Martha and Mary - Ministry and Prayer

 Hello out there! No weather report today because it hasn't changed - it's  still HOT! 

Today is the Memorial for Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus - I love these saints! I have to share something I read in my Magnificat today. On page 404, before the daily Mass scriptures, there is a summary (or that's what I call it) from Luke's Gospel. I want to share one sentence from that summary, that jumped  right off the page: Since the 3rd century, the Fathers of the Church have seen in Martha and Mary the right relation between action and contemplation, ministry and prayer. 

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful and uplifting way to explain the importance and necessity of both of their roles! Sometimes I can get so caught up in "action/ministry" that I don't take the time I need to "contemplate/pray" like I should. I know from past experience that if I go, go, go - no matter how important the ministry or need is - if I don't take the time to pray/contemplate, rest, etc. I end up feeling wiped out and it takes longer for me to recuperate. Martha and Mary -  action AND contemplation - ministry AND prayer!

It has been a busy summer at the Ynostrosa Hacienda aka Nana and Pa's home! If you've read my blog, you know that Jim and I have been blessed with a big and boisterous family. We love spending time with our children and grandkids. We are talking about some major "Action & Ministry!" But as the summer days wind down... I've come to realize that this fall (once all the grandkids are back in school) we need to spend some time in "Contemplation & Prayer!" Yes, there will still be busy times, but we also need to take the time to recharge our batteries! Hopefully the fall days will be cooler and we can spend some time sitting on the back porch; Jim with a Lone Star beer and me with some cheap wine on ice, listening to some old country music, watching the clouds, and thanking God for our abundant blessings! 

I'm going to share a post I wrote back in November of 2020 - Martha and Mary - different story about choosing the better portion during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and really all year!

Full disclosure for the following story; I did buy more pillows, but everything else is still pretty much the same! I still color with our four youngest granddaughters and working puzzles is a big hit with all ten of our grandchildren! This is a big one - our three oldest grandchildren  are all driving now! Hug your spouse, hug your kids, and make some wonderful memories with your family!

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

"Choosing the Better Portion" During This Special Time of Year (Martha and Mary)!

Good morning out there! This scripture came to my mind this past weekend.

Mary and Martha. On their journey Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to his words. Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to him and said, "Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone? Tell her to help me."       The Lord in reply said to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it."       Luke 10:38-42 (Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible)

This is the time of year when many of us feel like "Martha" - Let's be like Mary, also! I love having a full house. I have learned through the years to not stress so much about everything being perfect or whether our family traditions and meals look like the ones in the holiday magazines. This past Saturday night two of our children and their families were here. The total count including Jim and myself was fourteen! Our meal included; meat and or bean burritos, Queso, hot sauce and chips, jalapeno, bacon, and cream cheese wraps with or without dove - cooked on the pit. I had some pie crusts that needed to be used - melted butter, cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top and baked in the oven - a simple and yummy dessert! A pitcher of tea and a pitcher of lemonade, paper plates, plastic cups, and lots of napkins. I had a glass of wine!! A very loud and lively card game that involved spoons was played after dinner! I did not participate - I spent time with our younger grandchildren! 

Our son and his family spent the night. We had a full house – kids asleep on the couches, and one on a cot. Every bed was occupied as well! I need more pillows!  Jim got up early and fixed breakfast for everyone. I sat on the couch and colored pictures with two of my granddaughters. I added them to the pictures that had been colored the night before. As I’ve shared in previous posts – our seven year old granddaughter has leukemia –we were so thankful she felt well and enjoyed being with everyone. Sitting next to her and coloring pictures was definitely a “Mary” moment.  I didn’t worry about what needed to be done – I just gave thanks and “chose the better portion.”

I pray that your holidays; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. are filled with peace, joy, and love. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone – I pray that you are with those you love. Keep things simple and enjoy each moment!  One more suggestion – I am blessed to have my mother’s china dishes. As our family grew I stopped using the china during holiday meals. We use heavy duty paper plates, but I do use the china serving dishes – they add that special touch for that special meal. My favorite time is when we stand in a big circle, hold hands and give thanks – Our God is an awesome God – rejoice and give thanks!

Peace and Blessings to you and yours! Bye for now, Sharla

(After re-reading that post I just want to add/clarify that the meal we had was NOT our Thanksgiving meal! That was the weekend before meal!)

A big thank you to everyone who has been praying for our granddaughter, she is doing well and should be through with her treatments by the end of this year! We are also thankful for her whole medical team! They have been amazing!  Our God is an awesome God! 

And as always,

Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

Love the Scriptures! God is Always Guiding Us!

 Hello out there! The weather report for today is...yes, you guessed it - Hot! It is 97 degrees at 1:45 pm (CST) and the high for today is 101 degrees. I am thankful that we have air conditioners that work in our home and in our vehicles. The AC went out in Jim's truck back in June but thankfully we were able to get it repaired! He works outside in the heat so I sure don't want him to have to drive in it! Praying for everyone who works in the heat, the homeless, and families who don't have adequate air conditioning. Praying for rain also!

I want to share some scriptures I read this past week from my daily devotional, Magnificat:

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

A reading from the beginning of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 1:1,4-10

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin. The word of the Lord came to me thus:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. "Ah, Lord God!" I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young."                   But the Lord answered me, Say not, "I am too young." To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.  

Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,                                                              See, I place my words in your mouth! This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms, To root up  and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.    

The following scriptures really grabbed me - As I read and re-read them I thought about everything   that is going on in the world today. I pray that God will guide us as He did the Prophet Jeremiah:      that He will place the words in our mouths.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 13:10-17          

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?"                     He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given  and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.                                  This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. 

Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart     of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with  their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hears and be converted and I heal them. 

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

Wow! Please Lord, lead us on the paths You want us to follow,. Please open our eyes, so that we can  see Your face, our ears so that we can hear Your voice, and mold our hearts to Your ways. Amen.

Not only does the Magnificat have all the daily Mass readings. It also has morning prayers, psalms,   and scriptures, evening prayers, psalms, and scriptures, daily meditations, and stories about the     Saints! This month the stories are about Saints who encourage us to pray.

Have y'all ever heard of, "Blessed Herman the Cripple?" His story is so beautiful. He died in 1054.    He was born with a cleft palate, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. Please read about him - his story is    so inspiring. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

And as always, 

Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

                                  

Once Upon a Time...Stories about Life, Family, Faith, and Love!

  Hello out there! The weather report for this evening is...Hot, and the later it gets, it will still be hot, but a few degrees less hot. It is 6:15 pm (CST) and it is 100 degrees, it will cool down to 97 degrees at 8 pm and then by 10:00 pm it will 90 degrees. Looking on the bright side of things, the sky is a beautiful blue with some fluffy white clouds overhead! 

I think it is important to share good news, and positive, productive ideas. I've had to pray the Serenity Prayer a lot lately:

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.

Amen.

Today's blog post/story is going to be about my adoption. Sometimes the best way to reach people is to share your own story. And this story, is one of my favorites! It's been almost four years since I've shared this story. 

Are you ready? Let me tell you a story! 

Dad and the Banker

I've always loved the stories about my adoption. When I was a little girl, my dad would tell me how they got the call sooner than they expected, and how they had to stop and buy diapers, bottles and clothes on the way to get me from the hospital. My mom, dad, big brother and my grandmother all drove from Stephenville, TX where my grandparents lived, to Ft. Worth, TX to pick me up! My dad would say that they picked me out special from all of the babies in the hospital, of course as I grew older I realized that part of the story was a very sweet addition. When I started asking more detailed questions, my mom said that my birth mother wasn't able to take care of me, and so she gave me to a family who could. My mom also told me that being adopted was special, and that I should always be thankful, and I am.
After I grew up and had a family of my own, my dad told me how they paid for my adoption.
I was born in the evening on December 30, 1963. My parents received a phone call on New Year's Eve morning that there was a baby girl ready for them. Not expecting the call quite so soon, they had to come up with the money so that they could bring me home. I need to give you a little history here so that you get the whole picture.
My dad was a science teacher in Sudan, TX. He also drove the school bus. Sudan is a very small town close to Lubbock, TX. My dad called the banker in Sudan to request a loan, and told him that he needed the money immediately. The banker asked if he had any collateral and Dad said, "Just my name." So the banker asked my dad why he needed the money and my dad told him that they were trying to adopt a baby girl and they were supposed to pick me up on January 2.
This is my favorite part, the banker said, "Well, go and get her, we'll figure it out when you get home." Isn't that awesome, I love it!  I also have an old, yellowed newspaper clipping from the Sudan newspaper telling all about the baby shower that the wonderful, gracious people gave my parents. The clipping says "Little Miss Sharla Kay, recently adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Nelson, was the honoree at a shower on Saturday afternoon at the home of....."
Just writing about this makes me emotional, I've been so blessed. There is just no way to describe how thankful I am for my life. But what breaks my heart is that you don't hear about adoption anymore, unless it's for an animal. We need to get the message out there that adoption is and should be the only other option. So many couples aren't able to have children, and want children.
Children are gifts from God, they are not a choice, they are a life.
I love that story, and I pray that there will be more people like that banker. I pray that we
will be able to get the adoption message out there. I look at my children and my grandchildren
and I am just so thankful that I was given the chance to grow up and share my story. Adoption
is a loving life option and adoption saves generations!

I was a happy baby girl! So thankful - so blessed!

 

I'm going to add one more of my stories below: Actually, it's two stories!

Respecting Life from Conception to Natural Death - 2 Stories!

1. Respecting life from conception to natural death begins with our own families. Being pro-life means that you understand that planned or unplanned, a baby is a baby. I was adopted when I was three days old, really at birth, but my parents couldn't come and take me home until I was three days old. I grew up knowing that I was adopted and my parents explained how much I was loved and I have always been very thankful for my life. I'm a joyful, glass is half-full type of gal! I love to laugh and sing and am definitely a people person! Now, getting back to the reason for this story. When my husband and I got married I was expecting our first child. Abortion had been legal for ten years. Having an abortion never even entered my mind. I was and am very blessed to have a wonderful husband. We immediately picked a date and planned a small wedding. Fast forward to a couple of decades later. Our adult children are very supportive of my pro-life work. In 2006 we were blessed with three precious grandchildren, two of them were unplanned. That summer all three of our children and their children were at our home. I took a picture of the three grandbabies together. Years later, after I became involved in the pro-life mission I thought about that picture and so many more pictures with all ten of our grandchildren. They are all such gifts! We are so blessed! We are thankful for each and every one of our ten grandchildren. One time someone asked me why I fought so hard, why I cared so much. I started thinking about all the statistics I know and then I said, "Let me tell you a story." This woman knows my children and my grandchildren. After I finished my story I asked her which two of my grandchildren shouldn't be here? Could she pick out the ones that weren't planned? She began to cry and squeezed my hand as tears streamed down my cheeks also. I've learned through the years that sometimes you have to tell your own life story for people to understand why you do what you do. I've actually had people who don't know me say, "You're pro-life until it happens to you or to your kids!" And my reply has always been, "Do you have a minute? Let me tell you a story."

 2. Respecting life until natural death - I've spoken to some RCIA classes about my pro-life work. I shared the following story on January 19, 2019

On Thursday, January 10th, I was blessed to share my pro-life message with the
RCIA Class at Sacred Heart. The core part of my message was that we need to
respect life from conception through natural death. I get pretty animated when I speak.
I walk back and forth and my hands are this way and that way - sometimes I make
people laugh (especially when I share my, "You might be Catholic if" stories) and
sometimes the truth of what I say will bring tears to your eyes (and mine too). I talk
about my adoption story and how thankful I am for my life. I share pictures of my
children and grandchildren because I want people to understand that adoption saves
generations. The grim reality on the other hand is that abortion ends generations.
I shared a story about my father this time - it's the first time I've spoken about it
publicly. The story is about respecting life until natural death.
I have to tell you this - when I sat down today I really wasn't sure what I was going to
write about and I'm constantly amazed at the words, the memories that God places
on my heart. So...let me tell you another story:

If you've read the stories from my blog you know that my mother died when I was twelve.
My dad was the sweetest man and he took such good care of my mom, she had cancer
and was sick for a long time. When I moved away from home, got married and was
blessed with a family of my own, my dad would come and visit.
He would go and visit my brother and his family and then come and stay with us.
I have so many memories of him being with us. He would sit at the bar in the kitchen
and chop onions and peel potatoes for me when I was cooking. He liked to watch TV and
in the fall he would shell pecans for me as he watched the football games. He would run
errands with me and we had the best visits - always talking! My dad developed
Alzheimer's in his later years. He had stopped calling me by name about three years
before he died. He recognized me but whether he realized I was his daughter or not I
don't know. I cherish our visits. He lived in a nursing home for the last year and a half
of his life. I would go and see him and put an old movie on - we loved watching
John Wayne Westerns and old war movies. Our favorite John Wayne movie was,
"McClintock." Jim would always buy candy bars before he would stop in to see dad.
He loved seeing his great grandchildren, his eyes would light up.
My brother and his wife would come and visit and he was always so happy to see
everyone. I don't know who dad remembered or if he remembered that we were his
children. The point I stressed was that whether my dad remembered who I was or not,
I knew who he was - he was my sweet dad and I will always be thankful for the time
I spent with him.

The End!

And as always,

                          Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

Life IS a Gift - Love Babies, Born and Unborn -Take Care of Your Family

 Hello out there! The weather report for today is HOT! It is 103 degrees right now - 2:20 pm CST. The high for today is 104 degrees. Stay hydrated and if you work outside - stay really hydrated! My heart goes out to all the people who have to work out in the elements. My husband is a welder and many of his jobs are outside and even if he's in the shop - it's hot in there! 

This blog post is going to be one of my "all over the place" type of posts. I have so much on my heart and there are a lot of things I want to share, clarify, expose the lies, etc. I took a walk this morning and prayed for God to help me find the right words and to share the right message with everyone who reads my blog.

The following statements, stories, etc. will not be in any order of importance - whatever pops into my mind first is what I will begin with.

On Friday morning, June 24th of 2022 I watched Fox News, and waited for the Supreme Courts decision on Roe v Wade. I was in the living room, folding clothes when I heard they were going to announce the decision. Jim walked in and we both stood there and I tightly held his hand that was holding mine. I'm so thankful that we were there together when we heard the news. We hugged, I cried, we gave thanks to the Lord, and we prayed against any and all adverse reactions that we knew would come from the decision to send abortion regulations back to the states. I've been appalled at the hate mongering that is taking place in our country over this decision.

1. Why is there so much hate for the innocent unborn baby in their mother's womb? How has this country become so callous that they are even against Pregnancy Help Centers and Pregnancy Resource Centers that actually help women and their babies, born and unborn? When did we stop teaching about cause and effect, personal responsibility, moral integrity, and believing in the sanctity of life? And choice? They say: adoption is wrong, pregnancy help centers are bad, getting married and being responsible is unthinkable, and having a baby will just be too hard, as they scream, "Abortion on demand and without apology." Their slogans bring out a wide range of emotions in me; some make me sad, others break my heart, and then there are those that are like a slap in the face. Please God, please help us.

2. This paragraph is important! Responding to the lies that bring fear to pregnant young ladies and pregnant women. They have been saying that you will not be treated if you've had a miscarriage and the baby is still in your womb and that you will not be treated if you have an ectopic pregnancy. That is an out right lie! MISCARRIAGES AND ECTOPIC PREGNANCY TREATMENT ARE NOT ABORTIONS! To learn more about this information please go to liveaction.org and look for the story: DEBUNKED: 11 myths about post-Roe abortion laws.

3. Why are Planned Parenthood Clinics shutting down? They've always claimed that abortions are only 3% of their services. If abortion truly was just 3% - they would have no problems staying in business. It doesn't take a degree in Business or Accounting to figure that out! The abortion industry is big business - a whole lot of blood money! Look up the incomes of the CEO and other top execs at Planned Parenthood.                                                   

4. Pregnancy Help Centers and Pregnancy Resource Centers receive no tax payer money and rely on donations from people in their communities. All of their services are free. You don't have to qualify to receive their services. Free ultrasounds, free pregnancy tests, they offer parenting classes, clothes for newborns, infants, and young toddlers and some also have maternity clothes. And so much more! All clothing items and blankets that have been donated are washed by volunteers, new and used. To find out more information contact your local pregnancy help center.                                                                           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) You can speak to someone in English or Spanish. If someone dials this number they are asked for their zip code or city and state and they will be given the address and phone number for the nearest Pregnancy Help Center/ Pregnancy Resource Center. (Yes, I've called it! I like to make sure information I share is accurate.)

 5. The political response has been an embarrassing array of temper tantrum throwing, threats, ugliness and disgraceful! Lord Jesus, help us! I mean this from the bottom of my heart - we are dealing with spiritual warfare. Put on the full armor of God! The following scriptures and prayers are from a previous post. (6/29/21)

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'm back from the past - 7/9/2022

If you are wondering how you can help mothers and their babies, born and unborn, in need - here are a few suggestions. Call your local pregnancy help center and ask what they need. Purchase the items and / or make monetary contributions. If you have time - offer to wash some of the donated clothing they receive. I'm sure they have even more suggestions if you call them. Make sure your parish or church has a contact person if a family or pregnant mother is in need of help. One of the most important things we can do is to take care of our own families and to teach our children, by word and example how to help others, in our neighborhoods, in our parishes and churches, and in our communities.

I'm going to close with a prayer I wrote in the fall of 2016:

 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 heads. 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.

One more thing! - Adoption IS a loving life option!

 

And as always - Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

                                                  

Bye for now,

Sharla