My religion is Catholicism, I attended Catholic school, and ever since, my beliefs in my teachings have become stronger. There are some issues of the Catholic Religion that I disagree with, however that does take away from my belief in God and his sacrifice for his people.
While attending Novena (A recitation of prayers and devotions for a special purpose during nine consecutive days) for St Gerard, Father Tom offered the following passage to the congregation. I never heard of this passage before, and upon hearing it, it just made so much sense.
I also believe no matter what Religion you practice or if any at all, the following will still have a meaning.
The young man was at the end of his rope.
Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on". he said... "
I have too heavy a cross to bear".
The Lord replied, "My son, if
you can't bear its weight,
just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door, and
pick out any cross you wish".
The man was filled with relief.
"Thank you, Lord", he sighed,
and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses,
some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord", he whispered.
And the Lord replied:
"My son, that is the cross you just brought in".
Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on". he said... "
I have too heavy a cross to bear".
The Lord replied, "My son, if
you can't bear its weight,
just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door, and
pick out any cross you wish".
The man was filled with relief.
"Thank you, Lord", he sighed,
and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses,
some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord", he whispered.
And the Lord replied:
"My son, that is the cross you just brought in".
It is quite amazing, when we think we have so much to bare, and then we are hit with the realization, that others might bare so much more.
104 comments:
Morning Glories! First!!
Carol how true is that homily? I think it also means to stop and look around we get so mired down in our own problems we forget that many others are living life with issues that I know would surely buckle my knees.
MEK and IBB Congrats on the new nephew!! It is so wonderful to have a baby around. They remind of us that life is precious and everything is a wonder through their eyes! Can't wait until you both get some (((Hugs))) and cuddles time.
Good morning,
Morning Glories to you, 1st place lynn d.
Beautiful blog Carol, and oh so true. The first thing i thought of was the old proverb: 'I complained of having no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.'
I count my blessings daily and I'm even grateful for lessons that are somewhat hurtful to live. That sounds hokey, but I've always known that no matter how badly things can get, they can always be worse.
I don't use the expression, nor think the thought, 'I can't take anymore of this', because I feel like I'm telling God I haven't learned enough to be grateful. I guess I'm just afraid he will think 'Yes you can, for I've given you nothing your shoulder's can't carry.'
Congratulations ibb and MEK on your new nephew. New life, what a precious gift. ((hugs))
Hope my comment didn't sound like it was coming from the pulpit, it's just my beliefs.
Have a great day to all who fly in after.
Thanks Carol, for today's blog. I have been feeling like I can't take any more lately. I haven't wanted to answer the phone or talk to anyone the last couple of days. I guess I needed the reminder that things could be worse.
I'm going to go get more shots today and try to keep a more positive attitude.
Good Morning Hooterss!
Congrats on 1st lynn.
Carol- when I started reading the blog, I almost stopped. I thought, "hmm, dont need a religion lesson". But I continued and am glad I did. I loved the passage and the meaning. Regardless if you believe or participate in any organized religion, the message is loud and clear.
I have some 'dejecta' going on right now, and I appreciate the reminder that it could be worse.
Congrats again to the new Aunties!
Hope everyone has a peaceful day and I hope you feel better scirish. Hi ronnie!
Very well said, Carol! I loved the sentiment.
My Mom is very religious (Canadian Anglican), and she has a saying up in her kitchen, the one about the Lord and someone "down here" plodding along in the sand together. When things got rough, one of the two sets of footprints disappear, and the person complains "Why, O Lord, during my time of trouble, did Thou forsake me"?
The Lord replies, "That, my son, was when I picked you up and carried you".
Nice!
From A51: DJ: The name of the hotel is "Dinah's Garden Hotel" in Palo Alto. It was fabulous, and I highly recommend it for a get-away!
Carol~ what a fabu blog~ I've got a friend who needs to read this~ I think I'll copy it and email it to her if you don't mind~ I believe it's all in your attitude and how you handle a situation.....whether or not you come thru it or let it defeat you! "Let go, Let God~" or in my house....Let go, let mom talk to God! lol~
Lynn D~ congrats on first~
RonnieHgirl~ congrats on #2~ :)~
Hi to scirish and goldie~
IBB and Mek~ congrats on the new little one~
oops~ HI BEAR~ :)
Good morning, Tina!
Hey, honey, can I ask you a favor? Can you singlehandedly STOP the Mormons in Utah from financing the "Yes on 8" campaign here in California?
That would be greatly appreciated! LOL!
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Good Morning Lynn - Congrats on being first.
Good Morning Ronnie, Scirish, Whabbear, and (the voice of Tango and Tia), Tina herself.
I will read your blog now Carol. It looks VERY interesting.
Grrrrrrrrrrrr...I am NOT getting shots today...seems I read the date wrong and the shots were to be MONDAY! What was it I said about a better attitude????
Wow, a great blog Carol and fantastic posts that followed it. How can you all be so articulate so early in the morning? All I can say is I agree with everything regarding this blog that has been written so far today. We all need that reminder when we feel like we are having a bad time of it. I know I do.
Carol - I used to go to novenas regularly. I haven't now for years. Maybe that is something I should consider doing. My faith is still there but I haven't been very active in that regard.
Scirish - I will keep you in my prayers. Living with pain is not an easy thing to do. I think you have every reason to feel the way you do. ((((Hugs)))))
Mek and IBB - Congratulations on your new nephew. Sorry I didn't see the news yesterday. I still have comments to read from area 51.
I second Bear's request!!
Scirish- so sorry about the pain and no shots today. Would it help to use me as a punching bag? Go ahead, I'll take one for the team ;o)
Ronnie - I think you have a great attitude. Your wonderful sense of humour certainly helps.
Whabbear - I received that same plaque with "Footprints" written on it, the first Christmas I was on my own. I read it so many times.
Tina - I am going to copy and paste it too. I will print it for myself.
Tango and Tia are still acting like "Stars with Attitude" this morning. Now I have two little Divas because of your great post. Thank you, however, for the fun we had.
Lynn - Well our election is over. Three hundred million dollars spent and the results hardly changed. Now we can get interested in your election. I think I will be mainly watching DVD's however. American election ads annoy me as much as the Canadian ones did and I don't really want to sell my TV.
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I am going to take Carol's blog to heart and have a really good day. I have a lot to be thankful for. We are now cleaning out my mom's house and getting ready to sell it. That is always a sad thing but I will concentrate on how happy my niece will be if she is able to raise the money to buy it.
I think I am all alone in the nest so I think I will have my shredded wheat and then fly off to myspace to see what is happening over there.
Have a great day all owls everywhere. Read Carol's post twice and it will help.
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Good morning OWLETTES!!!!!!!!!
LynnD---Congrats on 1st!!!!
Cpgem--great message....you amaze me how you come up with something everyday that teaches us something new... have we told lately that we love ya!!!
Morning
Ronnie...
scirish...
Goldie...
Whabby...
Tina...
Tinka---
A few more have send congrats to us.... I would thank ...
Maureen...
Donna jean...Mary/mi...Whabby..
Lynnd....Ronnie... Tina...Tinka...
Thank you all soooo much...
It is a very exciting time in our family!!!!
Hope you have a great day... I am off to make cup cakes... my friend Alice has a birthday today... we are going to another friends house for dinner and i am bring the cake... err well cup cakes...
BBL...
Hey to all who flew in while I was typing!!! in was on 20 when i started...
that should have been... Would Like To Thank!!!!
Scirish...
I am so sorry you read the date wrong... will they be able to fit you in...as soon as possible... I feel your pain... back pain is the worst ever!!!
hope you get some relief soon...
Cpgem...
I always try to go by the saying... "God wont give me more than I can handle"....But sometimes I wonder how strong he really thinks I am...
30...just to be tedious!!!
Happy WEdnesday!!
cpgem - what a PERFECT blog today! Thank you!!
:-)
Lynn D - congrats on FIRST!!
waving howdy to Lynn D, Ronnie, Scirish, Goldie, Whabby, Tina, Tinka, IBB, and all who land!!
IBB - are you making spice cupcakes with coffee icing??!! have one for me and give Alice a BIG OLE' HUG from me!!!
i better get my day going - the morning didn't start out as i had hoped...
i hope everyone has an excellent day!!
:-)
LYNN D - Congrats on first!!!
CAROL - I love that story. It is a true reminder that there are people out there that have more difficult issues to deal with than I do. I have always been a firm believer that God will never give me any more than I can bear. I count my blessings daily. And this place is one of those!!!
WHABBY - I love the footprints in the sand story!! It was one that my Mother truly believed in too. I don't know how I missed them, but I finally peeked at SSL's pics from your wedding. Beautiful!!!
MEK - You still have to email me the recipe for that coffee frosting!!!
Waving a wing at LYNN D, RONNIE, SCIRISH, GOLDIE, WHABBY, TINA, TINKA & the HOMEK sisters!!!
It's a rainy day here in WESconsin, so I've decided to make a huge crockpot of chili and another batch of apple crisp!!!
35!!! Just cuz I can!!! :P
JODI- what time is dinner????
GOLDIE - 6ish?!!? What time is "happy hour"?
Hi Hooters!
Carol~~BEAUTIFUL, Thank You.
btw, finally got to 'LAMB' on my reading list, and love sitting outside in the sun reading it. Headed there soon. After all, it's a 'balmy' 45* already :-)
BON*BON - You will love it!!! Nothing better than sitting outside and reading a good book. ENJOY!!!
40!!!
Carol I have written several comments and deleted all of them because I didn't know if they would offend anyone or not. I will just simple say that I do know there are people facing far greater issues than I could possible imagine.
Congrats on 1st Lynn D!
Good afternoon Ronnie, Scirish, Goldie, Whabbear, Tina, Tinka, Ibb, Mek and Jodi.
Scirish gentle (((HUGS))) for you.
Congrats Ibb and Mek on becoming Aunts!
Hi Gang!
Tinka I am happy the Canadians have had their election so things can get back to normal! I wish ours was over.
I tell you I think I may have a sickness or I am watching to many political shows. I have had 1 naughty dream about Jon Stewart and 2 naughty dreams about Keith Olberman! Yi Yi Yi
If this keeps up I may have to take time to shave my legs!
shirley- you can write what you feel like- we all have big girl panties to pull up! :)
Pepper thanks you for the bacon yesterday...
Jodi- As for happy hour? It can't start any too soon for me!!
I would love some chili tonight but I am meeting a friend at Abuelo's tonight for dinner. So I really am going to do a BIG ASS MARGURITA for happy hour- strawberry, yummy.........
Thank you Carol for your wonderful words. Sometimes when I am tired and a bit whiney inside and I am getting in and out of my car to go work and on errands etc., I stop and think about how greatful I should be. I am fortunate enough to have a car to get into, I have use of my legs, I have my eyesight.
For those who are in pain or very depressed, my heart goes out to you.
J/L Where are you? Shouldn't you be home making tuna casserole?
Bear~ Someone told me about what the Mormons were doing in CA~ I wasn't surprised. There are a lot of things I'd like to stop them from doing~ It's one thing to do it in your own state (and since I moved here voluntarily, i suck it up and live with what i don't like), but to go to another state to impose your views.....crazy, man~
SHIRLEY - I agree with GOLDIE...write whatever you wish. You are among FRIENDS here!!! And we luv ya!!!
GOLDIE - Damn....have one of those for me!!!
left, left, left, right, left!!!
left, left, left, right, left!!!
left, left, left, right, left!!!
50!!!
Good afternoon...
Yes MEK i am making spice cupcakes with coffee icing...
they are made as a matter of fact...
and Shirley... Goldie and Jodi are right...
speak your mind.... eveyone else does!!!
and I forgot to thank you for breakfast yesterday...
LynnD:
Congrats on First!
And
Your comment, Exactly....
Goldie:
Yes, I thought of that when I was writing the blog, I did not want to scare anyone off, but as you said, the passage can relate to anyone..
And I was thinking the same...
Glad you stayed for the lesson :O)
Tinka:
Since I heard this passage I have read it quite often as well...
Thanks♥♥♥
Tina:
Don't ya just love it... Yes copy and paste, pass it around :O)
Shirley:
Please say anything you wish, I will not be offended in anyway...
Goldie:
"Big girl panties" LOL...
I literally do, as I wear Lane Bryant... :O)
Ronnie:
You gave me the chills.. Thanks for sharing...
Scirish:
I sure hope you feel better soon, I am so very sorry, pain has found its way to you... and sorry you could not get the shots....
Many good wishes coming your way...
Whabby:
I love "Footprints" thanks for reminding me of it...
Bon:
I love your pic! Cute Pumpkin...
Bon:
Thanks again, for the St.Gerard pic, so very special ♥♥♥
See ya all tonite....
:O)
Sorry forgot to give the new Aunts a shout out...
Aunt Mek and Aunt Susan:
Again Congrats.. New beginnings are so much fun...
Iteach:
How do you feel today?
66 I am going
67 to leave
68 it open!
Enjoy!
wow, "that" has been hanging there for quite awhile!!!
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHh...
IBB - Oh, I wish I was there to have a cupcake!!!
Jodi - i will have to get the recipe from my mom - and I'll get it to you!!
waving howdy to everyone!!
:-)
Congrats on first LynnD!
MEK - Thanks....I can't wait to try it. :D
RONNIE - Can't wait for the finale of Project Runway. I hope Leanne kicks Kenley's ass!!!
Carol: Great Blog and very true!!
Goldie: I laughed at the big girl panties comment too. Well said.
Shirley: I don't think that anyone here would get offended by what you say. If they did, they shouldn't be here because we all have said all kinds of things!! :)
Ronnie: I liked what you said too. It is so true.
Sometimes when things get me down, I try and think of all the positives. It is hard though because it is too easy to let the little things get to us sometimes.
(and big things too).
Well, I am off to walk, I only have 4300 steps today.
Iteach: I hope you are feeling better. How are your steps today?
TTL
Jodi-- MEk...
the recipe is
2/3 cup butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar...
3-4 tbls of strong black coffee
mix the sugar and butter first and then add the coffee...
more or less coffee to get it to your desired stiffness
it is too easy!!!!
Off to dinner..
Carol, Ibb, Goldi & Jodi thank you for the encouragement to speak my mind. Nothing that I wrote and deleted had any great words of wisdom in it. I was probably just thinking too loud.
I just wanted to know how you can recognize someone else's pain and heartache when you are so consumed with your own? And I thought that sounded selfish so I deleted it.
I have been told recently that I am a very self centered person (not by anyone here)and that I need to "get over yourself". I'm not telling you this for shout outs or anything, it just made me second guess my comment earlier. That's it.
Bonnie sorry I forgot you this afternoon. Your orange avatar was sandwiched in between Jodi and I totally didn't see it.
GOOD AFTERNOON BON'O!!!!
Shirley: I think we are all a little self centered sometimes. It is hard to see the forest for the trees, especially if the trees are falling on us! I have been worried about you a lot lately. I know you are going through a hard time, but I hope it gets better soon. One step at a time, just live and learn. :)
I have decided not to watch the debate, I know that might sound as if I don't care, however much I do..
Its just that, I am hearing the same thing from both, and I am so very ready to move on...
Church was amazing tonite, as all new babies were blessed, yes there was alot of crying and screaming as the priest said mass, however it put me on such a high, I want to keep this feeling with me, if only for tonite, I want to feel joy....
Shirley,
Even if one is consumed with thier own pain, if one is a friend, you can at times put that aside for others. You have done it yourself, when the nest was in turmoil we were all in pain, however you came to my aid and others, even tho you were feeling the same pain.
While you were on a break
if I had sent you a msg that I needed you, I know in my heart you would have helped me. For
each time I call on you, you are there. I know many times, you were not feeling up to it when I
did call on you, again however you helped me... So you see, you can put your feelings aside
for others, you perhaps just don't see it, for that is just you, which is not selfish at all....
♥♥♥
I'm glad you feel such joy Carol. There is nothing like being around babies. I hope the feeling stays with you for a long time.
Carol I wished I could see what you see.
Good grief Shirley- if my postings had to contain words of wisdom I would be shit out luck 99% of the time! I just write whatever moves me at the moment- good or bad. Go with the flow as they say....
As for being self-centered- I don't buy it and I would say go eff off to the person who told you that. Or at the very least tell them to "deal with it". Usually it is an insecure person who feels the need to say something like that to someone else.
I think that you can see the pain in others when you feel for others. You do feel for us- I know it. You don't necessarily have to speak or do something outloud. Its in your heart--and your heart is good.
My cocktail(had to drive-only had one) was sooooooo good.
I am listening to the debate and I so want to reach into the tv and smack someone upside the head.
Goldie thank you. Maybe you need another cocktail or two :)
85
It is raining so I am off to bed with my fur babies and a warm cup of cocoa. Thanks again Carol for giving us all so much to think about today. Your blog was inspiring.
Good Night all and God Bless us and keep us safe.
Love, Tink
Bebbi- Yesterday I did 9,000 steps, but today was too low to say.
It was a stressful day with my mom, but tomorrow will be better.
Shirley,
We will be your eyes, as we see it~
Bebbi:
Congrats on all your steps today, Best wishes being sent your way for your mom...
Tinka:
Good night, Sleep Well...
Mek:
Hope you enjoyed your "69" :O)
Goldie:
How great would that be to be able to reach in the TV at times, and do just has you said.. :O)
And Goldie:
Glad you enjoyed your cocktail...
Carol, physically I feel better today, but I was emotionally challenged today.
However, I'm sitting her by my hubby. Each with our his and her computer and I feel at peace.
I loved your blog today. I have always thought of my church as home. I don't always agree with the catholic church, but I love sitting in my designated pew. My shoulders feel at ease and I breathe much slower. I just sit and feel all the love around me.
Then afterwards my hubby wants to discuss the homily and I just stare at him blankley. I have no idea what the priest just said.
The words comfort my husband and the atmosphere brings me peace. Weird, huh!
I am calling it a nite...
See ya owls tomorrow...
:O)
good night Carol
I am writing from J/L's computer (no it isn't Heater Tweeter this time). Linda made delicious tuna casserole and spice cake. Heater did share some of my tuna from my plate. We watched the debate and made our filthy little comments. Linda is slaving in the kitchen and when she is finished it will be safe for me to go in and ask if I can help.
Lani, I'll be over for the spice cake!
Good evening...
back from dinner... everything was wonderful...
had spice cupcakes ... yummy!!!!!!!
Hi Lani...
Welcome!!!
99
100
WOOOO HOOOOO .....
HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That just never gets old!!!!!
Hey Iteach...
Looks like everyone wants spice cake...
must be the time of year!!!
Hi IBB, I'm off to bed! I can't keep my eyes open anymore.
I notice no one offered to do J/L's dishes.
Hi Ibebold, it's nice to meet you.
LynnD Congrats on #1 today.
scirish I'm so sorry about your pain. I hope Goldie brought you some of those margaritas!
Shirley I hope you got a margarita, too. I wish you could just turn off those people who keep laying negative stuff on you, no matter what their relationship is with you.
Lani It was fun eating dinner watching the debate together, even if I did have to slave away in the kitchen for HOURS!!! Just kidding. ;)
Jodi I made spice cake with peanut butter frosting! It was very good! Thank you!
Carol I am not a religious person but I can certainly appreciate and agree with the sentiment. Although we each have our troubles, there are others who have such bigger crosses to bear. It's good to be reminded that we should count our blessings.
Testing
still testing
still testing
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