A Prayer for Young Women

I am new to the Catholic faith but find immense peace in spite of my eagerness to see and do everything. I'm a wife and mother of two teenage boys, a writer and artist, but I find the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in so many unexpected places. I have hope again.

The Virgin Mary is more than the mother of God. She is a model for women everywhere. While in my younger days I made bad choices but I have corrected as many as I kind and my husband and I will be together 31 years this May. I cannot think of a better role model for me. She is kind, loving, and obedient to God.

As I look at the young women my sons date and befriend, I'm aware of my position as a mentor to them. There are so many young women at the high school behaving inappropriately and engaging in dangerous behavior, that I say many prayers while on campus.

The perils that await these young women are numerous and complex -- drugs, sex, music, the internet, teenage pregnancy and motherhood, STDs, AIDs, rape, and death from truly evil people who kill for pleasure. I would be scared to death if I were a young girl today.

What can we do as Christian women?

First we pray.

James 5
16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Second we must encourage the young women we know to be the best person they can. We need to be a role model for them. Jesus teaches us to be a role model with the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes and many parables. We must be faithful, living the word of Jesus, displaying kindness, gentleness, modesty, and love–the love of God, the love of self, and the love of our fellow man.

As Christian women we need to dress modestly but neatly, we need to do one unto another as we would have done to us. We need to put God first, family second, and all else after that. A Christian woman does not curse, speak unkindly and falsely, does not gossip, does not allow herself to be placed into a compromising situation with a man who is not her husband or a family member. A Christian woman seeks first the Lord.

I pray that all of us follow the example of our Lord and make young women and their development a priority in our lives. Great will be our reward on heaven and earth for our faithfulness to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We lift our praise high and thank you for the many blessings of life. We thank you for the providing a companion and helpmate on earth to share our joys and pain. I am not worthy except through you as Lord and Saviour. Thank you for your sacrifice on our behalf Lord.

Father we lift up young women everywhere that they may know you and find peace and happiness. Our young women are assaulted daily with temptations to sin, to demean themselves, to do evil. They are weak and vulnerable, Lord. Please give them strength and wisdom. Place Christian women in their path to show them the way. Make us instruments of your love to show them the way. Keep our young women safe and healthy. Instill them with thy love and peace and especially courage to stand for what they know is right.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen

All Biblical References are from the 1769 Oxford King James Bible 'Authorized Version

Matthew 14:22-35 Faith in the storm

Here in the midwest we are being blanketed by record snowfalls and now ice. Colerain High School is closed again today--the roads were too icy. Our district is the largest in the state in both area and population. Much of the township is still a rural community, making icing and snow conditions worse for school buses. There will probably be no school tomorrow.

The weather forecasters have been posting warnings for days and now it is here. The populace is paralyzed and bought milk, bread, soft drinks, beer, snacks, and salt. And snow shovels. 

Jesus is with us at all times but faced with the storm of the century, people go with what they can see, not what they can't. Who are we if we forget our faith so easily? We are no different than Jesus' apostles--trapped on the sea in a fierce storm they were afraid--only hours after Jesus used 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed the multitude. 

Scripture tells us the disciples were frightened of the storm when they saw Jesus approach them, walking on the water. Their fear increased believing a specter was approaching. Jesus called to them and the disciples were relieved to learn Jesus was coming to them. 

Peter asked Jesus to let him come to Jesus over the water. Jesus complied and Peter stepped out in faith, walking across the water. He believed on Jesus to protect him but upon seeing the storm, Peter lost his faith and began to sink into the water. He called upon the Lord to save him--

³¹And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

The test of faith is belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in times of extreme stress, turmoil, and danger. History gives us many examples--Noah, Moses, David, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Joseph who raised Jesus, martyrs Joan of Arc, thousands of soldiers in battles on land, in the air and on the sea--all who knew their chances of survival were slim and none, and more likely none, but they knew God would welcome them into heaven, and they made the sacrifice for others.

I would like to be able to say "YES" I will have faith and I would march into battle for Jesus and my fellow man, but I fear I will repeat Peter's mistake. I have a much better chance of saying "Yes" if I build my faith in Jesus through small acts, building to bigger acts, and finally following God's will without hesitation.

 Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, please be patient with this humble servant and help me to grow in faith. I praise your name without ending and welcome your comfort and commands. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Bella Steele 

^{Matthew 14:22-35}

²² And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Jesus Walking on the Sea
Matthew Chapter 14 : 22

²³ And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

²⁴ But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

²⁶ And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

²⁷ But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

²⁸ And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

²⁹ And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

³⁰ But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

³² And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

³³ Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

³⁴ And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

³⁵ And when the men of that place ha

The Eternal Struggle

Today I have been witness to the eternal struggle and it was tiring. It was not good v. evil but man v. boy and there were no winners.

My oldest son Jon is learning to drive. His father is teaching him. I'm getting a lesson in prayer. After a particularly brutal exchange I found myself making the Sign of the Cross. His brother leaned over and if Jon was really that bad. I told him no, but I was praying for patience--it isn't a strong suit in father or son. To make matters worse Jon didn't want to drive and his father is in pain from a back problem (worse since our accident 2 months ago) and a sinus infection. As father as his father was concerned today, Jon could do nothing right. I am so glad works dissipate quickly, otherwise when we opened a door, all those F words would fall out and embarrass me.

We drove to our favorite restaurant in Jeffersonville, IN for fish (a distance of 125 miles). The fish was excellent as always. Gideon was supposed to drive on the way back but it was getting dark and he was sleepy from eating, so he didn't drive.

This was a matter of placing things in God's hands. And I did that. Tomorrow I want a nice quiet day.

Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for protecting us. Amen.

Prayers freely given here

I have been neglectful in posting my prayers but I'm trying. Yesterday I posted one to the Faith, Hope and Love RWA website--for my husband (severe sinus infection) and Mary McCall, a member of FHL and the new president of Hearts Through History (shoulder injury and personal trials.)

The title of this post came to me spontaneously and I'm taking as sign the Lord wants to me write about prayer.

I've struggled a lot with prayer. Fearful to ask for prayer because I don't want to burden others, yet it gives me joy to pray for others.There is no giant chalkboard listing how many prayers I prayed and now many times I asked for prayers and if I get too out of balance, I will be cut off for a while.  Its the old tic for tac philosophy but that is not very Christian. Jesus only requires you to believe in your prayers but that is hard also. But who am I not to follow his direction?

I searched for an appropriate scripture verse and the Lord led me to the following:

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in PRAYER, believing, ye shall receive.

This pretty much sums it up but what was Jesus' purpose. Jesus has made his last (triumphal) entrance into Jerusalem for passover upon an ass. Feeling pangs of hunger the Lord searches a fig tree for its fruits. Finding none he cursed the tree causing it to wither and die. His disciples are astounded and question how he could do it so quickly. Jesus responded that by faith you can cause a mountain to move and cast itself into the sea.  (The full text is below.) He continues that if you have faith then your prayer will be granted.

Many times I question the efficacy of my prayers because so many are not promptly granted, but many times I'm astonished with how quickly my prayers are granted. The difference is me and my ability to believe. In other words, my faith waivers. I can pray for a mountain to throw itself into the sea, but I know inwardly there is disbelief in my heart. It is not because I don't believe the Lord can do it, but because I'm human and much too pragmatic to believe it 110%. It is not the Lord I'm doubting, it is me.

How do you build your faith to where you can overcome your pragmatism? You build it by studying the scriptures and reconciling yourself to God's words. You pray for guidance and wisdom. You build it by worship and fellowship. Surround yourself with things of the Lord. Wear a necklace, a ring, a pin that reminds you to be faith and trust in the Lord. As you learn to trust in the Lord more, you will lean less on yourself, and grow.

I want to offer a prayer for us. Dear Lord, we come as your children, asking you to lead us, teach us, and shelter us. We worship and adore you. There is nothing in this world that you can not do. Help us to lay our cares at your feet. We pray for healing of the sick, comfort for the infirmed and justice for all. Amen



Matthew 21:1-22

¹ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

² Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.

³ And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

⁴ All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

⁵ Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

⁶ And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

⁷ And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set [him] thereon.

⁸ And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed [them] in the way.

⁹ And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

¹⁰ And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

¹¹ And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

¹² And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

¹³ And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

¹⁴ And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

The Triumphal Entry
Matthew Chapter 21 : 1

¹⁵ And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

¹⁶ And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

¹⁷ And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

¹⁸ Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

¹⁹ And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

²⁰ And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

²¹ Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

²² And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Prayer Petitions January 6, 2011

O' Dearest Heavenly Father, I praise thee and adore thee as Lord and Savior.

Thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on me and my family.

I pray for my husband, that he will live long and be pain free. Grant him your peace.

Please bless Jonathan and Gideon, Dear Heavenly Father. That their grades will improve and they will grow to be men in your service.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you bless and guide LoRee Peery peace and the ability to manage her writing time and networking/marketing time in a stress-free manner to bring honor to you.

I ask the Lord to bless and protect Chris, Leanne's grandson, Max Thornton, and all our service men and women. Keep them safe from the enemy so that they may return to their families.

I ask thee Lord to grant peace and compassion to Melinda Porter. Free her from those who would take advantage of her and help her to get published. Bless her family, Heavenly Father.

Help me to forgive Denise Pattison for the wrongs done me. Please enrich her life, Heavenly Father and protect her and her family..

Please touch and heal Mary McCall, that she will continue to be beacon for your love. Ease her pain and increase her joy.

I pray for you to pour out your love on country and guide our leaders in your pathways. Bless the poor and lift them up.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Morgan's Doll

Some

I'm working on a special doll for Morgan, the grand-daughter of my oldest friend, Penny. Morgan's mother
died unexpectedly on New Year's Day several years. Morgan is one week younger than my second son. Morgan's mother died unexpectedly on New Year's Day several years ago. I've had a burning urge to make things for little girls and since I have boys, and no nieces.  Of course I don't want her or her other daughter and grand-daughter to feel left out, but I have to finish this first.

(photos by Gideon)

Morgan's favorite color is pink, the doll will be in shades of pink-light pink, darker pink, and burgundy. I've crocheted the petticoat, the bodice in light pink and I will add a ruffle of dark pink/burgundy. The second overskirt is burgundy and will have flowers and swags added. I'm working on pink angel wings and a light pink overskirt.

I purchased 3 Barbie dolls for $7 at Walgreens--and their cheapness is apparent but I needed them for the fit. I wish I had my Barbie dolls from childhood but my mother's son stole them from me as he did everything else--the house, her crystal, my Smokie the Bear, my baby doll, my books, and so many things. I struggle to forgive him and while I can say the words, putting them into motion is difficult. My family is here with me and I can't ask for anything better than that.

I must get back to hooking while trying to work out a story line for a novel in my head and on paper.

Happy New Year to All. May God Bless you in the coming year.

Bella

A Christmas Meditation

Gospel, Lk 1:57-66

⁵⁷ The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son;

⁵⁸ and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had lavished on her his faithful love, they shared her joy.

⁵⁹ Now it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,

⁶⁰ but his mother spoke up. 'No,' she said, 'he is to be called John.'

⁶¹ They said to her, 'But no one in your family has that name,'

⁶² and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called.

⁶³ The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And they were all astonished.

⁶⁴ At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God.

⁶⁵ All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea.

⁶⁶ All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. 'What will this child turn out to be?' they wondered. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.

This scripture relates the birth of John the Baptist, a cousin to Jesus. A scant three months older than Jesus, he will enter his ministry first and direct the way of the Lord. As a Herald of the Savior Christ Jesus, John’s pedigree is not that of a high official. He is the only child of Zechariah, an aged priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, who is barren and advanced in years. They live a simple life in Judea. Until, as one of my sons might say, miracles happen.

Zechariah was a priestly man, older and pretty set in his ways. While fulfilling his duties as a priest, he entered into the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. This was something he’d done before, but that day it would be different. I can picture his body language when an Angel of the Lord appears to him. His and Elizabeth’s prayers are to be answered and she will give birth to a son, who will be called John. Zechariah wasn’t overjoyed at the prospect–they were old and babies were gifts to the young–who had more energy and more experience with children.

Doubt would’ve been a good response for Zechariah if it had been someone other than Gabriel, an angel of the Lord standing there. Gabriel wasn’t amused and immediately demonstrated his power by taking Zechariah’s speech until the events came true. Some people would consider this to be a major miracle, stopping a man from talking, but I digress. The events came true and Elizabeth conceived a child. Her cousin Mary visited and the babe in Elizabeth’s womb leaped in joy at the presence of the Lord, recognizing Mary as the Mother of Jesus, the Christ and Savior.

Time passed and the child has been born, a miracle of immense proportions, that certainly out does silence. The child is born and taken to be presented at the temple (read circumcised) and get his name. People have been ignoring Zechariah but they consult with Elizabeth wants to name the baby John. There are no Johns in their family so they sought out Zechariah, and no doubt shouted the question at him. My mother suffered from hearing loss and she could speak normally but it always amazed her people thought she couldn’t talk unless they yelled at her. Fetching a tablet he writes the child’s name is John.

Zechariah is released from his punishment as the prophecies have come true. He praises the Lord God for his fulfilling his promises and in honor of the miracles past, present and to come–an Angel appeared and spoke to him; John was conceived and born to a barren woman and her husband–likewise old; fulfillment of the prophecies concerning a Savior;

I was no Elizabeth or Sarah but I do remember my doctor writing on my chart at every visit–advanced maternal age. I can feel the joy Elizabeth knew at finally bearing a child. Like her I pledged my sons to the service of the Lord. I have faith the Lord will bless and protect them, just as Elizabeth and Mary did.

The story of the birth and presentation of the John the Baptist remains a stronger reminder that God is in control and his timing may not be our timing, but we are to wait upon the Lord, faithfully vigilant to his will, with praise on our lips and in our hearts.

Merry Christmas.

Bella