Day 3 of 40 Days for Life

Today is Day 3 of the 40 Days of Life!!

Please pray for God's gift of strength for those who strive to protect human life during these 40 Days for Life.

Today, offer up your rosary for those who are out there participating in the peaceful vigils outside of abortion mills (mostly Planned Parenthood Clinics) throughout the country.

Blessed be God Forever!

JMJ

Happy Birthday Patrick!

Happy Birthday to the man who makes me want to work harder each day to be a better person and the man God has trusted will help me get to heaven,

my husband--Patrick!

I hope we make your day as special as you are special to us!

I love you dearly!

Blessed be God forever!

JMJ

Happy Birthday Kevin!!!

Happy Birthday to my brother, Kevin (shown above).

He is currently spending his birthday defending our country in Iraq. He is schedule to return home to the United States in October.

My brother is a very talented writer and is due to have his poetry published at the time of his return.

Happy Birthday Kevin!!

We look forward to your return home and know that you are in our prayers for a save return.

God is with you and we are with you in our hearts!

Blessed be God forever!!

JMJ

40 Days for Life: Day 2

40 Days for Life: Day 2
Just wanted to include with this post the email I received this morning on the wonderful things already happening with 40 Days for Life. I have to say that not been able to attend any of the vigils in Rochester, NY (about one hour from my home) as of yet, but hope to make a couple of vigils during the 40 days with my family. I am also so proud to hear that my home state--Indiana has great participation in 40 Days for Life.
Here is the email:
Dear Kimberly,
What a way to start the day! The fall 40 Days for Life campaign was barely hours old when we received an e-mail from Jennifer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She and a few others had arrived at 6:30 Wednesday morning to pray at the abortion center.A couple arrived in the parking lot, got out of their car and walked towards the building. "Joe gave them a flyer," said Jennifer, "and she brought it into the clinic. About 10 minutes later they came out of the clinic and went to the car."The woman argued with the man for a time, but then they got in the car and left. "This lady looked at us praying and blessed herself with the sign of the cross," Jennifer said. "We saved our first baby!" Shortly thereafter, a text message appeared on my phone from Chris, the campaign director from New York City: "David! 1st 40 Days turnaround!" Later in the day, another life was saved at the same location .Nance, organizer of the Grimes and Waller county, Texas, 40 Days for Life efforts e-mailed, "a BABY SAVED from Planned Parenthood in Houston!!! "While driving to the 40 Days for Life kickoff event in South Bend, Indiana tonight, I received an excited call from the Indianapolis campaign leader. A first time 40 Days for Life volunteer was praying outside the Planned Parenthood abortion facility this morning when a car leaving the center pulled over and the occupants beckoned for her to come near. The volunteer nervously approached and was told by the mother in the vehicle, "Your prayers are working. My daughter just decided to not have an abortion."We are hearing amazing success stories like this from all across North America......So let's spread the news! In addition to prayer, fasting and constant vigil, the other component of 40 Days for Life is grassroots community outreach. Prayer and fasting allow us to humble ourselves before God and ask for his grace and mercy. Constant vigil allows us to bring Christ's love to the locations where lives are on the line and people need to know that others are concerned about their well being. Community outreach allows us to tell the story to entire neighborhoods, entire cities. Some people might say, "Abortion doesn't affect me; I wouldn't have one -- or encourage anyone else to have one -- but it's none of my business."Well, it is everyone's business when the rights of the most helpless in our midst are being trampled --and we need to say so. Others in our communities may have simply given up on ever changing the abortion status quo. They need someone to rekindle that fire -- and that someone maybe you! Whether the outreach is manning a booth in the mall, engaging the local media, speaking to church or civic groups, conducting a door-to-door campaign, or simply spreading the word to friends, family, co-workers,and fellow believers, it's important to reach people who don't ever think about abortion -- and don't ever drive by the clinic -- with the reality of how abortion negatively affects the community. Ernie and Mary Beth in Pensacola, Florida report that their campaign, which is holding vigils at two abortion facilities, received an enthusiastic and appropriate send-off from Rev. John Licari."He talked about how abortion hurts women and families," they said. "His theme was: Don't hide your light under a bushel basket. We need to bring the light of Christ into a world so desperately in need of His love and mercy, especially at the abortion clinics. He reminded us to 'be not afraid.'"We are the light of the world. Let's go forth and shine!
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone,National Director of Priests for Life...
DAY 2 INTENTION

-Pray for those who work in the abortion industry, and for those who have repented of committing abortions and have resolved to defend life.

SCRIPTURE

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."-- Luke 23:46-47

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

"Those of us who have participated in the killing of unborn children are the Centurions of today. We have dropped our swords against the unborn child. Now we must recognize the depth of our guilt and deal with the ramifications... To revitalize our humanity we need to forgive and be forgiven, to reconcile and be healed."These words come from a brochure of the Society of Centurions, an organization for former abortion providers. These words convey in a beautiful and moving way what is happening across the nation as hundreds of abortionists and their staff members experience repentance, conversion, and healing.How does this conversion begin? Dr. Philip Ney writes, "The factors that changed their opinion on performing abortions, in the following order of frequency, were: evidence of the infant's humanity, a spiritual experience, personal distress, evidence of the mother's distress, scientific articles, being accepted as a person, a personal relationship with a pro-lifer, pro-life pickets." (The Centurion's Pathway, p. 77).

The journey is not easy. But the Jesus who heals us calls us to face the truth of what we've done, make restitution where possible, and engage in the hard work of mending relationships. Let's pray for the Centurions; may their numbers increase!

PRAYER

Lord, we thank you for those who have repented of committing abortions and have resolved to defend life. We too repent and resolve.We repent of every instance in which fear has made us silent when we should have spoken. We repent of the ongoing bloodshed in our land, and for thinking that we can deprive the unborn of protection but keep it for ourselves.We resolve that we will advance the cause of righteous candidates for public office, and that we will be more afraid of offending you by our silence than of offending others by our speech. We resolve that we will proclaim your name to the nations,through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

What a blessing 40 Days for Life is for our country!! I encourage you to try and make a vigil in your area. Let your voice be heard!! Let others know that abortion is what it is--MURDER!!!!

We can make a difference and we can save the babies. We can change the tide of this country. We must save the babies, change the hearts of those seeking abortions, those performing abortions, and those who encourage laws that allow abortions. Action and prayer: we need your help to save the babies. In truth, if you save the babies, you are saving the world!!

Blessed be God Forever!!

JMJ

Happy Birthday Aidan!!!

Happy Birthday to my godson and nephew, Aidan!!!

What a special kid he is to me and his Uncle Pat!!

May your birthday be filled with much love, much happiness, lots of cake, and of course, fun presents.

God bless you Aidan on your special day!

An award from Marie!!!

I received this from my dear blogging friend, Marie.

Thank you so much Marie for this award.

I love your blog as well.

When I started in this blogging world, I never dreamed I would meet the people I have nor would I have dreamed the bonds I would form with people all over the world.

What a blessing blogging has been for me!

Now, Marie says that I must send this on to 7 people and so here are my picks:

1. Marie (I know you already got this award, but you deserve it again and I do love your blog!!)

2. Kathy at Daily Grotto. She was the inspiration for me to start blogging and a wonderful example of a good Catholic woman, mother, and wife.

3. Terri at Prayers of the Faithful. My good buddy from many, many years ago. She has taught me that life deals you many twists and turns, but what matters most is your relationship with God and your family.

4. Tom in Vegas-- His blog is so awesome and I love to visit there with a good cup of coffee and my mind read to learn and think from him.

5. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop--although she is in another country, I feel as if she lived right next door to me. What a wonderful and beautiful person she is.

6. Grandma K at Bit of Blarney-- my Hoosier buddy and friend. She is a joy to know!!!

7. Shelly at Keeper of the Keys-- I love this blog and it is so interesting!! Thanks for the work you do on your blog Shelly.

Okay, I know it said 7 but I also love this blog as well:

8. Joseph the worker at A Catholic Journey--- this is a great blog and a wonderful journey any day when you need some spiritual growth going through your brain.

Okay, there are many, many more blogs that I love, but these are the all time favorite.

Now, I have a question I hope someone can answer for me. I have noticed in the past when people post awards that when they put the persons name you are able to click their name and it takes you to their blog. How do you do that? I would love to obtain that knowledge. Thank you and blessed be God forever!

JMJ

40 Days for Life Starts Today!!!

Today is the start of 40 days for Life across the country. Please pray that the next 40 days makes a huge impact on the abortion industry by changing the hearts of the American people to see that abortion is what it is--- MURDER!!!

Here is the reflection today for 40 Days for Life:

DAY 1 INTENTION

That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for God's mercy and grace upon all those involved in thesin of abortion.

SCRIPTURE

Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call anassembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation.Assemble the elders; gather the children and theinfants at the breast... Let the priests, theministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord,your people."-- Joel 2:15-17

REFLECTION by David Brandao, 40 Days for Life

The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfoldedin abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as thegrandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered. It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in themidst of such unfathomable darkness, the Church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection-- His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, OGod, and a steadfast spirit renew within me... Giveme back the joy of your salvation and a willingspirit sustain in me... O Lord, open my lips, and mymouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14,17). We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealingthrough us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).That is the true message to all we encounter at theabortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring condemnation; we bring God's good news.

PRAYER

Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom,determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love andcompassion, as was demonstrated to us by Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In His name we pray,

Amen

Today would be a great day to pray your rosary for all those involved with 40 days for Life.

For more information on 40 days for Life, go to http://40daysforlife.com

It will time well spent checking out this website.

Blessed be God Forever!!

JMJ

Childhood Hunger

Hunger and Children

There are many, many issues I hold dear to my heart that I feel called by God to do something about. Some of my issues can cause conflict within my own family and with others who believe differently from me. However, I feel that strongly that everyone agrees that no one--especially the children of our country, the future of our country, do not go hungry. I have been advocating for a while through Feeding America and you can find the link on my side bar of Favorite Sites. Please help to make a difference by donating, advocating, or praying for the children in our country who go hungry. God does not let them go hungry, we do!! God has given us the resources to care for each other so it is our responsibility to make sure no one goes without food.

Working in a soup kitchen, donating nonperishable goods to a local food bank, holding a dinner fund raiser in your home for a local food bank, or praying for the hungry is a wonderful way to make a difference. Remember, we are here to love each other. If we all do that, then the world will be more at peace and less at odds with what is right and wrong. Loving your neighbor is what we are to do; no matter who your neighbor is or where he lives.

Follow in the example of Jesus and you will not go wrong.

Blessed be God Forever!

JMJ

A Prayer for Children

Author Unknown
We pray for the children

Who sneak popsicles before dinner

Who can never find their shoes

Who bring us sticky kisses

Who hug us in a hurry, run out the door and forget their lunch money
We pray for the children

Who never get dessert

Who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers

Who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead

Who have no safe blankie to drag behind them
We pray for the children

Who shove dirty clothes under their bed

Who throw tantrums in grocery stores

Who get visits from the tooth fairy

Who pick at their food
We pray for the children

Who don't have any rooms to clean up

Whose pictures aren't on any body's dresser

Who have never seen a dentist

Who will eat anything
We pray for the children

Who make us look under the bed for nightmares

Whose tears we dry

Whose smiles can make us cry
We pray for the children

Whose monsters are real

Who aren't spoiled by anybody

Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep

Facts On Childhood Hunger

Over 9 million children are estimated to be served by the Feeding America network, over 2 million of which are ages 5 and under, representing nearly 13% of all children under age 18 in the United States and over 72% of all children in poverty [i].

According to the USDA, an estimated 12.6 million children lived in food insecure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2006 [ii].

Nearly one quarter of the country (12 states) have more than 20% percent of children living in food insecure households, the states of Texas and New Mexico have the highest rates of children in households (24%) without consistent access to food.

The top four states plus DC with the highest rate of food insecure children are New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Idaho.
The top five states with the lowest rate of food insecure children are North Dakota, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Proper nutrition is vital to the growth and development of children, particularly for low-income children. 62% of all client households with children under the age of 18 participated in a school lunch program, but only 13% participated in a summer feeding program that provides free food when school is out [iii].
51% of client households with children under the age of 3 participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) [iv].

Nearly 41% of emergency food providers in the Feeding American network reported "many more children in the summer" being served by their programs [v].

Emergency food assistance plays a vital role in the lives of low-income families. In 2002, over half of the nonelderly families that accessed a food pantry at least once during the year had children under the age of 18 [vi].

13.3 million or approximately 18% of children in the U.S. live in poverty. The rate of poverty for children under 18 remains higher than those aged 18- to- 64 and for those aged 65 and over [vii].

Research indicates that even mild under nutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth impacts the behavior of children, their school performance, and their overall cognitive development [x].

In fiscal year 2006, nearly half 49% of children were food stamp recipients [xi].

During the 2006 federal fiscal year, 17.7 million low-income children received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. Unfortunately, just under 2 million of these same income-eligible children participated in the Summer Food Service Program that same year [xii].

Source of Facts
i.Rhoda Cohen, M. Kim, and J. Ohls. Hunger In America 2006. America's Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network. February 2006. ii. Nord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of Agriculture/Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the United States, 2006.iii. Rhoda Cohen, M. Kim, and J. Ohls. Hunger In America 2006. America's Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network. February 2006. iv. Rhoda Cohen, M. Kim, and J. Ohls. Hunger In America 2006. America's Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network. February 2006.v. Rhoda Cohen, M. Kim, and J. Ohls. Hunger In America 2006. America's Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network. February 2006. vi. Zedlewski, Sheila, S. Nelson. Snapshots of America’s Families. November 2003.vii. DeNavas-Walt, Carmen, B.D. Proctor, J. Smith. U.S. Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007. August 2008.viii. Nord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of Agriculture, Household Food Security in the United States, 2006.ix. Nord, Mark, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. United States Department of Agriculture, Household Food Security in the United States, 2006. x. The Links Between Nutrition and Cognitive Development of Children, 1998, Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy.xi. Wolkwitz, Kari. United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation. Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year 2006, September 2007.xii. United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. National School Lunch Program: Participation and Lunches Served. Data as of October 2007.

Prayer Requests!!!!!!!

Please pray for Bobbi Hinker. She has recently been diagnosed with IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer). She will have a CAT and PET Scan on Monday to determine the type of treatment she will have.

She is the sister to Judi B. who is a very dear friend of my mother-in-law, Judy B. I thank my mother-in-law for bringing this prayer request to me so that my dear prayer warrior friends can once again do their thing and help another child of Christ.

A PRAYER TO OUR LADY FOR HEALING

Mary Immaculate, you have given yourself to us as our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

You have asked us to pray with confidence,and we will receive great graces.

We know your compassion, because you saw your Son suffer and die for us.

In your union with His suffering you became the mother of us all.

Mary, my mother, teach Bobbi to understand suffering as you do and to endure it in union with the suffering of Jesus.

In your motherly love, calm Bobbi's fears and increase her trust in God's loving care.

According to God's plan, obtain for Bobbi the healing she needs.

Intercede with your Son that Bobbi may have the strength she needs to work for God's glory and the salvation of the world.

Amen

Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. May God grant us healing and all the graces we need through the intercession of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Here is a link to learn more about IBC:

http://www.ibcresearch.org/

Thank you for your prayers my dear and faithful prayer warriors. I know that with your intercessions that Bobbi will have her needs met according to God's Will.

Blessed be God Forever!

Don't forget your rosary today. Please say a decade for Bobbi.

JMJ

Awards!!!!!

JMJ

I am so blessed to have received this award from my blogging, Tom @ http://tominvegas.blogspot.com/. He has an awesome blog and I encourage each of you reading this blog to check his out. I learn so much from him and thank him for thinking of me.
I received this award from my blogging sister, Marie @ http://viewfromthepews.blogspot.com/. Again, another blog that is awesome. I feel so honored that Marie would give me such an award since my blog is so beginner and way out of her and Tom's league when it comes to blogging. Marie's blog is definitely worth any time you can spend there; in fact, I get on her blog and love to read what she writes so much that I find it hard to leave.

Thank you to both Tom and Marie for thinking of me. I think it is now my turn to send the award on to the following:

Kathy

Terri

Tom

Marie

Tracey

Cathy

I know most of them have already received these two awards, but not from me and so I wanted to show my appreciation for their blogging friendships!

Blessed be God Forever!!