What is Advent - from Wikipedia....
Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi. The Eastern churches' equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast, but it differs both in length and observances and does not begin the church year, which starts instead on September 1.
The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday from November 27 to December 3 inclusive.
Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.
This past week, our family lost a beloved pet. She was a beautiful white dove, who sang to us "good morning" and coo'd and clucked throughout the day. She was Ms. Personality and we will miss her tremendously. After 19 years of our Lord blessing us with her presence, she slipped away into the hands of Jesus and is now gracing Heaven with her songs. Losing a pet is never easy, but I have to believe they are waiting for our arrival into Heaven. The author of this poem is anonymous, and this poem has been around a long time. I felt today was a good day to post this in honor of my beutiful bird, Juney, as well as a prior Red Doberman we lost a few years back from bone cancer, her brother, Dakota. We will see you both at the Rainbow Bridge......
Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
As we move into November, it is a good time to reflect on the meaning of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. For you who are not Catholics but wish to understand these Holy Days, here is a quick reference.
All Saints' Day, the day on which Catholics celebrate all the saints, known and unknown, is a surprisingly old feast. It arose out of the Christian tradition of celebrating the martyrdom of saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. When martyrdoms increased during the persecutions of the late Roman Empire, local dioceses instituted a common feast day in order to ensure that all martyrs, known and unknown, were properly honored.
The first All Saints' Day occurred on May 13, 609 (C.E.) when Pope Boniface IV accepted the Pantheon as a gift from the Emperor Phocas. Boniface dedicated it as the Church of Santa Maria Rotonda in honor of the Blessed Virgin and all martyrs. During Pope Gregory III's reign (731-741), the festival was expanded to include all saints and a chapel in St. Peter's church was dedicated accordingly. Pope Gregory IV officially designated the day in 837.
All Souls' Day is a Roman Catholic day commemorating the faithful departed or those baptized Christians believed to be in purgatory. It is celebrated on November 2 unless this date falls on a Sunday. When this happens, All Souls' Day is celebrated on November 3.
Odilo, abbot of Cluny, established All Souls' Day in the eleventh century. The day purposely follows All Saints' Day in order to shift the focus from those in heaven to those in purgatory.
On this day, three requiem masses are celebrated: one for the celebrant, one for the departed, and one for the pope.
The Church of England abolished All Souls' Day during the Reformation. However, the day has been reestablished in Anglo-Catholic churches
The Chaplet of Mercy is recited using ordinary rosary beads of five decades.
Optional Opening Prayers
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
Begin with the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Apostle's Creed:
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Then, on the large bead before each decade:
Eternal Father,
I offer you the Body and Blood,
Soul and Divinity,
of Your Dearly Beloved Son,
Our Lord, Jesus Christ,
in atonement for our sins
and those of the whole world.
On the ten small beads of each decade, say:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Conclude with (Say 3 Times):
Holy God,
Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us
and on the whole world.
Optional Closing Prayer
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
Psalm 46
46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
46:4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
46:6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
I have so many friends and relatives who are in need of prayers to help to heal, be it their body, mind, heart or soul, that I felt compelled to attach this healing prayer for everyone in need. God is always there ready for you to call to him. Turn to him, honor him, let his will be done.
May you all have a blessed day.
Almighty God,
you inspired Luke the physician to proclaim
the love and healing power of your Son;
give your Church grace through his teaching
to strengthen the afflicted,
heal the desolate
and bind up the broken hearted;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
who is alive with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
O God, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of such great perils, that, by reason of the weakness of our nature, we cannot stand upright, grant us such health of mind and body, that those evils which we suffer for our sins we may overcome through Thine assistance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Inspirational Bible Verse
"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."
Psalm 25:4-7
"Who can know what tales are told in the whispers of an angel,
Who can see what mighty deeds he does in the name of the Lord,
What eye can see or mind conceive of how he sees this world,
Dark and light is angel sight: the battle brave, and souls are saved.
Demons flee when we're set free, and angels there attend."
- Dennis Carlson Ragsdale
Have you ever had days where you wished you never got out of bed? I am sure we all have and today was definitely that way for me. I try hard to be positive every morning, I ask the good Lord for guidance, but some days I just shake my head, dry my tears and turn my pain over to God. We know not everyday will be a great day, so we need to make the choice how we handle the not so great days. It is not easy but remember, God does feel our pain, and He is with us always. Life is hard, life deals us dirt at times, but we are so fortunate to know that God loves us, He always will, so offer your horrible day up to the Lord as a sacrifice. May God bless you always.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Glorious St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who standest always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who didst fight with the dragon, the old serpent, and didst cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defendest the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat thee to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I have to sustain against the same formidible foe. Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and wholly vanquish that proud spirit, whom thou hast by the Divine Power, so gloriously overthrown, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, so completely overcome; to the end that having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with thee and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.
Praise and glory to you creator Spirit of God;
you make our bread Christ’s body
to heal and reconcile
and to make us the body of Christ.
You make our wine Christ’s living sacrificial blood
to redeem the world.
You are truth.
You come like the wind of heaven, unseen, unbidden.
Like the dawn
you illuminate the world around us;
you grant us a new beginning every day.
You warm and comfort us.
You give us courage and fir
and strength beyond our every day resources.
Be with us Holy Spirit in all we say or think,
in all we do this and every day.
Amen.
I woke up this morning and looked out my window and saw gray skies. Yesterday was a beutiful sunny, warm day and today we are expecting rain. How dreary, I thought to myself, another wet, cool day. Yet as my eyes came into focus I saw two young deer frolicking in the pasture munching their morning meal while two additional deer are resting and didn't appear to be on alert. This is 7:00 a.m. and daylight and these deer were so comfortable. I thought to myself, they seem so trusting in this situation and appear to have no fear and looked to be totally at peace. What a lesson for me, to see this trust the deer have so we should too. Every day is a new day, we should approach it with faith in the Lord and not be pessimistic about the weather and whatever else is in store for us today. God has provided us with so much beauty yet we see past it over and over again. There is definitely something to be said for the saying "stop and smell the flowers". Thank the Lord for everything he has given us, the life he has given us and continue to always shout his praises. Have a Blessed Day!
p.s. a special shout out to my brother who is celebrating his birthday today. Love you Bill, may God Bless You!
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who,
before ascending into heaven,
didst promise to send the Holy Ghost
to finish Thy work in the souls
of Thy Apostles and Disciples,
deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me,
that He may perfect in my soul
the work of Thy grace and Thy love.
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom
that I may despise the perishable things of this world
and aspire only after the things that are eternal,
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind
with the light of Thy divine truth,
the Spirit of Counsel
that I may ever choose the surest way
of pleasing God and gaining Heaven,
the Spirit of Fortitude
that I may bear my cross with Thee,
and that I may overcome with courage
all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge
that I may know God and know myself
and grow perfect in the science of the Saints,
the Spirit of Piety
that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
the Spirit of Fear
that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God,
and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord,
with the sign of Thy true disciples
and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit.
Amen.
5/21 was suppose to be "the Rapture" according to some, when the Lord comes down and takes all of his chosen people to Heaven and leave the rest behind. I quite honestly, don't know where "the rapture" came from or what it is based upon because the Bible says, "Lo, I will come like a thief!" meaning no one will no the time for his second coming. Some laugh at this groups rantings, although I find it sad as many did sell their belongings in anticipation of their last days. But it is a good reminder for all of us. Are you ready to meet Jesus? We do not know when our last day on earth is, be it a traumatic event from a vehicle accident, tsunami, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or from sickness such as cancer, stroke, heart attack or greeted by a homicidal maniac, we just don't know. So we should all live our life as if we were to meet Jesus tomorrow. Love one another, forgive those that have hurt you, be kind and generous, and open yout heart, mind and soul to love God. If you are having a hard time with that ask Him for help. He is our Father and what Father would turn his back on his children? He loves us so much that he died for us so now we need to show Him how much we love Him.
May your day be filled with God's Blessings!
Rejoice, for he is Risen. Thank you Lord, for all the blessings you have given us. Happy and Blessed Easter to all.
How wonderful and enriching it is to see someone you love be happy. We just celebrated a 90th. birthday party for my mother who had no idea her family was planning this party. Imagine five brothers and sister's along with their spouses trying to come to an agreement on how to put the party in motion in a town where only one brother lives. Confusion, disagreements, yes, but all with the best intentions on how to make mom happy. The party was a huge success and now that it has passed and everyone is back living their daily lives, reflecting back on the time brings a big smile to my face and warmth in my heart. I can't tell you how blessed I am to have the family I have and the mother and father that God allowed me to have. Family is truly a gift from God. Embrace your family, love them with all your heart and let them know they are loved. If you are on the "outs" with your family dig deep for forgiveness, find a way to mend the fence and get back "in". Life is much too short and too hard to have conflicts within a family. Thank you Dear Lord for giving me the family I have, the children you have blessed me with, my precious husband and his family, my relatives near and far and all my friends. I pray for all of you to love your family and friends and give thanks to our Lord for the gift of family he has given you.
“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them.
You preserve them all, and the host of heavens (angels) worship you."
Nehemiah 9:6