Visiting the Desert - A Time of Reflection and Prayer

 Hello out there! It is 6:20 pm and 93 degrees outside! I wanted to go for a walk but decided it was too hot! I decided to write a post for my blog instead! Last week I shared the Mysteries of the Rosary:

Monday - The Joyful Mysteries, Tuesday -The Sorrowful Mysteries, Wednesday - The Glorious Mysteries, and Thursday - The Luminous Mysteries - I included all the prayers, scriptures, and steps that go with praying the rosary. (You repeat The Sorrowful Mysteries on Friday, They Joyful Mysteries on Saturday, and The Glorious Mysteries on Sunday!)

Today I'm sharing The Stations of the Cross - I wrote this post back in September 2018. Jim and I had traveled to Arizona in the heat of summer - last week of July! As we traveled through Tucson we stopped at a Catholic Church that had an amazing prayer garden with The Stations of the Cross. I pray that this journey through the desert garden touches your heart! As I looked at the sculptures and re-read my post from almost six years ago, tears streamed down my face once more. 

Jesus, we need you so much! Please have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

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

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Praying the Stations of the Cross in the Desert - A Peaceful, Nature Filled, Prayer Garden (Lizards Included)

Hello out there! How are y'all? It has been two weeks since I've written a post!
I wont' bore y'all with my everyday busy-ness! I have wanted to share these amazing
pictures I took at a prayer garden we visited in Tucson, Arizona back in July.
The beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains are the backdrop for the
Santa Catalina Catholic Church and the prayer garden they have next to the church.
Let me go back to that day - grab a cup of coffee, a glass of lemonade, or a cut of hot
tea and settle down somewhere comfortable. Are y'all ready? Let me tell you a story.....
On Thursday morning, July 19, 2018, Jim and I were leaving Tucson headed in the
direction of Phoenix, AZ. I was looking for a Catholic Church where we could stop
and maybe catch a noon Mass. I found one that looked like it was close by and
before I knew it, we almost missed the exit! Jim turned down the road and we found
this beautiful church out in the desert. We were told that the chapel was open and
we went inside to pray. I couldn't concentrate because I kept thinking of that desert
garden I had seen out to the side of the chapel. I whispered to Jimmy that I was going
outside. (I'm going to include a bunch of pictures).

I walked through the opening and immediately to my left I saw this amazing sight:

This is the scene where the disciples were asleep while Jesus was praying.

My heart jumped and I walked over to the disciple I thought would look like Peter

and I patted his hand. I think about how he must have lamented over his denial of

knowing Jesus and then I think of all the times I am not listening.

I prayed, "O Lord, how many times am I asleep when I should remain vigilant?"

(Look at the attention to detail on these sculptures)

I walked back to the trail and followed it to the right. Along the path were the Stations

of the Cross. I wish I had begun taking pictures at the First Station of the Cross but I

didn't - I started with the Fourth Station. Before I begin listing the Stations of the Cross,

I have to tell you about one of the signs that was posted along the path, "Watch out for

snakes!" I immediately thought of the devil because of the symbolism. But I did watch

our for snakes, a lot of lizards, small and not so small ran out in front of me! It was hot

outside, but the beauty of this desert garden grabbed me. I walked down the path and

prayed and sang, took pictures, and sang some more. Jim needed the quiet, solitude of

the chapel to concentrate on his prayers and I needed the amazing beauty and peace of

nature to concentrate on mine. Jim came to the garden and found me. He probably

followed my voice!

I really wish I had a picture for each Station of the Cross - The pictures that I did take

are breath taking.

The First Station of the Cross - Jesus is Condemned to Death

The Second Station of the Cross - Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross

The Third Station of the Cross - Jesus Falls the First Time

The Fourth Station of the Cross

Jesus Meets His afflicted Mother

(Doesn't this picture break your heart?!)





The Fifth Station of the Cross

Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

The Sixth Station of the Cross

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

The Seventh Station of the Cross 

Jesus Falls the Second Time

The Eighth Station of the Cross

Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem

The Ninth Station of the Cross

 Jesus Falls the Third Time

The Tenth Station of the Cross

Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

The Eleventh Station of The Cross

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross









The Twelfth Station of the Cross

Jesus Dies on the Cross

The Thirteenth Station of the Cross

Jesus is taken down from the Cross

The Fourteenth Station of the Cross

Jesus is laid in the Sepulcher

The Fifteenth Station of the Cross

The Resurrection!

He is Risen!

Thank you for walking down the path of the Stations of the Cross with me! I felt so

at peace after spending time with Jesus in the desert - what a gift!

I have one more picture to share. This statue of "Our Lady of Life" was out in front of

the chapel.

This statue really touched my heart - Mother Mary and Baby Jesus - A unique and

heartwarming statue that goes with the beauty of the desert. I look at this statue and

think about a baby in their mother's womb.

Jesus Protect and Save the Unborn Babies

in their Mother's Womb and

all the Children of the World!

Blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla





Faith, Family Time, Prayers and Mass

 Hello out there! I'm thankful for Sundays and God's amazing grace!

I sat down at my computer desk and was going to write a post about staying away form the negativity and all the ugliness that is happening all across the world. I looked back over some of my posts from years back and this one stood out - the message is how I felt then and right now. 

Sharing a story and some pictures from my heart and as always...Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

This picture is from the cover of our daily devotional and Mass readings, Magnificat. It was on the July 2019 issue and it really touched my heart then, it still does. 

 A mother praying with her children before bed, holding her youngest daughter's hands together, teaching her how to pray. The older daughter is kneeling with her head slightly bowed and her hands together. I can see that the mother is tired after a long day but she takes the time to pray with her children because she knows how important it is. Our children and grandchildren need us to pray with them and for them.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

In This World of Darkness - Choose Light - Jesus is the Answer

Good morning out there! The weather forecast for today is - blues skies, a hot breeze
and a really hot day! Please stay hydrated if you are outside! I pray for all of those
who work out in this heat. My husband is a contract welder and I always make sure
he has plenty of drinks in his small ice chest. Make sure your children don't stay
outside too long in this heat. Their little bodies will overheat quickly. Wipe their
sweet little faces with a damp cloth and give them plenty of fluids to drink!
The following picture is one of my favorites:

Our children, teenagers and young adults need to know that they are loved.

The suicide rate is rising among our youth. Social media will never take the
place of a hug or a smile. Getting together with loved ones and friends and
sharing a cup of coffee or a meal is so important. And you may not want to
hear this but I'm saying it anyway - We all need Jesus in our lives!
The joy that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
will bless your life with joy and peace that you will not find anywhere else!
Take your family to church! Make sure your children and teenagers are
involved and enrolled in CCD/Sunday School, Edge-Life Teen/Youth Groups -
whatever it is called at your parish or church.
Volunteer to be a teacher or an aide. Go to church together as a family! Pray
together before meals, before school, before bed - pray together! Put down your
phones! Eat dinner together and have a rule about no phones at the dinner table!
If you take your family out to eat - adults/parents - no phones! My husband and
I do not take our phones inside the restaurant. Be the example for your children.
Let them see that you can be away from your phone. Ask your children and
teenagers questions. Make it a point to talk about their day and share something
about your day as well. Hug your kids and tell them that they can talk to you
about anything and everything. Lets make family time a priority. Adults and
teenagers are spending too much time on social media and it is hurting our
families. We always made weekly Mass a priority as our children were growing
up and we still do. All children need guidance, they need structure, and your time and attention. Our children were raised in a faith filled home, with rules, family meals, laughter, hugs, and disagreements! Our faith, prayers, and going to Mass as a family held us together. Remember the adage, "The family that prays together, stays together!

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

"Jesus spoke to them again, saying,

"I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life."

John 8:12

Praying the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary! Be a Light in this World!

Good morning out there! We were blessed with a little bit of rain last night! The high for today is supposed to reach 95 degrees - stay hydrated!

I'm on track with sharing the prayers and scriptures of the rosary.  A step by step guide everyday this week! We began on Monday with the Joyful Mysteries, and Tuesday with the Sorrowful Mysteries.        I shared the Glorious Mysteries yesterday and I'm sharing the Luminous Mysteries today!

And...I added the concluding prayer that is prayed after the "Hail Holy Queen!" 

Let's get started! I love the Luminous Mysteries - well, I really love them all!

The Wedding Feast of Cana



Isn't this a beautiful stained glass window of when Jesus turns the water into wine?!

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary are prayed on Thursdays:

The following are the prayers of the rosary -

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.

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.

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 our death. Amen.

Glory Be 
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.

Hail, Holy Queen (Prayed at the end of the Rosary)
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope,
to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our
sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears; turn, then, most gracious
Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises
of Christ.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and then pray the "Apostles' Creed."
2. Pray the "Our Father."
3. Pray three "Hail Marys."
4.Pray the "Glory Be to the Father."

5. Announce the First Mystery -
The First Luminous Mystery is The Baptism of Jesus -
After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly the sky
opened and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him.
With that, a voice from the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son.
My favor rests on him." (Matthew 3:16-17) 

 Pray the "Our Father"
6. Pray (10) "Hail Marys"
7. Pray the "Glory Be to the Father." Then pray the Fatima prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

8. Announce the Second Mystery -
The Second Luminous Mystery is The Wedding at Cana -
His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever He tells you."....
Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them
to the brim. (John 2:5-7)

 Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) "Hail Marys"
 Pray the "Glory Be to the Father." Then pray the Fatima prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

9. Announce the Third Mystery -
The Third Luminous Mystery is Proclaiming The Kingdom -
"As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without
cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Matthew 10:7-8)

 Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) "Hail Marys"
 Pray the "Glory Be to the Father." Then pray the Fatima prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

10. Announce the Fourth Mystery -
The Fourth Luminous Mystery is The Transfiguration -
While He was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing
became dazzling white. Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is My chosen Son; listen to Him." (Luke 9:29, 35)

 Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) "Hail Marys"
 Pray the "Glory Be to the Father." Then pray the Fatima prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

11. Announce the Fifth Mystery -
The Fifth Luminous Mystery is The Institution of The Eucharist -
Then, taking bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying:
"This is my body to be given for you. Do this as a remembrance of me."
He did the same with the cup after eating, saying as he did so: "This cup is the
new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." (Luke 22:19-20)

 Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) "Hail Marys"
 Pray the "Glory Be to the Father." Then pray the Fatima prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

12. Pray the "Hail, Holy Queen" after all five decades are completed.

There is a concluding prayer that is prayed after the "Hail, Holy Queen"! 

I'm adding it right now!

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

13. Make the Sign of the Cross and say Amen.

I hope this step by step guide is helpful!

 There is so much turmoil and hate in our world right now.

 I truly believe in the power of prayer! Pray with your family!

                                                            Ask, and you will receive.

Seek, and you will find.

Knock, and it will be opened to you.

For the one who asks, receives.

The one who seeks, finds.
The one who knocks, enters.     

  Matthew 7:7,8

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far,

wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker!

Hello out there! Today is a special day - The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker! The following is             a quote from Saint John Paul II:

"Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker,

the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care.

May he always guard, protect and enlighten families."

St. Joseph the Worker, please pray for us!

I took this picture five years ago - the front cover of the May issue of our Magnificat 2019

Saint Joseph, please pray for families everywhere!

And now...back to praying the rosary!

Day three of sharing the prayers of the rosary and steps on how to pray the rosary!

I shared the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary on Monday. The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary yesterday (Tuesday). I'm sharing the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary today! 

Are y'all ready? Let's get started! (I switched it up a bit - the prayers are after the steps!)

Since today is Wednesday, we will pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and then pray the "Apostles' Creed."
2. Pray the "Our Father."
3. Pray three "Hail Marys."
4. Pray the "Glory Be to the Father."

5. Announce the First Mystery -

The First Glorious Mystery is The Resurrection -
"Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised;
He is not here. Behold the place where they laid Him." (Mark 16:6)

Pray the "Our Father"
6. Pray (10) Hail Marys
7. Pray the "Glory Be" and then pray the following prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in  most need of Thy mercy."

8. Announce the Second Mystery -
The Second Glorious Mystery is The Ascension -
So then the Lord Jesus, after He spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and
took His seat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)

Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) Hail Marys
 Pray the "Glory Be." Then pray the following prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in  most need of Thy mercy."

9. Announce the Third Mystery -
The Third Glorious Mystery is the Descent of the Holy Spirit -
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in
different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:4)

Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) Hail Marys
 Pray the "Glory Be." Then pray the following prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in  most need of Thy mercy."

10. Announce the Fourth Mystery -
The Fourth Glorious Mystery is The Assumption -
"You are the glory of Jerusalem!.......You are the great boast of our nation!.....
You have done good things for Israel, and God is pleased with them. May the
Almighty Lord bless you forever!" (Jud 15:9-10)

Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) Hail Marys
 Pray the "Glory Be." Then pray the following prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in  most need of Thy mercy."

11. Announce the Fifth Mystery -
The Fifth Glorious Mystery is The Coronation -
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon
under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelations 12:1)

Pray the "Our Father"
 Pray (10) Hail Marys
 Pray the "Glory Be." Then pray the following prayer -
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those in  most need of Thy mercy."

12. Pray the "Hail, Holy Queen" after all five decades are completed.
13. Make the Sign of the Cross and say Amen.

The following are the prayers of the rosary -
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.

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.

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 our death. Amen.

Glory Be To The Father
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.

Hail, Holy Queen (Pray this prayer at the end of the rosary)
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope,
to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our
sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears; turn, then, most gracious
Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises
of Christ.

The family that prays together, stays together!

I know y'all can do it - At least pray one decade!

I'll share how to pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary tomorrow!

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far,

wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla