The best Christmas gift ever given AND received

What was the best Christmas gift that you have ever received? Was it something that you still cherish today or is it just a memory of a Christmas from long, long ago? I know as a child growing up I received some really nice Christmas gifts that I truly enjoyed. I remember a finger paint set I got once when I was 5 years old. I had so much fun with it, too. Where is it now? I don't know. It was long gone once all the paper and paint were used. It was just temporary happiness. As all the material gifts we receive at Christmas time.

This year I received the best Christmas gift ever. It wasn't something material but something very special. Something I know I will cherish the rest of my life.

It all started a few weeks before Christmas. I was on my way home from a long day at work. I had no plans for the evening but Johnerick was in my neighborhood so we decided to have a nice dinner together at Golden Corral. It started off as a pretty normal dinner. We enjoyed our buffet, conversation, and fellowship. At the end of dinner, we both had realized that we had no cash to tip our waiter. We could have easily just eaten and run without tipping the waiter. He may or may not have noticed. But we felt bad. We had nothing to give him. Not even a penny. So we told him on his next day at work we would stop by and not only tip him for that day's service but also for this evening's service. We had vowed to come back and double tip him for his service. He was not expecting us to come back. But being a woman who is true to her word and a devout Catholic I knew I couldn't just eat and not come back. So Johnerick and I made plans to return that following Friday to give Henry (our waiter) what he deserves. So enter the following Friday. Johnerick and I had every intention of returning. And we did. Both of us with cash to properly tip Henry. When we got there we immediately asked about Henry. We were hoping he was there as he said he would. We wanted to sit in his section so that we could not only tip him for Friday's service but also Wednesday. When he saw us there he was just speechless. He wasn't expecting us to return but being people who are true their word we came back. He led us to our table and we had a nice dinner. He came up to us and talked with us a few times as a good waiter should. And out of the blue I made a suggestion I didn't know how he would take it. Being a devout Catholic (and Johnerick a devout Christian) I asked if and when Henry had a free moment I wanted to pray with him. I have never made such an offer in public before but I have felt more inclined to do things like that when I am so moved by the Spirit to do so. I wasn't sure how he'd take it or if he'd even sit with us. But a little while later Henry came and sat with us. So I bowed my head and prayed. I prayed thanking God for Henry and the service he does at work for his customers. I prayed thanking God for allowing Henry to be touched by us. I prayed for blessings for him and his family. After we were done praying, Henry again was speechless. He told us that twice in the same night was he rendered speechless by us. He said never before has he had someone offer to pray for him. He said the prayer was so beautiful. He was so touched. He even told us that a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. I knew we had done a good deed. I told Henry to pass it on. To share it with others. I know that even if he didn't even if it was just for that one night Henry was a changed man. We opened his eyes to a new experience. Johnerick and I walked out of there changed forever. We knew we had made a difference in his life.

How amazing God used us at that moment to minister to Henry. How amazing that God allowed us to touch Henry on that day. This was and is the best Christmas present ever given AND received. Not only did Henry receive monetary tips but also spiritual ones. I am lucky to have had this experience.

I hope that you too can make the difference in some one's life. It can change the hearts of many.

God bless you this Christmas season and always.

The true meaning of Christmas

How sad that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. We get so bogged down with shopping and finding that right gift for that special someone that we often forget what Christmas is truly about. We forget the reason we even celebrate Christmas. Christmas has become such a secular holiday that we have already forgotten the religious reasons we celebrate Christmas. Christmas has become so much about decorations and all things secular that we forget why we REALLY celebrate Christmas? Do you know what Christmas is about? Do you remember why we REALLY celebrate Christmas? Is Christmas just about Santa Claus and getting that right gift from that special someone or for that special someone? Not at all. Christmas is about one thing and one thing only and that is the birth of our Lord Christ Jesus. I have in the past given into to all the hype and spent an excessive amount of money trying to find the right gift if not giftS for everyone in the family. And now I am reminded again this year since I had no money to really give gifts that Christmas is NOT about having the right gift under the tree but about celebrating the birth of our Lord. On this day, Christ was born. On this day, a Savior came into this world to save us from Satan's power. On this day, God became man so that we may never die but live eternally. Today at Mass I was reminded of how special today is. Not because we get gifts but because have already received the greatest gift of all and that is God's only Son Jesus Christ. What more can we want if we have Christ Jesus in our lives? What more can we ask for? Is that perfect gift going to be there in the end? Only God will be there. Let us be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season. Let us remember that Christ came on this day to save us.

Bible reading to share: My favorite story of Christmas can be found in the Gospel of Luke. It is the story of Mary and Joseph traveling through Bethlehem when it came time for Jesus to be born. It tells how he was born in a manager. It talks about Jesus' humble beginnings in a manager because there was no room in the inn. Read it for yourself and be reminded why we celebrate this day. Luke 2: 1-14

Readings for First Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 63: 16b-17; 19b; 64: 2-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80: 2-3; 15-16; 18-19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9
Gospel: Mark 13: 33-37

Notes taken from Homily at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church Sunday, November 30

First Reading: We were wandering about without focus. God come down from heaven and save us. We need to have the attitude to allow God to form and shape us into something beautiful and useful. We give God permission to mold us. "We are the clay and you are the potter: We are the work of your hands"

Second Reading: This talks about how God's graces work in us the community of faith. We look forward to God's graces working in us as a community.

Gospel: Be watchful and be alert. There are diversions that take us away from God that make it hard to examine our conscience and pray our conscience and pray. Be watchful and slow down. Do less and not more to be more attentive to the works of Jesus Christ. Be a person of prayer. Be watchful, alert, and centered on the Lord.

How can we be more watchful? This is the challenge for the Advent season. Let us be more watchful as we wait for the birth of Jesus Christ.

You are my ALL IN ALL

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again
I bless Your name
You are my all in all

When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Isaiah 40: 28-31

Did you not know? Had you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, he created the remotest parts of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless. Youths grow tired and weary, the young stumble and fall, but those who hope in Yahweh will regain their strength, they will sprout wings like eagles, though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire. --Isaiah 40:28-31

Let us give thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we all probably have a lot to be thankful for. I know I do. So I wanted to start off by thanking those who have made a difference in my life and who have inspired me along the way. So here is my list of people I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1) First and foremost, I am thankful to God Almighty. I owe my life to God. Everything I have and everything I am is because of God. Without Him, I am nothing.

2) I am thankful for family. I am thankful to my parents, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, my nieces, and my nephews. I am thankful for my grandparents. I am thankful for all my family both near and far. Mom and Dad: I thank you for all your love and support you have shown me through the years. I am thankful you raised me to be who I am. Marve Ann and Lauralee: I could not have asked for better sisters. I know we always have not gotten along all the time but I know I can count on you both to be there for me. Your love and support is much appreciated. Charles and Carl: We have had our share of disagreements. We have not always gotten along, but I know in recent times we have gotten along much better. I am thankful for all your words of advice. To the kids -- Lexy, Doc, Miranda, Chas, and Anna: You are so inspiring. You have taught me how to love. You mean the world to me. I am thankful to have you as nieces and nephews. To the Grandmas: Thank you for loving me. Thank you for inspiring me. I hope to live as long and fruitful as you both have. To family near and far: I know we do not see each other much but I am thankful for such a family. It is so nice to be a part of a big family.

3) I am thankful for JET. Christine and Johnerick you have made a difference in my life. You are MORE than just my friends. You ARE my sister and my brother. Your love and support means the world to me. Christine: I am so thankful that we have had this chance to be roommates. Your constant love and support is abounding. I am grateful to have you in my life. You have inspired me to want to be more and do more. Remember I am here for you always. Johnerick: I am so thankful that we are friends. Your friendship means a lot to me. You are a true and honest friend. I appreciate the loyalty and commitment to the friendship. I am inspired by you. You are an amazing man who will someday make someone very happy. JET is intact and strong!

4) I am thankful for the leaders of SFC -- Tina, Juve, Cahty J, Ate Chelly, and Ate Dobbie. Your faith is amazing and inspiring. You have helped me develop a stronger sense of faith and have helped me in my times of struggle. Tina: As I have said over the weekend, it may seem like we do not like each other. We may joke and tease but I know you love and care for me. I value our friendship. I appreciate all you have done for me. You are a true and amazing friend. Never lose the sense of humor. Juve: Thank you so much for listening to me when I need someone to listen. Thank you for all the words of advice. Thank you for being you and supporting me on this amazing journey. You were one of the first ones in SFC that I talked to and I am grateful. Cathy J: Your faith is amazing. I am inspired by you. I am encouraged by you. You have helped me to find and discover the meaning of true faith. I appreciate all you have done for me and SFC. Ate Chelly: You are the first one I opened up to in SFC. You are the first one to have seen and know about the changes that have happened in my life. I am inspired by your faith. You have been through much yet you never give up on your faith. You encourage me to continue on despite the many challenges we face in life. Continue to stay strong in your faith and inspire others. We miss you here and pray for the best for you and the boys. Ate Dobbie: You lead SFC with abounding faith. Your faith is to be admired. You are such an inspiration to me and everyone in SFC. Thank you for your guiding hand.

5) I am thankful to my SFC family. Everyone in SFC is so amazing. Every one's faith and commitment to God is so inspiring. I have never had a closer group of friends. To everyone I have met in SFC: Thank you for your faith and commitment to God. Thank you for your love and friendship. Let us always remember to stay accountable to one another.

6) I am thankful for my old Naples friends -- Ronald, Anne, Kris, Lindsay, and Jose. You guys are my rock. You are there for me always. Ronald and Anne: You both are true and honest friends. You have taught me how to love and not judge. You have hearts of gold. I have learned a lot from you and I hope and pray for the best for both of you. Kris: We have been through so much and yet our friendship still stands. You are an amazing friend. Your faith is to be admired. Stay close to God. I pray only for the best for you. Lindsay and Jose: I am inspired by your love for one another. You are true and loyal not just to one another but to your friends. I hope and pray for a future full of love, joy, and abundance.

7) I am thankful for old friends -- Chris, Anne, Liz, Clara, David and Taryn. I know I am not the best at staying in touch with you guys, but we have managed to stay connected somehow. I know I can count on you whenever I really need someone. Chris and Anne: To my two oldest and dearest friends. I have known both of you for well over 20 years. Can you believe that? 20 years is a long time. I hope that we can stay close as always. Liz and Clara: To my old college girls. It has been great keeping in touch with you via FB. We have so much more catching up to do. I miss the old days! David and Taryn: I am so bad at keeping in touch. I am glad we do get the chance to talk though every once in a while when I am in Naples. I hope to hear from you again soon.

8) I am thankful for new friends -- Ellen, Deborah, Missy, Mike, Victor, Ron, Shawna, and everyone else I have met recently. I have enjoyed meeting and making new friends. New friends help keep life refreshed and renewed. I have had great times with each one of you. I look forward to more great times together.

9) I am thankful for online friends. I have had the opportunity over the last few years to meet some really nice people online who have been a joy and pleasure to talk to. I am thankful to everyone I have met on the Internet who have been supportive of me on my journey through life.

10) I am thankful for old friends that I am no longer in touch with. There are too many of these to even list, but everyone of them have touched my life and made a difference. I will NEVER be the same person since they came into my life. My life is forever changed and affected by everyone that has come into and out of my life. I am thankful that I knew them at one point and the difference they have made in my life. I am always reminded to make new friends but keep the old. Sometimes it is not possible but we are still changed by everyone we meet. I have cherished every friend I have made whether I am still friends with them or not.

Let us give thanks to all who have made a difference in our lives.

This is my Desire

Group: Hillsong
Song: This is my Desire

This is my desire, to honor You.
Lord with all my heart, I worship You.
All I have within me, I give You praise.
All that I adore, is in You,

Lord I give You my heart,
I give You my soul,
I live for You alone.
Every breath that I take,
Every moment I'm awake,
Lord have Your way in me.

Such a short song, but oh so inspiring. Every time I sing it I am brought to tears.

Lord I give you my heart and I give you my soul. I live my life for you and you alone Father God.