Essence Of :

One a cold winter night

~Hope — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:31:31 +0000

This is from my archives Dec 2006..

It was deep night. Deeper still was the night which enveloped
humanity, enslaved in sin and beyond hope of salvation. On this night
so deep the Light appeared, my little Infant was born. At a time when
no one was looking for his coming, when there was no place open to
receive Him.

With my spouse Joseph, a just and chaste man, humble and
strong, chosen by the Father to be of precious assistance to me during
these moments, I completed the last stage of a most fatiguing journey.
I felt the fatigue of the journey, the sharpness of the cold, the
uncertainty of the arrival, the insecurity of what might be lying ahead
of us.

And yet I dwelt, as it were, far from the world and the things
of the world, all absorbed in a continual ecstasy with my Child, Jesus,
whom I was about to give birth. As a mother I thought of a house, and
the Father prepared us a shelter. I dreamt of a cradle for my little
baby, and even then the manger was ready.

When fatigue had seized upon us and the continual refusal to
receive us had worn out our human endurance, then the cave was ready
for the light. Unexpected, unwelcome, reflected by humanity,- and yet
at this moment redemption begins for humanity. There is so much
darkness all about. And yet an ever increasing light shines within the
cave. And now it appears entirely from heaven, while the Mother is
deeply absorbed in prayer. Now completely enveloped in this divine
light, I behold for the first time his body: his eyes, his checks, his
lips, his face, his arms, his hands. I feel his little heart which has
scarcely begun to beat.

Thus the light rises in the midst of darkness and my little
Child comes to save the world. He is born in poverty and in the pain of
this rejection, and his first cries are but tears of mourning, he feels
the rigor of the chill as the whole world envelops Him in its cold. My
Heart gathered the first tears of the divine Child. They were mingled
with those of my own Heart and I wiped them away with my mother’s
kisses.

Our Lady’s words..to her children.

minus 20 Farenite here last night..and we still don’t have much snow to speak of.. and yes I am freezing..
hope you all are keeping warm.. only a few more days left.. most of my shopping is done.. now for the cooking..
all those yummy things that give one a tummy ache.."smile"
hope you have a very blessed day..
sending soft "WARM" hugs.
always ~Hope

and the angels sing

~Hope — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:34:42 +0000

What know we of the Blest above.
But that they sing, and that they love..
Wordsworth

May you hear the angels sing, in the silence of the night..

Christmas sounds

~Hope — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:58:41 +0000

I love Christmas with all its bright colors and upbeat music.. don’t you?

got my tree up. lights are on it.. and that is about all at this present moment..will have to get the rest for the tree out of the shed at some point.. being lazy this year I guess..I get into the Christmas spirit, then I get out of it as fast as I got into it..if that makes any sense..
with the way the economy is right now and money being so tight for most everyone..its easy to get depressed and overwhelmed..
and those of you that have wee ones, I can just imagine your stress level going through the roof, this time of year.
at one time when mine were small, and there was very little money, we started a new tradition.. one of which at first was hard, but in the end turned out really rather nice.. instead of giving or exchanging gifts on Christmas.. we waited until New Years eve to give or exchange the presents..for the wee ones of course there was one (1) present under the tree from Santa.. we would make a cake for Jesus birthday, and celebrate HIS day.. on Christmas.. then when New Years Eve came around..( which more times then not, it also goes along the timelines of when the Wisemen came and saw baby Jesus in the manger, and gave him their gifts..) rather than celebrate the new years with going out on the town.. we would have another dinner and give out the gifts.. it worked very well in so many way..for one all the great sales are AFTER Christmas.. so one does save a bundle..for two it teaches the wee ones.. how to bring in the new year in a different way.. and for us parents.. it reduces so much stress.. big time!!

it also teaches the wee ones as well as the adults that there is more to Christmas than giving gifts.. its the giving of ones self.. its the renewal of a relationship between you and the one who loves you more than you could ever imagine. and the real wonder of what Christmas really means.. just my thought on things.. and hopefully it may help those who are facing a real crunch this Christmas..
you might want to give it a try.. nor not.. depending on your stance or thoughts..either way.. try and enjoy this most wondrous time of year..
sending much love with soft hugs..
~Hope

wow, what a change

~Hope — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:21:54 +0000

see what happens when I leave? "smile".. things go to s**t..
at first when I came in and saw this mess, I was a bit upset.. but after trying to navigate around, which is a pain at the moment, in more ways than one.. I am starting to think that this may not be so bad.. for one.. if someone comes in and starts to harass you.. EVERYONE will see what they wrote.. no way can they hide now..and now one can block those whom one does not want around..because of their harassment.. which I think is why the MSN staff, did what they did.. so for that reason alone.. its a good change.. and as with all changes.. we will adapt..
in time..
anyway.. just popping in to say hi.. and to let those who have been wondering, that I am still alive and kicking..
miss you all..
soft hugs
Hope

Surprise of the day..

~Hope — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:25:09 +0000

Sometimes I just marvel at the love God gives to all of us.. it seems at times when I am really down on my self.. sad, or just plain upset..
God does something that says.. its ok.. your still loved.. and He brings someone or something in my life that brings about joy .. I so love His surprises..
one of which that I got a email from a lady who is witting a news article about the Vets on Nov 11.. she wants to use one of my poppies.. I told her that I have better ones.. but no, she likes this one.. guess because it looks tattered and worn..

I am very honored that one of my photos will be featured on a day that gives thanks for all men and women that have given their lives for us..

the next surprise, was when I went into my flickr site to find that one of my photos made Explore.. it was chosen out of 500 photos for that day.. I have had some get into Explore before, but this one has really made an impact on me, for it was taken the day my kids kidnapped me.. that day was so blessed.. and the Lord along with his angels were with us that day.. and now to have it make Explore is such a blessing.. plus its the first real HDR photo I have done.. and what is really awesome is the fact that this photo made it to Explore on its own merits. something that I think we all should strive for..and not be so concerned with popularity contests..
but rather the quality of ones work,

no matter the venue..

I have tried to do HDR for some time.. but only with one photo.. with real or true HDR photos you take 3 photos of same subject but at different settings.. 1, under exposed.. 1, over exposed, and 1 exposed correctly.. then put all three together..

This is my country, my home.. my love..my escape..

GOD’s creation..

in all of is splendor..

softness and peace..

have a glorious Sunday dear friends.

~Hope

Monthy Message from Ann a lay apostle ,and new floor

~Hope — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:37:57 +0000

On the first of every month, Our Lord gives Anne a new message about Hiscall to service.

November 1, 2008

Jesus

Dear apostles, are you aware of My presence? Do you understand how Iremain with you in each moment? Sometimes you suffer and in your sufferingyou feel abandoned. This is merely a feeling that I allow for you so thatyou can share even that part of My Passion with Me. I could never abandonyou and I do not abandon you. I remain with you, consoling you and guidingyou. If you are suffering, My friend, you can be sure that I am aware ofyour suffering and that I am providing you with special graces to cope withyour cross. In the same way that I remain with each beloved apostle, Iremain with the whole world. I, Jesus, love every person ever created bythe Father. I seek goodness and peace for every man and woman on earth. Iam looking out for the heavenly interests of all of God's children. You, Mydear ones, possess an earthly view that is limited. I understand that yourview is limited because I understand everything about you. At this time Iwould like you, My beloved apostles, to also accept that your view islimited. In seeking the good of all of God's children, I must allow changesto come which will impact all of God's children. I do this to bring aboutthe goodness and peace I refer to but the change will be gradual in termsof the benefits to come. Trust Me in everything. I do not abandon even oneof God's children and My beloved apostles who give Me constant friendshipand loyalty will be united with Me in everything. Be at peace, dearchildren. I am with you.

Ann has several books out.. she gives a different insight to what heaven is, who God is..and what our role is , in this life.. and in the next.. her volumes

thank you all for the prayers and well wishes..I kept busy today,sometimes hard work gets out all the "grrs"..so I helped put in a new floor in the kitchen and dinning room..took all day..

I am so sore..and tired.. but love my new floor.. even Scooter is enjoying it..

now its time for bed.. I Pray you all have sweet dreams..much love and soft hugs ~Hope

Red sky

~Hope — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:49:24 +0000

Don’t really have much to say.. I am rather drained at the moment..
I feel at a loss.. not only here but at home as well..
please keep me and my family in prayer.. we are on a very rough road at the moment..
hope you all have a nice day and be blessed
Hope

This photo was taken from my porch.. looking over at the ridge, you can see the statue of the Lady of the Rockies.. not very good photo, but it fits my mood I guess..
or maybe it doesn’t.. I don’t know right now.. in fact I don’t know much of anything at the moment.

what is the saying.. read sky’s at night, sailors take delight,

red skys at morning, sailors take warning..

this was taken in the morning.. a few weeks ago..

I am tired of the nonsense going on not only here in spaces

between friends..

or at least between those who say they are friends..

but also what is going on with in this nation..

and even within families..

the fighting has to stop..

the back biting has to end..

what is IS.. so deal with it the best you can..

pray if you believe in prayer.

if not.. then do what you can to bring peace within this world of ours..

and it all starts with you, within each and every one of us..

if you don’t have peace within..

how can you have peace outside of yourself.

or within this world.

PRAYER NOW IS TO LIFT SPIRITUAL BLINDERS OF NEW AND ‘CHARISMATIC’ U.S. PRESIDENT

~Hope — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:43:50 +0000

From http://spiritdaily.com

It is the Vatican that grants us the balanced way of viewing an election and did so with the historic election in the U.S. of a black president. In Christian love, the Pope congratulated Barack Obama, as did the U.S. bishops. Graciousness always has its place. So — above all — does prayer. We note the brilliance in how Rome issued a statement asking Catholics to "pray that God may enlighten" the new president. The Pope also sent a private letter to Obama that has not been revealed.

It is a prayer that could be requested of any leader but also could be interpreted (strongly) as a request for prayer that Obama soften his astonishingly strong support for abortion. Rome offered no harsh language. Instead, it accented the positive, saying that Obama has raised expectations on "justice and finding appropriate ways to promote peace in the world" — an allusion to the Vatican’s opinion on another life matter, the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. On this issue, Rome agrees with the new leader.

It is an even-handed approach that should serve as an example to all of us.

Yet know too that we enter a very dangerous time. It is into an eleventh hour. We will not sugarcoat that.

Pray, love, and stand your moral ground. This is exactly what the U.S. bishops did. "Our country is confronting many uncertainties," they said in a letter to the president-elect. "We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person" — a stronger allusion to abortion and human-embryonic stem cell research.

That latter issue — the destruction of embryos — left pro-lifers in a quandary: should they vote practically — for the candidate who was more pro-life — or one who is against all forms of human destruction? Senator McCain, who was gracious in defeat, defines life as starting at the moment of conception, is opposed to conventional abortion, and yet backs embryonic research.

It was a difficult election, one that all but entirely left out a brilliant black Catholic candidate named Alan Keyes who outdebated George Bush and John Kerry in the election four years ago and opposes every single form of prenatal destruction, including embryos. He was on the ballot in just three states.

For the first time, the United States of America is going to have a black president. That is the part people can rejoice in. The president-elect’s intact family life will serve as an example at a time when so many families are fragmented.

This is a man of consummate skill and incisive intelligence. Even Republicans said he ran the best campaign they ever witnessed. He has much to offer. But he needs prayer…

The U.S. is a nation in flux and has gone around a bend. It will never be the same nation again. To change is not bad. But it depends on where that river courses and what the change is. That a man whose first name is so similar to that of Osama and whose middle one matches that of a dictator we fought (and who was hung so grotesquely) is eerie, as there are many eerie moments at this time in human history, as even during election week strange huge waves rose and lashed at Maine at three p.m. (the hour of mercy).
PRAYER NOW IS TO LIFT SPIRITUAL BLINDERS OF NEW AND ‘CHARISMATIC’ U.S. PRESIDENT
Many things in America were in desperate need of change. Follow Rome, not radio shows. We are not in the business of frothing at the mouth.

But there is a cloud, a spiritual darkness, that descends and vexes and rains into the river of uncertainty. Where will that river — that rising water — flow? We don’t know who Obama is yet. We can pray for a lifting of spiritual blinders. We can pray that he gains discernment. Especially, we must pray that he (and the 111th Congress) head for the correct path as the clock ticks towards midnight…

We all will be held accountable..
its time for prayer..
not division
as hard as that may be..

Memories

~Hope — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:49:39 +0000

There was this
huge old tree that sat along the edge of a creek that ran though my grandparents farm.. I would climb up and sit on one of its branches,
when I was down or just wanted to be alone.. it was my thinking tree..
that is what I called it anyway.. I even carved my name on one of its
branches..

I used to tell
my children when they were out of sorts to go find a tree and sit by it
for awhile.. and if need be.. tell that tree your most deepest
secrets..and by doing so they might feel a little more refreshed
afterwards.. I would tell them about my thinking tree.. and how it
helped me gain inner strength and peace..when my world seemed so dark..

of course they thought I was a wee bit crazy.. for how could a tree give inner strength or peace to ones soul..

One summer not
long after my divorce from their father, I was able to bring my
children to my granparents farm.. it had been years sense anyone lived
there.. the house was still standing.. but no longer livable..as the
mice and spiders had taken over..

We parked the camp trailer close to the house and I showed them around the farm.. They wanted to see this famous thinking tree that I had so often spoke of.. but we couldn’t find it..

We spent about a
week there, fishing and swimming..and just enjoying the peace of being
there.. away from the stress we all had endured the past few
months..the children loved the creek and were getting pretty good at
diving off an old tree that had fallen across the creek..It was nice to
hear their laughter as they would jump off this old tree into the
water.. it was what they needed to take their minds off what had happened between their father an me..

It was the last
day of our visit to the farm.. it was hot.. and I was sitting on this
tree dangling my feet in the water watching them swim.. my oldest
son swam up to me grabbed my foot and into the water I went..as I came
up I noticed witting on the underside of the tree.. it was my name..
this was my tree.. tears started to fill my eyes.. my son thought that
I had gotten hurt when he pulled me into the water.. all I could do was
point to the witting..

This old wonderful tree
that had given me such pleasure in the summer months I had spent on the
farm, so many years ago.. had now also given my children..a time of
happiness when their world seemed so dark..

God is a lot like a tree.. silent and strong.. giving peace and solitude to a soul in need..

Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile.

Weary, I know it, of the press and throng.

Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil.

and in my quiet strength again be strong.

Come ye aside from all the world holds dear.

For converse which the world has never known.

Alone with Me, and with My Father here.

With Me and with my Father alone.

Come tell Me all that ye have said and done.

Your victories and failures. hopes and fears.

I know how hardly souls are wooed and won.

My choicest wreaths are always wet with tears.

Come ye and rest , the journey is too great

And ye will faint besides the way and sink

The bread of life is here for you to eat.

And here for you the wine of love to drink.

Then fresh from converse with your Lord return

And work till daylight softens into evenning

The breif hours are not lost in which ye learn

More of your Master and His rest in Heaven

auther unknown

well today is voting day.. remember to pray before you vote..
and remember no matter the out come of this election.. GOD is in control.. and HE knows what HE is doing.. even if we don’t..

hope you all have a beautiful day.. its raining here. seems so odd with it being Nov and we don’t have snow..
not that I am complaining of course.. as I never complain.. "smile"
soft hugs..

I’m gonna be a bear! “giggling”

~Hope — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:49:08 +0000

received this from one of my blood sisters.. in email..

I think that is what I wanna be.. now I am not really sure of course if its possible.. but if it is.. that is what I wanna be..besides then I can sleep through out the cold months.. heaven .. is what that would be for sure..
"wink"..
have a great day dear friends..
soft hugs…