tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45912105638099027012024-02-20T19:07:57.413-08:00The Joyful ServantsMonthly Meetings: 4th Saturday of every month at 1:30 in the St. Joseph room of the parish office located at
St. Joseph's Cathedral
2305 W. Main
Jefferson City, MO 65109
For questions contact us at
FranciscanJoyfulServants@yahoo.com
For more information contact:
Maureen Gray, SFO 660-882-3133
mobnvl@socket.net
Sister Evelyn Peterman 573-644-8055
cbreze@mchsi.com.
The next meeting is Saturday, March 31, 2012 because of other SFO meetingThe Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-12812394045913448312012-04-24T17:49:00.003-07:002012-04-24T17:49:55.497-07:00The Lord is Risen, AlleluiaLet us remember that the Lord died for our sins, he did this for each of us. The Lord has risen and the Gates of Heaven our open and waiting for each of us. Follow the path of love that the Lord has laid out for us. <br />
Pick up your crosses and follow me, says the Lord and I will bring you to everlasting life. I give to you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you. May each of us take time to read the Gospels, to read the stories of the Saints, and put those readings into action in our own lives. Read, pray, close your eyes and meditate on what these words mean to us in our own life. Is it not amazing that we each were created by God for a purpose. That he is always with us and has even given us a Guardian Angel. Spread the Good News!!!The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-69832539057698396102012-02-26T20:38:00.000-08:002012-02-26T20:38:20.979-08:00Days of Repentance, Prayer, Humility and Giving!In this time of repentance, we call out for your mercy, Oh Lord. Bring us back to you and to the life your Son won for us by his death on the cross, for he lives and reigns for ever and ever.<br />
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Rebuild my church. Today, let us all join in repentance. Let us see our own shortcomings and not those of others. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us on the path that will give us the direction to seek and live out the Lord's plan for our lives. As Seculars we must each day be attentive of God's calling to us. Kiss the leper. Humble yourself so as to be open to hear and act upon ways to spread the Gospel. When I was hungry, you gave me to eat, When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink. When I was alone you visited me. When I was suffering you comforted me. When I stumbled, you did not laugh at me. Suggestion to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's words in the Bible on the day's right before the Crucifixion and the Crucifixion. Be mindful of what Jesus did for us. And as always, PRAY, PRAY and Pray again.<br />
GOD BLESS YOU AND BE WITH YOU ALWAYS.The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-6010474118192273962011-10-06T20:30:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:30:35.369-07:00The Seeker<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Seeker</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">October 4 we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many of us we might have acknowledged on that day that it was his feast day and then went about our daily life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I were to describe St. Francis of Assisi I would say he was a seeker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a seeker of fame or fortune, as well seen by the life he lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not get up in the mornings and look at himself in a mirror to check how he looked today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not spend time giving thought to what he would wear today. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When his conversion started he did not seek friendships or to be understood by others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His thoughts were turned to what was his purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did the Lord want for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the Lord asking of him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could he grow in his faith, love and practice of God's will for him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to the realization that he was to live the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gospel to life, Life to Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though he was known as a preacher, he believed in living the Gospel and only speaking when necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed that it was not by his words that he could best live the Gospel but by his actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine that it was a surprise to him that others wanted to follow in his way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His days and nights were spent in prayer, fasting and seeking to find what his purpose in life was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did the Lord create him and how could he put it into practice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if he were alive today, how we would look at him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we only see the outside, and judge him by the clothes he wore or the cut of his hair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we expect him to change to adapt to our expectations as so many of his later followers did?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seek and you shall find, ask and it shall be given, knock and it shall be answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we all take time to seek what God is calling us to do and pray for guidance to put it into practice in our daily lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we remember that God had a purpose for creating us and may we fulfill that purpose in the name of God and for God alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God Bless each of you and love one another as God has loved you!</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-22884012023913971812011-07-21T20:56:00.000-07:002011-07-21T20:56:17.188-07:00Hunger for Holiness<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"If you hunger for holiness, God will satisfy your longing, good measure and flowing over".</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I listen to a child pray, I imagine it to be like an angel's voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple, sincere, reverent, respectful and with complete trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that has no if's, ands or buts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do we as adult's gain back that kind of prayer life after we have been exposed to so much that interrupts and removes the simplicity of what our prayer life should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we pray , does it only consists of a repetition of words that we said yesterday and the day before and the day before that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">O dearest, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dearest Lord,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you know what we need, you know what we want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You bless us with miracles everyday according to your will, what you know is right for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pray that your will be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pray that we live according to your will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ask for only what is pleasing to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank you Lord for all are blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We praise you Lord for your ultimate sacrifice. We humbly ask for forgiveness for our transgressions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe that every life has a purpose and was created by you. You love us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You show us that by the fact that we are.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we pray for wisdom, let it be only to guide others to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach us again how to pray as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fill our hearts to seek only holiness for your greater glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hearts are cold without you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money, power, prestige nor physical beauty can silence the yearning that each man has until they have found you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pray for holiness and the faith of child who's trust is in you to guide us closer to you so we can feel the warmth of being held in our Father's arms.</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-48130994616764719922011-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:18:18.735-07:00The Preaching of the Gospel by Actions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actions speak louder than words would be true in describing the life of Francis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe he has many followers that are following his teachings without knowing of his life.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are seeing the rebirth of something that has been long silent or hidden<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the world. For all of those who are baring the burdens and losses through the natural disasters that have been occurring there is a light that is growing brighter. Through their losses they have found hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through their grief they have found comfort and love from neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loss of material goods has brought out the humility of accepting help from a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through their faith they will envision a better tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some might say they are being born again in the likeness of their creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had nowhere to lay his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clothes on his back were all that he owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He relied on the charity of others for his daily bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, they are living in the lifestyle of Francis but not by choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are being taught what the words of the Gospels' mean but not by preachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man's humanity to man, love one another, care for each other, bare one another's burdens, each of these actions have been and continue to be carried out daily by those who have listened to the word of God and put it into practice by their actions. GOD BLESS YOU!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-90660894287147880692011-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:002011-04-13T21:19:07.184-07:00HAPPY NEW EASTER<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"This is my commandment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Love one another as I have loved you." There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are my friends if you do what I command you. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure, so that all you ask the Father in my name he will give you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The command I give you is this, that you love one another."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These words in John's Gospel Chapter 15 are just a few of the words spoken just before Jesus was arrested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we head into the final week of Lent next week let us remember these words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us put these words into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let this Easter be the beginning of our New Year with resolutions to read, pray and follow the Gospels as did St. Francis in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then put all of this into action as St. Francis also did.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GOD BLESS YOU and THE JOYFUL SERVANTS wish all of you a blessed and faith filled EASTER!</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-72251478825939202792011-03-17T20:12:00.000-07:002011-03-17T20:12:05.562-07:00Lord, Hear Our Prayers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we ponder today, as we feel compassion for Japan, as we listen to the overwhelming conflicts in the world, our aware of the battles in our daily lives, or hear of the pain and sufferings of others, we must pray, pray, pray and then pray somemore. The evening prayers are so applicable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Father,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you we can do nothing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By your Spirit help us to know what is right and </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and to be eager in doing your will.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">one God, forever and ever</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James 4: 7-10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Submit to God: resist the devil and he will take flight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cleanse your hands, you sinners: purify your hearts, you backsliders.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Begin to lament, to mourn, and to weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and your joy into sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be humbled in the sight of the Lord and he will raise you on high.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good Master, teach us to love you in our neighbor,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-and in serving them to serve you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-58356649531327754532011-02-21T20:47:00.000-08:002011-02-21T20:47:48.598-08:00Season of Renewal, Forgiveness and Always LoveWe will begin the Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Let this Lenten Season renew in each of us our Hope in our troubling times. Dear Jesus, we love you, we adore you, our hope is in you. <br />
Dear Jesus, forgive us as we forgive others. Dear Jesus, strengthen in us the love that we have for our neighbor. As St. Francis lived the life of the Gospels in his daily interactions with all he met, may we spread the Gospel by our actions, words and deeds. We pray to you, Our Lord, for guidance as we go forth.<br />
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In the account of "History of the Monks of Egypt", the last days of the fabled Abba Paphutius, we are told, that as his end approached, he "entreated the Lord to show him his like upon earth." The Lord showed him a street musican who had been a thief, the very busy headman of a local village, and a wealthy Alexandrine merchant. As the priests gathered around him he said that the Lord had revealed to him, that no one in this world ought to be despised, let him be a thief, or an actor on the stage, or one that tilled the ground and was bound to a wife, or was a merchant and served a trade: for in every condition of human life there are souls that please God and have their hidden deeds wherein he takes delight; whence is it plain that it is not so much profession or habit that is pleasing to God as the sincerity and affection of soul and honesty of deed.<br />
May God Bless each of you!The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-21213326358548277242011-01-17T11:51:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:51:32.154-08:00Beginning a Joyful New Year<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we begin a new year, 2011 we wish everyone to know God's love, his mercy, his forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish for you peace in your hearts with the comfort that the Lord is always with you and wishes for you to know that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of you might have made New Year's resolutions to change some bad habits, get more exercise or eat better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you make your resolutions, please include resolutions to improve your prayer life, feed your soul with healthy readings, and exercise of virtues that we might have forgotten along our daily paths.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life has brought many challenges in our lives that at times will overwhelm us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to our Lord, pray for his guidance and trust in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With him all things are possible, without him we can do nothing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As much as you take time to eat, to sleep, to work and to enjoy, include time to pray, to nourish your heart, your soul, your thoughts to grow spiritually.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep a rosary in your car to say as your run errands or drive back and forth to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the sign of the cross and tell Jesus you love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smile and thank him for all gifts you received this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the sign of the cross as you lay your head on your pillow at night and talk to him about your day, your hopes, your sorrows and your gratefulness of unexpected happenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember God's loves you as if you were an only child and has all the time in the world for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost is nothing and the rewards are plentiful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make a resolution to develop your daily prayer life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will make a difference in your life and in others as you include them in your thoughts and prayers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God Bless you and HAPPY NEW YEAR.</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-18062065349082643392010-11-02T18:27:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:27:50.407-07:00Happy All Souls and All Saints DaysWe pray in Thanksgiving for all those we have been blessed with knowing and have gone before us. May the Gates of Heaven be open to the Souls waiting for entrance through these Heavenly Gates. As we enter into the days of preperation for the Holidays take time to stop and thank the Lord for all our blessings in the past year. Each of us has so much to be thankful for.<br />
If today we were able to eat, If today we have a shirt on our back and If today we know where we will lay our head for shelter then we have much to be THANKFUL for. Let us not forget those who do not share in these basic comforts. <br />
Could we leave our homes and live like Francis did? Could we beg for our food?<br />
Could we dance in the woods and praise God for the Sun and the birds? We pray that we will grow in our prayer life, in our love, in our spirit of giving and caring and in gratitude for all that the Lord has blessed us with. May we spread the Spirit of St. Francis through living the Gospel messages by our actions and using words if need be.The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-87614563055794336212010-10-18T20:53:00.000-07:002010-10-18T20:53:44.818-07:00Interesting facts:Did you know: Padre Pio was a Capuchin Franciscan, his Baptism name was Francesco, he was in the military service, he had the stigmata, he suffered many illnesses in his life, he offered his first <a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Tridentine_Mass" title="Tridentine Mass"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Mass</span></a> at the parish church of Our Lady of the Angels and restoration work on this chapel was later undertaken by the Padre Pio Foundation of America. In one of Padre Pio's letters, he states that he remained patient in the midst of his trials because of his firm belief that Jesus, Mary, his Guardian Angel, St. Joseph and St. Francis were always with him and helped him always.<br />
Some have stated that he was the second St. Francis. In reading about St. Francis and Padre Pio's lives there are many similarties.<br />
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We love you Lord, we thank you for our many blessings. May we too follow your Gospels as did St. Francis and Padre Pio in they're lives on this earth.The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-8640626859939091182010-10-04T19:54:00.000-07:002010-10-04T19:54:43.843-07:00Feast Day of St. Francis of AssisiWe can not let this day pass without saying Happy Feast Day. We can not let this day pass without praising Our Lord and thanking him for letting us be introduced to a man who lived his life dedicated to the Gospels.<br />
A saint who lived his life by his actions. He took to heart the words our Lord left for us. Let us put into practice in our daily lives that which the Lord guided us to do in the Gospels. Who did you meet today that needs your prayers, that needs a friendly smile, who needs to feel loved? Take time to pray, to love, to show mercy, to show kindness. "Love one another as I have loved you. Care for each other as I have cared for you." As Simon helped to carry the cross of Jesus, let us help to carry one another's crosses.<br />
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Join us in prayer as we pray for all those in the most need of our prayers.<br />
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May the Lord bless you, may he guide you and may we all open our hearts as St. Francis did to use us to do his will upon this earth. The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591210563809902701.post-9335240256965923222010-09-24T19:43:00.000-07:002010-09-24T19:52:52.650-07:00Come and join us in person or in spirit and prayer<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week we moved from summer to fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weather was a bit cooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We welcome the change in the seasons as we welcome the changes in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As our daily lives continue to change with new challenges, joys and opportunities we must also adapt to these <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we adapt to these unknown changes that come without us being able to prepare?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By renewing daily our faith, reading daily the Gospels' and with daily prayer and reflection we keep our souls fed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without this nourishment for our souls we become lost, overwhelmed and tempted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though each season only comes for a while in each year, seasons of our lives can last for a day, a month, a year or a life time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One season of our life we must embrace for a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The season of growing in our commitment to follow our Lord, Jesus Christ in our thoughts, in our prayers, in our daily actions and words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The example of the life of St. Francis can reach each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether the Lord has blessed you with the talent of a person who speaks with wisdom, a person who speaks by example, a person who speaks by actions each of these are the expressions of how St. Francis lived his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please join us in proclaiming the Gospel in the talent the Lord blessed you with.</span></div>The Joyful Servantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000809240961984460noreply@blogger.com2