Thursday, July 30, 2015

The Pro-Life Rosary - The Luminous Mysteries

Good Morning Out There! So much to say, where do I start?
My heart is so heavy right now, all the information about the
Planned Parenthood scandal is really weighing on me. I just pray
that PP will be defunded. I can't stand it that our tax dollars help
support this evil business.
Prayer is so important, and praying is the best thing to do in any
type of situation.
I want to share the Pro-Life Luminous Mysteries with you. As Catholics,
we pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary on Thursdays.
Special intentions for the unborn and their mothers and fathers are
included in the pro-life rosary. I will write the prayers that follow
after the scripture and intention at the end.


THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit. Amen


THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
SAY THE "OUR FATHER."
SAY THREE "HAIL MARYS."
SAY THE "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER."
The First Luminous Mystery:Baptism Of Jesus
And when Jesus was baptized,...the heavens were opened and He saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him, and lo,
 a voice from heaven, saying,"This is my beloved Son," with whom
I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)
All are called to become adopted sons and daughters of God
through baptism. We pray that children in the womb may be protected,
so that they may be born and welcomed into the Christian community
by baptism.
Pray (1) Our Father, (10) Hail Mary's, (1) Glory Be, (1) O My Jesus,
and then pray, Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn (See prayers below)

The Second Luminous Mystery:
Wedding At Cana
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you."...
Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water."
 And they filled them up to the brim. (John 2:5-7)
 Let us pray for strong marriages,
rooted in the Lord, and open to the gift of new life.
Pray (1) Our Father, (10) Hail Mary's, (1) Glory Be, (1) O My Jesus,
and then pray, Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn (See prayers below)

The Third Luminous Mystery:
Proclaiming The Kingdom
"And preach as you go, saying "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
You received without pay, give without pay."
(Matthew 10:7-8)
Let us pray that these first words of Jesus' public ministry may be
heard by all. May they know that the Lord calls them to conversion,
and may they experience life-giving repentance.
Pray (1) Our Father, (10) Hail Mary's, (1) Glory Be, (1) O My Jesus,
and then pray, Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn (See prayers below)

The Fourth Luminous Mystery:
Transfiguration
And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered
and His raiment became dazzling white. And a voice came out of the cloud
saying, "This is My Son, My chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:29,35)
May the eyes of all people be transformed, that they may see each
and every human life  as a reflection of the glory of God Himself.
Pray (1) Our Father, (10) Hail Mary's, (1) Glory Be, (1) O My Jesus,
and then pray, Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn (See prayers below)

The Fifth Luminous Mystery:
Institution Of The Eucharist
And He took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and
gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you.".......
And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured
out for you is the new covenant in My blood."
(Luke 22:19-20)
Let us pray that parents who sacrifice the babies for the sake of
themselves may learn instead to put themselves aside for the sake
of their babies.
Pray (1) Our Father, (10) Hail Mary's, (1) Glory Be, (1) O My Jesus,
and then pray, Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn (See prayers below)

Praying the Rosary of the Unborn has been a life altering experience for me.
I've always been  pro-life, but ever since I began praying the Rosary of the
Unborn, my heart has been touched in a way that made me realize just saying,
"I'm Pro-Life" isn't enough.
The scripture from the Wedding at Cana, where Mother Mary says to the
servants, "Do whatever He tells you." I now take that to heart, and I know in
my heart that He is telling  me to speak up for the unborn.
The scripture from the Transfiguration, God says "This is My Son,
 My chosen;  listen to Him!" After much prayer, I started my blog.
This blog is my way of speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
These are the prayers we pray following each intention:
The Our Father - Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary - Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed
art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
death. Amen.
The Glory Be - All Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without
end. Amen.
O My Jesus - O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell,
lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of
Thy Mercy. 
Jesus, protect and save the unborn.
I hope these beautiful scriptures, intentions and prayers bless your life the
way you need them to. God is always listening, keep praying!
                                                       Bye for now, Sharla

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Conception to Birth, New Life is Such a Miracle!

Good Morning Out There! Last September a picture from National  Pro-Life Alliance
was shared on face book. It had a blue back ground and a cute stork carrying
a blanket with a baby tucked inside. The message said:


                       "WE'RE HAVING A CLUMP OF CELLS!"....................
  ..................................SAID NO ONE EVER!


Since the horrible news about Planned Parenthood selling baby parts has come
to light, I wanted to share some of the post I wrote in September 2014.
It really seems to resonate with what is going on now. We have to speak up even
louder now that we actually have people's attention! So here I go, once again!


Previously written for my blog on 9/10/14


"We're Having A Clump Of Cells!"....................Said No One Ever!
I can't tell you how many times I've asked, "Who says I'm pregnant but don't get
excited until it's a baby?" I mean it, have you ever heard anyone say that?!


 So true! Have you ever heard anyone say this? I sure haven't! I remember jumping
around saying I'm pregnant! We're going to have a baby, and from there you're already
wondering, is it a girl, is it a boy, we've got to think of the greatest name and so on....
I wonder if anyone ever does say, "I'm pregnant, but it's just a fetus right now, so we'll
think about this later, you know, when it's really a baby. So when might that be,
lets see.....the heart starts beating 21 days after conception. Come on people wake up!
There's a baby in there! Take care of this wonderful gift God has blessed you with!


Here is some information you might want to have on hand or share with others!


Day 1: Fertilization The sperm joins with the egg to form one cell. This single cell contains the complex
genetic  makeup for every detail of a new human being. The child's sex, hair and
eye color, height, skin tone, etc. After fertilization, nothing new is added but
oxygen, nutrition, and time.
 1st Month (1-4 Weeks) Did you know that a developing baby's heart begins to
 beat at just 21 days? Isn't that  amazing.  Muscles are forming, and arms, legs,
eyes, and ears have begun to show.
2nd Month (5-8 Weeks)
By six weeks the jaw forms, including teeth and taste buds. The baby begins to
swallow  amniotic  fluid, and some have been observed hiccupping.
The kidneys begin to function. Fingers and toes are developing.
At seven weeks a baby's chest and abdomen are fully formed.
3rd Month (9-12 Weeks)
The baby now has fingerprints, turns his or her head, and opens and closes their
 mouth.  The gender can already be determined.
4th Month (13-16 Weeks)
This little baby is growing, and will be between 8-10 inches in length, and weighs
 about  one-half pound by the end of the fourth month.
His or her little ears can hear their momma's heartbeat, and external noises.
5th Month (17-20 Weeks)
This little one is growing bigger, and moving a lot. Some babies have been seen
sucking  their thumb during a sonogram at the fifth month.
6th Month (21-24 Weeks)
A baby's oil and sweat glands are functioning, this little one is growing rapidly and
his or  her lungs are becoming more developed.
7th Month (25-28 Weeks) This little baby boy or girl now recognizes his or her
 mother's voice. They exercise by stretching and kicking as they grow even bigger.
They can use their senses of hearing, touch, and taste. They can even open their eyes
and look around. If the baby is a boy, a son, this is when his testicles descend from
the abdomen into the scrotum. What a miracle a new life is.
8th Month (29-32 Weeks)
Now the baby's skin will thicken, with a layer of fat stored underneath. This helps
with insulation and provides nourishment. He or she will swallow a gallon of amniotic
fluid per day. The mom will be able to feel an elbow or heel, sometimes a little rear end,
as her son or daughter kicks and  moves in this cramped area. (I remember that my
daughter had the hiccups a lot, it was such a funny and neat feeling. I know my son
was doing flips in my stomach!)
9th Month (33-36 Weeks)
He or she will gain one half pound per week, and they are getting ready for birth.
The bones in his or her head are soft and flexible to more easily mold and go through
the birth canal.
Did you know that ninety percent of our development happens in the womb?


Babies are babies no matter how small, please God help us save them all!
                                                            Bye for now, Sharla


#defundplannedparenthood

Monday, July 20, 2015

As a Couple, Being Pro-life is Our Way of Life

Hello Out There! It is a balmy 100+ degrees this afternoon and the week ahead
looks, hot, hot, hot! Now that I've given you the weather forecast for San Angelo
I will begin my story.
I just have to share this awesome, peaceful feeling I have right now. If you have
been following my blog for awhile you know that I write about my family, my
faith, and my pro-life advocacy. Speaking up for the unborn and spreading the
pro-life message is definitely my mission. Making sure I post updated websites
about adoption, pregnancy help centers, and healing after an abortion is very
important to me. I have also written about a baby's gestation from conception to
birth, a true miracle that I love to share. Something I don't like to think about, much
less write about, but have, is how horrible an abortion truly is, what takes
place, and possible complications during/and or after an abortion.
This fall will be my 3rd time to lead a 40 Days for Life Campaign here in
San Angelo. Since the Planned Parenthood here shut down, we pray in the
outside courtyard at our parish, Sacred Heart Cathedral. Several of my previous
blog posts are about things that happen during the campaigns.
Now, back to my awesome, peaceful feeling. Many times I have prayed and
asked God if I was doing enough? headed in the right direction? are You really
sure You want me to lead a campaign? etc. etc. etc.
I knew in my heart that God wanted me to really get involved and speak up
for the unborn, but then I would start doubting that I was doing a good job. I would
start second guessing myself but I kept on fighting for the babies, I didn't give up.
I posted a picture on Face Book of Mother Teresa, and the quote says,
"God has not called me to be Successful. He called me to be Faithful."
I have shared that picture many times, and I have read the words she spoke,
many more times. I finally get it............ I finally get it!
This past Sunday morning Jim and I got up and got ready. We pulled out two
of the vinyl pro-life banners, made sure we had the zip ties and scissors, and
we loaded everything up in the truck. We headed to the courtyard, our mission
planned out. We prayed for our family on the way. We had to circle the block
to find a parking place because it was almost time for the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
We parked, gathered our supplies and crossed the street. We passed people who
were hurrying to get to Mass as we were going to the courtyard. We went to
the gate and took down the pro-life banner that we had hung up 3 weeks
before. We carefully folded it back up and hung up the new one. This banner
has a black background and on one side there is a picture of a baby in the womb
being cradled by a pair of hands, and the quote on the other side says,
                "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die
                           so that you may live as you wish."
                      This quote is also by Mother Teresa. (My hero!)


Jim and I stood back and looked at the banner after we hung it up. The banners
are really large, 8' long by 3 1/2' high. I backed up and took a picture, I sat down
on some steps behind me so that I could get a good shot. After I took the picture
I said a little prayer, I felt choked up and tears came to my eyes.
Jim put up the banner we had taken down and we walked around to the front side
of the courtyard to hang up the next banner. An older woman in a motorized
wheelchair came down the side walk right next to us, she told us how she loves
to stop and look at the banners everyday when she passes by. Jim and I thanked
her, and told her that we were so glad that she liked them. I reached out and
touched her arm before she drove away. We went through the same routine, took
down one banner and hung another one up. This banner has a white background
and one side says, "I'm a Child, Not a Choice!" The other side has the face
of a beautiful baby. The atmosphere while Jim and I were quietly working was so
peaceful. Our work was done with a quiet reverence, knowing we were doing
what God has called us to do.
That evening we arrived early for the 6:00 p.m. Mass, we looked at the banners,
and watered the flowers we had planted. It was early when we walked into the
cathedral, we were the only ones in the sanctuary as we knelt down to pray.
Mass was wonderful, it always is.
This morning when Jim and I were praying at The Adoration Chapel I finally
realized what God was telling me.
I wish I could describe the peace I feel in my heart, the joy and love I feel when
we are speaking up for the unborn, when Jim and I are working together to get the
pro-life message out there. Knowing with absolute certainty that this is what WE,
as a couple have been called to do is both humbling and awesome at the same time.
I am sharing this with you to ask for your prayers. Please pray for Jim and I as
we continue speaking out for the unborn, because I finally realize that our mission
is going to be a very busy, day to day pro-life way of life.
I'm going to close with a prayer I read this morning in my Living Faith - Daily
Catholic Devotions book. It is one of the morning prayers in the back.
Lead me, Lord, to new experiences of faith today. When I find myself in
doubt, nudge me gently forward and walk beside me. You have blessed me
with courage and compassion that I may follow your holy way. Thank you
for trusting me to love as you love. Amen.
                                                           Bye for now, Sharla





Wednesday, July 15, 2015

It Matters to God! It Matters to Him!

Good Morning Out There!




My heart is so full, I have so much to say,
it is gorgeous outside, the start of a beautiful new day.
This morning I woke with a pain in my heart,
knowing my mission, just not sure where to start!


God has opened my eyes and has touched my heart.
To save the unborn I must do my part.


What should I do, what do I say?
I ask the Lord as I pray.
He fills my head with words to say,
so I write and I write each and every day.


I cry out to Him to show me the way,
How do I make a difference today?
I just don't understand why it's so hard to see,


the horrible death that abortion brings.
What must I do, What must I say?
So I write and I write each and every day.




I send letters to the paper, I write posts for my blog.
I put pictures on face book, and pray for new laws.
I weep for the babies, their innocent lives lost.


What am I missing, am I not doing enough?
Please God help me, please show me the way.
How can I make a difference today?



Then my heart begins to ache,
I know I must speak up!
I know God is telling me, don't you dare give up!
Keep going, keep writing, don't you see?
What you do makes a difference, you are listening to Me!




It matters to God! It matters to Him!
I will write and I will post and I will write again.
I won't give up, I will be their voice!
I will fight for the unborn, because they are babies, not a choice!




                       Precious little babies in your mother's womb,
                 you are not a choice. You are a blessing, a gift from God.
                 I will speak up for you, and I will fight for your life. I will
                     write letters and posts and pray. I will speak up for
                                     you each and every day!





Thursday, July 9, 2015

I Will Speak Up For The Weakest Among Us, I Will Be Their Voice!

Hello Out There! I wrote a letter and e-mailed it to the Standard Times
Newspaper, editorial department yesterday morning. My letter was in
response to the guest editorial that was published the day before. The
editorial had previously appeared in The Los Angeles Times. The title
of the article was, "In Texas abortion case, high court ruled correctly."
I read the article late Tuesday afternoon and I knew that I had to write
a response. That evening I sat down with my dictionary, the article, and
my literature on pro-life issues and documents about what happens during
an abortion. I jotted down notes, read and re-read information, cried, and
then wrote some more. Jim finally said, "Sharla, you need to get some
sleep, you can finish in the morning." I knew he was right, I was beyond
tired, and was really distressed after reading all the horrible things I knew
I had to read so that I could be brutally honest in my reply. I got ready for
bed and said my prayers, praying that I could write something that people
would understand. I tossed and turned, I finally told Jim that I had to get
up, I had to finish what I had started. He understood and gave me a hug.
I gathered up all my material, my notes and reading glasses and closed our
bedroom door and came into my office. I sat down and just started typing
from my heart, I looked at my notes, glanced at the article and typed some
more. I knew that my letter was way too long for the section in the
newspaper designated for "Letters to the Editor" but there was nothing
I could cut, nothing I would cut from my rebuttal to that heartless article
that I was replying to. I glanced at the clock and it was almost 2:00 a.m.
I knew that I had to get some sleep, so I saved my draft and went to bed.
I prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and finally fell asleep. Jim didn't wake
me when he got up, and when he came to kiss me good-bye before he
went to work I jumped up and said, "Wait, you have to read my article
first!" I stumbled around for a minute and he said, "Why don't I go and
fix you a cup of coffee while you get everything together." He knows me
so well, bless his sweet, patient heart! I sat down and clicked on my
draft on the computer and Jim sat down next to me. I read my letter to
him, so he would get all the emphasis on the really important parts. He told
me it was great, that I needed to send it to more than just our newspaper,
he hoped they would print it, and that he really had to get to work because
he was running late! I typed a note to the person I was sending the article
to and asked if there was a place they could print it since it was long. I
heard back from him about noon and he said that he would shoot for next
Thursdays View Points section.
Here is a brief description of the article I read:
There was not one word in their letter about the babies who are killed
during abortions, it was full of statistics and laws. They compared the safety
of having an abortion to other out-patient procedures such as; laser eye
surgery, dental extractions, colonoscopies, and vasectomies. They
didn't talk about any possible side effects of having an abortion. The
letter basically stated that this is the law of the land, so accept it and shut up.
Now, back to my response:
This is one of the points I made -
I  just can’t believe the audacity of the comparison of having an abortion to laser
eye surgery or having a tooth extracted. What part of a baby is dead do you not get?
Doctors are supposed to heal, not kill.
I have to say, my blood was pumping, my heart was beating like a jack
hammer, I was taking notes like I new shorthand. But you see, that's just it,
I have a heart, and I felt like it was breaking. My response tells the ugly
truth about abortion, my response talks about the babies, and the grief that
so many feel after having an abortion. My response talks about all the
possible side effects of having an abortion, and what really happens during
an abortion. My response is about humanity, and love, and it comes
from my heart.
       I will speak up for the weakest among us, I will be their voice.







Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Family, Praise, Blessings and Prayers

Hello Out There! Thank you, God for the rain! Just a quick post to say
hello! Our two granddaughters who live out of town were with us all last
week, Sunday 6/28/15 - Sunday 7/5/15. We had so much fun and enjoyed
having them spend time with us. Lots of activities, busy days, family time
with all the cousins and aunts and uncles, and of course us! Our youngest
grandson turned 5, so we went to his very fun birthday party! Swimming,
going to the library, 4th of July barbecue and fireworks at Nana and Pa's
place. We listened to Junie B. Jones CDs as we ran errands, and just had
a great week! Meal times, bath times, bed time prayers, washing clothes and
brushing hair! I keep two types of band-aids on hand, Doc McStuffins and
Minions, we went through a lot of those too! I forgot to mention the T-ball
game and jumping on the trampoline, feeding chickens and gathering eggs!
I hope you all had a wonderful week! I have to go wash the dishes now!
I want to close with a prayer that was in one of my previous posts. Blessings
to you all!


I pray that your day is full of blessings. If you are sick, I pray that you will
get well. If you have lost a loved one, I pray that you will be comforted.
If you are anxious, I pray that a feeling of peace will wash over you.
If you are lonely, I pray that someone  will reach out to you, I pray that you
will know that even though I may not know you,  I really do care. If you are
struggling financially, I pray that God will send you what  you need. If you
are struggling with addiction, I pray that God will give you strength
and courage to give up whatever is holding you hostage. If you are in a
crisis pregnancy,  I pray that you will be directed to the path of life, and guided
to all the help that is  available for you and your baby. If you are a caregiver,
I pray that you will get the  rest you need, and know that it is ok to take time for
yourself.
Dear God, I lift all the intentions I've listed above to you. I pray for anyone and
everyone who might be suffering or going through any of the things I've written
about. Please God, show us how to take care of each other, to love one another and
help us to be discerning in all that we do. Thank you for today, please guide us and
help us to live the way you want us to. Please keep us safe and help us to look to
You, and not the world for direction and answers. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.


                                                                 Bye for now, Sharla