"Bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest." Leviticus 23:10
This is the daily reading for today in masses around the world. As I read my devotional book today, it opened my eyes to a whole new meaning of abundant harvests, first fruits....you read those words all through scripture. So what are our first fruits we bring to God? Number one, your prayer life and relationship with God, and secondly, our families. God tells us to be "fruitful and multiply". What an abundant harvest with have, together with our husbands, in our children. We are to offer our labor and work in the fields each and every day to the Lord so our harvest will be fruitful......so our children can be raised to know and love and serve the Lord with all of their hearts. As mothers, our tree of life has given fruit to this world and for eternity and our purpose needs to be to make sure the fruit doesn't go bad, that the fruit becomes rich in flavor and nourishes others. Again, as I always say, our greatest work on earth as mothers, is to raise our children and nurture our family......the tree of life that has deep roots and bears much fruit for the Lord.
Today look at your abundant harvest and ask how you can tend to your crop better and more faithfully as a servant of our Lord Jesus.
Amen!
Have a blessed weekend!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THE POWER WORKING IN US
"Be rooted and established in love so by the power, together with all of the saints, you will be able to grasp how wide and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know this love that surpasses knowledge. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask for or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, for it is the same power that rose Christ from the dead."
This scripture came to me as I was praying the rosary this morning and meditating on the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and offering my prayers for Jill and John. Although we can never grasp why the Lord would deprive Jill from be a mother here on earth to baby Abby we can reflect on the Ephesians scripture that says, by the power of Christ working in us, He is able to do far more than we can ever think of or imagine. So by Jill saying YES to bring Abby's little soul into this world and on into heaven is powerful and although Jill and John will be without her precense in this life, they get to live and be with Abby for eternity. By saying YES and giving Abby life, Abby gets to live in Paradise forever and greet Jill and John when they leave this earthly life and enter into the heavenly Kingdom. That same God who rose his son from the dead is the same God who took Abby to heaven and has his arms wrapped around not only Abby but Jill and John. They are united together in God's love, work and pierced hands.
So as all of us mothers can reflect today on the power of being a mother, whether we birth our children into this life or into Heaven, God is doing His greatest work in us. Bringing souls to life that will live for eternity.
This scripture came to me as I was praying the rosary this morning and meditating on the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and offering my prayers for Jill and John. Although we can never grasp why the Lord would deprive Jill from be a mother here on earth to baby Abby we can reflect on the Ephesians scripture that says, by the power of Christ working in us, He is able to do far more than we can ever think of or imagine. So by Jill saying YES to bring Abby's little soul into this world and on into heaven is powerful and although Jill and John will be without her precense in this life, they get to live and be with Abby for eternity. By saying YES and giving Abby life, Abby gets to live in Paradise forever and greet Jill and John when they leave this earthly life and enter into the heavenly Kingdom. That same God who rose his son from the dead is the same God who took Abby to heaven and has his arms wrapped around not only Abby but Jill and John. They are united together in God's love, work and pierced hands.
So as all of us mothers can reflect today on the power of being a mother, whether we birth our children into this life or into Heaven, God is doing His greatest work in us. Bringing souls to life that will live for eternity.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Baby Abigail in the loving arms of Jesus
Baby Mary Abigail "Abby" Setzer was born on monday and had already entered into the gates of heaven. She is now in the loving arms of Jesus. We lift up our prayers for Jill and John who are left behind with broken hearts. Please surround them with your prayers and ask for God to comfort them and give them peace and light through probably the darkest time of their life.
We love you, Jill, and we are here for you.
We love you, Jill, and we are here for you.
Monday, July 27, 2009
THE STANDARDS OF THIS WORLD VS. THE STANDARDS OF HEAVEN
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God-what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2-3
Oh, the glorious standards of this world. I get so tired of hearing about what the world thinks is right and perfect. For instance, my little Clementine just potty trained herself the past couple of days. I am sure there are plenty of books on potty training, the fancy potty training toilet, the cute pink pull-ups, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da..... The truth is sometimes the more simple way of doing things (remember women have been potty training for thousands of years) ...the more natural way of doing things is always the best and most peaceful. Why do people ask when you are expecting, what the sex is, what your going to name it, what color the nursery is when you are only 3 months along?! Give the poor pregnant woman a break and stop putting all of this pressure on her.....just let her be! Again, women have been having babies for thousands of years, why do we women of today think we are the first generation? Also, the binkie problem, the bottle problem, the baby bed problem, are all silly things to worry about. The saying holds true "They are not going to go to kindergarten with the bottle." The standards of this world also says you need to make lots of money to be happy and fullfilled and that women NEED to leave their babies in the hands of someone else to be fullfilled and financially comfortable. HORSE MANURE! The greatest fullfillment is serving our Lord Jesus. When we serve our children and husband, we are serving Christ. I know there are women today where the Lord calls them to serve both family and a career and that is a beautiful thing if you can balance both, which the Lord gives you the grace to do. However, if you are truly being called to serve your family and not conform to the standards of this world, then you will be truly blessed to answer the Lord's call.....the standards of Heaven.
So today, if you are worried about what the world thinks you need to do, take a deep breath, relax and be at peace. I personally think the world is pretty ignorant. Father Corapi's philosophy is that if you are doing something that the world thinks is crazy, you are probably doing something right!?
Have a Blessed Monday!
Oh, the glorious standards of this world. I get so tired of hearing about what the world thinks is right and perfect. For instance, my little Clementine just potty trained herself the past couple of days. I am sure there are plenty of books on potty training, the fancy potty training toilet, the cute pink pull-ups, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da..... The truth is sometimes the more simple way of doing things (remember women have been potty training for thousands of years) ...the more natural way of doing things is always the best and most peaceful. Why do people ask when you are expecting, what the sex is, what your going to name it, what color the nursery is when you are only 3 months along?! Give the poor pregnant woman a break and stop putting all of this pressure on her.....just let her be! Again, women have been having babies for thousands of years, why do we women of today think we are the first generation? Also, the binkie problem, the bottle problem, the baby bed problem, are all silly things to worry about. The saying holds true "They are not going to go to kindergarten with the bottle." The standards of this world also says you need to make lots of money to be happy and fullfilled and that women NEED to leave their babies in the hands of someone else to be fullfilled and financially comfortable. HORSE MANURE! The greatest fullfillment is serving our Lord Jesus. When we serve our children and husband, we are serving Christ. I know there are women today where the Lord calls them to serve both family and a career and that is a beautiful thing if you can balance both, which the Lord gives you the grace to do. However, if you are truly being called to serve your family and not conform to the standards of this world, then you will be truly blessed to answer the Lord's call.....the standards of Heaven.
So today, if you are worried about what the world thinks you need to do, take a deep breath, relax and be at peace. I personally think the world is pretty ignorant. Father Corapi's philosophy is that if you are doing something that the world thinks is crazy, you are probably doing something right!?
Have a Blessed Monday!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
REMINDER OF OUR GREATEST CAREER
CATHOLIC CHURCH DAILY READINGS:
First Reading:Psalm:Gospel-
Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20Daniel 3:52-56Matthew 13:10-17
It is important that you choose your career with care, so that you may really follow the vocation that God has destined for you. No day should pass without some prayer to this end. Often repeat with St. Paul: "Lord, what will you have me do?"
-- St. John Bosco
Our career as Mothers is truly the most noble, honorable and important career that God could ever call us to. But with this career comes great sacrifices that has eternal rewards. Through giving our lives to our families and forming, shaping and molding these precious souls entrusted to us, we are doing God's greatest work. I heard Father Corapi say just the other day that "the vocation of motherhood is one of the most noble and honorable vocations and we won't truly come to understand this until we are in Heaven." What powerful words!
So whether you balance a career in the workforce as well as your career in the home or soley have a career in the home, it is important for us to keep focused on the things above and not the things of this world. All our children need is our love, comfort and support. Their needs are as simple as that. Let our hands, voices, hearts, ears, feet, mind love our families as Christ loves us.
Have a blessed Thursday!
First Reading:Psalm:Gospel-
Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20Daniel 3:52-56Matthew 13:10-17
It is important that you choose your career with care, so that you may really follow the vocation that God has destined for you. No day should pass without some prayer to this end. Often repeat with St. Paul: "Lord, what will you have me do?"
-- St. John Bosco
Our career as Mothers is truly the most noble, honorable and important career that God could ever call us to. But with this career comes great sacrifices that has eternal rewards. Through giving our lives to our families and forming, shaping and molding these precious souls entrusted to us, we are doing God's greatest work. I heard Father Corapi say just the other day that "the vocation of motherhood is one of the most noble and honorable vocations and we won't truly come to understand this until we are in Heaven." What powerful words!
So whether you balance a career in the workforce as well as your career in the home or soley have a career in the home, it is important for us to keep focused on the things above and not the things of this world. All our children need is our love, comfort and support. Their needs are as simple as that. Let our hands, voices, hearts, ears, feet, mind love our families as Christ loves us.
Have a blessed Thursday!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cradled in the arms of Mary
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 St. Mary Magdalen (Memorial)
First Reading:Psalm:Gospel:
Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15Psalm 78:18-19, 23-28John 20:1-2, 11-18
This morning I pondered on what it would be like to be held in the arms of Mary, Jesus's mom. The same woman who cradled Jesus as a baby and then cradled him after he suffered and died on the cross. I didn't think too long until I realized we are cradled by her every day when we ask for her prayers and intercession, for she is our heavenly mother. I pictured myself in the kitchen when all three of my children are crying at the same time and I want to scream and cry too but instead (not always) I cry aloud "Mary, be a mother to me now!" She is there, standing next to me with her arms around me at my kitchen counter. The peace from heaven surrounds me, I take a deep breath and move forward with the chaos in my household. She is truly the Queen of Peace, drawing us ever closer to her son. All we have to do is ask for her prayers and help and she will be there. We don't have to mother our children alone. We have a beautiful, glowing, crowned, heavenly queen awaiting us.....all we have to do is ask. Just like picking up the phone and calling your mom in tears if you are having a bad day, that is what it is like with our Blessed Mother Mary. The only difference is she is right there in our precense.
So today if you have a moment that you think you might "lose it" or you are going through the toughest time in your life thus far, know that you are being cradled in the arms of Mary as well as her son Jesus. And when we leave this life and enter into the heavenly world, what more could we ask for then to be welcomed with arms open wide by Jesus and his Mother who had assisted us in this life and into to the next.
First Reading:Psalm:Gospel:
Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15Psalm 78:18-19, 23-28John 20:1-2, 11-18
This morning I pondered on what it would be like to be held in the arms of Mary, Jesus's mom. The same woman who cradled Jesus as a baby and then cradled him after he suffered and died on the cross. I didn't think too long until I realized we are cradled by her every day when we ask for her prayers and intercession, for she is our heavenly mother. I pictured myself in the kitchen when all three of my children are crying at the same time and I want to scream and cry too but instead (not always) I cry aloud "Mary, be a mother to me now!" She is there, standing next to me with her arms around me at my kitchen counter. The peace from heaven surrounds me, I take a deep breath and move forward with the chaos in my household. She is truly the Queen of Peace, drawing us ever closer to her son. All we have to do is ask for her prayers and help and she will be there. We don't have to mother our children alone. We have a beautiful, glowing, crowned, heavenly queen awaiting us.....all we have to do is ask. Just like picking up the phone and calling your mom in tears if you are having a bad day, that is what it is like with our Blessed Mother Mary. The only difference is she is right there in our precense.
So today if you have a moment that you think you might "lose it" or you are going through the toughest time in your life thus far, know that you are being cradled in the arms of Mary as well as her son Jesus. And when we leave this life and enter into the heavenly world, what more could we ask for then to be welcomed with arms open wide by Jesus and his Mother who had assisted us in this life and into to the next.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Suffering Creates A Blossoming Flower in You
"We boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope." We also read in scripture that when you are carrying your cross and going through hard times, that is when God does His greatest work in you.
This morning Clementine was drawing a picture for me and she brought me her piece of paper and said "Look , Mama!" She had drawn a cross and I gasped and said "Oh, Clementine, it is beautiful! What does the cross stand for?" and she said "Ouchies." And she grabbed the crucifix and pointed to Jesus's hands and feet. I thought that was so fitting for the reflection today. That through our ouchies in life and the crosses we bear, that is when God does his greatest work and that is when Jesus is most near to us. Jesus's greatest work was suffering and dying on the cross for us;therefore, when He gives us a cross to carry, we should remember that we don't have to carry it alone. He is right along the side of us, carrying it for us. In a world that looks down upon suffering as sad and unfortunate, it is truly when you are at the top of your game.....your race towards eternal life. Lift up your suffering today as a form of prayer and meditate on Christ's suffering and dying for you.
Have a blessed Tuesday!
This morning Clementine was drawing a picture for me and she brought me her piece of paper and said "Look , Mama!" She had drawn a cross and I gasped and said "Oh, Clementine, it is beautiful! What does the cross stand for?" and she said "Ouchies." And she grabbed the crucifix and pointed to Jesus's hands and feet. I thought that was so fitting for the reflection today. That through our ouchies in life and the crosses we bear, that is when God does his greatest work and that is when Jesus is most near to us. Jesus's greatest work was suffering and dying on the cross for us;therefore, when He gives us a cross to carry, we should remember that we don't have to carry it alone. He is right along the side of us, carrying it for us. In a world that looks down upon suffering as sad and unfortunate, it is truly when you are at the top of your game.....your race towards eternal life. Lift up your suffering today as a form of prayer and meditate on Christ's suffering and dying for you.
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Lord is my Shepherd
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everythingI need." Psalms 23
This was the first reading yesterday in Mass. I was reminded as a mother that we are our children's shepherd. Even when they are in the womb, we are their shepherd; however, we don't have to shepherd our children alone. We have The Good Shepherd holding us by the hand and leading us to be the best mother we can be....the mother the Lord has called us to be. We are also reminded in Psalms 23 that we have everything we need through our Shepherd. We have Jesus in the midst of loving and caring for our families, what else do we need? In a world that measures success by how much money you make, what car you drive, the size of your home is nothing but foolish and ignorant. We are reminded that through God's love and the Eucharist, we have everything we need. God's grace is sufficient. Look around your home and your children today and count your blessings, for God has abundantly blessed you and given you everything you need through Him.
PRAYERS FOR JILL
Jill let me know friday that the test for her baby came back positive, which is fatal. Please continue to surround Jill and her family in your prayers.
Jill, we love you and we are here for you. You are that precious baby's shepherd. God specificaly chose you to mother her in your womb and rest assure she feels your tender love. We will continue to pray for a miracle and God's Will.
Your Sisters in Christ,
Archangel Moms
This was the first reading yesterday in Mass. I was reminded as a mother that we are our children's shepherd. Even when they are in the womb, we are their shepherd; however, we don't have to shepherd our children alone. We have The Good Shepherd holding us by the hand and leading us to be the best mother we can be....the mother the Lord has called us to be. We are also reminded in Psalms 23 that we have everything we need through our Shepherd. We have Jesus in the midst of loving and caring for our families, what else do we need? In a world that measures success by how much money you make, what car you drive, the size of your home is nothing but foolish and ignorant. We are reminded that through God's love and the Eucharist, we have everything we need. God's grace is sufficient. Look around your home and your children today and count your blessings, for God has abundantly blessed you and given you everything you need through Him.
PRAYERS FOR JILL
Jill let me know friday that the test for her baby came back positive, which is fatal. Please continue to surround Jill and her family in your prayers.
Jill, we love you and we are here for you. You are that precious baby's shepherd. God specificaly chose you to mother her in your womb and rest assure she feels your tender love. We will continue to pray for a miracle and God's Will.
Your Sisters in Christ,
Archangel Moms
Tuesday Play Date
A Playdate has been scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday July 21st 10:30
Northeast Mall at the playground near Nordstroms
Lunch at Food Court to follow
For questions, contact Kathy at theschimls@charter.net
Northeast Mall at the playground near Nordstroms
Lunch at Food Court to follow
For questions, contact Kathy at theschimls@charter.net
Friday, July 17, 2009
God's Complete Knowledge and Care
"You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb.
When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb.
When I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there, you saw me before I was born.
The days alloted to me had all been recorded in your book before any of them ever began." Psalms 139:13-17
Everyone please say prayers throughout the day today for Jill's baby girl. She finds out today for sure, but has been told that most likely (95%) chance that her baby girl will be brain-dead if she survives through the pregnancy. Let's surround she, John and the baby with our prayers today and the days ahead. We are reminded in Psalms, that God forms these babies perfectly in His accord.
Have a blessed day.
When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb.
When I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there, you saw me before I was born.
The days alloted to me had all been recorded in your book before any of them ever began." Psalms 139:13-17
Everyone please say prayers throughout the day today for Jill's baby girl. She finds out today for sure, but has been told that most likely (95%) chance that her baby girl will be brain-dead if she survives through the pregnancy. Let's surround she, John and the baby with our prayers today and the days ahead. We are reminded in Psalms, that God forms these babies perfectly in His accord.
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Be Still and Know that I am God
"I am meek and humble of heart." Mathew 11:29
"We are asked by Jesus to be like him, and in prayer, as we listen to the loved stillness of our lives, the peace that kind of prayer brings becomes a part of us. We should rest a bit every day and take that time to hear what is good and gentle around us. The more we listen, the more humble we become- and the more we become what we are longing to be."
Fr. James Stephen Beherens
Good Morning Moms!
I hope you all have a blessed day and take time to be still and just BE with your family and not let the loudness of the world get the best of you today. Below I have assigned (randomly picked) moms out of the group to dedicate a day of prayer for Jill's baby for the next 10 days. A day of prayer meaning lifting up simple prayers throughout the day, fasting if you choose, offering up any suffering that you might be struggling with up for Jill's baby. Offering up suffering is a beautiful and very powerful form of prayer. (fyi...pregnacy is a form of suffering)If for some reason you can't offer up prayer on the day you are assinged, just let me know.
Have a beautiful day!
Thursday-July 16- Kim Cooper
Friday- July 17th- Jennifer Denney
Saturday-July 18th-Kathy Schimil
Sunday-July 19th-Lori Archi
Monday-July 20th- Liz Chambers
Tuesday-July 21st-Erica Kernan
Wednesday- July 22nd-Laura Vedda
Thursday-July 23rd-Carol Ernst
Friday-July 24th-Sarah Leopold
Saturday-July 25th-Alison Sullivan
"We are asked by Jesus to be like him, and in prayer, as we listen to the loved stillness of our lives, the peace that kind of prayer brings becomes a part of us. We should rest a bit every day and take that time to hear what is good and gentle around us. The more we listen, the more humble we become- and the more we become what we are longing to be."
Fr. James Stephen Beherens
Good Morning Moms!
I hope you all have a blessed day and take time to be still and just BE with your family and not let the loudness of the world get the best of you today. Below I have assigned (randomly picked) moms out of the group to dedicate a day of prayer for Jill's baby for the next 10 days. A day of prayer meaning lifting up simple prayers throughout the day, fasting if you choose, offering up any suffering that you might be struggling with up for Jill's baby. Offering up suffering is a beautiful and very powerful form of prayer. (fyi...pregnacy is a form of suffering)If for some reason you can't offer up prayer on the day you are assinged, just let me know.
Have a beautiful day!
Thursday-July 16- Kim Cooper
Friday- July 17th- Jennifer Denney
Saturday-July 18th-Kathy Schimil
Sunday-July 19th-Lori Archi
Monday-July 20th- Liz Chambers
Tuesday-July 21st-Erica Kernan
Wednesday- July 22nd-Laura Vedda
Thursday-July 23rd-Carol Ernst
Friday-July 24th-Sarah Leopold
Saturday-July 25th-Alison Sullivan
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Prayers for Jill and Carrie
Dear Lord Heavenly Father,
We pray today for Jill, John and their precious baby as well as Carrie and her precious baby. Please wrap your arms around these little ones in their mothers wombs and protect them and form them to be perfect. We ask the Blessed Mother to please pray for these babies. That she will hold them in her arms and heal any kind of birth defect and protect from being born too early.
Surroud Jill, John, Carrie and her husband with Peace and your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
We pray today for Jill, John and their precious baby as well as Carrie and her precious baby. Please wrap your arms around these little ones in their mothers wombs and protect them and form them to be perfect. We ask the Blessed Mother to please pray for these babies. That she will hold them in her arms and heal any kind of birth defect and protect from being born too early.
Surroud Jill, John, Carrie and her husband with Peace and your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
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