(Holy Card re-print permission granted from "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration"
http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com )

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The WORLDWIDE ROSARY for UNBORN BABIES

prayer event is scheduled to take place on

Saturday, October 18th, 2008.

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Participants will pray the Rosary

during the 9:00 AM hour

for the following intention:

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For an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies.

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Because participants will pray the Rosary from 9 - 10:00 AM

according to their time zones . . .

it is hoped that . . .

the earth will be circled with multiple waves of Rosaries

within a 24-hour time period.

I'll be joining each of you in prayer.

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Blessings and Amore',

~ Bella

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Thoughts on Evangelization

"If you wish to evangelize the world, each one of us must begin by trying to BECOME A SAINT."

Archbishop John Patrick Foley

Have a blessed day, my friends!

~ Bella

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What Catholics Believe - Continuing the Study of the (CCC) Catechism of the Catholic Church

"Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you,
all things are passing,
God is unchanging.
Patience gains all,
nothing is lacking to those who love God;
God alone is sufficient."

St. Teresa of Avila, Spain, 1515 - 1582

My dear friends in Christ,

As I continue my study of the Catechism in Article 3 of Chapter Two I am reminded to know that:

The Catholic Church VENERATES the Lord's precious Body and never fails to present THE BREAD OF LIFE to the faithful.

The Church receives nourishment and strength from Sacred Scripture, from which our Heavenly Father speaks to us, His children.

God is the AUTHOR of Sacred Scripture and which was written down by man under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Catholics consider BOTH the Old and the New Testaments as Sacred.

We believe that both the books of the Old and New Testaments TEACH THE TRUTH to ALL people, Catholics and non-Catholics. These perfect books, without error, are what we must use to TEACH these TRUTHS when defending the Faith or simply sharing the Faith!

Blessings to you this lovely afternoon in October!

~ Bella

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Beautiful Images from a Beautiful Blogger of Holy Cards

(Holy Card re-print permission granted from "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration"
http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com )

Thank you, Micki, for your unselfish permission to share your Holy Card Images on my blog to help enhance the messages. God certainly brought you and your wonderful gift into my life.

~ Bella

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Columbus, Catholicism, and America

Greetings on Columbus Day in the United States!

(or what is called "Discoverers' Day in Hawaii).

Many places are closed for business today, and most public services such as the U.S. Post Office are closed as well.

Today, we honor a devout Catholic for his 'discovery' of America. Now there are some debates that are 'out there' regarding the man and the legitimacy of his 'discovery'. That is not the purpose of this posting today, yet please know that I respect your position if you have that stand.

After some googling on the web, I learned more than I ever knew about this man.

I will cite the following statements from Father John A. Harden's Seven Lectures (2003) on the CATHOLIC DISCOVERY OF AMERICA by Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo - translation "Christ-Bearer" & "White Dove" and born in Italy):

What do we mean by the Catholic discovery of America?

• We mean the discovery of America by Spain, a country that for 700 years had suffered martyrdom under Islam, in defense of the Catholic Faith.
• We mean the discovery of America made possible by the apostolic zeal of Isabella I, the Catholic Queen of Spain. After seven centuries; the Moors were finally driven out of Spain in the year 1491; 1492 came on the heels of seven centuries of martyrdom.
• We mean the discovery of America achieved by the Catholic genius of Christopher Columbus.
• We mean the discovery that was inspired by the Catholic vision of the Franciscans in Spain, without whom Columbus could never have been able to undertake his voyage to what became the new world.
• We mean the discovery of America that planted the seed of the Catholic Faith through the missionaries who evangelized the Americas and, how happy I am to say, and covered with the blood of many martyrs including my own Jesuit confreres.
• We mean the discovery that was blessed by Our Lady of Guadalupe, during the lifetime of Fernando Columbus, the youngest son and biographer of his father, Christopher Columbus.
• We mean the discovery that was seen by the Roman Pontiffs as the dawn of a new era in Catholic evangelization.
• We mean the discovery that should inspire us to preserve, to purify and to promote the faith that so many of our forbearers, since 1492, have labored, suffered and died so that we might be believing Catholics today.

Most Americans do not discuss the "Catholic-icity" of our country's discoverer and motivation behind the discovery of America. This is sad, because we have so much to be thankful for in this country, and especially the Catholic Faith that motivated Columbus and Queen Isabella for that quest.

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Catholic Beliefs: The MAGESTERIUM of the Catholic Church (CCC, Art.2,Part III, p.27

To continue my discussion and understanding of the Catholic faith (for my purposes of defending and evangelizing, and hopefully, many others as well)......

Catholics believe in the MAGESTERIUM of the Church.

What's this?"

The task of giving the CATHOLIC CHURCH ALONE, the authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in written Sacred Scripture or from Sacred Tradition.

The task of interpretation is ENTRUSTED to the POPE and to the Bishops through the successors of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

The Magesterium is a servant to the Word of God and not superior to the Word. It is given through DIVINE COMMAND and through the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Church, through the Magesterium, EXERCISES AUTHORITY FROM CHRIST to the fullest extent when DEFINING DOGMAS or TRUTHS and OBLIGES Christians to irrevocable ADHERENCE and OBEDIENCE of Faith to these teachings. . . and apply it to the fullest in their daily lives.

In Summary:

Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magesterium of the Catholic Church are supremely connected and wisely arranged by God . . . and CANNOT STAND APART from each other! All are necessary, through the workings of the Holy Spirit, for the soul's eternal salvation.

This is unique to Catholics, the one, true, authentic Christian Church established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

May God continue to bless His Catholic Church!

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Blessed are They Who Hear The Word of God and Observe It

"Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and observe it."

Luke 11:28

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God's word is more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Psalm 119:72

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Lord, give me the GRACE I need today and always

to RESPOND to all the ways that You invite me

to a DEEPER UNION and relationship with You.

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Despite my shortcomings, Lord, give me the strength and courage

to advance Your mission that you ENTRUSTED me with:

That in humility and love, share Your message and

proclaim your Kingdom to all ends of the earth

and prepare me for eternal salvation.

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Lord, help me take up my daily crosses and follow You

and to live a faith-filled life.

Because without You, sweet Jesus,

I can do NOTHING.

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Dear Father,

through the power of the Holy Spirit,

give me the GRACE

to COMMIT myself to pray, read, and FEAST

on Your Word in Sacred Scripture

EVERY day.

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In Jesus' precious name, I pray.

Amen

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"Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and observe it."

Luke 11:28

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Have a BLESSED, BLESSED DAY!

~

Amore',

~ Bella

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Mortifications: Using Little Daily Chores to Prepare Our Souls

(Holy Card re-print permission granted from "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration"
http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com )

"Whistle While You Work"

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Using Little Daily Chores for Mortifications

to Help Prepare My Soul

Hello dear amici (friends),

Today is Saturday and I focused on beginning my day with morning prayer and meditation on the day's Scripture readings. I also kept my resolution to not waste my day away on the computer and Internet. As a result of this vow, I followed my devotion time with my weekend household chores and I was lead (without accident) to yesterday's devotion in "In Conversation With God", for Friday, Week 26 in Ordinary Time.

In his writing, Francis Fernandez discusses "mortification" which prepares our souls to "listen to the Lord and to follow His Will". We weed out those negative things in our souls: our laziness, egotism, envy . . . you know, all those vices! Fernandez says that anyone who desires to live their Catholic faith SERIOUSLY, needs to get rid of our old nature (Col 3:9) . . . those bad 'inclinations that we have inherited from Adam'. We can do this through "moritification", which "rejuvenates the soul" and helps the soul to be better prepared to RECEIVE SUPERNATURAL GIFTS!!!

Now, I think that is pretty AWESOME, don't you? "Voluntary mortifications" involve our voluntarily and CONSCIOUSLY carrying out our duties, because THIS IS WHERE WE FIND GOD'S WILL for us each day. And when we engage in these little daily duties, we need to do so with LOVE, HIGH STANDARDS, and HARD WORK. Sort of like the Disney song, "Whistle While You Work" in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

Fernandez continues to let me know that 'mortification' of my soul can also include things such as having 'order' in my life, being punctual, taking care of the small details, performing well any of the most INSIGNIFICANT things in my life, even it hurts (p. 150). He says that we need to resist the temptation of comfort (you know that saying, "Don't get too comfortable!"). We need to PERSEVERE in our daily work with JOY and enthusiasm!

We can be cheerful.

We can offer our fatigue up to the Lord.

We can stop complaining (about anything!) and use whatever causes our complaint to lead us closer to God.

We can also call upon our precious, loving Guardian Angel to help us overcome our weariness, to convert everything we do into "acts of love, contrition, and mortification . . . and gather a bouquet at the end of each day, which we can offer to God!"

So with that discussion, this morning I quickly changed the bed's linens, washed the old linens with the rest of the laundry, folded and put away the clean laundry, cleaned the dirty stove top, washed the dishes, and generally picked up the little messes around the house.

How about you? Did you find yourself complaining today? If so, try to use each little thing that you see as a drudgery and convert them into 'mortifications' for your soul and for our Lord and Heavenly Father.

Ciao for now and Blessings until the next time,

~ Bella

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Posted by Bella Vita 0 comments

The "Our Father" and Just Simply Praying

This week we read about how Jesus taught us to pray the "Our Father".

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: The very first thing that I (and we) need to remember when praying this beautiful prayer is to GLORIFY GOD . . . this is our first priority. I try to remember to do this even if I am not saying this prayer. When I say my prayers, I always remember that first and foremost I need to offer praise and glory to God. He is first and not my problems! When we show our honor and adoration to God, He will demonstrate his love, concern, and care for us. I'm not first, nor are my needs and wants, God is.

I heard today that if you want to know God's sense of humor, then just tell him what your plans are!!! :)

Thy Kingdom Come . . . this is my (and everyones) obligation to spread His divine message on earth . . . and most especially to those whom God has placed right next to us everyday. I am so very concerned, not only for my own soul's eternal salvation, but also for my husband's and my children's souls.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Here, we say that we desire only what God desires and we pray for the grace to do His Will on earth. When I pray, I also ask God to give me the knowledge and discernment of what He wants me to do, PLUS the COURAGE and STRENGTH to carry out His Will. "Please Lord, lead me and guide me, and take me where YOU want me to go and to do what YOU want me to do!"

After honor and glory, and asking for His Will, I tell God what I am grateful for each day . . . even down to my ability to BREATHE! Yea, breathe! Then I ask for God's forgiveness of the sins that I have committed during the day. And that list can literally be so long, that I could fall asleep!

Finally, I present my petitions to Him, but again asking if they be only according to His Divine Will and not mine.

And now it is getting late here on the acreage and it's time to get some sleep. I hope that you had a blessed day and that tomorrow brings even more blessings!

Amore' and buona notte'!

~ Bella

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A Beautiful Prayer

Holy Card image reprinted with loving permission from "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration" blog

http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com

Teach Me, O Lord

Teach me, my Lord to be KIND and GENTLE in all the events of life;
in disappointments,
in the thoughtlessness of others,
in the insincerity of those I trusted,
in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.
Let me put myself aside, to think of the happiness of others,
to hide my pain and heartaches,
so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me use it that it may mellow me,
NOT HARDEN or EMBITTER ME;
that it may make me PATIENT, not irritable;
that it may make me broad in my FORGIVENESS,
not narrow, proud and overbearing.
May no one be less good for having come within my influence.
No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble

for having been a fellow traveler
in our journey toward eternal life.
As I go about my rounds from one task to another,
let me say, from time to time, A WORD OF LOVE TO YOU.
May my life be lived in the supernatural,
full of good,and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

Amen

from Father Hardon's Catholic Prayer Book with Meditations

As I remember my beautiful blogging friends in my prayers,

I will say "Buona Notte'" . . . Good Night!

~ Bella

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Prayer for a Loved One's Conversion to Catholicism

Prayer for a Loved One's Conversion to Catholicism (Colossians 1:9-14)

O Father, in the name of Your Son Jesus, and in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit,
with the knowledge of Your will,
I ask that You fill null with the knowledge of Your will through ALL spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Enlighten this precious child of Yours, dear Lord!
Teach this dear one to live in a manner that is worthy of You,
so as to be fully pleasing to You,
full of good works bearing good fruits and ever growing in knowledge of You.
Strengthen this lost lamb, dear Lord,
with every power of Your Holy Spirit,
in accordance with Your might, for all endurance and patience,
with joy, giving thanks to You O Father!
Make Your child fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in the Light.
Deliver this beloved one from the power of darkness
into the kingdom of Your Beloved Son, Jesus,
and transfer null into the kingdom of Your Beloved Son, Jesus,
in whom is redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

Amen!



Good evening dear amici (friends),Today is a lovely wet day in the Carolinas where we so desperately need the rain in this ongoing drought. Water is a blessed miracle, you know! We could not live without it physically nor spiritually (Jesus quenches our spiritual thirst). It is supposed to rain (softly) for the next few days, and for that forecast I am so grateful (so is my garden!).

Tomorrow also begins my university's Fall Break. My students really need this and so do the faculty!! It is a good time for me to rest and restore my soul and get some things in order around my house.

Today we are reminded to pray in the Gospel of Luke. Just take a moment to pray the Lord's Prayer . . . or just one Hail Mary . . . say an Act of Contrition . . . let's just stop often to simply JUST SAY SOMETHING to God . . . have a little chat with him in your own words! Please just start somewhere. Ask the Holy Spirit to stay with you to help you speak and pray to our Father and His Son as frequently as possible during your day.

It seems that the more I pray, the more I can't wait to find time to pray again when my schedule allows me......wouldn't it be great if we could just make everything that we do A PRAYER!!!!

And since it is October, pray the beautiful Rosary! It is so powerful! Our Lady hears us and prays FOR us. Remember the Wedding at Cana when her Son said to do what she said! Jesus listens to our petitions asked through our Blessed Mother.

Well, I realize that this note is brief, but I must go teach my evening class and then commute home.

Blessings during this beautiful rainshower!

Con amore (With love)

~ Bella

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Posted by Bella Vita 1 comments

Catholics Believe in Sacred Tradition PLUS Sacred Scripture

Catholics believe in a close, intricate bond between Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture . . . these are communicated together from the same divine source. Catholics believe in the Word of God in the UNWRITTEN Word ... Sacred Tradition!

Sacred Scripture is the "SPEECH OF GOD" in writing led by the Holy Spirit!

Tradition TRANSMITS the entire Word of God entrusted to the apostles through Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Tradition is transmitted through the apostolic successors and spread through their preaching.

Here is another BIG DIFFERENCE between what Catholics believe and what non-Catholics do not believe:

The Catholic Church does NOT derive certainty of all revealed truths from holy Scripture alone. Rather Catholics believe that BOTH SACRED SCRIPTURE and TRADITION MUST BE ACCEPTED and HONORED EQUALLY!

The apostles handed down tradition because the first generation of Christians did not have the New Testament written down yet! Some time took place in between our Lord's life on earth and the time in which Scriptural Scholars wrote it down guided by GRACE. The early Church SPOKE the Word, just like Jesus PREACHED (spoke) to the people. There wasn't anyone there or present or looking on that was writing the books of truth in the New Testament! So Tradition came before Sacred Scripture. Catholics believe firmly in Sacred Tradition.

It seems to me that even non-Catholic Christians would know this FACT.....so why do they continue to shove this FACT aside? Catholics acknowledge, admit, respect and REVERE this FACT of Sacred Tradition!

This is yet one more belief of Catholics!

More Catholic Catechism: The Gospel is HANDED DOWN through APOSTOLIC SUCCESSORS

Continuing in Article 2 of Chapter Two in the Catholic Catechism (CCC, pp. 24-25), as Catholics, we believe that the Gospel is HANDED DOWN in TWO WAYS:

Orally - by the apostles and their institutions

and in

Writing - "by the apostles and other men associated with the apostles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who put the Gospel into the written Word".

Now here's a Catholic belief that non-Catholics do not share:

"In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church, the apostles LEFT BISHOPS AS THEIR SUCCESSORS . . . who were given TEACHING AUTHORITY. This apostolic preaching IS TO BE PRESERVED IN A CONTINUOUS LINE OF SUCCESSION . . . UNTIL THE END OF TIME!

WOW! Only Catholics have this blessing from God!

This is what Catholics believe in . . . and it is called TRADITION!!!

It is distinct from Sacred Scripture and it is how the Catholic Church teaches Catholics through every generation, ALL THAT SHE BELIEVES!

The Holy Spirit leads believers in the FULL TRUTH through the Church's voice and Gospel.

This is one of the the PILLARS of our Beautiful Catholic Faith that DIFFERENTIATES our beliefs from all other religions and denominations!

Concentrating on Christ FIRST in ALL of Our Daily Activities

Good evening friends in Christ,

I love today's Gospel about Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. We read that Martha was busy, busy, busy preparing refreshments for our Lord, while Mary is quiet and still while listening to our Lord's teaching. Martha's busy-ness distracted her from what needed to be first and foremost in her life -- to be constantly connected and focused on our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is SO HARD FOR ME TO DO !!! This reading is such a wonderful reminder for me to put FIRST THINGS FIRST!!!

Fernandez asks us (In Conversation with God, Tuesday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time):

• How can my work, whatever that may be, make any sense if I fail to connect with God?
• All of life's ORDINARY TRIALS, chores, duties, activities can be made into occasions to meet God!
• Do you and I lead 'double-lives' where there is one part of our life apart from God and then at other times (such as Mass, evening prayer, etc.) where we live a different life with God?
• I need to have UNITY in all of my actions while contemplating and dialogueing with my Lord, just like Mary did!
• Do I think of Jesus from the moment I wake up in the morning until I fall asleep under His protection?
• With Jesus by my side every moment of the day, I am such a better person, citizen, wife, friend, mother, daughter, sister, relative, neighbor, and co-worker.
• With my Jesus as my PRIMARY FOCUS during my day, I work better at whatever is at hand before me.
• PLUS . . . and here's a fantastic bonus: When I think of Jesus, I stop thinking of the things of this world. . . the economy, politics, my retirement in the stock market, my weight, the dust in the house (that never fails to continue to come back!!!!).

Pope John Paul II said that "Every area of the lay faithful's lives, as different as they are, enters into the plan of God who desires that these areas be the PLACES IN TIME where the love of Christ is revealed and realized for the GLORY OF THE FATHER. . . . EVERY activity, situation, responsibility . . . are occasions ORDAINED BY PROVIDENCE for a continuous exercise of faith, hope, and charity.

John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, 1988

So, I resolve to put our Lord and Heavenly Father at the front of my mind, heart and soul each and every day. Anything that separates me from this goal is SECONDARY. Otherwise, I invite disorder and temptation to sin in my life.

At these trying times in America, you and I need to remember:

• ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED!
• SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM!
• KEEP OUR EYES ON CHRIST!
• NEVER, NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF OUR LORD WHILE WE STRUGGLE IN OUR DAILY WORK!

I know that I am weak and that I forget continually. But through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, I am hopeful to improve for His Glory.

Many blessings to you,

Your blogging friend,

~ Bella

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Part One, Article 2: Our Call as Catholics to Teach Others of God

Hello everyone again on this beautiful October day,

Before I go outside to savor and soak up this gorgeous autumn day, I'll continue discussing our beautiful Catholic Catechism:

Because God DESIRES ALL of us to be saved, to KNOW the truth of Jesus, we, Catholics, MUST PROCLAIM our Lord to ALL people all around the entire planet! (1 Tim 2:4; Jn 14:6)

Catholics are COMMANDED to preach the Gospel to let others know of God's gifts to them. It is the Gospel that is the source of truth and moral discipline necessary to achieve salvation (Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15).


So dear friends in Christ, in your prayers, ask our Heavenly Father, our Lord, and Blessed Mother to give us the fortitude to just drop a verse of the Bible to anyone that needs a word of guidance or uplifting.

Yesterday, my husband and I had some friends over and they poured their hearts out to us about a terrible, and I do mean horrendous, ordeal that they have been suffering through.

I took my Bible over to them (non-Catholics) and led them to read Psalm 37, which was the same verse that a dear friend once read to me in my greatest time of trouble. They said that they would go home and read it. I don't know what happened after they left, but I do know that God gave me the strength to do what He called all of us as Catholics to do . . . to share the Gospel.

I never used any force, or "in-your-face" tactics that we know some folks can use. I shared this verse with love and concern for these friends. They know that I am Catholic and so that also helped their perception of the Catholic Faith.

I think that once we successfully share, we gain more strength in continuing to spread the Gospel each time afterwards.

With that said, dear friends, I am going to go outside and enjoy this day that God has given each of us.

Blessings!

~ Bella

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More Catholic Beliefs (from CCC): Ch. 2 Article One, Section III. Jesus is the Fullness of God's Revelation and There Will Be NO FURTHER REVELATION

Catholics believe (CCC, p. 28) that after Jesus' life on earth, there will be NO FURTHER PUBLIC REVELATION OF GOD until the glorious manifestation of our Lord. God's covenants with our first parents, with Abraham, Noah, and Moses, and their descendants will remain in force as long as the world lasts and there will be no further Revelation (1 Tim 6: 14; Titus 2:13).

We Catholics believe that our Lord will return and that we have a life-long covenant with God!

We read in today's Psalms:

You gave food to those who fear you, mindful of your covenant forever.
You showed powerful deeds to your people, giving them the lands of the nations.
The works of your hands are right and true, reliable all your decrees,
Established forever and ever, to be observed with loyalty and care.
You sent deliverance to your people, ratified your covenant forever;

holy and awesome is your name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it.

Your praise endures forever.

Psalm 111

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God is BIGGER than All of Our Problems -- We Need to Pray and TRUST HIM! Plus: Thoughts on Today's Gospel Reading Luke 10: 13-16

(Holy Card re-print permission granted from "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration"
http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com )

Good Afternoon Amici (friends),

In today's reading in the Psalms, I just could not help but feel a connection between the words and the state of America at this point in time. What do you think as you read the following?

.
Bring us back, O God!

Show us your mercy, and we will be saved!

How much longer, Lord God Almighty, will you be angry

with your people's prayers?

. . .

You have given us sorrow to eat, a large cup of tears to drink,

our enemies insult us.

Bring us back, Almighty God!

Show us your mercy, and we will be saved!

. . .

Turn to us Almighty God!

Look down from heaven at us; come and save your people!

Come and save this grapevine that you planted,

this young vine you made grow so strong!

Our enemies have set it on fire and cut it down;

look at them in anger and destroy them!

. . .

Preserve and protect the people you have chosen,

the nation you made so strong.

We will never turn away from you again;

keep us alive, and we will praise you.

Psalm 80

.

and in PHILIPPIANS 4: 6-9 we continue to read:

"Don't worry about anything,

but in ALL your prayers ask God for what you need,

always asking Him with a thankful heart.
And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding,

will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Jesus Christ

. . .

Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise:

things that are true (honest), noble, pure, lovely,

virtuous, and honorable (worthy of praise).

. . .
Put into practice what you learned and received from me,

both from my words and from my actions.

And the God who gives us peace will be with you."
Phil 4: 6-9
. . .

Recently my husband was overcome with despair for quite a long time (I'm talking about weeks and months). Finally, I just had to ask what was wrong?!?!?!

He said that at age 65, he though that he would be in a more secure financial position as he approaches his golden years.

I offered my understanding, yet had to point out to him how blessed we are in that we have not lost our jobs (in education), that we have our home, a loving marriage, a loving and healthy family with the same blessings.

Yes, there are problems looming around us in America. And yes, people are filled with anxiety, stress, and even depression.

But isn't there something that you can see around you that God has blessed you with so that you can express GRATITUDE for? People would be so surprised if they practice gratitude and trust in the Lord. I know that it really helps me stay away from dread, worry, and "stinkin thinkin" that the devil enjoys seeing us feel.

Blessings to you this glorious Sunday in October!

~ Bella

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Posted by Bella Vita 1 comments

In today's reading from Sacred Sripture, we read about our Call to evangelize for our Lord.

Our Lord said, "Whoever listens to you, listens to me. Whoever rejects you, rejects me. And whoever rejects me, rejects the One who sent me."

After contemplating on these words, I read the "Meditation of the Day" from the current issue of "Magnificat". We are reminded of the CATHOLIC CHURCH'S "entire mission": TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL. . . TO EVANGELIZE through teaching and through our own words and actions!

Every encounter with another person is an opportunity to share the Gospel.

The PRIMARY MOTIVE to evangelize is "the love of Christ for ETERNAL SALVATION for ALL!" We do not do this through force upon others, but by the POWER of the Word of God in our teaching, through works of 'public relevance', and by personal witnessing . . . word and witness go hand in hand in our efforts.

Finally, "EVERYWHERE and ALWAYS, every Catholic has the RIGHT and the DUTY to give the witness and the full PROCLAMATION of the Catholic Faith."

Excerpts taken from Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization

As Francis Fernandez states in "In Conversation with God" (Friday, Week 26 Ordinary Time): God is not at fault when people do not have or accept the Faith. It is the 'unreadiness' of those individuals, their 'hardness of heart', their lack of desire, possibly their unwillingness to overcome a personal defect or shortcoming.

Just some thoughts to remember and reflect upon as Catholics!

Have a blessed day!

~ Bella

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II. The Stages of Revelation (CCC)

God provides us wth constant EVIDENCE of Himself in His created REALITIES around us.

First he manifested Himself to or first parents (Jn 1:3, Rom 1:19-20).

After their sin, God made a covenant with Noah and grouped people in their own lands with their familes, in their nations, and each with different languages (Gen 10:5).

The covenant with Noah remains in force until the universal proclomation of the Gospel (p. 21, para 58, CCC).

God chose Abraham to be "the father of a multitude of nations" to gather together scattered humanity (Gen 17:5).

The descendents of Abraham would be the "trustees" of His promise and are called to PREPARE FOR THE DAY WHEN GOD GATHERS HIS CHILDREN INTO THE UNITY OF the CHURCH (Rom 11:28, Jn 11:52, 10:16).

Later God formed Israel as His chosen people when He freed them from slavery in Egypt and established another covenant through Moses at Mount Sanai by giving His law and so the people would look for the promised Savior, God's Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Israel's people were the first to hear the Word of God (Deut 28:10, Ex 19:6).

Through His prophets, God formed his people in the HOPES of SALVATION in the EXPECTATON of a NEW and EVERLASTING COVENANT for all and to be WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS. We believe that above all, the poor and humble of the Lord will bear this hope. The purest person among His people is Mary (Zeph 2:3, Lk 1:38).

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For Everything There is a Season ~ Ecc 3:1-11

I had read that the Internet can be somewhat like a 'black hole' in which to just get lost. With this blogging and Facebook and 4marks social networks, I think I can relate to that thought! How incredible is the Lord's timing in His messages to all of us.

Yesterday, the 25th of September, 08, we read the Gospel reading from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11 . . . Time is PRECIOUS, fleeting, elusive, a GIFT from God! As I read from the "In Conversation with God" for Friday in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time:

• How faithful am I to the duties in my life?
• How miserly am I in the use of my time?
• Do I use my time well by working with love and intensity?
• Do I waste my time doing whatever I want instead of what God wants?
• Do I live in the present moment that God has given me?
• Do I put some order into my day with a schedule/plan that I stick to as best as I can?
• Do I overcome sloth and laziness so that I can help others, my family, my community, my students, my neighbors? Do I raise them up to a better mode of existence?
• Do I do what I should be doing?
• Do I give complete attention to what I am doing as if I were to offer it as a 'last thing' to Him.
• Am I using the present moment to enrich my spiritual life (faith, hope, and charity)?
• Am I using the present moment to progress in the human virtues (industriousness, order, optimism, affability, spirit of service)?

WE SHOULD WORK HERE ON EARTH AS IF WE HAD A LONG LIFE AHEAD OF US. AT THE SAME TIME WE SHOULD WORK AS IF WE ARE GOING TO DIE THIS VERY DAY (p. 98 In Conversaton With God, Friday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time).

With that said, my friends, I need to get back to the day's laundry and cleaning.

Blessings in Christ our Lord Jesus!

~ Bella

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I have just posted my morning thoughts on Chapter Two, Article 1, Section II. God's Revelation. It is important to me to understand my faith better as I continue my efforts to prepare for the evangelization that we are ALL called to as Catholics. It is a beautiful journey in Faith and I hope you join me!Blessings to you on this absolutely breathtaking autumn day in October.

.So for now, from the Carolinas, I'll stop in later to chat. But now it is time to do some housecleaning (oooooh, changing the kitty litter is at the top of the list so that I don't procrastinate this chore)! After the cleaning (first things first), I'm going outside into the garden.

Ciao for now,

~ Bella

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What Catholics Believe: Chapter 2 (CCC): The Revelation of God -- God Comes to Meet Us

God revealed himself by sending his Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to us.

"It pleased God in His goodness and wisdom, to REVEAL HIMSELF and to make known ... His will...which was for us to have ACCESS to Him, through Jesus, the Word made flesh" (Article I. para 51, CCC).

God "dwells in an UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT"

1 Tim 6:16, Eph 1: 4-5.

God wishes us to be CAPABLE of responding to Him, knowing Him, and loving Him, and He does this through revealing Himself through our Lord, who is GOD IN THE FLESH . . . just like us!!!

CATHOLICS BELIEVE IN THE HOLY TRINITY: God, the Father, along with Jesus Christ, His Son (who is also God), and the Holy Spirit.

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The One, True, Pure, Undiluted, Original Church Founded by Christ ALONE

From the web-site Catholic Apologetics in the "Evangelization" Forum under the topic/thread 'ecumenical discussions' with our non-Catholic friends and family:

"When we dialog as "equals", [with non-Catholics] we insult our faith. Since every other Christian church either split off from the Catholic Church, or split off from one which had already split off, we, Catholics, have the undiluted original. Remember that it is no sin to boast in the Lord, and that includes the Church He founded, since we are Christ's mystical body. Only one church is the most pure, the most true, the most ancient. All others contain truth and holiness, but the Catholic is the fullness, which can be experienced nowhere else."

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II. Ways of Coming to Know God

We discover certain ways of knowing God called "proofs". These "ways" are twofold: the physical world and the human person.We can come to know God through the world's order and beauty, we can know that God is the origin and the end of the universe.

For what can be 'known' about God is PLAIN to them, because God has SHOWN it to them. Ever since the creation of the world His INVISIBLE nature, namely His eternal power and deity, has been CLEARLY perceived in the THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE."
Romans 1: 19-20, Acts 14: 15, 17, 17: 27-28, Wis 13: 1-9
.....

The soul of a human person, the "seed of eternity we bear in ourselves, irreducible to the merely material," can have its origin ONLY in God.
Thus, in different ways, we can come to know that there exists a reality which is the FIRST CAUSE and FINAL END OF ALL THINGS, a reality "that everyone calls 'God'". St. Thomas Aquinas
...

Our faculties make us capable of knowing the existence of a PERSONAL God. For us to to enter into intimacy with Him, God willed both of these "proofs" to reveal HIMSELF to us and to give us the grace of being able to welcome this revelation in FAITH.
...

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Even Though We Forget to Seek God, He NEVER Ceases to Call US !

Although we can forget or reject God, HE NEVER CEASES to call us to seek Him, because HE is the ONLY WAY to find HAPPINESS and life. This search requires, demands every effort of intellect and sound will, an 'upright heart'.St. Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

"Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice"
Acts 17: 26-28

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Catholics Desire for God

Our dignity as human beings comes from the fact that we are CALLED to communion with God. We are invited as soon as we come into BEING !CCC, p. 14

From one ancestor (God) made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and He allotted THE TIMES of THEIR EXISTANCE and the boundaries of the places WHERE THEY WOULD LIVE, so that they WOULD SEARCH FOR GOD . . . though indeed He IS NOT FAR from each of us.

For "in Him we live and move and have our being."
Acts 17: 26-28

We are no accidents; God gave each of us a purpose . . . to search for Him and fulfill HIS purposes!

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Part 1. Section 1 (CCC) What Catholics Believe: I Believe . . . We Believe

Faith is our response to God. Chapter One: Our Capacity for GodWe DESIRE God -- IT IS WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS!! God never ceases to draw us closer to Him. It is ONLY in GOD that we will FIND the TRUTH and the HAPPINESS we constantly search for!

We will never find happiness in anything external. . . only in God who calls us HOME to Him. Happiness here on Earth is elusive!

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1.3 What Catholics Believe: We are URGED to PROCLAIM the Good News EVERYWHERE in the World

Those who with God's help have welcomed Christ's CALL and freely respond are URGED on by Christ's love to PROCLAIM the GOOD NEWS EVERYWHERE in the world. This TREASURE received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors. ALL Christ's faithful are CALLED to hand this Good News dwn from generation to generation, by PROFESSING the faith, by LIVING it in FRATERNAL SHARING, and by CELEBRATING it in LITURGY and prayer.

Acts 2:42

Catholics are CALLED to PROCLAIM the good news as all of the apostles and their successors have done.

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1.2 What Catholics Believe: We are Called to SHARE the Gospel -- To Evangelize

So that God's CALL should resound THROUGHOUT the world, Christ sent His CHOSEN APOSTLES, commissioned to PROCLAIM the GOSPEL.

"Go therefore and make disciple of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to OBSERVE ALL that I have COMMANDED

you, and lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the CLOSE OF THE AGE."

Mt. 28: 18-20.

Catholics are called to share the Gospel with everyone!

Catholics EVANGELIZE!

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What Catholics Believe - (Cathecism of the Catholic Church - I)

God freely created man to share in His own blessed life. At every time and in every place, God draws close to man. God calls man to SEEK Him, to KNOW Him, to LOVE Him with ALL his strength.

God calls together all men into the UNITY of the Church.To accomplish this, God sent his SON as Redeemer and Savior. Through his Son, God invites man to become, in the Holy Spirit, His adopted children and HEIRS to his His blessed life.

"Father . . . this is eternal life, that they may know you,

the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

John 17:3

"God our Savior desires all men to be saved and

to come to the knowledge of the Truth."

1 Tim 2:3-4

"There is no other name under heaven given among men

by which we must be save" than the name of Jesus."

Acts 4:12

That's what all of us are HERE for, in everything, we need to search for, seek and find the Lord and our Heavenly Father! That's what Catholics believe!!

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