Daniel 14:38

Daniel 14:38

You have remembered me, O God, and have not forsaken those who love You.

Daniel 3:17-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-32

"My child when you pray, don't pray with the focus on yourself, your needs and wants.  When you pray for your sister Sandy, pray with the focus on Me, I know what is best for her.  Pray with your focus on My love for her and how she can glorify Me in her suffering.  Focus on my power to bless her, strengthen her, heal her, fill her with every grace and blessing and most of all with my Presence for my greater glory."

"Forgive me my Beloved and thank You for reminding me to be selfless when I pray."

Daniel 3:17-20

17 If you order us to be thrown into the furnace, the God we serve will rescue us. 18 But even if he won’t, we would like you to know, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” 19 Nebuchadnezzar’s face reddened with fury as he looked at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of his strongest soldiers to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the burning furnace.

 

Thank You Beloved for once again reminding me that You alone must be worshipped and glorified.  We bow down to You alone and no other when we pray.

 
Daniel 3:91-92

91 Then King Nebuchadnezzar suddenly rose up in great amazement and asked his counselors, “Did we not throw three men bound into the fire?” They answered, “Certainly.” 92 The king said, “But I can see four men walking about freely through the fire without suffering any harm, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

 

Beloved, when we put our faith and trust in You we will never be disappointed.  Your Yourself will come to save us.

 

John 8:31-32, 34

31 Jesus went on to say to the Jews who believed in him: “You will be my true disciples if you keep my word. 32 Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” 

Ignoring the crowd You spoke directly to those who believed in You.  You speak these words to me because I believe in You.

John 8:34

34 “Truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave.  If God were Your Father you would love Me.

To those who question Your authority over them and Your ability to save and set free, You tell them that they are slaves to the very sins that they commit.  The sins of addiction, lethargy, spiritual blindness, natural philosophies, relativism, lack of a desire to come to know the God who loved them into being.  They are bound with cords stronger than steel and only acknowledgement, repentance and conversion can help them to come into the fullness of Truth.

John 8:36

36 So, if the Son makes you free, you will be really free." 

Because of You my Beloved, I am made a member of the household of God. I reside with Him as a cherished member of His family and I will live with Him forever.

John 8:42

42 Jesus replied, “If God were your Father you would love me, for I came forth from God, and I am here. And I didn’t come by my own decision, but it was he himself who sent me.

This surely is plain speaking.  If we call God Father, then it is only because of the merits that You won for us through Your passion, death and glorious resurrection.  Because we were baptised into You in Your death and we rose again to new life with You in Your resurrection we have the privilege of calling ourselves children of the Father.

In God's world there is no time only eternity and in His timeless world He has slowed us all down to take stock of our lives and our values and to understand the meaning of true love, tenderness and compassion.  He forms each one of us in the beautiful image of His Son.

Numbers 21:8-9, Psalm 102:2-3, 18, John 8:28-30

Numbers 21:8-9

Yahweh said to him, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard; whoever has been bitten and then looks at it shall live.”  9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a standard. Whenever a man was bitten, he looked towards the bronze serpent and he lived.

My Beloved, the cross, Your Cross, gives me strength as I cling to my crucifix through the night.  I remember You each time I wake up in the night and thinking of You I go back to sleep again.  Only in the light of Your suffering can I make sense of the anguish we are going through right now as a family.

Psalm 102:2-3 & 18

 2 O Lord, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come to you.  3 Do not hide your face from me when I am in trouble. Turn your ear to me; make haste to answer me when I call.  18 For he will answer the prayer of the needy and will not despise their plea.

John 8:28-30

. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of myself, but I say just what the Father taught me. 29 He who sent me is with me and has not left me alone; because I always do what pleases him.”  30 As Jesus spoke like this, many believed in him.

Beloved, Your Word says that as You spoke like this, many believed in You - it does not say all believed in You.  This is true even today.  People have their own version of what faith is and who God is and they cling to these views with the passion of a miser who refuses to give up his gold.  Yet Your Word tells us that salvation comes from You alone and in believing in the One who sent You. Help me my Beloved to do my part in witnessing to the truth not so much in words as in the way I live my life - in close union with You and in obedience and total surrender to Your will.

Matthew 18:19-20, Psalm 3:4-7, John 8:12

Matthew 18:19-20

18 I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound. 19 In like manner, I say to you: if on earth two of you are united in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there among them.”

My Beloved in these verses You promise that when we are united in asking for anything it will be granted by Your Heavenly Father.  It  has been so long since all of us are praying with one heart and mind for Sandy and she keeps going from crisis to crisis.  It is so hard not to be anxious and afraid.

"Hush now, calm be still.  As long as I am present in the storm You have no need to be afraid.  Despite the fact that the wind is roaring and rocking the boat of Sandy's life, despite it being threatened to be dashed to pieces on the rocks and there is imminent fear of drowning - I AM STILL PRESENT, take heart, have courage."

Psalm 3:4-7

4 But you are my shield, O Lord, my glory, you lift up my head. 5 Aloud I cry to the Lord, and from his holy hill he answers me. 6 If I lie down to sleep, again I awake, for the Lord supports me; 7 no fear of the thousands standing against me.

John 8:12

12 Jesus spoke to them again, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life.

Beloved, shed Your powerful light and illumine all the darkened places filled with fear.  Light and life come from You and You alone.  You are the light of the world and the Author and dispenser of life.  I trust You.

Isaiah 43: 18-21, Philippians 3:8, 10-14, Psalm 126:1-6, John 8:1-11

Isaiah 43:19-21,

18 But do not dwell on the past, or remember the things of old.  19 Look, I am doing a new thing:  now it springs forth.  Do you not see? I am opening up a way in the wilderness  and rivers in the desert. 20 I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert that my chosen people may drink. 21 I have formed this people for myself; they will proclaim my praise.

Beloved, here is a wonderful promise You make - the past is behind us - it is over.  Something new and wonderful unfolds before our eyes.  You O Lord, make streams flow in the arid, desert of our soul. We find new life in  abundance provided by the in-dwelling of Your Most Holy Spirit.

Philippians 3:8, 10-14

8 Still more, everything seems to me as nothing compared with the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have let everything fall away and I now consider all as garbage, if instead I may gain Christ. 10 May I know him and experience the power of his resurrection and share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, 11 and attain through this, God willing, the resurrection from the dead! 12 I do not believe I have already reached the goal, nor do I consider myself perfect, but I press on till I conquer Christ Jesus, as I have already been conquered by him. 13 No, brothers and sisters, I do not claim to have claimed the prize yet. I say only this: forgetting what is behind me, I race forward and run towards the goal, 14 my eyes on the prize to which God has called us from above in Christ Jesus.

How true my Jesus, possessing You I possess all things.  Nothing that the world has to offer has any value for me.  You are all I need.  You have all of me.  Teach me how to possess all of Thee.  My old sinful life is in the past, over and done with.  My destiny is heaven, eternity and You my glorious God.

Psalm 126:1-6

1 When the Lord brought the exiles back to Zion, we were like those moving in a dream.  2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy.  Among the nations it was said, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord had done great things for us, and we were glad indeed.  4 Bring back our exiles, O Lord, like fresh streams in the desert. 5 Those who sow in tears  will reap with songs and shouts of joy.  6 They went forth weeping, bearing the seeds for sowing, they will come home with joyful shouts, bringing their harvested sheaves.

Beloved, I believe this is a prophecy for our family.  As we go through the agony and passion, You will bring us to the joy of the resurrection.  Amen and thank You!!!

John 8:1-11

1As for Jesus, he went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At daybreak Jesus appeared in the Temple again. All the people came to him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone. 4 “Master,” they said, “this wo¬man has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but you, what do you say?” 6 They said this to test Jesus, in order to have some charge against him. Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And he bent down again, writing on the ground. 9 As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Then Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go away and don’t sin again.”

Beloved, evil with evil intention and malice brought this poor unfortunate woman before You a victim of the hate that evil had for You.  Thank You for the knowledge that Mary, the Woman clothed with the Sun, has crushed the head of satan under her heel.  Evil plays a losing battle as it is in its death throes.  Mercy, compassion and awesome love and tenderness will always be found by the sorrowful and repentant heart. 

I know that You will not condemn us O Lord, but Your mighty hand will raise up our Sandy and she will glorify Your Most Holy Name in the assemby of Your people and so will we.  Amen and Amen!!!

Jeremiah 11:19, Psalm 7:2, 11, John 7:40-53

Jeremiah 11:19
I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter.

Beloved, in this verse You show us how to meet suffering.  It is human to want to run in the opposite direction of pain but You set Your face like flint towards Jerusalem and You faced with dignity and courage that which the Father had ordained for You.  Help me and my family during our time of suffering.

Psalm 7:2, 11

2 O Lord, my God, in you I take shelter; deliver me and save me from all my pursuers. 11 Those who cherish your name, O Lord, can rely on you, for you have never forsaken those who look to you.

Beloved, You let us hide in You safe from the enemy of fear and despair and You cover us with the mantle of Your Most Holy Presence.  Nothing can approach to harm us when we are with You.

John 7:40-53

40 Many who had been listening to these words began to say, “This is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some wondered, “Would the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Doesn’t Scripture say that the Christ is a descendant of David and from Bethlehem, the city of David?” 43 The crowd was divided over him. 44 Some wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  45 The officers of the Temple went back to the chief priests who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man.” 47 The Pharisees then said, “So you, too, have been led astray! 48 Have any of the rulers or any of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 Only these cursed people, who have no knowledge of the Law!”  50 Yet one of them, Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier, spoke out, 51 “Does our law condemn people without first hearing them and knowing the facts?” 52 They replied, “Do you, too, come from Galilee? Look it up and see for yourself that no prophet is to come from Galilee.” 53 And they all went home.

Beloved Jesus, if we listen with our heart we will recognise You.  All that we have experienced in our walk with You testifies to us who You are.  But as prophesied, You are a sign of contradiction in every age and there will always be division over You. Those who face up to the truth of who You are and those who prefer not to believe, despite the evidence. They refuse to be converted, preferring a sinful life rather than be challenged by the Truth which sets us free.  Once Truth is acknowledged change must follow and most people prefer the dark so that they do not  have to give up their false notions of truth.

Samuel 17:45-46, Psalm 89:27 & 29, Romans 4:16

Samuel 17:45-46

45 David answered the Philistine, “You have come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you with Yahweh, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. 46 Yahweh will deliver you this day into my hands and I will strike you down and cut off your head. I will give the corpses of the Philistine army today to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, and all the earth shall know that there is a God of Israel.

The battle belongs to the Lord. Beloved, thank You for reminding me that the enemy has no power over me because You my God are with me,  thefore I shall be victorious.

Psalm 89: 27 & 29

27 He will call on me, ‘You are my Father, my God, my Rock, my Savior.’  29 I will keep my covenant firm forever, and my love for him will endure.

Thank You my Beloved that we can believe in Your Word and trust You to keep Your covenant with us.

Romans 4:16

16 For that reason, faith is the way and all is given by grace; and the promises of Abraham are fulfilled for all his descendants, not only for his children according to the Law, but also for all the others who have believed.

Faith is the Way and all is given by grace.  We believe even more strongly when in human terms there is no reason to believe.  Faith is above and beyond human reason. Faith is and always will be God's gift.  He is the initiator, it is His gift given to whomsoever He wishes to give it.  Faith cannot be earned but is poured out on us in baptism and we receive a fresh outpouring at every sacrament we receive worthily.

Beloved, today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph.  He is a real man and he is a great saint for our times.  He is a role model for all husbands, sons and brothers (and for women as well).  he was gentle, strong, dependable, silent, God-fearing, upright, just, trust worthy.  Ready and willing to listen and obey God.  He was not impulsive but thought things through and once God made clear to Him what he wanted he obeyed without question. 

Ezekiel 32:11, 12,14, Psalm 106 19-23, John 5:36

Ezekiel 32:11, 12,14

Moses calmed the anger of Yahweh, his God. "Turn away from the heat of Your anger and do not bring disaster on Your people." Yahweh then changed His mind and would not yet harm His people.

My Beloved, through Your life, passion, death and resurrection, You obtained for  us the freedom that enables us to call ourselves children of God.  Through the merits You won for us we can now call God Abba, Father.

Psalm 106:19-23

19 They made a calf at Horeb and worshiped the molten image. 20 They exchanged the glory of God for the image of a bull that eats grass.  21 They forgot their Savior God, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 wonderful works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Sea of Reeds. 23 So he spoke of destroying them, but Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to shield them from destruction.

The scandal of the cross and the humiliation of My God in His cruel condemnation to death on the instrument of shame brought about my salvation and the salvation of the world.  As Moses stood in the  breach and pleaded for God's people so do we now have the most perfect Mediator in You Beloved, who pleads for us night and day before Your Father.

Beloved, the greatest work of redemption was accomplished through suffering.  Through my own sister's suffering united with Your Own, we too will be sanctified.

Ezekiel 18:21-23, Psalm 145:18, John 5:30

Ezekiel 18:21-23

21 If the sinner turns from his sin, observes my decrees and practices what is right and just, he will live, he will not die. 22 None of the sins he committed will be charged against him; he will live as a consequence of his righteous deeds. 23 Do I want the death of the sinner? – word of Yahweh. Do I not rather want him to turn from his ways and live?

Psalm 145:18

18 He is near those who call on him, who call trustfully upon his name.

John 5:30

30 I can do nothing of myself, and I need to hear Another One to judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.

Do not ask for what you want, ask rather for a super abundance of that which I want to give you.  Do not allow human emotion to hold you back from wanting all that I wish for you and those you love.  Ask and receive for the perfection of My will in your life.  Don't wallow in human emotion if such emotion holds you back from soaring to the highest heavens with Me. 

The sole purpose of your life and that of your sister is to prepare yourself to spend eterenity with Me.  As the bride adorns herself for her bridegroom so through suffering your sister makes herself beautiful for Me.  Just as you are Mine, so too does she belong to Me.  If it is My desire to sanctify those whom she loves most through her suffering then is it not selfishness on your part if your prayers are contradictory to My will?  The whole purpose of life on earth is for the bride to prepare for the Bridegroom - never forget it.  The key to victorious living is to seek My will in all things."

"I stand corrected and rebuked my Beloved and now I will prayer Your prayer, "Father, if it is Your will remove this cup from me, yet not my will but Yours be done." Amen!"

Ezekiel 47:8-9, Psalm 46:2-6, John 5:5, 8-9

Ezekiel 47:8-9

8 He said to me, “This water goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome. 9 Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful and the sea water will become fresh. Wherever it flows, life will abound.

Beloved, You give us all we need to live lives free from the bondages of sin, fear, helplessness and anxiety.  You pour Your own Holy Spirit on us - Your Spirit refreshes, cleanses, consoles, strengthens and gives new life.  A life filled with vigor and purpose.

Psalm 46:2-6

2 God is our strength and protection, an ever-present help in affliction. 3 We will not fear, therefore, though the earth be shaken and the  mountains plunge into the seas, 4 though its waters foam and roar, though the mountains quake and totter. For the Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob, our stronghold. 5 There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 6 God is within, the city cannot quake, for God’s help is upon it at the break of day.

IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. 

John 5:5-7, 8-9

 There was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus saw him, and since he knew how long this man had been lying there, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 8 Jesus then said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his mat and walked.

Beloved Jesus, You knew exactly how many years this poor man was sick.  He was in a hopeless position he had no one to help him until You came up to him and he encountered You, the Son of the Living God.  You knew his heart's desire but you wanted the sick man to know that You knew the deepest desire of his heart.  You responded to his need when You commanded him to, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” And the man did what he had longed to do for thirty eight years - he took up his mat and walked.  What hymns of praise must have issued forth from his lips as he went about telling everyone what You had done for him.

You are the same God yesterday, today and forever.  You can do for Sandy what you did for this man.  Thank You my Beloved.

"Scorn the sin not the sinner.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

http://www.stjohndc.org/Russian/beatitudes/e_Beatit_01.htm

Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and overflowing in love.

Be like a slave waiting in patience before Me - silent, alert, awake and watchful.  I may or may not say anything to you - it is up to Me alone to give or with-hold.  You are called to wait with expectant faith.  In my time I will act.  Be patient, be calm, be prudent.  Do not take offence at any real or imagined slight.  You have freely offered yourself as a slave to my Mother and have given up all rights over yourself willingly.  All that belongs to my Mother is Mine and all that belongs to Me is hers."

Psalm 34:2-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20-21, Luke 15:17-24

2 I will bless the Lord all my days;  his praise will be ever on my lips.  3 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the lowly hear and rejoice. 4 Oh, let us magnify the Lord, together let us glorify his name! 5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; from all my fears he delivered me. 6 They who look to him are radiant with joy, their faces never clouded with shame. 7 When the poor cry out, the Lord hears and saves them from distress. 8 The Lord’s angel encamps and patrols to keep safe those who fear him.

I pray the Psalm of today with the Pslamist and make his song my own my Beloved.

Psalm 34:2-8

2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20-21

17 For that same reason, the one who is in Christ is a new creature. For him the old things have passed away; a new world has come. 18 All this is the work of God who in Christ reconciled us to himself, and who entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. 20 So we present ourselves as ambassadors in the name of Christ, as if God himself makes an appeal to you through us. Let God reconcile you; this we ask you in the name of Christ. 21He had no sin, but God made him bear our sin, so that in him we might share the holiness of God.

All these verses point out to a new beginning in You my Lord.  We are Your ambassadors and we will speak to all about Your goodness, mercy and love.

Luke 15:17-24

17 Finally coming to his senses, he said: ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and before you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Treat me then as one of your hired servants.’ With that thought in mind he set off for his father’s house.  20 He was still a long way off when his father caught sight of him. His father was so deeply moved with compassion that he ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. 21The son said: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son…’  22 But the father turned to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Take the fattened calf and kill it. We shall celebrate and have a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.’ And the celebration began.

Beloved, the prodigal set out for home aware of his sinfulness and his unworthiness.  He was ready to humble himself and occupy the lowest place in his father's house.  He did not know his father's nature at all.  vs. 20 says it all - what a moving description of the father.  Not only was he waiting for his sons return but he kept vigil for him so that while he was still a long way off the father saw him, he ran to him, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  This magnanimously generous and loving father then restores him to sonship.  No longer was he an outcast but a beloved member of the family.

JUDGES 6:34

THE SPIRIT OF JESUS (YAHWEH) CLOTHES SANDY (GIDEON) WITH STRENGTH. 

Praise the Lord.  I believe the healing work of God in Christ Jesus through the power of His Most Holy Spirit has begun in Sandy.  We shall all watch God at work and we together we will sing His praises.

IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS - THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE ALL NAMES GOD'S HEALING HAS BEGUN IN SANDY. SHE WILL BE HEALED IN DUE TIME ACCORDING TO HIS INFINITE WISDOM, MERCY, GRACE AND POWER. MAY GOD BE PRAISED NOW AND FOREVER. 

A CONVERSATION

"Every human love offered to God is unique and precious.  No one can love Me quite like you do that is why it is always new and fresh.

Every now and then I will give you a taste of what I suffered.  Accept it for love of Me."

When you make mistakes the important thing is to learn from them not dwell on them.  You do not need any one to teach you when you have Me.  Count it all joy no matter what the situation in your life continue to give me praise.  Trust in my infinite and generous love.  Leave your sick sister Sandra to Me, entrust her totally to My compassionate care, love and tenderness.  Do not be anxious.  You have God for your Friend and Father so why are you moaning and groaning as if you are an orphan.  If you focus on yourself you will lose yourself, focus on Me.  Keep your gaze fixed on Me.  I am the Rock to which you can cling.  Let us speak each morning heart to heart.  Tell Me over and over again that you love Me and why you do.  Nothing gives Me greater pleasure.  Be one with Me.  Bend your will to mine.  Cling tighter to me in times of difficulty.  Let Me be the only one who consoles you.  Remember the more you love Me the more beautiful and radiant you are to Me."

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A shared joy is sweet but a shared suffering is sweeter.

Beloved, You are a generous lover.  Everytime I see a white pigeon I look at it as a personal sign of hope from You to me and I feel encouraged and strengthened.  Today after Mass and on the way home, I spied three white pigeons together on the ledge of a building I smiled and I thanked You - You outdo Yourself in generosity every time.

Thank You for the comfort that You gave me through Fr. Dominic yesterday.  It touched me to my soul and I came away with a feeling that he was a true spiritual father to me. I listened to his words of healing and advise and I know that he shared my pain.

Thank You for speaking to me this morning during my time of personal prayer.  For the first time in a long while I have not been busy with all that I wanted to say to You giving You little time to respond.  You spoke to me for a  and it was very satisfying and consoling not only because I kept silent and allowed myself to hear what You had to say but most of all it gave me great joy to listen to the wonderful things You said to me.

I did not take my mobile to church with me today, I usually take it and  leave it in the car so that I can check  as soon as Mass is over if there are any messages for me.  Instead I left it at home and surrendered the whole situation into Your loving care.  Thank You for once again rewarding me for trusting in You as I did receive a message a short while after I came home.  A message that brought with it a tiny sliver of sunshine and hope.  Pam and I rejoiced and praised You and offered You   our heartfelt thanks.  You are a great God and I love You.

Another thing I would like to add.  I asked You to appoint St. Francis of Assisi as my intercessor and aide because I wanted to learn from him his ability to rejoice in You through the most miserable of situations.  I was struggling to cope and so I asked You to let me have his help.  Thank You for telling me I did not need him, all I need was You to help me and see me through.  I agree.  All I need is You.

Beloved, what a short distance it is from my Mama Mary to You.  No sooner did I ask her to accept me as her little slave girl she turned my gaze away from herself and pointed to You - You were so close I almost stumbled right into Your open arms..

Thank You for giving me the understanding that God is working in an awesome and mysterious way in Sandy and through her in her husband and children.  In the fiery furnace of suffering that seems heated up to seven times its normal strength we see them all in its fiery depths.  They are not consumed but singing and praising God and in their midst is One who is resplendant like the SON OF GOD.  You are very much present in the middle of it all loving, purifying, consoling, srengthening and filling us all with courage and hope.  Love for one another grows more powerful and sacrificial in the fire of suffering.

God Almighty, truly Your ways are not the way of man.

If I have You Beloved, I have all things even if it may appear to others that I have nothing.

I love You.

Daniel 6:23, 26-28, Psalm 81:6-8, Mark 12:32-34

22 YEARS SINCE OUR BABY KEISHA WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD - 12 MARCH 1988 TO 12 MARCH 2010

Daniel 6:23, 26-28

No wound was found on him for he had trusted in his God.  Beloved, You are the living God maker of heaven and earth of all things visible and invisible.  You rescue, You create, You perform signs and wonders.  You came to Daniel's rescue.  You saved him from tooth and claw and You continue to save Your people. 

I place my hope and my trust in You almighty, eternal and ever living God.

Thank You for the words of consolation in the following Psalm.

Psalm 81:6-8
“Open wide your mouth and I will fill it, 7 I relieved your shoulder from burden; I freed your hands. 8 You called in distress, and I saved you; unseen, I answered you in thunder.


Mark 12:32-34

32 The teacher of the Law said to him, “Well spoken, Master; you are right when you say that he is one and there is no other. 33 To love him with all our heart, with all our understanding and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves is more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.” 34 Jesus approved this answer and said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

When we understand Your words as this teacher of the law did, it is very satisfying to You.  Grant that I too may fully understand and practice Your commandment of love.  If I love God with all the fervor of my being and  love my neighbor as myself,  crucifying the I on the cross - then You will say of me too that I am not far from the Kingdom of heaven.

Tobit 5:21-22, Jeremiah 7:23, Luke 11:17

Tobit 5:21-22

21 Tobit said to her, “Don’t get upset, my sister. He will return in safety. You will see him again. 22 Indeed a good angel will go with him; he will have a successful journey and he will return in safety.”

My Beloved, You know how distraught I am and the words, "Don't get upset, my sister." are very consoling.

Help me Lord so that I do not allow evil to disturb my peace.  My hope is in You, my trust is in You I know that You will never let me down. 

Jeremiah 7:23

Thus says Yahweh, One thing I did command them: Listen to my voice and I will be Your God and you will be my people.  Walk in the way I command you and all will be well with you.

Luke 11:17

Jesus knew their thoughts.

Beloved, You know all things and You are God. 

Deuteronomy 4:7 & 9, Song of Songs 4:10-12

Deuteronomy 4:7 & 9

7 For in truth, is there a nation as great as ours, whose gods are as near to it as Yahweh, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 9 But be careful and be on your guard. Do not forget these things which your own eyes have seen nor let them depart from your heart as long as you live. But on the contrary, teach them to your children and to your children’s children.

Truly Beloved, there is no god like our God who remains in us and daily helps us to carry our burdens.  How much more difficult life would have been had I not had You to run to, cling to, come to, to speak to.  You listen, You heal, You console, You admonish and You love as no earthly being could love.  Thank You for reminding me that is imperative that I always live by Your holy Word and make it the rule of my life.  Teach me obedience to Your command in order that I and my loved ones may live.

Song of Songs 4:10-12

10 How sweet is your love, my sister, my bride!  How delicious is your love more than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume,  than any spice! 11 Your lips distill nectar, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue.  Your garments have the scent of Lebanon.  • 12 You are a garden enclosed, my sister, my bride; a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.

What a grand Lover You are Beloved.  Thank You for finding my love for You sweet.  I wish it were sweeter still, the sweetest of all.  May the fruit of my love for You delight You always.  May the words of love, adoration, praise and worship that spill from my lips enthrall You.  May the sweet fragrance of Mama Mary whose child I am cling to me and may the presence of Your Holy Spirit within me delight You.  I am Yours, all Yours, just Yours now and eternally. Amen.

Genesis 2:7, Numbers 21:8-9, Psalm 25:4-9

Genesis 2:7

Then Yahweh God formed Man, dust formed from the clay, and breathed into his nostrils a breath of life and Man became alive with breath.

Our bodies will return from whence it came, the earth.  But the breath You breathed into us and which gives us life, will return back to You and become one with You - there we will adore You, "O true and ancient Beauty yet ever new," forever.

It is heart breakingly, gut wrenchingly painful to watch a loved one suffer and stand by helplessly and not ask the question WHY?  Thank You Father for the Crucified One who also prayed that the chalice of suffering be taken away but He concluded, "Not My will but Thine be done." Grant us the grace, strength and courage to stand at the foot of the cross with our Mama Mary and may His prayer to the Father become our own.

Psalm 25:4-9

4 Teach me your ways, O Lord; make known to me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and instruct me, for you are my God, my savior; I hope in you all day long.  6 Remember your compassion, O Lord, your unfailing love from of old.  7Remember not the sins of my youth, but in your love remember me.  8 Good and upright, the Lord teaches sinners his way. 9 He teaches the humble of heart and guides them in what is right.

Jeremiah 17:14, 2Kings 5:1-7, 9-13

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me Yahweh, and I shall be whole, save me and I shall be safe. O You my hope.

If we did not have You to run to my Beloved, what would my state be right now?  I would be filled with despair and bitterness. 

2Kings 5:1--2, 6, 9-13

1 Naaman was the army commander of the king of Aram. Yahweh had helped him lead the army of the Arameans to victory. But this valiant man was sick with leprosy. 2 One day some Aramean soldiers raided the land of Israel aThis man was highly regarded and enjoyed the king’s favor, for nd took a young girl captive who became a servant to the wife of Naaman. She said to her mistress, 3 “If my master would only present himself to the prophet in Samaria, he would surely cure him of his leprosy . 7 When the king had read the letter, he tore his clothes to show his indignation, “I am not God to give life or death. And the king of Aram sends me this man to be healed! You see he is just looking for an excuse for war.”9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and stopped before the house of Elisha. 10 Elisha then sent a messenger to tell him, “Go to the river Jordan and wash seven times, and your flesh shall be as it was before, and you shall be cleansed.” 11 Naaman was angry, so he went away. He thought: “On my arrival, he should have personally come out, and then paused and called on the name of Yahweh, his God. And he should have touched with his hand the infected part, and I would have been healed. 12 Are the rivers of Damascus, Abana and Pharpar not better than all the rivers of the land of Israel? Could I not wash there to be healed?” 13 His servants approached him and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had ordered you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? But how much easier when he said: Take a bath and you will be cleansed.”

Beloved God - God of my life I place all my hope in You.  Teach me obedience.  Having You I have everything.  Nothing satisfies like You.  My God, You act as You will in perfect wisdom no creature controls You and yet You love us so much that we can always come to You with the confidence of our faith and the belief that all things are possible with You.

Jeremiah 17:14, Psalm 36:8-10

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, Yahweh, and I shall be whole; save me and I shall be safe, O You my hope!

Psalm 36:7-9

How precious O God is Your constant love.  Mortals take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.  In Your house they find rich food and they drink from Your spring of delight.  For with You is the fountain of Life.  In Your light we see light.

Beloved, You take our Sandy from crisis to crisis and through it all You speak words of comfort and hope.  It is hard Lord for I see only darkness and Your hand is invisible.  Fear sends out its tentacles of evil but I refuse to give in for I believe in You, I hope in You, I trust in You and through it all I believe that good will triumph for I believe in Your perfect love.

My Beloved, I always wondered what the dark night of the soul was like.  Praying has always been a delight for You let me experience Your Presence.  But now as I pray  I struggle to understand what it all means.  I watch Sandy suffer and get weaker and weaker and more helpless and frail and all Your Words of courage, comfort and hope are unfathomable to me as I watch her.  Slowly I begin to understand what it means - I must continue loving, hoping, believing trusting and having faith in You through the pitch darkness and gloom that is ever present.  It is knowing that You are there even though it seems You are an eternity away.

Psalm 50:15

Psalm 50:15

Call on Me in the time of calamity and I will deliver you and you will glorify Me.

My Beloved, You have said so many wonderful things to me this morning.  You assure me that You are with Sandy and that no matter how weak and how low she sinks, You are always present to sustain her.  You will not let her go.  Your loving Presence encompasses her and through this whole terrible ordeal, Your perfect plan is being brought to completion.  You are our Deliverer, our Savior, our Redeemer - is it possible that we cry out to You and You do not hear and save? Never!

Exodus 34:6, Luke 6:36, Matthew 5:48, Matthew 5-7, James 2:13

Exodus 34:6
6 Then Yahweh passed in front of him and cried out, “Yahweh, Yahweh is a God full of pity and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in truth and loving-kindness.


Luke 6:36
 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 Don’t be a judge of others and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; 38 give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over. For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.”


Matthew 5:48
48 For your part you shall be righteous and perfect in the way your heavenly Father is righteous and perfect.


 Matthew 5:7
7 Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.


James 2:16
13 There will be justice without mercy for those who have not shown mercy, whereas mercy has nothing to fear of judgment.

My Beloved, I have been very free and easy in judging all and sundry and although I may not have gone so far as condemning anyone, I am certain that I have skated pretty close to it.  Thank You for telling me in no uncertain terms that if I want mercy shown to me, I who am a sinner, had better show mercy to my brothers and sisters who are just as frail as I am.  True my Beloved, that there are some things that I would not do and there are some really bad habits that You have cured me of over a period of time.  More and more, I understand that when we judge others we are in grave danger of the powerful light of truth being focused no us and we will see that we are guilty of the same sins.  You are a just and righteous judge and if I want You to show loving kindness  and gentleness to me, and  have patience and compassion for me, then I better be all these things to my neighbor.