Reading from Sunday Mass
"Be Doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves." James 1:22
As mothers, we are constantly telling our children to be nice, stop pushing, show love to their sibling, stop whining, finish your plate of healthy food, obey your mother and father, no more TV for the day, and the list goes on. Everyday we are trying to do our best in raising our children and helping them to be GOOD. At the same time, we are tired from being up at night, mentally strained from the constant care, worried about our husbands career, frantically trying to keep the house straight, running on coffee and crackers...... I find myself telling them to use their quiet voice and then screaming out of frustration later that day or stop whining and then I find myself whining about how tired I am or how tough motherhood is. How can we teach our children all of the goodness of the world if we don't live it? We are all human and we sure don't need to be too hard on ourselves but at the same time we have to remember the helper and leader we have in Jesus. Jesus tells us in scripture to work for food that doesn't spoil, to trust in him, to not worry, to rest in him and give him our burdens, to be joyful and love one another as He loves us. In order to practice what we preach, we have to give our day to the Lord and find him in prayer, in adoration of the blessed sacrament, in the rosary, in scripture, in nature, in our children's eyes. Then we can practice what we preach because Jesus will be guiding us and helping us to live as he has called us to live. By spending time with Jesus, He will refill our empty vessels so we can in turn pour life giving water back into our families.
So rest in the arms of Jesus today. Don't try to go about mothering alone. Taking care of your children will be so much more fruitful if you take care of yourself spiritually, mentally and physically first. The world tells us we can "be all and do ", but those are the empty promises of the world that leaves us broken and spirtually dry. Live for the Spirit and not the ways of the world! God Bless your Monday!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Feast day of St. Augustine
Readings in masses today:
"For you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,10-12
Mathew 25:1-13
This morning has been a crazy morning and I have not been able to have my time with the Lord. If you get a chance today, read about St. Augustine and the powerful prayers of his mother, St. Monica. Have a blessed day!
"For you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,10-12
Mathew 25:1-13
This morning has been a crazy morning and I have not been able to have my time with the Lord. If you get a chance today, read about St. Augustine and the powerful prayers of his mother, St. Monica. Have a blessed day!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Be the Mother you are called to be TODAY
Feast Day of St. Monica- Patron Saint of Christian Mothers
Daily Gospel Reading:
"Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come." Mathew 24:42
Death is part of life.....we all have to face it someday. So why do we live for tomorrow? I find myself sometimes thinking, "when we are more financially stable, then I will give more to the church" or "I will become more devout in my faith when my children are older" and I have had several mothers tell me that they don't make it to mass very often because it is just too hard with little ones but when the children get older THEN they will start going to Mass regularly.
We are called to be the person we were meant to be TODAY. The mother God had designed for us to be, the wife we yearn to be, the friend we need to be. For we really do not know if today is our last day on earth. That is why the Lord calls us to "stay awake". Our children need us to be a good, loving, patient, gentle mother to them today. They need us to be present in their lives today.....don't put off being there for them in a few years, but be there for them heart and soul TODAY. Then, if you meet Jesus tomorrow, you will know you gave it your all and He will say "Well done my good and faithful servant." However, to be the best mother we can be today, we have to offer our day up to the Lord and walk with him in everything we do. He will give you the grace, the patience, and His love to endure the challenging days of raising these little souls for Heaven. Below is a prayer that I say every morning as well as a morning offering prayer. Try saying one of these prayers everyday and you will start seeing a change in your crazy days of mothering. God Bless you today!
"Dear Lord Jesus,
I give you these hands today (offer up your hands). Transform them into yours. Help me to love as you would love, discipline as you would discipline, serve as you would serve. Help me to be the mother you have called me to be today and everyday. I love you. Amen"
DAILY OFFERING PRAYER:
"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You the prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart in union with the Holy Sacrafice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, and for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.
Daily Gospel Reading:
"Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come." Mathew 24:42
Death is part of life.....we all have to face it someday. So why do we live for tomorrow? I find myself sometimes thinking, "when we are more financially stable, then I will give more to the church" or "I will become more devout in my faith when my children are older" and I have had several mothers tell me that they don't make it to mass very often because it is just too hard with little ones but when the children get older THEN they will start going to Mass regularly.
We are called to be the person we were meant to be TODAY. The mother God had designed for us to be, the wife we yearn to be, the friend we need to be. For we really do not know if today is our last day on earth. That is why the Lord calls us to "stay awake". Our children need us to be a good, loving, patient, gentle mother to them today. They need us to be present in their lives today.....don't put off being there for them in a few years, but be there for them heart and soul TODAY. Then, if you meet Jesus tomorrow, you will know you gave it your all and He will say "Well done my good and faithful servant." However, to be the best mother we can be today, we have to offer our day up to the Lord and walk with him in everything we do. He will give you the grace, the patience, and His love to endure the challenging days of raising these little souls for Heaven. Below is a prayer that I say every morning as well as a morning offering prayer. Try saying one of these prayers everyday and you will start seeing a change in your crazy days of mothering. God Bless you today!
"Dear Lord Jesus,
I give you these hands today (offer up your hands). Transform them into yours. Help me to love as you would love, discipline as you would discipline, serve as you would serve. Help me to be the mother you have called me to be today and everyday. I love you. Amen"
DAILY OFFERING PRAYER:
"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You the prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart in union with the Holy Sacrafice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, and for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
MOTHERS ARE VIRTUOUS WOMEN
The reading in Masses all around the world today:
"But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children." Thessalonians 2:7
As St. Paul spoke to the people of Thessalonians, he described he and his disciples caring for them as a mother who takes care of her children. "Gentle. Humble. Pure". He speaks how they "encouraged and comforted the people and urged them to live the kind of life that pleases God". The desciples "worked day and night to preach the Good News of God".
So as you can see in chapter 2 of Thessalonians, the desciples compare all of their works and virtues to a mother taking care of her children. Amazing! It is right in front of our eyes in scripture the beautiful virtues a woman is given when she gives life into the world. We are natural care-takers, encouragers, gentle (not always!), comforters, hard workers....and the list of virtues go on. How blessed we are to grow closer in christ and be given these heavenly virtues from our Lord by becoming mothers. These are some of the many examples of why the Vocation of Motherhood is your greatest work on earth and your ticket to heaven. There is no greater work you can do in your lifetime than to gently, humbly, joyfully and lovingly care for your families. Your hard, sometimes grueling, work might not pay well financially but your works are priceless in Heaven's eyes.
So today, remember you are spoken about in scripture....the desciples speak of what you are doing today and everyday! That should for sure give us a kick in our step today!
"But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children." Thessalonians 2:7
As St. Paul spoke to the people of Thessalonians, he described he and his disciples caring for them as a mother who takes care of her children. "Gentle. Humble. Pure". He speaks how they "encouraged and comforted the people and urged them to live the kind of life that pleases God". The desciples "worked day and night to preach the Good News of God".
So as you can see in chapter 2 of Thessalonians, the desciples compare all of their works and virtues to a mother taking care of her children. Amazing! It is right in front of our eyes in scripture the beautiful virtues a woman is given when she gives life into the world. We are natural care-takers, encouragers, gentle (not always!), comforters, hard workers....and the list of virtues go on. How blessed we are to grow closer in christ and be given these heavenly virtues from our Lord by becoming mothers. These are some of the many examples of why the Vocation of Motherhood is your greatest work on earth and your ticket to heaven. There is no greater work you can do in your lifetime than to gently, humbly, joyfully and lovingly care for your families. Your hard, sometimes grueling, work might not pay well financially but your works are priceless in Heaven's eyes.
So today, remember you are spoken about in scripture....the desciples speak of what you are doing today and everyday! That should for sure give us a kick in our step today!
Monday, August 24, 2009
NO SIGNS OF MOTHERHOOD POINT TO THE EASY ROAD
Gospel Reading from Sunday, August 23rd.
"Many of the followers heard this and said, 'This teaching is too hard'." John 6:60
Life is hard. There is no doubt about that. It is so much easier to take the lazy road in life or the road that the world paves in gold but dead ends. As mothers, taking the easy road is not always best for your family. Being called to the vocation of Motherhood is a challenging call but by following God's Will for you and devoting your life to your family, you will recieve Eternal rewards in the end. How much easier it is to not discipline your children like you should or eat out everynight instead of cooking a meal and sitting down at the dinner table together as family or finding fullfillment outside your home and family. Just as Jesus's followers decided the road to eternal life was too hard, we have to make the decision to grin and bear it and be the mother and wife Jesus calls us to be, which is the road to self donation and love. Or we can decide His way is too hard for us and take the easy road of selfishness and pride where we find empty promises in the end. Why do we women today think we need to be "pampered" all the time? Look at the women who have gone before us.....they were strong, tough, wise. There was no pampering for them. They did their job without complaining and we reep the benifts from their hard work. The path to Heaven is not paved with pampering and luxury, the tougher the better because that means God is at great work in you.
So if you find yourself today, tomorrow or next week thinking how hard motherhood is and how sacrificing financially, physically, or mentally is too much, think of Jesus and the words of Eternal Life. "What gives life is God's spirit; man's power is of no use at all." John 6:63 Giving your life to your family is giving your life to Jesus. It is not always the easy road but it is the path that brings amazing rewards.
God Bless you this Monday!
"Many of the followers heard this and said, 'This teaching is too hard'." John 6:60
Life is hard. There is no doubt about that. It is so much easier to take the lazy road in life or the road that the world paves in gold but dead ends. As mothers, taking the easy road is not always best for your family. Being called to the vocation of Motherhood is a challenging call but by following God's Will for you and devoting your life to your family, you will recieve Eternal rewards in the end. How much easier it is to not discipline your children like you should or eat out everynight instead of cooking a meal and sitting down at the dinner table together as family or finding fullfillment outside your home and family. Just as Jesus's followers decided the road to eternal life was too hard, we have to make the decision to grin and bear it and be the mother and wife Jesus calls us to be, which is the road to self donation and love. Or we can decide His way is too hard for us and take the easy road of selfishness and pride where we find empty promises in the end. Why do we women today think we need to be "pampered" all the time? Look at the women who have gone before us.....they were strong, tough, wise. There was no pampering for them. They did their job without complaining and we reep the benifts from their hard work. The path to Heaven is not paved with pampering and luxury, the tougher the better because that means God is at great work in you.
So if you find yourself today, tomorrow or next week thinking how hard motherhood is and how sacrificing financially, physically, or mentally is too much, think of Jesus and the words of Eternal Life. "What gives life is God's spirit; man's power is of no use at all." John 6:63 Giving your life to your family is giving your life to Jesus. It is not always the easy road but it is the path that brings amazing rewards.
God Bless you this Monday!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL
I have been at my family's ranch this week. The ranch I grew up on and the place I love so dear. I am the fourth generation of this little slice of heaven. My soul is connected to my ancestors that settled this place over one hundered years ago. Wide open spaces, big blue skies, fresh crisp air and beautiful sunsets is just a faint description of this heartland I will always call "home". We have had a wonderful week and tomorrow I start on my journey back home.....a seven hour trip with three little ones, please pray for me!
I will start posting reflections on monday. The only internet access on the ranch is at the "Beef Barn", which is 6 miles from where I am staying, so that is the reason I have not been able to continue posting this week. What a blessing it is from our Lord Jesus to spend time with our precious families and to journey back to the place where our souls were nurtured and developed.
I will start posting reflections on monday. The only internet access on the ranch is at the "Beef Barn", which is 6 miles from where I am staying, so that is the reason I have not been able to continue posting this week. What a blessing it is from our Lord Jesus to spend time with our precious families and to journey back to the place where our souls were nurtured and developed.
Friday, August 14, 2009
WE ARE MODERN DAY MARYS AND ELIZABETHS
"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth." Luke 1:39-40
As mothers, we are like the modern day Mary and Elizabeth, as we gather together as mothers and friends. When I greet a friend who is carrying a baby in her womb, I have a feeling like no other. I love to pat her back or put my hand on her belly because I am so drawn to the life inside of her. Only mothers understand the connection we have to one another of bringing life into this world, for it is the most beautiful act that has been given to us. What a priveledge we have as women. Seeing a woman carrying life inside of them is a glimpse of heavenly light. For the Holy Spirit has breathed life in her womb and we are touched by the Holy Spirit by just being in her precense.
As Mary and Elizabeth had that sacred moment together in the "Visitation", so do we in this day and age when we get together with other mothers. And we are called to do our best to raise a little Jesus and a little John. Our greatest work is to raise souls that will proclaim the gospel and live a life nothing short of goodness and love. What a task we have before.....anything is possible with God!
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Feast Day to our Blessed Mother! Aug. 15th
Mass at Good Shepherd 7:00 PM tonight or 10 :00AM tomorrow morning
As mothers, we are like the modern day Mary and Elizabeth, as we gather together as mothers and friends. When I greet a friend who is carrying a baby in her womb, I have a feeling like no other. I love to pat her back or put my hand on her belly because I am so drawn to the life inside of her. Only mothers understand the connection we have to one another of bringing life into this world, for it is the most beautiful act that has been given to us. What a priveledge we have as women. Seeing a woman carrying life inside of them is a glimpse of heavenly light. For the Holy Spirit has breathed life in her womb and we are touched by the Holy Spirit by just being in her precense.
As Mary and Elizabeth had that sacred moment together in the "Visitation", so do we in this day and age when we get together with other mothers. And we are called to do our best to raise a little Jesus and a little John. Our greatest work is to raise souls that will proclaim the gospel and live a life nothing short of goodness and love. What a task we have before.....anything is possible with God!
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Feast Day to our Blessed Mother! Aug. 15th
Mass at Good Shepherd 7:00 PM tonight or 10 :00AM tomorrow morning
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