A quote from Catherine McAuley:
The only return God asks of us is a return of love.
A humorous note, God spelled backwards is Dog. Funny how the only return either asks is a return of love. It isn't much, yet it is everything. Now I'm not comparing God to dogs, only noting that in this instance there is something similar.
God doesn't ask us to do heroic things, though if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to put our life on the line, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to give up all material goods, but if we love we will.
God doesn't ask us to sacrifice power, prestige and good name, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to dry the dishes, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to empty the dishwasher, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to take out the garbage, but if we love, we will.
None of this is about if we like it, if we will gain from it, if we will earn "point" for heaven. It's only about love. After all as St. John says,"...God is love..."
and if we love, then the return God asks is all.
How are you loving today?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Cheerful Things
A quote by Catherine McAuley:
I would like to tell you all the cheerful things that God
permits to fall my way.
So many little pieces of sayings go through my mind as I reflect upon this bit of quote. Catherine was a woman who said to have a "comfortable cup of tea when I am gone"... "dance every night"... certainly would be one who had a bit of cheerfulness in her life! Yet she was one who had some dark days, some scary days, some great days, sad days, happy days and some exasperating days. in other words, quite an ordinary woman.
I think it's a matter of attitude. How do we want to speak of our day-with all the things that go wrong, or not our way or of the happy things, the joyful things that are there side-by-side with those which are more trying? It's a matter of outlook. It's a matter of letting the joy of Christ fall not only on our hearts, but on our faces.
So let me tell you of the joys of today...sunshine...warmer temps in January... friends... beginning of a BPR... friendly greetings by strangers...a good lunch with the sisters at the table..invitation to visit a room...an e-mail from a friend...good conversation at dinner...some quiet time in the evening...plans, goals for tomorrow.... and so the list goes on....
What will your attitude be? May it be cheerful!
www.sistersofmercy.org
I would like to tell you all the cheerful things that God
permits to fall my way.
So many little pieces of sayings go through my mind as I reflect upon this bit of quote. Catherine was a woman who said to have a "comfortable cup of tea when I am gone"... "dance every night"... certainly would be one who had a bit of cheerfulness in her life! Yet she was one who had some dark days, some scary days, some great days, sad days, happy days and some exasperating days. in other words, quite an ordinary woman.
I think it's a matter of attitude. How do we want to speak of our day-with all the things that go wrong, or not our way or of the happy things, the joyful things that are there side-by-side with those which are more trying? It's a matter of outlook. It's a matter of letting the joy of Christ fall not only on our hearts, but on our faces.
So let me tell you of the joys of today...sunshine...warmer temps in January... friends... beginning of a BPR... friendly greetings by strangers...a good lunch with the sisters at the table..invitation to visit a room...an e-mail from a friend...good conversation at dinner...some quiet time in the evening...plans, goals for tomorrow.... and so the list goes on....
What will your attitude be? May it be cheerful!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, January 25, 2008
Grace Never Refused
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
If we become humble and sincere, God will finish in us the work He has begun.
He never refuses his grace to those who ask it.
Today I am remembering the 2nd anniversary of the death of my mother. About 10 days before her death my mother made a remark about the progression of her illness which went rather rapidly at the end. It was if she had been caught in mid-sentence and couldn't finish her life the way she wanted. She said," What a bummer!"
Although she wanted to do more in her life, she was resigned to the prospect of facing death-not that she wanted and she did fight it, but she did it with grace and dignity.
My mother was a humble person. She was sincere, she was glad to entertain in her home and enjoyed creating hospitality which always included some food. Even in her last days she saw that there was food for the family as we gathered to be with her. Somehow the grace she needed was there even in the last days.
That did not mean she did not struggle, she did not want to die. She would not sleep in the night lest she slip away. She would only rest when dawn came and all were awake around her.
In the last days when she could not stay awake we were with her around the clock and she felt our presence. She also had a great faith that was expressed in simply saying the rosary, so when she would get restless, we would simply start the rosary and though she could say the words much, it calmed her as she help her rosary in her hand.
Yes, if we are humble and sincere, God will be able to best finish the work begun in us and give us the grace to accept it or grow through it. May we all take stock of our life and see where we need to be more sincere (the great way to humility) and ask for the grace needed to become humble.
Mom, help me to become that which God is calling me to be. May your example be my guide.
www.sistersofmercy.org
If we become humble and sincere, God will finish in us the work He has begun.
He never refuses his grace to those who ask it.
Today I am remembering the 2nd anniversary of the death of my mother. About 10 days before her death my mother made a remark about the progression of her illness which went rather rapidly at the end. It was if she had been caught in mid-sentence and couldn't finish her life the way she wanted. She said," What a bummer!"
Although she wanted to do more in her life, she was resigned to the prospect of facing death-not that she wanted and she did fight it, but she did it with grace and dignity.
My mother was a humble person. She was sincere, she was glad to entertain in her home and enjoyed creating hospitality which always included some food. Even in her last days she saw that there was food for the family as we gathered to be with her. Somehow the grace she needed was there even in the last days.
That did not mean she did not struggle, she did not want to die. She would not sleep in the night lest she slip away. She would only rest when dawn came and all were awake around her.
In the last days when she could not stay awake we were with her around the clock and she felt our presence. She also had a great faith that was expressed in simply saying the rosary, so when she would get restless, we would simply start the rosary and though she could say the words much, it calmed her as she help her rosary in her hand.
Yes, if we are humble and sincere, God will be able to best finish the work begun in us and give us the grace to accept it or grow through it. May we all take stock of our life and see where we need to be more sincere (the great way to humility) and ask for the grace needed to become humble.
Mom, help me to become that which God is calling me to be. May your example be my guide.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A step Toward Eternity
A quote from Catherine McAuley;
Each day is a step which we take towards eternity.
I guess we can't argue with that! But what is the quality of each step we take? Where do we want to be in our quest for God when the last step we take on earth is the first step into eternity? I think these are the bigger questions.
I was reading an ad today for a magazine about the first steps to get started on the path to return to the present moment. They were called the four reminders and written by Pema Chodron.
1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of life. Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools.
2.Be aware of the reality that life ends: death comes for everyone. Life is very brief...live your life as if you actually had only a day left...
3/ Recall that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, has a result, what comes around goes around.
4. Contemplate that as long as you are too focused on self-importance and too caught up in thinking about how you are good or bad, you will suffer. Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you do not want, does not result in happiness.
Actually there is a name for all of this-detachment or holy indifference. So live your life today as if it is your first...or,... as if it is your last.....
www.sistersofmercy.org
Each day is a step which we take towards eternity.
I guess we can't argue with that! But what is the quality of each step we take? Where do we want to be in our quest for God when the last step we take on earth is the first step into eternity? I think these are the bigger questions.
I was reading an ad today for a magazine about the first steps to get started on the path to return to the present moment. They were called the four reminders and written by Pema Chodron.
1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of life. Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools.
2.Be aware of the reality that life ends: death comes for everyone. Life is very brief...live your life as if you actually had only a day left...
3/ Recall that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, has a result, what comes around goes around.
4. Contemplate that as long as you are too focused on self-importance and too caught up in thinking about how you are good or bad, you will suffer. Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you do not want, does not result in happiness.
Actually there is a name for all of this-detachment or holy indifference. So live your life today as if it is your first...or,... as if it is your last.....
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, January 18, 2008
Take Short Careful Steps
A quote from Catherine for today:
We should hope to get on
taking short careful steps,
not great strides.
It's Friday. I'm tired. I went to an event last night, a Mass, a bishop, Knights of Columbus, lots of people and my table of vocation wares...Home late and up early. This could be a long grueling day.
But Catherine reminds us to take short careful steps... that's what I shall do. break my day into steps and complete each of them with my best. Then the long stride of the day will not be looming.
Although she was probably talking about our spiritual life, this quote has a great deal of meaning for all that we do. How like her to leave us something we can use in our stress-filled world as well! One practical woman!
For us today, let us look at breaking down the seemingly insurmountable tasks into steps. We shall have much more peace and serenity amid out daily labors and we can also take time then to realize that God is in the middle of all of this and will be walking besides us. Reminds me of the 'Footprints" story of one set of footprints when God was doing the carrying,
A nice thought for a Friday! Today is also the beginning of Christan Unity Week. Again small steps will hep us to "get on" or get along with each other. blessings!
www.sistersofmercy.org
We should hope to get on
taking short careful steps,
not great strides.
It's Friday. I'm tired. I went to an event last night, a Mass, a bishop, Knights of Columbus, lots of people and my table of vocation wares...Home late and up early. This could be a long grueling day.
But Catherine reminds us to take short careful steps... that's what I shall do. break my day into steps and complete each of them with my best. Then the long stride of the day will not be looming.
Although she was probably talking about our spiritual life, this quote has a great deal of meaning for all that we do. How like her to leave us something we can use in our stress-filled world as well! One practical woman!
For us today, let us look at breaking down the seemingly insurmountable tasks into steps. We shall have much more peace and serenity amid out daily labors and we can also take time then to realize that God is in the middle of all of this and will be walking besides us. Reminds me of the 'Footprints" story of one set of footprints when God was doing the carrying,
A nice thought for a Friday! Today is also the beginning of Christan Unity Week. Again small steps will hep us to "get on" or get along with each other. blessings!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sight of the Poor
Today's quote comes from Frances Warde, American founder of the Sisters of Mercy and protege of Catherine McAuley:
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion.
This past year we had a homeless man die in one of our neighboring cities. He had been refused admittance tot a shelter because of his inebriated state. For the good of the people already there, it was a wise move, but for him it was not. He died of exposure to the elements.
One could argue the pros and cons of the situation. Nevertheless it was a situation, one that did not sit well with a lot of folks both pro and con. In the aftermath of it all, there were policies that were reviewed and s smaller shelter was opened for those who would be a danger in the regular shelter.
What was more interesting was the response by the homeless veterans. This man had been a veteran, too. They rallied and came together to support one another even in their homelessness. It was heartening to see.
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion, despite whatever we may be thinking of being taken advantage of, being pushed out of our comfort zone, of being inconvenienced. Catherine McAuley said it was better to feed one hundred impostors than to leave one person go hungry. It was Frances Warde's philosophy as well...and should be ours.
Today if you see someone who is poor, do something, anything, just do it!
www.sistersofmercy.org
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion.
This past year we had a homeless man die in one of our neighboring cities. He had been refused admittance tot a shelter because of his inebriated state. For the good of the people already there, it was a wise move, but for him it was not. He died of exposure to the elements.
One could argue the pros and cons of the situation. Nevertheless it was a situation, one that did not sit well with a lot of folks both pro and con. In the aftermath of it all, there were policies that were reviewed and s smaller shelter was opened for those who would be a danger in the regular shelter.
What was more interesting was the response by the homeless veterans. This man had been a veteran, too. They rallied and came together to support one another even in their homelessness. It was heartening to see.
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion, despite whatever we may be thinking of being taken advantage of, being pushed out of our comfort zone, of being inconvenienced. Catherine McAuley said it was better to feed one hundred impostors than to leave one person go hungry. It was Frances Warde's philosophy as well...and should be ours.
Today if you see someone who is poor, do something, anything, just do it!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Time is Short
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
Do all you can for God because time is short.
We seem to think that the future will stretch out forever. We don't want to look at our mortality and yet, Catherine brings us short. Stop! We need to be more intense in what we do. Time is short. Time is fleeting and not all that can be done for the poor is finished!
"Do all you can for God..." Time is not in our hands. Time is in God's hands. What are we doing for God? Are we doing for ourselves or for God? What is pleasing to God? This takes some time to pray, some quiet, some reflection time and time away from the busy day to really hear what God wants. And even at that, we don't always know for sure.
Thomas Merton in his famous prayer said something like this... I don't know if what I am doing is pleasing to God. I don't even know if I'm on the right path, but I believe that my desire to please God is in fact, pleasing to God.
Time is measured differently in God time and human time. A minute is nothing to God as is a year or a century... and yet a millisecond is a piece of eternity. Time is so much larger and yet so much smaller with God. So time is short. We have little time to do the things and be the person God wants and needs in the world.
We are the only you or I that will ever be. there will be no one in another age or time to replace us. Time is short to be who we are called to be.
And the poor...if we are not doing our part, however small (or large) to alleviate suffering, then we have failed. in our call to Mercy, to Christian (or Buddhist or Islamic or Jewish...) life.
Do all you can today...that is enough. Then tomorrow do all you can again...because time is short.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Do all you can for God because time is short.
We seem to think that the future will stretch out forever. We don't want to look at our mortality and yet, Catherine brings us short. Stop! We need to be more intense in what we do. Time is short. Time is fleeting and not all that can be done for the poor is finished!
"Do all you can for God..." Time is not in our hands. Time is in God's hands. What are we doing for God? Are we doing for ourselves or for God? What is pleasing to God? This takes some time to pray, some quiet, some reflection time and time away from the busy day to really hear what God wants. And even at that, we don't always know for sure.
Thomas Merton in his famous prayer said something like this... I don't know if what I am doing is pleasing to God. I don't even know if I'm on the right path, but I believe that my desire to please God is in fact, pleasing to God.
Time is measured differently in God time and human time. A minute is nothing to God as is a year or a century... and yet a millisecond is a piece of eternity. Time is so much larger and yet so much smaller with God. So time is short. We have little time to do the things and be the person God wants and needs in the world.
We are the only you or I that will ever be. there will be no one in another age or time to replace us. Time is short to be who we are called to be.
And the poor...if we are not doing our part, however small (or large) to alleviate suffering, then we have failed. in our call to Mercy, to Christian (or Buddhist or Islamic or Jewish...) life.
Do all you can today...that is enough. Then tomorrow do all you can again...because time is short.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Bestowing Blessings
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
God doesn't bestow all his choice blessings on one person.
Jesus did not give Peter what he gave to Paul
nor to either what he gave to John.
At the beginning of a school year, especially when teaching middle grades I make it very clear that I do not treat my students equally. With that there are many groans and complaints. I know they are coming, they always do.
After letting the students vent a bit, I share my philosophy. To treat everyone equally means there would be no exceptions. If we take a test and the student is absent, then the student gets 0% for that day.
Of course the first thing they would say is , "That's not fair!" I reply that of course it's not fair, but it's equal. Then it dawns on them that there might be a difference. One of the first lessons of life that they have already experienced, but have never named.
We go on to look at several examples of equal vs. fairness. They see it in their families. If it were equal, all children would go to bed at 8 PM, not just the four year old. And so forth...
God doesn't treat us equally. God treats us fairly. What gifts we have are given for the good of all, but used by some better than others. We are all part of the one body, but all of us is not the eye...
God has given you a choice blessing. It is up to you to figure it out and use it for the honor and glory of God, not hide it, not begrudge someone else their blessing or gift.
This last weekend I was at a discernment weekend for leadership. All those present were called to leadership, but not all will have the choice blessing of being the leaders. Out of the 48 there, only 6 can be elected. Some will drop out, knowing that their call to leadership is not the call necessary for this particular leadership...not that they are not able, but they are not called in this way.
So what choice blessings are you given? What is your gift to share? Where is God calling you? Some things to ponder today.
www.sistersofmercy.org
God doesn't bestow all his choice blessings on one person.
Jesus did not give Peter what he gave to Paul
nor to either what he gave to John.
At the beginning of a school year, especially when teaching middle grades I make it very clear that I do not treat my students equally. With that there are many groans and complaints. I know they are coming, they always do.
After letting the students vent a bit, I share my philosophy. To treat everyone equally means there would be no exceptions. If we take a test and the student is absent, then the student gets 0% for that day.
Of course the first thing they would say is , "That's not fair!" I reply that of course it's not fair, but it's equal. Then it dawns on them that there might be a difference. One of the first lessons of life that they have already experienced, but have never named.
We go on to look at several examples of equal vs. fairness. They see it in their families. If it were equal, all children would go to bed at 8 PM, not just the four year old. And so forth...
God doesn't treat us equally. God treats us fairly. What gifts we have are given for the good of all, but used by some better than others. We are all part of the one body, but all of us is not the eye...
God has given you a choice blessing. It is up to you to figure it out and use it for the honor and glory of God, not hide it, not begrudge someone else their blessing or gift.
This last weekend I was at a discernment weekend for leadership. All those present were called to leadership, but not all will have the choice blessing of being the leaders. Out of the 48 there, only 6 can be elected. Some will drop out, knowing that their call to leadership is not the call necessary for this particular leadership...not that they are not able, but they are not called in this way.
So what choice blessings are you given? What is your gift to share? Where is God calling you? Some things to ponder today.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, January 14, 2008
Never Enough
A quote from Catherine;
We can never say it is enough.
"We will rest when we get to heaven...", "Pour out yourself like a libation of love", "Empty yourself and don't look back..." these are of the spirituality of the days of Catherine McAuley. Those who have been in religious life a number of years also heard similar idioms or others like
"Idle hands are the devil's handiwork"," A little work never hurt anyone"," Give and then give some more."
In some ways this is still true today, but mostly these ideals fostered today what we call workaholics . It is true , we can never say it is enough. It will never be perfect. We will never be perfect. We always need to strive as Catherine also said, "Resolve to be good today and better tomorrow." This life of ours is to lead to perfection in God's eyes...not in the world's eyes. In God's eyes doing your best with what you have is far greater than being the best in the corporate world.
Doing your best also means to know when to stop and rest for tomorrow is another day in which we celebrate God's love for us. So it is never enough because there is always tomorrow with its own striving. Today let us recognize when it is enough and then rest. Let us also recognize when it is not enough and get moving to strive toward God who calls us into being and into perfection.
I got in from a long air flight crossing 4 times zones at 2 AM this morning. I pondered whether to come to work at 8. I decided to sleep in so that I could be my best for as long as possible today. It is nearing 3 PM. I am feeling the effect of the time zones plus later travel. I know I cannot work much longer and be my best. My work will be there tomorrow. It is time for me to say, "It is enough." Tomorrow will be a better day. Listen to your heart and ponder...
www.sistersofmercy.org
We can never say it is enough.
"We will rest when we get to heaven...", "Pour out yourself like a libation of love", "Empty yourself and don't look back..." these are of the spirituality of the days of Catherine McAuley. Those who have been in religious life a number of years also heard similar idioms or others like
"Idle hands are the devil's handiwork"," A little work never hurt anyone"," Give and then give some more."
In some ways this is still true today, but mostly these ideals fostered today what we call workaholics . It is true , we can never say it is enough. It will never be perfect. We will never be perfect. We always need to strive as Catherine also said, "Resolve to be good today and better tomorrow." This life of ours is to lead to perfection in God's eyes...not in the world's eyes. In God's eyes doing your best with what you have is far greater than being the best in the corporate world.
Doing your best also means to know when to stop and rest for tomorrow is another day in which we celebrate God's love for us. So it is never enough because there is always tomorrow with its own striving. Today let us recognize when it is enough and then rest. Let us also recognize when it is not enough and get moving to strive toward God who calls us into being and into perfection.
I got in from a long air flight crossing 4 times zones at 2 AM this morning. I pondered whether to come to work at 8. I decided to sleep in so that I could be my best for as long as possible today. It is nearing 3 PM. I am feeling the effect of the time zones plus later travel. I know I cannot work much longer and be my best. My work will be there tomorrow. It is time for me to say, "It is enough." Tomorrow will be a better day. Listen to your heart and ponder...
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, January 10, 2008
God makes allthings Turn to the Best
Catherine's quote for today:
We should never falter in our confidence that
God makes all things turn to the best.
Yesterday I was working with one of our elders on some paperwork that we needed to be have done. Part of it was the advanced directives for health care and funeral arrangements. It was very hard for her to do. The experience was difficult for me as well. One of the things I assured her was that she was to make the decisions; that I was merely the scribe. When it came to signing her name. she could not do it well and she burst into tears. I assured her that it was fine and in the end, though a hard time for both of us, there was peace.
As we go through life, there are hard decisions and decision we have to make with no guarantee that they are right. God helps us in that. If we look for the blessings even in the hard stuff, we will see and experience the hand of God, guiding us, despite our poor choices. Oftentimes we hear it said that if the decision we made not been poor we would not have found this good part.
I think of a woman who becomes pregnant without necessarily wanting to. The result is this wonderful person, this child, that could not have been there without that choice. It doesn't make the choice good, but God can work good out of poor choices. So let us never falter in our confidence that God is there and God can make all things turn out to the good.
www.sistersofmercy.org
We should never falter in our confidence that
God makes all things turn to the best.
Yesterday I was working with one of our elders on some paperwork that we needed to be have done. Part of it was the advanced directives for health care and funeral arrangements. It was very hard for her to do. The experience was difficult for me as well. One of the things I assured her was that she was to make the decisions; that I was merely the scribe. When it came to signing her name. she could not do it well and she burst into tears. I assured her that it was fine and in the end, though a hard time for both of us, there was peace.
As we go through life, there are hard decisions and decision we have to make with no guarantee that they are right. God helps us in that. If we look for the blessings even in the hard stuff, we will see and experience the hand of God, guiding us, despite our poor choices. Oftentimes we hear it said that if the decision we made not been poor we would not have found this good part.
I think of a woman who becomes pregnant without necessarily wanting to. The result is this wonderful person, this child, that could not have been there without that choice. It doesn't make the choice good, but God can work good out of poor choices. So let us never falter in our confidence that God is there and God can make all things turn out to the good.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Impatience
Quote of the Day from Catherine McAuley:
Keep away from your mind all impatience.
In her time there had to be may times when she was impatient. I think of the harshness of travel, the lack of cooperation from one of the priests, the slowness of one of the first sister artists, then inability of one of the superiors of one of her foundations to make decisions and the time it took for her novitiate.
Yet, she worked diligently to have patience.
Sometime in our instant world we lack that fine art of patience. We have such things as road rage, rudeness, inability to see the needs of others and the list goes on...
Today, I will work on patience. I will pause.. and reflect.... someone once said to put things in perspective...would it matter 100 years from now? ten years? Why get all bothered then, today? Patience...a rare virtue much in need today!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Keep away from your mind all impatience.
In her time there had to be may times when she was impatient. I think of the harshness of travel, the lack of cooperation from one of the priests, the slowness of one of the first sister artists, then inability of one of the superiors of one of her foundations to make decisions and the time it took for her novitiate.
Yet, she worked diligently to have patience.
Sometime in our instant world we lack that fine art of patience. We have such things as road rage, rudeness, inability to see the needs of others and the list goes on...
Today, I will work on patience. I will pause.. and reflect.... someone once said to put things in perspective...would it matter 100 years from now? ten years? Why get all bothered then, today? Patience...a rare virtue much in need today!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Not in Great Distress
Special quote today from Ursula Frayne RSM-Australian Foundress
We are not in great distress; our means are scanty, but our wants are few.
We, in our consumer world today may not be able to relate to this quote today, and yet it is still an appropriate one for us. There are so many people especially women and children who are starving in this world. Here in the US, those below the poverty line are mostly women and children. Homes headed by a single parent are mostly headed by a mom.
How do they do it? Could you do it? Could I do it? It would be good for us to take some time and reflect on our wants and needs and see where we could live more simply.
Is there a certain day of the week that you could resolve that you will not spend any money. Is there a week of the month when you will not use your credit card or write a check? Could you go longer than a week before going to the grocery store? What if you could just eat from you stored canned goods for a week?
This is also a good time of year to start culling things from your closet. What do you no longer wear? What could be given away? What about all that other stuff we collect? Is there something we could eliminate in our home or room or apt.?
Something I read this morning said that that to live simply is freeing and leads to wisdom. Maybe today I shall start on the road of wisdom by beginning to live more simply. How about you?
http://www.sistersofmercy.org
We are not in great distress; our means are scanty, but our wants are few.
We, in our consumer world today may not be able to relate to this quote today, and yet it is still an appropriate one for us. There are so many people especially women and children who are starving in this world. Here in the US, those below the poverty line are mostly women and children. Homes headed by a single parent are mostly headed by a mom.
How do they do it? Could you do it? Could I do it? It would be good for us to take some time and reflect on our wants and needs and see where we could live more simply.
Is there a certain day of the week that you could resolve that you will not spend any money. Is there a week of the month when you will not use your credit card or write a check? Could you go longer than a week before going to the grocery store? What if you could just eat from you stored canned goods for a week?
This is also a good time of year to start culling things from your closet. What do you no longer wear? What could be given away? What about all that other stuff we collect? Is there something we could eliminate in our home or room or apt.?
Something I read this morning said that that to live simply is freeing and leads to wisdom. Maybe today I shall start on the road of wisdom by beginning to live more simply. How about you?
http://www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, January 7, 2008
Small Gift
Catherine's quote of the day:
No matter how small the gift, God gives the increase.
As a former teacher, I received many gifts over the years at Christmas time. Some were small and some were large. Many were not all that practical, but they were a reminder of the appreciation from a parent of the precious job I had in teaching his/her child to read and to be able to function in a literate world.
The most treasured gifts are the ones which came from the child. I have gingerbread ornaments, hand made, a tiny skier cut from a tin can, a bell made from an upside down tiny pot with a ribbon and clove scented clabber. These I have, so precious and so delicate. These are ones I saved.
No matter how small the gift, it's love (God) which gives the increase. These mean more to me than the Hallmark, dated fancy ornaments, and these are what I put out each year.
Look at what you treasure. Is it not the thing someone has given you that has no monetary value, but has emotional value that cannot be measured? Today look around you and see the treasures in your room or your home and reflect again upon the person and the reason you still have it. How does God speak to you through this?
www.sistersofmercy.org
No matter how small the gift, God gives the increase.
As a former teacher, I received many gifts over the years at Christmas time. Some were small and some were large. Many were not all that practical, but they were a reminder of the appreciation from a parent of the precious job I had in teaching his/her child to read and to be able to function in a literate world.
The most treasured gifts are the ones which came from the child. I have gingerbread ornaments, hand made, a tiny skier cut from a tin can, a bell made from an upside down tiny pot with a ribbon and clove scented clabber. These I have, so precious and so delicate. These are ones I saved.
No matter how small the gift, it's love (God) which gives the increase. These mean more to me than the Hallmark, dated fancy ornaments, and these are what I put out each year.
Look at what you treasure. Is it not the thing someone has given you that has no monetary value, but has emotional value that cannot be measured? Today look around you and see the treasures in your room or your home and reflect again upon the person and the reason you still have it. How does God speak to you through this?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, January 4, 2008
Tenderness
Catherine's quote of the day:
Great tenderness in all things.
Today is a sunny day in the midst winter. It makes me want to go outside and do something-like cross country ski. What a day to do so. Instead, I shall work in my office and see about the things I need to do.
This quote comes at a good time. How do I talk to one of my sisters about how loud her radio is in her room and how it prevents me from sleeping at night? How do I handle a tough decision we need to make later this morning in a conference call? How do I work with one of my inquirers who is looking at Mercy?
"Great tenderness in all things" It is sitting right here in my desk, this quote of the day, and it shall be my mantra for the rest of the day... "Great tenderness in all things..."
May you continue your day and your tomorrow with "great tenderness in all things."
www.sistersofmercy.org
Great tenderness in all things.
Today is a sunny day in the midst winter. It makes me want to go outside and do something-like cross country ski. What a day to do so. Instead, I shall work in my office and see about the things I need to do.
This quote comes at a good time. How do I talk to one of my sisters about how loud her radio is in her room and how it prevents me from sleeping at night? How do I handle a tough decision we need to make later this morning in a conference call? How do I work with one of my inquirers who is looking at Mercy?
"Great tenderness in all things" It is sitting right here in my desk, this quote of the day, and it shall be my mantra for the rest of the day... "Great tenderness in all things..."
May you continue your day and your tomorrow with "great tenderness in all things."
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Confidence in God
A quote from Catherine;
Put your whole confidence in God;
He will never let you want.
Confidence in God....It is just what I need today! How will I get everything done! What about this report I have to do? The agenda for the meeting tomorrow? Set up the conference call?
I have a program scheduled in two weeks and I don't have the materials ready for the printers. The power point needs to be done soon and i have four plane trips to take care of scheduling on both ends...
Confidence in God... Confidence in God...
Will it get done? Will I have the time? I know with God, I will have the time, and it will be done. If I do it only on my own I will be stressed, forget details and not be the best person I can be. With God I can do what needs to be done.
With God's help I will not want, I will not fear, I will not stress, I will not procrastinate! I shall be on top of it as it is needed.
I resolve today to stop worrying, place my confidence in God and then get going!
What about you? What stresses do you have? Are you placing your confidence in God?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Put your whole confidence in God;
He will never let you want.
Confidence in God....It is just what I need today! How will I get everything done! What about this report I have to do? The agenda for the meeting tomorrow? Set up the conference call?
I have a program scheduled in two weeks and I don't have the materials ready for the printers. The power point needs to be done soon and i have four plane trips to take care of scheduling on both ends...
Confidence in God... Confidence in God...
Will it get done? Will I have the time? I know with God, I will have the time, and it will be done. If I do it only on my own I will be stressed, forget details and not be the best person I can be. With God I can do what needs to be done.
With God's help I will not want, I will not fear, I will not stress, I will not procrastinate! I shall be on top of it as it is needed.
I resolve today to stop worrying, place my confidence in God and then get going!
What about you? What stresses do you have? Are you placing your confidence in God?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Enter on the Ways of God
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
You should now enter on the ways of God.
What a perfect quote for the New Year! and, how IMPOSSIBLE it will be to follow through perfectly! Yet that is what we are called to do as we grow in our life with God.
How do we enter those ways? How can we succeed? How can we maintain? I think there is another quote we often see that answers these questions: "Just do it!" We have to start. Just getting started is a big step. We have to travel on journey the road. Like a road, it is up and down, swervy, narrow, wide, full of traffic and even at times, lonely stretches.
Entering the road, is the first step. It's the hardest. Just getting started... May you be blessed in your journey...Travel well!
www.sistersofmercy.org
You should now enter on the ways of God.
What a perfect quote for the New Year! and, how IMPOSSIBLE it will be to follow through perfectly! Yet that is what we are called to do as we grow in our life with God.
How do we enter those ways? How can we succeed? How can we maintain? I think there is another quote we often see that answers these questions: "Just do it!" We have to start. Just getting started is a big step. We have to travel on journey the road. Like a road, it is up and down, swervy, narrow, wide, full of traffic and even at times, lonely stretches.
Entering the road, is the first step. It's the hardest. Just getting started... May you be blessed in your journey...Travel well!
www.sistersofmercy.org
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