GENESIS 12:3

3 I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee, and IN THEE shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed:

WAIT A MINUTE, DID I HEAR YOU RIGHT?

Dear hubby, Daniel and I went to Cornerstone Church to hear speaker Brigitte Gabriel. This is the first time I'd heard of her and her group Act! For America.
Norm had heard that she was going to speak about radical Islam which has a large group here in Springfield (!!!). Now that's not what a person normally thinks about when they think of the Ozarks. So we went and listened and so I'm more interested to hear what can be done without having to just throw money into the machine, so-to-speak. A local group meets at The Library Center every last Tuesday of the month at 7pm. I hope to learn more there.
I signed up for their newsletter. You can too HERE.
It was nice to see such a large turn-out. There was plenty of security at the event too. Apparently she's on a muslim hit-list.
It was also nice to see our service men and women honored. Can we ever say "THANK YOU!" enough to those who have fought for our freedoms?
It was a nice evening and nice to get out. SO NICE to see so many other concerned Americans.
Keep praying for peace but be willing to fight for what is right. AMEN!
********************+JMJ+********************


SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PRAY FOR US!



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CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE

There will be a Catholic Men's Conference here in Springfield, Missouri on Saturday, November 7. For more information click HERE.

STILL KNITTING, HOWEVER...

I've been knitting up washcloths ("grandma's favorite" pattern), burial buntings, and finished the superstretchy preemie hats. However, in September I will steer away from knitting and focus on some cross stitching that I've been wanting to finish for many years now. It's the "Angels of Peace and Joy Sampler" from the Better Homes and Gardens Cross Stitch & Country Crafts magazine, February 1995 issue. After my first son was born cross stitching was my obsession. After my third son was born the knitting took over. Now it's time to go back and start on those cross stitch projects I've wanted to complete for ever so long now. We'll see how long it takes me to finish this one;~P

LEGO HOUSES

Daniel has been in a creative mood building Lego houses. Michael has enjoyed the fruits of his big brothers labor:~D The last photo shows the kitten for scale.

THE MORNING OFFERING

On rising in the morning we should drop on our knees for a moment and make the following offering to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord:

Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the pure hands of Mary I offer Thee all the prayers, works and sufferings of this day and of all my life for the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, for the Apostleship of Prayer and for all my own intentions.
(Some like to add:)
Every breath I draw this day, every beating of my heart, every step I take, every word I say, every movement of my body and mind I wish to be an act of love for Thee such as Thy Blessed Mother herself performed.

This act is short, but we should say it with full deliberation. It is of the highest importance, for it transforms every act of the day, every work, every suffering into an act of love, into an act of merit.
What thousands of acts of love we can thus perform! What immense graces we shall receive! What glory we shall give to God!
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This is an excerpt from the little book "How to Be Happy, How to Be Holy" by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.) I bought this little book from the TAN publishing company several years ago and just came across it again. Just a reminder to praise God and to "Pray without ceasing." ~1 Thess. 5:17

IT'S WEDNESDAY ALREADY?

Well folks, this summer has really flown by!
Chester and Daniel are really quite a pair. They both are about being on the go and having fun, but they rest well together too.
I like the yellow and black hat I made in the 12-24 month size. It will be sent to The Preemie Project for their fund raiser later this year. I really like most everything Debbie Bliss puts out and the book: Debbie Bliss Baby and Toddler Knits has some really nice knits.
I've also just come across a nice washcloth pattern that can be found here. I'm making this one for my kitchen and just this evening used a couple of 40% off coupons at Michael's where Eric picked a couple of colors of Sugar 'n Cream. I'm going to make a few cloths for my boys for their use one day. Another place I just came across that has some nice free cloth patterns is here.
Came across the cutest hat pattern for preemies. The one shown is for the small preemie. I have one on the needles now that's for the large size preemie. Next I'll do the medium size.
Got the book, "Do One Nice Thing" by Debbie Tenzer from the public library, from their "new" section. I've been doing a few of the things mentioned already. If you are interested in finding out the many things you can do to make the world a little nicer go check out their site here. It's pretty inspiring and uplifting.
I was inspired today to fill yet another trash bag full of clothing to go to Goodwill. The Fly Lady has some really good tips on helping you accomplish such a task.
The last picture shows my young budding chalk artist making his latest creation on the chalkboard. Hope you are inspired to make every day count:~D

DID YOU SAY 750?

WOW! That's how many bags my friend Knitnana has made. If you leave a comment on her blog before midnight (EDT) on August 10 you might win a few goodies. Check out the other ways you could win. Congratulations on your 5 years in business! Your bags are truly beautiful:~D

THE BAKTUS SCARF

Made with two skeins (each skein approximately 250 yards) of South West Trading Company's BAMBOO 100% bamboo yarn, using US2 needles. This is a nice scarf measuring approximately 64" in length and 15" at the widest part. The pattern can be found here.

EXPRESSIONS OF JOY

Father and son. Both the babies of their families. They create much joy for me.
I also would like to comment that the clip from Jill and Kevin's wedding is a wonderful expression of joy. This particular expression isn't for everyone but it sure is nice to see joyful expressions. It reminds me of king David in the Bible who would dance joyfully(and naked) for God.
I think as a society we are starved for the joyful expression. So many of my teachers while growing up have commented on the lack of joy in our generation. I want to do all I can to cultivate joy. I suppose if I focus on the joyful things I won't have time to worry too much about many of the sorrowful times we are sure to go through. I do know that God is good and will give us the graces necessary to get through whatever happens.

FRUITS OF THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY

Here's an article about the fruits of the mysteries of the rosary. In summary they are:
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
The Annunciation-Humility
The Visitation-Love of Neighbor
The Nativity of the Lord-Poverty of Spirit, Detachment from the Things of the World
Presentation-Obedience
Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple-Piety

THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
The Baptism of Jesus-Openness to the Holy Spirit
The Miracle at Cana-To Jesus through Mary
Proclamation of the Kingdom of God-Repentance, Trust in God
Transfiguration-Desire for Holiness
Institution of the Eucharist-Eucharistic Adoration, Active Participation at Mass

THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
Agony in the Garden-Contrition, Conformity to the Will of God
Scourging at the Pillar-Purity, Mortification
Crowning with Thorns-Moral Courage
Carrying of the Cross-Patience
Crucifixion-Salvation, Self-Denial

THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
The Resurrection-Faith
The Ascension-Hope
The Descent of the Holy Spirit-Wisdom, Love of God
The Assumption of Mary-Devotion to Mary
The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Eternal Happiness