Holding the Child Jesus

 
Click on photo to enlarge

1. How many blest have held the Child Jesus in their arms, captured by His INNOCENCE and ravished by His charms? Imagine the reality of His life upon this earth. The sacrifices that He made should prove our boundless worth! 

2. His mind contained all knowledge He concealed in His small head and by the deep HUMILITY of His soul we've all been led. He offered up His precious body knowing from the start that He would sacrifice it willingly with all His heart!

3. He sent His HOLY SPIRIT to our souls to sanctify, confirming that within them He would always be nearby. 

4. One of Jesus’ dearest friends on earth was later blest to hold Him in his arms as a devoted welcomed guest. We also are most lovingly invited to take part to embrace the Child Jesus very deep within our HEART. 

5. Words can be exchanged then but more stirring the desire that He will SANCTIFY our souls and set our hearts on fire. Every time you feel let down or things don’t go your way imagine holding Jesus in your arms without delay!

The Legend of St. Anthony Holding the Child Jesus

Legend has it that there was a Count who owned a castle near Padua, Italy. For the religious order of friars in the area, he provided a chapel and hermitage on his castle grounds. Anthony frequented one of its cells in the latter part of his life praying and meditating. Suddenly one night, Anthony’s room was filled with light! The count, passing by, noticed this and saw Anthony speaking with and caressing an infant in his arms who was the Child Jesus.  Falling to his knees, the Count was overcome by this heavenly sight. When the vision ended and Anthony saw the count at the doorway kneeling, he pleaded with him not to reveal the apparition to anyone until after his death. 

The Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua is June 13^th.

We're Going on Vacation!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. We’re going on vacation and I should begin to pack! We will be gone for two whole weeks before we are due back. I need to pack my summer clothes and sandals for the BEACH and bring a visor or a hat, or maybe one of each. 

2. A sundress will be perfect for a walk along the pier. For evenings in the moonlight, I will bring a pastel sweater. Including an intriguing BOOK, will surely be a must, by a favorite author, in whom I surely trust. I’ll bring a gown for evenings we may dine in elegance, to glimmer in the candlelight, assured to lure romance. 

3. I’ll need paper and pen in case I want to WRITE a poem, while we are on vacation, up until we return home. The weather here is icy, and it feels so blustery cold, so I am looking forward to the pleasures that unfold. 

4. On my list sunshine water and sand are at the top, but it will be such fun to stroll by lovely stores and SHOP. Just the thought of having not one thing that I must do is coupled with much joy as I anticipate the view! Though I love my life at home it seems to benefit my health and outlook visiting a tropical climate.

5. I strongly do suggest that you should take a little time and plan a nice vacation that will heal your soul and mind. I think that you can safely count on this advice my friend, so that you will return refreshed as you begin again. Now it is time for me to pack my suitcase for you see we’re going on VACATION, feeling joyful and carefree!

The Bear Family’s Country Home

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Mama Bear and Papa Bear lived in a cozy house, in the country where the creeks were filled with healthy trout. Apple blossom trees were quite exquisite to behold and every spring gardenias and magnolias would unfold. Butterflies of striking colors fluttered in the air, taking time to pause at all the flowers growing there. Birds of vivid shades happily flew throughout the sky, while the CHILDREN sang and gladly played as they passed by. 

2. It seemed there could not be a village any happier, where friends were always welcome every day throughout the year. All the HOMES were lovely quaint and very comfortable, but the Bear’s house won first prize though winter spring or fall. Papa Bear built it himself beneath an old oak tree, and it was pure delight whoever saw it did agree. The yard was picture perfect with a flower garden in front, arrayed in vivid colors that all had the richest scent. 

3. Passing through the gate to the front door was a delight, throughout the day from morning until stars came out at night. The living room was cozy with a couch and easy chairs, that were the perfect size for this nice family of bears. The coffee table placed before the couch they often used, for beverages or snacks and all their other favorite FOOD. The dining room was charming with a table and six chairs, so homey when their grandparents would come to visit there. A wooden tea cart and buffet afforded them a spot, to place all of the food brought from the kitchen piping hot. 

4. A lacy curtained bay window enhanced the ATMOSPHERE, and with the candles burning everyone loved being there. Mama’s kitchen was the height of hominess and warmth, with its black iron stove along with a small earthen hearth. The large round wooden table and its four nice matching chairs, was perfect for the family or for casual affairs. 

5. Up the winding staircase were four bedrooms in their home. The parents had the largest and each child had their own. Their GRANPARENTS enjoyed the lovely guest room many times, and at bedtime read the children favorite nursery rhymes. The bear’s house was a place where when their neighbors would pass by, they’d take a second glance and smile with an approving sigh. The bear family was happy in their home in the country, tucked away contented underneath the old oak tree.

The Country Mouse's Puttering Day

Click on photo to enlarge

1. The country mouse woke up at dawn and put her comfy bathrobe on. She had a cozy day in mind in which she’d leave all cares behind. After puttering in the house, which always cheered the tidy mouse, she’d spend some time out in her YARD that mirrored a quaint greeting card. 

2. Gently stifling a yawn she put some fresh perked COFFEE on. With happy thoughts that made her smile the country mouse sat for a while. As rich aromas filled the room, that hinted she’d be sipping soon, heating it before she ate, she placed her breakfast on a plate. 

3. Right now her really only goal, was savoring her hot CINNAMON ROLL. Its tender chunky walnuts both were warm and tasty in her mouth. Delectable beyond compare they were prepared with love and care. 

4. When the little mouse was done, she glimpsed out at the rising SUN. With coffee sipped to the last drop she rinsed her China plate and cup, returning them with gentle clink to their small cupboard by the sink. 

5. In this most contented way the country mouse began her day. With such relaxing things in mind pleasure she never ceased to find. Although productive days brought joy with tasks and errands to employ, her PUTTERING days from dawn ‘till night brought happiness and pure delight!

Make Life Fun!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Don’t make life a drudgery but try to make it fun. Do things at a slower pace and not just on the run. Spruce your wardrobe up and bit, and then shine up your SMILE. Do something you really love.  Enjoy yourself a while! 

2. Buy yourself a special gift to brighten up your day. You will be surprised at how much joy it brings your way! Treat yourself sometime to an activity you feel, would bring some PLEASURE like a movie or a tasty meal.

3. When you’re in the mood to be with family or a friend, find a way to CHEER them as your time with them you spend. When you do unwanted tasks be sure you really try, to give yourself a nice reward that lifts your spirits high!

4. Everything you do in life try to inject with LOVE. God will then inhabit all your actions from above. All it takes is just a moment to say to yourself, “How can I enhance this action for my joy and health?”

5. When helping others try to always do it cheerfully. Lightening their load will make yours lighter too you’ll see. Just like any smile can brighten someone else’s day, making your life FUN will bless you in a special way!

Develop a Sense of Humor

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Develop a sense of humor, and brighten up everyone’s day. You really can lift someone’s spirits, by everything you do and say. A true sense of humor is HEALING. Like ointment it soothes every hurt. It draws your attention from sadness, and to hopefulness makes you alert.

2. Fear will abandon your presence, as it grows wings and begins to fly, leaving a sense of true FREEDOM, in its wake while it bids you goodbye! If you remain truly determined, and all of your efforts apply, you really in most situations, can find humor if you really try.

3. Your problems to solve will be fewer, along with less strife to confront, and you will encounter less people, subjecting you to an affront. For highest on people’s priorities, is certainly just being near, to others who uplift their spirit, with wholesomeness kindness and CHEER.

4. Humor will not cause your problems, to suddenly all disappear, but it will adjust your perspective, so your mind will become very clear. Then with your mind comprehending, the positive things in your view, you will quickly be filled with affirming, resolutions of HOPE through and through.

5. So make up your mind you will always, find humor in all that you do. It will BRIGHTEN up everyone’s spirits, and make life more cheerful for you!