In the Garden of Gethsemane

IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for you and me. Bowed in prayer upon His knees, God answered all His loving pleas. With a few disciples near He soon began to faint and fear. Anticipating certain death He labored with each weary breath. Suffering He would have to die while those He from would wonder why. Sweating even drops of blood great fear consumed Him as a flood. His disciples were asleep while His concern grew very deep. They awoke at His command. Their hour to pray was now at hand. How very seldom we reflect though we should try not to neglect, what took place that lonely day when Jesus prayed our fears away. He placed upon His cross our cares while to this day our sorrow bears. Desiring that we lean on Him He took away our every sin. Giving us fullness of life His love dispels our doubt and strife. Often with Him meditate, His blessings and your wondrous fate! Plead He will renew your heart. Now is the time that you should start. Reflect on His almighty power, in the suffering of the hour, when Jesus bid Satan to flee, that night within Gethsemane!

The Little Snowy Town

I saw a picture of a little snowy TOWN one day. I felt it was a charming place that I would like to stay. Cheerful as it was, I felt such joy and warmth inside. It made me want to find a town just like it to abide. In the center was a CHURCH with tall steeple of white, and colored stained glass windows I imagined lit at night. One majestic fir tree snuggling up right to the rear, lovingly looked down upon a smaller one quite near. A few inviting houses very pleasant and serene, added so much color to complete the lovely scene! Two CHILDREN on their sleds slid down a small snow covered hill, warmly wrapped in snowsuits to prevent a wintry chill. In the distance a few scattered country homes were seen, bordered by a string of stately trees all evergreen. Smoke rising from chimneys had such warm cozy appeal, summoning the families to return for home cooked MEAL. Glancing once again back at the center of the town, I was pleased to see a cheerful SNOWMAN smiling down! Most appealing were small rolling hills covered with snow, reflecting sunlight warmly as they seemed to gently flow. I have endeavored ever since to find towns such as this, and every time I do it fills my heart with joy and bliss. I hope that you enjoyed my story and make it a part, of all the little treasures you have buried in your heart!

Femininity

 

Regina Angelorum by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

I pray that femininity returns upon this earth,

To its former beauty and immeasurable worth.

Somehow in the shift of time without much of a glance,

An evolution’s taken place that’s minimized ROMANCE.

Which once was grace and mystery now seems a phantasy,

To only be remembered with desire and DIGNITY.

Many men have lost some of their valued self-esteem,

To a woman’s disrespect or undermining scheme.

Though these incidents are isolated it is true,

They can begin a rippling effect with just a few.

Like tidal waves gain speed and power as they surge along,

Assaults on femininity can cultivate a throng.

Our role model should be the Virgin MARY on this earth,

Who was the sweetest humblest woman from her very birth.

Chosen as the Mother of Our Savior Jesus Christ,

Her beauty was more RADIANT than the loveliest sunrise.

In order to restore our world to its former grandeur,

Imitating Mary will obtain it to be sure.

Some quiet moment meditate on Mary’s GENTLE heart,

Praying from your company that she will never part!

Believe that Your Loved Ones Are In God's Hands

Believe that Your Loved Ones Are In God's Hands

Believe that your loved ones are in God’s hands, with angels all hovering near. Picture them very SECURE  in His grace, then eliminate worry and fear. Acknowledge their lives don’t depend upon you, since they have a path of their own, where they will be guided by heavenly grace, and the path of their life clearly shown. Feeling their gladness depends upon you, is doubting the power of God. The times you very  let go you can see all the more,  how He BLESSED all the paths they have trod. Our loved ones are really so safe in God’s hands. His power is strong and immense. The depth of His pure unconditional love Is unfathomable profound and intense. Visualize your loved ones at PEACE with themselves, confidently strong every day. See in your mind them surrounded by grace, that’s protecting and guiding their way. Believe very deeply that nothing can thwart, God’s awesome and majestic power. Then let it settle down deep in your soul, comforting you every hour. Say to yourself “I am bountifully blessed, overflowing with grace from above. My loved ones are safely protected by day, and all through the night by God’s love.” Do not be afraid of illness or death, since we have God’s promise that He, will COMFORT enlighten us strengthen and guide us, through life and for eternity. Try to reflect for a moment each day how the angels will come from above, to guide us to heaven in unending light where we all will be wrapped in God’s love. Have faith you have always been cared for and GUIDED along every path you have trod. Then have total trust that your loved ones are safe, and secure in the strong hands of God!”

— Family Life: Poetic Reflections To Fill Your Heart with Devotion by Marsha Santos

“The Country Mouse’s Remedy

                                   The Country Mouse's Remedy

The country mouse woke up one morning, feeling somewhat worn. And since this was unusual, she felt a bit forlorn. She realized this would not last, since she would quickly find a positive solution to regain her peace of mind. Immediately she thought of all her very favorite things, along with the delightful joys that each one always brings. First was fresh hot COFFEE perking which would fill the air, with its aroma as she sipped it from her kitchen chair. Sunshine peeping cheerfully through windows open wide, past ruffled tied-back curtains she had hung with joy and pride. Fruit PIES baking in the oven scrumptiously enjoyed, with tasty homemade meals, she was so happy to provide. Putting on her hat and shawl when chores were promptly done, to window shop within the village in the warming sun. Cozy LUNCHEONS with a friend at an outdoor café, then choosing something tantalizing from their pastry tray. An ocean tide down at the beach where every gentle wave, softened the sand that would allow footprints to be engraved. Resting in a lounge chair bathed in radiant beams of light, Or later, peacefully, under the twinkling stars at night. Decorated birthday CAKES and colorful balloons, Good friends gathering at parties singing cheerful tunes! Going on vacation when the wintry weather comes, to the sunny south for recreation rest and fun. Later coming home again to her delightful home, comforted by feelings that she had no need to roam. The country mouse then realized her weariness was gone! And so immediately began to hum a cheerful song. It went something like this and had a happy little tune, "Each time I think of pleasant thoughts CONTENTMENT fills the room! I will vow to never have a sad negative view, but with every wholesome thought my mind I will imbue!” 

The Country Mouse Collection: Poetic Reflections for the Cheerful of Heart by Marsha Santos  Amazon.com  Kindle Edition

Simplify Your Problems

Click on photo to enlarge

1. SIMPLIFY your problems to make life much easier. Eliminate the difficult and do things you prefer. Change your plans when stressed to recreate a cheerful mood. Do something that makes you laugh and do not be subdued. 

2. LIGHTEN up your schedule leaving time to spend alone. You need not tackle everything to which you feel prone. Tranquility awaits you as it beckons you to come. Let your bondage fade away just like the setting sun. 

3. Brighter days are bidding you to bathe within their warmth. ANTICIPATE their healing and each doubt and fear abort. Buy yourself a special gift that you’ve been wishing for, at a very charming place or lovely antique store. 

4. There have been so many things that you have longed to do That will easily acquire healing through and through. Pick the most desirable one. PURSUE it now with love, asking God to shed His grace and blessings from above. 

5. Sometimes just sit back RELAX when undergoing strife. And be a detached spectator of your very own life. Enjoy the lazy days of summer and I’m sure you’ll see, You will possess contentment to a very high degree!

Make Your World a Smaller Place!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Make your world a SMALLER place and try not to concern, yourself with very lofty matters you should not discern. The world can sometimes be an overwhelming place it’s true, if we let it pressure us in everything we do. 

2. The BOUNDARIES that we set within our mind are alterable, and we will not experience peace within our souls until, we set confines and limits to the things we take to heart, and all the matters causing stress we learn to set apart. 

3. The answer is to have the FAITH that God is in control. Acknowledging His sovereignty, His might we must extol. He does not need our help in caring for humanity. His power can restore our health and give security. 

4. Surrendering concerns for others helps us to regain our focus on the life that God has given us again. He wants us to take notice of the flowers and the birds, and be consoled by those we love and by their gentle words. 

5. We really can’t enjoy life when we're focused all the time, on other people's problems and for us things too sublime. If you make your world a smaller place you'll finally see, that God meant life to bring you joy and set your spirit free! 

"O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes  haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. No, rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:1-2