Love, Laughter & Lollipops

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

2011-11-27T09:27:00.005-05:00

Advent begins today and with it the hope that we all make more room in our hearts for Emmanuel, God with us.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

When It's All Been Said and Done

2011-10-16T08:26:00.005-04:00

I've listened to songs written by Jim Cowan over the years but didn't hear this song until last week when it was sung at the funeral of a much beloved priest - Fr. Bob Bedard, the founder of The Companions of the Cross. I'm so thankful for Fr. Bob teaching us by example the importance of living our lives surrendered to God's will and challenging us to "Give God Permission".

"Lord, whatever you want me to do, I will do."
Highly recommended prayer (caution needed)

Found this lovely performance of Cowan's song

When It's All Been Said and Done

When it’s all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth
Did I live my life for You

When it’s all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I’ve done for love’s reward
Will stand the test of time

Lord Your mercy is so great
That You look beyond our weakness
And find purest gold in miry clay
Making sinners into saints

I will always sing Your praise
Here on earth and ever after
For You’ve shown me Heaven’s my true home
When it’s all been said and done
You’re my life when life is gone

Inspirational Films

2011-10-15T15:15:00.001-04:00

Here is a list of films (mainly period dramas but not necessarily)

which are inspirational or faith-based. (Most are Christian films.)
[Copied from my other blog "Enchanted Serenity of Period Films"]

Amazing Grace
Amish Grace (2010)
A Walk in my Shoes (2010)
A Walk to Remember
Barchester Chronicles
Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)
Butterfly Circus (2009)
Change of Plans (2010)
Chariots of Fire
Christy (1994-95)
Chronicles of Narnia
Courageous (2011)
Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
Creation (2009)
Facing the Giants (2006)
Fireproof (2008)
Jesus of Nazareth
Joshua (2002)
Katherine of Alexandria (2011)
Like Dandelion Dust (2010)
Love Comes Softly
Love's Abiding Joy (2006)
Love's Enduring Promise (2004)
Love's Long Journey (2005)
Love's Unending Legacy (2007)
Loving Leah
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)
Magic of Ordinary Days
No Greater Love (2009)
Of Gods and Men (2010)
One Night with the King
Pay It Forward
Road to Avonlea
Romero
Seraphine (2008)
Simon Birch
Soul Surfer (2011)
The Book of Ruth: A Journey of Faith
The Christmas Cottage
The Gospel of John
The Grace Card (2011)
The Greatest Story Ever Told
The Lion of Judah
The Mighty Macs (2011)
The Mission
The Nativity (2010)
The Nativity Story
The Passion of the Christ
The Scarlett and the Black (1983)
The Second Chance
The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
The Song of Bernadette
The Shunning (2011)
The Sound of Music (1965)
The Ten Commandments
The Vow (2012)
The Waltons (1972-1981)
The Way (2010)
There Be Dragons (2011)
Though None Go With Me
Tree of Life (2011)
What If (2010)

Links of Interest

CHRISTIAN FILM DATABASE
ChristianCinema.com
The Arts & Faith Top 100 Films
Watch Christian Movies Online

The Christmas Cottage - Thomas Kinkade

2011-10-15T14:43:00.004-04:00

"Returning home from college one Christmas, young artist Thomas Kinkade (Jared Padalecki) is dismayed to learn that attempts to promote local tourism have failed and his mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is dangerously close to losing the family cottage to foreclosure. Inspired by his mentor, Glen (Peter O' Toole), a famous artist who lives next door, Thom accepts a job painting a mural of his small, idyllic hometown. With Glen's help, Thom not only discovers his calling as the Painter of Light™ but also helps the town rediscover the true spirit of Christmas in this nostalgic, humorous and heartwarming true story destined to become a holiday classic."

Available on DVD
Official movie site
Thomas Kinkade's website

Christmas with a Capital C

2011-10-15T14:23:00.006-04:00

Quoted from ChristianCinema.c om
(DVD to be released Nov. 1, 2011)

Christmas will never be Christmas again if Lawyer Mitch Bright (Daniel Baldwin) has his way.

Mayor Dan Reed (Ted McGinley) and the townsfolk of Trapper Falls face their toughest challenge in a legal battle with one of their former native sons as they struggle to keep fifty years of tradition and the spiritual fabric of this joyous season alive. In the heat of this legal battle the town discovers the secret behind Mitch's return.

Dan's wife Kristen (Nancy Stafford) and their daughter Makayla (Francesca Derosa) show the true meaning of Christmas by launching an inspired CHRISTMAS WITH A CAPITAL C campaign to keep the town together and remind them all that "with the arrival of God's Son, peace on earth and good will was given to all. Even to those whose heart seemed closed to Him."

Based on the hit song "Christmas with a Capital C" by Go Fish

The Hot Water Bottle - A True Story

2011-09-03T18:58:00.003-04:00

As told by Helen Roseveare, Missionary to Africa

"One night, in Central Africa, I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all that we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying, two-year-old daughter.

We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive. We had no incubator. We had no electricity to run an incubator, and no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts.

A student-midwife went for the box we had for such babies and for the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly, in distress, to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical climates. "...and it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk; so, in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over a burst water bottle. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways. All right," I said, "Put the baby as near the fire as you safely can; sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with many of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chilled. I also told them about the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died. During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt consciousness of our African children. "Please, God," she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, the baby'll be dead; so, please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of corollary, " ...And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen?" I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything: The Bible says so, but there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time that I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel! I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone; so, I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then, there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children began to look a little bored. Next, came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - - that would make a nice batch of buns for the weekend. As I put my hand in again, I felt the...could it really be? I grasped it, and pulled it out. Yes, "A brand-new rubber, hot water bottle!" I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone: She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday School class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. One of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child -- five months earlier in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "That afternoon!"

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call,
I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."
~ Isaiah 65:24

Helen Roseveare a doctor missionary from England to Zaire, Africa, told this as it had happened to her in Africa.

Isn't It Strange?

2011-05-24T18:56:00.003-04:00

Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount

when you donate it to church,
but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church,
and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying
but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible,
but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games
but they do everything possible to sit in the last row at Church?

Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for Church
2-3 weeks in advance so we can include it in our agenda,
but we can make adjustments for other events at a moment's notice?

Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God
and share it with others;
but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say
but we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven
but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?

Isn't it strange how we send jokes in e-mails and they are forwarded right away
but when we have messages to send about God,
we think about it twice before we share it with others?

[Received in email from my sister]

Video: Chris Medina - What Are Words

2011-03-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

Any of you who saw Chris Medina compete on American Idol will know his heartbreaking and inspiring story. Two months before their wedding, his fiancée Juliana Ramos was in a car accident that has left her confined mainly to a wheelchair after suffering a severe brain injury. Medina's commitment to her has captured the heart of tv viewers even as he failed to make it to the next level of competition. Rodney Jerkins, a successful music producer collaborated with songwriter Lauren Christy, inspired by Medina's story to come up with "What Are Words". [L.A.Times]

Beautiful song, so inspiring!

His audition for American Idol

Pilot Father's Tough Love

2011-03-03T11:09:00.002-05:00

Got this is in an email...

Most people nowadays think it improper to discipline children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have had one of 'those moments.'

Since I'm a pilot, one that I have found very effective is for me to just take the child for a flight during which I say nothing and give the child the opportunity to reflect on his or her behavior.

I don't know whether it's the steady vibration from the engines, or just the time away from any distractions such as TV, video games, computer, iPod, etc.

Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our flight together. I believe that eye to eye contact during these sessions is an important element in achieving the desired results.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique...

SHOULD WORK WITH GRANDKIDS ALSO.

Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith

2011-01-29T21:54:00.005-05:00

Hearing of their upcoming tour has me wondering if I could find someone to accompany me stateside to catch one of their concerts! I absolutely loved listening to the music of Amy and Michael during my teen years and thank them for reminding me of God's love and providence at that time and to this day!

Here they're pictured with Steven Curtis Chapman,
another inspiring singer who's a fave of mine!

Roe v. Wade: Jane Roe speaks out

2011-01-22T22:53:00.005-05:00

January 22, 1973 - Roe v. Wade opened the door to legal abortions.
To date, there have been 53,000,000 lives lost.

"Jane Roe" never did get an abortion. Norma McCorvey, the woman referred to as Roe in the landmark case of Roe vs. Wade, has become an advocate for the pro-life movement.

"In Roe v. Wade, perhaps the most controversial United States Supreme Court decision, Norma McCorvey fought for and won the right to secure an abortion. Though she never had an abortion, under the pseudonym "Jane Roe," Norma reluctantly became the poster child for the pro-choice movement. Over the next two decades, Norma experienced the grief and despair of millions of women who chose to abort their babies; she witnessed the destruction of thousands of human lives in abortion clinics where she worked; and the "champion: of the pro-choice movement was soon being crushed by the weight of so much death, and so many ill-considered "choices." Finally, she began to break. She found out that the real choice she had been burdened with was not about abortion but about eternal life. It was a choice that would shock the world and change Norma's life forever." [Amazon.com]

And a Child will lead them...

2010-12-29T12:57:00.004-05:00

I heard this story, read by the deacon at the church in my hometown and I was so moved by it! Thanks to my Mom for finding a copy of it to pass on!

* * * * * * * * * *

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands
waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I
see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks,
'What do we do?' Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man.
The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal
came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake?
Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for
Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row
bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went
to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man
sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here
before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man,
I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be
breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in
a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had
propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their
love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission
laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.. The man's eyes
closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of
grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his
back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and
his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding
voice, 'You take care of this baby.' Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a
throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were
in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am,
you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran
for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik
so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny
child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and
a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind,
holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing
to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom
of God , we must become as little children.'

Capucine - the master storyteller!

2010-10-23T11:58:00.002-04:00

This has got to be one of the cutest things ever!

Capucine, age 4, knows how to weave a tale.
I dare you to watch and not be entranced :)

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

With the popularity of the video, Capucine and her mom have decided to fundraise for literacy in Mongolia. They've opened 2 school libraries already! Sign me up for the t-shirt with the hippo allergic to magic!

edurelief.org/involved/people-capucine

Capucine for Edurelief in Mongolia from Capucha on Vimeo.

Cup of Tea?

2010-10-23T11:46:00.003-04:00

Cute anecdote being shared through email...

"One day, my mother was out, and my dad and I were alone at home.

I was maybe 2 1/2 years old. Someone had given me a little tea set as a gift, and it was one of my favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my mom came home.

My dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' Mom waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy; and she watched him drink it up.

Then she said, (as only a mother would know), "'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water, is the toilet?"

Brother Andre named a saint!

2010-10-17T07:29:00.007-04:00

“It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures.”

~ Brother Andre

Having grown up only an hour away from Montreal, I was fortunate to make several visits to St. Joseph's Oratory over the years with my family. So many of us have been touched by the life of Brother Andre - a simple, humble man who didn't allow his own frailties to stop him from serving God. He may have been small in stature and considered a weakling by many, yet his tremendous faith in God and devotion to St. Joseph allowed him to be used as an instrument for healing for thousands.

On October 17, 2010, Brother Andre has been recognized by the church as a saint!

Brother Andre was born Alfred Bessette on Aug. 9, 1845, in St-Gregoire-d'Iberville, and orphaned when he was 12 years old.

Once he took his vows, he gave comfort to people who came to him at College Notre-Dame for solace, and many credited him with curing their illnesses.

Shown on left: Some of the crutches lining the walls at the Oratory of those healed by Brother Andre

He founded St. Joseph's Oratory in 1904, although it was a modest chapel and far from the grand landmark that looms over Montreal today.

He was named the Oratory's guardian in 1909.

Brother Andre died at age 91 on Jan. 6, 1937. During the six days and nights before his funeral, more than one million people filed past his coffin.

His heart still rests in a small shrine in the Oratory, where he was ultimately laid to rest.

Resurrection Mural by Ron Dicianni

2010-08-20T16:59:00.004-04:00

I've come across wonderful artwork by Ron Dicianni in the past and just learned of this beautiful mural of the Resurrection that took him two years to paint. It's now displayed in the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas. Dicianni even enlisted the help of four other prominent Christian artists as some of his models. Thomas Blackshear posed as Abraham, Michael Dudash as Isaiah, Morgan Weistling as David, and Chris Hopkins as John the Baptist.

Pictured from left to right:
Abraham, Isaiah, David, Moses, (an angel on either side of Jesus), Elijah, Noah, Queen Esther, John the Baptist, Daniel

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

[Hebrews 12:1, verse used for artist's inspiration]

Save the Sharks

2010-08-14T14:53:00.002-04:00

Just watched Rob Stewart's award-winning documentary SHARKWATER which broke my heart and infuriated me. Although I already had developed a fascination for sharks, the film has increased my awareness to their plight of being slaughtered seneslessly with very few to stand up for these typically-hated creatures.

I was shocked to learn that due to the increased prestige associated with serving the delicacy of shark fin soup, 100 million sharks are killed for their fins annually.

The world's shark population has declined by 90%.

Considering that the sharks are the top predator of the ocean (2/3 of earth's surface), the consequences of their destruction is immeasurable. Case in point - phytoplankton converts the global warming gas carbon dioxide into oxygen. We get 70% of our oxygen from phytoplankton. If we eliminate sharks, plankton eating fish will flourish and this alone could be disastrous for all mankind.

"I think the problem is, that we don't understand what we are. In essence we're, uh, you know, just a conceited naked ape, but in our minds we're some sort of divine legend and we see ourselves as some sort of god, that we can just walk around the Earth deciding who will live and who will die, and what will be destroyed and what will be saved. But the fact is, we're just a bunch of primates out of control."
~ Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Visit website for Sharkwater and view trailer, etc.

Journey to the Father

2010-07-17T12:57:00.004-04:00

St. Raphael's Ruins, photo by: Richard McGuire

This weekend, hundreds of high school students (and hundreds of volunteers) are gathered in St. Raphael's, Ontario for the 11th annual Journey to the Father Conference. My thoughts and prayers are with them in a special way since my daughter is one of the volunteers this year along with my mother who's helped out since its inception. I also realized that it was at St. Raphael's almost 30 years ago where I had a life-changing experience through a COR retreat held there and I sincerely hope that the participants this weekend will encounter the Lord's love for them in a powerful way as well.

St. Raphael's Ruins, photo by: Richard McGuire

The Colours of Canada

2010-07-01T14:39:00.014-04:00

With today being Canada Day, I had this song in my head...

♫♪ ♫♪♪♫
"This land is your land, This land is my land,
From Bonavista, to Vancouver Island
From the Arctic Circle to the Great Lakes waters,
This land was made for you and me."

And it made me think of all the beautiful places
in this country of mine,
so I ventured on my own virtual tour,
collecting favourite photos of Canadian scenes.

Gray Monk Estate Winery, British Columbia

Upper Arrow Lake, British Columbia

Banff National Park, Alberta

Moraine Lake, Banff, Alberta

Saskatchewan

Coronach, Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario
(I get to enjoy this lovely view each Sunday
as I cross this bridge on my way to church)

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Georgian Bay, Ontario

Quebec City

Eastern Townships, Quebec

Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

& again... Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Orwell Cove, Prince Edward Island

Green Gables, Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Western Brook Pond, Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Whitehorse, Yukon

Firth River, Yukon

Blackford Lake, Northwest Territories

Nunavut

Baffin Island, Nunavut

I'm in awe of the beauty and splendor found in this country
and humbled by the majesty of God's creation!

For those mourning

2010-06-11T19:43:00.011-04:00

For my dear friend Carollynn,

A rose once grew where all could see
Sheltered beside a wall,
And as the days passed swiftly by
Its branches spread, straight and tall.
One day, a beam of light shone through
A crevice had opened wide-
The rose bent gently towards its warmth
Then passed to the other side...
Now you who deeply feel its loss
Be comforted...the rose still blooms there
Its beauty even greater now
Nurtured by God's own loving care.

Heaven must be a little sweeter now ♥
You & your family are in my prayers.

Gorilla Reunion

2010-06-06T07:17:00.003-04:00

In the African jungle, conservationist Damian Aspinall searches for Kwibi, a lowland gorilla he hasn't seen for 5 years. Kwibi grew up with Damian at his Howletts Wild Animal Park in England. When he was five, he was released into the forests of Gabon, West Africa as part of conservation programme to re-introduce gorillas back into the wild. Now Kwibi's 10 years old, much bigger and stronger. Will Damian find him? Will Kwibi attack him?

http://www.aquavitafilms.com

Testify to Love

2010-06-05T14:58:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. Sung by Avalon

The song Testify to Love is also featured in an episode called Psalm 151 in Touched by an Angel where Winona Judd plays the mom of a boy who has to deal with his terminal illness. Very moving episode!
You can watch it on Youtube...

All the colors of the rainbow
All of voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
That reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation lives to testify

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the sea
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step to kingdom come
All the Hope in every heart will speak what love has done

Food for thought

2010-05-29T23:13:00.009-04:00

“You can safely assume that you’ve created God
in your own image when it turns out
that God hates all the same people you do.”
Anne LaMott

The following taken from article found here at The Anchoress

There is a quote from Archbishop Oscar Romero that both traditional and progressive Catholics love to latch onto, because each feels Romero was speaking for them:

A church that doesn’t provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, what kind of gospel is that? Preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed do not light up the world!

In truth, Romero was speaking for Christ. His words are a challenge to all of us, from the happy-clappy-God-is-Love-so-let’s-not-judge mushes to the stern God-is-Justice-and-you’re-going-to-hell prunes. It is a challenge to look past our own comfortable and self-righteous sense that God thinks just as we do, and to let the Word dwell within us, shake us, unsettle us until it has reformed us–re-formed–in the image of God; holy as he is holy, perfect as he is perfect.

Pentecost Sunday

2010-05-23T08:55:00.004-04:00

"Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise,
led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children,
given confidence to call God "Father"
and to share in Christ's grace,
called children of light and given a share in eternal glory."

- St. Basil

'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

Acts 2: 17-21

Celebrating the birthday of the Church!

Crazy First Dance at Wedding

2010-05-17T22:21:00.001-04:00

This couple seemed to have a lot of fun during their first dance...bust a move!

Here I Am Lord

2010-05-15T13:21:00.002-04:00

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

Song composed by Dan Schutte based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3.
Sung by John Michael Talbot.

On Eagle's Wings

2010-05-15T13:10:00.003-04:00

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
~Isaiah 40:31

Life is precious

2010-05-01T06:14:00.006-04:00

"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born"...

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~ Blessed Mother Teresa

"We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of wars, of hatred. If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other."
~ Blessed Mother Teresa

"Abortion kills twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of the mother. Abortion is profoundly anti-women. Three quarters of its victims are women: Half the babies and all the mothers."
~ Blessed Mother Teresa

I think all of us should have a respect for innocent life. With regard to the freedom of the individual for choice with regard to abortion, there's one individual who's not being considered at all. That's the one who is being aborted. And I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born. I I think that, technically, I know this is a difficult and an emotional problem, and many people sincerely feel on both sides of this, but I do believe that maybe we could find the answer through medical evidence, if we would determine once and for all, is an unborn child a human being? I happen to believe it is.
~ Ronald Reagan, quoted here

"Abraham Lincoln recognized that we could not survive as a free land when some men could decide that others were not fit to be free and should therefore be slaves. Likewise, we cannot survive as a free nation when some men decide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned to abortion or infanticide."
~ Ronald Reagan

Lost Generation - not!

2010-04-30T23:30:00.004-04:00

For those of us who jump to conclusions about the younger generation not caring about the world, I like the message of this video...

Footprints

2010-04-23T22:35:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to add this poem for a while...I remember it making an impression on me as a young girl and it has inspired so many people over the years.

FOOTPRINTS

One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during
the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

Here I Am Lord

2010-04-23T22:29:00.002-04:00

My father sent me this video which has reflections set to music of song "Here I Am Lord". I thought that it was worth sharing...

You can watch it here

Adorable ads with animals

2010-04-17T22:29:00.002-04:00

Found these ads posted at Cute Overload which always has such adorable & funny pics and videos of various animals. I love their amusing commentary too!

Makes me go ahhhhh...

I Can Only Imagine

2010-04-17T13:54:00.001-04:00

If I'm posting my favourite songs on here, this one would have to be included! MercyMe definitely inspires with their beautiful song I Can Only Imagine.

Blessed

2010-04-17T11:50:00.003-04:00

If you woke up this morning
with more health than illness,
you are more blessed
than the million who won’t survive the week.

If you have never experienced
the danger of battle,
the loneliness of imprisonment,
the agony of torture or
the pangs of starvation,
you are ahead of 20 million people
around the world.

If you attend a church meeting
without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death,
you are more blessed than almost
three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof over
your head and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet, and spare change
in a dish someplace, you are among
the top 8% of the world’s wealthy

If your parents are still married and alive,
you are very rare.

If you hold up your head with a smile
on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can,
but most do not.

If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them
or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can
offer God’s healing touch.

If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over
two billion people in the world
that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways
you may never even know.

(Anonymous author as far as I can tell)

Awesome video of aquarium

2010-04-16T20:42:00.005-04:00

I LOVE this video! It feels like watching an underwater ballet! I'm fascinated by the whale sharks, the manta rays and all the fish of various sizes swimming together. I also can't keep my eyes off the scuba divers along the bottom of the aquarium as the sharks swim past them without a care!

Best if watched in full screen!

I Cannot Pray the "Our Father"

2010-04-12T19:32:00.000-04:00

I cannot say Our if my religion has no room for others and their needs.

I cannot say Father if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say who art in Heaven if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say hallowed be thy name if I, who am called by his name am not holy.

I cannot say thy Kingdom come if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say thy will be done if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.

I cannot say on Earth as it is in Heaven unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now.

I cannot say give us this day our daily bread without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men.

I cannot say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say lead us not into temptation if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say deliver us from evil if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say Thine is the kingdom if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say Thine is the power if I fear what my neighbors do or say to me.

I cannot say Thine is the glory if I am seeking my own glory first.

I cannot say forever if I am anxious about each day's events.

I cannot say amen unless I honestly say "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

"Coming Storm" by Danny Hahlboum

Divine Mercy

2010-04-10T23:27:00.004-04:00

On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to St. Faustina Kowalska, bringing a wonderful message of Mercy for all mankind. Saint Faustina wrote in her diary:

"In the evening, when I was in my cell, I became aware of the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From the opening of the garment at the breast there came forth two large rays, one red and the other pale. In silence I gazed intently at the Lord; my soul was overwhelmed with fear, but also with great joy. After a while Jesus said to me, 'paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the inscription: Jesus, I trust in You.'"

Some time later, Our Lord again spoke to her:

"The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous; the red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My most tender Mercy at that time when My agonizing Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross....Fortunate is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him."

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Agnus Dei - Michael W. Smith

2010-04-10T23:08:00.003-04:00

Powerful song!

Why - by Michael Card

2010-04-02T07:56:00.005-04:00

WHY

Why did it have to be a friend
Who chose to betray the Lord
Why did he use a kiss to show them
That's not what a kiss is for
Only a friend can betray a friend
A stranger has nothing to gain
And only a friend comes close enough
To ever cause so much pain

And why did there have to be a thorny
Crown pressed upon His head
It should have been a royal one
Made of jewels and gold instead
It had to be a crown of thorns
For in this life that we live
For all who seek to love a thorn
Is all the world has to give

And why did there have to be
A heavy cross He was made to bear
And why did they nail His feet and hands
His love would have held Him there
It was a cross for on a cross
A thief was supposed to pay
And Jesus had come into the world
To steal every heart away
Yes, Jesus had come into the world
To steal every heart away

Listen to song on Youtube

(This is one of my very favourite songs written by Michael Card, from his CD, "The Life")

Adorable lamb video

2010-03-11T23:06:00.003-05:00

Here's a cute video from Youtube.

Now I want my own pet lamb!

An Orangutan and a Hound

2010-02-23T21:50:00.003-05:00

National Geographic asks: We humans often cannot get along with other humans because the tone of their skin differs from ours. How much can we learn from these two species, whose love for each other spans across species lines?

Check out the adorable video

The Invisible Woman - video

2010-02-20T14:27:00.004-05:00

Nicole Johnson offers some inspiration for women who feel underappreciated. Thanks to a friend who shared this with me!

Come Together Now - song for Haiti

2010-02-20T09:41:00.004-05:00

Michael W. Smith wrote this song for Haitian relief efforts and enlisted the help of some of his friends including Steven Curtis Chapman, Matt Maher, Amy Grant and her husband Vince Gill...

I do hope they raise a lot of money and awareness to begin to help Haiti to rebuild after its earthquake.

Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti) from Music City Unites For Haiti on Vimeo.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

2010-02-19T22:14:00.004-05:00

Baloo the bear, Leo the Lion and Shere Khan the tiger have the most unusual and unlikely friendship between them. Rescued eight years ago during a police drugs raid in Atlanta, Georgia, the three friends were only cubs at the time and barely two months old. They had been kept as status symbol pets by the drug barons.

Delivered to the Noah's Ark animal rescue centre in Locust Grove, Georgia, the decision was made to keep the youngsters together. "We could have separated them, but since they came as a kind of family, the zoo decided to keep them together," said Diane Smith, assistant director of the Noah's Ark zoo. "To our knowledge, this is the only place where you'll find this combination of animals together, they are our BLT, (bear, lion and tiger).

Living with the zoo's founders for the past eight years, Shere Khan, Baloo and Leo have now moved to a purpose built habitat were the US public can now witness first hand their touching relationship. "We didn't have the money to move them at first," said DIane. "Now their habitat is sorted and they have been moved away from the children's zoo areas where the public couldn't really get a good look. "Now, though, it is possible to see Baloo, who is a 1,000 pound bear, Shere Khan, a 350 pound tiger and Leo, who is also 350 pounds messing around like brothers. "They are totally oblivious to the fact that in any other circumstance they would not be friends."

Handled by Charles and Jama Hedgecoth, the zoo's owners and founders, the three friendly giants appear to have have no comprehension of their animal differences. "Baloo and Shere Khan are very close," says DIane. "That is because they rise early, as Leo being a lion likes to spend most the day sleeping. "It is wonderful and magical to see a giant American Black Bear put his arm around a Bengal tiger and then to see the tiger nuzzle up to the bear like a domestic cat. "When Leo wakes up the three of them mess around for most of the day before they settle down to some food."

Surprisingly for three apex predators with the power to kill with a single bite or swipe of their paw, they are very relaxed around each other. '"They eat, sleep and play together," said Jama Hedgecoth, founder of Noah's Ark zoo. As they treat each other as siblings they will lie on top of each other for heat and simply for affection. "At the moment they are getting used to their new habitat. "Shere Khan is being quite reticent about the move, but Baloo, the bear is very good at leading him on and making him feel comfortable and safe."

Explaining that the three 'brothers' have always seemed to share a unique bond, Charles Hedgecoth, Jama's husband and fellow founder talks about his role in their upbringing. "They are obviously not wild animals any more," said Charles. "Noah's Ark is their home and they could not possibly be separated from each other. "You just have to remember who you're dealing with when you are with them though. "It's when you forget that these fellows are wild animals that you get yourself in trouble."

According to Diane Smith, the trio's new habitat cost an estimated £15,000 and had to be constructed carefully, in order to accommodate its occupants. "The clubhouse had to be very sturdy for the guys, because they all sleep in it together," We had to include a creek, because the tiger and the bear both like to be in water."

>> See video

God Doesn't Call the Equipped

2010-01-24T18:33:00.004-05:00

In today's homily, the deacon reminded us that "God does not call the equipped. He equips the called." It made me think of the many times that we think that we're insufficient to do what He asks us and calls us to do. If we take our eyes off of Him and focus on our own human limitations, we risk losing the opportunity to share our God-given gifts with those around us.

"God does not call us to be successful.
He calls us to be faithful to the task."

I thought the following words from Abby Phillips were inspiring...

"Our Father has endowed each of us with gifts, talents, and abilities. Within you may lay a singer, a dancer, a writer, a director, a minister, or an entrepreneur. Whatever it is differs from person to person, but one thing is certain: something lies within you.

You may have no idea what it is. It may be lying dormant, waiting for you to realize it’s there so you can begin to use it. Or you may know exactly what it is, but any numbers of things - finances, fear, doubt - are keeping you from walking in it.

My purpose today is to encourage you to walk in your calling. If you are His, rest assured: God has called you to do something. I pray that, if you lack wisdom regarding your call, you will ask God who gives generously to all. And I pray that, if you know what your divine appointment is, but have not the courage to pursue it for whatever reason, you will find the hope and fire to lay hold of the vision God has for you.

It’s time to walk in our calling. God has birthed something in each of you. You have a prophetic dance ministry in you right now. An anointed singing voice or ability to play an instrument that can draw someone into sincere worship. A Christian novel that could bring hope or godly counsel to other believers. An inspirational play or movie. A business where you could provide goods or services to those in need or mentoring others. He’s put something in you.

You may not be able to do it all at once, but you can start with what you have available to you. You don’t need to know or have everything right now to be effective or valid. God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. Seek His face and ask Him for His timetable, His plan. Write the vision down. Meditate on it. Pray on it. Sanctify yourself for the work of the Lord.

Then put on your travelin’ shoes and let’s get to walkin’."

[Painting: "The Outpouring" by Robert Grace who describes it in the following way -"The outpouring reminds us that we must reach out and know the heart of God so we can then reach out and touch the hearts of people." Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.]

Quote to start the year

2010-01-02T17:15:00.003-05:00

What we are is God's gift to us.
What we become is our gift to God.

Quote from "One Week"

2009-12-31T00:05:00.002-05:00

TO STRIVE, TO SEEK, TO FIND,
AND NOT TO YIELD

"When you get those rare moments of clarity, those flashes when the universe makes sense, you try desperately to hold onto them. They are the lifeboats for the darker times. When the vastness of it all, the incomprehensible nature of life is completely lucid. So the question becomes or should have been all along, what would you do if you knew you only had one day, or one week, or one month to live? What lifeboat would you grab on to? What secret would you tell? What band would you see? What person would you declare your love to? What wish would you fulfill? What exotic locale would you fly to for coffee? What book would you write?

From movie 'One Week' starring Joshua Jackson

Panda Escape

2009-12-30T23:03:00.002-05:00

Just found these photos of a baby panda trying to get out of his playpen. Awwww...

Full article here

Christmas Meditation

2009-12-27T19:32:00.002-05:00

Meditation on John 1:1-18
from the Word Among Us for the Nativity of our Lord

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

O you chosen of God, sing and exult with all the angels of heaven! The Word has been made flesh. He who was in the beginning with God, overseeing everything that came to be, has become man and lived among us. The longing of all of creation has been fulfilled, and the world is forever transformed.

O you redeemed of the Lord, rejoice! Grace and truth have come to earth in the person of Jesus. A child in a manger reveals the unfathomable glory of God. No longer do we rely only on his Law to know him. He has come to us, and in his presence we behold the depths of God’s love.

O you children of God, open your mouths in praise! We have beheld personally the glory of the Father’s only Son. His grace and truth were made visible to us in the mystery of his incarnation. He is no longer far off from us in our suffering and emptiness. He whom heaven itself cannot hold has taken on our flesh and dwelt among us.

O you beloved of God, bow down and worship the One who has made you his children! Kneel at the manger in awe that this humble baby holds in his person the power to take away all that separates you from God, to restore you to wholeness, and to open the gates of heaven for you.

O you enlivened by his life, celebrate! He has brought light and life where once there was darkness and death. The light of the world shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it. Victory is ours because Christ has come!

“Jesus, I receive your life today. I believe that you are the revelation of the Father, the Light of the World, the Word become flesh. I open my heart to you today—to you whom darkness cannot vanquish, to you who have conquered sin and opened the gates of heaven. Jesus, may I gaze upon your glory forever!”

Cute pic - sleepover

2009-12-27T17:03:00.003-05:00

“Oh, you guys are totally going to freak when you hear this, but Hannah told me she overheard Margot telling Phoebe that her brother Nick said that Zachary is like totally in love with Mary Ellen Blopchik who works down at the DQ…”
Found on cuteoverload

Baker's Helper?

2009-12-26T13:04:00.000-05:00

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2009-12-25T08:36:00.006-05:00

Shepherds gathered their flowing robes to hurry to Him; the Magi braved deserts and mountains to find Him; in the blazing noonday sun a defeated Samaritan woman came to Him; a skeptic exclaimed, “my Lord and my God” when he found Him. And today millions on every continent acknowledge with the Apostle Paul that He is “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Wise men still seek Him; and those who seek find more than they ever imagined. For in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, are to be found forgiveness, inward peace, joys in life today, the promises of life eternal.

The Magi found Him as a young child with Mary His mother. We find Him today as the living Christ, clothed with glory and honor and seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven. He is there because He finished the work He came to do on earth. Of His coming the Bible says, “He was made in the likeness of men: and… He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:7-11).

While it is true that wise men still seek Him, it is more wonderfully true that He still seeks us--whoever we may be. Now, today, from His place in the heavenlies comes His divine invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

If the President sent you an official invitation, you would surely accept. The Babe of Bethlehem who is now the Christ of Glory is inviting you today. The door is the door of your heart. May you know what it is to respond; and may all His spiritual blessings be yours this Christmas.

~Clyde H. Dennis

Parable of the Birds

2009-12-25T08:19:00.004-05:00

This is about a modern man, one of us, he was not a scrooge, he was a kind, decent, mostly good man, generous to his family, upright in his dealings with others. But he did not believe in all that incarnation stuff that the Churches proclaim at Christmas time. It just didn’t make sense to him and he was too honest to pretend otherwise. He just could not swallow the Jesus story about God coming to earth as man. I’m truly sorry to distress you, he told his wife, but I’m not going with you to church this Christmas Eve. He said he’d feel like a hypocrite. That he would much rather stay home, but that he would wait up for them. He stayed, they went.

Shortly after the family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window to watch the flurries getting heavier and heavier, then went back to his fireside chair and began to read his newspaper. Minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. Then another and another. At first he thought someone must be throwing snowballs against his living room window. Well, when he went to the front door, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter they had tried to fly through his large landscape window.

Well, he couldn’t let the poor creatures lie there and freeze. He remembered the barn where his children stabled their pony. That would provide a warm shelter -- if he could direct the birds to it. He quickly put on his coat and galoshes, trampled through the deepening snow to the barn, opened the door wide, and turned on a light. But the birds did not come in.

He figured food would entice them in and he hurried back to the house, fetched bread crumbs, sprinkled them on the snow making a trail to the yellow lighted wide open doorway of the stable, but to his dismay the birds ignored the bread crumbs, and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. He tried catching them, he tried shooing them into the barn by walking around them waving his arms -- instead they scattered in every direction except into the warm lighted barn. Then he realized they were afraid of him.

To them, he reasoned, I am a strange and terrifying creature, if only I could think of some way to let them know they can trust me: That I’m not trying to hurt them, but to help them. How? Any move he made tended to frighten them, confuse them. They just would not follow. They would not be led or shooed because they feared him. If I could only be a bird myself he thought.

If only I could be a bird and mingle with them and speak their language, and tell them not to be afraid, and show them the way to the safe, warm barn. But I'd have to be one of them, so they could see and hear and understand.

At that moment the church bells began to ring. The sound reached his ears above the sound of the wind. He stood there listening to the bells. "O Come all ye Faithful". Listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. And he sank to his knees in the snow with thankful belief.

~Written in 1956 by Louis Cassells

Joseph's Prayer - Max Lucado

2009-12-25T07:56:00.004-05:00

This isn't the way I planned it, God. Not at all. My child being born in a stable? This isn't the way I thought it would be. A cave with sheep and donkeys, hay and straw? My wife giving birth with only the stars to hear her pain?

This isn't at all what I imagined. No, I imagined family. I imagined grandmothers. I imagined neighbors clustered outside the door and friends standing at my side. I imagined the house erupting with the first cry of the infant. Slaps on the back. Loud laughter. Jubilation.

That's how I thought it would be.

But now. Now look. Nazareth is five days' journey away. And here we are in a . . . in a sheep pasture. Who will celebrate with us? The sheep? The shepherds? The stars?

This doesn't seem right. What kind of husband am I? I provide no midwife to aid my wife. No bed to rest her back. Her pillow is a blanket from my donkey. My house for her is a shed of hay and straw.

The smell is bad, the animals are loud. Why, I even smell like a shepherd myself.

Did I miss something? Did I, God?

When you sent the angel and spoke of the son being born--this isn't what I pictured. I envisioned Jerusalem, the temple, the priests, and the people gathered to watch. A pageant perhaps. A parade. A banquet at least. I mean, this is the Messiah!

Read the rest here...

If You Had Only One Son

2009-12-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

If you had only one son,
would you send him to this earth
to live in lowly birth
where no one felt his worth?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would yo ulet him leave his throne
and come to live unknown
and face his task alone?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you let him serve and bless
a crowd that offered less
than love and faithfulness?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you let him weep and grieve
for men who won't perceive
but only make believe?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you let him pay sin's debt
for men who would soon forget
and live without regret?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you let him bleed and die
upon a cross held high
between the earth and sky?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you raise him from the tomb
to lift away the gloom
from earth with still no room?
God did.

If you had only one son,
would you send him back again
to face a world of men
who still are lost in sin?
God will!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Just One Star

2009-12-23T20:21:00.002-05:00

Back in the throne room of Heaven, plans were being made to announce the birth of God's Son on earth. Michael, the archangel, had just finished describing his great heavenly display of comets and falling stars, for a year preceding, and following the birth.

Gabriel went on with his musical plans - a great angelic choir with tens of thousands of voices, tuned with Heaven's finest and latest harmonies, ready to serenade the earth.

But God interrupted their conversation. "No," He said, "that's not really what I had in mind."

"What, you want more?" asked Gabriel.

"No", God smiled. I planned a small family gathering in Bethlehem, actually. We don't need all those trimmings."

"But.... all my stars...." said Michael. "What will I do with them?"

"And my angels," Gabriel added.

Just then, Jesus stepped through the pearly gates, out into the red carpet of time, and started down the spiral stairway of stars.

Michael pleaded, "Father, let us do something, please! He simply can't go unannounced!"

"Well, alright, " God said. "Gabriel, a few angels.... and Michael, just one star."

Christmas quotes

2009-12-23T20:15:00.008-05:00

The Son of God became the Son of Man,
so the sons of men might become the sons of God.

It's not so much that man could not believe in God,

but that God was proving that He believed in man.

A thousand times in history a baby has become a king,
but only once in history did a King become a baby.

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone."
~ Taylor Caldwell

My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern,
is very simple: loving others.
Come to think of it,
why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
~ Bob Hope

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."
~ Oren Arnold

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world
in a conspiracy of love."
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

What is Christmas?
It is tenderness for the past,
courage for the present,
hope for the future.
It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow
with blessings rich and eternal,
and that every path may lead to peace."
~ Agnes M. Pahro

Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder.
The capacity for wonder has been called
our most pregnant human faculty,
for in it are born our art, our science, our religion."
~ Ralph Sockman

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love,
a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men
should prevail over all hatred and bitterness,
a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives
manifest the presence of God.
~George F. McDougall

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:
the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
~Burton Hillis

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth,
may we begin to see the world
in the light of understanding you give us.
As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor
to receive the greatest news the world had ever known,
so may we worship you in meekness of heart.
May we also remember our brothers and sisters
less fortunate than ourselves
in this season of giving. Amen.
~Karen L. Oberst

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart,
a wide open heart that thinks of others first.
The birth of the baby Jesus stands
as the most significant event in all history,
because it has meant the pouring into a sick world
the healing medicine of love
which has transformed all manner of hearts
for almost two thousand years...
Underneath all the bulging bundles
is this beating Christmas heart.
~George Matthew Adams

Teach us to value most eternal things…
To find the happiness that giving brings...
To know the peace of misty, distant hills…
To know the joy that giving self fulfils…
To realize anew this Christmas Day…
The things we keep are those we give away.
~Marvin Davis Winsett

This is Christmas:
not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols,
but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift,
the Christ.
~Frank McKibben

When the song of the angel is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost--To heal the broken--To feed the hungry--
To release the prisoner--To rebuild the nations--
To bring peace among brothers and sisters--
To make music in the heart.
~Howard Thurman

Three wise women would have...
asked directions,
arrived on time,
helped deliver the baby,
cleaned the stable,
made a casserole,
brought practical gifts,
and there would be peace on Earth.
~anonymous

The Magnificat

2009-12-22T20:19:00.006-05:00

Luke 1:39-55

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed:
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

And Mary said,
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
to remember his promise of mercy,
The promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Painting: Mary and Elizabeth by Dorothy Webster Hawksley

Christmas is for Christ

2009-12-17T08:49:00.001-05:00

I've collected some of my favourite Christmas stories, poems and songs...

12 Days of Christmas
classic song explained

Christmas Gifts from God
inspiring reflection by Ann V.

Gift of the Magi
love this story!

Mary's Dream
makes you think...

My First Christmas in Heaven
for those who have lost a loved one

Our Greatest Need
short reminder of why He came

T'was the Night Before Jesus Came
remake on the classic poem

Why Jesus is Better than Santa
I love this comparison!

Some of my favourite Christmas songs,
click to hear...

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Casting Crowns new take on a classic

Love Crucified Arose
Michael Card's beautiful ballad

Seven Joys of Mary
new rendition by Barenaked Ladies

While You Were Sleeping
new song by Third Day

These jazz players are a bunch of animals!

2009-12-15T19:22:00.001-05:00

Makes me miss my guinea pig...

God's Billboard

2009-12-14T17:44:00.007-05:00

He has a few things to say!
about 20 different messages cycle through...

Advent

2009-12-12T09:41:00.000-05:00

How to prepare for Christmas...

Christ the King

2009-11-21T22:06:00.006-05:00

Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King!

Jesus said, "For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, NAB).

and when questioned by Pontius Pilate...

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"... Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth (John 18:33b, 36-37).

GoD and DoG

2009-11-14T17:59:00.001-05:00

Written by Wendy Francisco, this song has a lesson NOT just for doglovers :) Cute reminder!!

Debbie Smith, wife of Michael W. Smith speaks at Wheaton College

2009-11-07T09:52:00.006-05:00

Being a fan of Michael W. Smith for years now, I was interested to hear some words from the "woman behind the man", his lovely wife Debbie! She talks of how trusting God to work out plans for us sometimes happens in unexpected ways...

Matt Maher - Alive Again

2009-10-31T21:52:00.003-04:00

I've been listening to Matt Maher's new CD this past week and thoroughly enjoying his inspirational music! Here's the title track from the CD... You can visit his website to hear more from this artist who is currently on tour with Michael W. Smith!

Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise

2009-10-30T23:23:00.007-04:00

Steven Curtis Chapman's latest album comes out Nov. 3rd - the first since the loss of his sweet daughter Maria Sue.

“It is weird for me to even call this a record because it is just my personal psalms from this journey that we have been on,” says Steven. “After we lost Maria, I did not know if I would ever write anymore songs or if I would ever sing again. The last thing I wanted to do is turn any of this into a song. Then you realize ‘God, this is what has happened to us and now what would You have me to do with it?’ Slowly songs began to just come out as ways for me to try to process what I was thinking and feeling and what my family and I were walking through.”

One of the most affecting, affirming songs on the record is “SEE.” In the hours after Maria left to be with Jesus, Steven fervently prayed for a sign that she was okay, pleading with God just to let him see. “I remember just saying, ‘We know it is true. We know she is with Jesus. She is safe in the arms of the God who made her. We know she is okay. We know it, but could we just see something?’” Steven recalls asking. “The next morning we went back to our house to get some clothes for the memorial service. We were not going to stay there and it was really hard to even go in the house because of the memories. We were walking through with friends who were holding on to us as we were going from room to room.”

“I walked into the kitchen and there is this little art table that Maria and Stevey Joy would sit at for hours. She loved crafts. She would cut out pictures. Scissors and glue were her favorite things. She would just cut and paste and draw for hours, and she often created cards for us. She would write the words she knew, ‘I love mom’ and ‘I love dad’ and then she would sign her name ‘Maria.’”

“Everything was cleaned up at the table but there was one little piece of notebook paper lying on her side of the art table. It was a flower, a six-petal flower that was kind of her signature flower that she would draw all the time. Only one petal was colored in blue, and the rest of it was just the outline of the petals. It had a little stem and it had a little orange center of the flower and it had little leaves at the bottom of the stem. I had noticed something else kind of bleeding through the back of the paper where she had written something and I turned it over and it was a little butterfly and then she had written the letters S-E-E. She had never written that word before. All that she had ever written as far as we knew was ‘I love Mom,’ ‘I love Dad’ and her name. Out of all the words that she could have written that day before the accident, she had written the word ‘see.’ I was already weeping uncontrollably and at that moment I just really, really believed that God gave us that sign and that was the gift that Maria left us to say ‘I know you are wanting to see something, but see I am okay and I am where you said. It is okay.’ That flower became so precious to us. It was my wife that looked at it and realized what we thought was an unfinished flower, was finished. Only one flower petal of the six was colored in. Then we realized we have six children there is only one that is colored in; there is one that is whole and the rest of us are still waiting for our color. It just became such a gift to us.”??

It’s everything you said that it would be
And even better than you would believe ?
And I’m counting down the days until you’re here with me
And finally you’ll see?
(from song ”SEE”?)

Listen to the first single from his album "Heaven is the Face"
and hear Steven Curtis Chapman talks about the song ""Heaven Is The Face

Click here to listen to Cinderella, the song inspired by his daughters

(I love this song!)

Below Chapman talks about how the song came about...

Communion of Saints

2009-10-29T23:16:00.003-04:00

As we prepare to celebrate another Halloween, I dread how all the imagery around me seems to focus on evil spirits and monsters.

Instead, I am in awe of the holy men and women who have gone before us and lived their lives following Christ, so that we now call them saints. November 1st is All Saints Day where we honour the saints, known and unknown. It is called the Solemnity of All Saints or All Hallows, thereby making Oct. 31 "All Hallowed Eve" (or Halloween). It is a time of great celebration, a time to rejoice and be inspired by those who have fought the good fight! It is followed by All Souls Day, on Nov. 2, where we recall friends and family who have passed away and pray for them.

A Day at the Office

2009-10-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

This brought a smile...!
(Coworkers lipsynching to Backstreet Boys...I'm not even a fan of BB, but still thought this was fun.)

Massive Worship

2009-10-18T20:06:00.006-04:00

NET Ministries (National Evangelization Teams)

"are Catholic Missionaries who share Jesus' gospel message with young people in a team format. NET Ministries of Canada challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. NET Canada recruits and trains teams to evangelize to over 28,000 youth every year in churches, schools, dioceses, and school boards across Canada and Ireland."

I just met someone who is part of Massive Worship, an initiative of NET ministries and they are preparing to travel to cities in Ontario and Quebec to give workshops and retreats to other musicians to equip them in music ministry.

Massive Worship is "committed to the ministry of "Evangelization through Music" by hosting live out-reach concerts, promoting the development of Catholic music and musicians, and equipping musicians with quality training and resources for use in furthering the Church's mission of evangelization."

(As someone who has always loved music, I can say that I was very inspired by their music at a celebration mass for CCO and I'm excited for them to be able to share their gifts with other musicians.)

Letter from God

2009-10-18T19:29:00.003-04:00

Short and sweet.
A message for those of us who start the day looking like this...?

GOOD MORNING,
THIS IS GOD.
I WILL BE HANDLING
ALL YOUR PROBLEMS TODAY.
I WILL NOT NEED YOUR HELP.
JUST STAY CLOSE TO ME
AND ENJOY YOUR DAY.

Coat of Many Colors, Lord of All

2009-10-18T17:02:00.000-04:00

Thomas Blackshear describes his painting (one of my very favourites):

"According to the Word of God, Jesus was born into the Jewish race. Jesus Christ is now the Risen Lord. We can have no concept of how He actually looks; therefore, I have not clearly indicated His features in Coat of Many Colors, Lord of All. Because He is Lord, He represents all the people of the world. On His coat are flags of the nations and fabrics of the cultures of the world. Al the colors of the coat represent the sin that He took on Himself on our behalf. The white robe under the coat represents His pureness, His being totally without sin. The golden sash is referred to in Scripture as bieng worn by royalty. He is truly Lord of All!"

The C. S. Lewis Song - lyrics

2009-10-17T11:17:00.003-04:00

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared

[CHORUS]
Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
'Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
An avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

[CHORUS]

[BRIDGE]
For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming

One of my favourites by Brooke Fraser
song on side playlist...

World Air Traffic Map over 24 Hours

2009-10-17T09:57:00.004-04:00

I found this fascinating and reminded me of just how small we are...

"It is a 24 hour observation of all of the large aircraft flights in the world, condensed down to about 2 minutes. You can tell it was summer time in the north by the sun's footprint over the planet. You could see that it didn't quite set in the extreme north and it didn't quite rise in the extreme south.
Notice that as evening approaches, the traffic is predominantly from the US to Europe and when daylight comes, the traffic switches and it is predominantly from Europe to the US."

What is That??

2009-10-11T22:45:00.006-04:00

Here's a 4 minute film that reminds us of the important things in life...

Faith & Science Conference - Ricardo Castanon Ph.D.

2009-10-03T21:41:00.003-04:00

I received part of this man's talk in an email and was fascinated and found his entire presentation here. Dr. Castañon was an atheist but after years of studies on the human brain, Eucharistic miracles, apparitions and seers began to find the relationship between faith and reason.

Quote from the saints

2009-09-27T23:14:00.001-04:00

Our soul is so specially loved by him who is the highest that it goes far beyond the ability of any creature to realize it...There is no creature made who can realize how much, how sweetly and how tenderly our maker loves us. And therefore we can, with his grace and his help, stand in Spirit, gazing with endless wonder at this lofty, unmeasurable love beyond human scope the Almighty God has for us of his goodness.

- Blessed Julian of Norwich

What the church does stand for...

2009-09-27T00:30:00.002-04:00

Quote from Archbishop Timothy Dolan, in this profile in New York Magazine.
(found courtesy of Deacon's Bench)

"You know, the church is the one who dreams, the church is the one who constantly has the vision, the church is the one that’s constantly saying ‘Yes!’ to everything that life and love and sexuality and marriage and belief and freedom and human dignity—everything that that stands for, the church is giving one big resounding ‘Yes!’ The church founded the universities, the church was the patron of the arts, the scientists were all committed Catholics. And that’s what we have to recapture: the kind of exhilarating, freeing aspect. I mean, it wasn’t Ronald Reagan who brought down the Berlin Wall. It was Karol Wojtyła. I didn’t make that up: Mikhail Gorbachev said that...I guess one of the things that frustrates me pastorally is that there’s this caricature of the church—of being this oppressive, patriarchal, medieval, out-of-touch naysayer—where the opposite is true.”

In my experience, a lot of people who reject the church, reject what they think it stands for instead of the truth of what it is!

Seven Wonders of the World

2009-09-25T19:28:00.005-04:00

A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World.” Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. Saint Peter’s Basilica
7. China’s Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noticed that one quiet student hadn’t turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were so many.”

The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.”

The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ are:

to see

to hear

to smell

to touch

to taste

to laugh

to love

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous! A gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.

I share this as a reminder to take stock of everything you have in your life and let it be your muse – your source of inspiration!

(this article was found in various places online)

Teens speak out for abstinence

2009-09-23T21:34:00.001-04:00

A Different Approach to Dating

2009-09-16T19:57:00.003-04:00

She was 34 and she meant business, so she placed an ad with an online dating service and let the e-mails roll in. By the end of her dating experiment she found someone, but she also found herself.

Ann Marsh shares her story on Oprah's magazine:

Last year, in under six months, I dated more than 100 men. I dated on beaches, on hiking trails, on the back of a Harley-Davidson. I told more than 100 men about my work, my family, my years in Czechoslovakia. I weathered personal-revelation fatigue and relied on pep talks from girlfriends to see me through. I didn't kiss any of these men, reserving physical contact for the one — I might as well say it — who would eventually win my heart.

After years alone, on the cusp of my 35th birthday, I was serious. I'd learned that letting myself kiss the wrong guy set in motion a sort of unwitting hormonal bonding stronger than rational thinking. If I was going to meet the right man, I decided, I needed to remain chemical-free, to think clearly, to get to know him first.

I didn't understand this in my 20s. Back then, I'd followed the Hollywood movie model wherein men and women tend to tumble into bed, then into love, and finally into marriage. The string of breakups I endured demonstrated that, for me at least, this strategy wasn't working.

My frequent experiences with the Wrong Man also taught me what I wanted this time around. I was looking for someone who could see my best self despite my imperfections. A gentle but strong man with the capacity to become as deeply devoted to me as I would be to him...

Read the entire article here

Parable of Immortality

2009-09-08T18:02:00.003-04:00

Parable of Immortality
by Henry Van Dyke - 1852 -1933

I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch
until at last she hangs like a peck of white cloud
just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!
Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
'There she goes! ' ,
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
'Here she comes!'

Genesis told through facebook?

2009-08-08T10:17:00.009-04:00

I thought this was so amusing!
If you're on facebook, check it out at the link, here's how it starts...

The Facebook Bible, Genesis:I-II

In the beginning, the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the deep. And the spirit of God moved over the waters. And the Ego of God realized that creating a universe would lead to the Best Status Update Ever. And so the divine Voice rang out:

Read the rest of it here!

Catholic Christian Outreach

2009-08-08T09:10:00.004-04:00

I recall leaving for university many years ago and my mother urging me to be cautious of the attempts of professors and others who would try to discredit my faith. She was right. Those exciting early years at Ottawa U. opened up my eyes to a new world of knowledge but it seemed that many shared a skepticism of the importance of Christian beliefs. (This fact was even more disappointing knowing that the university had been founded by the Oblate Missionaries.) At the time, I was lucky enough to encounter a campus-based Christian Fellowship group and found encouragement with them through informal get-togethers. It provided some spiritual support but I was looking for something more.

A couple of years ago, my own daughter, Katie, headed off to university and I'm sure I gave her the same pep talk as my mother gave to me. We heard about CCO shortly before she started her first semester, and she was greeted in orientation week by someone at the "popcorn table" and she's never looked back since! She's had the university experience that I wished that I had enjoyed! She's had a network of Christian friends that have encouraged her in her faith while teaching her to be the best steward of her time and talents. The young people who I've met through Kate are so inspiring - it's so reassuring to know that there are university students who do place Christ first in their lives, forming their decisons based on Him and seeking to serve God with their lives. As pointed out by CCO, "these are our future leaders, policy makers, and teachers!"

I'm not sure who might read this but I just wanted to offer words of encouragement to other parents who might have a son or daughter headed to university, that this is one parent who can say that it's made a world of difference to see the wonderful change in my own daughter and I'm so thankful that CCO was there!

Background:
CCO started over 20 years ago (1988) when one couple felt God calling them to evangelize the youth. They stepped out in faith and from those humble beginnings, their efforts have touched hundreds of students. The philosophy of CCO is to share the gospel of Christ with one person at a time, who in turn will be able to share that faith with others!

CCO continues to grow but here are the campuses where they can be found at present:
Saskatoon: Saskatoon University
Halifax: Dalhousie University
Ottawa: University of Ottawa, Carleton University
Kingston: Queen's University
Vancouver: Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia.
Quebec City: Laval University

For more info, visit their website...

Rishi and Emily

2009-07-18T12:54:00.004-04:00

Got this in an email from my dad, thought it was worth sharing!!

In a crawling race across the grass they're evenly matched. But Emily Bland will need a little practice before taking on her new friend at tree-climbing. The little girl, two, met one-year-old orangutan Rishi at an animal centre while visiting with her father. They took to each other straight away and spent hours tumbling about and having a tea party. Emily poured while Rishi waited patiently, gripping his spoon in a hairy fist.

On all fours: A delighted Emily plays with her best new friend Rishi

Emily's father Barry Bland, 38, a photographer, said: 'I had come along to the institute to photograph Rishi and I thought it would be good to bring Emily. 'Almost as soon as we arrived, Rishi had an instant chemistry with Emily. They looked completely content with each other.'

The friendship came as no surprise to those in charge of Rishi's home, The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S) in Miami.

How sweet, a kiss for Emily, whose father says the pair hit it off instantly

Dr Bhagavan Antle: Orangutans are intelligent and certainly the most friendly apes on the planet. 'The youngsters enjoy their playtime and are always looking for an opportunity experience new things and make new friends and monkey around. 'Rishi, who is the youngest of the family, is always looking for someone to play with. 'That's where Emily stepped in to provide a playmate to swing in the trees, have tea with, and go for a ride. 'All infants have the capacity to get along and as youngsters the barriers between species appear to disappear.'
Orangutans are one of the most endangered species on earth. Recent expansion of palm oil plantations and over logging of their forests in Borneo and Sumatra have created a rapidly declining habitat for these great apes...

Emily takes her new friend for a stroll

One lump or two Rishi?

The pair enjoy afternoon tea 'Rishi was brought over to T.I.G.E.R.S from Jungle Island because he was a young boy,' says Dr Antle. 'He couldn't stay with his father or the other male orangutans in the habitat because they throw the boys out. 'But he is now been fully accepted into his new group. He sleeps with them and he stays side by side with them he is when them all the time.'
Rishi will now stay at the institute where he will become part of the animal ambassadors program, participating in education and conservation presentations at Myrtle Beach and Jungle Island institutions. Judging from these photos it looks as though Rishi has found a friend for life.

Need a little nudge?

2009-06-27T21:23:00.005-04:00

As you always have, you're going to find, yet again and forevermore,
that the hard and difficult stuff only ever seemed hard and difficult,
before you began it.

Bet you feel better now, huh?

Begin it!

~ God

A kindred spirit

2009-06-14T13:47:00.006-04:00

When I started this blog, I wanted to write about those moments in life that make us smile and inspire us. So it's only fitting that I take the time to wish a happy birthday to someone that makes me smile and inspires me! Since I don't have time to get a birthday card to you (and I know how much you like snail mail!) pretend that this just arrived in the mail. It's full of wishes for every blessing for you! For warm sunshine, flowers blooming, teapot simmering, scones dripping (with Devonshire cream of course), children laughing, husband singing (now that we know he can!) and the ocean mist kissing your face as you listen to the sound of the waves on the shore and then a butterfly flutters by...

Happy Birthday Carollynn *smooooooooooch*

Francesca Battistelli

2009-04-18T09:24:00.002-04:00

I was looking up Newsboys' new album and noticed Francesca Battistelli with a song near the top of the charts in Australia "Free to be Me". She's nominated for New Artist of the Year for the Dove Awards and you can hear her music on her website (full songs not 30 second demos)

Good Friday

2009-04-10T19:42:00.002-04:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

[painting "I Asked Jesus" by Danny Hahlbohm]

Control, Alt, Delete

2009-04-10T19:08:00.005-04:00

I found this analogy somewhere online...

Does your computer ever “freeze up” on you?

The other day I tried running too many applications on my computer, and it froze. What usually happens is that I get going too fast, repeatedly pressing buttons and trying to force my computer to perform too many functions at once. Then my computer tries to get me to slow down, quit a few functions, or restart.

Of course, what are we PC users supposed to do when the computer freezes? What three buttons do we simultaneously push?

That’s right. Say it with me, CTRL+ALT+DEL.

It’s the same in my faith life. OK, whether you’re computer savvy or not, stick with me here.

In life when I get going too fast or try to control too much, I’m encouraged in little ways (by God) to slow down; “close” some programs that eat up too much space, energy, or memory (areas of my life not centered on Him); and start over or “reboot” (reconcile myself to Him).

Three buttons, one function, in order to change what’s happening. And remember, the three buttons must be pressed simultaneously. No one button is more important than the other, since they’re all a key to solving the problem.

This function can be compared to the functions of the trinity (for our computer generation):

CTRL (control): By giving God all the control, I put His will before mine.

ALT (alternate): By allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me, I then live, think and function in an alternate way.

DEL (delete): By my faith in Christ and through His grace, I can delete the effects of original sin and live in His image of loving service here on earth, hoping to share in his eternal banquet in heaven.

When we let go of all control we alter how we live and think and we delete possible death. We open the door to eternal life, where all other “functions” and “programs” stop running and our only function is to bask in the incredible love of God (never having to reboot again).

Here’s one final thought for you, Bible and computer geeks, out there: the CTRL+ALT+DEL function works only on PCs and not on Macs. Maybe that’s because it was the apple that got us into this mess (in Eden).

Or maybe it’s because when life closes doors, God opens windows.

Oh and remember one more thing when working on your computer, Jesus saves.

Fireproof

2009-03-15T07:41:00.019-04:00

Fireproof is the story of firefighter Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron from Growing Pains) who after seven years of marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), is seeing their relationship fail. As they prepare to file for divorce, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day test called, "The Love Dare." Caleb starts it, and, after several weeks on it, becomes frustrated with having his efforts rejected. Caleb learns he needs to put his faith in God to save his marriage. But, he is unsure if it's too late to "fireproof" his marriage.

After seeing the trailer for this film, I was eager to see it. I also was really moved to hear that they had to do some creative manoeuvering to honour Kirk Cameron's promise to his real- life wife Chelsea Noble that he would never kiss another woman.

Christian actor Kirk Cameron asked movie bosses to cast his wife Chelsea as a smooching stand-in for his new film Fireproof, because he refused to kiss his onscreen wife.

In the movie, Cameron plays a firefighter battling to save his marriage to his wife, played by Erin Bethea. However the 37 year old had made a vow to Chelsea - his wife of 17 years and the mother of his six children - that he would never kiss another woman on or off-screen, so she was brought onto the set for a romantic scene.

Cameron explains, "In Fireproof, there is a romantic and touching scene where he (character) kisses his wife. Because I have a commitment not to kiss any other woman, my wife Chelsea came in to the set and wore the dress my character's wife wore. We shot the scene in silhouette, so when I kiss my wife, I'm actually kissing my wife and honoring our marriage." "It's a personal commitment I have made to my wife."

I thought this film was inspirational and recommend it heartily.

The "soundtrack" from the film:
Love is Not a Fight by Warren Barfield **
Slow Fade by Casting Crowns
While I'm Waiting by John Waller
Brighter Days by Leeland
This Is Who I Am by Third Day
plus video below "You Belong to Me"

Caleb is challenged by his father to do the "Love Dare"

Fireproof was the biggest-grossing indie movie of 2008.

Read more at Wikipedia or check out link at IMDB.

I Asked God

2009-02-22T17:32:00.005-05:00

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Got this from my church bulletin today...

Companions of the Cross

2009-02-18T21:22:00.009-05:00

I'm a lifelong Catholic and I've been a member of different parishes along the way. St. Mary's was the first parish where you could tangibly feel that everyone there seemed to treasure the Eucharist and was excited about going to mass. I've been to churches where it seemed that some wanted to be there and others were dragged there. It was wonderful at St. Mary's to belong to a community where we didn't behave as "typical Catholics" all quiet and reserved but I felt it was like having a glimpse of heaven where we were joining together to praise our God, and attempting to give Him the glory that is His.

When I think of the Companions, I think of evangelization. Never before have I witnessed it so clearly in their actions or had it taught to me in such basic terms. Sunday homilies were a highlight, challenging us, teaching us and encouraging us to go out wherever we were and live our lives for God.

Fr. Bob Bedard is the founder of The Companions of the Cross, a growing community of priests based out of St. Mary's Parish in Ottawa initially and now with priests in Toronto, Nova Scotia, and Houston, Texas. I belong to another parish in Ottawa presently but treasured my time when I attended St. Mary's.

Back in 1984, Fr. Bob Bedard started to have weekly meetings with 4 men who were planning to enter the seminary to provide mutual spiritual support. From those initial meetings, they felt the Lord was calling them to something bigger and they soon began the process of forming a community. In 2003, Canada's first religious order of Catholic priests in over 50 years was recognized officially. At a time when vocations are dwindling, the Companions of the Cross continue to grow. One of the differences they have made to ensure that a parish priest is not alone is making sure that they live in community to support one another. For some young men apprehensive about the solitary life of a priest, that has made the difference.

The Companions are Eucharistic, Charismatic, Marian and Magisterial.

"We are a Eucharistic community, believing the sacrifice of the Mass to be the principal source and summit of the Christian life. We also promote exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in each of our parishes, perpetual adoration if possible.
We are charismatic. We actively use the Corinthian gifts in ministry. We seek the wisdom of God and his power. We place emphasis on spontaneous praise, which includes singing in the Spirit and appropriate gestures. We engage in spiritual warfare when it is indicated. We hold the ministry of inner healing to be very important.

We wish to make a proper place for Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother, in the living out of our call. We are consecrated through her to Jesus, her Son and our Lord. We engage in and promote devotion to her in different ways, especially the Rosary.

We are loyal to the Magisterium, the authoritative teaching office of the Catholic Church. We want to be fully Catholic in every possible way, nothing more, but nothing less"

Taken from the Companions of the Cross official website.

Read more in a (Catholic Insight article from 1997)...

"Blundering" into renewal: the Companions of the Cross.

The Interview with God

2009-02-18T21:10:00.003-05:00

A beautiful video worth watching...

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/

Lifehouse: Everything

2009-02-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

I find this video so powerful to watch!

99 Balloons

2009-02-15T21:56:00.000-05:00

Touching video!

Mary's Dream

2008-12-25T23:38:00.001-05:00

I had a dream, Joseph, I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son.

They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful.

Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him?

I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -not to be wanted at His own birthday celebration.

I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.

Author Unknown
Painting by Morgan Weistling

Our Greatest Need

2008-12-25T23:25:00.003-05:00

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;

But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

'Twas the night before Jesus came

2008-12-25T23:04:00.002-05:00

'Twas the night before Jesus came
And all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care,
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap,
Was watching The Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment that this must be The Day.

The light of His face made me cover my head;
It was Jesus! Returning just like he said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

Written by Dianne Frances Donenfeld

My first Christmas in Heaven

2008-12-25T22:55:00.005-05:00

[for those who are missing a loved one who passed away]

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see countless Christmas trees around the world below
with tiny lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear,
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sound of music can't compare with the choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description , to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away; we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones; you know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly father above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold,
it was always most important in the stories that Jesus told.

Please love each other , as my father said to do,
for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
remember--- I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.