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PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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TABLE OF LIFE:

“Time decides who you meet in life, your heart decides who you want in your life, and your behavior decides who stays in your life”  (Ziad K. Abdelnour).

As I move quickly to the close of another year of life and embrace the new year, I have been  reflecting on this quote I read a few years ago.  It is so true isn’t it? Timing of meeting people, friends, partners or acquaintances is just that….timing.  Although, I personally believe that you don’t meet anyone by accident. I believe people are placed in our lives for a PURPOSE….maybe we will or maybe we won’t ever really know that PURPOSE while here on earth. That part is mostly  irrelevant.

After we meet people, yes, the heart does help you decide who will sit at the table of your life. We ask ourselves: How do I feel about who this person is and how they present themselves? What is our connection? Is this person a POSITIVE in my life? Are we complimentary to each other as friends, partners or acquaintances?

Life goes on with our chosen people in life, but our behavior shapes the relationships. Behavior eventually determines who remains at our table of life. Over and over again, I find this to be true.  If someone’s behavior is less than kind, selfish in nature, with undermining PURPOSE, we would do well to rethink if this person should remain in our lives. Certainly, if someone’s behavior is hurting us emotionally or physically, then we must detach and say good-bye, no matter what the immediate cost may be. The long-term benefit will be greater JOY in our lives and a much more enjoyable meal.

These ideas I share today certainly are not necessarily easy to do, but worth a good long thought. May we carefully invite those to our table of life to serve the common good of all.

LOVE:

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I believe that this is an appropriate post for the upcoming event of Valentine’s Day.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy; It does not boast; It is not proud. It does not dishonor others; It is not self-seeking; It is not easily angered; It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS.”

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8

After this quote from the Bible, my favorite quote is from Leo Buscaglia:

“What love we’ve given, we’ll have forever. What love we fail to give, will be lost for all eternity.”

May you each have not only a loved filled day, but a love filled life with PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES.

PJP

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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WORD FOR THE YEAR:

Welcome to the New Year of 2021!!

Three years ago I transitioned from selecting resolutions for a New Year to choosing a word for the year. The first year it was TRUST and last year it was GRACE. As usual, I have sifted through my brain since the last few days of 2020 to pick a word that has meaning to me. Last year it took me until January 9; this year about the same! Slow process. Drum roll………my word for 2021 is ‘NOWNESS’.

I came across NOWNESS in something I was reading and it spoke to me for these reasons. First, my life like many of yours, I am sure has been filled with many transitions during the last year. For me, it has been a couple of years with one transition after another………..some I chose and others were not by choice. Nevertheless, transition came and I find myself in yet another transition period. I have also found myself over the last few months with unwelcome thoughts about so many future things……..will I maintain health, will my family be safe, will my finances hold up, will I work next year, will I be able to finish the major house projects I envision. And on and on and on it went every few days. I would have to add that this type of thinking has not really ever been an issue for me. I am positive; I have great faith. Why then this new train of thought? I have no clue as to ‘why’ , but I do know that I am putting a halt to this mindless chatter in my brain. It starts with my NOWNESS spirit for 2021.

  • I have pledged that I will stay in the moment of today, each day
  • I will not give traction to the ‘will I….’ thought
  • I will think instead of the JOY that this moment in this day brings
  • I will breathe deep and enjoy what is here now

Here is a poem, by Claire Boot, writer, that expresses the word well:

hereness and nowness:

hold the hereness

know the nowness

not the thereness thenness

nor the ifness whenness

let go of whatness whereness whyness

leave off the howness whoness whichness

hereness and nowness

sense the Presence that presents as present in the present

take it

it’s a present

Thank you from,

PJP

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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WAITING vs. PATIENCE:

This is a fact of life is it not? When we were younger we waited to become a teenager, then to get the driver’s license, then to turn a legal 21, then to find the right career, partner, first house, to have a family, to get the big promotion, also  waiting in line at the grocery store or the DVM. Even the grapes in the crate above are waiting to be processed into delicious wine! Waiting escapes no one!

Sometimes, the waiting we experience throughout our lives can turn to frustration or even disappointment, especially if we have been waiting a long time for a certain event and the outcome isn’t what we expected or wanted. So, let’s consider an alternative to the feeling of continually waiting…..patience. As my dear mother use to say to me (and often): patience is a virtue!

Patience doesn’t mean that we become powerless and give up, rather, it can be empowering in that we wait, observe and determine when and how to act. One author, Judith Orloff, M.D.  in her article The Power of Patience (September, 2012)  presents the idea of patience as a “form of compassion, a re-attuning to intuition, a way to emotionally redeem your center in a world filled with frustration”.  She further says that she is defining patience as an “active state, a choice to hold tight until intuition says….make your move. It means waiting your turn, knowing your turn will come.”

Easier said than done sometimes, right? However, in life timing is everything and that means you have to ‘wait’ till the correct opportunity presents itself, trusting that the ‘wait’ will be worth it. The key word….trusting the wait.

I also think that maybe sometimes we ‘wait’ on the wrong things…….maybe there are just some things that we should not be waiting for. Worth a few moments in thought I think. Maybe in the big scope of life, a few things we thought were worth the wait, just really don’t matter.

“Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience”  Ralph Waldo Emerson.

PJP

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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GRACE:

There are several meanings of the word GRACE, one of which is ‘unmerited Divine assistance given to humans’ (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). It is freely given and filled with numerous blessings. It cannot be earned, stolen, nor is it based on our worthiness. GRACE …. just is simply GRACE with no attachments, surrounding us, waiting for us to be aware of GRACE, experience it, and use it.

I recently had lunch with a dear friend and we were talking about prayer and how we have developed our prayer life and changes we have added/deleted over time. She reminded me that we should include asking for GRACE in our daily prayers. As I pondered our conversation on the drive home, I realized that I have sort of been taking for granted that I am praying for GRACE automatically in my prayers, that  it is an all inclusive deal in prayer.  However, as I thought more about this, I realized I am wrong about that. I need to specifically ask for GRACE …….and so I started doing just that. It has been interesting to me to note that a few things have happened in the last couple of weeks that I believe were the direct result of the Lord answering my prayer for GRACE.

Our response to GRACE is to live our days here on earth showing GRACE to others with a sense of gratitude, generosity and kind gentleness with those we come in contact with. Our heart and soul can be filled with as much GRACE as we can be aware of. There is no limit. But we must indeed return it to others in our world and beyond in all ways.

“Life is measured in love and positive contributions and moments of grace” ( Carly Fiorina, American business woman and author).

Write down your moments of GRACE each day for five days and then review at the end of that time. I am sure you will find “Amazing Grace”.

 

PJP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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TABLE OF LIFE:

“Time decides who you meet in life, your heart decides who you want in your life, and your behavior decides who stays in your life”  (Ziad K. Abdelnour).

As I move quickly to the close of another year of life and embrace the new year, I have been  reflecting on this quote I read a few years ago.  It is so true isn’t it? Timing of meeting people, friends, partners or acquaintances is just that….timing.  Although, I personally believe that you don’t meet anyone by accident. I believe people are placed in our lives for a PURPOSE….maybe we will or maybe we won’t ever really know that PURPOSE while here on earth. That part is mostly  irrelevant.

After we meet people, yes, the heart does help you decide who will sit at the table of your life. We ask ourselves: How do I feel about who this person is and how they present themselves? What is our connection? Is this person a POSITIVE in my life? Are we complimentary to each other as friends, partners or acquaintances?

Life goes on with our chosen people in life, but our behavior shapes the relationships. Behavior eventually determines who remains at our table of life. Over and over again, I find this to be true.  If someone’s behavior is less than kind, selfish in nature, with undermining PURPOSE, we would do well to rethink if this person should remain in our lives. Certainly, if someone’s behavior is hurting us emotionally or physically, then we must detach and say good-bye, no matter what the immediate cost may be. The long-term benefit will be greater JOY in our lives and a much more enjoyable meal.

These ideas I share today certainly are not necessarily easy to do, but worth a good long thought. May we carefully invite those to our table of life to serve the common good of all.

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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WE I.D.!!   Do we?

I. D.  …..can refer to an ID card or document that verifies we are who we say we are, user ID’s  for our personal technology devices, the ID number of a vehicle etc. Literally, it means identity.

We all have various types of identities: work, family, emotional, spiritual, community…… just to name a few. Perhaps, the most important identity we have is our authentic identity. That core of self that does not wear a mask; that self that is beneath our darkest fears; that raw emotion that is buried deep in our heart. Thus, the authenticity of our deepest being. Sometimes, it takes a lifetime to find our true identity, the type that is really authentic; and a lifetime plus to allow our true identity to bubble up to the surface of our daily lives. There are hurts, pains, wounds, traumas and life experiences, as well as the people in our lives that shape our identity. Sorting it all out can be a daunting task that will evolve during our journey.

I.D……yes, we must work at finding our true identity; the one that shapes our PURPOSE and brings us the greatest JOY in our lives.

WE need to I.D. …….every day, every week, every month, always. How can you I.D. Today?

Maya Angelou says it well: “We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay——and rise!”

 

Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Unborn Children:

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January 22, 2026

“Society as a whole must respect, defend, and promote the dignity of every human person, at every moment and in every condition of that person’s life” (Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae).

The US Bishops have asked that this day be marked as a day of prayer and fasting for life. A prayer from Chris Stefanick’s Daily Anchor: (1/22/26)

“Grant us a share in the humility of your Son, who sought not to be served, but to serve. Help us to see in every human life, rich or poor, young or old, guilty or innocent, a reflection of your image and likeness.”

May we take to prayer today those most in need.

PJP

Epiphany:

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A few days ago, January 6, 2026, we celebrated the Epiphany (that is the actual day; however, most parishes celebrate it the Sunday before). That is how important this day is; not to be relinquished to just another week day.

The word Epiphany means manifestation. Most of us growing up learned that this is the feast when the Magi followed the star and came to pay homage to the newborn Christ child with gifts of gold (Jesus is King), frankincense (Jesus is Divine), and myrrh (Jesus will suffer for our sins and die to save us).

Growing up, I only learned that this was the one Epiphany; however, I have since learned that there are three celebrations for Epiphany. The above being the first; the second is the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan by John, and the third is the Wedding Feast at Cana, which was the first earthly ministry Jesus performed. God reveals himself in each Epiphany.

Think about this though; Epiphany didn’t just happen thousands of years ago. No, look around at your world, your family, your church community, your friends and beautiful nature itself. Epiphanies happen every day in all of our lives; however, I know that sometimes I forget to look around and I am sure that I miss some of God’s revelations to me. I get the big ones I know, but our God is so good to us that he gives us many epiphanies daily. We just have to take the time, the pause and see them. Finally, we have to act on the epiphanies made known to us.

PJP

Merry Christmas!

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Happy Birthday dear Jesus. Thank you for coming into the world so that we could all be saved. Blessed be your holy Mother Mary who said Yes and her husband Joseph who also said Yes.

Thank you for everything!

PJP

Blessing Gifts, 

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As we await the coming of the Baby Jesus, I cannot help but think

Of the many gifts and blessings in this life, we all receive.

Some are from our prayer requests; some are add on little surprises, we never did expect; Some are painful but have a silver lining to teach us something; others over time we come to know and believe.

What I wonder about the most, is how many blessings did I let slip by and not attend to? How many blessings from this tiny Baby Jesus who has given me everything was I too blind to see? Most likely there are many and I’ve much thanking to do.

Mother Mary said ‘yes’ and Joseph knew he too would say ‘yes’,  so that this Baby Jesus could come to be our King, to bless us, to help us, and to save us. It is in this very story, the one that changed history, that gives us the true meaning of a Blessed Christmas. 

May you and your loved ones have a very Blessed Christmas. May our prayers include those of thanksgiving for the gift of Christmas.

PJP

Third Week of Advent: Gaudete Sunday: JOY

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As we light the third candle, the rose/pink candle, we reflect on the joyful/rejoicing anticipation of the birth of Christ. There is a different feel to this week; the somberness of the first two weeks is changed to a lighter tone of JOY. We are still preparing for His coming in both our hearts and our deeds.

Father John Tapp at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Florida gave a wonderful homily about the meaning of Gaudete Sunday. I will paraphrase and capture his main points. Title: What things in your life really bring you Joy, that deep sense of amazing joy in your heart? Is it that new car, the latest and greatest new gadget that does everything, the coolest new outfit from your favorite store, something your child or grandchild often does that warms your heart, your financial status, and the list goes on. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with feeling happy and joyful about any of these things. BUT the type of amazing, deep inner JOY and peace comes only from Jesus Christ who lives in our hearts. He is always there, but many times other material things that we think bring us JOY overshadow that feeling in our hearts.

I will share with you one of the closest moments to this JOY we are talking about that I experienced 37 years ago. It was a cold winter night in mid February with a new blanket of sparkling 6 inches of snow. My father had unexpectedly passed away only a few weeks before. After dinner that night, I was feeling sad, so I bundled up and took a long walk all the way to the top of a hill above where we lived. In a few moments, the moon shown so brightly that every flake of snow reflected like a diamond. I stopped, took a deep breath and in that moment through my tears, I felt the amazing JOY of Christ and His peace in my heart. I have never forgotten that type of JOY.

May you leave the material things on the second page and put Christ and the JOY He gives on the first page.

PJP

FIRST AND SECOND WEEK ADVENT

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Our Advent Season is well underway; the time that marks the new liturgical year, with hope and time to prepare for the coming of Christ. The color used for these first two weeks is purple, signifying preparation and penance. In the last few years, I have heard Advent referred to as ‘little Lent’ with a deeper focus on sacrifice, repentance, scripture reading and prayer.

As we light the first purple candle on our advent home wreaths, the readings this week center on the coming of Christ and being prepared ‘for we know not when the hour Jesus will come’. He is the Light of the World and can and will overcome all darkness. We are asked to trust, even when life gets messy, difficult, or just plain out of control.

As we light the second purple candle for the second week of Advent, we focus on Peace. This candle is referred to as the Bethlehem Candle as we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the humble beginning of Jesus life. We take time away from the hustle and bustle of our well planned to do lists. This is the Peace only Christ can give us, but we have to stop awhile, pray, read scripture and listen for His voice of Peace.

Find a quiet moment to set aside each day to reflect on how this coming of Jesus, a small baby born in the cold dark night, laid in a manger, will change the course of the world.

”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

PJP

Our Task: We are Chosen

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Do you ever wonder exactly what it is that God has in mind for you, not only for today but for the future? Now in the fourth quarter of my life, I do spend a lot of time pondering that question. Not so much as in what does he want from me today, but have I really done what He has asked me to do in my life here on earth. Have I REALLY done that for Him? I pray about it often.

Jesus Himself went apart from the group many times to pray and talk to His Father. He prayed for which 12 men to call His Apostles and through discernment and listening to His Father, Jesus chose wisely. The first apostles were not well educated men; they were not wealthy; they had their human flaws and one would even betray him. Here’s the thing: THEY HEARD JESUS CALL AND CHO0SE THEM, SO, THEY DROPPED EVERYTHING AND FOLLOWED HIM. They gave up their homes, families and livelihoods because they were chosen.

We too are chosen, everyday of our lives; God choses us over and over and asks things of us and from us. No matter what our past has been; God continues to choose us again and again, asking us to follow Him, to discern His Will and to lead others to Him.

Just like the picture in the featured image of this blog, life can get pretty tangled up and so many things compete at the root of our lives. Yet, God is still choosing us and calling us to get to the core of things and figure out the best way to follow Him and do His Will in our lives. I don’t know about you all, but I know I have A LOT of work to do and will be praying about how best to do it.

Blessings,

PJP

Our Talents

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Today’s Gospel is an interesting one from Matthew 25:14-30 in that it talks about how we use our God Given Gifts in this life. Now, the gospel reading itself is about a Master who gives his servants Talents, which was a form of currency in that time. Two of the servants reinvest the talents to make more for the Master. The third servant; however, buries his treasure in the ground to basically become stagnant and produce nothing.

So, let’s look at this from the perspective of what blessings God has given each of us and what we do with them. Each one of us receives unique blessings and insights from God Every. Single. Day. Many. Times. A. Day. But what do we do with them? Do we invest them and give them to others or do we bury them in our thoughts and let the moments or situations pass by? We need to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so we can share or pass on our blessings. This isn’t about money….no it’s about our time, our skills to help others, our thoughtful notes to others, our little phone messages or texts to someone we know who is going through ‘things’, our unexpected gift or bag of goodies to someone, a word of forgiveness for something said in haste without really thinking, an offer to lend a hand to others, and most of all praying throughout the day for others.

All we have to do is really just stop and look around our family, our neighborhood or pay attention to other’s request for some type of support or help. These opportunities are everywhere…..But We Have To Hear and See them; then Act.

What can you do today to share a simple blessing with someone?

PJP

August: Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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August is the month the church has long dedicated to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. She is our Heavenly Mother who longs to intercede for us to her son Jesus.

This devotion was put forward by St. John Eudes in the 17th century after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal (Lucia, Francisco and Jacinto). She appeared to the three children six times between May 13 and October 13, 1917, revealing her Immaculate Heart and asking for the people to pray the daily rosary for peace and the conversion of sinners. This is looked upon as a long reaching and powerful message of faith, hope and charity that we are called to live.

Often times, I think Mary is misunderstood by many. We do not worship her or adore her as we do Jesus; however, we greatly honor her and pray for her help in leading our lives on this journey. We honor her for her ‘Yes” to God to bear Our Savior Jesus. She plays an amazing part in the history of salvation.

The Hail Mary is one of my favorite prayers: “Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

PJP

Beautiful Music:

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One of my favorite music listens is Christian Worship Music. This is one of my all time favorites: Enjoy!

Step by Step by Rich Mullins. Search on You Tube to play (couldn’t get it to copy to here).

Bonus great song: https://open.spotify.com/track/2fKnX8RINrl4eOG5klOhcZ?si=4ojkNfAVSEK8wbSVd9bDTg&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1DWVlWpJblBvap

PJP