Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
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".
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".
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
~ 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)
~ 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~
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~
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