The Art of Prayer

One thing I am grateful for is prayer, especially the Rosary to our Blessed Mother. No matter what we go through in our lives it is a blessing to be able to do this wonderful set of prayers. She brings comfort and hope in our everyday life. It's a beautiful way to start the day and a beautiful way to end it. I also enjoy speaking with Jesus and God most of all. I often ask the Holy Spirit to guide on my way. I know lately my blog has been part in focus of my recent situation along with my faith as well and my insecurities regarding my others issues that concern me. I have surrendered it all to our Loving God.

I went for an injection today after having chemotherapy yesterday. This injection will help boost my white blood cells so they will not go down, hopefully and not end up back in the hospital neutropenic. This injection can cause some discomfort or mild pain in the bones as it aids the bone marrow to produce the white blood cells. One thing I didn't expect was to have to learn all about this disease of cancer and all that it entails, but that is why prayer is so tantamount when we come across obstacles that mar the way in life.

One thing for sure that I do know of is that Jesus is my best friend in all the world. I know he would never hurt me or cause me suffer in any extreme way. It is only my sin that would cause the anguish and anxiety for not trusting enough to let go and let God do his will in my life. I pray constantly for strength to always do his will and to seek our Blessed Mothers blessing with all my heart and soul for her constant love. Let our blessed Mother be your guide as well and pray to her daily. Don't forget to also pay our Lord a visit in the Tabernacle or Blessed Sacrament at any Adoration Chapel and speak to him from your heart and let him speak back.

Love

These past few days have been a whirlwind of sorts. My sister had her surgery Thursday and did very well. I had my appointment on Friday and am still out of work at this time. Then for something really good, I took a necklace of St. Anthony to use to hold my drain while taking a shower. I didn't take it off and was looking for a prayer book that seems to have gone missing. I found instead my nearly three year missing social security card that I didn't place in the location it was found.

So dear St. Anthony thank you for your assistance in finding this lost item. You came to my aid when I requested it. I am still wearing the necklace with the medal of St. Anthony.

At this point I suppose God only knows why things are coming about in this way and for being out for an extended period. My Doctor had mentioned he had never met anyone like me before, I thought that was really nice of him to say so. So far many people I have met have mentioned how bubbly I am considering what I am going thru. How else is one supposed to be? I believe I mentioned about joining a Breast Cancer support group with many in various stages of cancer. I should say that after struggling with diabetes and then having a heart attack with open heart surgery, I can count my blessings to be alive and now I find this also is an opportunity to change some bad eating habits and hopefully bring about a brighter future if it is God's plan for me.

I have found that I my blood sugar has done so much better as I change those habits. What a difference and all it took was a change in diagnosis and the possibility of having it much worse. Luckily they did get it out and now the next step is to conquer any rogue cells. And that too is in God's hands. I place my trust in him all the way. I have a great support system within my spiritual family, my heavenly father has brought me thru so much already and continues to love me inspite of my sinfullness at times. My heavenly mother holds my hand on those days when I need her and no one is around to comfort or care. The Holy Spirit is ever present to guide me as I walk this path in life and most of all I have Jesus my heavenly love who gives me the trust I need to get thru the moments of doubt. This family also gave me the love and support of the family they gave me to have on this earth.

We all have come to see that God's presence in our lives is very special, for me it is good to see that they believe most of all. I would like to thank those who read this blog and offer up prayers on behalf of myself and my sister and brothers and mother and father and all those near to me. Your prayers are what help us all get thru each day, one moment at a time.

Rosary

The last few times I've done Adoration at the Monastery I've begun doing the Rosary in Latin. I have found that while doing the Hail Mary it becomes a song. Mainly due to the many Ave Maria's being sung in Latin. I have come to find it very enjoyable to do it this way.

It seemed to have begun quite by accident as I was going through a little book of prayers that have them in English and Latin, so from there my Rosary in Latin began. I look forward to saying the Rosary this way as it now becomes prayer in song as well as said.

My mom is now home from Rehab, tired but well. I have found my days are non stop with little time to go online. When I do I actually fall asleep reading so I end up going to bed. As the routine around here gets underway then maybe there might be more time and less tiredness. Hopefully as time allows the blog will get back underway with more spiritual matters.

Prayers

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. It seems facebook has taken over for a bit. Life it seems has a way of moving us along in different directions. This one for the good because it's main focus is about faith. Life is also challenging when we lose things and when we need to change plans for the sake of others as well. On a good note, St. Anthony answered prayers on two lost items. A camera that I carry and a change purse disappeared. I searched high and low for the items, they were found when my parents got their car back from being fixed. God does have a sense of humor, because I thought they were under the seat of my car only to be found under theirs. After all a purse does occasionally fall off the seat and lands on the floor of the car. I tried to figure out where on earth it might have gone to, since the only places I carry the thing is at work, car or church. The rest of the time it's in hiding at home. So today I can offer up my thanksgiving to St. Anthony for answering those prayers.

I think I've also come to a new level of praying as well. As I did the rosary at Chapel earlier this evening a moment of jolting hands brought me out of deep prayers. I'm sure many have experienced this while praying the Rosary to Our Lady. My prayers go out for all those who are ill and suffering pain of some form or another. For the Church and the Body of Christ, the people who make up the church.

Prayers Please

My mom has been having a few difficult days. When I was able to spend time with her yesterday after work, she told me she thought she was going to die the day before. She's been feeling awful since the day after surgery. I've never seen her so agitated and uncomfortable. I've had so much on my mind these past few days with her as most of the focus for strength.

Yesterday I blurted out those words at work about dying, it is the closeness one has with their family when they know difficulties are present. It's the last thing any of us want to happen. My mom asked for prayers last night. She is really having a hard time praying herself. I don't think she is going to pass away, but when pain medication and after a tough surgery it can make a body feel horrible and it's worst for those who are aged. Tougher for her since illness has been most of her life. Faith has kept a smile upon her face during some of the roughest spots.

I can't say the same for myself, because of my own heart condition there is much that hinders me from doing and then there are things I shouldn't even do. But how do we stop stress when at times like this family is in the forefront and worry about them is constant. Then work has it's own issues to deal with and sometimes those we work with are not much help either. And then there is our own stupidity in how we deal with it. Major blunders when fear for family create havoc in the workforce. Like I said I made a good one and I am the only one to blame for it. I may not like how I dealt with a situation but on a whole I too need to forgive myself for it and move on and let it go.

Having God present in our lives does not always guarantee smooth sailing, what he does is bring peace in chaotic moments of darkness and turmoil when we believe in him and I do.

Not One But Three

The last few days have been wondrous ones. I returned to LaSalette on Sunday to give a bunch of books for their upcoming book sale. I also stayed for the Portuguese healing Mass, which I didn't understand at all, since I don't speak it. Maybe that's why Latin is universal and understood by all when it's done in unity throughout the Church. Well anyway, I purchased that day the Novena to the Sacred Heart.

Yesterday, was an awe filled day. It was a day spent in prayer. I went to St. Josephs Abbey in Spencer Ma, where to my delight I was drawn to the book entitled Holy Spirit Make Your Home in Me. I spent some wonderful time in the Abbey Chapel, it's so peaceful there. And from there as I headed home I stopped at St. Annes Shrine in Sturbridge where I came across a prayer book that felt so right in my hands. It's called the New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book. I took a stroll up the hill to where the Holy Stairs are located and sat gazing up at our Crucified Lord. My knee did pretty good, as long as I take care not to strain the tear.

What a wonderful last few days, and God provided so well on this journey. For me it was truly a blessing. It was a day that the Holy Spirit guided my every step. The prayers that were said flowed beautifully. I now know more than ever that what God did is by his love. Everything up till now has been through his grace and I trust completely all that I know. How truly possible he delivers the answers and shows what is true. His love is that great when a soul is open to his love. And to think I didn't think mine was open enough.

Even I questioned if I had part of my heart closed to him, but upon the last few days I have found that it is open wide.

Prayers

There is a lot of sickness in the world. Many people I come across have some form of illness that causes them to suffer. Is there anyone out there who has no illness whatsoever. The young become afflicted either from genetic history or from doing something they know will cause damage to their mind or body. In the long run causes many problems. Then we have aging problems, so many to list as our bodies tend to go through the process. Today I would like to offer up prayers for all those who suffer illnesses. That God would ease their suffering. Prayers are often answered when prayed in faith and complete trust that they will be answered.

I haven't blogged much lately, I've been trying to take care of many things and placed their importance above blogging. Kind of sacrificing in a way of fasting. Since food fasting is not good for a diabetic, it must be done in other ways. Like giving up television or something that is enjoyable. Anyway there has been much going on and by the time I get on here I pretty much am tired. Anyway have a blessed day.

It's Friday

Okay it's not Friday, but it is for me, my weekend starts at the end of my shift today. I'm not sure how a person gets used to having weekends on weekdays, but I guess in time it will be normal. In a sense it's not too bad as it allows a person to schedule appointments without loss of time from work. I'm beginning to see from the Gospel that making work important over Jesus is a no-no.

Each day upon waking it is a good morning to Jesus, then a prayer to St. Michael. I have done the best to keep my focus on Jesus throughout the day. Some moments do slip when listening to another. But it's keeping our minds in two places, that of what is of heaven and the other on what we are doing. Mainly it's keeping the focus first on God and the rest follows from there. My thoughts no matter what always go back to God when they have been focused upon something else. It's funny because I don't feel as if I am overly religious, because I have made this a way of thought for so long that it is second nature. That's why when my focus ends up on what it does not belong, it turns instantly to God to restore my focus on Him. I don't expect anyone to understand how easy it is for me to keep God first in my heart, mind, body and soul.

So on this Monday of my Friday I offer to God the world in my prayers. I pray for our Beloved Pope Benedict for a safe journey to our country. That he will touch the lives of many who will listen.

Prayers

I'm not sure I mentioned that my work hours are being cut. I found out Thursday and I wasn't to report until Monday. Well yesterday came, I went and was told not to come in until 11:30. So as I went home, and later about to go back again, I was called not to go but to report today. There was a glitch in the communication, or so I was told. I've been there since June and now the time that should be a time to hire is finding mischief instead. I can't survive this way and prayers are needed for a job as I embark on the great search. They always say one door closes and another opens. I've taken steps to go the distance, but I don't always feel blessed when these moments happen. I struggle at times like these not to doubt and to have an ever stronger faith. It's these moments I feel so tested and sometimes very unworthy. Please pray for me in this struggle.

Early Night

The last few days have been in preparation for next Monday night. Lesson plans laid out, rules made and next is taking care of having the opening class agenda all set up. I even called the parents last night to remind them, also because one ended up with a wrong date and not knowing which one it was, they all got called. Tonight's going to be an early night for bed, since I need to be up around 3:30 a.m. to get ready for work. I need to take my mom to the hospital for a test and she has to be there about 6 a.m.

The garden is almost done, the tomatoes are slowly ebbing. Brussel sprouts are on the rise. String beans I just picked a huge bag full and they were big one's too, since it rained for a few days.I have a couple of watermelon that are coming along. The corn fizzled and the birds in the house enjoyed the tiny ears. All in all it was a great garden and the tomatoes tasted oh so good. You definitely can tell the difference when it is grown free of chemicals, it's awesome, just the way God intended.

My brothers and sister had given my mom some fall mums and we planted them on the wall that was rebuilt, I had put a curry and lavender plant there in the spring. With some everbearing strawberries. They all look good together on there. I did sprinkle in the spring the wildflower mix and a few had come in. Those are tough to figure out if they are weeds or flower plants. The area wild grapes are close to harvesting, some of them are soo sweet.

And to top it off it was a good day with thoughts on those who I have been praying for. One thing I know for certain is prayers are one of God's gifts for us to use. Prayer delights the soul and brings us closer to God. My day is always on Him, for Him and with Him. Listening to prayerful songs aslo enables us to pray twice and lifts our hearts in an ever greater form of prayer. I think most of us already know that anyway. What can I say that hasn't already been said by someone else, somewhere, somehow and from another time. I read, but I don't read a lot, so when inspiration comes it comes from the Holy Spirit. Which is an awesome thing God does for us. It's about that time to go to sleep so I'll end here and wish all a blessed good night.

A call to come

Yesterday, I felt drawn to go to La Salette, yet I did not. Today I had the same, it would not go away. So I put it in God's hands to do his will. So after it began to snow, I left. There was a purpose to go, but not as yet do I know.

I know that Mass was wonderful and blessedly long, that was a treat because it didn't seem long at all, it was perfect.

After Mass, there was a moment when I had the strangest thought. Please don't cry. And yet for some reason I don't know why but I did cry. I just felt like crying. But it was the plea that came to me. I didn't understand it, until I was on my way home. That moment passed and I wanted to shower people with love some time later.

As I left, the look I saw was beautiful and full of love in the people there. Prayers have a way of touching one's heart and I said quite a few. When I finally left the Church, I would say it was pretty full of love and much more. I think more than anything I wanted to give all the love in my heart to all who were there, so they will be filled with God's love. But I also know that it will only be possible with God sending it to their hearts.

Just one thing hampered me, some time ago my toe had cramped up and since then when I walk my foot hurts. It seems I have a knot under that toe. I rubbed it and wow did it hurt. Like anything somethings take time to work themselves out. But walking wasn't very good tonight without pain. My little bit of suffering is far less than what Jesus suffered. And doctors visits are on hold until I have insurance. Hopefully soon.

I found out about an old Pastor who used to be at my Parish was rushed to the Hospital. He's had his own Parish for a long time now. Could you please keep Father Levesque in your prayers too. He loves God so very much.