"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us, O Lord, that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." (Peter Marshall)

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." (Oprah Winfrey)

"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Ghandi)

"A happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy can live." (Bertrand Russell)

"If I could give you one gift, I would give you the ability to see yourself as I see you, so you could see how truly special you are."

"Christ has no body now, but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ looks compassion into the world.
Yours are the feet
with which Christ walks to do good.
Yours are the hands
with which Christ blesses the world." (St. Teresa of Avila)

"Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life, which is short and has to be lived by you alone; and there is only one Glory, which is eternal. If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing." (St. Teresa of Avila)

"You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves." (Saint Francis de Sales)

"The spirital meaning of love is measured by what it can do. Love is meant to heal. Love is meant to renew. Love is meant to bring us closer to God." (Deepak K. Chopra)

May you always come closer to God in your life!

"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul." (St. Augustine)

I'm often asked what are the big keys to happiness. Well right at the top of the list is this: Stop beating up on yourself! So many of us are kind to everyone we meet yet can be fairly vicious in our thoughts toward ourselves. Can you relate?

To test how kind you are toward yourself, listen to your thoughts when you're learning something new or trying to improve an old, rusty skill. Are you encouraging and forgiving, or as mean as a playground bully? This will give you a snapshot of where you truly are on the self-criticism/compassion scale.

I got a clear picture of my place on that scale this week while playing golf for the first time in 14 years. Wow, what an interesting conversation my mind was having with me! I heard things like: I can't believe you're this bad. Why can't you hit the ball as well as he does? You are hopeless!

I first learned golf at age six when my father took me to the grassy area of our backyard and put a golf club in my hand. The club was bigger than I was! But it was fun and I loved every minute of it, even though I could barely connect with the ball.

As I got a little older though, those nasty, critical thoughts started racing through my mind, and by the time I was 12 or 13, I wanted to quit. It just wasn't fun to hear that litany of abuse. I started golfing again two or three times as an adult, only to quit again when those familiar thoughts drowned out any fun I was having.

So now it's time to test my progress. Will I quit again, or do I finally have the skills to deal with this tendency of my self-critical mind? I'm betting on the latter, and here's how I plan to do it:

Be loving with myself when having negative thoughts (and avoid adding another layer of criticism by not getting down on myself for having them!).
Gently redirect my attention to different thoughts-appreciating my progress, remembering that it's a game, and one I haven't played for a long time.
Rely on a good golf teacher/coach (fortunately, I have one) who will properly guide me and be a voice for the encouraging, compassionate thoughts.
Use the power of visualization to see and feel myself as the golfer I know I can be.
I am looking at this as a great exercise to develop the muscle of self-compassion and encouragement. So, the next time you find something you want to do, don't let your mind scare you off from having more fun in your life!

Don Bosco: "Everything and everyone is won by the sweetness of our words and works."

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach the stars to change the world." (Harriet Tubmann)

"Faithful friends are beyond price: No amount can balance their worth." (Sirach 6:15)

"If I never met you, I wouldn't like you.
If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you.
If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you.
But I did, I do and I will." (Anonymus)

"One of the most arduous tasks is that of giving up control and allowing the Spirit of God to lead our lives." (Henri Nouwen)

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun it out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within." (Elizabeth Kubler Ross)

"Quiet and sincere sympathy is often the most welcome and efficient consolation to the afflicted. Said a wise man to one in deep sorrow, 'I did not come to comfort you; GOD only can do that; but I did come to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your affliction'." (Tyron Edwards)

"Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house...let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."
(Mother Teresa)

God and His bountiful gifts

Perhaps the reason, besides the many offered by Theologians and Bible commentaries, Job chose to 'bless' God in spite of the many trials and tribulations that came his way, is that every time he received something from God, his focus was not on the thing in itself. He saw that merely as a by product of God's continued assurance that He was on his side. So rather than take pride in the 'by product' Job's eyes were set on God, the real gift. Hence when all these so-called 'gifts' were taken away from him, he was never really perturbed. His assurance was firm: God was with him (perhaps more than him being with God). Suppose God Himself were to have questioned his fidelity and love, that would have been the end of Job... but that was not to be.

Most of us, on the other hand, want more. We ask for something and when God assures us that what we already have is plenty, we do not listen. When out of His generosity, He grants us something, we say a casual 'thanks' and before long, ask for more. Like the camel and the Sheikh who were travelling in the desert. At night when it started raining, the Sheikh was in the tent and the camel outside. The camel asked the Sheikh to let it just put its head inside. The tent was a small one, but the Sheikh agreed. Soon the camel asked permission to put in its neck too. The Sheikh consented. Then it was the hump and a while later, the camel was in the tent and the Sheikh outside in the rain!!

We are so full of God's bounty but without God; not because He wants to be away, but because we put Him aside (or outside) and keep His gifts near at hand... who knows which of the gifts we need at what time!

"Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be."

A CHILD'S PRAYER

Dear God, are You still awake?
Have You got a minute or two?
You're pretty good at understanding,
And I really need to talk to You.

You see, Mommy came to tuck me in,
Like she does every night.
I was trying to play a trick on her,
Since she can't see without the light.

I was going to close my eyes
And pretend to be asleep.
But when I heard her crying,
I didn't dare let out a peep.

She started talking to you, God.
Did You hear the things she said?
Could You hear what she was saying
As she stood beside my bed?

Why would Mommy be so sad?
I wondered just what I had done,
And then I began to remember it all
As she named them one by one...

This morning we worked in the garden,
But, honest, I really didn't know
That if I picked all those little yellow blooms
The tomatoes wouldn't grow!

Charlie and I were trying to be helpers,
'Cause I know that's what Mommy needs,
But I don't think she was too happy with us
when we pulled up carrots instead of weeds.

Mommy said we should stop for the day,
she decided we had helped quite enough.
I sure had worked up an appetite...
I didn't know gardening was so tough!

We had peanut-butter and jelly for lunch
and I shared too much, I guess...
But I didn't realize until I was done
that Charlie had made such a mess.

Mommy said she needed a nap,
she had one of her headaches today.
She told me to keep an eye on my sister
and find something quiet to play.

Well, God, do You remember all those curls
you gave my little sister Jenny?
We played barber shop...very quietly...
and now, well, she doesn't have any.

Boy, was Mommy mad at me...
I had to go sit on my bed.
She said never to cut "people hair" again.
I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead.

We sat and watched poor old Albert,
I just knew he must be so bored
Going round and round
in the same place all day,
Wouldn't You think so, Lord?

I didn't think it would hurt
to let him out for a while.
I mean, mice need exercise, too.
By the way, have You seen Albert lately?
He's been sort of missing since two.

Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day.
She said we needed fresh air.
But when Daddy came home she told him
She was trying to get something out of her hair.

We thought Mommy needed cheering up,
so we decided to brighten her day.
But, God, did You see the look on her face
When we gave her that pretty bouquet?

We had gotten a little bit dirty,
so Mommy said to get in the tub.
"Use soap this time," she reminded,
"and please don't forget to scrub."

Charlie didn't like the water too much,
but I lathered up real good.
I knew Mommy would be so proud of me
For cleaning up like I should.

I went downstairs to the table,
but during dinner it started to rain...
I'd forgotten to turn off the water, it seems,
and I hadn't unplugged the drain!

I decided right then it was just about time
to start getting ready for bed,
When Mommy said, "It's sure been a long day."
And her face began turning all red.

I lay there listening to Mommy
as she told You about our day.
I thought about all of the things I had done
and I wondered what I should say.

I was just about to tell her
that I'd been awake all along,
And ask her to please forgive me
for all of those thing I'd done wrong.

When suddenly, I heard her whisper,
"God, forgive me for today...
For not being more understanding
when those problems came my way...

For not handling situations in the way
You wanted me to...for getting angry
and losing my temper,
Things I know You don't want me to do.

And, God, please give me more patience,
Help me make it through another day,
I'll do better tomorrow, I promise.
In Jesus' name I pray."

Wiping her eyes, she kissed me
and knelt here beside my bed.
She stroked my hair for a little while..."
I love you, precious," Mommy said.

She left the room without ever knowing
That I'd been awake all the time.
And God, could we make it our little secret?
You know, just Yours and mine?

I'm sorry I was so much trouble today,
I really didn't mean to be...
Daddy says it's tough being a kid sometimes,
but I think it's harder on Mommy than me.

Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening.
It's sure nice to know You're there.
I feel so much better when I talk to You
'cause You always hear my prayer.

And I'll do better tomorrow, I promise...
Just You wait and see!
I'll try not to be so much trouble again,
But, God, please give more patience to Mommy
......Just in case! Amen.

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:14

PRAYER

"Lord, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed".

Faith tested in suffering and failure

During Mass, as the Gospel was being read out, I was picturising the whole scene in my mind... the interesting interaction between Jesus and Martha. Knowing that Jesus was on his way to their house, Martha runs ahead to meet Jesus. Torn between the joy at being with Jesus and her sorrow at the loss of her brother, she 'complains' to Jesus that His absence was really felt. Surprisingly Jesus gives her a theological discourse at that moment of sorrow and anguish. But the depth of Martha's spirituality is seen when she responds saying, 'I believe that all will rise on the last day'. Surely one does not expect to come up with such answers when one is drowned in sorrow, unless, this knowledge has become an integral element of one's own life and spirituality. Martha had not only listened to Jesus' teaching but also savoured the principles which Jesus went about proclaiming.

In our times of hardship and extreme sorrow, do we remember and have place for the Lord? Perhaps if we do not, then our spirituality is as fleeting as the morning dew which disappears with the first rays of the sun. The depth of our faith can be gauged when we can convincingly profess the creed right in the thick of our sufferings and failures.

~ Prayer Vitamins ~

Remember to take your vitamins every day
~ Prayer Vitamins ~
Anxious- Take Vitamin A
"All things work together for good for those who love God,
who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Blue- Take Vitamin B
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is
within me, bless His Holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

Crushed- Take Vitamin C
"Cast all your care on Him, because he cares for you."(1Peter5:7)

Depressed- Take Vitamin D
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Empty- Take Vitamin E
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with
praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name." (Psalm 100:4)

Fearful- Take Vitamin F
"Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid,
for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)

Greedy- Take Vitamin G
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the
measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38)

Hesitant- Take Vitamin H
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
the messenger who announces peace, who brings good
news, who announces Salvation, who says to Zion,
'Your God reigns.'" (Isaiah 52:7)

Insecure- Take Vitamin I
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."(Philippians 4:13)

Jittery- Take Vitamin J
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."(Hebrews 13:8)

Know nothing- Take Vitamin K
"Know this that the LORD is God, it is He that made
us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3)

Lonely- Take Vitamin L
"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."(Matthew 28:20)

Mortgaged- Take Vitamin M
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Nervous- Take Vitamin N
"Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Overwhelmed- Take Vitamin O
"Overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Perplexed or puzzled?- Take Vitamin P
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Quitting- Take Vitamin Q
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."(1 Corinthians 16:13)

Restless- Take Vitamin R
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7)

Scared- Take Vitamin S
"Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my
life seeks your life; you will be safe with me." (1 Samuel 22:23)

Tired- Take Vitamin T
"Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall
run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Uncertain- Take Vitamin U
"Understand that I am (the LORD). Before Me no God was
formed, nor shall there be any after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)

Vain- Take Vitamin V
"Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.(Acts 5:16)

Wondering what to do?- Take Vitamin W
"What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Exhausted?- Take Vitamin X
"Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

Yearning for hope?- Take Vitamin Y
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

Zapped- Take Vitamin Z
"Zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:14)

THE HOLY BIBLE

John 1: 1 and 2
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

The Same was in the beginning with God.

The world today is strange and unknown
It seems dark at times and we feel alone
The Holy bible explains our strife
Teaching us to accept the mystery of life.

Many times we struggle in the dark of night
But God guides us into the bright light
Reading the wisdom in His word we find
Only God can give us peace of mind.

The Holy bible will sustain us so we do not stray
Giving us the courage to face each day
And to have strength to deal with sorrow
Spiritually renewing our hope for tomorrow

Reading the Holy bible helps us understand
How to keep our faith, holding tight to His hand
In the wisdom of His word we are taught to pray
And His love will lead us to our eternal home one day.
~*~

"Show me thy ways, O Lord;
teach me they paths"
~Psalms 25:4~

Nel nome del Signore,

Sperimentiamo sempre il bene con tutti quelli che ci incontriamo nel nostro cammino

Faccia allegra; Cuore in manno: Ecco faccio il Salesiano.

Sono vescovo per voi. Sono cristiano con voi. S. Agostino.
I am a Bishop for you. I am a christian with you. St. Augustine.

LOVE AND DO WHAT YOU WANT

This was St. Augustine's seventh homily on the First Epistle of John, paragraph 8:

Love, and do what you will:
whether you hold your peace, through love hold your peace;
whether you cry out, through love cry out;
whether you correct, through love correct;
whether you spare, through love do you spare:
let the root of love be within,
of this root can nothing spring but what is good.


(Source(s): http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/170207.…)


aime et fais ce que veux. si tu te tais, tais-toi par amour. Si tu parles, parles par amour. Si tu corriges, corrige par amour. Si tu pardonnes, pardonne par amour. Aie au fond du coeur la racine de l'amour. De cette racine rien ne peut sortir de mauvais. S. Agostin

blessed day

Dear Jesus,
as I call on you today I realize I often come asking for favours.
Today I'd like just to be in you presence.
Let my heart respond to your love. Amen.

5 Steps to Help You Bear Your Burdens with More EASE

When you are being challenged and starting to feel down here are
some important steps to take to help you.

1. Ask God, “what lessons am I to learn from this experience?”

2. Ask God to take your trial(s) and bless them to come to a positive
outcome so you will grow and increase in wisdom and knowledge.

3. Ask God to help you bear your challenge with patience.

4. Ask God for an increase of faith to make you equal to what seems
hard.

5. Ask God to bless you with the spirit of comfort, so as you move
through your trying times you can feel comforted.

Praise his name

When you're up against a wall
And your mountain seems so tall
And you realize life's not always fair
You can run away and hide
Let the old man decide
Or you can change your curcumstances
with a prayer

When everything falls apart
Praise His name
When you have a broken heart
Just raise your hands and say
Lord, you're all I need
You're everything to me
And He'll take the pain away

When it seems you're all alone
Praise His name
When you feel you can't go on
Just raise your hands and say
Greater is He, that is within me
You can praise the hurt away
If you'll just praise his name

Ohhh,
You can overcome
By the blood of the lamb
By the word of your testimony
You'll see the darkness go
As your faith begins to grow
You're not alone, so how can you be lonely

When everything falls apart
Praise His name
When you have a broken heart
Just raise your hands and say
Lord, you're all I need
You're everything to me
And He'll take the pain away

When it seems you're all alone
Praise His name
When you feel you can't go on
Raise your hands and say
Greater is He, that is within me
You can praise the hurt away

Greater is He, that is within me
You can praise the hurt away
If you'll just praise his name

A Blessing in my life

God knew I needed a blessing
So He sent you my way.
God knows what our needs are
And blesses us each day.

With your laugh, your smile
And in every deed you do.
God blessed my life with so much love
When He blessed my life with you!

A friend like you is a joy forever
I'm so glad God sent you my way.
I am so thankful for you,
And I will thank the Lord each day.

Have a blessed day !

The Best Moments In Life

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing till your stomach hurts.

3. Enjoying a ride down the country side.

4. Listening to your favorite song on the radio.

5. Going to sleep listening to the rain pouring outside.

6. Getting out of the shower and wrapping yourself with a warm, fuzzy towel.


7. Passing your final exams with good grades.

8. Being a part of an interesting conversation.

9.. Finding some money in some old
pants.

10. Laughing at yourself.

11. Sharing a wonderful dinner with all your friends.

12. Laughing without a reason.


13. "Accidentally" hearing someone say something good about you

14. Watching the sunset.

15. Listening to a song that reminds you of an important person in your life.

16. Receiving or giving your first kiss.

17. Feeling this buzz in your body when seeing this
"special" someone.


18. Having a great time with your friends.

19. Seeing the one you love happy.

20. Wearing the shirt of a person you love and smelling his/her perfume.

21. Visiting an old friend of yours and
remembering great memories.

22. Hearing someone telling you "I LOVE YOU"


"True friends come in the good times when we tell them to, and come in the bad times.....without calling."

"You cannot change the past but you can ruin the present worrying and thinking about the future".

Non si può amare a distanza, restando fuori dalla mischia, senza sporcarsi le mani,

ma soprattutto non si può amare senza condividere.

don Luigi di Liegro

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
*** (This is the most important part)


3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.


ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

And if you don't send this to at least 8 people - who cares?

But do share this with someone.

We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Worry about nothing, pray about everything!!!