Kunena Site Syndication http://www.franciscans.com/ Tue, 21 May 2013 17:53:10 -0700 Kunena 1.5.6 http://www.franciscans.com/components/com_kunena/template/default_ex/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://www.franciscans.com/ Kunena Site Syndication http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4564-when-you-catch-a-glimpse-of-universal-kinship.html#4564 India bans dolphin shows! (http://goo.gl/uiUaC) Attributes the policy change to an understanding that cetaceans are non-human persons with an inherent right not to be kept as slaves. Peace and All Good, John Michael, n/OEF Tue, 21 May 2013 17:37:20 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4555-god-calls-us-to-be-living-hope-for-the-world.html#4563 Amen, so be it, amen Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:12 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4560-love-is-hardlove-can-hurt.html#4562 As Jesus said: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. -John 15:13 God's way of loving: ἀγάπη (agape) or חסד (chesed) follows the path of kenosis. This self-emptying is brought to its full expression in the life of Jesus. Love that is self-emptying is neither self-destructive nor self-negating, rather it invites us to pour out our spirit for the life of the world, trusting that God as the infinite source of all life will continue to sustain and fill us. Peace, John Michael n/OEF Tue, 21 May 2013 09:06:45 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4561 Desiree, you said that just perfect,I would have answered the same way. On Pentecost it wasn't a matter of know any languages, it was the Holy Spirit at work. I know from having been with a Charimatic Group, that some individuals were so frustrated because they didn't get the gift of tounges, but may have received another gift, such prophecy, teaching, etc. We just need to let the Holy Spirit work in us. Keith Tue, 21 May 2013 08:35:15 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4560-love-is-hardlove-can-hurt.html#4560 anyone who thinks that love is only a sappy emotion, soft, sentimental, the stuff of sitcoms and pop music, should try the Franciscan way of Love. I promise you, Love takes on a whole new meaning. :pray: :console: For a human being to even attempt to love as Jesus has done, is an exercise in *courage* :pray: Praise you, Lord, our God who sustains us! Desiree Tue, 21 May 2013 07:09:40 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4559 Sister Terry...if that feeling comes again- of wanting to open your mouth and start speaking- just open your mouth. You don't have to know another language. Holy Spirit will take care of the rest! :pray: Tue, 21 May 2013 06:54:51 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4558 it is going in th4 mail today Sister, praying it arrives asap. In Chirst Terry Tue, 21 May 2013 05:41:25 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4555-god-calls-us-to-be-living-hope-for-the-world.html#4557 Dear Thomas, That is a beautiful heartfelt prayer! Amen Tue, 21 May 2013 04:35:06 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4556 Terry, just a reminder you have NOT yet registered. If you are coming and you know it send your form.... thank you Lorraine Tue, 21 May 2013 04:27:16 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4555-god-calls-us-to-be-living-hope-for-the-world.html#4555 Mighty God, You call us into action to be living hope for the world. You have called us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to lift up those in need, through prayer and the sharing of our time, talents, finances, and our very selves. Guide us in the best ways to be living hope for those who are suffering in the wake of the deadly, damaging tornado's that are desolating the Midwest. Aid us in comforting the heartbroken and those who are mourning their loved ones. Give us the resources and direction to assist those who have lost everything. Help us to be Your servants, to be the living hope this world needs. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, who gave His life for us and calls us to be the hope for the world, we pray always. Amen. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:55:50 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4554 On Sunday Father Gordon S. gave a fantastic homily, he could have shook the very rafters with his love of our Lord and the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. When he spoke of the 120 in the Upper Room and how the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them like a wind and breeze that everyone could hear. He was just so empathic and how he said this, then all those began to speak in different tongues and the peoples understood all that was being said to them. People were enthralled by this miracle. As Father Gordon enthusiastically continued his homily I am sitting in the front pew and just listening to every word like a recorder taping the whole message. At the very end he said, aloud, Come Holy Spirit Come, and he said to us all in the Parish say it with me, and everyone shouted it aloud and he said say it again and louder and so we shouted it really aloud Come Holy Spirit Come. Amen. That was some powerful homily. I think I wanted to burst out in speak in tongues but didn't know any other language so I guess it doesn't work like that anymore. But the thought was there. LOL. :-D The Holy Spirit is so powerful. We may not always realize it. But it is always present. Thank you God for the Holy Spirit . In the name of the Holy Trinity God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:27:11 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4422-greetings-to-my-new-brothers-and-sisters-in-christ-following-the-path-of-st-francis-of-assisi.html#4553 Welcome Thomas to the community, and blessing to you in the name of Christ, I didn't notice your post until today. So I am glad I was surfing the website. Like a few others I have just recently started with the community and I have found great joy and true happiness among the Brothers and sisters. I am working towards postulancy and pray that God directs my steps day after day in my journey to become a professed Franciscan someday. I was first exposed to the monastic life when I was only 10 years old, my great grandparents had died within six months of each other, and with everyone grieving in the family I think sometimes they forget about the children and their need to grieve, and this wonderful sister from the Benedictine Order in Toronto was a member of our Parish, she embraced me in love and understanding and explained to me why everyone was so upset and crying uncontrollably at times. Her love, her warmth, her caring and love made me feel very special. I would never forget her all the days of my life. She has gone to her heavenly calling. As the years passed I never forgot this dear Sister. She had left and indelible mark on my heart. I said to God a very long time ago I wanted to be like that Sister. I have had several journey's in my life, some of them thrusted upon me and others I pursued myself. As I gained control of my life during the early years of 2000 I was confronted with the Franciscan Order, however due to certain circumstances it wasn't the right time in my life and there was a gap of uncertainty in my life . However during the last six months my life has taken on another dimension and has placed me right in front of the very thing I love more than anything in this world and that is my love of God and giving him more of my life to his service and again I was smack dab in front of a friend who was a Franciscan I know it was not mere chance but a direct message from Almighty God telling and calling me to the monastic life, my Lord was not going to let me go anymore, and now I am here and I know I have found the place God wanted me to be all along. His spirit has directed me to this Order. I have no doubt about it. I know that God has answered my prayers. I can tell you Thomas you will be blessed by these most wonderful Brothers and sisters, they are so beautiful loving and caring. You are never ever too old to walk the pathway of St Francis or that of our Lord. I pray Thomas you will be blessed hundred fold by being amongst all of us. May our loving God and his son Christ Jesus bless you and keep you and his face shine upon you as you venture the pathway of St Francis and St Clare. Embracing you in the Love of Christ. Terry. http://www.franciscans.com/images/fbfiles/images/images_12-20130520.jpg Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:21 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4552 Maybe the Pied Piper of Hamelin knew something we didn't know? Just teasing Ian you brought up some very thought provoking questions to mind. It makes me feel a little more humbler. http://www.franciscans.com/images/fbfiles/images/Pied_Piper_300x218.jpg Mon, 20 May 2013 13:26:27 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4498-my-mom.html#4551 thank you all so much for your prayers and kind thoughts...when I saw Mom a few days ago, she seemed to feel a bit better. She admits that some days are better than others (this I learned for myself as a hospice caregiver- a person's pain level, and ability to cope, can fluctuate a lot in a single day) Mom's next scheduled doctor's appts are in early June, and she won't consider calling them to try & get in a bit sooner :( And I know better than to try to change her mind. Mom's 5'2" and 95 lbs, and one of the few people in the world who can really scare me! (only half-joking!) She is one stubborn, determined lady, and a force to be reckoned with always. Sister Terry, I wish I really was as brave as you say At this point, I suspect I simply lack enough sense to be scared. ;) Praise you, Lord, our God who sustains us! Mon, 20 May 2013 13:21:48 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4550 yahooooooooooooooooooo, can't wait, sounds fantastic. I am so delighted to be going to this blessed occasion. To meet all of you. To hear about the lives of fellow Franciscan's to talk to Brother David Luke and to join in serious time and fun time. Nothing but blessings and more blessing. Hurry up July and get here. I am waiting. Blessings to all of you in Christ. Terry Mon, 20 May 2013 13:09:03 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4498-my-mom.html#4549 My beloved Sister Desiree, Your love for your mother is so beautiful, your gift offering is so loving and an act of unselfish love, yet I pray to our magnanimous Lord above that such a great gift of your kidney will not be necessary. That God in his ineffable love will somehow be able to fix this problem. Give guidance Oh Lord of all mercy to the doctors, and nurses in Faith Anne's care, and may she find the strength to endure the pain. We know dear Lord you promise that you will not allow us to suffer more than we can bear. So please loving Father you alone know the sufferings of your daughter Faith Anne and please keep her from her terrible pain and allow her to endure it. Your Holy Spirit is our comforter so please Holy Father let her receive all the comfort she needs. Hold her so close to your loving arms and embrace her tightly assure her of your bountiful grace. You are the God who sustains us in all adversities and I most graciously ask of you my heavenly Father that you bless and keep our dear sister and your daughter in your constant endearing care. Praying to you Lord in the name of our Healer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Sister Desiree you are courageous and may God keep you always in his love and tender mercies always. I love and embrace you in His name. Terry :console: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:56:11 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4548 Thank You Ian for sharing,made me think hard and long on a number of things. Mon, 20 May 2013 07:02:47 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4515-preach-the-gospel-and-if-necessary-use-words.html#4547 What a beautiful prayer! :pray: I'm so grateful there are people who are gifted with words, to say so wonderfully the things I wish I could say. And people who are also so kind, to share these beautiful words with people like me. :cheerful: Thank you for sharing this. :) Mon, 20 May 2013 06:41:59 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/3516-prayers-for-poppy.html?limit=50&start=50#4546 my prayers are also with you...Poppy sounds like an amazing guy! I've worked with, and tried to help, very many elders over the years. Their perseverance can be such an inspiration. :grouphug: Praise you, Lord, our God who sustains us! Desiree Mon, 20 May 2013 06:38:08 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4545 Praise the Lord!!! :)) Holy Spirit is for *everyone* :cheerful: We don't have to wait until we are "good enough"...just ask, make Holy Spirit welcome to dwell in you...and Holy Spirit makes you good enough! :)) Praise you, Lord, our God who sustains us! :pray: Mon, 20 May 2013 06:33:01 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4544 thank you for sharing this- it is indeed thought-provoking. Of all the creatures God made to share this world, humans came last. Every other creature, from the angels to the common rats, came before us. And yet, we humans persist in our sins of pride, sloth, anger, and just plain carelessness and selfishness. :( In this way, common rats are indeed more like unto the angels, and live each day closer to what God intended. Praise you, Lord, our God who sustains us! :cheerful: Desiree Mon, 20 May 2013 06:27:12 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4543 Thank you John and Lorraine for sharing, looking forward to my first chapter. Keith Mon, 20 May 2013 05:49:34 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4542 Forgot to mention, if you want to follow my Chapter Twitterstream you can: A)Follow @pastorjohn78 from the twitter website if you also have an account. B)Send the following SMS "follow @pastorjohn78" to the number 40404 this will subscribe your cell phone to the feed. Standard text messaging rates apply. Peace and All Good, John Michael, n/OEF Mon, 20 May 2013 05:37:02 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4541 I forgot to say that this Chapter will have a Google Hangout booth if I can get a strong enough wi-fi connection. I'd love to identify a few times when far away siblings could ring in for a video chat and perhaps a few moments of prayer and greeting. Hangouts support up to 6 participants and additional listeners only. Chapter updates will also be available under the hashtag #OEF13 on Twitter. Mon, 20 May 2013 05:29:24 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4540 I think John Michael summed it up rather nicely-- We gather, we pray, we talk business, we run elections and change policies, we discuss, we pray, we laugh, we hug, we cry, we share, we learn, we dance, we sing, we gather at the Lords table, we rest, (well not too much) we renew, we rekindle, we re-commit ourselves to following the poor Christ in the example of Francis and Clare. We get to know each other, we welcome, we take vows, we transform. There is program, there is a schedule - which we follow--for the most part and we go with the flow because time is relative---and we party, we stay up too late--we eat, we pray, we love. Mon, 20 May 2013 04:32:48 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4539 Each one is slightly unique, but certain core elements are present: 1. We pray together, our chaplain helps us keep the hours together, especially morning, evening and compline. The forms vary because they come from our various resources. 2. We break bread together, our common meals give us chances to listen, share, learn and grow together. The centers have been wonderful in working with our varied food needs for diets and allergies. 3. We do businesses, there are usually a few sessions that run like an annual meeting, voting on policy, rules, receiving requests for vows, financial report, etc. 4. We learn together, each day there is a convocation session where our guest teacher helps us learn about some aspect of our Christian life as Franciscans. This year a leader of Franciscan Action Network will be with us. 5. We care for each other, formation counselors meet with their candidates. Professed members catch up with prayer and accountability partners. We pray for each other. 6. We engage in spiritual practices, the chaplain will invite other siblings to share a meditation or prayer practice with others. 7. We break bread together, there is at least one Eucharist as a sign of our unity candidate common calling in Christ. 8. We get silly, taking yourself too seriously is the first step towards hubris, so we dance and sing, play games, and have a funny competition where the winner picks next year's challenge. I believe we are sharing Francis Haiku this year, with an emphasis on being unashamed that we are fools for Christ. This is not comprehensive, but as many elements as I can think of first thing in the morning. Pax, John Michael, n/OEF Mon, 20 May 2013 04:14:53 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/2520-bloggers.html#4538 This is a great bunch of blogs, and it deserves to be up front, instead of languishing at the back of the list. :) Sun, 19 May 2013 21:56:28 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4537 When I read about the Pentecostal events in Acts Chapter 2, this year I'm mindful of the ecumenical tone of verse one. From the King James "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." In church today, in addition to the celebration of the birth of the Church, there was performed four baptisms in water. Beforehand, our Pastor admonished us to reflect on our own baptismal experience. I pray that we could all, at this Pentecost, prayerfully recall the event of our individual baptisms, that in celebrating the birth of the Christian church and the gift of the Holy Spirit within all of us, we would, through that Spirit, re-commit the future of our earthly lives to learning and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen Sun, 19 May 2013 15:48:35 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/3516-prayers-for-poppy.html?limit=50&start=50#4536 Sister, my continued prayers are with you. May Poppy and you for strength and peace to endure. Love and Peace be with you and poppy always, Keith Sun, 19 May 2013 15:46:09 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4535 Ian, Thanks for picking this up. I tried a similar question a few weeks ago. I've heard that organizing Franciscans is a lot like herding kittens ;-) I've heard that there will be a tremendous amount of hugging. I've been comforted that efforts will be made at the retreat to accommodate my wife's severe food and environmental allergies. But like you, I don't have a clue about structure. For me, as an inquirer that has been shown so much real love and compassion through the forums, my desire to meet and commune in person, to hopefully share in Eucharist, is enough to motivate us to make the trip to Detroit. I would certainly be appreciative of any details that others could provide. Peace, Love, and Trust. Mark Sun, 19 May 2013 15:15:55 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4534-the-solemnity-of-pentecost.html#4534 On Pentecost Sunday we pray that we may be true to our consecration and live it ever more faithfully during the year to come. Father of light, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Sun, 19 May 2013 09:41:54 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4533-what-happens-at-chapter.html#4533 The OEF is very open and welcoming about coming to Chapter, but for those who have never attended it, it's a giant question mark. What exactly goes on? How is the day organized? What do people pray and how do people pray? Do people pray? I've come across mention of a Juniper cup, but what is this? Same with mention of a haiku contest. Fear comes from lack of knowledge, so if people who have attended before could talk about their experiences in concrete terms this might help people who are nervous about attending. Peace and all good. :grouphug: Sun, 19 May 2013 06:19:52 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/3516-prayers-for-poppy.html?limit=50&start=50#4531 Dear Sister, I too continue my prayers for you poppy. God be with you and him also. Love and blessings Terry http://www.franciscans.com/images/fbfiles/images/candle-20130517.jpg Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33:02 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/3516-prayers-for-poppy.html?limit=50&start=50#4529 Any update Sister? My prayers continue Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:44 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4293-its-chapter-time.html#4528 Registration is going on right now! Dont delay one second longer...register early, register today! Fri, 17 May 2013 13:56:14 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4513-simplicity-explaining-to-teens.html#4527 What an accurate statement! I love it. Fri, 17 May 2013 08:17:37 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4526 Yes.. indeed! Very thought provoking!! Fri, 17 May 2013 08:07:52 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4513-simplicity-explaining-to-teens.html#4525 In my daily reflections the other day I came across this quote from Catherine of Siena --- "Use the things of this world as nature needs them, but not with excessive attachment. ....For people become like what they love." Fri, 17 May 2013 08:05:39 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/3516-prayers-for-poppy.html?limit=50&start=50#4523 latest update: poppy's most recent x-ray still shows fluid on his lungs despite the antibiotics. not sure what the next course of action is. his spirits are better though (he is drawing up plans to start a new business when he gets out of the hospital). he was able to walk 300ft down the hall last night. it was the first time he has been up since he got to hospital. they figured out his stomach problem (not gallbladder). but it will require surgery (as does his heart). currently he is not strong enough to withstand either so they are trying to keep him functional/comfortable with medication. thank you for holding him in your prayers for the long haul. he says you're good people- i agree! p.s. ian, thank you for that beautiful prayer you posted elsewhere in the chapel. Fri, 17 May 2013 02:32:15 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4522 Thought provoking. Calls for self assessment. Thank you Brother Ian. Thu, 16 May 2013 22:51:52 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4521-lord-jesus-help-me-to-be-a-better-christian-than-a-common-rat-is.html#4521 As Jesus said in the Gospel (Matthew 5: 44-47) we must love our enemies, for if we don't we are no better than anyone who isn't a Christian. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? According to this interesting article Rats also have empathy and altruism: Cagebreak! Rats Will Work To Free A Trapped Pal http://www.npr.org/2011/12/09/143304206/cagebreak-rats-will-work-to-free-a-trapped-pal As St. Francis wrote in his ADMONITIONS: (in number 5) And all the creatures that are under heaven serve and know and obey their Creator in their own way better than you. http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/wosf/wosf03.htm And now the rats have shown how true that is. So thank you Brother and Sister Rat for showing me that if I can't love my enemies as a Christian should, then not only am I not better than anyone who isn't a Christian, I'm not even better than a common rat. Peace and All Good! Thu, 16 May 2013 21:43:29 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4513-simplicity-explaining-to-teens.html#4520 "It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it." ~ John H. Taylor Thu, 16 May 2013 13:38:49 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4515-preach-the-gospel-and-if-necessary-use-words.html#4519 Yes Lord Shine through us. Amen Thu, 16 May 2013 13:14:24 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4515-preach-the-gospel-and-if-necessary-use-words.html#4517 AMEN! AMEN!! AMEN!!! Thu, 16 May 2013 10:12:01 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4515-preach-the-gospel-and-if-necessary-use-words.html#4516 may it be so. Thu, 16 May 2013 07:13:49 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/16-the-chapel-of-the-poor-pray-ers/4515-preach-the-gospel-and-if-necessary-use-words.html#4515 Here is a beautiful prayer that fits in well with Franciscan ideals: Jesus Prayer - by Cardinal John Henry Newman (1901-1990) Dear Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I go. Flood my soul with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that my life may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus! Stay with me and then I will begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. The light, O Jesus, will be all from you; none of it will be mine. It will be you, shining on others through me. Let me thus praise you in the way which you love best, by shining on those around me. Let me preach you without preaching, not by words but by example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears for you. Amen. Thu, 16 May 2013 06:32:36 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4513-simplicity-explaining-to-teens.html#4514 Dear Stephen, That is great to hear that your grandson got the idea. (Most adults can't get the idea). You might find this book interesting: "Material World: A Global Family Portrait" in which Peter Menzel shows the possessions of various families around the world. The site below has some of the pictures. http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/04/08/material-world-peter-menzel/ Thu, 16 May 2013 01:20:13 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/2-the-living-room/4513-simplicity-explaining-to-teens.html#4513 Every Wednesday night I go with my 13 year old grandson to youth group. Tonight the lesson dealt with possessions and what can happen if we always get what we want. I was so blessed to hear all 5 6-8 graders understand that getting everything we ask for can harm our relationship with God. I had the opportunity to explain the concept of simplicity and how it can bless us. I was even more pleased to see my grandson grasp the concept. Thank you Lord! Wed, 15 May 2013 18:14:33 -0700 http://www.franciscans.com/franciscan-forums/8-the-back-yard/4452-regarding-simplicity.html#4512 Dear Stephen, Sr.Magdalena and I, who are both professed members of OEF live in Huntsville TX, and would be very pleased to meet, if you wish to do so. My cell phone number is 936 662 2084 should you wish to call. Peace, Thomas oef Tue, 14 May 2013 19:25:16 -0700