Scripture
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth."
(1Cor 3:6)
Reflection
"We must work as if success depended upon us alone.
At the same time, we must be wholeheartedly convinced that we are doing nothing; it is God Who is doing everything."
- St. Ignatius Loyola
Prayer
All-powerful God, let me realize that no matter what I do, it is only through You that I do it. Help me to work as if all depended on me and pray as if all depended on You.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Monday, July 31, 2006
Minute Meditations - July 31
Saturday, July 29, 2006
I'm back
Been to a principal's adacemy all week and haven't had any time to blog. But I'm back for now.
Friday, July 21, 2006
From My An Inbox: 101%
Actually, I did not receive this, but I read it here at Viam Pacis who did receive it in his inbox. I did change it a bit
What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE
Image Source
than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%.
How about achieving 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If we assign a number to each letter in the alphabet like this:
A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=10, K=11, L=12, M=13, N=14, O=15, P=16, Q=17, R=18, S=19, T=20, U=21, V=22, W=23, X=24, Y=25, and Z=26
Then let's look at what the following "equation" gives us:
If,
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
Then,
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close.
Attitude will get you there.
But, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
Who said God isn't in math?
Tags: From My Inbox
Minute Meditations - July 21
Scripture
"In accord with Scipture, Christ did not please himself."
(Romans 15:3)
Reflection
The greatest gift that we can receive from God in the present world is this:
To know how, to desire, and to be able to conquer self by renouncing our own will."
- St. Francis of Assisi
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me how to discern Your will, how to follow it, and how to make it my own in all things. For in this lies true happiness both in this world and in the next.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Minute Meditations - July 20
Scripture
"Receive my instruction in preferance to silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold."
(Proverbs 8:10)
Reflection
"Read attentively the book of purity that is Mary, written entirely by the finger of God.
Read holiness, the love, the kindness, the humility - in short, read the vast fullness of all the virtues."
- St. Thomas of Villanova
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to learn from Your holy Mother how to lead a Christian life. Let me strive to imitate the virtues she exhibited, for she was Your imitator on earth.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Minute Meditations - July 19
Scripture
"O Lord, you have probed me, you know me."
(Psalms 139:1)
Reflection
"Our true worth does not consist in what human beings think of us.
Waht we really are consists in what God knows us to be."
- St. John Berchmans
Prayer
All-kowing God, let me strive always to see myself as You see me rather than as others do. Grant that, with Your help, I may grow into the person that You want me to be for eternity.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Free Book - Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way
I recently picked up three copies of JPII's book, Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way from (of all places) the Dollar store. I am reading one, have given one to my mom and have an extra copy if anyone wants it. Just leave me a comment or email me (dcnorton[at]gmail[dot]com) and I'll put it in the mail for you. I'll even pay the shipping.
Minute Meditations - July 18
Scripture
"Owe no one anything except to love one another."
(Romans 13:8)
Reflection
"It is a fact that people are always well aware of what is due them.
Unfortunately, they remain oblivious of what they owe to others."
- St. Francis de Sales
Prayer
Lord Jesus, let me not be so concerned with what others owe me. Help me to give to everyone what I owe them - especially the debt of love that You asked of us.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Music That Matters - You Shine (Adoration)
In keeping with this week's themm of adoration prayer, I offer you the following reflection from Music Chick:...these ideas that seem paradoxical -- the great darkness that signifies greater light, the hurting that causes greater healing -- that I begin to get some sense of the mystery that is God. To me, the apparent paradox is not really a paradox, but our lack of ability to articulate a reality that cannot be expressed in words.
[This] refers to the great light of God, which brings me to You Shine sung by the Women of Faith team (lyrics below). Let me explain just a little – Women of Faith is an annual conference and apparently they recorded their worship sessions from one of their conferences and have sold it. I got this “by accident” through a music club, but I am glad that I have it as it has exposed me to a lot of worship music. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” This verse is reflected in this song, and reminds me again of the wondrous power of God, who has conquered all of our problems even before we experience them.
You Shine (click to listen)
Women of Faith
Album - Extraordinary Faith
Why should I feel mad,
When You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid,
When You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart,
When I know how great you are?
Why should I give up,
When Your plans are full of love?
In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
Why should I feel mad,
When You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid,
When You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart,
When I know how great You are?
Why should I give up,
When Your plans are full of love?
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You have overcome the world...!
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
You---- Shine----,(oh Lord! oh Lord give us courage,
give us courage and strength, to follow you!)
You---- Shine----! (to the ends of the earth! oh Lord! oh Lord!
We're gonna follow, we're gonna follow You!)
Lord Hear Our Prayer...
I pray for these things, Lord:
... We pray to the Lord.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Music That Matters - Indescribable (Adoration)
Recently, Father Jim mentioned in one of his homilies the four kinds of prayer; ACTS (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). In cooperation with Music Chick, I am going to offer you songs and reflections throughout the next four weeks. Each week will carry a prayer theme. This week I'll begin with Adoration.
The following song by Chris Tomlin captures very well the feeling I have when I am adoring God. The sheer concept of who God is and what He does...sometimes I just have to praise and honor Him because I have no words to explain His awesomeness.
Indescribable (click to listen)
Chris Tomlin
Album - Arriving
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Tags: Music That Matters
Minute Meditations - July 17
Scripture
"Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. For I know my offense; my sin is always before me"
(Psalms 51:4-5)
Reflection
"Confession has been called the gate of heaven.
Through this gate the penitents are led to kiss the feet of the Divine Mercy. And they rise filled with heavenly grace."
- St. Anthony of Padua
Prayer
Merciful God, let me make frequent use of the wonderful Sacrament of forgiveness You have given us. Grant that my sins may be pardoned and I may grow in Your grace.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Saint of the Day: Henry II
Today is the feast day of St. Henry II, my grandfather's patron saint.
My "Papa" as we called him, was the father of five boys, my father being the oldest. He and "Nana" were wonderful people who loved their children and adored their grandchildren. He was the daily caregiver to "Nana" who suffered from a debilitating arthritic condition which limited her movement and I know was a strain on him, though he never let on. I have very fond memories of "Papa" and know he is looking down on us, smiling.
From The Catholic Community Forum, a little on Henry II:Son of Gisella of Burgundy and Henry II the Quarrelsome, Duke of Bavaria. Educated at the cathedral school in Hildesheim by bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg. Became Duke of Bavaria himself in 995 upon his father's death, which ended his thoughts of becoming a priest. Ascended to the throne of Germany in 1002. Crowned King of Pavia on 15 May 1004. Married Saint Cunegunda, but was never a father. Some sources claim the two lived chastely, but there is no proof of this.
Henry's brother rebelled against his power, and Henry was forced to defeat him on the battlefield, but later forgave him, and the two reconciled. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1014 by Pope Benedict VIII; he was the last of the Saxon dynasty of emperors. Founded schools, quelled rebellions, protected the frontiers, worked to establish a stable peace in Europe, and to reform the Church while respecting its independence. Fostered missions, and established Bamberg as a center for missions to Slavic countries. Started the construction of the cathedral at Basel, Switzerland; it took nearly 400 years to complete. Both Henry and Saint Cunegunda were prayerful people, and generous to the poor.
At one point he was cured of an unnamed illness by the touch of Saint Benedict at Monte Cassino. He became somewhat lame in his later years. Widower. Following Cunegunda's death, he considered becoming a monk, but the abbot of Saint-Vanne at Verdun refused his application, and told him to keep his place in the world where he could do much good for people and the advancement of God's kingdom.
From My Inbox: Just a Breath Away
by Marilyn Ferguson
Look for me in springtime
as raindrops fill the air...
In the splendor of the rainbow,
you'll find my presence there.
You will find me in the fragrance
of April's sweet perfume;
Drifting through the clover,
on a sultry day in June.
An August day will find me
upon the summer breeze...
On the distant sound of the thunder,
in the gently swaying trees.
In the golden fields of harvest,
is where I can be found;
As autumn time approaches
and leaves comes tumbling down.
In the wintertime when days are short
and chill is in the air...
Just look into a moonlit night,
you'll find me lingering there.
When the setting sun has gone away
and shadows fill the night;
When the cloak of darkness lifts its veil,
I'll be your morning light.
So when you feel discouraged,
get on your knees and pray;
You'll feel me there beside you...
I'm just a breath away.
Tags: From My Inbox
Minute Meditations - July 13
Scripture
"Man does not live by bread alone, but by the every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."
(Matthew 4:4)
Reflection
"Meditate daily on the words of Your Creator.
Learn the Heart of God in the words of God, that your soul may be enkindles with greater longings for heavenly joys."
- St. Gregory the Great
Prayer
Heavenly Father, inspire me to meditate on Your holy words every day. Let them confer on me consolation for my past life, strength for my present life, and hope for my future life with You in heaven.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Monday, July 10, 2006
Help Wanted: Campus Minister/Liturgical Director
I am sad to report that Dennis Cornell, our Director of Liturgical and Collegiate Ministries will be leaving our St. Mark parish. I wish Dennis and his family all the best and God's blessings for the future.
Though I think his shoes will be hard to fill, Father Jim is accepting applications to bring someone else in.
There two ways an applicant can get more information or send his/her qualifications to the parish:
Please direct all correspondence regarding this position to the St. Mark Church office.
From My Inbox: A Mother's Question
A mother asked President Bush,
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"
Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"
Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?
Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"
Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"
Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"
And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"
Then long, long ago, a mother asked...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"
The answers to all these are similar --
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom."
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS,
PLEASE, FEEL FREE...TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM !!!
Tags: From My Inbox
Minute Meditations - July 10
Scripture
"But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."
(Matthew 5:22)
Reflection
"The sin of anger-impatience has a unique aspect.
It presents us with the greatest foretaste of hell in this life."
- St. Catherine of Siena
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to curb my anger no matter what the circumstances. Teach me to remain calm and to strive to return good for evil in all inflammatory situations.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Sunday, July 9, 2006
World Cup Winners - Italy Wins the Final!!
click on pic to enlarge
UPDATE:UPDATE 7/9/06 19:00 - Italy won the final match with a sweet victory over France. The game was very well played in the first half, with both teams giving 110% and very little fouls. It went into overtime and in the 111th minute, France's Zidane - one of the captains of the French team and supposedly one of the "greatest players of all time" and whose career was to end at the end of this tournament - was ejected from the game because he head-butted Italy's Materazzi in the chest in an off-ball foul (a really blatent and unnecessary show of unsportsmanlike behavior). It was to be the deciding factor in France's defeat. With Zidane out during penalty kicks, Italy scored all five and denied France their second. With Zidane in the penalty kick lineup, who knows what might have happened?
UPDATE:UPDATE 7/8/06 21:00 - Germany beat Portugal 3-1 to give them the 3rd place slot.
UPDATE:UPDATE 7/1/06 19:40 - Well, looks like I was way off base for today's matches. Portugal beat England after 30 minutes of overtime in pentalty shots. England's Beckam was injured shortly into the 2nd half, and Rooney was sent out for stepping on a Portugal's player's groin.
Brazil succommed to France in a match I was unable to watch. Needless to say (but I'm gonna anyway) I was really surprised with France advancing.
This shakes my predictions up a bit.
I'll be bringing this page to the top as the teams advance. I'll also show where I went
OK. The US got trounced by Ghana and sent home. Then I rooted for the Swedes who got smacked around by the Brits and left for the fjord. My last option is to cheer on the "home team" or at least the team hosting this year's World Cup, Germany.
Here are my picks for the remaining games:
Last Round of 16
Brazil destroys Ghana in Match 55
Update: Brazil 3 - Ghana 0
Update: Spain 1 - France 3
Quarter-Finals
Germany blitzes Argentina in Match 57
Update: Germany 4 - Argentina 2 in OT w/ penalty kicks!
Italy is victorious over the Ukraine in Match 58
Update: Italy 3 - 0 Ukraine
Update: England 1 - Portugal 3 in OT w/ penalty kicks!
Update: Brazil 0 - France 1
Semi-Finals
Update: Italy 2 - Germany 0 - In overtime! A well deserved victory!!
Update: Portugal 0 - 1 France, ugh!
Final
Update: Italy 6 - France 4 in OT and PSO!
Any discussion out there?
From My Inbox: The Potter and the Clay
The Potter And The Clay
By Tom Larson
But who indeed are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Will what is made say to its maker,"Why have you created me so?"
Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for a noble purpose and another for an ignoble one?
Romans 9:20-21
"Use me Potter" said the clay, "may your will I obey...
I can serve you so well underground.
With my friends full of cheer, I'm so comfortable here...
in my warm fellowship deep down."
But the Potter, nothing said, pulled the clay from its bed…
brought it out to be used for his will.
To his workshop he carried, that clay so long buried...
to be shaped by the master's great skill.
"Let me go," said the clay, "for I'd much rather stay...
down below where I'm safe and secure.
For the light is too bright and you don't have the right...
to expect me, these trials, to endure."
But the clay was deformed and softened and torn...
as the Potter's strong hands worked within.
On the wheel it was placed as the Potter erased...
the impurities and stains of sin.
As the Potter's wheel turned, his fingers soft but firm...
began forming the clay inside out.
"Not so fast" said the clay, "If you ask, I will say...
that my shape's much too ugly and stout."
"So what are you making me? I know what I'd rather be...
a wine goblet fit for a queen.
Then all men would praise you, your knowledge and talent too...
when they see how I sparkle and gleam."
But the potter, knowing his trade, and taking the shape that he'd made...
quickly placed it in the kiln's flame.
"I asked you to use me, not afflict and abuse me!"
sobbed the clay, while enduring the pain.
Yet what finally emerged, from the fire that had purged...
a large bowl, smooth, yet toughened by glaze.
With adequate breadth and thick sides of great depth...
to withstand the heat of a blaze.
The bowl then saw clearly that he indeed was loved dearly...
made exactly the way he should be.
So he ceased his complaints, and his selfish restraints...
and made ready to serve gratefully.
The Potter sent his creation to an overseas nation...
where famine stalked a desperate race...
and then the bowl blessed, the Potter's wise thoughtfulness...
when he saw the needy face to face.
So he toiled hard and long, while inside grew a song...
as he saw each new need satisfied...
and he laughed at vain dreams, and the small petty schemes...
for which he once desperately strived.
Many times he was lifted, from a well where he dipped in...
to the life giving water from the depths.
Countless times he was drained, of the life he contained...
by cracked thirsty lips close to death.
And then thin ragged crowds, they, the bowl would surround...
while many a supper he cooked.
For he's no dainty glass, as he'd hoped in years past...
sitting uselessly while admirers looked.
You can find him today in that land faraway...
by a campfire all sooty and dark...
with plenty of chips, cracks and grease drips...
for the years of hard use leave their marks.
But he'll never return, to the comfort he's spurned...
for he learned that joy grows ever sweet...
when serving at last, at his own special task...
that the Potter created him to complete.
Tags: From My Inbox
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