Hello out there - The weather forecast today is; blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and a cool breeze is in the air. The temperature is an awesome 66 degrees right now - yesterday it was a lot warmer at this time - you have to love spring weather in San Angelo!
This past Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Easter, the holy Gospel reading was John 15:1-8. Jesus said to His disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does He prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." (USCCB & Magnificat - Volume 23, No. 3)
Jesus is the vine, we are the branches! Sometimes I have to step away from all the noise in this world to hear what God is saying. The past couple of weeks I haven't watched any news on television or scrolled for news on my phone. We get the daily newspaper and I read the obituaries and pray for the souls of all those who have passed on. I place my hand over their names and/or over their pictures as I pray for them. I pray for comfort for their loved ones, the ones who are left behind. I read the Daily Promise, on the same page as the obituaries. Yesterday's scripture was Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." (New Living Translation) I glance through the headlines and usually choose not to read any of the stories. I read a couple of the cartoons; "For Better or Worse" "Baby Blues" and "Family Circus" are my favorites and the ones I always read. If Jim has already read the paper, I toss it in the trash. I read the daily scriptures, prayers, hymns and psalms from my Magnificat. Reading God's word helps keep me on track and He still has to steer my gaze forward as I start to detour and make unnecessary stops. I pray that I am fruitful in all that I do. Many times I fall short but I keep on trying. I'm so thankful for God's mercy and for His amazing grace!
There are a couple of sayings that come to my mind on a regular basis: "You can't see the forest because of the trees" and "Think outside of the box." The Serenity Prayer is also something I pray often. Many times we or I fall into that trap of worrying about what we cannot do instead of doing what we can. This past year has opened my eyes to so many things. An example of the forest is worrying about taking care of people we may never meet. An example of the trees is our own family, our neighbors, members of our parish or church congregations. Sometimes helping a mom in need is as simple as helping our own adult children who are busy moms and dads. Wave at your neighbors and smile! Offer to pull the trash carts out for an elderly neighbor, or place their newspaper on their front porch during cold or rainy weather. Greet old and new families after Mass or your church service and tell them how happy you are to see them. Make sure you tell the cashiers at the grocery stores, etc. thank you and wish them a great day. There are so many ways we can reach out to the people all around us and sometimes your big smile or "Hey, how are y'all doing?" will mean more than you ever know. Ask God to guide you and He will place people in your path. Take care of your family - love them, listen to them, be patient with them, give them your time! God has placed so many people in my path and more times than not, I'm the one who ends up feeling so blessed. Step away from the noise and have a nice visit with Jesus! His peace will set you free! God's amazing grace is such a gift and all we have to do is accept it.
Peace and blessings to you and yours! Bye for now, Sharla
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