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Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
March 3, 2010
Signs In the Sky!
The Star of Bethlehem! I know it's pass Christmas, but this is a great thing to watch! I've watched it a few times and have been amazed by it every time. It starts with Christ's conception and ends with his death. Everything has to do with the sky at that time.
We like to look at the stars at night. We have a few telescopes and have gone out to the local observatory time to time. It's for those reasons that I've decided to share this here. :)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase something. See our full disclosure policy for more details.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase something. See our full disclosure policy for more details.
February 24, 2010
Body of Christ like Toast?
I just overheard 8 year old Superstar tell Web-princess.
I guess toast is like the body of Christ! Once it's the body of Christ it can never go back to being bread, it's always going to be the body of Christ. Just like toast is always going to be toast. It can never be plain bread again!
October 12, 2009
Picture of Jesus Arrested in Rockford, IL
I share this video here because this is my hometown and I know thanks to sitemeter that I have local people visiting my blog. The priest in this video is my parish priest. I also know from talking to Father that the owner of the abortion clinic has come out dressed as the devil and has proceeded to "bless" Father while Father and other local priests are there praying.
I know this has nothing to do with homeschooling and I understand that your position on abortion may be different then mine. I'm not debating abortion, nor do I want this to become a hub for debate.
I share this here, because I know I have local people, people that live in Rockford, that visit my blog daily and I want them to know what's going on in our hometown. I have more videos about the local clinic posted on my website: Catholic Christian Living.
Warning: The picture of Jesus in the WINDOW of the abortion clinic is offensive. It features Jesus given the bird with both hands. This offensive picture was NOT the one arrested. The one that was removed was a picture that was on displayed by the pro-lifer that was there to pray. The picture that was removed by the police was beautiful, godly, picture!
There was a previous picture of Jesus given the bird and that was removed as the local news has reported. However it has been replaced with a NEW picture and that new picture is shown in the video below.
The new picture has not just one hand but 2 hands given the bird. I learned from talking to Father (the same one in the video) that the new picture was there 2 weeks ago and is still there today!!! It was 2 weeks ago that I also learned that the owner of the clinic dress himself as the devil and proceeded to "bless" the priests there that were praying.
So a beautiful, godly, loving picture of Christ is removed by police, but a picture featuring Christ given everyone the bird is left on displayed.
UPDATE: It was just brought to my attention that about 1:18-1:22 in the above video you can see a hand given the bird as well, in the window. I have taken a snapshot of the image from the video.
It's hard to tell in the still picture above but when the video is moving it is clear that it's a hand given the bird as well. It is my understanding that it is the hand of the abortion clinic owner.
I know this has nothing to do with homeschooling and I understand that your position on abortion may be different then mine. I'm not debating abortion, nor do I want this to become a hub for debate.
I share this here, because I know I have local people, people that live in Rockford, that visit my blog daily and I want them to know what's going on in our hometown. I have more videos about the local clinic posted on my website: Catholic Christian Living.
Warning: The picture of Jesus in the WINDOW of the abortion clinic is offensive. It features Jesus given the bird with both hands. This offensive picture was NOT the one arrested. The one that was removed was a picture that was on displayed by the pro-lifer that was there to pray. The picture that was removed by the police was beautiful, godly, picture!
There was a previous picture of Jesus given the bird and that was removed as the local news has reported. However it has been replaced with a NEW picture and that new picture is shown in the video below.
The new picture has not just one hand but 2 hands given the bird. I learned from talking to Father (the same one in the video) that the new picture was there 2 weeks ago and is still there today!!! It was 2 weeks ago that I also learned that the owner of the clinic dress himself as the devil and proceeded to "bless" the priests there that were praying.
So a beautiful, godly, loving picture of Christ is removed by police, but a picture featuring Christ given everyone the bird is left on displayed.
UPDATE: It was just brought to my attention that about 1:18-1:22 in the above video you can see a hand given the bird as well, in the window. I have taken a snapshot of the image from the video.
It's hard to tell in the still picture above but when the video is moving it is clear that it's a hand given the bird as well. It is my understanding that it is the hand of the abortion clinic owner.
April 6, 2009
One More First Communion Picture
I just wanted to share one more picture with all of you. My DS was blessed with being able to say the prayers of the faithful during the Mass. Of course I did NOT take this picture during the Mass itself. However, I did take a moment before Mass to having my DS "pose" for the camera, as if He was saying the prayers....
April 4, 2009
First Communion
It was a LONG and busy day, clothing to get dress in, meals to be made, arriving on time, and just enjoying the moment. I was busy directing the kids when to go up that I actually missed the moment my DS received Holy Communion for the first time. 
However, I was beaming ear to ear when my DS answered Father's question. Father during his homily (sermon) today talked about the Last Supper and had asked the children a few questions. DS rose his hand with such confidence that Father couldn't help but call on him. :) DS had the "correct" answer! I was a little nervous about it, but that's okay, I think as mothers we get nervous for our children.
After Mass we took some pictures of the whole family:
I can't believe that she, my mom, wore the same shirt:
She's lucky that it was my DS big day! Gosh, the nerve of some people! When we realized we were wearing the same shirt, just different colors, Mom went on and on how she must be "hip" because she can dress "young". I just turned to her and said "Or my style is just OLD!" Oh, I had to run and hide after a remark like that, because I got that Mom stare, oh you know what that Mom Stare is! I don't have to tell you what that means! (It's all good now we laughed about it; and was laughing then)
At the end of the day DS is happy! And that is all that matters. Thank-You to everyone that kept him and our family in their prayers today.
However, I was beaming ear to ear when my DS answered Father's question. Father during his homily (sermon) today talked about the Last Supper and had asked the children a few questions. DS rose his hand with such confidence that Father couldn't help but call on him. :) DS had the "correct" answer! I was a little nervous about it, but that's okay, I think as mothers we get nervous for our children.After Mass we took some pictures of the whole family:
I can't believe that she, my mom, wore the same shirt:
She's lucky that it was my DS big day! Gosh, the nerve of some people! When we realized we were wearing the same shirt, just different colors, Mom went on and on how she must be "hip" because she can dress "young". I just turned to her and said "Or my style is just OLD!" Oh, I had to run and hide after a remark like that, because I got that Mom stare, oh you know what that Mom Stare is! I don't have to tell you what that means! (It's all good now we laughed about it; and was laughing then)At the end of the day DS is happy! And that is all that matters. Thank-You to everyone that kept him and our family in their prayers today.
March 17, 2009
Lost!
This blog is about my homeschooling efforts as much as it's about my life as a Catholic-Christian. Part of being a "good" homeshooling mom is teaching the kids about God, faith, trust, hope, grace, etc.
Can I just be honest and say I just don't know anymore! I've felt the distance and disillusion for a while now, and I've just been going through the motions. I know in my "head" what all the answers are, and I've been good to spout out those things for others that are in my state of heart, but seriously there is a difference of knowing something in your head and feeling it in your heart. My heart has felt empty from some time now.
Sometimes, I lay in bed at night question if God is real, mainly because I feel so empty. I wonder in my head and propose things like well if he was real then xyz should happen, almost as if to dare God to prove his existence. Especially seeing my heart feels so empty now. I have read the many conversion stories of the saints and conversion stories of the unknown saints. Can I just say that at times these stories brings me sorrow, because I wonder what makes them so special that God shown himself to them in the way THEY wanted, and I'm left feeling in the dark.
I'll be honest; I know that's it's "bad" for me to think that way. After all I'm sure God has his reasons, after all every child NEEDS things differently at different times. We don't always get what we want, we get what we NEED and at times our wants and needs are the same. See that's the logical side coming in and rationalizing it for me, but in my heart I'm still wondering why, what's so special about them.
In the truth of honesty I haven't been to confession for a good 2 years now, and I thus I haven't received communion in this last year. Perhaps the lack of receiving has caused my heart to feel so empty. I don't know...
I've come close to going, but I haven't gone. Back in January my DS received reconciliation for the first time. It was a family event and the parents were encourage to be there and go AFTER the kids gone. As I blogged about it earlier, I was going to go until I learn there would be treats for the kid. Well honesty, I used the "treats" as an excuse not to go. I also never went the following week, nor have I taken my DS to confession. DH has but I have not.
The next closest time I came to actually doing a confession was this past Sunday. Our parish offers coffee and donuts after the 9:00 am Mass. Fr. B is always good about popping in at coffee and donuts and greeting the people. He's a good priest in that regard.
When he approached the table I was sitting at I thanked him for making my son's day last Saturday. You see my son had his first communion retreat this past Saturday and was making his banner when Fr. B stopped in to say "hi". He told my DS that he like his banner. So I shared with Father how that made my son's day. We went home that day and all my DS could say was how Fr. B liked his priest. (DS put a priest on his banner, I would add that DS was the ONLY one to have a priest on his banner; Is that saying something?)
Father, started to talk about parenting and I made a comment how it's hard because you are reasonable and scary because they (the children) call you on so much, and make sure you follow the "rules".
Father B, looked at and asked, "You do go to confession regularly don't you?" I didn't vocally give my answer, I just hung my head and shocked my head no. Fr. B immediately sat down and preceded to tell me it's not that hard, I don't have to go in the confessional, we could do it in his office, etc. He basically said everything he could, just short of telling me to do a confession right then and there.
I listen to everything he said and with tears in my eyes and I just sorrowfully looked at him and said "I know,I know, I know; I just don't understand what's stopping me, and it's so frustrating, because in a few weeks my son is going to receive and well I want to be able to too." At that very moment my DD (almost 7), who had been off playing, jumped into my lap and said "Mommy!!!" Well DD being there changed the mood. Father said a few words to my DD and then turn to me and said well I have to talk to the other people and left. So close yet so far way!
My just so lost! I know in my head what's missing, it's just getting my heart to follow and take action. I know it's NOT my church! It's ME!! Going somewhere else is not going to "fix" it; I know that....Please pray for me, because I don't know what else to do any more.
Can I just be honest and say I just don't know anymore! I've felt the distance and disillusion for a while now, and I've just been going through the motions. I know in my "head" what all the answers are, and I've been good to spout out those things for others that are in my state of heart, but seriously there is a difference of knowing something in your head and feeling it in your heart. My heart has felt empty from some time now.
Sometimes, I lay in bed at night question if God is real, mainly because I feel so empty. I wonder in my head and propose things like well if he was real then xyz should happen, almost as if to dare God to prove his existence. Especially seeing my heart feels so empty now. I have read the many conversion stories of the saints and conversion stories of the unknown saints. Can I just say that at times these stories brings me sorrow, because I wonder what makes them so special that God shown himself to them in the way THEY wanted, and I'm left feeling in the dark.
I'll be honest; I know that's it's "bad" for me to think that way. After all I'm sure God has his reasons, after all every child NEEDS things differently at different times. We don't always get what we want, we get what we NEED and at times our wants and needs are the same. See that's the logical side coming in and rationalizing it for me, but in my heart I'm still wondering why, what's so special about them.
In the truth of honesty I haven't been to confession for a good 2 years now, and I thus I haven't received communion in this last year. Perhaps the lack of receiving has caused my heart to feel so empty. I don't know...
I've come close to going, but I haven't gone. Back in January my DS received reconciliation for the first time. It was a family event and the parents were encourage to be there and go AFTER the kids gone. As I blogged about it earlier, I was going to go until I learn there would be treats for the kid. Well honesty, I used the "treats" as an excuse not to go. I also never went the following week, nor have I taken my DS to confession. DH has but I have not.
The next closest time I came to actually doing a confession was this past Sunday. Our parish offers coffee and donuts after the 9:00 am Mass. Fr. B is always good about popping in at coffee and donuts and greeting the people. He's a good priest in that regard.
When he approached the table I was sitting at I thanked him for making my son's day last Saturday. You see my son had his first communion retreat this past Saturday and was making his banner when Fr. B stopped in to say "hi". He told my DS that he like his banner. So I shared with Father how that made my son's day. We went home that day and all my DS could say was how Fr. B liked his priest. (DS put a priest on his banner, I would add that DS was the ONLY one to have a priest on his banner; Is that saying something?)
Father, started to talk about parenting and I made a comment how it's hard because you are reasonable and scary because they (the children) call you on so much, and make sure you follow the "rules".
Father B, looked at and asked, "You do go to confession regularly don't you?" I didn't vocally give my answer, I just hung my head and shocked my head no. Fr. B immediately sat down and preceded to tell me it's not that hard, I don't have to go in the confessional, we could do it in his office, etc. He basically said everything he could, just short of telling me to do a confession right then and there.
I listen to everything he said and with tears in my eyes and I just sorrowfully looked at him and said "I know,I know, I know; I just don't understand what's stopping me, and it's so frustrating, because in a few weeks my son is going to receive and well I want to be able to too." At that very moment my DD (almost 7), who had been off playing, jumped into my lap and said "Mommy!!!" Well DD being there changed the mood. Father said a few words to my DD and then turn to me and said well I have to talk to the other people and left. So close yet so far way!
My just so lost! I know in my head what's missing, it's just getting my heart to follow and take action. I know it's NOT my church! It's ME!! Going somewhere else is not going to "fix" it; I know that....Please pray for me, because I don't know what else to do any more.
February 22, 2009
First Communion Classes
So today was the first day of First Communion Classes for DS. This is the second stage of the sacrament preparations that he has been doing this year. The first part was the preparation for reconciliation that he did at the end of January.
We are so excited for him. Today for class DS was chosen to talk about Jesus birth. DS told us that he was able to tell the class everything without his book. He even said the teacher asked him to repeat it because of his friends (classmates) weren't listening.
We, the parents, also had to set through a 15 minute presentation. What is communion? Why it's important? What the children are to wear? How we are NOT to use flash or lights while taken pictures during the Mass. etc. We also were given an pamphlet from Catholic Update on the Eucharist. The Catholic Update that received today is just one of the many updates on the Eucharist. Catholic Updates do cover a wide range of topics. To be honest it was a blah, blah, blah moment for me....but I was there because the parents were expected to be there.
So DS is excited! His first communion will take place on April 4th. Just before Easter that way on Easter Sunday we ALL can (will not DD she still has to wait another year) receive communion. My home parish tries really hard to make sure first communion happens BEFORE Easter so that our new communicants (I think that's the right word) can receive communion on Easter Sunday with their families.
We are so excited for him. Today for class DS was chosen to talk about Jesus birth. DS told us that he was able to tell the class everything without his book. He even said the teacher asked him to repeat it because of his friends (classmates) weren't listening.
We, the parents, also had to set through a 15 minute presentation. What is communion? Why it's important? What the children are to wear? How we are NOT to use flash or lights while taken pictures during the Mass. etc. We also were given an pamphlet from Catholic Update on the Eucharist. The Catholic Update that received today is just one of the many updates on the Eucharist. Catholic Updates do cover a wide range of topics. To be honest it was a blah, blah, blah moment for me....but I was there because the parents were expected to be there.
So DS is excited! His first communion will take place on April 4th. Just before Easter that way on Easter Sunday we ALL can (will not DD she still has to wait another year) receive communion. My home parish tries really hard to make sure first communion happens BEFORE Easter so that our new communicants (I think that's the right word) can receive communion on Easter Sunday with their families.
February 5, 2009
Catholic Social Teachings
The beauty of homeschooling allows me to give my children an affordable Catholic-Christian Education. I was looking up movie reviews and trying to find info about a movie and book that I saw and read in about 6th-7th grade. (Where The Red Fern Grows)
It was in the course of looking for this info that I STUMBLED upon resources that are available for FREE on the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) web-site. This stumble was so great that I thought I had to share it here. USCCB offers resources and lesson plans on their web-site for educators to aid them in teaching Catholic Social Teachings to children (and adults).
The resources include a list of books that can be read to children. This list also explains what subjects those books teach. What's so cool is that many of the books can be found at any good size public library and/or library system. So I'm really excited about this!! Many of the books on the list (for my kids age range) I have already have check out and read to my kids. I just didn't think about how these books could be teaching my kids Catholic-Socialism.
It was an WOW moment for me. Many of the books I will be re-reading to the kids. There will be others that I will be seeking out now. This is truly a hidden gem for me! I have browsed the USCCB site many times before, I just didn't know that all of these Educator's Resources were there until tonight.
I'm hoping that my US Catholic-Christians readers knew this Educator's Resource was available at our bishops' web-site. If not that's okay; you know it now!!! (Please share this with others homeschoolers, especially Catholic homeschoolers. Our bishops' have this on their website for our use, so I think we should take advantage of it.)
It was in the course of looking for this info that I STUMBLED upon resources that are available for FREE on the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) web-site. This stumble was so great that I thought I had to share it here. USCCB offers resources and lesson plans on their web-site for educators to aid them in teaching Catholic Social Teachings to children (and adults).
The resources include a list of books that can be read to children. This list also explains what subjects those books teach. What's so cool is that many of the books can be found at any good size public library and/or library system. So I'm really excited about this!! Many of the books on the list (for my kids age range) I have already have check out and read to my kids. I just didn't think about how these books could be teaching my kids Catholic-Socialism.
It was an WOW moment for me. Many of the books I will be re-reading to the kids. There will be others that I will be seeking out now. This is truly a hidden gem for me! I have browsed the USCCB site many times before, I just didn't know that all of these Educator's Resources were there until tonight.
I'm hoping that my US Catholic-Christians readers knew this Educator's Resource was available at our bishops' web-site. If not that's okay; you know it now!!! (Please share this with others homeschoolers, especially Catholic homeschoolers. Our bishops' have this on their website for our use, so I think we should take advantage of it.)
January 31, 2009
Confession!
Well today was the BIG day for my DS! He received for the very first time the sacrament of reconciliation. He couldn't wait for this day! This morning before we left he was doing the "chicka chicka boom boom dance". (I'm not sure how else to describe what he was doing LOL)
When we asked him how he felt about going he said "I'm nervous, but I'm also EXCITED" He truly was grinning ear to ear. So we left this morning, arrived at the church shortly before 9:00 am. We walked in and sat down in the church. Shortly after 9:00 our rector started with a Gospel reading (the prodigal son). After the Gospel reading he did a short homily (sermon) and then explain to everyone that he would be in his confessional and one of our associate pastors would be in his confessional.
The rector then went on to explain that the children were to go first and then when the children were done the parents and/or older siblings were free to go confession. He also said that afterward we were invited to go to our fellowship hall area for coffee, tea, hot coca, donuts and fruit.
So we asked DS who he wanted to go to and he choose our associate pastor and thus got into line. After leaving the confessional he did his penance and then I took him and my DD to fellowship hall for donuts, fruit, and hot cocoa. DH stayed behind and when to the confession himself. The original plan was that I would go to, but we didn't know that there would be treats and the kids just wanted to go.
While eating our treats my DS asked "Mama, why didn't you go?" I told him because I felt that I needed to be mommy and keep and eye on you and be with you while you are here (in fellowship hall). My kids are good kids and I really do trust them, but I also know that it was best to keep an eye on them. I then shared with my DS that I would be going next Saturday and he right away perked up and said "would you take me?". I said sure if he wanted to go I would take him. He just beamed ear to ear and said "thank-you mama".
After a few moments DH joined us in Fellowship Hall and said that he asked Father how DS did. He said to Father I know that you can't tell me what DS said but I'm just curious on "how" he did. Father told DH that DS was very confident. Confident!!! Wow!! I then asked DS if he went face to face or behind the curtain. DS said "behind the curtain"; then I turn to DH and ask "Well then how does he know that it was our DS". DH just said, "Father knows"
I was taken back by that...yikes!!! Reflecting on it; it's NOT a bad thing. It just shocked me that's all, especially seeing this was DS first time and I can't imagine that DS told him his name, nor am I going to pry into what DS said, because truly it's none of my business. I just was shocked that Father would know MY kid by voice..... Wow, is all I can say. We finally left the church around 11:00 am. We easily spent at least half of our time eating and chatting with others.
It was a good morning. Now DS is just steps closer to receiving his first Communion. That will take place in April.
When we asked him how he felt about going he said "I'm nervous, but I'm also EXCITED" He truly was grinning ear to ear. So we left this morning, arrived at the church shortly before 9:00 am. We walked in and sat down in the church. Shortly after 9:00 our rector started with a Gospel reading (the prodigal son). After the Gospel reading he did a short homily (sermon) and then explain to everyone that he would be in his confessional and one of our associate pastors would be in his confessional.
The rector then went on to explain that the children were to go first and then when the children were done the parents and/or older siblings were free to go confession. He also said that afterward we were invited to go to our fellowship hall area for coffee, tea, hot coca, donuts and fruit.
So we asked DS who he wanted to go to and he choose our associate pastor and thus got into line. After leaving the confessional he did his penance and then I took him and my DD to fellowship hall for donuts, fruit, and hot cocoa. DH stayed behind and when to the confession himself. The original plan was that I would go to, but we didn't know that there would be treats and the kids just wanted to go.
While eating our treats my DS asked "Mama, why didn't you go?" I told him because I felt that I needed to be mommy and keep and eye on you and be with you while you are here (in fellowship hall). My kids are good kids and I really do trust them, but I also know that it was best to keep an eye on them. I then shared with my DS that I would be going next Saturday and he right away perked up and said "would you take me?". I said sure if he wanted to go I would take him. He just beamed ear to ear and said "thank-you mama".
After a few moments DH joined us in Fellowship Hall and said that he asked Father how DS did. He said to Father I know that you can't tell me what DS said but I'm just curious on "how" he did. Father told DH that DS was very confident. Confident!!! Wow!! I then asked DS if he went face to face or behind the curtain. DS said "behind the curtain"; then I turn to DH and ask "Well then how does he know that it was our DS". DH just said, "Father knows"
I was taken back by that...yikes!!! Reflecting on it; it's NOT a bad thing. It just shocked me that's all, especially seeing this was DS first time and I can't imagine that DS told him his name, nor am I going to pry into what DS said, because truly it's none of my business. I just was shocked that Father would know MY kid by voice..... Wow, is all I can say. We finally left the church around 11:00 am. We easily spent at least half of our time eating and chatting with others.
It was a good morning. Now DS is just steps closer to receiving his first Communion. That will take place in April.
January 26, 2009
This Saturday!
This Saturday my DS will walk into the confessional at our church to receive for the very first time reconciliation. He of course is a little nervous, but at the same time he can't WAIT!!! He has been counting down the days and today announce with joy, the same joy a child would get when it's days before their Birthday and/or days before Christmas, "Mama ONLY 5 more days"!!!
To be honest I never in a million years would think a child would be so happy about this day coming; It does me good to see that he is so happy about it! I'm on the other hand think I'm more nervous about it all then him. Our church has set aside a special time for this to happen not only that, but the parents and/or older siblings are encouraged to receive the sacrament as well. So really it's a "family" reconciliation time, with special care for those that will be receiving for the very first time and for those that may not have gone for ages!!
I'm still at times in shocked that my DS is old enough for all of this!! At times it seem as only if yesterday he was in Kindergarten. Oh my how the time goes by...
After this Saturday there will be a week or 2 off then after that they will start up the Communion Classes. My DS is set to receive First Communion on April 4th. At this time I don't know if he will actually receive communion or not. I'm leaving that up to him. He'll have to go to the classes, but when the time comes he will have to decided if this is what he wants. He, on his own, has decided to go ahead and receive reconciliation. He'll make that decision when it comes to first communion as well.
I still can't believe it's that time!!!! Wow!!!
To be honest I never in a million years would think a child would be so happy about this day coming; It does me good to see that he is so happy about it! I'm on the other hand think I'm more nervous about it all then him. Our church has set aside a special time for this to happen not only that, but the parents and/or older siblings are encouraged to receive the sacrament as well. So really it's a "family" reconciliation time, with special care for those that will be receiving for the very first time and for those that may not have gone for ages!!
I'm still at times in shocked that my DS is old enough for all of this!! At times it seem as only if yesterday he was in Kindergarten. Oh my how the time goes by...
After this Saturday there will be a week or 2 off then after that they will start up the Communion Classes. My DS is set to receive First Communion on April 4th. At this time I don't know if he will actually receive communion or not. I'm leaving that up to him. He'll have to go to the classes, but when the time comes he will have to decided if this is what he wants. He, on his own, has decided to go ahead and receive reconciliation. He'll make that decision when it comes to first communion as well.
I still can't believe it's that time!!!! Wow!!!
January 9, 2009
Finding Answers In Every Day Life:
Earlier this week I posted about sloth...
I have gotten some really nice replies back which gave me some food for thought. However, I got hit by a 2 by 4 today while doing our daily devotions with the children. It's funny how answers can be found in the everyday life.
For daily devotions I'm reading the book "Devotional Stories for Little Folks" to the children. (If you are thinking of buying the book then I suggest buying it through Catholic Heritage Curricula, not only because it's cheaper then amazon, but because they also sell the sequel Devotional Stories for Little Folks too.) We haven't started the sequel yet, but I know between the two books I have enough to work with for a while now. I plan on re-reading the stories once we finish book 2. It won't hurt any to go back and re-read especially when at times, like today, the stories speak to me.
Today's story is about giving your 100% for God and the game of life: where our goal is to win heaven. This statement of course could be misleading for those that are non-Catholic Christians. Often when a non-Catholic hears a statement like that they say "See those Catholic-Christians believe you have to work/earn your way to heaven". That is so far from the truth!
We don't believe that we can work or earn our way to heaven. Heaven is a gift, a FREE gift, from God. We just have free will to USE that gift or NOT. We have free will to USE that gift today, but tomorrow that same free will could lead us to THROW that gift away. Every act we do is a result of accepting that gift (using it) or rejecting it (throwing it away). Mathew 25 is every clear that when our judgment comes we will be judge on our deeds not just our words. It goes with that saying "actions speak louder then words". We may have the words but may not have the actions to back them up. Do we give our Lord lip service? Or do we show him that we are true? Do we give him 100%?
The story, seeing it is geared for children, focused on chores: Do we do the chores completely 100%, or do we do the bare minimum? Example: sweeping the floor: Do we sweep the whole floor including corners, under cabinets, where some of the "real" dirt and grime could be hiding OR do we just do the middle of the floor so that at a quick glance it looks "good"?
These questions can so easily fit into all areas of life: Do we just go to church on Sundays (or whatever day you go) so that we can say that we were there? Or do we really listen to what has been said and try to apply it?
Do we just do the bare minimum with raising our children? Or do we reach in and get to the heart of the matter? Are we just doing things so that at a quick glance it looks as if it is done or are we really getting in there and applying some elbow grease?
I may have been hit with sloth, but at least I now I can see the antidote. I have to really truly cling to Christ and not only that but truly give him my all. My 100% all the time not just lip service but in action! Action everyday, all the time, at 100%. Sure I WILL fail at times, but at least I can say I gave it my all and an "honest" effort!!! (Assuming I honestly try)
We all have our paths, mine is to be wife, cook, keeper of the money, teacher, mother, maid, manager, taxi driver, etc. (We all know the life of a mother). It's time I accepted it, embraced it, give it my all....all the time. Not just some times or when the mood suits me, but ALL the time!
Now the question is how do I go about giving my all, my 100%, all the time? What method should I use? How do I go about doing it?
I have gotten some really nice replies back which gave me some food for thought. However, I got hit by a 2 by 4 today while doing our daily devotions with the children. It's funny how answers can be found in the everyday life.
For daily devotions I'm reading the book "Devotional Stories for Little Folks" to the children. (If you are thinking of buying the book then I suggest buying it through Catholic Heritage Curricula, not only because it's cheaper then amazon, but because they also sell the sequel Devotional Stories for Little Folks too.) We haven't started the sequel yet, but I know between the two books I have enough to work with for a while now. I plan on re-reading the stories once we finish book 2. It won't hurt any to go back and re-read especially when at times, like today, the stories speak to me.
Today's story is about giving your 100% for God and the game of life: where our goal is to win heaven. This statement of course could be misleading for those that are non-Catholic Christians. Often when a non-Catholic hears a statement like that they say "See those Catholic-Christians believe you have to work/earn your way to heaven". That is so far from the truth!
We don't believe that we can work or earn our way to heaven. Heaven is a gift, a FREE gift, from God. We just have free will to USE that gift or NOT. We have free will to USE that gift today, but tomorrow that same free will could lead us to THROW that gift away. Every act we do is a result of accepting that gift (using it) or rejecting it (throwing it away). Mathew 25 is every clear that when our judgment comes we will be judge on our deeds not just our words. It goes with that saying "actions speak louder then words". We may have the words but may not have the actions to back them up. Do we give our Lord lip service? Or do we show him that we are true? Do we give him 100%?
The story, seeing it is geared for children, focused on chores: Do we do the chores completely 100%, or do we do the bare minimum? Example: sweeping the floor: Do we sweep the whole floor including corners, under cabinets, where some of the "real" dirt and grime could be hiding OR do we just do the middle of the floor so that at a quick glance it looks "good"?
These questions can so easily fit into all areas of life: Do we just go to church on Sundays (or whatever day you go) so that we can say that we were there? Or do we really listen to what has been said and try to apply it?
Do we just do the bare minimum with raising our children? Or do we reach in and get to the heart of the matter? Are we just doing things so that at a quick glance it looks as if it is done or are we really getting in there and applying some elbow grease?
I may have been hit with sloth, but at least I now I can see the antidote. I have to really truly cling to Christ and not only that but truly give him my all. My 100% all the time not just lip service but in action! Action everyday, all the time, at 100%. Sure I WILL fail at times, but at least I can say I gave it my all and an "honest" effort!!! (Assuming I honestly try)
We all have our paths, mine is to be wife, cook, keeper of the money, teacher, mother, maid, manager, taxi driver, etc. (We all know the life of a mother). It's time I accepted it, embraced it, give it my all....all the time. Not just some times or when the mood suits me, but ALL the time!
Now the question is how do I go about giving my all, my 100%, all the time? What method should I use? How do I go about doing it?
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