Santa Claus verus St. Nicholas

The Feast of St. Nicholas

Today is the feast of St. Nicholas and Father did a lovely job of sharing the life of St. Nicholas--a bishop who was extremely generous with his personal wealth.
St. Nicholas could not stand the idea that a man was going to sell his daughters into prostitution because he lacked a dowry for them, so in the middle of the night he delivered bags of gold to the father of the daughters (three in all) which served as their dowry. This is where the idea of Santa coming at night comes from, but it is not all there was to St. Nicholas.
But his point was more that today's version of St. Nicholas--Santa Clause--is about material things and not about generosity or sharing a love of Jesus Christ, as is the case of St. Nicholas.
Also, there is the truth that St. Nicholas was a real person who lived and breathed while Santa Clause is a fiction, comprised of many traditions.
As we prepare for Christmas, I hope I can remember that the most important thing I can share with people is my love of Christ and not some present I purchase for them, especially the young children who are so materialistic in their wants.

Lord,
Help me this day to focus on my Advent goals and to do your will throughout the day. Help me to be generous with what you have given me and also to share my love of you with all. Thank you for your many blessings.

My sweet child,
I love you mightily and guide you each day. I know you do not complete the work I have given you each day, but as you strengthen your willpower to do my will, you will accomplish more each day. Keep working on the lists you have comprised for Advent, doing daily a task that we agreed to when you made the list.
Do not fret about the person who seems so resentful of you. Pray for this person even more and keep on praying for all of the people in his life. Be generous in your spiritual prayers for this person and rejoice because I have given you the power to love in spite of hatred consuming the world. All is well. Let's do some Advent preparation now and have fun with it. You are precious to me. Never doubt it.

Opposing Viewpoints

Looking South From Cedar Breaks

It has been so wonderful these past few days to see my prayers so wonderfully answered.
While the two big requests I have made on this blog are still in the works, I have seen answers to other prayers that have been uttered for my family and friends.
Thank you so much, my dear Lord, for the answers to those prayers. You have re-affirmed to me the value of using your name in my prayer requests.
I have been reading blog postings and other news sites--probably too much--and I am thoroughly amazed at how differently people view the world.
There is definitely a left-right viewpoint chasm that is utterly astounding to me.
An event can take place and both sides view it so completely different that you would think they are viewing a different event.
This "war" between President Obama and Fox News is one example. Fox News doesn't fall into lockstep with everything the President puts out there and so they are "picking on him" and giving him unfair coverage. Lefty bloggers applaud the decision to try to alienate Fox (even though it is a definite attack on Freedom of the Press) without seeing that other networks simply swallow the administration's explanation for all of the various things that Fox considers worth questioning.
For a long time, I thought that if we could just explain to them the viewpoint from the right, they might have their eyes opened. But that is not the case. They truly believe everything that the left news networks put out there and consider that anything not appearing on those networks is simply not worth reporting on. Examples are the Van Jones resignation and the ACORN scandal.
But they don't. They vehemently claim that Fox news is "lying" and "making stories up".
Meanwhile, Obama and his Chicago thugs go on with their plans to destroy the American way of life.
What is happening here, Lord? How can there be such disparate views of the same event? Who is lying and who is reporting things accurately? My inclinations are to trust Fox News but it is possible I am the one being duped as are many on the right.
But then, I also look at other parts of the left wing agenda...abortion on demand, the acceptability of homosexual relations, etc. and think that I am not the one being duped here. Please guide me in my thoughts and actions to know what is your Truth and what you want me to do about this. I spend a lot of time reading about it, so I should do something with all this knowledge, shouldn't I?
My sweet child--
I know you are concerned about these issues. The resolution of these issues is yet to be determined but you can play a part in the outcome. I long ago began letting people who were bent on their own destruction have their way. I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of sins but I also have given people free will. Their choice in these matters...to deliberately choose to believe those things which go against the Word of God...is their choice, their free will. We cannot force them into believing in my goodness and care for them. But when people try to force others into something against Me and my Will, then you know you have the full Power of God at your disposal. You cannot force them to believe in me, but they cannot force you to do or say things you know to be wrong. It's complicated, my child. It is the reason why so many people question My existence and why a good God would allow so much evil to exist. But we must allow them their free will even as we pray for their eyes to be opened. You know now what Jesus was talking about when He marveled that I had hidden things from the learned and revealed them to the childlike.
The people who believe in their own superiority and knowledge have been blinded while I am revealing my will to open hearts and minds. Of course they will attack you and anyone who believes as you do and tries to expose their hidden agendas. Do not fear. They cannot harm you and your way of life, as you put it, is hidden with me. You are a child of my kingdom and that is how you must think. Pray still for an end to abortion and other issues that I inspire you to pray about. All is well. I am the God of the Universe and I have things under control, even if you cannot as yet see it.
Thank you, my God. I again ask in the name of Jesus that you arrange to have the charges of trespassing dropped against those protesters of abortion at Notre Dame. I also ask in the name of Jesus that only your will in the proposed health care legislation be actually passed. I thank you Lord. I also ask in the name of Jesus that the eyes of many will be opened regarding President Obama and his administration because of this "hit" he has put on Fox News. I thank you Lord. Amen.

A Conduit for Power

Fall Foliage on one of my favorite Walks

I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God. (Romans 1:16)

Good Morning my Lord--
I thank you so much for this day you have given me. Help me to know and do your will as I go through the day. I am so much in love with you, my Lord and God. You have given me the best gift of all--that of having my heart burn with love for you.
In meditating on today's scripture reading from Romans, I realize that you have called me to be a conduit of your power. It is much the same as an electrical wire bringing power into my home...merely some way for the power to be put to practical use. And that is what you have called me to be--a way for your power to be put to good and practical use.
Although, I must admit, you take a greater chance with me than with an electrical wire...I have the uncanny ability to mess up--not obey you right away or ignore you when you ask me to do something.
Forgive me for those times, my Lord. And thank you so much for this opportunity to put your power to good use. Let me take no pride in it..after all I am merely the conduit, not the power. But I do thrill at the thought of being such a conduit and working your will in my little corner of your world.
God, Almighty Father,
Today I ask that the current "health insurance reform" legislation making its way through our Congress be done in accordance with your will or not at all. Lord, it seems there are so many things wrong with these bills, including funding abortions and creating the opportunity for small minded bureaucrats to push senior citizens and others who may not be "perfect" into a choice of death. Therefore, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, your son and my savior, I ask that you stop this legislation if it does not follow your will or that it is properly amended to take out any portions that are offensive to you. Thank you, my God. Amen.
My sweet child--
You are learning to use the power of my name and I thank you for it. I know that you are fearful of asking too much or things that are too big. Fear not, you are being guided by my Spirit and you are listening to me as we begin each day. There is much to accomplish in this world and I need simple conduits for my power. Where they are is of no importance...only that they do what I ask. You are precious to me and I love you so much. There is nothing for you to fear...I will be with you in all things.

The Name of Christ

Wood Duck Mingling with Mallards

For the past couple of nights, I have had the strange experience of being awake, yet in a dream-like state where I find myself in a situation that could be terrifying.
In both "dreams" I have been on an airplane when terrorists attempt to take over the flight.
Instead of that happening, however, I stand up and invoke the Name of Jesus Christ, commanding the terrorists to put down their weapons and hostages.
They obey, simply because they must obey any commands issued "in the name of Jesus Christ."
And the plane continues on its journey with the terrorists now bound and awaiting arrest at the landing airport. At all times, I am calm and even joyful..never afraid.
So, the question has become...why do I not use "the name of Jesus Christ" more prayerfully and more powerfully? There is no reason for not using it...it was given to all who claim to be followers.
Jesus told the apostles at the Last Supper that "anything you ask the Father in my name, He will do" and most prayers are offered "in the name of Jesus." Yet for me, this has become rote and not a powerful answer to my problems.
I find I must begin using the name of Jesus more and with specific requests so that I can know the prayer has worked.
It sounds all rather clinical and like I am testing the Lord. I do not mean it to sound thus, it's just that it's such an eye-opener for me, that I have had the power to effect change in circumstances and have not used it effectively. I guess, the test is more a test of me and my faith than it is of the Lord or his promises.
So, today I begin with my prayer requests.
Dear Father, I give you thanks and praise for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. I know I have failed to do your will and for this I seek your forgiveness and mercy. I may be dreaming but I am so excited to learn I do have power and it is in the power of the name of Jesus Christ that I can effect change in circumstances. So, today I begin. Father, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, your only Son and my Savior, that charges of trespassing be dropped against the people who were arrested at Notre Dame University in protest of President Obama's stand on abortion. I thank you Father, for this solution to only one of the problems of the world and I hope that as I get better at using this tool you have given to all your children that I may become wiser and wiser in its use. I know, dear Lord, that you would not have us become tempted to abuse this wonderful gift, so I need all the wisdom you can provide as I seek to do your will. I thank you Father, in the name of Jesus, and I am so looking forward to taking this journey with you. Amen.
My sweet one, You are indeed precious to me. I know you long to help me save my world and that you have been seeking some way in which to become effective. I have given this gift to all my children and "in the name of Jesus" is used many times throughout the day and night as my children seek answers to their prayers. For many, as for you up until your 'dreams' the phrase has become rote and just a phrase to end a prayer. They say it without expecting that their prayers will be answered, they say it without having the faith that what they ask for will be given by me. So, yes, I am giving you a new perspective on it, a new lens in which to view your prayer requests. I am somewhat amused by your "testing" and have also given you the knowledge that it is yourself you are testing and not me. My sweet child. Your prayer has been answered. All is well. I am delighted you have begun posting again. We will make a formidable team. Go in peace. I love you.

The good and kind among us

Random Thoughts
Several years ago I was walking in a favorite spot when I looked up and there was this young moose standing right on the pathway. I snapped a couple of photos but decided not to try to continue along the same path. I'm sure I would have come up short in any contest over who had the right of way on the path!
It is always delightful to see wildlife, though, and I truly am grateful and thankful that the Lord has put me where he has.
I sometimes wonder what my mission is but I delight in being able to take a walk and see a moose in the wild. How awesome is that?
On Tuesday, the funeral of a very kind and generous man was held here. The church was packed to overflowing and nearly everyone could tell a story of his generosity. He was a very wealthy person and could have chosen to live anywhere, but he chose to live here. I think it must have been for similar reasons as I am thankful to live here.
When I think of his honesty and goodness and then look around at all the corruption and greed in this country, particularly in our "leaders" I am appalled at such a disconnect. These people who we entrust to make decisions for all of us are corrupt and greedy and not the same type of people as my friend.
Things seem to be happening very quickly now as far as the end times signs go. With each passing news cycle, I am surprised that the warning sign doesn't appear in the sky tomorrow. I still have much to do to prepare, though, and will strive to do better.
Oh my Lord and my God--help me to prepare for what is coming and to not waver in doing your will. You are precious to me and I want to please you and do what you would have me do.
I know I say that and then don't do it. Please help me to overcome this fault and to be instantly obedient. I love you and delight in all your goodness and kindness. I thank you for people like Tom who are good and generous and I pray that he is in heaven with you and his loved ones.

My sweet one--You are forgiven for your failures of the past and for your failures of this day. Do not seek to carry them into the new day. You have given them to me and must now rest assured that you may go forth into the new day without the burdens of past sins and failings.

Continue to strive to do my will and to do the things you think I am calling you to do. If you think I am calling you, then I probably am. Once you give me your life, as you do daily, then do not doubt where the guidance comes. Know that I will guard you against anything not according to my will. Be at peace and try to do better tomorrow. Know that I love you.

Fast Moving Waters

Fast Moving Water
This photo was taken several years ago in May and the water in this creek was moving fast!! This year is shaping up to be a fast moving water year, too. We are having a very wet spring with rain and rain/snow and then more rain. We can always use the water in this arid part of the world, so we are not to complain about it but it does get to be a drag. I wonder if the flood waters are about to over take us. Thank you anyway Lord, for the gray days and rain.
I thank you so much for all the blessings you bestow on me daily. I thank you for giving me the words to address those people and concerns I feel compelled to write about. I thank you for giving me the Truth and for being able to share it with others.
Lord, I am so worried about the state of this world. The level of immorality continues to climb. Things that have been forbidden by you are now commonplace and we are expected to be "tolerant" of all things and viewpoints.
I have been reading much about the end of times and I believe it is almost upon us. We are to experience a warning, then chastisement--three days of darkness. At least those are the prophesies I have been reading and much death and destruction.
We are preparing for the worst and trust that you will guide us in our actions and deeds to do your will in this matter.
My dearest--
You must do as I command you. Please do not delay in getting those things done that I set upon your mind and heart. It is important that these things be caught up and you will thank me for this in the very near future. Do not be afraid...just go forth into each day and do as I command you. I will remind you of all you need to do on a daily basis, but you must strive to do those things and accomplish my will for you. I love you and the accomplishment of my will is something that will truly delight and inspire you. There is nothing to fear in doing my will. Know that I take very good care of my servants. Be at peace. I love you.

St. Joseph the Worker--May 1

Feast Day Thoughts

Today is the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker and as St. Joseph is one of my favorite Saints and patron of my diocese, I wish to offer some thoughts on this remarkable man.

Was Joseph young or was he old? From what I have read, there is no clear answer to this question. Early church writings seem to indicate that he was an elderly man who had been married prior to being betrothed to Mary and had children from his first marriage. These are the "brothers and sisters" referred to in Mark's Gospel, according to some. Others claim that Jesus' "brothers and sisters" were cousins.
Then later...around the 14th century, advocates of Joseph, husband of Mary, started to depict Joseph as a younger man.

Personally, I don't know if it matters to me.

What is important to me about St. Joseph is his loving care of Mary and Jesus. Not only did he buck the unspoken rule of the day regarding taking a pregnant woman as his wife (when he knew he was not the father of the child), he also adopted the child as his own and loved him dearly.
Of course, divine intervention did come into play and helped St. Joseph in his decision making. In a dream he was told not to fear taking the woman Mary as his wife and that the child would be the son of the Most High. He named the child as commanded by the angel giving him the dream--a matter of faith and obedience. Later, obeying another dream, he fled Herod's persecution with his wife and newborn into Egypt where they lived as, presumably, "illegal aliens" until Joseph had another dream and returned with his family to Nazareth when Herod had died.

So much of the young life of Jesus and also of Joseph is not recorded. Because there exists only the story about losing Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem when Jesus was 12, we can speculate that life was very ordinary for Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Joseph provided for his family as a carpenter, teaching Jesus his trade as was the custom. Whether the children listed in Mark were Joseph's from a previous marriage or his cousins, it seems clear that Jesus was surrounded by a large family. The Gospels do not mention Joseph again after the finding of Jesus in the temple at age 12 and it is presumed that he died before Jesus began his public ministry.

Joseph was chosen by God to be the foster father of God's son. What an honor! We often honor Mary--rightfully so--as being chosen by God but forget that Joseph was chosen, too. If you could not raise your only son, who would you choose to do it for you? I think it speaks highly of Joseph.

St. Joseph has always been a comfort to me and I often seek his friendship and guidance when in need.
I thank you, Abba, for choosing Joseph for Jesus and Mary and also for all of us.

Spring Snow

Spring Snowstorm

We got an amazing snowstorm last night---one of those heavy wet storms that covered the ground like a dollop of marshmellow creme.

Of course, it melted off fairly fast and soaked into the parched ground, so it was truly a blessing!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of spring snows and sunshine.

Ash Wednesday, 2009

Lent Begins
Today is Ash Wednesday and it is a day devoted to fasting and abstinence from meat. The focus of my parish priest's homily was fasting and I realized that I do not know how to fast.
My country and my culture are so driven by instantaneous gratification that we have no real concept of fasting.
Many people in many countries practice fasting, as Father explained tonight. And coupled with prayer, it becomes a powerful tool for drawing nearer to You, my God and my Friend.
Even though traditional fasting is a fasting from food, Father laid out numerous other alternatives to fasting from food.
For many years I have tried to not watch television and have failed miserably. So when Father suggested fasting from television for one hour and spending that time in prayer or reading something of you, my heart leapt because I knew it was an answer to "how do I fast?"
I also know I need to give up sweets and to fast on each of the Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent. This time that I am spending with you now is something that I have tried to do for several years and it helps me to focus on you rather than on myself, so although it is not a fasting, it gives me courage to go on and I thank you for the grace to do so. I will also try to donate some food to the food bank each week.
I hope I am following your will for me, Lord, as I attempt this Lenten journey with you. We have journeyed together before during this season and for many of those journeys, I know I have disappointed you.
On one, however, I remember being filled with such joy on Easter after successfully completing my Lenten obligation to you. I wish to be filled again with such joy as was unimaginable to me prior to experiencing it. It was the words of the Psalm in today's Mass readings that filled me with joy because I recognized Your voice in them and knew those words were for me.
Please be with me as we take this journey, Lord, and please let me give to You what you require from me even as I ask you for much needed graces to complete the journey.

My Child--
It is so nice to hear from you again. It has been quite some time since you have taken the time to be with Me in this manner. I so delight in your obedience in coming to Me and listening to what I ask of you. I will give you all the graces you need to complete the journey. Indeed, those graces have always been given to you. You have not always used what has been given to you and have turned from Me then, in disappointment and guilt over your failures.
Do not fear and do not feel guilt. I have saved you from that burden and there is no need for you to pick it up again. It is your choice as to whether or not you will use the graces granted you for this journey. I hope you choose to use them so that we might share the journey. I so desire to share it with you and also to grant you the accompanying joy that will be yours upon completion of the journey. I delight to give you all good things. Be not afraid.
Go in peace. I love you.

Been a long time

It has been such a long time that I have been here. I know I need to develop better habits and do more writing. Thank you, my Lord, for all the favors you have bestowed on me. I worship you and give you thanks and praise.
Lord, forgive me for my failings and help me to do better, beginning now. I love you and desire to serve you will my every action.
My sweet one--
Know that I love you and want the very best for you. Do as I tell you each moment....each present moment and all will be well. Go in peace, my dear one. Know you are loved and cared for.