I'm so thankful for my life!: Praying the Stations of the Cross in the Desert - ...

I'm re-sharing this post since it is Lent. I hope the heart grabbing pictures of the 

Stations of the Cross touch your heart as they did and still do mine. Blessings to you and yours! 

I'm so thankful for my life!: Praying the Stations of the Cross in the Desert - ...: 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-n...

Let Your Faith be Bigger Than Your Fear

Hello out there - I can't believe it is the last day of the month! And what a month it has been - the freezing weather, power outages, no water and/or do not drink the water, etc. Prayers for everyone!        I was so happy to see the sun shiny days that followed! We are in the second week of Lent. I think it is a good time to share the mysteries of the rosary again. I know we usually pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary on Sundays but I'm sharing the Sorrowful Mysteries first since we are in Lent. 

 Let's get started with the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.

 I'm going to post all the prayers again and then I will follow with the mysteries.

After you have  been praying the rosary on a daily basis for a while,
the different mysteries/scriptures  will remind you of different things you
need to pray about or people you need to pray for.
At least that has been the case for me.
Example: The First Sorrowful Mystery is The Agony in the Garden
and that brings to my mind people who might be going through an extremely
difficult time. Praying the rosary helps to keep my focus on family members
and friends that I need to pray for.

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
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.

Now that you have the prayers of the rosary, the next step is teaching you how
to pray the rosary.
Since today is Tuesday we will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.
1. Make the Sign of the Cross and then say the "Apostles' Creed."
2. Say the "Our Father."
3. Say three "Hail Marys'."
4. Say the "Glory Be to the Father."
5. Announce the First Mystery -
The First Sorrowful Mystery is The Agony in the Garden-
He was in such agony and He prayed so fervently that His sweat became like drops
of blood falling on the ground. When He rose from prayer and returned to
His disciples, He found them sleeping from grief. (Luke 22:44-45)
Then say the "Our Father"
6. Say (10) "Hail Marys"
7. Say the "Glory Be to the Father." Then say 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 Sorrowful Mystery is The Scourging at the Pillar -
Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged. (John 19:1)
Then say the "Our Father"
 Say (10)"Hail Marys"
 Say the "Glory Be to the Father." Then say 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 Sorrowful Mystery is Crowning With Thorns -
They stripped off His clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about Him.
Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on His head, and a reed
in His right hand. (Matthew 27:28-29)
Then say the "Our Father"
 Say (10) "Hail Marys"
 Say the "Glory Be to the Father." Then say 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 Sorrowful Mystery is Carrying of the Cross -
And carrying the cross Himself, He went out to what is called the
Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. (John 19:17)
Then say the "Our Father"
 Say (10)"Hail Marys"
 Say the "Glory Be to the Father." Then say 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 Sorrowful Mystery is The Crucifixion -
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit",
and when He had said this He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)
Then say the "Our Father"
 Say (10) "Hail Marys"
 Say the "Glory Be to the Father." Then say 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. Say the "Hail, Holy Queen" after all five decades are completed.
13. Make the Sign of the Cross and say Amen.

It takes me twenty minutes to pray the whole rosary - sometimes longer if I add a lot of my own prayers for my family and friends. Start with praying one decade (the first  mystery) if you don't feel like you have time. Pray the rosary while you are driving to work or running errands. Pray with your family! With all the turmoil going on in the world - stop and pray - turn off the news and remember that God, our heavenly Father, is still in charge! My favorite coffee mug, a gift from a dear friend, says, "Let your faith be bigger than your fear!" I love that saying and I try to live it! Faith can move mountains!

Blessings to you and yours, bye for now, Sharla

My Prayer for Today

 A Prayer for Today and Everyday -

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.

I pray for those who are hungry and those who have no home. 

 I pray for peace and understanding for those who live on the

streets. I pray for Jesus to guide me, to be His hands and feet. Amen.

Thank you, God, for our many blessings. Please be with all those who are in

need. Please God, show us and guide us to how we can best help others.

You created us all, please help us to love our neighbor,

care for one another, and to pray for those who seek a better life.

 In Jesus Name I pray, Dear Lord, Amen.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet - 

 This is a wonderful, calming prayer. I usually sing

the words quietly and sometimes I sing out loud.

The refrain goes like this:

For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

 (It is easier to keep up with if you have a rosary, but if you don't,

 you can count on your fingers.)

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, Pray (1) Our Father, (1) Hail Mary

and The Apostles Creed.

2. Prayer - (Pray this 1 time) Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood,

Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,

in atonement for ours sins and those of the whole world.   

3. Pray this refrain 10 times:

  For the sake of His sorrowful passion,

 have mercy on us and on the whole world.

You repeat steps (2) & (3) for a total of (5) times.

4. Conclude with (3 times)

  Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One,

 have mercy on us and on the whole world.

5. The sign of the cross and Amen.

Pray for each other and the world will be a better place! 

God bless you all!

                                                                      Bye for now, Sharla

The Blessings in my Life from Conception to Natural Death

 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 grandchildren 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."

Respecting life until natural death - I've spoken to some RCIA classes about my pro-life work. I shared the following story two years ago. Blog Post January 19, 2019

2 Corinthians 5:7

We walk by faith, not by sight.

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 a 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 cherished 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 or not. 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.

Respect Life from Conception to Natural Death

Blessings to you and yours,

Bye for now, Sharla

My Journey as a Pro-Life Advocate

 

Yesterday something happened that reminded me of why and when I became a pro-life advocate. It certainly wasn't planned. I love being a wife, mother, and grandmother. I've always been busy taking care of my family and spending time with them. I love being married, it is my vocation and I take it seriously.  Being involved with pro-life activities wasn't something I thought that much about. We raised our children to be pro-life and to believe in the sanctity of all human life. We discussed pro-life issues but weren't involved in pro-life activities.  Back in 2011 I was invited to pray with a group from our parish in front of Planned Parenthood. This was during the fall 2011, 40 Days for Life campaign. I faithfully showed up to pray during the hour I had chosen. The prayerful people, the beautiful "rosary for life" prayers and meditations quickly grabbed my heart. I signed up again for the spring 2012 campaign and started staying longer than my hour and even praying at other hours when they needed someone. I was amazed at the women and sometimes men who would come over and share their story with us. I still remember the pain in the voices of the women who had chosen abortion. Some had carried this grief for decades. I would cry with these women, I would hug them and feel so helpless. I realized that the pro-life mission wasn't just to save the precious unborn babies but their mothers too!  I would share with my family these heartfelt moments and how important praying out there was. By the fall 2012 campaign, my family had signed up and were praying also. I was not a writer, I had a flip phone, was not on social media, and did not ever plan on being on social media. I didn't text unless it was a one word response. That all changed in the summer of 2013. Something happened and I realized  that it was time to get off the sidelines and jump right in the middle of the pro-life movement. The final straw had broken and I found my voice. I found the words and the courage to speak up and to speak out. Sometimes we're just not sure where to start or what to do. I found my voice and stepped out of my comfort zone on July 1, 2013. There was an article in the newspaper about the filibuster by Wendy Davis, she wanted abortion to not only be legal up to twenty weeks in Texas but up to twenty four weeks. I am thankful that did not pass but in the newspaper that Monday morning, on the front page it talked about all the people from all over the world calling to congratulate her. I was appalled and my letter writing to the newspaper began. That wasn't enough so I started my blog, and then I got on Facebook, and if you read my blog - you know the rest of the story! I've been writing for over seven and half years now. But my story is still going - it is not over - I will continue to speak up, write stories, and use the gift that I didn't even know I had until one day, God gave me the words and this burning desire in my heart to do more. I wrote that one letter to the paper and people responded and told me I should write more. I remember thinking, "It doesn't work like that - I was able to write that letter because I was so upset." But then the words kept coming. I found out I had so much I wanted to say so I started my blog. My home office quickly filled up with all types of information on abortion, adoption, pregnancy help centers, etc. I wanted to reach out to people. I wanted to share information. There are times when I wonder if it makes any difference at all. But I know that I have to speak up - I feel like God is always guiding me, giving me a little nudge. 

 Abortion has been legalized up to birth (for any reason) in New York and other states have quickly joined in. The infamous Roe v Wade anniversary will be on January 22nd. Forty-eight years of legalized abortion in the United States. The straws should be breaking right and left, that camel's back is beyond broken! When someone asks me how to speak up and be a voice for the unborn, how do you get started? I tell them to pray, and to ask the Holy Spirit to give them the words, the guidance they need, whether it is for a conversation with someone or more. Submit letters or articles to your local newspaper, write letters to your city, state, and government leaders. Wear a pro-life t-shirt. I have lots of pro-life t-shirts, I wear them often. Share pro-life posts on social media/Facebook. Stop worrying about hurting someone's feelings. But when you do speak up, know what you are talking about - be diplomatic, but mean what you say. If someone asks you a question that you don't know, it is okay to say, "I don't know the answer to that." But then say, I will find out and get back with you. And then, make sure you do find out the answer and get back with them. My blog, all of my posts and stories are another way of speaking up for the most innocent among us. 

Being a pro-life advocate isn't easy. The following post/poem is one I wrote years ago. I still remember how I felt that day - I sat down and prayed and the words just came.

It Matters to God! It Matters to Him!

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

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

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

I cry out to Him to show me the way,
How do I make a difference today?
I just don't understand why it's so hard to see,
the horrible death that abortion brings.
What must I do, What must I say?
So I write and I write each and every day.

I send letters to the paper, I write posts for my blog.
I put pictures on face book, and pray for new laws.
I weep for the babies, their innocent lives lost.
What am I missing, am I not doing enough?
Please God help me, please show me the way.
How can I make a difference today?

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

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

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

"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

He Still Makes Me Smile - I Love My Husband!

Hello out there! Good afternoon - what a beautiful, sun shiny day! I'm back at home! Our granddaughter and daughter-in-law are back at their home too, thanks be to God! The three week hospital stay at the children's cancer hospital ended up being almost six weeks. Our granddaughter is doing better and we are thankful for everyone's prayers. She still has long journey ahead - please continue to pray for her and our whole family, especially her mom and dad and her brothers and sisters.

Jim and I have been married for over thirty-seven years. His work was always close to home and we have not been apart very often. I have been away from home several nights this past six weeks helping out with our grandchildren while their mom and sister were in the hospital and their dad was working. I'm thankful that I've been able to help out and there were times when Jim would switch out with me so that I could come home for a little while.  One Sunday afternoon we passed each other on the highway and waved. Last night I walked out into the backyard and noticed something on the sidewalk - Jim had written our initials with a pecan on the sidewalk. Tears came to my eyes as I walked back into our home to get my camera.  I'm going to close with something I wrote in a previous post.

I always say - a wedding is a day, a marriage is a life-time and if you want to have
good marriage, it takes work! Communication is very important. You can't read
each other's minds, so talk! God must be number one in your marriage, pray
together, pray for each other and attend Mass as a family. Pray when you wake
up, thank the Lord for a new day and ask for His help throughout the day.
Pray before meals, always thank God for the food you have to eat and ask Him
to be with those who don't. Pray before you go to sleep! Hold hands, hug, laugh
and be quick to forgive! Put down the phones! Talk to each other and make sure
your friends are on the same path you are! Remember to say thank you and please
and you’re welcome to each other.
Love is patient, love is kind! Marriage is awesome!

Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Bye for now, Sharla