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Monday, November 30, 2009
Feast of St. Andrew, ApostleToday is the feast day of St. Andrew who is considered the "first called" of the apostles. He was a follower
of John the Baptist who sought out Jesus and after spending an evening with him, came to the conclusion that he was the long
awaited Messiah. He then rushed to tell his brother Simon (Peter) proclaiming "We have found the Messiah!" John
1:39-41 NKJ Matt. 4:18-20 describes Jesus calling Andrew and Peter to be "...fishers of men. They immediately
left their nets and followed him." When God calls do we (or will we) immediately leave what we are doing to follow
Him?
Read more about St. Andrew in Scripture (he's the one who found the boy with loaves and fishes and the one who brought
Greeks to Jesus) and google to find out about the unique cross on which he is said to have been crucified, which forms the
basis of the Scottish flag. He is considered the patron saint of several countries.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The First Sunday in Advent"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and call his name Immanuel" Isaish 7:14 NKJ O come,
o come Emmanuel!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Forgiveness"...and forgive us our trespasses AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US." Am I in trouble? How
well do I truly forgive others. I want God to forgive me and not hold things over my head. Do I do that to my
fellow man? Do I forgive but keep a tally sheet for future reference? Or do I forgive and allow a new beginning?
Is my style of forgiveness the way I desire for God to forgive me? I don't mean becoming a pushover and a target for
those who would misuse me. I am not to enable others to keep on doing mischief. Setting limits can be an appropriate
kindness. But am I in trouble? How well do I truly forgive? Lord, help me to forgive others as you would
have me do.
1:58 pm est
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!Today in the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Each of us should celebrate Thanksgiving every day.
Not with turkey and pumpkin pie but with prayers of gratitude and praise for the blessings God has bestowed upon us.
A challenge: no matter what your station in life, morning and evening find three things for which to thank God.
They do not have to be major items. It can be a small as a smile someone gave you that raised your spirits. Try
having an "attitude of gratitude" and each day will be a celebration. God bless you!
9:33 am est
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
St. Catherine of AlexandriaToday is the feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Egypt. Born around 282 AD she was highly educated and a scholar.
She converted to Christianity and confronted Roman Emperor Maximinis regarding his persecution of Christians. According
to legend(not much historical literature is available) after she converted the emperor's wife and 200 of his soldiers
to Christianity, Maximinis was so enraged he had her put to death around the year 305. Google to find out what happened
when she was placed on a torture wheel. It is amazing how many Christians in the past 2000 years have chosen death rather
than recant their beliefs. Let us pray that Lord continues to strengthen the resolve of all those who follow Him.
2:42 pm est
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
St. Andrew Dung-Lac and CompanionsSt. Andrew was born a Buddhist in Viet Nam. Because of the kindness of Christian missionaries to his poor family he
converted and was eventually ordained a priest. However Christians in Viet Nam at that time were visciously persecuted
and he was beheaded in 1839 . He is one of 117 Christians who were martyred between 1820 and 1862 in Viet Nam (hence
"and companions"). Christians are still being persecuted throughout the world today. Let us remember
them all in our prayers.
10:47 am est
Monday, November 23, 2009
Feast of St. Clement the 1stToday is the feast day of one of the early church leaders - St. Clement. He was known to both St.Peter and St. Paul
and according to Tertullian he was ordained by St. Peter. Historically he is considered as Pope from 92 A.D.
to his death. He died a martyr but made great impact before his death around the year 100 A.D. Google to
find out more about this saint.
1:04 pm est
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Christ the King"...And behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and
they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations
and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away. And His kingdom
the one which shall not be destroyed." Daniel:7:13-14. NKJ
9:03 am est
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin MaryToday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the "Infancy Narrative of James"
St. Anne and St Joachim presented Mary to the temple at age three to fulfill a vow and consecrate her to God. This
day is celebrated in the Eastern Orthohdox as The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokus (God-bearer) into the Temple.
10:39 am est
Friday, November 20, 2009
Waiting..."Waiting until things are right in your life to go to church is like waiting until you are clean to take a shower"
God calls us to worship. Come as you are. He is waiting for you.
6:34 am est
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Daily DevotionsHaving daily devotions of Bible reading and prayer is like having a daily conversation with God. He speaks to you through
Scripture and you speak to Him through prayer.
6:13 am est
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
On this dateThis day is considered the anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome.
This is also the feast day for St. Rose Philippine Duchesne who came from France to Missouri and established the Society of
the Sacred Heart religious congregation in the U.S.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
St. Elizabeth of HungaryToday is the feast day of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a young queen known for her generosity who chose to be spiritually correct when
she could have easily lived a life of luxury. She understood "...inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of
these My brethren, you did it to Me" Matt. 25:40 NKJ.
7:37 am est
Monday, November 16, 2009
This is the day the Lord has madeIt is a beautiful gray day in Ashtabula County, a day that makes you appreciate sunshine, a day that allows you time to contemplate,
a day to be still and know that He is God.
3:51 pm est
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Feastday of St. Leo the GreatWe must be thankful, and show our thankfulness for what we have received, whether much or little. --St. Leo the Great
7:00 pm est
Friday, November 6, 2009
 Yesterday was November 5 -Feast of St. Elizabeth, cousin of Mary
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Today is All Saints Day and the concluding day of 40 Days for Life. 40 Days for Life is a national movement of fasting and prayer to end abortion. If you missed this year, you can fast and pray on any
day of the week or month you choose throughout the year. Pray to end abortion.
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Several years ago, David Parkes stared death in the face. A man with everything to live for:
a young family, star professional footballer, and standing on the brink of a promising pop music career, he was diagnosed
with severe Crohn's disease. Having endured ten major bowel operations, yet still in constant, debilitating pain, he was informed
by his medical team that there was nothing more they could do for him.
