The Twelfth Chapter
Acquiring Patience in the Fight Against Concupiscence
The Disciple
PATIENCE, O Lord God, is very necessary for me, I see, because there are many adversities in this life. No matter what plans I make for my own peace, my life cannot be free from struggle and sorrow. (even tempting left over cheese cake, cranky kids, and a post Thanksgiving messy house)
The Voice of Christ
My child, you are right, yet My wish is not that you seek that peace which is free from temptations or meets with no opposition, but rather that you consider yourself as having found peace when you have been tormented with many tribulations and tried with many adversities.
If you say that you cannot suffer much, how will you endure the fire of purgatory? Of two evils, the lesser is always to be chosen. Therefore, in order that you may escape the everlasting punishments to come, try to bear present evils patiently for the sake of God.
Oh Lord how I beg for forgiveness during this time of Thanksgiving to you for all you have given our family. I am sorry for the whining I have done, the lack of compassion I have shown to others, the gluttony I have encountered, and for all that displeases you. Please see the desires in my heart to love and serve you all the days of my life!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
The Eleventh Chapter
The Longings of our Hearts Must Be Examined And Moderated
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, it is necessary for you to learn many things which you have not yet learned well.
The Disciple
What are they, Lord?
The Voice of Christ
That you conform your desires entirely according to My good pleasure, and be not a lover of self but an earnest doer of My will. Desires very often inflame you and drive you madly on, but consider whether you act for My honor, or for your own advantage. If I am the cause, you will be well content with whatever I ordain. If, on the other hand, any self-seeking lurk in you, it troubles you and weighs you down. Take care, then, that you do not rely too much on preconceived desire that has no reference to Me, lest you repent later on and be displeased with what at first pleased you and which you desired as being for the best. Not every desire which seems good should be followed immediately, nor, on the other hand, should every contrary affection be at once rejected.
It is sometimes well to use a little restraint even in good desires and inclinations, lest through too much eagerness you bring upon yourself distraction of mind; lest through your lack of discipline you create scandal for others; or lest you be suddenly upset and fall because of resistance from others. Sometimes, however, you must use violence and resist your sensual appetite bravely. You must pay no attention to what the flesh does or does not desire, taking pains that it be subjected, even by force, to the spirit. And it should be chastised and forced to remain in subjection until it is prepared for anything and is taught to be satisfied with little (Christmas is coming kids...), to take pleasure in simple things(simplicity is so important), and not to murmur against inconveniences.(grocery shopping, driving, Christmas shopping crowds...)
I will be concentrating on resist your sensual appetite especially during Thanksgiving.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
The Longings of our Hearts Must Be Examined And Moderated
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, it is necessary for you to learn many things which you have not yet learned well.
The Disciple
What are they, Lord?
The Voice of Christ
That you conform your desires entirely according to My good pleasure, and be not a lover of self but an earnest doer of My will. Desires very often inflame you and drive you madly on, but consider whether you act for My honor, or for your own advantage. If I am the cause, you will be well content with whatever I ordain. If, on the other hand, any self-seeking lurk in you, it troubles you and weighs you down. Take care, then, that you do not rely too much on preconceived desire that has no reference to Me, lest you repent later on and be displeased with what at first pleased you and which you desired as being for the best. Not every desire which seems good should be followed immediately, nor, on the other hand, should every contrary affection be at once rejected.
It is sometimes well to use a little restraint even in good desires and inclinations, lest through too much eagerness you bring upon yourself distraction of mind; lest through your lack of discipline you create scandal for others; or lest you be suddenly upset and fall because of resistance from others. Sometimes, however, you must use violence and resist your sensual appetite bravely. You must pay no attention to what the flesh does or does not desire, taking pains that it be subjected, even by force, to the spirit. And it should be chastised and forced to remain in subjection until it is prepared for anything and is taught to be satisfied with little (Christmas is coming kids...), to take pleasure in simple things(simplicity is so important), and not to murmur against inconveniences.(grocery shopping, driving, Christmas shopping crowds...)
I will be concentrating on resist your sensual appetite especially during Thanksgiving.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Monday, November 24, 2008
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
What return shall I make for all these thousands of benefits? Would that I could serve You all the days of my life! Would that for but one day I could serve You worthily! Truly You are worthy of all service, all honor, and everlasting praise. Truly You are my Lord, and I am Your poor servant, bound to serve You with all my powers, praising You without ever becoming weary. I wish to do this—this is my desire. Do You supply whatever is wanting in me.
It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for Your sake. They who give themselves gladly to Your most holy service will possess great grace. They who cast aside all carnal delights for Your love will find the most sweet consolation of the Holy Ghost. They who enter upon the narrow way for Your name and cast aside all worldly care will attain great freedom of mind.
O sweet and joyful service of God, which makes man truly free and holy! O sacred state of religious bondage which makes man equal to the angels, pleasing to God, terrible to the demons, and worthy of the commendation of all the faithful! O service to be embraced and always desired, in which the highest good is offered and joy is won which shall remain forever!
Praising You without ever becoming weary...THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for Your sake. They who give themselves gladly to Your most holy service will possess great grace. They who cast aside all carnal delights for Your love will find the most sweet consolation of the Holy Ghost. They who enter upon the narrow way for Your name and cast aside all worldly care will attain great freedom of mind.
O sweet and joyful service of God, which makes man truly free and holy! O sacred state of religious bondage which makes man equal to the angels, pleasing to God, terrible to the demons, and worthy of the commendation of all the faithful! O service to be embraced and always desired, in which the highest good is offered and joy is won which shall remain forever!
Praising You without ever becoming weary...THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
update on my hubby's race:
He is amazing and was probably too prepared to run that silly race...boy trail running is a totally different animal!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Pray for my hubby...
We are at his JFK 50 Mile race...yes,A 50 mile long, cold,windy, crazy race!!! I have pictures already...but no cord to connect here at my sisters house...but you will see soon enough how crazy some people are!!! Please pray for him!!! He texted at 11:10 to say he was at mile 21...just heard from "the Donk" who met Rob at mile 27 and said he looks great (as usual), but it was cold and windy!!! Bone cold!!! He is running a 12 min mile and started at 7:01am...so we will hopefully see him at the finish line at 5pm.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Home births
From Danielle Bean at Faith and Family Live: "So how about you? Have you ever given birth at home? Would you consider it?"
Yes I have!!! Out of my 11 children 9 were born at home. The first in the hospital because everyone thought I was crazy to deliver at home. After my not so bad experience, I decided hospitals weren’t for me...I am sure the hospital staff agreed that they didn’t want me to come back. TO demanding...To concerned...To picky!!!So the next seven were born at home...healthy and happy!!! When I had my ninth, the insurance would not pay for home birth, just birthing center...bummer!!!So she was born there. It was ok, but not my bed and my house...the next one we got to have at home-because the insurance people made the mistake of saying “in print” that I could have a home birth. Then we couldn’t have #11 at home, again due to insurance. I would love to have more home births. It is not for every family and my certified birth midwives interview each client to make sure they are ready and really know what they are getting into.
God bless!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Yes I have!!! Out of my 11 children 9 were born at home. The first in the hospital because everyone thought I was crazy to deliver at home. After my not so bad experience, I decided hospitals weren’t for me...I am sure the hospital staff agreed that they didn’t want me to come back. TO demanding...To concerned...To picky!!!So the next seven were born at home...healthy and happy!!! When I had my ninth, the insurance would not pay for home birth, just birthing center...bummer!!!So she was born there. It was ok, but not my bed and my house...the next one we got to have at home-because the insurance people made the mistake of saying “in print” that I could have a home birth. Then we couldn’t have #11 at home, again due to insurance. I would love to have more home births. It is not for every family and my certified birth midwives interview each client to make sure they are ready and really know what they are getting into.
God bless!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Meditation of the day...IMITATION OF CHRIST...
The Tenth Chapter
To Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet
The Disciple(PART two)
O Fountain of unceasing love, what shall I say of You? How can I forget You, Who have been pleased to remember me even after I had wasted away and perished? You have shown mercy to Your servant beyond all hope, and have exhibited grace and friendship beyond his deserving.
What return shall I make to You for this grace? For it is not given every man to forsake all things, to renounce the world, and undertake the religious life. Is it anything great that I should serve You Whom every creature is bound to serve? It should not seem much to me; instead it should appear great and wonderful that You condescend to receive into Your service one who is so poor and unworthy. Behold, all things are Yours, even those which I have and by which I serve You. Behold, heaven and earth which You created for the service of man, stand ready, and each day they do whatever You command. But even this is little, for You have appointed angels also to minister to man—yea more than all this—You Yourself have condescended to serve man and have promised to give him Yourself.
What return shall I make to You for this grace? To do your holy will and try to listen to YOUR HOLY SPIRIT during the day. I love you Lord, please help me to be strong against temptation and call on your graces during the day.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
To Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet
The Disciple(PART two)
O Fountain of unceasing love, what shall I say of You? How can I forget You, Who have been pleased to remember me even after I had wasted away and perished? You have shown mercy to Your servant beyond all hope, and have exhibited grace and friendship beyond his deserving.
What return shall I make to You for this grace? For it is not given every man to forsake all things, to renounce the world, and undertake the religious life. Is it anything great that I should serve You Whom every creature is bound to serve? It should not seem much to me; instead it should appear great and wonderful that You condescend to receive into Your service one who is so poor and unworthy. Behold, all things are Yours, even those which I have and by which I serve You. Behold, heaven and earth which You created for the service of man, stand ready, and each day they do whatever You command. But even this is little, for You have appointed angels also to minister to man—yea more than all this—You Yourself have condescended to serve man and have promised to give him Yourself.
What return shall I make to You for this grace? To do your holy will and try to listen to YOUR HOLY SPIRIT during the day. I love you Lord, please help me to be strong against temptation and call on your graces during the day.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
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