Merry Christmas! 

Peace and blessings to you and yours! We were blessed to spend Christmas Eve with our family. The important tradition of gathering together, sharing a meal, love and laughter is always the same. As the kids have grown older, games and/or activities have changed through the years:

In the past, we have decorated sugar cookies, decorated waffle cones to look like Christmas Trees, and last year our son helped the kids make their own sushi rolls! We have played bingo and it was loud and crazy fun! This year, the weather has been warm so we forgot the bingo game and played Simon Says, and Red Light Green Light to win the large boxes of candy. We were in the front yard - on the driveway - all the grandchildren played! From the smallest to the tallest - ages six to almost sixteen! Our adult children played also! Then we came back inside and played another crazy game - a big saran wrapped ball with candy, and little things wrapped in each layer - it was a very fun, loud and rambunctious game. Each family left in time to get to the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass - Jim and I stayed home and recouped! He went to Mass on Christmas morning. I have a cold and a scratchy voice so I stayed home.

My heart goes out to all the people who have lost loved ones this past year - many to Covid and others to cancer, accidents, etc. We have been to to multiple funerals - family members and close friends. Everyday is a gift - I'm thankful for each and every day. 

I love the Christmas Season - Christmas is more that just one day! I read the scriptures from our Magnificat this morning while Jim was at Mass. The following responsorial refrain has stayed with me; "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!"

I'll add the links to some past Christmas stories below.

Peace and blessings to you and yours,                                                                                                    near and far, wherever you are!                                                                                                                        God loves you! Go out and be a light in the world!

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-angel-gabriel-mother-mary-elizabeth.html

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2018/12/kitchen-windows-memories-and-some-quiet.html

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2018/12/all-is-calm-all-is-bright-merry.html

Re-sharing a Story - Always from my Heart

 Hello out there! I was looking for a particular post and came across this one. I wrote this story back in March of 2018. I decided that this story, is one that needs to be re-shared. Tears filled my eyes as I read this story once more, remembering how I must have felt when I wrote it back then and how I feel the same way today. Peace and blessings to your and yours, Sharla

Adoption - A Loving, Caring, Life Option

Hello out there - it is a sunny and windy day!
Promoting adoption for the human babies is pressing upon my heart -
What do I do, what do I say, I ask the Lord as I pray and pray!

I found this post I wrote a while back - as always, the words come from my heart.
I want to get the message out there that adoption is a life option. I would love to see
billboards and commercials and magazine covers about people who have been
adopted. I want to hear adoption stories because I know how special each story is!
I want people to know that babies are a gift. If you are in a crisis pregnancy and
this is not the right time for you to have a baby, please consider adoption for your
baby. I was blessed to have been adopted at birth and I want to share the message
that adoption is a life giving option! I see the commercials on television where the
movie stars are holding a puppy or a kitten and they are crying, begging people to
adopt these poor innocent animals. That is fine, but what about the poor, innocent
babies? What about the unborn, where are the tears? Where is the compassion?
Why are people so afraid to speak up for the human babies? If I had the money to
pay for advertising on billboards about adopting the human babies, I would. Maybe
I need to get more information about how much it costs and have a fund raiser.
Maybe that is why God has placed this so on my heart. I write these posts but I
must do more. Thanks for listening, just writing about this has helped me. It is
time for me to take the next step. If you have some ideas please share them with
me. I will keep you posted on the billboard idea. I wrote a post back in September
of 2014 and I am going to re-post it today because the words I wrote then are how I
feel again. God bless you all from wherever you are.
A post from September 2014: (I've tweaked it a little bit, just following
my heart!)
You know, things don't always go as we plan, dream or hope. Many times God is

reminding us that He is in charge of our lives, not us. Maybe it's a job loss, a transfer,

not getting the house you want, or maybe it's something like not having good enough

credit for an expensive vehicle or maybe just any kind of vehicle! An unplanned

pregnancy definitely changes everything, absolutely changes how you live your life,

but if you stop and think about it, this baby is a gift from God. Maybe you need a

new direction. This baby will change your life for the better, this baby is part of you.

To all the men out there, no matter what age you are, if your girlfriend or wife is

pregnant, be a real man. Take care of your family, take care of your responsibilities.

Love, protect and support them, be proud to be called dad. As far as that goes,

be proud to be a husband! Take pride in yourself and say "Hey, it's going to be ok,
we can do this." Your girlfriends, your wives, they need to hear you say,
"We're a family, yes this changes everything, but for the better!"
Children need their mothers and their fathers, babies are such a blessing,!
When did we get so off track. We need commercials and television shows that
support family instead of the stupid stuff that's on. We need magazine covers that
have positive messages about happy families and not the tabloid trash

that is on the rack right by the check out stand in the stores. 
Men, step up to the plate and be a loving and supportive dad. Be a great boyfriend,
better yet, be a great husband, make the commitment that says this is for real,
this is forever! I realize that the majority of men are wonderful husbands and dads
who take great care of their families. I personally know many men who are the ones
raising their children.  The single dads I know are amazing, and they do a great job
taking care of their children.
I am talking about the young men who drive their girlfriends to the abortion facilities
and/or those who push them into having an abortion. A baby is not a choice, a baby
is a gift, a unique individual and should be loved and cherished. Choosing adoption
for your baby if you are not able to raise them, is choosing life. I'm not saying that
adoption would be an easy decision but at least you would be choosing life, giving
your baby a chance, just like the chance I was given.
I keep seeing all the challenges on face book to raise money for good causes,
and there is nothing wrong with that. But here is a real challenge, take care of your
family. Be there for your family day in and day out. The world tells you that partying
is the way to go. Bar hopping gets old and what a sad, empty, lonely life.

Being part of a loving, caring family is the most amazing gift you can have, and
give back to others. Put God first, find a parish home, get involved, spend time with
your family. Pray with your family, attend Mass or church with your family.
 A good marriage is such a blessing and it is worth all the time and effort.
Communication and respect are really important in all relationships.
Ladies, motherhood is the most amazing gift, but be careful who you pick to date
and marry, make sure they want the same things in life that you do. The same goes
for men also! Men and women, please make sure that your children, no matter what
their age, are protected, loved and nurtured!

Spend time with them, turn off all the phones at meal time. When you are in the car
driving them here and there, talk to them, sing with them, laugh with them, pray with
them! Tune out the world and tune into family.
This ugliness in our world will not change unless we change. We need to get our
priorities straight, we need to put God first, family second, and everything else will
fall into place.  To sum this all up, I'll say it again, a baby is a gift from God.
Our lives are gifts from God, what we do with our life, how we treat others,
how we love others, is our gift back to God.
So get out there! Reach out and take care of each other, take care of your family.

                                                                                Blessings to you and yours!

                                                                                        Bye for now, Sharla

Sharing Important Information About Life Options!

 Hello out there - Please share this helpful information!

I'm writing this post in regards to the abortion articles that were published on the front pages of the Standard-Times Newspaper on Friday, October 15, 2021, Sunday, October 17, 2021, and again today!

 If you have not already read the lengthy articles, please take time to read them. The articles state how hard it is to get an abortion now that the heartbeat bill is in effect. I will be sending in a response because I have a lot of questions - they only talk about abortion not any other options. They complain about the long drive, don't talk about any alternatives, and the young 12 and 13 year old girls they talk about in some of these articles. They are taking these girls to get an abortion. Are they asking any questions? Are these girls going back to a safe environment? Were they raped? And if so, was a report filed? Are they still in danger? Do they make sure that the adult with them is their actual parent - What  about child sex trafficking? Are they looking out for these girls and calling in anything suspicious? Anyway - I'll post a copy once I've sent it in. The following information is about the help that is available. Hope and Life - Help is available!

Abortion is not the only option if someone is facing a crisis pregnancy. Four years ago, I traveled to San Antonio to visit the Seton Home of San Antonio. I called ahead and requested a tour of their facilities. They provide a safe haven for young teenage girls to live, have their babies, finish school, learn life skills, etc. These young ladies range in age from twelve to seventeen or nineteen if they have their baby before they turn eighteen. I was very impressed with all they have to offer these young ladies who want to keep their babies. Everything is right there; the daycare while they go to school, the small apartments, the large kitchen and dining area, etc.                 https://setonhomesa.

I went to the Gladney Home in Ft. Worth about a month later. I have visited there quite a few times. This is an amazing place, full of history; providing a safe and comfortable place for young ladies who are choosing adoption for their babies. Depending on the young ladies situation, they can live there and finish school while they are waiting for the birth of their baby. They can choose an open adoption or a closed adoption. They can also go through the adoption process without living on site. There are other Gladney locations in the state of Texas. I'm not sure if they all provide housing but they have offices in Austin, Midland, and Abilene. (Those are the ones I know of.) https://adoptionsbygladney.com and www.gladney.org 

I have not been to the Annunciation Maternity Home in Georgetown, TX,  but I do receive their newsletter by email. This home is similar to the Seton Home. https://www.thematernityhome.org.

I just found a website for, Elizabeth House, a maternity home located in Bryan, College Station.    Check out their website as well;  https://elizhouse.com

The following phone number is a National Hotline that is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 1-800-712-HELP(4357) If someone dials this number they are asked for their zip code or city and state and they will be given the address to the nearest Pregnancy Help Center/ Pregnancy Resource Center. (I called and asked questions - the lady was very nice!) English and Spanish

The banner says, Pregnant? You have options We Care We Can Help 1-800-712-HELP. If you would like to purchase a banner like this for your church or community center or parish hall - please go to Heritage House 76 and you can find all kinds helpful things; fetal model sets, banners, bumper stickers, etc. I think of every banner and every bumper sticker as a seed planted for hope and life. www.HH76.org or call 1-800-858-3040

In San Angelo we have a wonderful center: 

Pregnancy Help Center of The Concho Valley -
All services are free; pregnancy tests, sonograms, parenting classes, etc. They help
with baby clothes, maternity clothes, etc. The volunteers and staff are friendly and
compassionate - they want to help the mothers and their babies - the fathers too!
www.pregnancyhelpcenter.net

In June of 2017 I drove to Midland and toured The Life Center. They have four locations in West Texas, Midland, Odessa, Andrews, and Big Spring. They offer so many things - for the fathers as well. Click on their website; www.midlandlifecenter.org

I think it is important to make this information available; church bulletins, bulletin boards, church secretaries, friends, neighbors, etc. We need to make sure that people know about all the help that is available for mothers and their unborn babies! 

Share this information in your church news letters/newspapers and websites. Check out all the websites for yourselves, and you might find more good news to share.

Planned or unplanned, a crisis pregnancy or a much prayed for pregnancy; a baby is a baby - a gift from God.

Let's all work together to bring a culture of life back to our community and the communities around us. I pray that we will all be a light in this dark world.

Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla

  

Thankful for Sundays and God's Amazing Grace

 Hello out there! This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice! Sunday is such a special day. I treasure the slower pace, and am thankful to Almighty God our Father, because He knew we would need a day to rest. Our phones don't ring as much, very few text messages are received or sent, coffee is finished before it gets cold, and the highlight of our day is going to the 6:00 pm Mass on Sunday evening.

This morning, Jim opened the kitchen windows so that we could feel the morning breeze. He had filled up our bird baths that are in the front yard last night. We have a regular bird bath, next to our statue of St. Francis, not far from our kitchen window. And two "red-neck" bird baths that are next to an oak tree  closer to the road. One of the "red-neck" bird baths is an oblong stock tank. This tank is used by the thirsty deer, stray dogs, including a three legged dog that jumps right into the stock tank every-time he runs by (cools him off and he get a drink), Jim calls him Lucky! Several birds splish-splash as they take a bath! Our cardinals came and visited us this morning - three couples! Three bright red handsome male cardinals and their lovely wives! They flew in and out of our large oak tree and jumped all over the ground until two squirrels dashed by and they all took flight.

I glanced through the newspaper this morning and quickly folded it back up. There is nothing I can do about all the craziness in our world right now except to pray. I pray for our eyes to be opened to God's words, His message for us, His path for us. I pray for God to help me hold my tongue, to listen more and speak less. And I say this in all seriousness because I have a tendency to say too much, always have an answer, always want to help, and sometimes people just need a listening ear. I pray that these posts/stories I write will touch the hearts of those who need them the most. I pray that God will continue to remind me of the Serenity Prayer: 

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change;                                             the Courage to change the things I can;                                                                                                     and the Wisdom to know the difference.

I'm thankful that Jim and I are able to spend time with our children and grandchildren. I pray that as they grow older and look back, they'll remember how much we love them and the example we have tried to teach by our actions, not just our words. I pray that they will remember how much we depend on God and how thankful we are for our many blessings. God is always with us, through everything He is with us. Sometimes He walks beside us, sometimes He carries us, and He always loves us - through it all - reach out to Him, answer the door when He knocks, and always seek His guidance.

Last night, Jim and I sat on the back porch and enjoyed the evening breeze, the starry skies, and the skinny, crescent moon. We solve the world's problems on our back porch. We pray and hope for people in office to seek God's counsel, to use their common sense, and then we pray the Serenity Prayer. I told Jim that I think about St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta a lot. She was an amazing, giving, and courageous woman of God. Can you imagine what she saw everyday? She and the religious community she founded, Missionaries of Charity, took care of the poorest of the poor on a daily basis. Jim and I talked about how there was no end in sight to their mission. Everyday, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and dying who lay in the streets. Getting up every morning, praying and going out to take care of the many who so desperately need their help. Look up the Missionaries of Charity to find out more about all they do and where they are located.

One of my favorite quotes from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is, "God doesn't require us to succeed; only that we try." I've also heard the quote this way, "God hasn't called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful."  Either way, the message is simple and one I carry in my heart. If you know me, or you've read other stories from my blog, you've heard my pro-life/pro-family message. I will share my message of life, of adoption being a loving, life option, the miracle of life from conception, and the help that is available for pregnant moms and their babies. I will pray for the fortitude to work each and every day, even if it's in a small way, to be a voice for precious unborn babies and their mothers and fathers as well. I will continue to reach out and share the beautiful message of life because planned or unplanned; a crisis pregnancy or a much prayed for pregnancy; a baby is a baby. 

I will close with a prayer I wrote five years ago:

My prayer today is for the unborn, the innocent little babes.

My prayer today is for the little ones who are hungry and abused.

My prayer today is for the children who have to grow up too fast.

My prayer is for the teenagers who move from one foster home to the next.

My prayer is for those who live in group homes and those who have no home at all.

My prayer is that all these children, from the unborn baby in their mother's womb,

to the fully grown young ladies and young men, that they will be loved

and protected, nurtured and fed. I pray that they have shoes that fit and clothes

for all the seasons. I pray that they have a roof over their head. And not just a roof,

but an actual home where they feel safe and feel loved and special.

Dear God, please, protect all children everywhere. Amen.

Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla

Sharing Some Helpful Information for Moms, Babies, and Fathers Too!

 Hello out there!

I'm re-sharing some really important and helpful information for anyone facing a crisis or unplanned pregnancy. I'm adding a couple more helpful links and numbers!

I have not been to the Annunciation Maternity Home in Georgetown, TX,  but I do receive their newsletter by email. This home is similar to the Seton Home. https://www.thematernityhome.org.

I just found a website for, Elizabeth House, a maternity home located in Bryan, College Station.      Check out their website as well;  https://elizhouse.com

The following phone number is a National Hotline that is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 1-800-712-HELP(4357) If someone dials this number they are asked for their zip code or city and state and they will be given the address to the nearest Pregnancy Help Center/ Pregnancy Resource Center. (I called and asked questions - the lady was very nice!) English and Spanish

The banner says, Pregnant? You have options We Care We Can Help 1-800-712-HELP. If you would like to purchase a banner like this for your church or community center or parish hall - please go to Heritage House 76 and you can find all kinds helpful things; fetal model sets, banners, bumper stickers, etc. I think of every banner and every bumper sticker as a seed planted for hope and life. www.HH76.org or call 1-800-858-3040

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Helpful, Life Giving, and Loving Links for Mothers and Their Babies and the Fathers Too!

Hello out there - It is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and I can hear the birds
singing. The wind is blowing and my "feather bushes" look like busy feather dusters!
I am going to share some helpful information / helpful links that I've shared before.
I wrote this post back in August of 2017 after I visited several places. I want people
to know about all the help that is available for mothers, their babies, and fathers too.
I double checked all the links and phone numbers for the following information.

Saturday - August 12, 2017

Hello out there! I'm thankful to be home from my latest journey!

My heart is full and I have so much to share! There are so many kind and

caring people and organizations out there! I'm going to list the places I

actually visited and saw for myself first -
I went to San Antonio on Wednesday and was given a tour of Seton Home -
www.setonhomesa.org
This place is amazing! They take in young pregnant mothers and give them

a place to live during their pregnancy and after. They provide daycare for their

children while the young mothers finish school. They provide shelter, food,

daycare, parenting classes, counseling, and so much more. This home is for

young ladies who have not turned eighteen. An exception would be if a

young lady is taken in before she turns eighteen and is still in need of finishing

high school and other assistance with her baby or young toddlers. Check out their

website and share this information!
I was given information about the Guadalupe Home that is for young ladies who
seek help once they've turned eighteen or are older. I did not visit their location

but it sounds like another blessing for young mothers and their babies.
To find out more about the Guadalupe Home, look up Catholic Charities in

San Antonio and you will find the link: www.ccaosa.org

Guadalupe Home for Unwed Mothers. (210)476-0707
I went to visit the Gladney Center for Adoption in Austin on Friday.

I met with a Regional Adoption Caseworker and she gave me all types of

brochures and handouts to bring back to San Angelo. We talked for an hour

and if you need any of these brochures please let me know! Here is some

contact information for y'all!
1-800-GLADNEY
hello@Gladney.org
www.pregnancyhotline.org
www.gladney.org

I also went to the John Paul II Life Center in Austin. More people who care

and help is available! Amazing!
www.jpiilifecenter.org

Back in June, I drove to Midland and went to visit some friends.

She works at The Life Center and gave me a tour and introduced me to everyone.

I love the name - The Life Center - and I was so impressed with everything they

provide for these young parents!
Check out the website: www.midlandlifecenter.org  and they have programs

for fathers - Make sure to click on all the tabs once you go to their website.

 In San Angelo we have a wonderful center:

Pregnancy Help Center of The Concho Valley -
All services are free; pregnancy tests, sonograms, parenting classes, etc. They help
with baby clothes, maternity clothes, etc. The volunteers and staff are friendly and
compassionate - they want to help the mothers and their babies - the fathers too!
www.pregnancyhelpcenter.net

Isn't this great news? Help is available! I've given you links to locations

in the Austin, San Antonio, Midland, and San Angelo areas.

No matter where you live - help is close by.                                            

While I was driving through Llano, TX yesterday I saw a couple of these signs - the

800 numbers were different but the message is the same.

Please share these links - you never know who might need them!

If you know of more places please tell me all about them and share the websites.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend!

 Be a light to others and reach out to those in need!

Hi! It's Monday morning and a good friend of mine sent some more adoption
 information so I'm going to add it to this post!
The Bair Foundation - http://www.bair.org

And I found some phone numbers on the brochure from The Life Center for
Odessa, TX - (432)617-8378    www.odessalifecenter.org
Andrews, TX - (432)523-2859     www.andrewslifecenter.org
Big Spring, TX - (432)254-5311       www.bigspringlifecenter.org
Please share this important information!
God bless you all!                                                  



Praying Faithfully and Singing a Song

 Good morning out there! The lyrics of an old country song are stuck in my head. If you read my blog posts on a regular basis you know that Jim and I sit out on the back porch in the evenings. We have a  radio out there and it is set on a country station that plays the oldies. The other night a song by Don Williams came on, "Lord, I hope this day is good." That song came out in 1981. I know most of the words to that song and I sang along. The lyrics are really heartfelt and I love Don William's voice. Jim laughed as I sang my heart out, my Texas "twang" was loud and proud!

The first verse (and the one that is repeated )goes like this: 

Lord, I hope this day is good                                                                                                                           I'm feeling empty and misunderstood                                                                                                              I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should                                                                                                       But Lord I hope this day is good

The fifth verse (I really want to post them all but you'll just have to look up the song!)

You've been the King since the dawn of time                                                                                                 All that I'm askin' is a little less crime                                                                                                          It might be hard for the devil to do                                                                                                                But it would be easy for You

And then you repeat the first verse again - anyway, now that I'm older...I really get what the lyrics of this song are saying. In the second verse he sings.....

Lord, I've been praying to you faithfully....

I love that and I know that is what we are supposed to do! Look up the song and sing along - but you have to add the twang!

Today is a new day - Pray faithfully and go out into this world with a song in your heart knowing that God is King and has been since the dawn of time!

Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla

Seeing God in the Evening Skies

Good morning out there - This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad! 

It is hard to believe that today is the first day of September. August was a month of ups and downs. The Corona Virus Pandemic and this new variant have hit so many families. The month of August was filled with phone calls and text messages asking for prayers for loved ones who had and have this horrible illness. I don't know anyone who has not been affected by COVID 19. The loss of life, family members and friends dying from this horrible disease has been heartbreaking. We must continue to lift each other up. Spend time with your loved ones. Call your family and friends. Forgive and move forward. Lean on the Lord. Sing a song. When things are really getting me down, I go in my kitchen and bake. I sing and pray and measure out ingredients and add heaping tablespoons of love in all that I bake. 

The scripture that comes to my mind is from Matthew 24:42 - Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Every day is a gift - make it count!

Jim and I like to sit on the back porch in the evenings. Our porch faces the east and the colors of the evening sky are always so beautiful. That night, there were dark clouds to the northeast and you could see the bright blue sky to the southeast, and connecting the two were billowing, white clouds with the reflection of the setting sun rays coming out of the top of those clouds. It was an amazing scene. And then, it began to rain, not for long but for a few minutes. Our God is an awesome God and He is with us through it all - the dark clouds, the sunshine, the blue skies, and the rain. 

I didn't take a picture of the skies that night. I just sat there and enjoyed the moment. The pictures I've added to this post were taken another time and also filled with messages of hope.

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

Bye for now, Sharla

Faith, Intercessory Prayers, Scriptures, and Christian Warfare

 Hello out there! I've been doing some research for this post - I've jotted down notes, scriptures, and websites. Saint Monica and Saint Augustine, type their names in the search bar and you can find all kinds of information. Intercessory prayer, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Patron Saints, and fighting against the evil and wickedness of this world. The topics for my blog today!

A quick story that will explain why I'm writing about St. Monica and St. Augustine: Jim and I were in south Dallas on May 29th. We were going to his cousin's funeral and had arrived early. We like to visit Catholic Churches when we are traveling. I looked up Catholic Churches in the area. St. Augustine Catholic Church was only a couple of miles away. We drove to the church and hoped the doors would be unlocked, they were. We walked inside and it was so peaceful and beautiful. We were the only ones in the church. We walked up to the front pew and knelt. A feeling of peace washed over me. Tears began to flow down my face, I looked at Jim and said, "This is where we are supposed to be." I began to pray for all the people who have asked for our prayers for their children, their loved ones who struggle with alcoholism, drugs, failing marriages, etc. I asked for St. Augustine to please pray for them, for him to intercede on their behalf. I thought of St. Monica and how she prayed so diligently, so fervently for her loved ones. I asked for her intercession for the mothers and fathers who are praying so hard, whose hearts are breaking. Isn't it amazing how God leads us to where we need to be?

The scriptures I share in my blog today are from our family bible, Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible.

Christian Warfare:                                                                                                                           Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God. 

Assiduous Prayer:   ( I looked up the word, assiduous - it means, diligent, steadily attentive.)                 Ephesians 6:18-20

At every opportunity pray in the Spirit, using prayers and petitions of every sort. Pray constantly and attentively for all in the holy company. Pray for me that God may put his word on my lips, that I may courageously make known the mystery for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may have the courage to proclaim it as I ought.

I am guilty of thinking, "I know that scripture" so I will just glance over it. As I typed the scriptures from Ephesians, I read them over and over. It made me think about Paul, and how he worked so hard to share the gospel, the faith and determination he maintained. The following is the last four verses in his Epistle to the Ephesians.

Conclusion:                                                                                                                                  Ephesians 6:21-24

Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will keep you informed as to how I am and what I am doing. I have sent him to you for the very purpose of giving you news about me for your hearts' consolation.                                                                                                                        May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ grant the brothers peace and love and faith. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with unfailing love.

I don't think I've ever read those last four verses - They are so full of hope and love - The final verse, "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with unfailing love."  I say, "Amen and amen"!

The St. Michael Prayer is one my family and I repeat on a daily basis - and sometimes, this prayer is prayed multiple times!

                                                                         St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

I looked up Saint Monica to find out more information about her life. I typed in her name and several links popped up. The following information is from this link:

Angelic Warfare Confraternity

Dominican Friars, Province of Saint Joseph

The Tears of St. Monica 

St. Monica is a Patron Saint of:

Alcoholics

Conversion

Mothers

Wives

I'm going to summarize what I read: Monica was married to a pagan, Patricius, he had a violent temper, and did not treat her very well. Her mother-in-law lived with them, the link said she was cantankerous. These are my words, and if that wasn't bad enough...her oldest son, Augustine was living an immoral life. St. Monica prayed and her tears flowed for her family. She had two other sons. Her husband and mother-in-law finally came to know and believe in the Lord. Her husband, Patricius, died one year after he was baptized. He died in 371.  If you don't already know the rest of her story, go to the above website, it is very thorough. It does say that almost all we know about St. Monica is in the writings of St. Augustine, especially in his, Confessions. 

As I read about St. Monica I thought about how she continued to pray and pray and pray. She never lost hope that her prayers would someday be answered.  We must pray without ceasing for our loved ones - God hears us, and our tears have not gone unnoticed! Pray for one another. It isn't always easy and sometimes our prayer needs to be for ourselves - to be able to continue praying, for perseverance and strength in dealing with situations that break our hearts.                                                 

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

COME, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Galatians 5:22-23

In contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. Against such there is no law!

BUT WAIT! Read what comes before verses 22 and 23!

Galatians 5:13-21

Proper Use of Freedom: (Wow and Amen!)

My brothers, remember that you have been called to live in the freedom-but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh. Out of love, place yourselves at one another's service. The whole law has found its fulfillment in this one saying: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If you go on biting and tearing one another to pieces, take care! You will end up in mutual destruction!                                My point is that you should live in accord with the spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh. The flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed. This is why you do not do what your will intends. If you are guided by the spirit, you are not under the law. It is obvious what proceeds from the flesh: lewd conduct, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, bickering, jealousy, outbursts of rage, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envy drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I have warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

I had to get out my dictionary and look some of the words in the above scriptures up!

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord

I went to LoyolaPress.com/catholic-resources and found the definition for each one of the gifts. I wrote them in my notes but I'll let you look them up!

I will close with the following scripture from Isaiah:

Isaiah 11:2-3

The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.

                Pray without ceasing!                

Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla

Memories and Recipes!

Growing up I often heard an expression about good food or being a good cook, something like that, was the way to a man's heart. It takes a lot more than that but I do love to cook and bake for my husband and our family! My blog is full of memories! Family times, celebrations, get togethers, laughter, tears and lots of meals! Since June is the month of weddings I am going to share some of my recipe and anniversary stories! 

I only make banana pudding on very special occasions because I use the original recipe that is on the box of Nilla Wafers and that requires a make shift double boiler to thicken the pudding! I beat the egg whites into a white fluffy meringue to go on top! This year, I baked the banana pudding the day before our anniversary. I made some brownies too but that mix came from a box! I had just taken everything out of the oven when Jim walked in with a bouquet of flowers (a day early - I laughed because we both think so much alike). They are beautiful! 

Thirty-eight years ago I promised to love my husband for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, through the good times and the bad times until death do us part. I often think about the vows we made, so many years ago. A wedding is just a day - but a marriage is a lifetime and it takes work. Like a garden, you have to lovingly tend to it. Love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and communication are a must - but most important - you need to make sure that God is right in the center, right there with you so that through the ups and downs, your faith in God will keep you on the right path.

The following are a couple of stories from anniversaries past:  In this first story I am adding additional baking tweaks to my beer bread recipe! Follow the recipe as I've written below or make two loaves of bread by using the medium size loaf pans. Bake these for forty minutes and after you add the melted butter only bake an additional five minutes. During the Christmas Season I love to give baked items as gifts. The beer bread recipe works well in the mini loaf pans. One batch will fill four of the aluminum mini loaf pans. Bake for thirty minutes and then add the melted butter! You can gauge the time yourself by looking at the tops - if they are lightly browned, the bread is ready! The mini loaf pans work great for bake sales also! 

Thursday, June 2, 2016

COOKIES, BEER BREAD, AND 33 YEARS OF MARRIAGE - IT'S ALL GOOD!

Hello Out There! I haven't posted in almost a week! How are y'all doing? It has been
raining on and off all week. Right now it is overcast and a little cool outside,
70 degrees to be exact. For this time of year, 70 degrees is awesome! The only thing
negative about this kind of weather is it makes me want to bake! I saw some chocolate
chips in the pantry and so I decided to check and see what other ingredients I have on
hand. I have everything I need to make a big batch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
with pecans! Doesn't that sound great? I also have the ingredients to make beer bread.
I haven't made beer bread since the Christmas season because I sure don't need
to eat it, but it sounds really good today! AND it is so easy to make! I will share the
recipe will y'all! Easy peasy and only 4 ingredients!
3 1/4 cups self rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
stir together
add 1 can (12 oz.) of room temperature beer (I use Lone Star because that is what Jim
drinks and so I have it on hand).
Stir dry ingredients until well blended, add beer and stir until mixed in, batter will be kind of lumpy.
Spoon into a greased (I use the Crisco spray stuff) loaf / bread pan. My loaf pans
are glass but the aluminum / metal pans work just as well.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes. This bread smells so good when
it is baking!
Melt 1/2 stick of butter (the recipe calls for 1 stick, but 1/2 is a little less fattening!)
Melt the butter and pour it all over the top of the bread and then put the
bread back into the oven for another 5 - 10  minutes.
Wait as long as you can and then slice and enjoy! Add more butter if you want, but
it really doesn't need it. This bread is great with soups, stews, a big pot of red beans
and as toast! I haven't tried it as garlic bread but I bet that is would be great that way
too! There is also a really good biscuit recipe on the back of the self-rising flour.
This reminds me of another baking tip to pass along. If you want to make Buttermilk
biscuits and don't have or keep buttermilk on hand this tip will work.
Use 1 teaspoon of vinegar for each 1/3 cup of milk. If your recipe calls for 1 cup of
buttermilk, add (3) teaspoons or (1) tablespoon of vinegar to your milk and let it sit for
at least 5 minutes. I usually add the vinegar to the milk first thing and then by the time
I get to that step it has already been plenty of time for the milk to sour.
I really had not planned on writing about recipes or cooking tips today but sometimes
that is what happens! I have something serious I want to talk about but I think I will
post it on another page. I want this page to be about happy things! No downers after
this fun yummy recipe swap!
On Saturday, Jim and I will be married for 33 years! I can't believe it! The years have
flown by. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful husband. One
of my favorite scriptures from the bible is from Genesis, when Adam sees Eve for the
first time -
Genesis 2:21-24
So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was
asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man.
When he brought her to the man, the man said:
"This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and
the two of them become one body.

Another one of my favorite scriptures that I think is so important for a happy
marriage and a loving family is this one -
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs,
it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries.
Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth.
There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. If you try the beer bread recipe let me know
if you like it. I hope the vinegar substitution helps also! God bless you all!
                                                               Bye for now, Sharla

Friday, June 8, 2018

Red Roses, Lemon Bars, and 35 Years of Marriage - Pretty Awesome!

Hello out there! I am way behind on my posts! Jim and I celebrated 35 years of
marriage earlier this week. We were so blessed at Mass on Sunday night. One couple,
some good friends of ours, asked for Anniversary prayers (Mass Intentions) for us.
Another couple, and also dear friends of ours, prayed for us after Mass. Both couples
have been married a lot longer than we have! We visited with another couple (also
friends) as we were walking to our vehicles and we talked about how important
it is for married couples to have God in their lives. I shared the peanut butter story.
I'll repost it in case y'all haven't read it! On Monday we received a very special
anniversary card in the mail from a wonderful friend. Our hearts are full from all
the warm wishes, prayers, and blessings we have received from our family and
friends. We have had a great week.
Our anniversary was on Monday. Jim and I are simple people, thankful for what we
have, and we celebrate special days the same way. I am always baking something
because Jim has a sweet tooth. I haven't made Lemon Bars since Easter and I decided
to bake some for him on Monday. He came home with two beautiful red roses for me.
I fixed dinner and we sat at the kitchen table, ate and had a nice visit. We went out
to eat on Tuesday evening with five other couples from our parish and the Associate
Pastor (whom we all love) and will be transferring to another parish at the end of this
month. Tonight we are going out with another couple, who were married on the same
date, seventeen years before us. They are some of our closest friends and we have
celebrated many anniversaries together. I told our daughter that we were celebrating
the "Big 35" all week long - seems appropriate! 

I took this picture on Tuesday morning -

the lemon bars are almost gone!

The roses were beautiful then but.....

look at them now! I took this picture earlier today -

they are even more beautiful!

The lemon bars are all gone!

Life is gift! - Hug your oved ones!

Blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla