ROSES for SAINT COLETTE

FEBUARY 2 MESSAGE TO MIRJANA FROM MEDJUGORJE

2012-02-02T17:04:00.001-08:00

"Dear children; I am with you for so much time and already for so long I have been pointing you to God's presence and His infinite love, which I desire for all of you to come to know. And you, my children? You continue to be deaf and blind as you look at the world around you and do not want to see where it is going without my Son. You are renouncing Him - and He is the source of all graces. You listen to me while I am speaking to you, but your hearts are closed and you are not hearing me. You are not praying to the Holy Spirit to illuminate you. My children, pride has come to rule. I am pointing out humility to you. My children, remember that only a humble soul shines with purity and beauty because it has come to know the love of God. Only a humble soul becomes heaven, because my Son is in it. Thank you. Again I implore you to pray for those whom my Son has chosen - those are your shepherds."

January 2 Message to Mirjana

2012-01-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

"Dear children; As with motherly concern I look in your hearts, in them I see pain and suffering; I see a wounded past and an incessant search; I see my children who desire to be happy but do not know how. Open yourselves to the Father. That is the way to happiness, the way by which I desire to lead you. God the Father never leaves His children alone, especially not in pain and despair. When you comprehend and accept this, you will be happy. Your search will end. You will love and you will not be afraid. Your life will be hope and truth which is my Son. Thank you. I implore you, pray for those whom my Son has chosen. Do not judge because you will all be judged."

January 25 Mesage to Marija in Medjugorje

2012-01-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

"Dear children! With joy, also today I call you to open your hearts and to listen to my call. Anew, I desire to draw you closer to my Immaculate Heart, where you will find refuge and peace. Open yourselves to prayer, until it becomes a joy for you. Through prayer, the Most High will give you an abundance of grace and you will become my extended hands in this restless world which longs for peace. Little children, with your lives witness faith and pray that faith may grow day by day in your hearts. I am with you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Our Lady of Sorrows

2012-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

This week I discoverd a new book http://www.immaculee.biz/ entitled The Boy Who Met Jesus. This book took my my breath away. It is about a boy named Segatashya who lived in Africa near Rwanda. He was a pagan at the time when he had an apparition of Jesus. During this time, not too far from his village, there were 3 girls who began having apparitions of the Blessed Mother. The Blessed Mother would come to them with messages of love, conversion and messages of the horrible events that would befall Rwanda if man did not turn to God. Later after the messages stopped, the horrible genocide in Rwanda broke out and over 1 million people were butchered. Segatashya was one of the victims of this genocide, including one of the young girl visionaries Marie Claire. A young teenager at the time, Segatashya’s life would no longer be the same after his encounter with Jesus. Jesus told him that he wanted him to spread his message to all the people of how much Jesus loves us and that we need to open our hearts to him and change our lives before his return. Jesus told Segatashya that the world was so very full of sin and that soon Jesus would return. He told Segatashya that we are all living in the Last Days and that man needed so very much to change our lives by repenting and living a life on the teachings that Jesus left us in the Bible. This book THE BOY WHO MET JESUS will change your life. It is so full of wonderful messages. The Catholic Church has approved the apparitions of the 3 girl visionaries of Kibeho Rwanda as authentic. As for Segatashya’s vision and messages of Jesus….the Church has not approved them yet. The church was to begin the investigation of Segatashya, when the genocide broke out and it was impossible to carry out the investigations. All the priests and Bishops who met and were friends of Segatashya were all convinced by his messages and apparitions of Jesus. When you read this book, you will understand. Please buy it if you can. There are many places to purchase it. I will give a couple links for you at the bottom.

Link to more info about Kibeho http://www.michaeljournal.org/kibeho.htm

Link to purchase the book http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+boy+who+met+jesus&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=15173436715&ref=pd_sl_3mmjalzxy1_e

December 25 To Marija From Our Lady

2011-12-31T12:33:00.001-08:00

“Dear children! Also today, in my arms I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, for Him to give you His peace. Pray, little children, and witness so that in every heart, not human but God's peace may prevail, which no one can destroy. It is that peace in the heart which God gives to those whom He loves. By your baptism you are all, in a special way called and loved, therefore witness and pray that you may be my extended hands to this world which yearns for God and peace. Thank you for having responded to my call. ”

December 25 Message To Jacov From Our Lady

2011-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

“Dear children! Today, in a special way, I desire to take you to and give you over to my Son. Little children, open your hearts and permit Jesus to be born in you, because only in this way, little children, you yourselves will be able to experience your new birth and set out with Jesus in your hearts towards the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call. ”

December 2 Message to Mirjana From Our Lady

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:00

“Dear children, as a mother I am with you so that with my love, prayer and example I may help you to become a seed of the future, a seed that will grow into a firm tree and spread it's branches throughout the world. For you to become a seed of the future, a seed of love, implore the Father to forgive you your omissions up to now. My children, only a pure heart, unburdened by sin, can open itself and only honest eyes can see the way by which I desire to lead you. When you become aware of this, you will become aware of the love of God – it will be given to you. Then you will give it to others, as a seed of love. Thank you. ”

NOVEMBER 25 MESSAGE TO MARIJA of MEDJUGORJE

2011-11-25T21:37:00.001-08:00

"Dear children! Today I desire to give you hope and joy. Everything that is around you, little children, leads you towards worldly things but I desire to lead you towards a time of grace, so that through this time you may be all the closer to my Son, that He can lead you towards His love and eternal life, for which every heart yearns. You, little children, pray and may this time for you be one of grace for your soul. Thank You for having responded to my call.

NOVEMBER 2, 2011 MESSAGE TO MIRJANA FROM OUR BLESSED MOTHER of MEDJUGORJE

2011-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

“Dear children, the Father has not left you to yourselves. Immeasurable is His love, the love that is bringing me to you, to help you to come to know Him, so that, through my Son, all of you can call Him ‘Father’ with the fullness of heart; that you can be one people in God’s family. However, my children, do not forget that you are not in this world only for yourselves, and that I am not calling you here only for your sake. Those who follow my Son think of the brother in Christ as of their very selves and they do not know selfishness. That is why I desire that you be the light of my Son. That to all those who have not come to know the Father – to all those who wander in the darkness of sin, despair, pain and loneliness – you may illuminate the way and that, with your life, you may show them the love of God. I am with you. If you open your hearts, I will lead you. Again I am calling you: pray for your shepherds. Thank you. ”

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

2011-10-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! I really enjoy posting in my blog when ever I can and I'm always excited to see in my Stats section just how many people from all over the world are looking at my blog. Please let me know your thoughts and what you think of my blog. I would love to have comments......so Please feel free to let me know what you think....good or bad.

Thanks!!!

October 2 Message to Mirjana in Medjugorje

2011-10-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Dear children; Also today my motherly heart calls you to prayer, to your personal relationship with God the Father, to the joy of prayer in Him. God the Father is not far away from you and He is not unknown to you. He revealed Himself to you through my Son and gave you Life that is my Son. Therefore, my children, do not give in to temptations that want to separate you from God the Father. Pray! Do not attempt to have families and societies without Him. Pray! Pray that your hearts may be flooded with the goodness which comes only from my Son, Who is sincere goodness. Only hearts filled with goodness can comprehend and accept God the Father. I will continue to lead you. In a special way I implore you not to judge your shepherds. My children, are you forgetting that God the Father called them? Pray! Thank you."

Mirjana said: I have never said anything before, but are you aware, brothers and sisters, that the Mother of God was with us? Each of us should ask himself: "Are you worthy of this?" I am saying this because it is difficult for me to see Her (Our Lady) in pain, because each of us is seeking a miracle, but does not want to work a miracle in himself.

Mirjana Talks with Pilgrims from Argentina September 21, 2011

2011-09-29T18:42:00.001-07:00

September 25 Message to Marija of Medjugorje from Our Blessed Mother

2011-09-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

“Dear children! I call you, for this time to be for all of you, a time of witnessing. You, who live in the love of God and have experienced His gifts, witness them with your words and life that they may be for the joy and encouragement to others in faith. I am with you and incessantly intercede before God for all of you that your faith may always be alive and joyful, and in the love of God. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Pray for Israel

2011-09-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to the UN meeting on the 20th of this month, we must be fervent in our prayers for Israel. For those who do not know about the upcoming meeting that will take place by the UN, it is a meeting to see if the Palestinians will get the majority vote to be recognized as a state. This upcoming meeting is creating alot of tension for Israel and could possibly ignite a huge unrest in the Middle East not to mention in Israel. Israel is surrounded by hostile nations that want nothing more than to see Israel wiped off the face of the planet. Now more than ever, Israel needs our prayers after the stance that Turkey has taken against Israel. Turkey has become very anti- Israel since the flotilla incident in 2010 when Israeli forces boarded a ship that was trying to illegally transport aid to Gaza. Israelis were attacked as they legally boarded the ship and in defense, opened fire and killed 9 Turkish militants. Israel has been exonerated by the UN council since then, but Turkey has demanded an apology from Israel and has vowed to sever ties with them if no appology is met. Turkey is emerging as a very powerful nation in the Middle East and many of the regimes are looking to Erdogan for answers. Let us only pray that the answers that these regimes are after, is not to go to war with Israel with Turkey leading the way. Turkey as already expelled Israeli officials and the ambassador from its country. In Egypt we saw the burning of the Israeli embassy and within a few days Turkeys leader Erdogan received a hero's welcome ensuing more emotion against Israel. I fear that many of the regimes in the Middle East will try to create a diversion and stop the uprising in their nations by fanning the hatred more and more against Israel to help their regimes stay in power. By doing this they divert the countries attention to attacks on Israel. The only thing that most people in the middle East want more than democracy is to see Israel gone. There is so much hatred for Israel in these nations that the very thought of attacking Israel would quiet the uprisings in these countries and fan the hatred for Israel instead of corrupt regimes. I feel that these regimes will do anything they can to stop the protesters and such a diversion may do just that. They may want democracy but they my want the destruction of Israel more. Let us only pray this is not true. Pray for Israel and for it's safety. These are Gods people and the ONLY truly democratic nation in all of the Middle East.

Cousins

2011-09-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Many of us across the world have cousins. Some have dozens and some may have just a few. Most of us at one time in our life had a cousin that we were very close to and perhaps still are.
I grew up with one of my cousins. We were pretty much inseparable. We were just about the same age and did everything together. We shared our inner thoughts and our trials with each other. We were as close as sisters. When I think of my cousin, there is always a fond memory of our childhood together and all the wonderful times we shared. We could talk for hours about all the fun stuff we did as children , and we always have a fond giggle over all the silly stuff we did. Today we are just as close. For all of our adult life, we lived apart and in different states. We would try and visit each other as often as possible and always stayed in touch on the phone. When we would see each other, it would seem as if we had never been apart. We have a undying bond, much like that of twins. Last month, my cousin did an extraordinary thing. She paid for my ticket to Medjugorje. It was, I must say a spur of the moment decision that we went when we did. My cousin had called me one day, saying that our friend really felt a call to go there with us that month. So with that news, I knew that I just wouldn't be able to come up with the money to pay for my trip. I told my cousin that I didn't have the money to go and she just simply said ....without even a hesitation " I'll pay for your ticket". The first thing I thought was how lucky I was to have her as my cousin and the second thing I thought was how the Lord answers prayers. I had been praying for the blessing of being able to visit Medjugorje. Money is tight for us and I knew that I would have to save on my own by selling my crafts like I do every year. I was however, determined to do so. Medjugorje had been on my mind for a while. When my cousin told me the good news, I not only heard her voice and sweet news but I could also hear Our Blessed Mother saying ..."Your prayers have been answered".
Many people perhaps have similar stories about their cousins. How loving and kind they are and what a blessing they are.
Lately I have been thinking of our Lords cousin, Saint John The Baptist. Since I became Catholic 2 years ago, I have prayed for my children to also enter the faith and be baptised. Unfortunately when you enter the Catholic faith, there are a lot of hoops to jump through. Usually there are classes that one must take to enter the faith and for alot of churches , these classes can last up to a year or more. This was a hurdle that I knew would be difficult for my children. Most of the churches in the area were telling me that the classes would be once a week and for over a year in length. I was discouraged. My own church however seemed to be the shortest, but the time was not convenient. The first class was held on Father Day weekend and I knew we would miss that appointment. The second class we missed also by accident due to my husband accidentally turning off the alarm when he was half asleep. The day was Sunday and I woke up a little angry with the situation with the alarm. I felt like it was such a huge hurdle to get through these classes and I almost felt like giving up. The night before however, I was stressing about the class and my son complaining about attending and the early time of the class, so I prayed to Saint John The Baptist and asked him to pray to his cousin and Lord Jesus for the Baptism of my children. Well...as I went out the door, knowing that we had missed the second class, I was just a little upset. I had barked at my husband over the alarm mishap and then headed off to Mass just a bit grumpy. This was Corpus Christi and there were many people at Mass. After Mass, I saw one of my new friends and we got to talking. I had told her that I was upset that morning and was getting discouraged with trying to get my kids to go to the RCIA classes. She told me that there was a man that she was friends with and he held classes out of his home for years and that the length of the class was considerably shorter. I was ecstatic. Not only were the classes shorter but the time was better. She gave me his number and the rest of my day had just got brighter. After we had our little chat, I stayed at the church to eat. The church was having a Corpus Christi celebration and food was being served in the hall. As I was eating, my friend had told me that she had called John, the one who held the classes in his home and that he had came to the church to meet me. He came over to me and introduced himself and then asked me about my kids. I could tell that God was working and John was a blessing for my kids and I. John and his wife had taught many people over the years and I knew after meeting him, that he would be just what my kids needed. I could tell that he would be able to hold their attention with all his great stories. He then proceed to tell me how he couldn't stand the idea of knowing that people weren't baptised and how very important this is. Most Catholics are baptised when they are babies, but when you are a fromer Protestant, this is not the case. For most Protestants, baptism is a decision that one makes as an adult or young adult. As a new Catholic, I knew that baptism was so very important and the sooner the better. John was also very good friends with the priest and he had the blessing of our priest to hold the classes in his home. He just couldn't stand the fact also that many churches require so much time for the classes before baptism and confirmation. As he finished meeting me, I remembered the prayer that I prayed the night before to Saint John. I immediately got goosebumps and almost started to cry. I couldn't believe how my prayer was being answered and so fast. Saint John, the cousin of our Lord prayed for my children and Our Lord answered him. I often think of how much our Lord and Saint John must have loved each other. They had a bond, I'm sure, not unlike that of my cousin and I. Saint John not only was the cousin of our Lord but he had the extraordinary privilege of baptising him. What an honor. What love. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for my cousin and I know this was true of our Lord for his cousin Saint John. The cousin of our Lord paved the way for his coming by announcing to men that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and baptising thousands in the river Jordan. Saint John died a terrible death, but his reward was to be forever with his Lord and cousin. God Bless cousins and thank you Saint John for your prayers. My children are to be baptised this month. Thanks be to God.

The Prophecy of Daniel 9:26 THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE TO COME....

2011-09-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

The book of Daniel and Revelation are as we know books on the coming of our Lord and the Last Days. During my many years of studying Revelation and Daniel, I have heard many interpretations on certain areas of these books. One such example would be the interpretation that the anti-christ would come out of Rome or the EU. During much study and prayer I have found that this is NOT true. Joel Richardson and Walid Shoebat have studied these same books for years and what they have to say about Daniel 9:26 is nothing short of genius. I have found that in my study of the books and articles they have written on the subject of the Last Days....that they are right on and can back up everything scriptural and historically. Please click on this link and see for yourself about what Joel Richardson has written on Daniel 9:26 and the anti-christ and where he will come from.
http://www.joelstrumpet.com/?p=2440

September 2 Message to Mirjana in Medjugorje

2011-09-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

“Dear children; with all my heart and soul full of faith and love in the Heavenly Father, I gave my Son to you and am giving Him to you anew. My Son has brought you, the people of the entire world, to know the only true God and His love. He has led you on the way of truth and made you brothers and sisters. Therefore, my children, do not wander, do not close your heart before that truth, hope and love. Everything around you is passing and everything is falling apart, only the glory of God remains. Therefore, renounce everything that distances you from the Lord. Adore Him alone, because He is the only true God. I am with you and I will remain with you. I am especially praying for the shepherds that they may be worthy representatives of my Son and may lead you with love on the way of truth. Thank you.”

Below is a video of the apparition. During the apparition a woman starts to cry severely and as the video goes on, she seem to sound posessed and say things in Italian about God. Just before the woman stops, Mirjana smiles as if Our Lady is telling her that the woman is about to be released from her pain or posession. The woman stops crying and making gutteral noises and then Our Lady leaves.

The Fruits of Mejugorje

2011-08-14T22:10:00.001-07:00

The Fruits of Medjugorje

You shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7 verse 20

The fruits of Medjugorje are undeniable. They are leading people to Christ and changing lives for the better.
Jesus says that a kingdom divided cannot stand. Satan cannot work against himself. Jesus told this to the Pharisees when they saw him cast out demons.
What is happening in Medjugorje is beyond our human understanding. Jesus left us with ways to decipher if things were of God. We shall know them by their fruits. People have come back from Medjugorje with a new outlook on life. They attend church after being away for years. They come home with love and share that love with their families. Addicts have come home never to use again. People have had miraculous cures. People possessed by demons have been freed. If this was NOT of God then it would be satan working against himself. He HATES people going to church. He HATES people that love one another. He HATES the Woman ( Mary) because she was to bring forth the Savior of the world. Mary is giving us the Savior again. She is begging us to Love him with ALL our hearts. She is asking us to pray for one another and for people who have not yet come to know the love of her Son.
Satan would NOT want us to so this. He does not want us to Love the LORD our God. Mary is only appearing in order to draw the world AGAIN to her son. She is the mother of our Lord. This is the woman that dried our Saviors tears when he was a child. Who along with Joseph protected and nurtured the Son of God as a babe. Only with this kind of love can man truly understand what it is to love. She is love and she wants to lead us to the purest love there is. The love that is in Christ Jesus. She has always said in her messages that she would prefer us to pray to her son…but that if wanted to ask her to pray for us and our intentions…that she would intercede for us. Let is not forget that she was the first person along with Joseph who taught our Lord how to pray as a young boy. She was for our Lord a mother and protector and for Catholics she is all these things also. She teaches us to love and as a mother myself….I know that there is no greater human love than the love a mother has for her child. God trusted his only begotten son to her and so we as Catholics do the same. She is Mother of our Lord and therefore the Mother of all. Jesus teaches us that anyone who confesses that Jesus is come in the flesh and is the Son of the living God IS of God. This test has been passed with flying colors. The fruits of these apparitions and messages are good fruits because it leads all to Jesus and to the love he told us to have for one another. Learn about the fruits of this particular tree and you will see only love and conversion.

August 2 Message to Mirjana from Our Blessed Mother in Medjugorje

2011-08-10T16:23:00.001-07:00

Latest Special Medjugorje Message, August 2, 2011 - Our Lady's apparitions to Mirjana
“Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God’s family and to be strengthened with the Father’s strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God’s will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you. ”

PS: I was given the wonderful blessing of being able to be there when Mirjana recieved this message. I was called by Our Blessed Mother and Our Lord to go visit this Heaven on Earth. Myself and 2 others took the pilgramge to Medjugorje and we witnessed miracles. I will post my story about our trip this weekend and some wonderful pictures that were taken by my friend. Please STAY TUNED!! God Bless all of you~

A Trip to Medjugorje

2011-07-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Our Blessed Mother has been appearing to the visionaries of Medjugorje for 30 years now. 30 years ago on July 14th I lost my beautiful earthly mother to cancer. On the 14th of this month I lit a candle for her and thought about her all day. I also shared a few memories and photos of her on facebook with my friends and family. I was so full of joy and so proud that I had the best mother a child could ever have. She loved Christ so very much and gave me a wonderful spiritual foundation and taught me how very important it is to believe and love God with all our hearts.
On the 15th of this month.....1 day after my moms 30th anniversary of her passing, my cousin called and told me that our friend had spoken to her priest and she had told him that she had smelt the scent of roses after her and I were talking about Medjugorje. The priest told her that it was and invitation and sign that she should go to Medjugorje. My cousin and I have been talking about going, but just didn't know when we would. My cousin had recently just sold her home and condo and so after she had told me that our friend Lourdes wanted to go on the 31st. of this month....my cousin then surprised me by telling me that she wanted me to go to with all of them and that she would pay for my trip. Needless to say I was shocked. She had offered to pay my ticket on our earlier conversations....but I just thought we would be going perhaps a year from now and I thought I would be able to save the money by then to go and pay my own way. Well......it seem like I might be going a little earlier that I thought. WOW! There are a few hurdles to jump over before the 31st. First of all....Lourdes may have trouble finding accommodations for all of us since it is during the Youth Festival that we will be visiting. Accommodations may be hard to find since this was a spur of the moment decision. Second......if we do go and Lourdes finds lodging for all of us.....I need to get my passport. The man on the phone that I spoke with at the passport agency said that he was 99.9 % confident that I could get my passport. WHEW!! That made me feel better....but you just never know what problem could pop up. Anyway.....If you are reading this....PLEASE pray for Gods will in all this. God is good and I am very blessed and I only want his will in all things.

Advice From The Blessed Mother to Vicka For All of Us

2011-07-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

I was reading a post from a Medjugorje website and found it very helpful and full of advice on what we should be doing to increase our spiritual walk with our Heavenly Father and our Blessed Mother.

Please click on the link to read it.

http://www.medjugorje.com/medjugorje-today/medjugorje-witness/1152-simple-and-profound-words-from-vicka.html

JULY 2, 2011 Message from The Blessed Mother to Mirjana

2011-07-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Dear children, today I call you to a difficult and painful step for your unity with my Son. I call you to complete admission and confession of sins, to purification. An impure heart cannot be in my Son and with my Son. An impure heart cannot give the fruit of love and unity. An impure heart cannot do correct and just things; it is not an example of the beauty of God’s love to those who surround it and to those who have not come to know that love. You, my children, are gathering around me full of enthusiasm, desire and expectations, and I implore the Good Father to, through the Holy Spirit, put my Son – faith, into your purified hearts. My children, obey me, set out with me.”

As the Virgin Mary was leaving, to her left she showed darkness and to her right a Cross in golden light, believed by visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo to show the difference between a clean and an unclean heart.

June 2 Message to Mirjana from Medjugorje

2011-06-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

June 02, 2011 Message to Mirjana

"Dear children! As I call you to prayer for those who have not come to know the love of God, if you were to look into your hearts you would comprehend that I am speaking about many of you. With an open heart, sincerely ask yourselves if you want the living God or do you want to eliminate Him and live as you want. Look around you, my children, and see where the world is going, the world that thinks of doing everything without the Father, and which wanders in the darkness of temptation. I am offering to you the light of the Truth and the Holy Spirit. According to God's plan I am with you to help you to have my Son, His Cross and Resurrection, triumph in your hearts. As a mother, I desire and pray for your unity with my Son and His works. I am with you; you decide. Thank you."

Message from Our Blessed Mother on May 27 at Ivan's Prayer Group in Medjugorje

2011-05-28T22:36:00.001-07:00

“Dear children, today I desire to call you: live my messages that I am giving you so that I can give you new messages. Thank you, dear children, for having responded to my call.”

For more info about the events during the apparition, PLEASE refer to the link here : http://www.medjugorje.com/medjugorje-today/headlines/1111-ivan-prayer-group-may27-live-my-messages-so-that-i-can-give-you-new-messages.html

Our Blessed Mothers Message to Mirja of Medjugorje

2011-05-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

"Dear children! My prayer today is for all of you who seek the grace of conversion. You knock on the door of my heart, but without hope and prayer, in sin, and without the Sacrament of Reconciliation with God. Leave sin and decide, little children, for holiness. Only in this way can I help you, hear your prayers and seek intercession before the Most High. Thank you for having responded to my call."

We MUST stand with Gods People

2011-05-28T16:05:00.001-07:00

Below is a 2 part interview from the Hannity show. Sean Hannity interviewed Netanyahu after he spoke with Obama and before our Congress. We, as Americans must always side with Israel. They are the only democratic country surrounded by countries that are ran by corrupt regimes and that are bent on their destruction. God said that in the last days he would bring his people back into their land and they would flourish. In 1948 after the end of WWII, we saw the Jewish people arrive back into their God given land. God said that I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you. These are God's people and we must always strive to protect them and stand with them no mater what the cost. In 1948 we saw the prophetic word of the Old Testament being fulfilled, by the Jewish people returning. Returning with scared hearts, minds and flesh from the Nazi Holocaust. They were given this desolate piece of land, but in their hearts this land was not empty. This land was their homeland. This land was their heritage. This land was their right, given by God. Like the solemn words spoken to two people who are about to get married.....What God has joined together, let NO man put asunder. The Jewish people were given the land of Israel and they are one. United in democracy in a area of the world that is ruled by theocratic regimes and tyranny. I found it very interesting during the part 2 of the interview with Hannity, Netanyahu mentions how there are many Arab people who live free in the democratic society of Israel and they are the only ones in the vast Middle East....that are TRUELY free. Lets us NEVER forget to pray for Israel , who is the light shining in the dark regions of a hostile world. They have endured so much as a people and I pray for them always. We as Christians and Catholics MUST always pray for God's people.

Helpful Motherly Advice for dealing with Our Protestant Brothers & Sisters

2011-05-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

I was reading something on http://www.medjugorje.com/ and I thought it had some helpful tips in dealing with Protestants, who do not understand why us Catholic revere our Blessed Mother so much. One of the vissionaries of Medjugorje had a helpful tip for us Catholics. Please read it....it is also a little humorous.

Question: I am a priest, a religious. I come from Latin America. In Latin America we see a reality of that continent also in fighting sometimes with the Protestants. They are speaking against the Blessed Mother. So I look at them. The Blessed Mother says something? Is it possible to answer?

Mirjana: All I can say is what I know. Many of you have observed too, when you read the messages of the Blessed Mother, that Our Lady never says that I will do or I will give you or I can. She never speaks that way. She always says, pray so that I can pray for you before my Son. She is never on the first place. When She speaks of priests, She is even behind priests. She is not looking for glory, for fame. She wants all the glory for God. We have received Jesus through Mary. So we are going to see the face of Jesus again and Mary is here to help. We cannot exclude Mary. It is impossible. We don’t have Protestants here. I remember once I had American pilgrims in my house and there was a man in my group who immediately upon arrival said, “I am a Protestant.” I said, “Okay, I am Catholic.” And he asked me, “Do you know what it means to be a Protestant?” I said, “No, not really because there are no Protestants in my country. But I know that you always protest against something.” So he never said anything for a few days. But every time when I was serving him soup or anything, I would say, “I would like to serve you this soup, but I am afraid that you are going to protest.” So I was teasing him all the time. After a week, he hugged me and said “I have to thank God. I found Mother. I realized here what does it mean, the love of a mother. I realized what I was missing all the years of my life.” So if you have Protestants around – just our example, example, example can help. Only that – don’t fight, no discussions. Our Lady does not want discussions, disputes, no. She wants us to answer with love, with joy so that others in our life, our attitudes may get to know Mary, to get to know how beautiful it is to have Her as a mother and to have God as our Father.

Mirjana ended her talked with a Hail Mary and asked the priest present to give all those present their blessing.

BBC goes to Medjugorje

2011-05-21T23:54:00.001-07:00

Mirjana Talks with the Pilgrims at Medjugorje

2011-05-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

I came across this video on youtube and I would like to share it with all of you. I think that it is full of wonderful information to help us in our walk for a deeper spiritual life that is more pleasing to God. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Scent of Roses

2011-05-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today I was talking to a friend of my cousins. I had heard many wonderful things about her from my cousin and this was our first chat on the phone together. During our conversation, I expressed how my cousin and I had been wanting to take a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Just as I said this, my friend began to smell something. While on the phone with me she kept saying "What is that smell"? Her daughter smelt it too. They were on their way to the dentist while we were chatting, when she began to smell this fragrance. She said the same thing a couple of times "What is that smell?" Then she began to say....."It smells like roses". I heard her say this and I was amazed. I told her that the Blessed Mother must be with her in the car. At first we didn't really understand, but a few minutes later, my friend realized that after I had mentioned Medjugorje, the scent filled the car as she was driving. She realized after, that the Blessed Mother was giving us a sign that we are to take the pilgrimage. Tonight I came across a article written by some people who had made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and had witnessed the little miracle of the Scent of Roses. This is one of the miracles that have taken place in Medjugorje. Many people have had the same experience at some point in their lives....where the scent of roses has filled the air. The common belief is that the scent of roses means that our Blessed Mother is in your presence. What a wonderful thing to have happen to my new friend. I didn't smell it but when I said Medjugorje....my friend was surrounded by the scent and so was her daughter. Well....guess what? We are going to Medjugorje! I don't know when exactly, but the Blessed Mother gave us a sign and we are so excited. Money is a issue for me, so please pray for my success in selling crafts to raise the money to go. I know the Lord will provide. His Mother has given us the go ahead. Amen!
Below I have given a link to a article I found on the scent of roses and Medjugorje. I love these stories of peoples pilgrimages to this Heaven on Earth. God Bless Medjugorje and it's people.
http://www.medjugorjemiracles.com/2011/03/priest-showered-with-the-mystical-smell-of-roses-while-in-medjugorje/

Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje to Mirjana on May 2

2011-05-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

“Dear children; God the Father is sending me to show you the way of salvation, because He, my children, desires to save you and not to condemn you. That is why I, as a mother, am gathering you around me, because with my motherly love I desire to help you to be free of the dirtiness of the past and to begin to live anew and differently. I am calling you to resurrect in my Son. Along with confession of sins, renounce everything that has distanced you from my Son and that has made your life empty and unsuccessful. Say 'yes' to the Father with the heart and set out on the way of salvation to which He is calling you through the Holy Spirit. Thank you. I am especially praying for the shepherds, for God to help them to be alongside you with a fullness of heart.

Video of Mirjana's as Our
Blessed Mother gives
her the Message on May 2

April 25 Message from the Our Blessed Mother of Medjugorje to Mirija

2011-04-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2011 Message to Marija

"Dear children! As nature gives the most beautiful colors of the year, I also call you to witness with your life and to help others to draw closer to my Immaculate Heart, so that the flame of love for the Most High may sprout in their hearts. I am with you and I unceasingly pray for you that your life may be a reflection of Heaven here on earth. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Why Roman Empire IS NOT The Beast of Revelation

2011-04-07T16:56:00.001-07:00

WHAT IS THE DEADLY WOUND THAT WAS HEALED.....

Joel Richardson...Why the Catholic Church is NOT The Whore of Babylon

2011-04-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

Why The Catholic Church is NOT the Whore of Babylon

2011-04-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

Please follow the link below. It features Walid Shoebat. An EX PLO terrorist who became a Chrisitan. Bible Verse to tell you who the Anti-christ is; 1 JOHN chapter 2 verse 22 Who is the liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is Anti-christ, that denieth the Father and the Son. What religious and political movement denies Jesus Christ was the Son of God.........?

Coming Soon......

2011-04-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

During my study over several years, I have come to realize how important Apologetics are in ones journey to the Catholic faith. Perhaps even more so for the cradle Catholic. So with that being said.....I will soon be adding a Apologetics page. Please stay tuned......and you won't be disappointed. Thank You Everyone!!

Father Solanus

2011-03-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tonite as I was watching EWTN and they were talking about Father Solanus Casey. He was a Capuchin Priest in Detroit Mich. He was born in 1870 in Oak Grove Wisconsin. He was from a large family of 10 children to Irish Immigrants. In 1904 he was ordained to the Capuchin Order and began to serve in New York, Harlem and Yonkers. He then spent 20 years with St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit. He spent his life in the service of others as the the porter for the monastery where he would soon earn the name " The Doorkeeper". He was always ready to lend an ear to anyone, offering them prayer and friendship. Over the years, people began to recognized his deep faith and over the years many people asked Father Solanus to pray for them. Many people were cured by God after the prayers of Father Solanus. His deep faith allowed people to come to him with their many problems, not just for themselves but for loved ones also. With a heart always open to love and doing his Fathers will, Father Solanus's prayers were answered many many times over the years. Even after his death, people would pray to Father Solanus, asking that he pray for them to the Father for their sicknesses and for their loved ones. Many miracles happened during his lifetime and after his death. His story is still being investigated by the Vatican for his future Canonization and Beatification. In 1995, Pope John Paul II declared him "Venerable". Another miracle after that, will advance him for Canonization or Sainthood.

Here is the link to learn more about Father Solanus and his remarkable faith.

http://www.solanuscasey.org/index.shtml

ISLAM RISING VIDEO

2011-03-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW. IT IS 1 of 17 on YOUTUBE. TO WATCH THE REST OF THE VIDEOS GO TO YOUTUBE.COM. THIS IS SOMETING FOR ALL WESTERNERS & CHRISTIANS TO WATCH.

Walid Shoebat and The Mark of the Beast

2011-03-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Walid Shoebat Ex-PLO Terrorist Now a Christian

2011-03-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a video ( #2 of 10) with Walid Shoebat. Please Watch his videos. He explains Bible Prophecy and the Middle East.

Chinese War Ships Enter Suez Canal off the Coast of Libya

2011-03-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

MIDDLE EAST & BIBLE PROPHECY LINKS

2011-03-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello! If you know your a Christian and you know your Bible Prophecy....then please follow the link below. With all the news going on in the Middle East, many people are wondering if these events are part of Bible Prophecy. Well....in a nut shell THEY ARE. I have studied Bible Prophecy for many years and my new findings and research are MIND BLOWING! Many people may ask "How does the Middle East fit into Bible Prophecy?" Is there a correlation to what the Bible says will happen in the END TIMES and ISLAM. Well the answer in a nut shell is YES! AS Christians we are to tolerate all different people. We are to love one another and do good to ALL men. We are to spread the message of love and faith and teach men about the good news of Jesus. What you may learn from my links below....may strike you as harsh and it may hit you as ANTI- MUSLIM....but this is not the message to Christians. The message is simply this....LEARN what is going on in the MIDDLE EAST and learn what ISLAM is.....the religion and what they believe at its core. Please take some time and research these words on google. Islam, 12th Imam, The Mahdi, Caliphate, Bible vs. Quran, 666 and Islam, Walid Shoebat, Joel Richardson. Learn how the Whore of Babylon is NOT ROME and what it REALLY IS.

http://www.wzsn.net/prophecy1.html

http://www.joelstrumpet.com/

http://whenthepiecesfit.org/home.html

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4544179/beck-who-is-the-12th-imam/

http://www.walidshoebat.com/ ex-PLO Terrorist becomes Christian. What he discovered when he became a Christian......will BLOW YOUR MIND. Please take the time to learn about him on youtube.com and his website listed above.

~Our Spiritual Garden~

2011-03-27T19:54:00.001-07:00

Everyday God plants little seeds in people. Some grow right away....but some need time and a lot of water for them to sprout. Water is represented by our prayers for the people in our lives, who have not yet come to follow the Lord or tend to the seeds that God has planted in them. For some people it takes many years for them to hear the Lord calling them. We must always water their seeds with our constant prayers. Also, in our own lives, we need to constantly manage our own garden. We need to tend our garden (souls) and pluck out the weeds before they strangle and take-over. We need constant water ( prayer, reading the scripture, attending church...etc) to feed the precious seeds that with time have become budding plants. We must always be willing to plant more seeds for the Lord by spreading his message of love. Gardens are never without work and effort to keep them pristine and beautiful. As with our own lives, life has many struggles and the soil can become rocky and hard. We need to be in a sense avid gardeners, always turning the soil, watering and getting rid of rocks and such that can keep a garden from becoming a bountiful pasture of growth and life. A garden can never grow and produce, if we do not let the Light of the Lord shine on us. We must always let that precious light shine for others to see, so that with time, their garden can someday grow and sprout. His Love and Glory will always shine for us, if we are willing to let it in. Pray constantly for others, that the seeds that God has planted will take root and grow to beautiful budding plants. Some take time to bud and take hold and some do not, but never stop watering (praying) and letting the light of God that is in you shine on them, and soon that seed will sprout and blossom.

Pope John Paul II

2011-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I just finished watching one of my videos on my blog of Pope John Paul II. He was such an inspiration for me when I became Catholic. I remember the day when I was at Barnes & Noble looking at this book of him and as I flipped through the pages I almost started to cry. I saw him as someone who was so full of love for his fellow man. A man so genuine in his love for humanity and for the oppressed. His face radiated with pure Christian love. He was a true Apostle of Christ and a wonderful loving Shepard of our faith. He did so much for humanity everywhere. He stood up for the oppressed and poor. He help carve out the cancer of communism and give hope to the people. He was able to bring back the fire in men hearts for their faith at a time when their faith was being trampled on and suffocated. There was something so inspirational about him. Just looking at his face, you felt like you could make a difference. He made us feel like it was possible to move mountains because he tryed and succeeded in so many ways. He tryed and failed many times I'm sure but he never gave up. He never gave up on the hope that man could change and see God and his love. He saw that God was greater than any obsticle and that was his great legacy.

He left us with the hope that we could change the world even if it was just by prayer.
The anniversary of his passing is on April 2. Let us remember this great man who radiated love, kindness and compassion. Let us remember him by sharing that same love with everyone. Not just in our own circles of faith but with others not of our faith. Love all -as you love yourselves. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Share the love of a smile and the warmth in your heart that comes from the Father. Be a Shepard to the lost and a haven for the poor. Give love and you shall receive love.

My Birthday

2010-07-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my 43 Birthday. Wow! It was a great day. After I woke up in the morning, I noticed that my husband had left me a B-day card. Inside he left me some money and wrote in the card for me to "Have Fun". Well.........I did just that. I went to Ross ( a discount) clothing and home store, and I bought some summer shirts and a new kitchen rug. I also had received a Marshalls gift card from my mother in law and bought more summer apparel there. After I got home from some fun shopping, my daughter was waiting for me with a gift that she bought me. She bought me the soundtrack to the movie Eclipse. We are BIG fans of the Twilight movies. They also gave me a sweet card and inside they wrote some very nice things. When my hubby got home from work, we all went to dinner at a popular place out here called Steer & Stein....it's a family steak house and the food is yummy. My hubby bought me a cake and brought it to the restaurant. After we ate, the waitress brought the cake out with a FEW lit candles on it and they sang Happy Birthday to me. Sooooo Sweet! After eating a wonderful dinner, my daughter, son and best friend from church all met at the movie theatre to see Eclipse. My hubby did not attend, as he is not a fan of the series. We waited in line for a while since it is such a popular movie. While we waited, I opened my B-day present that my girlfriend had gotten me. She was so thoughtful. I must say she spoiled me a bit. She bought me a cute pair of earrings and a nice necklace, and if that wasn't enough, she also made me a beautiful picture charm bracelet with pics of my husband and I when we got married again in May and some pics of our kids too. It is so pretty! She is the best! I had a wonderful day and I am VERY blessed to have such a wonderful hubby and great kids. I also am very blessed with the VERY best friend and person could ask for. I am very lucky and I thank God for them all. He not only blesses me with the gift of his love, but he also blesses me abundantly with the gift of a loving family and true friends. Thanks be to God !

American Health Care...........

2010-06-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today I spoke with a friend who I see from time to time at my son's baseball games. She was telling me that she fears that her cancer may be coming back. She had cancer back in 1995 and every 3 months she gets blood work done to make sure she is still in the clear. Her blood work came back this time and her doctor told her there was some things that popped up that made him worry and that she should have some more tests and scans. The type of scans and tests she needs are very expensive and she has no insurance. She is trying to apply and get on Medi-cal for all these tests but it may be 6 months until she is excepted. Her family is struggling just to get by and keep their house from foreclosing. They are a very nice family and they really need our prayers. I asked if her church ( They are Mormons) could perhaps donate help for her tests. She was told that if she paid for the tests in cash or some other form, that Medi-cal couldn't approve her. This is terrible. She is very scarred and very stressed. Please pray for her and her family if you are reading this. It's just terrible the way things are in this country when it comes to health care. Pray for her and all the others who are struggling so hard.

2010-05-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Ruini to lead the investigation of Medjugorje apparitions

2010-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to an article that I recently read about the Vatican sending Cardinal Ruini to lead the commission in the investigation into the Medjugorje apparitions. It has never been done before in the this manner. Ususally investigations are done after a miracle occurs. This is ground breaking and very exciting. Please read the article. It is very interesting.

http://ministryvalues.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=875&Itemid=127

The Blessing of our Marriage..........

2010-05-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the blessing of our marriage. It was a beautiful day. Everything was perfect. I couldn't ask for a more perfect day. My husband and I are so blessed. Here are a few pictures.

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY..........

2010-05-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well.....tomorrow is our wedding day...again ! We have been married for 23 years and tomorrow we are having our marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. Since I became Catholic last year.....Thanks be to God.....we needed to complete the Sacrament of marriage in the church. We are very excited. My husband is too. He has shown the sweetest excitement about doing this and it is so nice. I love him very much and I am so very blessed to have him as my husband all these years. Our children will be present of course and that also makes this a real joy. They will be able to witness this and know how much it means and the importance of it. We also will have family present and friends and we are so happy that they could come and share in our joy. I am as of tonight getting a little nervous......just like a new bride. It doesn't help that I am exhausted right now, but with a good nights rest, I know that I will be fresh for tomorrow. I will post some pictures as soon as I can for all to see. Thanks be to God for all his love and guidance in my marriage and bringing us together and giving us 2 beautiful children whom we cherish. We are blessed.

Our Lady of Fatima

2010-05-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

Today is dedicated to Our Blessed Lady of Fatima.

Today is also the day when the assassination attempt was made on the Holy Father Pope John Paul II. Our Holy Father later said that it was the Blessed Mother that saved his life. Let us be reminded of our Blessed Mother's love for all of us and for the Little Visionaries of Fatima, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. How much they have given us as an example. They gave so much and showed great piety and love for the Lord and our Blessed Mother. Let us still be reminded that May is dedicated to Our Heavenly Mother. Let us continue to spend some time with her in prayer and Our Heavenly Father.

THE MONTH OF MARY

2010-05-03T21:31:00.001-07:00

May is the month dedicated not only to our earthly mothers but also to our Blessed Heavenly Mother Mary. During this time of the year when we celebrate Mothers Day let us also remember Mary. What a wonderful heavenly Mother we have in Our Blessed Mother Mary. She loves us so much and wishes that we all as her children yearn to be closer to her Son Christ Jesus. Let us give her the respect and admiration that is so due to her. She is our guiding light to Motherhood. Let us pray that she show us the true way to be loving Mothers. Pray that we can strive to be the guiding light for our children and to always show them the love that they so deserve, the love that our Blessed Mother showed to her Loving Son .....our Father Christ Jesus.
Spend some time with our Blessed Mother in prayer this month in a special way. Set some time each day this month and reflect on the Blessed Mother and her love for her Son.

I'm Feeling like a Bride Again.......

2010-04-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight my husband and I had our meeting with Father Marks about having our marriage blessed. Since I am a new Catholic, we need to have this done for it to be a valid marriage. The priest informed me that when I became Catholic last year, this should have been done before hand but our church did not and so a year has gone by and now finally it will all be done soon. We have set the date for this special occasion on May 22. I am so excited! I feel like a bride again. How much fun it is planning for this little event. For me it means so much. Tonight I looked over at my husband and he had this smile on his face that was so cute. I think he is excited also. I love him so much. We have been married for 23 years almost and we couldn't be happier.
So much to do now. I'm glad that I have a little time until May 22 because I found out tonight that I cannot wear white of any shade. The priest told me tonight and I was a little bummed since I bought this lovely egg shell colored dress. I love the dress so much, so I think I will have it dyed a soft baby blue. I hope I can find a place that is reasonable around my area. I still need to by shoes too and have my hair done. I am not fortunate to be natural blond so this is very important not to have my roots showing.....:) I haven't decided if we will have a small reception at our house after the service or if we will go somewhere, but I am leaning towards coming back to the house for a nice BBQ at the house. Oh My! I better get busy now and start thinking of a menu. Very happy tonight and very excited!!!

PENNY JAR

2010-04-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well...its Sunday night and I'm feeling so much better. Thanks be to God for medicine and great doctors.....Specifically my doctor....who may I add is a Harvard graduate and the best. I have been seeing him for 7 years now and he is the wonderful. :)
Today I felt so much better and attended Mass with my friend Julie. Today at church we had a guest speaker. He was a missionary priest who does work with the poor all over the world. He was speaking to us on the importance of giving what we can to help support the efforts in poor countries. As much as we can, we need to try and give. Even if it is just saving all the pennies we can....and I mean literally PENNIES. If we saved all the pennies we had a month or every 3 months and gave it to the poor and the Catholic charities that are over seas in the poorest of nations, we would be doing a great service. Now when times are tough for many of us....I am trying to think of how I can give something all the time. I thought of having a penny jar in the house and keeping it out and letting us fill it up with all our extra pennies. I decided to give all of it to help feeding the poor. I think it is a great idea for the kids to see it out sitting on the counter at home and let them be reminded of the little effort it takes for us to help. I am excited about it. Pass it on if you read this. Start a Penny Jar in your home and see what happens. I bet its something good.

ALLERGIES.......UGGGH!

2010-04-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I went in to see the doctor thinking for sure I had bronchitis. For the last 3 days I have had a nasty cough and I sound terrible. The doc said I had allergies. My ears have been bothering me alot lately and it sounds like everything is muffled. Turns out....I have allergies. The post nasal drip has caused the cough and ear problem. So he gave me a prescription for the cough, Claritin for the allergies and a anti-biotic in case there is a slight infection. I'm thinking I have a allery to all this DOG HAIR that my Saint Bernard is loosing. She is shedding something fierce lately. She sheds about 2 times a year, and when she does....it's not just a little hair coming out....Its like clumps coming out. When I wake up in the morning, its like there are hamsters all over my carpet from the clumps of hair she looses. Needless to say.....I'm running the vaccum 3 time a day. This is when I realize how much we love our furry children. With all this shedding going on, we still put up with it and love them still. Even if I feel like Pooh! It could also be just the time of year, but I think it's the hair. I never had this problem before until we got Maggie 3 years ago. It's just one of those things I will have to get use to and adjust my life a little and take some meds..... but thats ok.....as long as there are no horrible side effects that I CAN'T live with.....like perhaps growing a 3rd ear or something.......Ha! Ha!

I MADE MY FIRST CHARM BRACELET

2010-04-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well today I made my first Charm Bracelet. Julie came over and showed me how to do it. It was alot easier than I thought and alot of fun. We had a great time. We had tea in pretty tea cups, chit chated while we crafted and had a blast. Here is a picture of my bracelet. We put some Catholic charms on them and pretty glass beads. Not too bad for my first try.....but I had a great teacher.

CATHOLIC CHARM BRACELETS

2010-04-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my friend Julie & I are going to make some very pretty Catholic charm bracelets. Julie has made jewelry before and this will be my first time. She is going to give me my first lesson. I can't wait. Were hoping we can sell some on e-bay. I will post some pics tomorrow.....so stay tuned. I am feeling a little under the weather with a little cough....so I hope I'm up for the challenge. A good nights rest and some tea with cayenne will help I'm sure. For those of you that don't know. cayenne is a natural anti-biotic and is great for coughs and and sore throats. I have taken it since I can remember and I can tell you ...it works like a CHARM!

The Pope is Traveling

2010-04-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

His Holiness Pope Benedict is traveling abroad and yesterday he was on the beautiful Isle of Malta. What a serene country. 98 % of the people there are Catholic and a huge percentage of them attend church. Please pray that his Holiness is blessed with a safe journey to all his destinations and has a productive visit in every country that he visits.

VISITING A DIFFERENT CHURCH

2010-04-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I visited a different church with my friend Julie. She had been there before and this was my first visit. It is a MUCH smaller church parish than ours and much older. It is also very different in many ways from ours. We had been wanting to go because it is very old compared to many of the churches in our area. It was an old Spanish style church and very quaint. When you walked in, it was like walking into a old church in Mexico in a small village. There were 2 priests and they were so sweet. They wore little hats that I've only seen European priests wear. They reminded me of the movie "Chocolat". The priest in that movie wore the same hat. The movie was shot in France. Very cute movie. Anyway.....I went there also because I wanted to see if the priest there could convalidate my marriage faster than our church. Our church is so big and our priests are very hard to make an appointment with. I spoke to the priest after the Mass and he was so very kind and understanding and he didn't want me to have to wait anymore. He told me to call him soon and he would take care of everything. I was SO HAPPY! Our church should have convalidated our marriage before I had my first communion and confirmation, but I think that with the size of our church and the class last year, there was just not enough time. We could have done it after during some point and we did speak with a Deacon there to do just that....but they were asking us to take a long weekend class that neither of us had time to do, especially my husband who works on the weekend. We have been married for 23 years and also felt that it was a little silly to ask us to do that. If it ain't broke....don't fix it! Anyway.....long story short....I have been trying to get this done and now finally it will be soon. I just need to hear back from the priest and I will know a date soon. I have not partaken in the Eucharist since my first communion and it has killed my spirit sometimes. I can't tell you the joy that I had when the priest understood and realized how much I needed to get this done without having to put my husband ( who is not very religious, but Catholic) through classes or meetings. The priest understood. I am very excited now and looking for a pretty dress. We are going to go back every Sunday until my convalidation is complete and the 2 times a month after that. It is beautiful there and very old fashioned which I like since I am a old fashion girl. 80% of the women there wear their head coverings during Mass and it is so nice to see that. It gave Julie & I a chance to wear ours and feel comfortable doing so....since our church does not. Our church holds 1500 parishioners during a Mass and I've only seen maybe 2-3 women wear them. It was a very nice Sunday. I am very excited. I will post more about it soon.

CATHOLIC CRAFTS

2010-04-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day. I spent a couple hours with my friend Julie. We went to a Catholic store. We bought Lady of Mt. Carmel scapulars and I also bought a Holy Card with the Virgin on it. When I got home I made a copy of it and pasted it to a piece of white felt and then I sewed on pretty pink lace around it. After that I added some pretty pearl like glitter around the picture and then sewed on a hanger on the back. It all and all took me about 30 minutes to make. It turned out so cute I thought I would list it on E-Bay for 9.99 to see if someone would buy it. Well....today someone did and I was so happy. I often make things on E-Bay and sell and I do very well, but it was nice to be able to make something Catholic and then even better to know someone out there loved it and bought it. I decided to make more and I hope people buy more and love them. In some small way....when I make something that pertains to my faith, I feel like I am working for the Lord and doing my small part in my crafts to spread his love. I have decide to make some more things that are "My Catholic Crafts" and sell them. It's a great spiritual outlet for me and I think it will be a great blessing.

2010-04-08T17:00:00.001-07:00

EASTER SUNDAY

2010-04-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter Sunday in San Diego with family. The weather was very nice there. Sunny and clear skies. We spent it at my father-in laws house. They grilled some delicious steaks and lobsters. While we were sitting down enjoying a wonderful Easter dinner outside....there was an earthquake. It was a rolling type earthquake and it really got our attention. It was centered about 40 miles from the US border in Mexico. It lasted forever it seemed. One of the longest lasting earthquakes I have ever experienced. It measured 7.2 and was felt over long distances. Luckily there were no reports of large amounts of damage or deaths. After all the excitement was over, the kids enjoyed an egg hunt. The bunny hid some plastic eggs with money inside. My kids.....the 20 yr. old & 13 yr.old were the only "KIDS" there who hunted for the eggs. They were each allowed to find 7 eggs. My son found the eggs with more money in them. My daughter always complains that her brother finds more money eggs.....which he does. Later they colored some eggs and the winner of the best colored egg would get 20.00 and a BIG chocolate bunny. Of course....my son won that too. I think he loves Easter. They had a blast. My Mother- in law does a great job making sure of that. Later in the evening we went to my husbands mother's house and had cake. It was her birthday on Saturday so we spent some time on Sunday with her and some other family too. All and all it was a very nice Easter. It was special to spend it with people we love and just enjoying the blessings we all have. We all smiled and laughed and had the perfect Easter Sunday.....except for the earthquake.

HOLY THURSDAY

2010-04-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Holy Thursday. It is the day that Jesus was arrested and spent his last Passover meal with his disciples. This is also the time when Jesus washed his disciples feet. During tonight's Mass the priests reenact this and wash the feet of 12 people from the church. I will be attending Mass and I look forward to it very much. All of the days leading up to Easter Sunday are deeply moving days while attending Mass. On Saturday, some of our friends from RCIA class who were not confirmed with us last year, will be celebrating their Confirmation on Saturday. We look forward to sharing in their joy. I love this time of year. There is such joy in being Catholic during the Easter season. It makes me feel such pride in my church. I am so proud to be Catholic and I know that I will see the same joy and pride on my friends faces while they take their final steps to becoming Catholic.

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Mass was beautiful. It is always touching when you see the priests wash the feet of 12 people from the church. They know ahead of time that they have been chosen for this. It is very humbling to watch. After the Mass, there was the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Tomorrow is Good Friday and I look forward to attending Mass again.

FAMILY VISITS

2010-04-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my cousin came to visit from Washington state with her husband. We met up with them in Palm Springs on Saturday and stayed until Sunday. We had such a great visit. The weather was beautiful and we took lots of great pictures. My cousin is very special to me. We are close like sisters. We grew up together and we were inseparable. We talk on the phone alot and try to see eachother often. We had a very nice dinner with them on Saturday evening in a beautiful restaurant called The Cliff House. The food was divine. Sunday the guys played golf and us girls spent the day shopping. We bought these great hats in a cute little shop. The hats were featured on Oprah's favorite things episode. They are great! You can fold these hats and put them in your purse or travel bag and you can't hurt them. I've posted them here so you can see how cute they are. Keeping the sun off your face is a must if you don't want wrinkles. We also spent the evening walking around downtown and we got to visit the cute little chapel where my husband and I were married. It was so nice to share with my cousin where we had gotten married almost 23 years ago. My husband got a kick out of it too. We took a cute pic there also...and I've posted it. Family visits can be so much fun. For me it was a real treat. I am a very blessed to have such great family. It is one of God's great joys. Treasure all the time you can spend with those you don't get to see everyday. Make the most of each moment and share with your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Family is forever.

Fun Filled Friday with the Kids

2010-03-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. We started the morning off not doing much. My daughter had a job interview at TGI FRIDAYS (a chain restaurant)so I drove her to her interview so later when she was done we could all go hit golf balls at our neighborhood golf course. My daughter did well in her interview and they told her she more than likely had the job and they told her to come back in on Tuesday to take a test that all the employee's have to take. She will be working as hostess. She also has another job interview for The Cheesecake Factory on Monday. She really wants both jobs at this time since she is not going to school until summer. She is looking forward to having some spending money. After her job interview we headed off to get a quick bite to eat. We ate our yummy healthy corn dogs in the car and we noticed that the the place we bought our food was having a giveaway and your prize would be revealed on the corn dog stick after you ate the corn dog you could see what you won. My daughter won 2 free corn dogs!! Love that!! My son & I have to go on the website to see what we won. I will check and see after I write this blog. Lets hope we won the big prize of 10,000 dollars. We shall see! All done eating and we headed off down the road to the golf course. It is about 1/2 mile from our house. My son & husband LOVE golf. I bought a 9.00 bucket of balls and we all took some turns hitting them. My son loves to what he calls the "HAPPY GILMORE" swing. It is from the movie Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler. Adam Sandler hits the golf ball real different in the movie because he is a hockey player not a golfer. We all took turns doing the funny swing and took a video of us being super silly and having some laughs. We had a good time out there. The view is so pretty there. You can see our local mountain range in the distance. I love the mountains. One of Gods great wonders. I am for sure a mountain girl at heart. I guess it's from all the time spent growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Well...our bucket was soon empty and we headed home so I could make dinner. Tonight's MENU- Pasta with zucchini and tomatoes, French Bread Pizza's and a nice garden salad. Yummy if I do say so myself. Dinner was great. Mostly because we always are eating together. I always felt that dinner time with family was very important so I've made sure as my kids were growing up that I made a nice dinner every night and we ate together. Now My daughter is 20 and sometimes she's gone and not with us every night....but she always knows dinner is at 6:30 and she is usually almost always home for that. The boys(hubby & son) are always hungry so they are always the first to sit down and chow down. I really believe having a family dinner time is great for bringing the family together. Even if its just a simple, fast, nothing fancy dinner. It's the time that we spend together that counts. Telling each other about our day. It's the simple moments we spend together with our loved ones that count and today for my family and I it was simple silly fun and simple food together for some precious simple moments.

Typical Tuesday..........

2010-03-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well today is Tuesday and not too much going on here. I started out the day marinating some boneless chicken thighs in a homemade teriyaki marinade. Posted on my "RECIPES" page. After getting that stuff in the frig. I cleaned up my mess and woke my son up to get him to his dentist appointment on time. His dentist cleaned his teeth real nice and gave him 2 thumbs up for taking good care of his teeth. The dentist said a lot of kids tend to take better care of their teeth when they have braces on. After the dentist cleaned them real nice and polished them up...my son couldn't wait to get them dirty eating his favorite Mexican burrito at Taco's Jalisco's. He loves it there and I was right next to it so we stopped in. I didn't eat there since I had a lovely little lunch at home. I made myself a nice egg salad sandwich on Jewish Dark Rye along with some Texas Caviar....(found on the RECIPE page). Later in the day I ran some errands to the store and dropped my son off at his friends house. He is on Spring Break and keeps busy hanging out with his friends. Afternoon rolled around and I made a few phone calls to some girl friends and chatted with one of them for a while since we hadn't talked in about 6 months. It so nice to catch up with people when you haven't kept in touch in a while. We are going to see each other at Thursdays Reconciliation Mass. Looking forward to that.
5:00 rolled around and it was time to "TRY" and grill my chicken. I told my husband I would try it since he said he would be a little late for dinner. Well.....it didn't go so well. Our grill is so old that the flames were so uneven and not hitting some of the chicken. So....I took it off real quick and stuck it in a HOT skillet and cooked it on the stove. I didn't use any oil. It turned out GREAT! I basted it with some of my extra teriyaki sauce that I made on the side. YUMMMY!!! I made some rice to go along with it and some fresh zucchini and carrots. Hubby was happy when he came home. First of all....he didn't have to grill and 2nd......it was delicious!! Now I'm winding down and relaxing while typing this blog and catching up on e-mails. All & all a good & productive day. I can't complain.
Smile Smile Smile!!

Pray for the hungry and the homeless

2010-03-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

My Sunday was very nice. I started my day by sleeping in, which is so great. I woke up and made a delicious omelet with red bell peppers and green onion along with some fried potatoes. A good way to start the day. After breakfast I passed some time on the computer adding some very nice videos on my other pages. I love the one of Pope John Paul II. He was a big reason I became Catholic. I will write about that soon. I love how creating a blog can be so fun. It has become a new hobby of mine and I am enjoying it a lot. I attended the 5:00 Mass with my friend Julie. It was nice because we had a guest speaker. We had a married priest and his wife come to our church and speak. YES....a married priest. He was a Episcopal priest for many years and then decided to leave his church and become Catholic. In 2003 he was ordained with permission only granted by a Pope and at that time it was Pope John Paul II. He is only 1 of a 100. Tomorrow he will be speaking on "why" he and his wife made the step to become Catholic. I think I know why...but I will not say until I've heard it from him tomorrow night. After the Mass, Julie & I walked out and a poor young girl with a toddler was standing outside the church. She was asking us for money and food for her children and herself. She couldn't speak a lick of English and I tried my best to talk to her in Spanish. Julie gave her $20.00 and I didn't have any money on me, so I walked just inside the church door and took 2 bags of non-perishable food to her that people leave in the bin for our food distribution that our church does every week...twice a week. I knew that if someone saw me, without hesitation after seeing the poor girl, they would have done the same. I hated seeing her and not being able to do more, but I told her to come back all week and speak to someone in the church office and they would be able to find her some help or at least give her more food. I asked her where her house was and she replied in a soft little voice..."I have been sleeping in a park". I felt horrible for her. She also said she needed some more clothes for her children and I told her that I didn't know if the church gave out clothing. I felt like she was asking for warmer things...so I went to the car and got her a blanket that I use for my son's baseball games. She was so grateful and offered a million Thank You's to Julie & I. She was so very young looking and helpless and from her accent, I could tell that maybe she was a long way from home. I pray tonight, she is warmer and that she finds somewhere to go. I can't imagine how desperate she must feel. At these times I feel so very grateful for all the things I have and how fortunate we are. During these moments, I think of Mother Teresa and what would she do. There are so many desperate young girls out there in the world. Some starving and homeless, trying the best they can to take care of their little ones and themselves. It is a fact of life in the world we live in, that there are many suffering and we must try to help whenever we can. I can't help but think how I could have done so much more. I know I tried and so did Julie. How generous was she in giving her the $20.00 without hesitation. She is a Dear. I'm sure she will be thinking of the poor young girl and praying for her too. I wish I knew her name, but I know the Lord knows her very well and he will find her help. She knew to go to the church for help and I know that she will get help soon as long as she continues to come back. So on this night....if your reading this, PLEASE pray for all the people in the world who are suffering and are alone and are in need of some sort of help. Pray Pray Pray....pray for the young and helpless.

My Saturday

2010-03-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

My Saturday has been pretty productive. I woke up this morning at 7:30 to help out for my son's Baseball team. Today was Opening Day for the league and all the teams had their own booths to raise money for their team. Our booth was selling breakfast burritos. They were each 3.00 and they were a hit. Parents had to volunteer 1 hour of their time to help work the booth. I got there in the morning so there was plenty to do. After my hour was up, I came home just in time to say good-bye to my hubby and son, who were off the play golf in Temecula with my father in-law. Off they went....and then off back to bed I went. I was tired from not going to bed early enough the night before. After I had a little nap I woke up and dashed off to get my daily dose of caffeine from Coffee Bean. It jump started my day as always and I headed off to Ross (a discount clothing & home store) for another picture frame to put my dad's pic in. They really didn't have what I was looking for, so I tried on a pair of capri pants. They looked & fit great so I bought them along with a kitchen rug. The rug was just what I was looking for and it was only 6.99 and 14.99 for the capris. What a bargain! By this time it was after 2:00 and I was getting hungry and since I was by myself because the guys were off playing golf, I stopped and got me a $ 1.00 chicken sandwich at Jack-in the Box. I took it home to eat, then I decided it was time to clean the house. I have company coming soon and figured I should get some dusting done. I hate dusting.....it is such a constant in every one's homes and I HATE IT!
I dusted the formal living room which I've neglected for a while. Now I know why people cover their furniture when the leave for a time. It's to keep the dust from accumulating on the furniture. I had to beat the dust out of my 2 wing back chairs and the sofa. UGGGH! About and an hour and a half went by and my daughter rolled in the front door. She had stayed the night with friends and came home hungry of course. She made her famous tuna salad that she invented and ate it while we chit chated. Not too long after the boys were rolling in the front door. My husband walks in yelling at our daughter...."Papa gave you something"......"Come down stairs and get it". Of course she barreled down the stairs like a 6 year old on Christmas morning to see what it was. Her brother opened up his hand and gave her $50.00 that her Papa had given to my son to give to her. She had a big smile and so did I because during our chit chat, she was begging me to pay for her to get her nails done. I had told her "No" and that I thought it was a waste of money since I know that in 2 weeks she's gonna bite them off ...like the ones she had just bit off 1 week ago instead of getting a fill. She never learns. Well....$ 50.00 in her hand...she bolts out the door and goes to get her nails done. I guess if makes her feel pretty....then she can blow HER money anyway she sees fit. Now that the guys were home and they told me about their fun day with Papa and how nice the golf course was, I was getting hungry. My son couldn't wait to spend some of his money that he had gotten from his Papa....so he asked me to take him to buy the new video game that he's been waiting for a year to play. The game had just been released and he was excited. We went to get him the game and after stopped in at Fresh & Easy ( a grocery store) to get some dinner. I was famished from all that cleaning and DUSTING! I bought some New York steaks and a few other items for dinner. My hubby grilled them when we got home and I made a side dish of braised Roma tomatoes and then added some fresh mozzarella and Italian salami. I also made some fresh cooked spinach with garlic. A nice easy meal for 4. Now I'm full and lazy and writing this blog. Tomorrow is another great day ....no special plans. Just hanging out with the fam. Later I will attend the 5:00 mass with my girlfriend Julie. I look forward to that and to seeing her. She has become a great friend to me and we love to go to mass together. We have both only been Catholic for almost a year now this Easter and we look forward to seeing the new RCIA students make their final steps to becoming Catholic. There's much to look forward to as Easter gets closer. I love being a Catholic at this time of year. Everything is full of special meaning and the season of spring is a time of year that we can celebrate. Everything is blooming and coming to life. My life is still blooming and so is my faith. Easter is life and in Jesus Christ....there is life eternal. Thanks be to God for the little things in life that make us happy. Like dusting and chit chats with our daughters and hearing about our loved ones day....and oh yeah...generous Papa's.
P.S. I just got an e-mail letting me know how much our booth made for opening day. Our booth sold 1,324 dollars for selling breakfast burritos....WOW. Maybe I should sell breakfast burritos for a living. Amazing!

Thank God ....We made it to Friday

2010-03-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well.....it's Friday. Today as I'm writing, I think how fast the week went by. I think of the saying "Thank God it's Friday". I think of how many Friday's have gone by and we find ourselves repeating that saying...and sometimes we REALLY mean it. Today I'd like to thank God for bringing my family safely through another week. All of us in our family...safe, happy and healthy. We are blessed every day when we can say that we are doing great. My son completed his practices and games in his baseball league without injury. My daughter arrived home safely after going out every night. My husband came home from work safe and sound and always hungry. I had a productive week and was blessed to end my week writing on this blog to say....Thank God....We made it to Friday. God is Great!

Geneaology

2010-03-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Last week was a great week for me. I had finished watching the new show called "Who do you think you are", and it really got me motivated to try and find my sister whom I never met. My parents divorced when I was very young and I grew up not knowing about my birth father until after my mom passed away when I was 14. As an adult I tried many times to try and find info the best I could with out having to pay for it. I never had much luck until about 2001 I found out via the Internet in the social security death records, that my father had passed away in 1993. I found my self some what sad in knowing that I would never know my father. Never knowing perhaps his history or learning from him what it was like when he was young. Last week after watching this new show, I joined Ancestory.com . After I joined, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that after my 14 day free trial, I would be charged 299.95 for the full year subscription. Yikes!! I could not afford that for sure...so I clicked away as fast as I could and entered my dads full name. Much to my surprise, I found a connection. It turns out that one of my dads cousins through his first wife Laura had been very busy doing her family tree. There in front of me was a link for me to click on to leave a message to the person who had been gathering all the info on their family tree. I told them who I was and that I had been trying to find my relatives. I received an e-mail the next day. I was so excited I could hardly hold it in. It turned out that the person who had e-mailed me was one of my 1/2 brothers cousins. Yes.....I had a brother. That was something that I as a young adult wished I had....a older brother. I was very happy to learn this. Sadly after talking with the cousin, I learned that all the cousins had not heard from my 1/2 brother Larry for many years and they didn't even know if he was alive or dead. My bubble was bursting. The cousins that I had just hooked up with had been so sweet to me. They offered me phone numbers of other relatives that may know more info to give me in my search. The best part of they next few days talking to them, was when cousin Carol sent me copies in her e-mail to me of my dad. As I was receiving the e-mail and the picture of him came to life on my computer....I cried. The picture was of him in his Navy uniform. He was so young and handsome. I began to feel such pride in seeing this young man probably younger than my daughter when the picture was taken. 2 more pictures began to appear on my screen and there was another picture of him in his Navy uniform. This one was some what different and I could see in that picture how very much I looked like my father. I cried more. Still appearing on my screen were 2 more pics, this time of my 1/2 brother Larry. One of him as a young little boy of about 3 or 4 years old. The other was of him standing next to his mom Laura and his girlfriend Rose. He was unbelievably handsome. He looked so much like my father. I compared him to a dark haired James Dean. The pic was taken during the late 1950's. He was wearing blue jeans and a white button down shirt...that was buttoned down to just above his navel and on his arm he was sporting and tattoo. My daughter couldn't believe how cool he looked. Neither could I. Another day passed and it was Saturday and I was surfing the internet. Don't ask me how I ended up where I did but I was on a site and right in front of me was a page that someone had created with my family tree on it dating all the way back to the late 1600's. I now had my grandparents names and all the dates and the whole line of my family members going all the way back to Ireland in the 1700's. How fortunate was I to find this site. The first thing that poped in my head was "who did this"? Could it be one of my 1/2 sisters or Larry? I saw they had a e-mail adress posted and I of course right away e-mailed them telling them who I was and waited very impatiently to get a reply. That night I got my answer. No it wasn't Larry or one of my 1/2 sister, but it was a distant relative via marrige. Another day went by and she e-mailed me agian letting me know that she had just realized that one the people on her tree was my Aunt ,my father's sister and she gave me her e-mail. Boy! Did I ever e-mail quick. I new I was getting closer & closer to finding a real blood connection. Well....today is Monday and I haven't heard from my father's sister. I know from reading some posts that she had left on the site when she was trying to do her family tree, that she and her husband are senior citizen's and I'm hoping that they are still alive and well. I will try again and hope and pray that I get an answer soon. I am leaving it in God's hands and I know he will allow me to find what he thinks is best for me. I know that the end results can be a disappointment many times and sometimes they can be just what we hoped. Making those connections to relatives that we don't know can be scarey and exciting. Everyday is exciting latley....I just may get that e-mail from that relative I never knew....but hope to know much better.

2010-03-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome! This is my first blog. I am very excited about it and I hope to have some followers soon.My friend Julie Garrison inspired my to start writing again and create a blog. I wanted to start a blog like Julie so I could have a spiritual outlet for myself. Julie & I met each other in our RCIA class when we were becoming Catholic. It has been almost 1 year for us now being Catholic. It was a real special time for me when I was going through the final stages in our RCIA class. Easter for RCIA students is a special time of year. It is the time when you take the final steps to becoming Catholic. Some of us in our class were coming from different faiths. I was one of those people. I came from a 7th Day Adventist background and so taking the leap into Catholicism was a BIG DEAL! Adventist are very ANTI-CATHOLIC. A lot of their doctrine is rooted in Anti-Catholicism. My becoming a Catholic was a very big step for me and I do not regret it for one minute. When I am sitting in church during the Mass, I have a deep heart felt feeling that this is Holy. When you understand the Mass and all that goes along with it, you can't help but feel the presence of God. It is a special thing to become Catholic and it's a special time of year for all the people in RCIA classes all over the world. It is a time of full acceptance into the Catholic Church. A time of year we all celebrate as Christians.....Easter. The time of year when we remember the awesome God that we worship and the sacrifice his beloved son Jesus made for all of us.