Keep Praying for Emma

This lovely girl needs our prayers, please lets pray for her.  Thank you.

A Sad Event in our Commnunity

This morning a well known man by the Hispanic Community in our city, was shot.  He was taken in critical condition to the hospital were he later died.  Apparently he was shot by two men who attempted to rob him early this morning.  The victim was the owner of a well known  restaurant.

My prayers go out to the family and to the community as well.  This man was well known by many city officials.  The Mayor of our city spoke in a news conference this morning, and other council members as well.

It sad that things like this happen often in our cities.  I just can find words to express how sad I am.

Please say a prayer for the family.  Thank you.

Welcome April

A new month begins today.  Outside my window  the light of sunshine brightens my little home office.  I am still in comfortable clothes, just finished translation of a document for the school's PTO. 

As I browsed to some blogs I noticed my friend Dianne's blog post for today.  She shares with us a devotional that has touched me. 

Earlier this morning, the ambulance and fire truck stopped right in front a neighbor's house.  It was almost time for my son to leave to school.  We waited for his ride, as we saw what was happening across the street.  A man was wheeled out on a gurney.  A very familiar face.  This man always greets me when I'm coming home or leaving my house.  Always has a word of encouragement for me.

I quickly said a prayer and came back inside my house, after my son had left to school.  I continued my normal day. 

After reading this devotional   I felt bad that often, I just go about my day not praying for others or spending quality time with God in prayer.

I thought again about my neighbor, I wonder how he is doing.  I feel I should walk to his house and inquire about his health.  I know he lives with his relatives.  I see them often outside on their porch.  I have gotten to know this man better this last year.  I know he lost a son last year.  I know he has grandchildren.  I know he is a man of faith because every Sunday he walks to the church in the neighborhood.

Wouldn't be nice to be friends with most of your neighbors?  The only neighbors I often talk with are the lady across the street from my house and my downstairs neighbors.  Other than that, it is just an ocasional hi and by.  I know the name of another two neighbors, and I also know the neighbors at the end of the street.  My husband's relatives live in our neighborhood too. 

They are the only ones that often come to our gatherings.  Next time I have an event at home, I will try to invite someone else on my block I have not yet met.  Or at least attend the neighborhood meetings.  I know of neighborhoods were everyone knows each other.  Neighborhood events are good way of getting to know your neighbors.

Last year there was a neighborhood event, where I met another neighbor  that works at a local health clinic.  I often saw her walking her dog.  But never talked to her.  Now everytime she sees me, she smiles and greets me.  Another neighbor works at our local grocery store.   Thesd are people we often see in many places not just  in our neighborhood.  Many take their kids to the same school. They shop at the same shops as we do.  Other than that do we have anything else in common with them.  God our creator.  We might not all have the same beliefs of faith, but I am sure we were all created by the same God.

I say a prayer today for the neighbors I yet have not met.  I pray that God will be in their homes. I do not know their names but God knows them well.

Here I Am

Today we celebrate the annunciation to Mary that she will conceived a son and his name will be Emmanuel, God with us.

I have a little devotional book of the daily readings and the opening prayer says,  " Here I am, to do your will, O God."  - Hebrews 10:7

I was writing this in my journal when my son asked me to make some breakfast for him. 

I hate when I  my quiet time gets inturrupted.   Its my fault for not getting up earlier than my children and spend my quiet time with God, then be ready for my children's request as soon as they are up.

I heard a little voice in me that said, " What you do to your child, you do to me."  I think it was God telling me to get up and attend to my child's request.

Later this morning, as I was browsing through emails, I read in a post this verse.

"whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).

Again reminding me of my actions from  yesterday.  I got mad at this same child that was requesting my attention this morning.  I had asked him to do his homework first, then he could use the laptop.  He did not listen.  He was playing on the computer and watching TV at the same time. 

I could not control my anger emotions, and I screamed to him to do his homework first. " I can't find it.", he responded.  My mood kept escalating and I blew up.

Yes, its easy for a parent to loose control of their emotions and do things we later regret.  It made me think of those parents that do harmful things to their children.  I am not justifying my actions or their actions.  It is wrong to hurt a child, there should not be a reason why we should hurt any child. 

Anger management has been something that I had to deal with a lot in the past.  During my depression years, I suffered a lot of this blow-up scenarios.   I thank God and the help of relatives for helping me get control of this emotional roller coaster I was in.

I do need to spend more time in my quiet time and in prayer.  God is the source that helps me to control my negative emotions.  Without him in my life, I just do not know where I will be.

My prayers go out to those parents that do not know God.  That are not thinking of the harm they are causing their children with their actions and harmful words.

"Lord Jesus, forgive me for my negative behavior yesterday,  please heal my children from the negative effect I have caused them in the past and recently.  I pray they forgive me and that in the future this will not be something that they have to deal with in their own life as adults. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen."

Thanks to Jennifer for sharing her post There's no such thing as perfect people, at Getting Down with Jesus, it has been a blessing to me today.

Your Prayers are Welcome

I was trying not to worry about this yet, but today, I got a called from the Red Cross. 

My daughter will be having surgery on September 15, for  spine correction.  Her diagnosis is Scoliosis.

Her pre-surgery appointments are on August 24th. and September 1st.

The person from Red Cross wanted to know if my daughter was going to donate blood for herself or the family.  This call got me very confused.  Of course an 11 year old, who is very thin, is not suitable for donating  blood.  So family must be available to donate the blood in case, daughter might have need for it during her surgery.

"Alert! Wake Up!"  Somehow, I was back to reality that this day is soon approching.  I have a party tomorrow for my Son, and I want this to be a fun day for him.  I sure do not want to be stressed and this call, got me very emotional.   I needed to run to the only place I could find peace and comfort. 

Took my kids to church for 12 noon Mass, and noticed the parking lot full and two white funeral cars in front of the church.  I was not dressed appropiately to attend a funeral.  I left the church, feeling very sad and depressed.

I then drove to a near by store and called my sister.  That's when, I could not control my emotions.  I told her I was sad, and began sobbing.  "What wrong sister?", she asked.   I told her what had happened and she comforted me.  "Its ok, God will work out things.  You have lots of family and we are all here to help you."

Her words made me feel much better.  And I know that I can always go to church tomorrow or on Sunday.  I do need the spiritual advice of my pastor.  And Jesus' presence in the Eucharist is also very healing for me.

I thank you for your friendship and encouraging comments you leave on my blog often.  I know that I can count with your prayers.   I sure need them today.  And in the following weeks, and months. 

To end this post, I will like to share some pictures of the finished attic.  I think for now is presentable.  I could finish off the rest, in the days to come.    I will be getting rid of four bags of clothes. a box of toys and other things.   My school room is ready.  And my sewing area too.

Blessings,

Rosario

Visual Colorful Journals

About nine months ago, I came upon a post that Ann Voskamp shared on having prayer journals.  She has a unique way of journaling.  She uses clippings from magazines and add them to her journals. 

I thought this was very unique and interesting.  Perhaps I could do one , to use as a family journal.  One were we can share our moments in life.  I shared the idea with my children and we decorated the front of a notebook, with items we like. 

Daughter is into fashion, son likes all the fun outdoor activities, I added some scripture.

I forgot to take a picture of the cover, but here are some of the entries from back in November 2009.

Here is an entry that my daughter made in the journal.

November 5, 2009

My back is doing a lot better, here is a diagram

before and after ( I think)

Please continue to pray for me and support me!

Love,

Marah

We kept the journal on the coffee table, in the living room.  And it was mostly my daughter the one that made entries.  What she wanted for Christmas, our family tree and what she wanted her room to look like.

The journal was later tucked away under a pile of things and I just forgot to make entries in it.  Until today.

                                    

A few days ago, I took out all of my journals out of the box they were stored in for future reference.  I labeled the front cover with dates of first and last entries.  I then ordered them, and I counted them.  I have now 17 journals, including my current one.  Not including the family journal. 

I have a new pocket journal, that I will be using for while on the go.  I got this idea from Ann.

And I also have a reading journal. For taking notes while reading a book.

My prayer journal is for my Quiet time with God.  While reading the scriptures, I will be writing down what I hear God saying to me.  I will write down special prayers, inspired from the scriptures and the psalms.

I hope that I make more entries in the family journal.  It takes time to go thru magazines and cut out the clippings, so I will probably do this on those days, I have plenty of time for this new way of journaling. 

The Family Journal will stay on the coffee table.  My prayer journal inside my tent (tote bag), along with my bible and other inspirational books that I am currently reading. And the pocket journal, well, inside my purse of course.  Ready to be used at the right moment.

Called to a Relationship

I will be sharing this post at Holy Experience, Walk with Him Wednesday.

We continue to share our Spiritual practices of Hearing and Listening to God.

This topic has been quite of challenge for me.  I love the unique ways the other bloggers write their posts.  I want to also do the same.  But then I thought, why?  Is it necessary to be stylish in my writings.  Or is it more important to be simple and just speak from your heart.  Not that being extravagant in your posts means is not coming from your heart, please do not take me wrong. 

I just mean, that for me is just easier to write simple, since I am no professional writer.

Last night, I took out a book from the bookshelf.  One that I purchase years ago but never read. The book is written by Joyce Meyer, one of my favorite Christian authors.  She is a very unique speaker.  I first got to know about Joyce, back in the days when I was a TV Christian.  

You can read about my call to Christianiy by going to the top tab of this blog, labeled, This is my Story.

For many years, I was churchless.  I will watch Christian programs on TV and one of my favorite came to be "Life in the Word".  Joyce Meyer,  is an inpiring woman.  The bottom shelf of my bookcase holds most of her books.  But to be honest, I have only read about three or four of them.  What I liked better, was to purchase her audio cassette's and  I will listen to them over and over.  Then I became a partner with her ministry.  And each month, I will receive a different message in audio cassette.

Getting back to the book, I was refering to at the beginning. The title, How to Hear From God.  I began reading a few pages, to get and idea on what to write for this post.  It was very late, and I began to get sleepy.  I decided to continue reading in the morning. 

I went to sleep at 12 AM.   Two hours later, I was awaken by the loud barking of my pet chihuahua.  I got up from my bed, and looked out the windows.  Sometimes there are cats that wander close to the house and our dog, barks at them.  But I just did not see anything.  Our dog kept barking.  I got a little concerned.  What is wrong with her.

Sometimes dogs help to warn us about things.  She is a very alert listener.  Every night when my brother comes in from his job, the dog will hear him, and  barks.  But last night, my brother was spending the night at our parents house.   I am not sure what was wrong with my pet, but once I went back to bed, and relaxed, the dog stoped barking.

Many times when this happens to me at night, that I am awaken with no reason.  It makes me think that perhaps God is trying to warn me about something.  Perhaps, God is calling me to pray.  But why, in the middle of the night?  My flesh does not understand.  But my spirit does.  God's timing, is not our timing.

I grope for my rosary and might even pray a few decades than fall asleep.  I do not think this makes God happy.  We have to be alert, ready to hear his voice and obey. 

Often we are so busy with our daily activities that we are not alert of God's voice.  That is why is so important to take some time and just be still.  It is easier to hear God's voice when we are still.
It takes determination and discipline to set aside this time for God.

It had been weeks, that  I immediately go straight to computer,  begin reading blogs and checking emails,   making aside my quiet time with God.  Once again, I have to remember, that quiet time with God is essential.  

God has called  everyone of us, to a personal relationship with him.  It is from there that we can guide our every day steps.  We draw strenght from our time in prayer and from reading his word.

Once again, I make it a priority to sit down and read the scriptures, meditate on what I have read, write down in my journal, what I hear God speaking to me.  And then I sit still, waiting for any other instructions from God. 

I do not  get a message from the readings every day.  But I might later in the day or week, read something in a blog or hear a message on a TV program, that relates to that particular reading.

The most important thing to remember in Hearing and Listening to God is to have that quiet time with him.  It is essential. We might be called to be leaders in a church, but without that personal relationship with God our work is meaningless.

Now join me at Holy Experience to read what others are sharing in their Spiritual Practice of Listening and Hearing God.

Contemplative Prayer

What is contemplative prayer?

The Cathocism of the Catholic church in section 2709 says,

2709 What is contemplative prayer? St. Teresa answers: "Contemplative prayer [oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us."6 Contemplative prayer seeks him "whom my soul loves."7 It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. We seek him, because to desire him is always the beginning of love, and we seek him in that pure faith which causes us to be born of him and to live in him. In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself.

To read more on contemplative prayer go here.

I had been reading a book on contemplative prayer written by Thomas Merton.  In this book, Merton explains the type of contemplative prayer that monks practice.  He also mentions that this topic is not just for monks or nuns.  Anyone who is Christian should at what time be interested in contemplative prayer and if possible set aside some time to spend in contemplative prayer.

I personally, try my best to spend at least 15 minutes each day, but lately, I do not even get to that.  I get so busy with other things, that I push aside my quiet time with God.

I feel bad.  Because I know that intead of sitting in front of computer for hours, I could be spending some time in prayer.

This morning, after preparing my husband's lunch for work, I went back to bed.  I wanted to take a morning nap before beginning my day.  I loose my sleep often every night.  In the morning I wake up, feeling restless.

Instead of going back to sleep this morning, I switched the channel on TV to EWTN.  Husband had left TV on, when he left to work.  On EWTN,  the morning Mass was being broadcast, it was about to end.  So I continued watching to see the next program.  Which was Father Grochel's program.  His topic for the show was contemplative prayer.  He had two guest on the show.  Two religious sisters, who shared their view on contemplative prayer and how they incorparate it into their daily activities.

I was once again reminded about Thomas Merton's book, the one I started and never finished.  After the show ended, I looked for the book and read another chapter.

I also took out my prayer journal and wrote down, " I will try to, first thing in the morning spend at least one hour reading the daily readings and  in  contemplative prayer. And read one chapter of Thomas Merton's book."

Once I finish this book, I have two more books I need to finish.   The Story of a Soul, St. Therese's story, and Dark Night, a book by St. John of the Cross. 

I have lots of books on my bookshelves, that I have never read.  I hope that I get to read some of them soon.  One in particular is,  Confessions of St. Agustin.

I know that if I manage my time well, and follow my schedule as I should, I can have time to pray, read books, and do other fun and educational activities with my children. 

Summer will soon be over, and I hope, that I will be able to accomplish the goals, that I have yet not accomplished.

A Psalm for Today

Psalm 90:12,14,17

Teach us to count our days aright,

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Fill us at daybreak with your love

that all our days we may sing for joy

May the favor of the Lord our God

be ours.

Prosper the work of our hands!

Prosper the work of our hands!

Today, I read the bible up in the attic. I placed a small table and chair near the window of the attic room. I thought of doing this on Saturday when I was working in the attic. This reminded me of the cloister rooms of convents. The only difference is that the attic's room is much bigger and is filled with so much boxes and other items that need to be dealt with.

I am going to continue working in my attic rooms. My goal is to have our vacation retreat room there. A place where my children and I can create things. I could get back to knitting and they can play or read books. I have plenty of books for them and myself. I also have lots of craft supplies. Most of their toys are there in the attic. I have a small table for the kids and a big table for my sewing projects.

But at the moment everything is not organized. All of the unwanted clutter from the other rooms came directly to the attic. So now I need to decide what is useful, and what needs to go. My parish is having a yard sale this coming weekend, and they have asked for items to be donated for the sale. What an excellent way to help my parish, and help myself by getting rid of the things I do not need.

Prosper the works of my hands this week Lord. Amen.

My prayer journal

This is my 201 post on this blog. Amazing! In a way this is my online journal. I write posts about my daily encounters with God and my relationships. I write about my children and their struggles. I write about my own strugles. Keeping this house as clean and organized is a challenge. Computer time is good at times but sometimes it robes me of time that I could be spending on other activities.

Daily, usually after preparing my husband's lunch for work. I light up a candle, sit on a chair with my bible, journal, and monthly devotional. I also have my rosary close by on a table next to my chair. By now the light of day is coming in through the windows of my living room. The time usually 6:30 AM.

I write in my journal, the date and time. And I began reading the reading for the day. First reading, a Psalm, and a reading from one of the Gospels. The first reading this month is from the book of Acts. The gospel reading come from the gospel of John.

I read each passage, sometimes even twice. If a particular verse, speaks to me, I write it in my journal. After all the readings are read, I read the reflection in the monthly devotional pertaining to a particular reading for that day. I also have a daily missal from 2007 that has the same readings for this year. I also read the reflection in that book. And I meditate on the reflection. What is God saying to me? What does he want me to do? How should I apply this to my own life?

I have been keeping a journal for many years now. I keep all of my journals in a box up in the attic. Ocassionally, I take out one and read some of the pages. It helps me to see where I was then, and where I am now. I get reminded of the many blessings God has provided for me and my family.

My journal is not just for writing down my reflections on the readings. It serves also as my prayer journal. Any prayers that come to me or any prayer request are written in my journal. In a way they are my letters to God. And that is how some of the books in the bible came about. The writers kept journals or wrote letters to other followers of Christ to encourage them on their faith.

Perhaps one day, my journals will be helpful to someone else. Blogging has helped me keep another journal that I am able to share with others. Some of my posts on this blog are inspired by what I write in my prayer journal. Some are inspired by what I read in other blogs.

I pray that what you read on this blog will always be a blessing to you. I pray that my words encourage you and uplift you. I do have weak moments, times when I feel very low in energy and faith. Your blogs help me , I get strenghten by your stories of faith. Thank you for contantly following my posts and for your comments of encouragement.

Today's notes on my journal: "Take courage. " Acts 23:11, "For you will never abandon me (to the world) nor let your faithful servant see the pit. " Psalm 16:10

May the Lord bless you exceedingly, aboundantly, and overflowing.

Glimpses of His Power

Show forth, Oh God, your power, the power, oh God, with which you took our part.

Psalm 68:29

It is amazing to see the marvelous work of God in each one of us. How he shows us his power. How he shows us his love. I see it in the smiles of my children. I see it in the joy of a Mother, rejoicing for the marvelous recuperation of her daughter. I see his power, as I hear the news of a miracle, a child being the sole survivor of a plane crash.

God is always close to us. He hears our prayers. His Angels are kept alert 24/7.

He promised to be here for us in the good times and the bad times. He is our strenght in the weak moments. He is our counselor or comforter when we grieve for the loss of a loved one.

When Jesus ascended into the heavens, he promised to send us the Holy Spirit. I thank you Father, that you are always close to me, even in my moments of doubt and fears. Thank you that I am able to see your amazing power, working miracles in the life of a child like Emma. Thank you, for the hope you give me that my daughter will also receive healing.

Lord, let us not forget the moments when we have seen your power. In Jesus name, Amen.

Spread the Light

There is to much darkness in the world today. Our youth is falling into a deep dark trap. The media they are daily exposed, teaches them about things that are not edifying.

How can we as parents teach our children to have faith in God and not believe in all the lies out there? It is sad to see in the news that a man was beaten up by two young men. This man died and now this young men are wanted for killing this man. What makes a person cause another person so much harm?

I hear my own child, who is only 7 tell his sister, "I hate you", and other things that should not be expressed by a seven year old. Where does he get this? I do not want my child to grow up and hurt anyone!

Video games, tv programs, movies, and computer expose our children to so much violence. Some may say, "it is only a game". Well this images and words are absorbed by our child's brain and soon they will be always thinking about it.

I see it in what my child draws in paper. My son is very talented in drawing. But I am concern that most of his drawings show monsters and people shooting each other. Parents should be aware of what kind of media they let their children be exposed to. I have limits on the tv and computer. Anything rated over their age, they are not allowed to see. But if they are over at a friends house, I have no control about that.

Recently we purchased and xbox, a video game machine. They play different games on this machine. As parents, we should be responsible of what our children are exposed. Most of the games have ratings on them. They tell you if they contain any violence in them. And even if they do not have a rating, we should preview the game or movie before we allow our children to see.

Yes, I know that eventually they will come in contact with something out of our home. This is why it is important, to teach our children good things. Teach them good values. Teach them the ten commandments. Show them movies of the Saints. Expose your children to other people of faith. Sit with your child and explain to them that doing good is the right thing to do. And what are the consequences of being bad.

I am not the perfect parent, perhaps I will never be. But I lean on God for guidance daily. I pray for my children, that they will always walk in God's way. I pray that they will always make the right choices. And if they do not, let them know about God's forgiveness.

I am concern for my children's future. And I will try to be more alert in what they are exposed to in my home. I get happy, when I pick up a picture that my son drew and see Jesus, Mary and the angels. He drew the nativity too. This is the kind of drawings, I love to see my child draw. And I will keep as a treasure in my heart.

Jesus is the light of the world. He wants us to spread the light to the world. In Acts 8;26-40, I read today the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch, a court official. The Ethiopian man was reading a passage from the book of Isaiah. Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian man replied, " How can I, unless someone instructs me?"

The Spirit instructed Philip to go talk to this Ethiopian man. This man was seeking someone to help him understand the word of God. Philip helped the man by letting him know who Jesus is and as a result the man believed and got baptized.

We can also be like Philip. Follow the guidance of the Spirit of God and help others understand what they do not understand. We can bring someone out of their darkness. And if you do not feel prepare our capable of doing this, pray to God for help. Or just pray for that person. That God will send to the them, the right person that will help them come out of the darkness. It only takes a step of faith. Believe that God can use you.

A roller coaster of emotions

At the moment, I am hopeful. Hopeful that my Lord Jesus has started something good for our family and he will complete his work in his timing.

Friday, we got a text that my brother-in-law's case will be approved. He needed to wait for a letter of confirmation. Since him and my sister have been in Mexico for almost two months waiting for the aproval, my mother has been taking care of my sister's two kids.

Sister came back on Sunday. Family was happy for her and her children to be reunited. We were still believing for a good report. My brother-in-law called her yesterday, saying his case was denied. We were all very sad, but still hopeful that he can appeal.

After reviewing the documents this morning, I am confident that there is still hope. It is not yet denied. They need to provide more information on why it will be a hardship for his family, if his case was denied.

My sister has back problems and is in constant care for pain treatment. She has two small children and if husband does not get aproved, she will need to get a job and be the provider for her children. It will be much better for her, if her husband was here to be the provider.

I am not sure why, she did not provide all of this information in the beginning. It seems that the attorney did not advise them well. But we are hopeful. The letter says, they need more information and time to decide. We believe God is already at work in the situation. We are believing that once she provides the necessary information, her husbsand's case will be approved.

I thank you all, for keeping them in your prayers. Salvador is my brother-in-law. And we are sure he will be a good resident and provider for his family. We still have those wedding plans for this June. We are happy that they decided to get married in the church. Blessing their marriage in holy sacrament will be another blessing for their family.

special update

Brother-in-law's appointment was this morning at immigration offices. He was told that he will get a response on Tuesday. I do not have a lot of details, but I confident that God is taking care of everything. Pray for my sister too. She has been with her husband all this time waiting for the appointment. Her children at here with my Mom. They are waiting to see their parents soon. And we want that wedding to take place as scheduled this June.

Lord, we know that you desire this family to be reunited, please may Chavo be aproved for residency. In Jesus name we pray. Lord hear our prayer.

Walking with Him Always

I did not post this week at Holy Experience. I was away for a few days at Mom's house. Yesterday, I spent my day updating online profiles and balancing my checkbook. I also checked the fridge to see what I needed for the rest of the week. I went grocery shopping, returned and made dinner.

Today:

My kids are at Mom's house. Husband is working. The pets were fed, and now I'm back on the computer, checking emails and browsing my favorite blogs. At nine AM, I will clock in. LOL. To my home blessing or house chores.

Marla from the Flylady, has been a great inspiration for me for the last two years. I have read her book. Sink Reflections. Excellent book. I have not followed her program 100%. I know it works if I just keep up with it. Its simple daily routines that make your day go by more efficiantly. I know that if I go straight to computer my day will go by and no blessings will be done. But if I start my home blessings early and make sure I do my night time routines, I have the rest of the day to spend on computer knowing that my home is clean and organized.

But home chores are not the most important thing in my schedule. My time with God is a priority in my life. I try to spend at least half and hour reading bible and meditating on what I have read. I pray the rosary. Starting my day with God gives me the strenght to do things in a much better attitude.

I walk with my Lord Jesus daily. Remember the story of the disciples who where walking to Emaus and the Lord Jesus met them on their way. I love that story. This week's readings will be focused on the days following the resurrection of Jesus. How he appeared to his disciples and share a meal with them.

In the devotional book, that I read daily, the author reminds us to share what we have with others. In this way we are sharing the bread of life. We are sharing Jesus.

Yes, there are many things that I fear daily. Things that worry me every night. But knowing Jesus, has helped me to put all my fears and worries in His hands and relax. God will never give us more than what we can handle and he always provides us a way out of our struggles. All we have to do is trust Him.

Thank you for your friendship and prayers. I have faith that God will hear our prayers.

Next two weeks

As you all now this are the last two weeks before Easter. And they are very special to me. Almost every year my birthday falls either on Palm Sunday or a week before. This year is a day before Palm Sunday.

I had been thinking of making something special to celebrate my 37th birthday this year. I will love to have my family and closest friend here and celebrate with me. The best thing about my birthday is that for the last 13 years I have share my birthday with my first nephew. It was a great blessing for me to become an aunt and be present at the birth of my nephew.

In the past few years, my sister has been celebrating her kids birthdays on the same day in the summertime. But I am not sure what she will do this year, since nephew will be officially a teenager.

Another event has come up. There will be a retreat on my birthday at our church for those receiving first communion this Easter Vigil. The Sister in charge of planning this event has asked me to help. I agreed. What better way to celebrate my birthday than by doing something for the church. I could always celebrate my birthday later that day. The retreat is just from 9 am to 12:30 pm.

I am so happy that God is making me useful at my parish. The Pastor has asked me to lead the parents group during the time the children are taking their faith formation class. This will probably start after the Easter festivities. But I am so happy and nervous at the same time. I will be praying daily and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. I pray that the parents will be interested in staying for the group. Most of the parents just drop off their kids and leave. But there is a few that stay and it will be of great benefit for all of us to take part of this group. What will the group do? It will be mostly sharing our faith. Praying for each other and learning what the church teaches so that we can be good role models for our kids.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers for God to continue guiding me. Also my daughter's appointment is on Holy Thursday. We believe for a good report from the doctors regarding her scoliosis. We pray that no surgery will be needed ever. We pray that God will heal her.

My brother-in- law's immigration appointment is on the 9th of April. We also continue to pray for an aproval to his case. We pray he will be able to receive legal residency and return home with his wife and children. And their wedding will be taking place as scheduled in June.

I believe God is at work for each petition and his will will be done in each. Have a very blessed day. And God bless you aboundantly.

First Day of Spring

Its a cloudy day here in my big town near the bay. The first day of Spring. Already I am noticing a change in the weather. The heater is now off until next winter season. The thermostat has been registering highs of 74 degrees farenheit. So no need for a heater.

I love this time because the tree next to my window is full of white lovely flowers. I hear the chirping of the birds every morning.

Around my house, everythings is quieter now. Daughter is busy in her room, hopefully cleaning out some of those junk drawers. Husband and Son are outside, probably cleaning the yard. And me, I am sitting infront of the computer monitor typing this post.

There are dishes waiting to be washed and things to be done, but I need some quiet time, specially that quiet time with my Lord Jesus. Saturdays tend to be a day that I leave that time aside, but I must spend that precious time with the Lord Jesus everyday. Jesus is the one that strenghtens me and gives me hope. Reading the word of God is uplifting and fills me up.

I hope you all have a wonderful day today with the Lord Jesus, your family and your friends.

Holy Experience

One of my favorite blogs has an amazing post today. I invite my Catholic friends to go and read Anne's amazing post on prayer, quiet worship and a benedictine monastary.

I have not made contributions to her weekly Walking with Him Wednesday. And I decided to go see what she had written for today. I loved what she wrote which reminded me of my quiet time with God daily.

This morning I woke up at 3 AM. I went to my prayer chair in the living room and recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Then I read the daily readings for today.

Isaiah 49:13 said, "sing out , O Heavens , and rejoice O earth, break forth into song mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted."

The Psalm 145:8-9 " The Lord is greacious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. The Lord is good to all, compassionate to all creatures." verse 13" ...The Lord is trustworthy in every word and faithful in every work"

The Gospel, John 5:17-30 The work of the Son. Jesus answers the Jews regarding his work on the sabbath. 17,"My Father is at work until now, so I am at work." 30, " I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me."

How amazing is God's word. I have been praying for God to be merciful with the world and not allow any more earthquakes. I have been praying for God to have mercy of Mexico and end the violence among the rival drug dealers. I am praying for their conversion. So that they will repent and stop killing inocent people.

As I read his word, Jesus reasures me that God is at work. To trust in God who is trustworthy in every word and faithful in every work.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

New Updates

I hope all of you are well. Have not received any comments from anyone this week. I guess you are all very busy. And I am too.

Continue making progress in each room of my house. Putting things in their proper place. I am starting to see the tops of furniture now. Before they will fill with all kinds of stuff. Daughter's room needs more work. Her desk is still filled with all kinds of things. My office needs some work too, and the attic.

I have lots of homework to do for my classes tomorrow. I always wait to last minute. I have been spending more time in prayer and reading my bible.

Like I had said in my previous post. My brother in law had his immigration appointment yesterday. The case was not finalized yet. He has another appointment next month. We are hoping that this time he will be approved and he can return home to his children. My sister is with him too. They will be traveling to his hometown in Mexico.

Please continue to keep them in your prayers for safety while traveling. And for his case to be approved. Thank you to all of you who joined us in prayer yesterday.

I have another request. My daughter is due for another x-ray of her back next month. Please pray that we will have good reports. We want to hear the doctor say, there is no need for surgery. My daughter has done so well in this last seven months. Her brace is like a second skin to her. She knows that without it she can increase her chances for surgery.

I continue to believe for a miracle. God has done a miracle in her attitude. She has put lots of effort into her recovery. God gave us the word through our former pastor that she will get healed. I believe Jesus will keep his word.

I continue to also pray for my brother. He is doing well. I thank God that he has not gotten sick. But I think he might be falling in a depressive mood. A friend just recently died and this has brought all of us down a little. Is sad when young people die. This friend was in the hospital for almost three months. He had diabetes. And an infection in his lungs. His family was hopeful that he will get better. It is sad that he died. It got me thinking so much about life. About my family, specially about my brother.

I pray for all those young people, like Corey Haim, that loose all hopes and fall into drug abuse. I pray that they will find their hope in Jesus. I pray that they will realize that their happiness is with God not in material things.

"Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. And lead all souls to heaven specially those in most need of your mercy, Amen."

Prayer Request

Hi everyone, hope you had a great weekend. I went to a day of ministry on Saturday. It was an awesome day. So much new things learneds and a stronger desire to continue learning about God's ministry within our Catholic church.

I will like to ask you to join me in prayer this week for my sister and her husband. He has an appointment for his imigration case this week. We are hoping his case will be aproved and he will be able to return soon to his job. The appointment is in Juarez, the mexican border city. I am sure you have heard how bad violence is at that city.

We are praying for the safety of my sister and her husband while they stay there in that city.

On Thursday my sisters, Mom, relatives and friends will be praying a 24 hours chain. Each person will pray for an hour. If you will like to join us. Please let us know what hour will be best for you. All you have to tell me is your first name and the hour you will be praying for them.

My brother-in-law name is Salvador. God know him well, so I do not need to tell you his last name. To protect his privacy. Thanks for joining us in prayer.