Pure4Him

Did You Know?

2012-01-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Not only does a woman display her courage through her standards, she also displays her intelligence.

Taken from How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul

Am I Beautiful?

2012-01-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

You are beautiful!!! Here are four secrets to true beauty (and even the secrets to popularity)

1. Get Fruity. Ask God to grow the fruit of His Spirit within you: joy, love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, gentleness, and self-control are exquisite beauty features!

2. Make Friends With Your Mirror. Take care of yourself on the outside (care for your skin, be clean, feel good about what you're wearing, take time to look your best), but don't obsess about it.

3. Fall in Love. Learn to love yourself. Confidence translates into true beauty quickly!

4. Get Real. Seriously. Be genuine. People are automatically attracted to those who are real.

Taken from Bethany Neilson's article in the Jan/Feb issue of Susie Magazine

Pure Life Day!

2012-01-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

January 18th 2012 is Pure Life Day! Grab your friends, recruit your youth group, get the word out. This is way more than saying “No” to all the things you need to avoid, Pure Life Day is all about the amazing things you can say “Yes” to: Your incredible God, good friends and loving other people with a crazy generous heart. Check out the Pure Life pledge, joining others who have already committed to this exciting vision for pure living.

Pure Life Pure Love by Elsa Kok Colopy is a new book that I just found out about through my Susie magazine subscription (Jan/Feb issue). It looks and sounds like a wonderful book with a thoughtful message for teen girls.

At 7pm EST the author is having a live webcast!

Did You Know?

2012-01-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Even once you’ve entered a good relationship, you’ll still need to keep your standards high. Temptations don’t disappear just because you signed a purity pledge card and go to church with your boyfriend.

✿✿✿

If you want a guy to love you, live in such a way that makes him in awe of you, …become what you are: unrepeatable.

✿✿✿

If you want love, the most important word in your vocabulary must be
“no.”

Taken from How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul

Purely A Good Example

2012-01-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Don't know much about Emma Watson's walk with purity but this certainly says a lot about her.

Did You Know?

2012-01-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

The more you start practicing purity, the more you’ll fall in love with the peace that comes with it.

Taken from How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul

My Precious Masterpiece

2012-01-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Have the bad-hair days and hormones gotten the worst of you? Oh, if only you could see how brilliant a masterpiece you are. I couldn’t wait for you to arrive. You! Yes, you! I’ve anticipated your presence on My earth before it was even created.

Like a master embroiderer sits at his loom painstakingly interweaving each unique strand, I knit you together piece by piece with intention and precision. You are one of the unique expressions of My own glory. I chose the color of your hair from the earth and the color of your eyes from the brilliance of My skies. I even placed My thumb there on your nose, marking it with My fingerprint.

After you were made in secret, I revealed you to this world with still the most profound parts of your beauty waiting to be crafted. Still, I am creating you in secret, My masterpiece. Though the full secrets of your beauty are unknown to the world, I see. And I am enthralled by your beauty. Oh, how I love you. There have been only two places on earth that I have been willing to fill with My own radiant glory… the old temple… and you! That’s how precious your body is to Me. Will you honor Me with it? Will you love Me back?

Your Master Craftsman,

Jesus

Taken from Secret Keeper Book, by Dannah Gresh

Purity Topic of the Month: Body Image

2011-12-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

In early September, I began reading Pure Devotional by Rebecca St. James. What a wonderful book with amazing messages. I highly recommend it to all.

Below is an exert on the topic of body images. An excellent reminder for those of us who stuggle with not being content with how we look.

"Where do you struggle the most with your body image? Not eating right? Not exercising regularly? Abusing your body with habitual sin? Constantly comparing your physical appearance to others? Whatever the case, realize that God has redeemed you. Write these phrases in crayon on your bathroom mirror: "God delights in me. God cherishes me. I am precious to Him." Let those truths sink into your mind for a solid week and see how they change your perspective."

~ Pure Devotional by Rebecca St. James

She Walks in Beauty

2011-10-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies,

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meets in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellow'd to that tender light

Which Heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impair'd the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress

Or softly lightens o'er her face,

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek and o'er that brow

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,—

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent.

~Lord Byron

Compared to What?

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

How many times a day do you compare yourself to others? Do you wish you looked like someone else, had her home, her money, her clothes, or were as smart as she? God knew this was a problem for all mankind when He gave His commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his male or female servant, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to him." (Exodus 20:17) Compared to Christ, we all fall short of the glory of God. Let Him lead you into His perfect will for your life and find the joyful niche He has created just for you. There is no better place to be for now and eternity!

Lord, thank You for giving me significance in this life. Help me remember I have value because of the great price that was paid for me on the cross. I choose to look at You today instead of comparing myself to others. Amen.

*Taken from Daily Focus by Janet Tatman

Teen Creed

2011-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Don't let your parents down,
They brought you up.
Be humble enough to obey,
You may give orders someday.
Choose companions with care,
You become what they are.
Guard your thoughts,
What you think, you are.
Choose only a date
Who would make a good mate.
Be master of your habits,
Or they will master you.
Don't be a show off when you drive,
Drive with safety and arrive.
Don't let the crowd pressure you,
Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

I Am a Responsible Girl

2011-10-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

My kisses are worth more than a party or a movie.

My body is the temple of God...not a plaything.

The first "NO" may be difficult...after that it's easy.

Virginity is still a virtue; lust is still a capital sin.

The way I dress, act and speak may be a temptation to my boyfriend. I will observe modesty for his and my own protection.

My parents have done so much for me I wish always to be a credit to them.

My boyfriend will be a husband and a father some day.

He must be a hero in the eyes of his wife and children. I will do nothing to prevent that on my dates with him.

I want to be a wife and mother. I will reserve my purity and affection for my husband and children.

If through my weakness, I should get pregnant, I will not take "the easy way out" by killing my unborn child.

Pro-Life Boot Camp Summer 2011

2011-07-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Drue and I attended our first Pro-Life Boot Camp at the University of Dallas in Irving. When we first arrived, we said to one another, "What are we getting ourselves into?!" By the end of the night we were so happy that we came. The whole weekend was so powerful and inspiring. We listened to many wonderful speakers, participated in fun activities, and met some great new friends! The highlights of the whole weekend were hearing a woman tell her testimony of having an abortion. Her talk was so compelling and her bravery to speak of this was incredible. Drue and I also enjoyed hearing a guy, John, speak from Crossroads, a ministry where young people walk across the United States spreading the Pro-Life message. John was super funny and entertaining. The other peak of our weekend was attending adoration on Friday night. We had a silent candlelight procession to the church and complete silence in the front of the most Holy Eucharist. It was so peaceful and I could feel Our Lord's presence. This whole experience was incredibly fulfilling. Drue and I can't wait to take part in the camp next summer!

When I arrived, I was pretty scared of the tight confinement of the dorm room. :/

As well as Drue.

The door to our room.

Our "lovely" bunk beds!

A quick snapshot of Praise and Worship on Friday.

At camp we were assigned a job of coloring in all of the crosses below, representing the babies that would be aborted in the 52 hours of boot camp.

Praying at a nearby Abortion clinic.

Everyone in prayer.

Reciting the Litany for Life.

While we were there, Drue and I met two sweet girls, Lindsay and Sarah, and had a fantastic time with them.

(Drue and Sarah)

Drue, Lindsay, and Sarah.

Lindsay and I.

All of the crosses were colored in by the end of camp.

Drue and I in our group after doing a fun skit for the parents!

Purity Topic of the Month: Purity Prayer

2011-05-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

A Prayer For Purity

Lord...

I give You all the desires of my heart -

may You bring them into line with

Your perfect will.

I give You my mind-

may it be filled with thoughts that could be brought into Your holy presence.

I give You my mouth-

may I speak only that which honors You,

encourages others, and reveals a pure heart.

I give You my body-

may I keep my body pure so that it is

a holy and honorable vessel, fit for Your use.

I give You my friendships with young men-

may I set my heart on purity. May You have authority over all my passions.

I give myself afresh to You.

Take my life and let it be

ever, always, pure for Thee.

~ Taken from A Young Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George ~

"How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I treasure Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You."

~ Psalm 119:9-11

Purity Topic of the Month: Being Happy With Who You Are

2011-04-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Over the past several weeks, I have been reading The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux. It is an amazing, inspiring book. Below is a beautiful quote that illustrates the virtue of contentment.

"Jesus chose to enlighten me on this mystery. He opened the book of nature before me, and I saw that every flower He has created has a beauty of its own, that the splendor of the rose and the lily's whiteness do not deprive the violet of its scent nor make less ravishing the daisy's charm. I saw that if every little flower wished to be a rose, Nature would lose her spring adornments, and the fields would be no longer enameled with their varied flowers.

So it is in the world of souls, the living garden of the Lord. It pleases Him to create great Saints, who may be compared with the lilies or the rose; but He has also created little ones, who must be content to be daisies or violets, nestling at His feet to delight His eyes when He should choose to look at them. The happier they are to be as He wills, the more perfect they are."

True Beauty

2011-03-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of a Woman

The beauty of a woman

isn't in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman

must be seen from in her eyes;

Because that's the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman

isn't in a facial mole;

But true beauty in a woman,

is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,

the passion that she shows;

And the beauty of a woman

with passing years only grows.

"A truly beautiful woman"

Are you a Toy or a Treasure?

2011-02-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, I was able to attend Brenda Sharman's Virtue and Style workshop. It was a very powerful presentation. The theme was, Do you want to be treated as a "toy or a treasure?" In other words, how are you portraying yourself to the opposite sex? She reminded us that most boys/men don't have the word "cute" in their vocabulary so when they see us teens/tweens dressed in tight skinny jeans, micro mini-skirts, low-cut tight tops, and too high of heels, they look at us as, "Oh you dressed like that for me?!" And their heart goes to a place it shouldn't. We cause them to think impure thoughts. (Matt 5:28) If we don't realize this and we get a lot of attention from boys because of our immodest clothing, we will more than likely allow ourselves to be treated like a "toy"...cheap, used, and to be thrown away.

She reminded us of many things. Two others that stand out in my mind are: First, "If we have invited Christ into our hearts and have a relationship with Him then we must invite Him into our closet." Secondly, "Purity requires modesty and modesty protects our mystery." If we live by these standards we will become a "treasure" for our future spouse.

Below is the introduction to the program we attended. Thought you might enjoy seeing a bit more about Brenda Sharman and her message. If you get a chance to see her it is so worth it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koA1lWl932A

March For Life 2011

2011-01-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my mom, my sister Drue, and I walked in the Dallas March for Life event. It was quite inspiring seeing all the people out for this cause. They estimated around 10,000. As some of you may or may not know, the Earle Capbell Federal Building in Dallas is where Roe vs. Wade was first filed in 1970. As I stood at the site of this building and listened to the inspirational speakers, I couldn't help but think that abortion would not be so prevalent if girls and boys were taught to respect themselves and were educated on the importance of purity.

In this month's issue (Feb 2011) of Susie magazine I read two great articles that touch on this topic. First, Purity Isn't For Wimps where the author states, "Christ knows you inside and out and loves you like crazy. ...If you give a guy your heart, it will become easy to eventually give him part of your body. Why not let Christ be the keeper of your heart? You can trust Him with it. He'll help you guard it. And in His perfect timing he'll orchestrate a beautiful love story for you that won't be disappointing." Another great article in the issue, Putting the "Class" in Classy, talks about how it's hard to be a young woman today with such low standards in our clothing choices. Most, if not all, teen stores are geared to immodesty which leads to sin and is the beginning of the chain of events that leads to abortion.

I pray that my generation who has lost one-third of its members to abortion can stop this horrific elimination of life.

Purity Topic: True Love Waits

2010-11-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks my mom has been reading the book Generation Esther by Lisa Ryan to my sisters and I. It is a wonderful book about stories of young girls today who are striving to be young Esthers. It mentioned in the book the True Love Waits Pledge and reminded me of how important it is. I signed the True Love Waits Pledge on my 14th Birthday and wear a purity ring to symbolize my promise.

It says in the pledge, "Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime commitment of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage."

I encourage all my peers, both male and female, to sign the True Love Waits Pledge and join the thousands of others who have made a formal pledge to a lifetime of purity.

truelovewaits.com

Heavenly Messages

2010-10-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm ALIVE and finally getting to blogging!!! Life has been crazy especially since school started.

Last month my mom went to a luncheon to hear Immaculee Ilibagiza, who is a Rwandan genocide survivor and author of Left to Tell, Led by Faith, and If Only We had Listened. If you haven't read any of her books I really recommended them. They are very inspirational! Her latest book "If Only We had Listened" tells the messages from Our Lady of Kibeho. A bit of background - Heaven warned Rwanda in 1982 before the Genocide when the Blessed Mother Mary appeared as the "Mother of the Word". The young visionaries reported horrific visions of unspeakable violence, bloodshed, torture, destruction, and thousands of dismembered corpses littering the landscape--it was a prophetic warning from the Virgin Mary that if Rwandans did not cleanse their hearts of hatred and fill their souls with God's love, evil would win out and a genocide would sweep across the land. Twelve years later her prediction came true.

The message were not just for Rwandans but for the whole world. Below are two good reminders.

In this message, Jesus is speaking to young people:

"Young people must stop treating their bodies as playthings and instruments of pleasure. So many of the youth are using any means they can to find love and to be loved by others! They have forgotten that true love comes from God and God alone. Instead of serving Him, they live at the service of money. Young women must make their bodies instruments that will glorify God, not serve as objects of pleasure for the lust of men. Young men must seek to satisfy the hunger of their spirit, not feed the desires of their flesh. Tell them to all pray to My mother to intercede on their behalf. Tell the youth not to ruin their lives; the wrong way of living can weigh heavily on their future."

A message from Our Blessed Mother speaking of fashion, pleasing God, and physical beauty:

"You who love to show off in flashy clothes, know that you must not try to please men, but rather to please only God. Wherever you may go, whatever you may do, in spite of your beautiful clothes, you will always be naked in front of God."

Purity Topic of the Month: Contentment

2010-05-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Many of us girls today wish we were prettier, taller, shorter, lighter skinned, darker skinned, and on and on. We often struggle with who we are and compare ourselves too often to others. God gave each one of us our own special gifts and purpose in this world. What we all need to is listen when He calls us or nudges us to use those gifts in a way that He would want us to. This poem below beautifully illustrates what many of us struggle to remember...

Discontent

by Sarah Orne Jewett

Down in a field, one day in June,

The flowers all bloomed together,

Save one, who tried to hide herself,

And drooped, that pleasant weather.

A robin who had flown too high,

And felt a little lazy,

Was resting near a buttercup

Who wished she were a daisy.

For daisies grow so trig and tall;

She always had a passion

For wearing frills about her neck

In just the daisies' fashion.

And buttercups must always be

The same old tiresome color,

While daisies dress in gold and white,

Although their gold is duller.

"Dear robin," said this sad young flower,

"Perhaps you'd not mind trying

To find a nice white frill for me,

Some day, when you are flying?"

"You silly thing!" the robin said;

"I think you must be crazy!

I'd rather be my honest self

Than any made-up daisy.

"You're nicer in your own bright gown,

The little children love you;

Be the best buttercup you can,

And think no flower above you.

"Though swallows leave me out of sight,

We'd better keep our places;

Perhaps the world would all go wrong

With one too many daisies.

"Look bravely up into the sky,

And be content with knowing

That God wished for a buttercup

Just here, where you are growing.

Purity Topic of the Month: When A Girl Goes Out

2010-04-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

"A girl is generally taken at her face value; that is, she is thought to be just what she appears to be. Some people will take time to know her as she is; but the great majority in their minds pass judgement on appearances only."

It appears we have come to a time in our culture when women and girls do not take the time to really think about what their behavior and dress are saying about them. As I reflect on the pictures of my grandmother, I so fondly wish that the peer pressure of my time in history was more feminine and beautiful as it was for her in the late 4o's and early 5o's. It might have taken more effort than we are willing to do today, but I believe the respect we would gain for ourselves would be far greater.

unknown, unknown, my grandmother

"There is no more beautiful adornment to womanly character then purity and a girl does well to see that everything that concerns her dress and behavior when away from her home, on the street, or otherwise in the eyes of the public, is decent, clean, modest, and quiet."

Quotes from Beautiful Girlhood revised edition by Karen Andreola

Purity Topic of the Month: A Fine Example

2010-03-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

Maria Goretti was born October 16, 1890 in the small town of Corinaldo, Italy. Her parents were poor, but hardworking. Her father died when she was just ten, forcing Maria to grow up very fast. Her mother had to move the family in with another family named Serenelli.

The Serenelli's consisted of a father, John, and a son, Alessondro who was about 20 years old. The Serenelli's were not practicing Christians and participated in such things as drinking and pornography. It was difficult time for the Goretti family, but they did their best. Maria would often say to her mother, "Be brave, Mother. After all we're growing up. Soon we will be able to support the whole family and until then God will provide for us." Maria was always sweet and tended to her brothers and sisters while their mother was working in the fields.

Often Alessondro would pester Maria to do impure things with him. Maria firmly refused and told him such things were sins. As you can imagine Maria began to be frightened to stay home alone, yet she did not want to worry her mother with more troubles.

One day while everyone was outside, Alessondro came back to the house with a long piece of sharpened iron. He called out to Maria. She became paralyzed with fright. He grabbed her! She struggled crying out, "No, God doesn't want it! It is a sin!" Maria knew her body was a temple to the Holy Spirit and would not give in, but die to protect it. She fought back until he took the sharp weapon and furiously stabbed her six times. Thinking her dead, Alessondro left the room. Maria lay bleeding in excruciating pain. Somehow she was able to drag herself to the door and call for help. Alessondro heard her, came from his room, and stabbed her six more times. He then returned to his room and barred the door. Finding her her mother and friends frantically banded Maria's wounds and took her to the hospital.

At the hospital, a family priest was called to hear her confession and give her last rites. Amazingly she forgave her attacker and said I'm sure God will forgive him too. Maria, not quite twelve years old, died shortly there after.

Alessondro experienced a repentance and a conversion in prison and was at Maria's mother's side at the 1950 canonization of this amazing young saint.

Maria Goretti is a saint for the modern girl. She is an excellent example of purity, love, and forgiveness. She valued her dignity as a daughter of the King. To learn more about Maria there is a wonderful book called, In Garments All Red and a recently released Italian film, Maria Goretti, featured in the photo above. I highly recommend both of them.

Purity Topic of the Month: A Pure Heart

2010-01-25T17:12:00.001-08:00

I'm back!!! I wanted to continue my purity topics for each month. The following is from a book series for young girls called "All Things Girl " and this particular excerpt is from the Modern and Modest book. Thought it was a great reminder for all of us.

The Ultimate goal of every person is to get to Heaven. How do you get there? Purity of the heart is the way. How do you know this? Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God."

So what does purity mean? Well, there's pure oxygen, pure water, pure chocolate, and pure gold. That means they are free from foreign elements, impurities, or pollutants. A pure heart is one that is clear, free of pollution. In order to keep a pure heart, think of the things that pollute the heart. There are certain movies, TV shows, advertisements, and magazine that can dirty the heart. For example, immodestly dressed people, bad language, and impure relationships between men and women can give you ideas that are wrong and do affect you. These things can leave a strong impression and if you are exposed to them, your heart can become impure.

Think about it... would you eat garbage out of a dumpster? Obviously, not. In the same way, don't put garbage into your mind so that it pollutes your heart.

You have the power to stay away from things that will make your heart and mind impure.

A pure heart also includes your thoughts, intentions, curiosity, and judgement of others. To have a clean heart you must always get rid of bad thoughts and keep your judgements and intentions good. When you are curious about everyone's business, it is a sign that your heart needs some clean up. Knowing everyone else's business can fuel your imagination. Purity means filling your own mind with thoughts of Jesus. Instead of being curious about other people's personal business, spend time contemplating what is means being a daughter (or son) of the King. These sorts of thoughts lead to a pure heart for Christ.

Purity Topic of the Month: Set Yourself Apart

2009-11-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

In Leslie Ludy's book Set Apart Femininity, I found these great words of wisdom...

God's sacred intent for us goes far beyond just saving sex until marriage, wearing one-piece swimsuits instead of skimpy string bikinis, or idolizing Christian bands instead of secular ones. It is not just making sure we tack on some Christian morality to our self-indulgent lives...

...A truly set-apart woman is marked by this sacred decorum. She hates the things God hates and loves the things that God loves, and she reflects this attitude in every dimension of her daily life. Does God stand up and cheer over American Idol? Does He smile with delight over the new Harry Potter movie? Does He get excited about the latest Coldplay album?...

...Other "Christian" girls may watch the same movies, listen to the same music, wear the same clothes, and have all the same pop-culture addictions as the rest of the world with just slightly higher morals tacked on. But God has called us to a higher standard--the very standard of Christ. And I believe it's time we become worthy of the call we have received.

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

Do it Anyway...

2009-11-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable

irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of

selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some

unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere

people maybe deceive you.

Be honest anyway.

What you spend years creating,

others could destroy over night.

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today

will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have,

and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis,

it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

Purity Topic of the Month: The Goal

2009-10-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last year I read "Generation Esther" by Lisa Ryan. Looking back at the book today, I was inspired to share this wonderful, short message. I hope that it inspires you as much as does me to be pure!

"Queen Esther's virginity was an expression of the purity of her heart, mind, and motive. Like Esther, our own inner purity is carried out in the choices we make and in the way we live....If you haven't maintained purity all of your life, you aren't forever disqualified from finding God's destiny for your life. God can cleanse you and make you whole again. If you let Him, God will set you apart again, or perhaps for the first time, for His purposes. Remember this: It is never too early or too late to start walking in purity in every area of your life."

The Assumption of Mary

2009-08-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate one of the oldest feasts in Church history. The Feast of the Assumption, when the Blessed Virgin rose up to heaven to receive the reward of her life of total conformity to the holy Will of God. This feast is of very great antiquity; it was fixed on the 15th of August at the request of the Emperor Maurice, and afterwards, by Pope Leo IV and was extended to the whole church.

Our heavenly Mother is the perfect example of how to live on earth doing good. May our company be beneficial to all, may we be a subject of joy to our neighbor. The Blessed Virgin was modest and humble; she made herself the handmaid to all. People who were with her had no idea of all the privileges and honors she had received from Heaven, for Mary was so genuine and simple. She seemed to be a perfectly ordinary person, but she stood out by her humility, her simplicity, her pleasantry, her dedication, her charity and her kindness.

Let us give thanks to our Mother in heaven for everything she does for us; she is the partner with her divine Son to work out our salvation. Mary continues unceasingly to occupy herself with our souls; she intercedes continually to protect her children here below. Let us thank her for her visits to the earth.

"Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid; for, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." - Luke 1:48

Truly Beautiful!

2009-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

This summer my mom and my sister Drue planted some sunflowers in our yard. Seeing the amazing way God designed the sunflowers should remind us that we can trust Him to take care of the details of our lives.

What a creative Designer!

1 Year of Blogging!

2009-05-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday, but it has been one whole year since I started this blog! Very exciting! I will hopefully post more this summer. Thank you for all of the sweet comments. It is always so exciting to read them. Any suggestions that you would like to see on my blog are always welcome.

Pray it!

2009-04-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I spent some time looking for more passages in my bible related to friendship. After some searching I found a pretty good scripture that I planned to post. When I opened my bible again there was this beautiful prayer in a highlighted box called "Friends." I had to post it! Wish I could write prayers as good as this one. See what you think.

God of friendship, Thank you for my friends, especially for those who give me such wise advice. Thank you for my closest friends whom I see every day, who motivate me to grow and serve. Thank you for all the good friends, whom I used to see more often but don't see as much anymore. Lord, continue to give me good friends throughout my life, and help me be a better friend to all. Amen.

Friendship!

2009-04-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

This week I have decided to post all about friendship! Friendship is a very important thing in life. I don't know what I would do without my wonderful friends! Below is an inspiring passage from Sirach talking about how to be a true friend and how to find true friends.

Friendship, False, and True

Pleasant speech multiplies friends,

and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.

Let those who are friendly with you be many,

but let advisers be one in a thousand.

When you gain friends, gain through testing

and do not trust them hastily.

For there are friends who are such when it suits them,

but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.

And there are friends who change into enemies,

and tell of the quarrel to your disgrace.

And there are friends who sit at your table,

but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.

When you are prosperous they become your second in self, and lord it over your servants;

but if you are brought low, they turn against you,

and hide themselves from you.

Keep away from your enemies,

and be on guard with your friends.

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:

whoever finds one finds a treasure.

Faithful friends are beyond price;

no amount can balance their worth.

Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;

and those who fear the Lord will find them.

Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright,

for as they are, so are their neighbors also.

Sirach 6:5-17

Good Friday

2009-04-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Below is an amazing poem written by a 14 year old girl in California, I memorized and recited it last month. I thought it was most appropriate to share with you today being Good Friday. It is a good reminder of what Jesus did for us and what it might have been like to be there.

Lenten Poem by Katie Torrence

Quiety I sat atop my hill

When suddenly my roads began to fill.

The silence was so harshly shattered

As a man who looked so terribly battered,

Carried a splintered tree upon his back

And fell up His treacherous track.

A guard stepped forward and cracked his whip

On the skin of His back which could not but rip.

Staggereing to His feet He carried on and on,

Even though his strength declined, almost gone.

I watched in horror as he fell twice again

And out from the crowd, the guards pulled a man.

They pushed him out onto the road

And for Him, he carried the load.

Feet, feet, I felt climbing my slope

And all that I could do was hope,

That the blood of this spectacular man would no more spill,

And that His fate would not come at the top of my hill.

But He and two thieves were stripped of their clothes

While the people gathered to here watch in rows.

The guards pushed the cross down on me with hate.

Oh how could this man have carried such weight?

I was crushed beneath the splintered wood

While above me, He silently stood.

Awaiting His death,

He took a deep breath,

As they lay Him upon the tree.

I felt his pain inside of me,

And then, beyond anything I could not know.

But then came the shock of a merciless blow

And I heard the clank of a hammer on nails

Amid His cries and painful wails.

Then suddenly the weight was shifted upon me

The cross was raised up so everyone could see.

As the base of the cross was pounded into my surface

I could feel His hung body, plan for escape, worthless

He begged the Father above to forgive

All of the people who did not want Him to live.

This man was different from any other I've ever known of

He wished to forgive these wretched people and show them true love.

At the request of the thief to His right,

He forgave him, and then all of the light

Was dimmed and the noon sky was clouded

As the land was shadowed and shrouded

Another agonizing cry broke out

And I knew then beyond any doubt

That this was to be the end of this man when He said

He was going into the Father's hands and bowed His head.

A guard came up and pulled out his lance

And stabbed Him just in case there was any chance

That His heart may still have been going,

And from His gash, blood and water came flowing.

Down, down it fell towards me like a water fall

There was no stopping it, I felt it all

The cold mixture of His given blood

And water that turned my surface to mud.

Is this what I be remebered for?

I asked myself as His family and friends bore

His limp body towards His lifeless tomb

Would I be remebered as a place of gloom

Where the King of the Jews was crucified and killed,

Where His divine blood was so cruelly spilled?

They tore down his cross adn carried it away.

I saw it all, all that happened that day.

I sat there and watched and then turned into stained mud.

I was there, for I was the dirt that soaked up His blood.

Holy Thursday- What remarkable thing did Christ perform on this day?

2009-04-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

He ate with His apostles the Paschal lamb which was a type of Himself; it was eaten with bitter herbs and unleavened bread; they ate standing with clothes girded, and staff in hand, in rememberence of the hurried escape of the Israelites from Egypt. (Exod. 12) After having eaten the Paschal lamb our Lord, with profound humility, washed the feet of His apostles, exhorting them to practice the same humility and charity; afterwards, He gave them His Flesh and Blood under the appearance of bread and wine, for spiritual food and drink, thus instituting the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, the Sacrifice of the Mass, and the priesthood; for when He said to the apostles: Do this in commeroration of me, He ordained them priests. After this He held His last discourse in which he particularly recommended brotherly love; said that beautiful, high-priestly prayer, in which he implored His Heavenly Father particularly for the unity of His Church. He then went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the slope of Mount Olivet, where He commenced His passion with prayer and resignation to the will of His Father, suffering intense, death-like agony, which was so great that He sweat blood. Here Judas betrayed Him into the hands of the Jews, by a treacherous kiss. They bound Him and led Him to the high-priests, Annas and Caiphas, where He was sentenced to death by the council, and denied by Peter.

Holy Week Posts

2009-04-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

'' If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life for My sake and for the sake of the Gospel, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.'' Mark 8:34-38

Inspirational Quotes

2008-11-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

''My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love You.

I beg pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, and do not love You."

Fatima Pardon Prayer

''The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; and the fruit of service is peace.''

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

My Prayer

2008-10-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

O Lord, thank you from the bottom of my heart

For always being there for me and never apart.

I think everyday how much you suffered for me.

It helps when I have to carry my cross for Thee.

I'm sorry for not always being good or trying

I'll work harder to be Your Soldier of Christ and never denying

I love you Dear Jesus with my whole heart and soul

How could I look at anyone else, but You as my amazing role

I can't wait until the day I enter Paradise with You

Until then, please show me Your will and what You want me to do.

-Michaela