Found this here:
1. Be honest. Know yourself. What is your strongest virtue? What is your worst vice? Therefore, tailor your resolution so it strengthens your good side and fights your bad one. A one-size fits all resolution is useless.
2. Be specific. Don’t use generalities. They don’t work. For example, if you need to be more humble, just saying “I am going to be more humble,” is useless. You need to zero in on one situation where you need to practice humility and resolve to improve in that one situation.
3. Be simple. Don’t make it complicated. Focus on something you can see and measure easily and that does not overwhelm you each time you try to obtain it. Otherwise, you will become distracted and your energy will be dispersed and misdirected.
4. Be reasonable. Don’t try to do too much at once. You won’t become a saint in one day. Remember: every soul has one MAJOR point upon which is hinged his or her entire fidelity to God and His Holy Laws. Find out and work on improving that key point. You’ll see how everything else will improve if you improve on that one major point.
5. Be consistent. It’s far better to do something small everyday to improve on that one key point in your soul than to make a big resolution that you cannot keep for more than a week or two. Slow and steady wins the race!
6. Be humble. Recognize that you cannot do any good action which has value in the supernatural order without God’s grace and the intercessory help of the Blessed Mother. Beg God’s grace through Our Lady’s intercession constantly in all your thoughts, desires and actions
7. Be disinterested. Remember that God wants us to defend His rights and interests, and to share His thoughts and ways. And therefore, to focus on things, happening and events that are very close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary that are not necessarily linked to our own personal interests.
8. Write it down. It’s important to write down your resolution so you can refer back to it often during the year. Also, by writing it down, you will be able to review it when the year is over, and to evaluate your progress since the time the resolution was made.
9. Public expressions of faith. Don’t hide your faith. That’s just what the devil wants. He knows when you express your faith publicly, others see you and are encouraged to follow your good example. Say grace openly and proudly before meals in a restaurant so people can see. You’ll be surprised with the good reactions you will get.
10. Devotion to Our Lady. Have more devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Devotion to the Mother of God is a panacea. Saint Louis de Montfort said that devotion to Holy Mary is the easiest, safest, fastest, most secure, and surest path to Jesus and to our own salvation. If you can nothing else, resolve to say the Rosary everyday. Saint Louis de Montfort wrote:
“If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins 'you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory.' Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil as sorcerers do who practice black magic, and even if you are a heretic as obstinate as a devil, sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and will save your soul, if-- and mark well what I say-- if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins."
Pretty powerful...and great reminder+++
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, December 31, 2009
From Regina Doman:
I am making a special appeal to you today.
Last night we took my 6-year-old son, Thomas, to the emergency room because of symptoms he was displaying that indicated he may have developed diabetes. The hospital doctors confirmed that he had.
Our current financial and insurance situation leaves little if any room to cover the projected on-going costs of managing this illness.
What we are asking of you is this:
In addition to your prayers, please forward this email (Modify as necessary. There is a link at the bottom of this email.) to as many people, bookstores, libraries, youth groups, schools, and book clubs you can, asking them to consider buying Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels.
Regina's Fairy Tale Novels are not only available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, but also from these websites and others as well:
And in the United Kingdom: http://www.SouthwellBooks.com/doman-regina-150-c.asp
There are also order forms on the Fairy Tale Novels website for
regular retail purchases http://www.fairytalenovels.com/RetailOrders.cfm and
wholesale purchases http://www.fairytalenovels.com/BookstoreOrders.cfm.
regular retail purchases http://www.fairytalenovels.com/RetailOrders.cfm and
wholesale purchases http://www.fairytalenovels.com/BookstoreOrders.cfm.
Soon my Fairy Tale Novels will also be available in Polish. We recently signed an agreement with a publisher in Poland. They have already begun to translate of The Shadow of the Bear into Polish.
More details to follow later.
So please forward this email to whoever you think could help us by buying my books.
THANK YOU! Thank you for your prayers for our family and especially for Thomas.
Peace and good, and blessings on your New Year.
Regina Doman
More info here.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day-
The Fifty-Ninth Chapter
All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone (part one)
The Disciple
WHAT, Lord, is the trust which I have in this life, or what is my greatest comfort among all the things that appear under heaven? Is it not You, O Lord, my God, Whose mercies are without number? Where have I ever fared well but for You? Or how could things go badly when You were present? I had rather be poor for Your sake than rich without You. I prefer rather to wander on the earth with You than to possess heaven without You. Where You are there is heaven, and where You are not are death and hell. You are my desire and therefore I must cry after You and sigh and pray. In none can I fully trust to help me in my necessities, but in You alone, my God. You are my hope. You are my confidence. You are my consoler, most faithful in every need.
All seek their own interests. You, however, place my salvation and my profit first, and turn all things to my good. Even though exposing me to various temptations and hardships, You Who are accustomed to prove Your loved ones in a thousand ways, order all this for my good. You ought not to be loved or praised less in this trial than if You had filled me with heavenly consolations.
Lord, let me show you how much I desire, hope, have confidence, and find consolation in You!!! You are my everything. Help me be a beacon of Your love and show others how much You love them!!! Keep my family close to You and help us never lose the faith we need to be the people You created us to be!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone (part one)
The Disciple
WHAT, Lord, is the trust which I have in this life, or what is my greatest comfort among all the things that appear under heaven? Is it not You, O Lord, my God, Whose mercies are without number? Where have I ever fared well but for You? Or how could things go badly when You were present? I had rather be poor for Your sake than rich without You. I prefer rather to wander on the earth with You than to possess heaven without You. Where You are there is heaven, and where You are not are death and hell. You are my desire and therefore I must cry after You and sigh and pray. In none can I fully trust to help me in my necessities, but in You alone, my God. You are my hope. You are my confidence. You are my consoler, most faithful in every need.
All seek their own interests. You, however, place my salvation and my profit first, and turn all things to my good. Even though exposing me to various temptations and hardships, You Who are accustomed to prove Your loved ones in a thousand ways, order all this for my good. You ought not to be loved or praised less in this trial than if You had filled me with heavenly consolations.
Lord, let me show you how much I desire, hope, have confidence, and find consolation in You!!! You are my everything. Help me be a beacon of Your love and show others how much You love them!!! Keep my family close to You and help us never lose the faith we need to be the people You created us to be!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...
The Fifty-Eighth Chapter
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized
Part two was here.
The Voice of ChristTherefore, let carnal and sensual men, who know only how to love their own selfish joys, forbear to dispute about the state of God’s saints. Such men take away and add according to their own inclinations and not as it pleases the Eternal Truth. In many this is sheer ignorance, especially in those who are but little enlightened and can rarely love anyone with a purely spiritual love. They are still strongly drawn by natural affection and human friendship to one person or another, and on their behavior in such things here below are based their imaginings of heavenly things. But there is an incomparable distance between the things which the imperfect imagine and those which enlightened men contemplate through revelation from above.
Be careful, then, My child, of treating matters beyond your knowledge out of curiosity. Let it rather be your business and aim to be found, even though the least, in the kingdom of God. For though one were to know who is more holy than another, or who is greater in the kingdom of heaven, of what value would this knowledge be to him unless out of it he should humble himself before Me and should rise up in greater praise of My name?
The man who thinks of the greatness of his own sins and the littleness of his virtues, and of the distance between himself and the perfection of the saints, acts much more acceptably to God than the one who argues about who is greater or who is less. It is better to invoke the saints with devout prayers and tears, and with a humble mind to beg their glorious aid, than to search with vain inquisitiveness into their secrets.
The saints are well and perfectly contented if men know how to content themselves and cease their useless discussions. They do not glory in their own merits, for they attribute no good to themselves but all to Me, because out of My infinite charity I gave all to them. They are filled with such love of God and with such overflowing joy, that no glory is wanting to them and they can lack no happiness. All the saints are so much higher in glory as they are more humble in themselves; nearer to Me, and more beloved by Me. Therefore, you find it written that they cast their crowns before God, and fell down upon their faces before the Lamb, and adored Him Who lives forever.
Many ask who is the greater in the kingdom of heaven when they do not know whether they themselves shall be worthy of being numbered among its least. It is a great thing to be even the least in heaven where all are great because all shall be called, and shall be, the children of God. The least shall be as a thousand, and the sinner of a hundred years shall die. For when the disciples asked who should be greater in the kingdom of heaven they heard this response: “Unless you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3, 4.
Woe to those, therefore, who disdain to humble themselves willingly with the little children, for the low gate of the heavenly kingdom will not permit them to enter. Woe also to the rich who have their consolations here, for when the poor enter into God’s kingdom, they will stand outside lamenting. Rejoice, you humble, and exult, you poor, for the kingdom of God is yours, if only you walk in the truth.
This is a long meditation, I think the purpose of the message is to love God with all you got. Live every day trying to grow closer to Christ and finding His holy will for your life.
Thy will be done!!! +JMJ+
Monday, December 28, 2009
PRAYER UPDATE:
UPDATE ON THIS POST:
Unfortunately despite a multitude of prayers Katalin did not make it. She passed away Fri night around 11pm. She threw a clot during labor and had a heart attack. They did all they could but were unable to save her. Baby is doing wonderfully, however. He was born 6lbs 3oz and did not require a ventilator. He began bottle feedings on Sunday night a week ago. They removed all his tubes and wires on Wed and his father was able to bathe him and hold him wire free! He was 33 weeks and the doctors have said they most likely will not release him any before 35 weeks. I think he might get to come home this coming week!
Please pray for all family members so they will make wise decisions and be at peace during this stressful, sad time.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Unfortunately despite a multitude of prayers Katalin did not make it. She passed away Fri night around 11pm. She threw a clot during labor and had a heart attack. They did all they could but were unable to save her. Baby is doing wonderfully, however. He was born 6lbs 3oz and did not require a ventilator. He began bottle feedings on Sunday night a week ago. They removed all his tubes and wires on Wed and his father was able to bathe him and hold him wire free! He was 33 weeks and the doctors have said they most likely will not release him any before 35 weeks. I think he might get to come home this coming week!
Please pray for all family members so they will make wise decisions and be at peace during this stressful, sad time.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
MORNING MEDITATION:
From Fr. Michael Sliney, LC:
1. Definition: “By faith man freely commits his entire self to God, making the full submission of his intellect and will to God who reveals and willingly assenting to the Revelation given by him.” (Vatican II, Dei Verbum, n. 5)
- Faith is not merely a belief in a series of dogmas and doctrines or a mere sentiment, but as stated above, it is an act of full surrender to God’s plan over your life. It should have a practical impact on your daily life.
- Faith is also an act of trust in God, knowing that whatever he allows in our life, he will always bring some good out of it, even if it means great suffering and pain. “God brings good out of evil for those who love him.”
2. Faith reminds us that we are pilgrims journeying through this world and that our true citizenship lies in heaven. By faith in God’s word, we also know that we will be judged principally on our love and what we did for others. (Cfr. Mt. 25)
3. Faith is seeing reality through the eyes of Christ, knowing that he wants to touch and love so many souls through our lives. He wants to continue doing what he did 2000 years ago in your home, your school and your work place through you…He is asking for your collaboration and help!! We should pray daily for an increase of faith.
1. Definition: “By faith man freely commits his entire self to God, making the full submission of his intellect and will to God who reveals and willingly assenting to the Revelation given by him.” (Vatican II, Dei Verbum, n. 5)
- Faith is not merely a belief in a series of dogmas and doctrines or a mere sentiment, but as stated above, it is an act of full surrender to God’s plan over your life. It should have a practical impact on your daily life.
- Faith is also an act of trust in God, knowing that whatever he allows in our life, he will always bring some good out of it, even if it means great suffering and pain. “God brings good out of evil for those who love him.”
2. Faith reminds us that we are pilgrims journeying through this world and that our true citizenship lies in heaven. By faith in God’s word, we also know that we will be judged principally on our love and what we did for others. (Cfr. Mt. 25)
3. Faith is seeing reality through the eyes of Christ, knowing that he wants to touch and love so many souls through our lives. He wants to continue doing what he did 2000 years ago in your home, your school and your work place through you…He is asking for your collaboration and help!! We should pray daily for an increase of faith.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
TOY REVIEW TUESDAY:
Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? Try these smencils!!! Usually found in a educational or cool toy store. My kids love them. Enjoy!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Saturday, December 19, 2009
GOD'S ADVENT GIFT:
Slow down, relax, enjoy advent...hang with your family and embrace the season+
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, December 18, 2009
PRAYERS NEEDED:
A new mom named Katalin, welcomed her son to the world today. He is about a month early but is doing well. Katalin is having difficulties. She is diabetic and has some complications. They are worried that she may not make it! Please enlist your prayer chain!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Today's Gospel Meditation:
Gospel
Mt 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.
What a beautiful testimony to Good Old St. Joseph...we spend so much time during Advent thinking about Good Old St. Nick that our world forgets that St. Joseph was the real hero in the Christmas story. As a catholic, I believe that Joseph and Mary had no relations and Jesus was their only son. This is a hard concept to understand if you didn't grow up with this belief, especially in our day and age when sex is all the world talks about. During Jesus' time their were some groups of people who didn't not share in a sexual union but lived a different marriage vow. St Joseph and Mary shared in a special marriage relationship which is different than any of our expectations.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Mt 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.
What a beautiful testimony to Good Old St. Joseph...we spend so much time during Advent thinking about Good Old St. Nick that our world forgets that St. Joseph was the real hero in the Christmas story. As a catholic, I believe that Joseph and Mary had no relations and Jesus was their only son. This is a hard concept to understand if you didn't grow up with this belief, especially in our day and age when sex is all the world talks about. During Jesus' time their were some groups of people who didn't not share in a sexual union but lived a different marriage vow. St Joseph and Mary shared in a special marriage relationship which is different than any of our expectations.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Small Success Thursday:
Small Success Thursday-first of all how the heck did it become Thursday? I have had a crazy week!!!
1. Had 10 boys over for my 10 year old's birthday party.
2. Had 30 mom's and daughter's over for a cookie exchange.
3. Made calzone's and trashed my clean kitchen with flour, but the kids love to make their own...and got the kitchen clean before dad got home from work!!!
4. Wrote this post while nursing my wonderful 3 month old.
Go here for more success stories.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOUBLE DIGITS:
WHEN YOU LEFT YOUR FACE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL
AFTER A WEEK OF NEOSPORIN
IN THE WIZARD OF OZ
FIRST COMMUNION
YOUR FIRST TRIATHLON
WITH YOUR SIX BROTHERS
WHAT A GREAT SWIMMER!!!
AS AN ALTAR BOYI love the notes you leave around for us!!!
Like the one you made when you were 6: yu com in the room i brek yur face
Or the one you left for us on the night before your birthday explaining what you wanted for your birthday breakfast in bed:
Instructions for his little sisters: warm not Hot coco moshon (motion), with six marshmellows, one candy cane, and a spoon, and a napkin, wip cream on hot choclate and best odessy tape ever.
Instructions for his brothers:
scramble egg with a little cheese, pepper, salt, old bay. Toast on the side with butter,bout(put) toast on three(temp toaster!), bout(put) toast next to eggs. Saulsa next to egg. I guess the word put will be on your next spelling test!
I think he enjoyed it and dividy up what he didn't like to the five scavengers who stood and watched him eat it in bed!!!
My favorite part was having all of us (except the two oldest in college) at 8am mass together...oh my heart!!! What a great way to start the year with a blessing from our great Monsignor who remembers the fight over to baptize you. I am so glad that Monsignor Hogan won the fight, because you were one of the last baptism he got to do.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
TOY REVIEW TUESDAY...
BABY DOLLS
Really you can't go wrong with a baby doll. I mean any little girl would love to play with any baby. My oldest had a big ugly doll with butched hair I got at a garage sale for a quarter named Chrisse doll (after her aunt who had bad hair cuts as a child) and she still has that thing!!!
Two years ago, my now four year old loved baby dolls, not any of the eight Bitty Babies from American girl, no she loved the dollar store ones. She got about seven that year from everyone who new us...every time they were at the dollar store they would pick up one for her. Sure they only lasted a couple of months, but we didn't care.
I will say that the American girl Bitty Baby and Twins are worth the money. We have about eight of them. Black, some white, Hispanic, and the two sets of twins.
They last a long time and if necessary you can send them back to the baby hospital. They come back all clean and in a hospital gown and balloon.
The strollers and accessories are nice, but the clothes ate too expensive.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Monday, December 14, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW MONDAY...
Haven't been watching too many movies lately...I am not bed ridden anymore and I discovered the Hallmark channel!!!
What are your favorite Christmas movies? Ours are the typical:
White Christmas
Elf
The Santa Clause
Grinch (s)
WOW-GO HERE FOR A GREAT LIST+++
White Christmas
Elf
The Santa Clause
Grinch (s)
WOW-GO HERE FOR A GREAT LIST+++
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Saturday, December 12, 2009
CHRISTMAS GLUTTONY:
It is hard to be simple in our house this time of year. I try to hold back on the junk, but we have seven winter birthdays and I don't want the birthday kids to feel like they got jipped due to having a birthday near Christmas.
I just surveyed the loot to wrap for 12 kids to make sure all is even, and it sums up to a pile full of stuff...I even got sensible gifts this year...but, all in all, it is still more stuff!!! Then I head to check on the sleeping babes and kick the piles of junk off the floor. (where are we going to put the new junk?)
I head to bed only to read this meditation:
Live simply, so that others can simply live.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
I just surveyed the loot to wrap for 12 kids to make sure all is even, and it sums up to a pile full of stuff...I even got sensible gifts this year...but, all in all, it is still more stuff!!! Then I head to check on the sleeping babes and kick the piles of junk off the floor. (where are we going to put the new junk?)
I head to bed only to read this meditation:
Live simply, so that others can simply live.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, December 11, 2009
FAVORITE STORY FRIDAY:
SANTA'S FAVORITE STORY
We usually like books that tell the true Christmas story. This is the best book for kids with great pictures and under $6 bucks!!!
JESUS' CHRISTMAS PARTY
This is a hysterical book, but hard to find. Some places sell it for $10, amazon had it for $140? (not sure why-my kids want to sell ours now!!!) Must have a sense of humor and be able to read books with lots of verbal excitement!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TOY REVIEW TUESDAY:
MODEL MAGIC CLAY
My kids used to always play with SCULPEY CLAY and we still love it, just like I said here.
We also have really enjoyed the Model Magic clay. No cooking necessary and if you roll it into a ball it can bounce when dry. It comes in small packs for stocking suffers too!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Feast of the Immaculate Conception...
Found all this great info here.
The Immaculate Conception of Mary represents God's saving grace at work, in recognition of Mary's complete submission to His Will.
Misconceptions About the Immaculate Conception:
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is the subject of a lot of misconceptions (so to speak). Perhaps the most common one, held even by many Catholics, is that it celebrates the conception of Christ in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That the feast occurs only 17 days before Christmas should make the error obvious! We celebrate another feast—the Annunciation of the Lord—on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas. It was at the Annunciation, when the Blessed Virgin Mary humbly accepted the honor bestowed on her by God and announced by the angel Gabriel, that the conception of Christ took place.
History of the Feast:
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in its oldest form, goes back to the seventh century, when churches in the East began celebrating the Feast of the Conception of Saint Anne. In other words, this feast celebrates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of Saint Anne; and nine months later, on September 8, we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For the rest of the history go here.
FAITH AND FAMILY MAGAZINE
If you are looking for a great magazine for someone you just don't know what to get...try Faith and Family. I have gotten it for my kids Godmothers and love the great articles and ideas.
If you like free giveaways go check this out.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
If you like free giveaways go check this out.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Saturday, December 5, 2009
IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day...
The Fifty-Eighth Chapter
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized
(part two)
The Voice of Christ
Some are drawn by the ardor of their love with greater affection to these saints or to those, but this affection is human and not divine. I am He who made all the saints. I gave them grace: I brought them to glory. I know the merits of each of them. I came before them in the blessings of My sweetness. I knew My beloved ones before the ages. I chose them out of the world—they did not choose Me. I called them by grace, I drew them on by mercy. I led them safely through various temptations. I poured into them glorious consolations. I gave them perseverance and I crowned their patience. I know the first and the last. I embrace them all with love inestimable. I am to be praised in all My saints. I am to be blessed above all things, and honored in each of those whom I have exalted and predestined so gloriously without any previous merits of their own.
He who despises one of the least of mine, therefore, does no honor to the greatest, for both the small and the great I made. And he who disparages one of the saints disparages Me also and all others in the kingdom of heaven. They are all one through the bond of charity. They have the same thought and the same will, and they mutually love one another; but, what is a much greater thing, they love Me more than themselves or their own merits. Rapt above themselves, and drawn beyond love of self, they are entirely absorbed in love of Me, in Whom they rest. There is nothing that can draw them away or depress them, for they who are filled with eternal truth burn with the fire of unquenchable love.
The past two days I have tried to figure out what I am to learn from these meditations. Some days seem so relevant and others I can't figure out what they are saying. This time I think the Lord is trying to remind me that we are all called to be saints. He will give us the grace to persevere through any temptation and we should start living like saints here on earth. Loving one another in great charity...now, that is something to meditate on!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized
(part two)
The Voice of Christ
Some are drawn by the ardor of their love with greater affection to these saints or to those, but this affection is human and not divine. I am He who made all the saints. I gave them grace: I brought them to glory. I know the merits of each of them. I came before them in the blessings of My sweetness. I knew My beloved ones before the ages. I chose them out of the world—they did not choose Me. I called them by grace, I drew them on by mercy. I led them safely through various temptations. I poured into them glorious consolations. I gave them perseverance and I crowned their patience. I know the first and the last. I embrace them all with love inestimable. I am to be praised in all My saints. I am to be blessed above all things, and honored in each of those whom I have exalted and predestined so gloriously without any previous merits of their own.
He who despises one of the least of mine, therefore, does no honor to the greatest, for both the small and the great I made. And he who disparages one of the saints disparages Me also and all others in the kingdom of heaven. They are all one through the bond of charity. They have the same thought and the same will, and they mutually love one another; but, what is a much greater thing, they love Me more than themselves or their own merits. Rapt above themselves, and drawn beyond love of self, they are entirely absorbed in love of Me, in Whom they rest. There is nothing that can draw them away or depress them, for they who are filled with eternal truth burn with the fire of unquenchable love.
The past two days I have tried to figure out what I am to learn from these meditations. Some days seem so relevant and others I can't figure out what they are saying. This time I think the Lord is trying to remind me that we are all called to be saints. He will give us the grace to persevere through any temptation and we should start living like saints here on earth. Loving one another in great charity...now, that is something to meditate on!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, December 4, 2009
CREATING CHRISTMAS:
FOUND THESE SIX ARTICLES FROM FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. Thought they were good to share at this time+++
These are good also.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
These are good also.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day-
The Fifty-Eighth Chapter
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized
(part one)
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, beware of discussing high matters and God’s hidden judgments—why this person is so forsaken and why that one is favored with so great a grace, or why one man is so afflicted and another so highly exalted. Such things are beyond all human understanding and no reason or disputation can fathom the judgments of God.
When the enemy puts such suggestions in your mind, therefore, or when some curious persons raise questions about them, answer with the prophet: “Thou art just, O Lord, and righteous are Thy judgments”; Ps. 119:137. and this: “The judgments of the Lord are true and wholly righteous.” Ps. 19:9. My judgments are to be feared, not discussed, because they are incomprehensible to the understanding of men.
In like manner, do not inquire or dispute about the merits of the saints, as to which is more holy, or which shall be greater in the kingdom of heaven. Such things often breed strife and useless contentions. They nourish pride and vainglory, whence arise envy and quarrels, when one proudly tries to exalt one saint and the other another. A desire to know and pry into such matters brings forth no fruit. On the contrary, it displeases the saints, because I am the God, not of dissension, but of peace—of that peace which consists in true humility rather than in self-exaltation.
I think what Thomas a Kempis is trying to tell us is to don't be petty over small things. Watch our gossip. I know I tend to justify my gossip in thinking I am just clearing something up or I need to be sure about this...we need to be at peace and not bother with other peoples business.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized
(part one)
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, beware of discussing high matters and God’s hidden judgments—why this person is so forsaken and why that one is favored with so great a grace, or why one man is so afflicted and another so highly exalted. Such things are beyond all human understanding and no reason or disputation can fathom the judgments of God.
When the enemy puts such suggestions in your mind, therefore, or when some curious persons raise questions about them, answer with the prophet: “Thou art just, O Lord, and righteous are Thy judgments”; Ps. 119:137. and this: “The judgments of the Lord are true and wholly righteous.” Ps. 19:9. My judgments are to be feared, not discussed, because they are incomprehensible to the understanding of men.
In like manner, do not inquire or dispute about the merits of the saints, as to which is more holy, or which shall be greater in the kingdom of heaven. Such things often breed strife and useless contentions. They nourish pride and vainglory, whence arise envy and quarrels, when one proudly tries to exalt one saint and the other another. A desire to know and pry into such matters brings forth no fruit. On the contrary, it displeases the saints, because I am the God, not of dissension, but of peace—of that peace which consists in true humility rather than in self-exaltation.
I think what Thomas a Kempis is trying to tell us is to don't be petty over small things. Watch our gossip. I know I tend to justify my gossip in thinking I am just clearing something up or I need to be sure about this...we need to be at peace and not bother with other peoples business.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Surviving Homeschool Burnout:
This was found from The Homeschool Mom website.
Surviving Homeschool Burnout
Karen M. Gibson
Burnout happens to all homeschoolers at least once, sometimes more than once in our homeschooling journeys. Even those who do not follow a scope and sequence or a particular curriculum can fall victim to burnout. We all have expectations, internal and external, on ourselves and our children and those expectations can easily lead us to question why we are homeschooling and if we should continue to homeschool.
Burnout Symptoms
* Overreacting to situations
* Irritability
* Feeling overwhelmed
* Crying often
* Lack of confidence
* Yelling
* Feeling frustrated
* Exhaustion
* Overeating and/or lack of appetite
* Rosy thoughts of public school
* Chasing down the school bus
Burnout Causes
* Expectations of others (family, friends, even spouses)
* Our own expectations concerning our household, family, homeschool (feeling we have to "prove" we can succeed at homeschooling or that we have to maintain certain housekeeping standards)
* Unreal expectations concerning curriculum or resources that do not fit our children’s learning styles
* Outside activities consuming our lives
* Isolation, not enough outside interaction
* Focusing solely on homeschooling and not other areas of family life
* Parent / Child conflicts (parenting issues)
Burnout Cures
* Setting boundaries with family and friends - let the answering machine pick up during "school hours" and/or put a "school's in session" sign outside the door
* Reducing outside activities
* Finding time for yourself- admitting that you need time away from it all, personal time, personal space. This might be bath at night after your spouse comes home or quiet time during the afternoon or even letting the kids sleep later in the morning to get gain some solitude time
* Finding time for husband and wife together – make dates, let your children realize you are a couple, not just mommy and daddy
* Finding time to just enjoy your children – don’t make every moment a teaching moment. Play with your children, enjoy their company, talk to them and listen to them
* Reducing academic expectations - change resources, take more breaks, do less busy work, don't worry about finishing that textbook by the end of the year, skip over material, slow down, decide whether your children and you really need a schedule
* Cease worrying about "gaps" as yes, you will miss something!
* Focus on learning styles and interests, rather than the textbooks and grade levels
* Connect with other homeschool parents, swap stories, compare notes … very few actual have that "perfect homeschool" that we all picture ... it just does not exist!
* Consider another way to cover a subject that is causing stress - swap with another parent to teach a particular subject or ask your spouse to take over in that area, find a tutor (online or in real life), enroll in the dual-enrollment program at your college or a cyber-program
* Reduce your household expectations, hire someone to clean or enlisting your family’s help (children and spouse)
* More outside activity - exercise for both you and children
* Having a park day or special day every so often to just enjoy, no schoolwork!
* Raise independent learners
* Make meal time easier - plan meals in advance, find quick and easy meals, use your crockpot
* Getting enough rest – easier said than done. Maybe trade babysitting time with a friend or neighbor or hire a mother’s helper to come in and watch your young children while you nap.
* Eat well, take your vitamins, and exercise, even if all you do is go for an early morning walk before everyone wakes up.
* Pursue your own interests – you will worry less and also renew your own batteries by doing something solely for yourself. In addition, your children may discover a new area of interest for themselves
* Parent / Child conflicts - review your expectations, are they age appropriate?
* Involve your children more in their education, in the choosing resources and subjects to study, thereby empowering your children and building their self-confidence and abilities
Homeschool burnout is survivable. Once you recognize that you are in the throes of a burnout, often all it takes is a few proactive steps to begin the journey to recovery. We need to recognize that often homeschooling burnout is not really about homeschooling at all, but about life and family and not taking care of ourselves. After all, how can we expect to nurture our families if we do not nurture ourselves at the same time?
2008 Addendum
I highly recommend homeschooling pioneers Dr. Raymond Moore and Dorothy Moore’s books as both prevention and remedy for homeschool burnout. While the Moore’s write from a Christian perspective (they were missionaries), their books do not preach and non-Christians or those wishing a secular approach will find the information well worth the occasional mention of religion. The Moore’s advocate delayed academics, allowing children to play and enjoy childhood, and also stress the importance of family life and service to others, among other things. For more information on the Moore Formula, visit The Moore Foundation.
Here are the Moore books I most often recommend:
1. Home School Burnout: What It Is. What Causes It. And How to Overcome It - No longer in print, but used copies are available. A classic. Here is part of the description from the dust jacket of my copy:
This book has been written as a reassurance to all parents of the undeniable value of home-based education. By means of real-life examples and new, continually reaffirming research, the Moore’s will take readers “back” to the undisputable “why’s” of home schooling.
Then they systematically guide parents through the reasons why many disassemble their home schools. Why they – and their kids – burn out. And in explaining this, the Moore’s carefully escort parents back to their own sound reasons for deciding to home school, reassuring them to stay with it. For the good of both them and their children.
As with all the Moore’s books, Home School Burnout is thoroughly documented. At the same time, with compassion, it encourages parents back from desperation and frustration to sanity and realism.
2. Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child’s Education
3. Home Grown Kids: A Practical Handbook for Teaching Your Children at Home
4. The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook: A Creative and Stress-Free Approach to Homeschooling. Part of the description from the back cover:
With a realistic look at the problems homeschooling parents face, this comprehensive handbook offers practical strategies that help you
* Choose a curriculum that really works for you and your children
* Avoid student resentment and parent burnout
* Target your child’s interest and motivation to make learning fun
* Help your child excel in educational goals, including standardized tests
* Understand how a child’s developmental stages contribute to learning
* See the big picture of family and society in the learning process
This creative approach to homeschooling puts the family first, without sacrificing educational quality. Based on extensive research and use, The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook offers a creative alternative to the regular classroom approach.
Copyright 2004, Addendum Copyright 2008
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Surviving Homeschool Burnout
Karen M. Gibson
Burnout happens to all homeschoolers at least once, sometimes more than once in our homeschooling journeys. Even those who do not follow a scope and sequence or a particular curriculum can fall victim to burnout. We all have expectations, internal and external, on ourselves and our children and those expectations can easily lead us to question why we are homeschooling and if we should continue to homeschool.
Burnout Symptoms
* Overreacting to situations
* Irritability
* Feeling overwhelmed
* Crying often
* Lack of confidence
* Yelling
* Feeling frustrated
* Exhaustion
* Overeating and/or lack of appetite
* Rosy thoughts of public school
* Chasing down the school bus
Burnout Causes
* Expectations of others (family, friends, even spouses)
* Our own expectations concerning our household, family, homeschool (feeling we have to "prove" we can succeed at homeschooling or that we have to maintain certain housekeeping standards)
* Unreal expectations concerning curriculum or resources that do not fit our children’s learning styles
* Outside activities consuming our lives
* Isolation, not enough outside interaction
* Focusing solely on homeschooling and not other areas of family life
* Parent / Child conflicts (parenting issues)
Burnout Cures
* Setting boundaries with family and friends - let the answering machine pick up during "school hours" and/or put a "school's in session" sign outside the door
* Reducing outside activities
* Finding time for yourself- admitting that you need time away from it all, personal time, personal space. This might be bath at night after your spouse comes home or quiet time during the afternoon or even letting the kids sleep later in the morning to get gain some solitude time
* Finding time for husband and wife together – make dates, let your children realize you are a couple, not just mommy and daddy
* Finding time to just enjoy your children – don’t make every moment a teaching moment. Play with your children, enjoy their company, talk to them and listen to them
* Reducing academic expectations - change resources, take more breaks, do less busy work, don't worry about finishing that textbook by the end of the year, skip over material, slow down, decide whether your children and you really need a schedule
* Cease worrying about "gaps" as yes, you will miss something!
* Focus on learning styles and interests, rather than the textbooks and grade levels
* Connect with other homeschool parents, swap stories, compare notes … very few actual have that "perfect homeschool" that we all picture ... it just does not exist!
* Consider another way to cover a subject that is causing stress - swap with another parent to teach a particular subject or ask your spouse to take over in that area, find a tutor (online or in real life), enroll in the dual-enrollment program at your college or a cyber-program
* Reduce your household expectations, hire someone to clean or enlisting your family’s help (children and spouse)
* More outside activity - exercise for both you and children
* Having a park day or special day every so often to just enjoy, no schoolwork!
* Raise independent learners
* Make meal time easier - plan meals in advance, find quick and easy meals, use your crockpot
* Getting enough rest – easier said than done. Maybe trade babysitting time with a friend or neighbor or hire a mother’s helper to come in and watch your young children while you nap.
* Eat well, take your vitamins, and exercise, even if all you do is go for an early morning walk before everyone wakes up.
* Pursue your own interests – you will worry less and also renew your own batteries by doing something solely for yourself. In addition, your children may discover a new area of interest for themselves
* Parent / Child conflicts - review your expectations, are they age appropriate?
* Involve your children more in their education, in the choosing resources and subjects to study, thereby empowering your children and building their self-confidence and abilities
Homeschool burnout is survivable. Once you recognize that you are in the throes of a burnout, often all it takes is a few proactive steps to begin the journey to recovery. We need to recognize that often homeschooling burnout is not really about homeschooling at all, but about life and family and not taking care of ourselves. After all, how can we expect to nurture our families if we do not nurture ourselves at the same time?
2008 Addendum
I highly recommend homeschooling pioneers Dr. Raymond Moore and Dorothy Moore’s books as both prevention and remedy for homeschool burnout. While the Moore’s write from a Christian perspective (they were missionaries), their books do not preach and non-Christians or those wishing a secular approach will find the information well worth the occasional mention of religion. The Moore’s advocate delayed academics, allowing children to play and enjoy childhood, and also stress the importance of family life and service to others, among other things. For more information on the Moore Formula, visit The Moore Foundation.
Here are the Moore books I most often recommend:
1. Home School Burnout: What It Is. What Causes It. And How to Overcome It - No longer in print, but used copies are available. A classic. Here is part of the description from the dust jacket of my copy:
This book has been written as a reassurance to all parents of the undeniable value of home-based education. By means of real-life examples and new, continually reaffirming research, the Moore’s will take readers “back” to the undisputable “why’s” of home schooling.
Then they systematically guide parents through the reasons why many disassemble their home schools. Why they – and their kids – burn out. And in explaining this, the Moore’s carefully escort parents back to their own sound reasons for deciding to home school, reassuring them to stay with it. For the good of both them and their children.
As with all the Moore’s books, Home School Burnout is thoroughly documented. At the same time, with compassion, it encourages parents back from desperation and frustration to sanity and realism.
2. Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child’s Education
3. Home Grown Kids: A Practical Handbook for Teaching Your Children at Home
4. The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook: A Creative and Stress-Free Approach to Homeschooling. Part of the description from the back cover:
With a realistic look at the problems homeschooling parents face, this comprehensive handbook offers practical strategies that help you
* Choose a curriculum that really works for you and your children
* Avoid student resentment and parent burnout
* Target your child’s interest and motivation to make learning fun
* Help your child excel in educational goals, including standardized tests
* Understand how a child’s developmental stages contribute to learning
* See the big picture of family and society in the learning process
This creative approach to homeschooling puts the family first, without sacrificing educational quality. Based on extensive research and use, The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook offers a creative alternative to the regular classroom approach.
Copyright 2004, Addendum Copyright 2008
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Imitation of Christ: Meditation of the Day-
The Fifty-Seventh Chapter
A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to Me than much consolation and devotion when things are going well.
Why are you saddened by some little thing said against you? Even if it had been more you ought not to have been affected. But now let it pass. It is not the first, nor is it anything new, and if you live long it will not be the last.
You are manly enough so long as you meet no opposition. You give good advice to others, and you know how to strengthen them with words, but when unexpected tribulation comes to your door, you fail both in counsel and in strength. Consider your great weakness, then, which you experience so often in small matters. Yet when these and like trials happen, they happen for your good.
Put it out of your heart as best you know how, and if it has touched you, still do not let it cast you down or confuse you for long. Bear it patiently at least, if you cannot bear it cheerfully. Even though you bear it unwillingly, and are indignant at it, restrain yourself and let no ill-ordered words pass your lips at which the weak might be scandalized. The storm that is now aroused will soon be quieted and your inward grief will be sweetened by returning grace. “I yet live,” says the Lord, “ready to help you and to console you more and more, if you trust in Me and call devoutly upon Me.”
Remain tranquil and prepare to bear still greater trials. All is not lost even though you be troubled oftener or tempted more grievously. You are a man, not God. You are flesh, not an angel. How can you possibly expect to remain always in the same state of virtue when the angels in heaven and the first man in paradise failed to do so? I am He Who rescues the afflicted and brings to My divinity those who know their own weakness.
The Disciple
Blessed be Your words, O Lord, sweeter to my mouth than honey and the honeycomb. What would I do in such great trials and anxieties, if You did not strengthen me with Your holy words? If I may but attain to the haven of salvation, what does it matter what or how much I suffer? Grant me a good end. Grant me a happy passage out of this world. Remember me, my God, and lead me by the right way into Your kingdom.
Dear Lord, Help me with the little things like not nagging my teenagers and having patience with my tired little ones. Give me a compassionate and charitable heart to be kind to those that drive me crazy, the person who is so different than me. Let me be more like You to those I encounter+
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
TOY REVIEW TUESDAY: join in...
OK...so it is Christmas time and we are all trying to scramble around and find the perfect gifts for our families!!! Well, let me tell you...THERE IS NO PERFECT GIFT!!! I have searched and searched for over 20 years to find it and it isn't there.
The closest thing to perfect is another sibling for the little darlings to play with, learn from,fight, debate, serve, help, adore, listen to, ignore, share, discuss, cuddle, and love, to say a few.
Perfect would be spending our lifetime getting those we love to heaven!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 4 YEAR OLD!!!
my little diva
two Sharons
when you became a big sister
hugging your sweet Josh
the girls
the proud big sister againMay God keep you close to Him always!!! Thanks for adding spice to our lives!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day-
Imitation of CHRIST (it has been awhile) part three:
The Disciple
The Disciple
Lord Jesus, as You have said, so be it, and what You have promised, let it be my lot to win. I have received the cross, from Your hand I have received it. I will carry it, carry it even unto death as You have laid it upon me. Truly, the life of a good religious man is a cross, but it leads to paradise. We have begun—we may not go back, nor may we leave off.
Take courage, brethren, let us go forward together and Jesus will be with us. For Jesus’ sake we have taken this cross. For Jesus’ sake let us persevere with it. He will be our help as He is also our leader and guide. Behold, our King goes before us and will fight for us. Let us follow like men. Let no man fear any terrors. Let us be prepared to meet death valiantly in battle. Let us not suffer our glory to be blemished by fleeing from the Cross.
Lord help me persevere through suffering. Guide me closer to you. Help me prepare my heart this advent TO BE READY TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTH.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+