'Spend some quiet time with the Lord.' From here your suppose to say your own prayers. I do hope you all attain one of these little black books for Lent to help you stay close to the Lord during this Lenten season. I got mine! Every little thing that helps us Catholics to get geared up for Lent, is great. These books were written by Bishop Ken Untener. He passed away in 2004 but these little black books still get circulated by the editor by using the writings of Bishop Untener. As I am writing this post I'm now wondering if others from other states even get these little black books. So let me know. I'd love to hear from you. P.S. Today is shrove Tuesday. It's a day when Catholics eat pancakes to help them use up some dairy that is left over before they start there fasts tomorrow.

I Don't Have Time To Pray!

*JMJ* Sometimes my life goes haywire. I don't feel right inside. I feel like I'm being pulled in 1,000,000.00 different directions. I'm a housewife. I feel overwhelmed. I think how in the h*ll I'm I going to do all of this! How I'm I going to pull this off! How I'm I going to get this done! I have a full plate! And no one can take this full plate from me. It's mine. I start to panic. My life has become like a whirlwind. My life starts to snowball. I become so unfocused. I'm just trudging water to get the priorities done for the day. But I still don't feel right inside. But deep down I know what the problem is. I've been trying to get through all of these days on my own without God. I think, "Oh Gees, I don't have time to pray! I'm just to darn busy!" But deep down inside I know what the problem is. And it's a BIG problem!! I've pulled myself away from Christ in thinking that I can handle even my daily life without Him again. A quote from the bible comes to mind, but I don't know the exact quote on hand at the moment. It says something like, "Place your burden's on me and I will give you strength.". This especially comes to mind when I'm sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament at the adoration chapel. There have been many days when I go there that I can't even pray. I just say, "Here I am Lord. You called me to come and here I am." This miserable person that I am, I can't even muster a few words in prayer. I feel so tired. I feel so drained. But I give it all to my Lord Jesus Christ. My burdens and all my sorrows that I hold in the depths of my heart in front of the Blessed Sacrament. But most importantly Jesus is asking me to pray. He is asking me to draw myself to Him. To find strength in Him. To find comfort in Him. That He is the ONLY one who can bring focus to my life. But most importantly, He is the ONLY one who can give me peace for my soul, no matter how busy my life is. He lets me know in the depth of my heart that I am nothing without him. He reminds me that I need him. Even in my little ole daily life that is filled with so much stuff that I can't do it without him. He lets me know that if I tried to do it without him, that all my heavy labors would mean nothing to him. That even my heavy heart wouldn't mean anything if I don't offer it to him. (That is where I know that the Lord sees the truth.) I can't even hide my heavy sorrowful heart from Jesus, even if I wanted to. He won't let me! And he doesn't want me to. So here I go again. I'm reading my bible daily. I'm saying my rosary. I'm saying my St. Bridget prayer. I'm saying my personal prayers. I've always went to mass though. God never let me miss mass. When I arrive at church, I always say, "Thank you Jesus for bringing me here to mass." I do the same thing when I go before the Blessed Sacrament. I do believe it's the Holy Spirit moving me toward Mass and the Adoration Chapel. Because I'm so darn lazy, I can't see myself bringing myself to it week after week. But there is one word that stands out to me and that is PERSEVERANCE! I read it in the bible all the time. When I do pray, my life is completely transformed. It's like night and day! I don't know how and I don't understand it. But I will be going along with my daily chores. Or I will think, "How in the heck I'm I going to get all of this done today?" Then it will be noon. My prayers were said that morning. My chores some how, some way got finished earlier that I thought they would be done. I even find myself enjoying a cup of hot tea at noon. I'll just bow my head and say, "Thank you Jesus!!!! I don't know how all that stuff got done, but it got done." I don't remember where I read it before but it said something like, when you pray first, even if you don't think you have the time, you will come to find out that everything that needs to be done will get done. And I have found that out. I don't know how that is. It mystifies me. I can't make any sense out of it. But when I pray first, my day goes by more smoothly and some how, some way, all the important stuff gets done early in the day! That feeling of trudging water on a daily basis goes away. I don't understand it. Because if I do the same things the next day without saying my prayers, well lets just say it would end up being a horrible day. But when I do pray, I find that I have time to sit for a little while at mid day with a cup of hot tea in silence. And of course thanking the Lord. God Bless You! Please say your daily prayers! And you to will feel the peace of the Lord!