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Blessing Upon Blessing; Grace Upon Grace

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About 15 years ago, our neighbor’s daughter died from the effects of a malignant brain tumor. As her cancer progressed, Traci, who was 22 at the time, began to loose the functions that are controlled by her brain. She was moved to a nursing home where she became a beloved patient to the staff. As she became weaker and lost her sight, a friend visited her to read sacred scripture to her. A nurse commented to Traci later that she was lucky to have someone to read to her. Traci simply replied with a smile on her face, “Blessing upon blessing; grace upon grace!” Many of the staff came to her funeral. They spoke about her love for others and the sense of gratitude that she had. The members of the staff felt that they were better persons for having known Traci. Read more at Prayerfully Yours

Leading By Example in Times of Struggle!

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It is crazy sometimes I swear! You think your life is going into one direction and then BAM! A door opens you didn’t even know existed. Especially when things look well…..bleak, we have a tendency to get angry and fall further into sin. Our trails are meant to define us not destroy us. As Catholics (and I would like to believe most Christians), we know that our intentions and actions are what truly define us as Christians. Our choices and reactions also are ways to define us as Christians. I know that I struggle with leading by example. I also struggle with being aware that my choices are being observed by other young women and that I need to be aware of that it is my duty as a Christian/Catholic to lead by example. You can read the rest of the study here .

Sandra and Tommy: Apes and Ethics

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A court in Argentina said that Sandra the orangutan is "una persona no humana (non-human person)" in 2014. 1 Or maybe 2015. I'll get back to that. Instead of going ape over that news, I learned a little about Sandra, the Buenos Aires Zoo, and the curious case of Tommy the chimp More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

A Lesson at the Library

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One of the more exciting things about having children is introducing them to the wonders of the world. Watching them make discoveries for the very first time often shows us what we've lost growing up. For example, I wanted some more reading material, so my husband and I stopped by our local public library with our firstborn, who was all of two years old. Sure that watching Mommy browse the shelves in the adult section was far too tedious for a toddler, I suggested my husband take our daughter into the children's room. Our library boasts three large aquariums there, vibrant with colorful tropical fish. Certainly she would find that more entertaining. I figured I had hit it on the nose when about fifteen minutes later, she came back into the main section of the library, bobbing with excitement. "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" she squealed, grabbing my hand. "Come see!" Her tiny hand cradled in mine, I allowed her to usher me into the children's room, b

Bible Journaling: The next phase of my journey

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I received an email a couple of weeks ago stating that I was "eligible for an electronic credit as part of the Apple Settlement" through Barnes & Noble.  At first I thought it was spam, but a friend of mine received one through Amazon.  I didn't think too much of it, until I got the email that said my credit was going to be $76.39!  YAY!  So what should I spend it on? You can read the article and view the photo gallery at Being Catholic ... Really .

Moving beyond good and evil?

Much of the discussion about Centering Prayer appears mundane. What’s the big deal anyway? Why can’t people just pray however they want? Even I sometimes question whether I could spend my time better than in challenging these teachings. Then along comes a statement from a Centering Prayer “guru” that is so outrageous it puts everything into perspective. Such a statement was shared with me today. Watch this video, which was released last month by the Garrison Institute, for which Fr. Thomas Keating is a spiritual adviser. Pay close attention from about 45 seconds until 1 minute 6 seconds. He’s a bit hard to hear and understand, so turn your volume all the way up. Watch the short video and read my commentary on it here.

Lexie's Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient - Book Review

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Let me introduce you to Lexie Goodwin from Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya – Love is Patient , written by Susan G. Mathis, and illustrated by April Stark. Love is Patient is the first installment in a series of children’s books that Mathis and Stark plan to produce based upon 1 Corinthians 13. This intended series uses a very interesting approach in teaching children, not only about the facets of love, but also about interacting with others, as well as about living in another part of the world. Lexie’s parents visit missionaries and assist them in their efforts. They bring their children, Lexie and Cori along for the adventure. In Love is Patient , Mathis and Stark address bullying,... Read more...

What's in a Name?

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Names are important because they stand for who we are. It’s said that hearing someone say our name is the sweetest sound to us. And how embarrassing when we forget someone’s name or misspell it! Sometimes children hurt each other by making fun of their names. People have their loved one’s names tattooed on them. God says he has our name tattooed on the palm of his hand! (Isaiah 49:16) Names are important to God too, judging from Scripture. In Genesis he calls out names and the things come to be. He gives Adam the power to name the animals. God had a habit of changing people’s names:  Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, and Simon became Peter. The new name signified something about the person. (Did you ever notice how some people’s names fit their occupations like Dr. Tozzi the podiatrist and Dr. Bright the dentist.) Do you know what your baptismal name signifies?  Click to continue

I am running out of priests ...

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THIS ARTICLE IS CONTROVERSIAL YOU MAY NOT LIKE IT YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH IT OR YOU MAY PERHAPS AGREE WITH (SOME OF) IT IT IS BASED ON TRUE FACTS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ ON

As the Morning Rising: St Francis of Assisi

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As the Morning Rising: St Francis of Assisi : St Francis You have taught us to trust and to care And to offer a prayer In the form of bread to the hungry stranger Guid...

Pope Francis' Recipe for Holiness - One Part Grace

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The Grace Trifecta Standing before a room of 30 or so women facilitating my first faith sharing back in 2006, I fumbled around for the proper words as I tried to answer one participant's seemingly simple question on the grace of God.   What is grace?  While I had this innate understanding, I could not formulate the right words to express what I believed it to be. I realized, I had no definition. Fast forward a few years, I am sitting in a small chapel in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ( aka Jesus in the Eucharist ). In my reading I once again face the question, what is grace? This time I open the  Catechism of the Catholic Church ; and prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit.   That day the  Allison abridged version  of how I define the grace of God, was born (see image above) and I discovered the GRACE TRIFECTA ... Read More   All rights reserved, Allison Gingras 2016

The Good Samaritan's Heart

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Sunday's Gospel reading  tells the parable of the Good Samaritan tells of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho along a dangerous stretch of road. It doesn't say why he was traveling there, why he was alone, or who he was to take such a risk. The parable doesn't tell much about the man except that robbers arrived on the scene, stripped him, beat him, and left him half dead on the side of the road. We know very little about the man, but we do know a bit about those who followed behind him on the same road. First, a priest arrived on the scene. He wanted nothing to do with the man, for if the man was already dead, he would have made the priest unclean. The priest continued his walk on the opposite side of the road. A Levite came next. He too walked on the opposite side of the road, never offering help to the fallen man. To continue reading, please join me at SingleMomSmiling.com God Bless...

Admonish the Sinner and Remain Unscathed

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How we communicate truth is the starting place for how to admonish the sinner while remaining unscathed. In this Year of Mercy, I write about a different corporal or spiritual work of mercy each month. This month we address the spiritual work of mercy to “admonish the sinner.” Perception of truth – wait a minute! Isn’t truth simply truth, and considered undeniable? Yes; but how we communicate the truth makes all the difference. If you come from the corporate world, like I did, then one of the first things you learned about dealing with conflict, is that... Read more...

As the Morning Rising: In The Chapel

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As the Morning Rising: In The Chapel :   In the chapel especially it comes to me - an awareness of the hunger of the soul - hunger that nothing in this world can satisfy. ...

Anyone for Tennis?

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I was incensed when an American commentator said the English are not really interested in tennis, they're just mad on Wimbledon. But when I thought about it I had to admit that there was more than a grain of truth in what she said. I could name at least half a dozen people who plan their holidays to coincide with Wimbledon fortnight. Even if they don't go in person, they spend hours glued to the box like me. I always find that Wimbledon is something of a spiritual experience. Of course I don't watch for that reason, I watch because I enjoy the matches, but every year the dedication of the players to what matters most to them makes me compare unfavourably my own dedication to what should matter most to me. It's the quality of their single-mindedness that always impresses me.   read on...

The not so sweet "good death"

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In the first world countries the so-called achievement in medicine of the good death now sees its dark side. With the Mirage to avoid unbearable suffering to terminally ill, countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium modified 15 years their health and legal structures to help the dying. But this form of assistance has proved to be a trap for many seniors, disabled and mentally ill of these prosperous countries. At that time, the Catholic faith warned about the effects to our individualistic world that ignores the other so easily. spanish version on: http://mujer-catolica.blogspot.com/2016/07/el-vacio-detras-de-la-buena-muerte.html

Your Cloister, the City Streets

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from The Cloistered Heart

Temperance, Catholic Style

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(From O. Herford, via Life Magazine/Wikipedia, used w/o permission.) ("Life" magazine, Demon Rum, and Matthew 12:45 : June 26, 1919.) My household is "dry:" there's no beer in the fridge, wine in a rack, or whiskey on a shelf. That's partly because I drank too much, which was a very bad idea. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2290 ) After that experience, I could get cherophobia and virtue confused — but I won't. Cherophobia, aversion to happiness ; and hedonophobia , fear of pleasure; are real words. But "blessed are the miserable, for they shall spread misery" is not in the Beatitudes. 1 ... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

As the Morning Rising: The Good Samaritan

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As the Morning Rising: The Good Samaritan : My mother often told us her version of the story of the good Samaritan. She and her five siblings lived in very modest property along...

Just Who Are the Laborers?

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Jesus’ exhortation in Sunday’s Gospel “ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” usually is interpreted to mean pray for more priests, deacons, and women and men religious. But look at the context of his words. Jesus is sending out seventy-two disciples. None of these followers are priests or consecrated religious and probably most of them won’t be. Every person who believes in Jesus is called to labor for his cause. By our baptism we all assume the responsibility to spread the good news of salvation and bring others to Christ. For too long the duties of the laity were limited to praying, paying, and obeying. We’ve forgotten that all Christians are also to be relaying. We are to continue the work of Jesus and tell people about the kingdom of God. A friend who went to Catholic school with me became a Jehovah’s Witness after two of them appeared at her door and spoke with her. Personal contact makes all the difference in the world! www.kathleengla

All Lives Matter

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(From BBC News, used w/o permission.) ...I was quite upset about the incident when I heard about it on radio news the next day. Philando Castile had apparently done exactly what he should have done: followed instructions of the police officer.... ...Later Thursday, I heard and read that someone had started shooting police officers at a demonstration in Dallas, Texas. So far, six people are dead as a result of that incident: five police officers, and the person who apparently killed them. Seven officers and two civilians are still alive, but injured. I was quite upset about that, too.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

'Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”' Sunday Reflections, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

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The Good Samaritan (after Delacroix) , Van Gogh, May 1890 Gospel Luke 10:25-37 NRSV Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near

Catholics Must Encounter Jesus Christ

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When Catholics venture beyond the walls of their parish church into the marketplace to evangelize, it is important that they remember the spiritual life cannot simply be taught to the unchurched because human persuasion alone will not convert anyone. Disciples of the living God are called to reveal His tangible Presence to those who are searching for salvation. When the Spirit of Christ flows through Christians who are His vessels to those who are hungry and seeking God, God is able to catch them in the net of His love. An Experiential Faith Christianity is above all an experiential faith, a living relationship with Christ. A Christian is not a person who merely accumulates intellectual knowledge about God nor simply fulfills tradition and the letter of the law. Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have repeatedly emphasized that Christianity is an encounter with Jesus. Many people perceive Christianity as something institutional — rather than as an encounter with Christ — which expla

SUFFERING

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Why does God allow suffering? Is it a punishment for our sins? Or a repayment for what He has done for us? PLEASE CLICK HERE

Spend Time This Summer With A Time-Travelling Priest

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This summer the best vacation you take might well be with Fr. Driscoll's time-traveling priest!   Fr. Mike Driscoll is best known for his non-fiction work Demons, Deliverance and Discernment (published by Catholic Answers) but whose passion for the supernatural is found in his fiction book The Father Capranica Mysteries: Stories of the Strange and Supernatural .   Called by Catholic Library World as "well-written and compelling," The Father Capranica Mysteries  is excellent summer reading with each short story an entry into the strange and supernatural!        

The Flowers Kept Blooming

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The World kept turning, even though the internet provider was down from 10:30 AM to 5:45 PM! This was a life changing day. I stewed and fussed. I called the company twice wondering how much longer it would be before we’d restored. No internet. What a day! There was no internet, but there was God. He was there, but I forgot about Him. Prayer? I didn’t pray. There was no internet! I stewed and fussed. I had no patience. Where was my internet, not where was my God? Read More at Prayerfully Yours

TRUE Death with Dignity

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My brother-in-law passed away on June 27--at home, peacefully, with his wife and two other loved ones by his side and the local parish priest (who'd just administered Last Rites) singing softly in his ear.  He had recently converted to Catholicism and received First Holy Communion just before the cancer that had ravaged his body made it impossible for him to swallow solid food. Shortly before he left this world, I wrote about how he was teaching all of us how to face death with courage, grace, and true dignity.  If you'd like to read that full String of Pearls post, click here .

With Lyrics March forLife / March for Christ By: MaryannDAmico

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One million Christians will March on the Mall in Washington, D.C. on July 16, 2016. Please support Christians in this effort. The Christian persecution was it's deadliest in 2015 in the history of Christianity. I composed this and recorded this song twenty years ago for the March for Life. But, it's relevance for the March for Christ on Washington, D.C. is great! I dedicate this video and song to the cause of Together 2016 and the million Christians who will take Couraage and take a stand for Christ! In loving memory of the 7,000 Christians who died for the faith of Christ Information on the historic event in Washington D'C. : Together 2016 /Reset 2016

As the Morning Rising: God Loves Me

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As the Morning Rising: God Loves Me : This is true for me. I hope it is true for you. I am not afraid to talk to God, day or night. I believe He is pre...

Saint Maria Goretti: Her Influence on Me

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I noticed a profound difference in myself since venerating the relics of Saint Maria Goretti last October (2015). Her relics visited my parish in Charlotte, NC as part of a national tour. As part of the veneration process, I took the time to learn more about this saint, of whose Feast Day we celebrate today. She is the saint associated with the virtues of forgiveness and mercy . As a result of my visit with her relics, Saint Maria Goretti left a lasting impact on me. Since last October, I seem to more easily identify my sins of omission; for example, when I fail to put God first in my life; or when I fail to... Read more...  

The Stations of the Cross

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I came across the Stations of the Cross at  Presence Resurrection Retirement Community  quite by accident one Sunday morning.  My husband is the choir director for the 9 AM Mass.  Though I had attended with him several times, I never knew about the beautiful garden and Stations. You can read the rest of the article and view the photo gallery at Being Catholic ... Really .

Liquid Sunshine

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Light always Dispels Darkness Darkness is simply Absence of Light. I cling to the words of St. Francis of Assisi, ” Äll the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” continue reading 

As the Morning Rising: Biblical Characters

As the Morning Rising: Biblical Characters : Famine Memorial Custom House Quay Dublin If you really feel a burning desire to encounter Jesus but are unsure as to how to go about ...

As the Morning Rising: Outsiders Looking In

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As the Morning Rising: Outsiders Looking In : Outsiders looking in Moving - not on, not away,   But deeper into that   Which totally embraces and sustains.

West Point, July 4th, Independence & Inspiration

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This year, I looked forward to July 2nd, the Saturday before the 4th of July, America's Independence Day. As a child growing up not far from West Point, I played hide and seek with the Army helicopters as they flew overhead close enough for us to see the boots on the men's feet as they occasionally dangled from the open side panel. Our windows rattled each time the cannons saluted, and we cheered along with the distant crowds when Army scored. We even did our best to hide our conflicted emotions when Army scored against my Grandfather's beloved Navy. Grandpa is a retired Lieutenant Commander, a WWII Navy pilot who flew over Japan and who absolutely loves West Point.  Celebrating July 4th at West Point: Please join me at Single Mom Smiling to find out more about celebrating Independence Day at West Point. As always, thank you for sharing, commenting, liking, and following. Happy Independence Day.  God Bless America  & God Bless Each of You too.

One Nation, Under God; Our Pledge of Allegiance

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In the United States, when we pledge allegiance to our country, we declare, one nation, under God. In your mind, does that statement depict how we are behaving these days as citizens of the United States? My answer would be no. I see a divided nation, not a united nation. I see individualism as the root cause for our division. As Americans we all want the same things: peace, prosperity, with liberty and justice for all – don’t we? Hmm… maybe we need to have a collective definition of these terms, rather than individualistic definitions. It seems that my definition of “peace, prosperity, with liberty and justice for all” may be different than yours, and therein lies the problem. Peace is more than a lack of war time. Peace is... Read more...

The beauty of women through Saint John Paul´s II eyes (Spanish) LA MUJER A TRAVÉS DE LOS OJOS DE SAN JUAN PABLO II EL GRANDE

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Ya próxima la proclamación de Juan Pablo II como santo de la Iglesia Católica, ha llevado a muchos a recordar lo que este Papa dejo a millones de personas a lo largo y ancho del planeta. Con una personalidad de comunicador nato y una energía que lo impulso a recorrer el mundo para llevar el mensaje de Cristo, tuvo la gracia de hacer sentir a cada individuo el Amor personal de Dios. Fiel a las enseñanzas de Jesús y de su Iglesia,   Juan Pablo II dedico muchos de sus escritos, sermones, esfuerzos y preocupaciones a temas clave del siglo XX. Contrario a lo que muchos pueden pensar sobre la postura misógina de la Iglesia Católica, uno de los temas recurrentes en su Pontificado fue la mujer. Y esto lo podemos ver concentrado en uno de sus documentos que sigue siendo actual: Mulliréis Dignitatem Esta Carta Apostólica principia recogiendo los esfuerzos de la Iglesia desde tiempos Conciliares, y aun anteriores, por abordar el tema de la dignidad de la mujer , siempre subrayando la import

The Sacrament of Touch

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In 1986 the Sea of Galilee receded during a drought exposing an ancient fishing boat, 27 feet long by 7.5 feet wide. It was taken to a nearby kibbutz where it was carbon dated. As it was proved to be approximately two thousand years old and designed to carry between 12 and 15 fishermen, the locals called it the ' Jesus boat '. When a group of tourists were being shown the boat, a young man asked if he could touch it. The archaeologists on duty explained that it was not permitted. However, when he admitted that he had touched the boat himself in the course of his work, the young man immediately touched him, and his fellow pilgrims followed suit. It all happened so naturally, so spontaneously that it demonstrated a deep belief that something precious can be communicated by touch. It is a conviction that is at the heart of the gospel story, which begins with a very special touch. It is the touch of God. When the  'finger of God's right hand'  touched the Virgin

A Cry of Charity

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Most people don't realize who they're quoting when they speak of catching more flies with honey than with vinegar.  I was well into adulthood when I learned that this bit of wisdom had come from one of my favorite saints.  "You can catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with ten barrels of vinegar." (St. Francis de Sales) I often think of this in connection with another quote from this Doctor of the Church. "It is an act of of charity to cry out against the wolf when he is among the sheep"  (St. Francis de Sales)  These two thoughts may not appear to have much to do with one another.  But in my mind, they work together.  In fact, I often strive to "navigate between them," as one might drive between two lines painted on a highway to keep vehicles moving safely.... (continue...)

As the Morning Rising: Beautiful Gate

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As the Morning Rising: Beautiful Gate : Mass rock at Craigagh Wood Cushendun Beautiful Gate How is it, I ask myself That with all our sophistication We can still b...