Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means “fiftieth day” and is celebrated fifty days after Easter.
Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus’ mother and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day of Passover. While they were indoors praying, a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads. This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel. Joel 2:28-29
How beautiful to know that the theme for World Youth 2008 in Sydney was from Acts 1:8
When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.
Indeed this is what happened 2000 years ago and is continuing today.
When the day of Pentecost came all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there was what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were filled with the Holy Spirit…….. Acts 2:1-4
Red is the liturgical colour for this day. Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost. The colour red also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs. These are the believers of every generation who by the power of the Holy Spirit hold firm to the true faith even at the cost of their lives.
Here we are in the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit – our youth and our land will have been touched in many ways by the Holy Spirit.
What occurred in Sydney 2008 was no coincidence, it was God-incidence.
Are we ready for Him? Are we ready for a great revival in our land?
Do we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Will we accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit and USE them, not just for ourselves but for the good of others as it was intended?
Happy Birthday Dear Church
Happy Pentecost to You All.
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1. I finally managed to paint the laundry door. The first side I painted turned out an awful job. I have been so out of pactice I forgot how to go about it properly. But Praise God, by the time I painted the other side I got it right and it looks great. Fortunately the good side is the side facing out which will be visible to everyone.
2. I booked an appointment to take up a 3 Day Trial Offer with Contours. I’ve been procrastinating over exercising for way too long. My first session is booked for Thursday …. Yay!
3. Shopping trips trips usually include time for coffee and cake or a sweet of some sort – whether I need it or not. On Monday I stuck to my short shopping list and managed to do what I had to do without stopping for a coffee – not that stopping for a coffee is a bad thing, it’s what accompanies the coffee that isn’t always a good thing to do.
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Small Successes is hosted by Danielle at Faith and Family.
Come and share your little successes and read what other lovely people have to share.
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FOR TODAY…
Outside my window…
… it’s night time, late, and the rain has been falling.
I am thinking…
… of the bills that need to be paid.
I am thankful for…
… the Lord’s help, guidance and healing.
From the learning rooms…
… time management.
From the kitchen…
… we have already eaten a delicious meal of apricot chicken and rice ….so all that’s left are the empty dishes waiting to be placed in the dishwasher.
I am wearing…
… my nightie and robe
I am creating…
… a new work space – actually this is an ongoing project which has been making very slow progress, but I’m getting there.
I am praying for…
… two young friends who have given a year to be a part of the NET Ministry – one did her training in Canada and is serving in Ireland; and the other has stayed in Australia and was sent to the far north of Queensland.
I am going…
… to bed, after The Holy Land Rosary on EWTN.
I am reading…
… nothing of interest.
I am hoping…
… to revive my home based business soon.
I am hearing…
… daily mass on EWTN
Around the house…
… the new laundry door has been painted but now I need to clean up the painting gear and put the family room back in order. (the door was too heavy to drag outside to paint so I placed it on the dining table)
One of my favourite things...
… snuggling up on the couch in my pj’s, sipping from a mug of coffee, eating chocolate and watching a great movie, all while wind and rain rages outside.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Going to my first trial workout session at Contours; work out my next plan of action for the renovations; colour my hair to cover a ‘few’ greys (haven’t done this for over two years); preparing to go away this coming weekend to celebrate Pentecost.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Our dear little Toto was a much loved pooch. These photos were taken a few years back, through our kitchen window (with fly screen). The middle photo was taken a day after. I had to act quickly as Toto would’ve jumped off quickly if he knew we were watching. I miss the little fellow …..
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Therese from Aussie Coffee Shop posted this video on her blog. I love it so had to share it here too ……. I think you’ll love it too.
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I have posted about Our Lady of the Southern Cross previously but I just had to post again as today, May 24th, is the feast of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians – under the title of Help of Christians. In 1844, Mary, under this title was chosen as the patroness of Australia at the First Provincial Synod of Sydney. This statue of Mary, Help of Christians, stands in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, Australia. The Cathedral was dedicated in her honor by the Irish pioneer priest, Fr. John Therry who arrived in Sydney in 1820 and assumed responsibility for the planning and initial construction of the Cathedral.
Mother and virgin, she is the Patroness of Australia, under the title “Help of Christians.” Under the title of ‘Our Lady of the Southern Cross’ she is patron of the Australian Diocese of Toowoomba and of WYD08.
The title of ‘Southern Cross’ derives from the constellation of stars seen only from the southern hemisphere. Mary is the Help of Christians as she leads all people to her Son. She is our help and our advocate.
Artist Paul Newton shares about his painting -
“She is totally focused upon him and holds him affectionately to herself,” …… “At the same time she holds him so as to face us, the viewers, as if presenting or giving him to us.
“I wanted to suggest in Mary’s demeanour serenity and great humility, not drawing attention to herself but rather to her son.
God first entered the world through Mary, who is ‘full of grace’ (Luke 1:28), when Jesus was born, and Jesus performed his first public miracle at her prodding. She was centrally present when the Spirit was poured out upon the nascent Church at Pentecost, fulfilling the promise ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses’ (Acts 1:8). She teaches us how to allow God to be poured out upon the world through us, to ‘magnify’ Him (c.f. Luke 1:46-55), so that He can be seen, known, loved and worshipped.
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Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia, Mother of Mercy, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners, we consecrate ourselves to thine Immaculate Heart.
To thee we consecrate our country, our families, our hearts, our souls and all that we have.
And in order that this consecration may be truly effective and lasting, we renew today the promise of our Baptism and Confmnation; we undertake to live as good Christians -faithful to God, the Church and the Holy Father. We desire to pray the Rosary, partake in the Holy Eucharist, attach special importance to the first Saturday of the month and work for the conversion of sinners.
Furthermore we promise, O most holy Virgin, that we will zealously spread devotion to thee, so that through our consecration to thine Immaculate Heart and through thine own intercession, the coming of the Kingdom of Christ in the world may be hastened. Amen.
With ecclesiastical approval.
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Something About Mary is being hosted by JMJ at Totus Tuus Family
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“I am the bread of life.
He who comes to me will never go hungry
and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
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Praise God for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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Praise God for his protection and avoiding a head-on collision at a busy intersection.
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Praise God for Holy Hour at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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Praise God for my cousin who has been helping me with all the difficult bits that need need doing in the garage.
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Praise God for yummy chocolate comfort food.
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Take a few moments to give thanks to God…
Praise is hosted by Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. Come and join us.
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She touches our hearts and loves us dearly as our Heavenly Mother. Praying the Rosary is a powerful tool that Mary has handed to us. Here are some thoughts from young adults who love to pray the Rosary.
Mary Our Mother, Queen of Peace
Pray for Us.
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Something About Mary is being hosted by JMJ at Totus Tuus Family
Do visit to find out more and join in with us.
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FOR TODAY…
Outside my window…
… there is a glorious bue sky backdrop to our cherry blossom tree which has almost shed all it leaves …. the final stretch of autumn before winter sets in.
I am thinking…
… about yesterday’s prayer meeting and pondering on the teaching. It was a beautiful word from the Lord on the Sacrament of Penance.
I am thankful for…
… Our Blessed Mother’s intercession to help me update 12 months worth of bookkeeping…… don’t ask but I guess it’s called procrastination. I did it all in one week so I know it had to be divine intervention that helped me through it. It’s amazing how we are helped and encouraged when we plead for mercy and help.
From the learning rooms…
… Patience. We are tested continually but this test has been ongoing for three years.
From the kitchen…
… nothing – not even coffee perculating.
I am wearing…
… navy track pants and pink top.
I am creating…
… some new blog posts.
I am praying for…
Conscience and Protecting Life. It was Respect Life Sunday yesterday but the prayers can continue daily. I’m also praying for our Holy Father.
I am reading…
… a little booklet - CONFESSION It’s Fruitful Practice
I am hoping…
… the shelving will get installed in our garage this weekend and not get put off yet again.
I am hearing…
… my nephew & niece squealing and making a general racket outside … I’m just waiting for my sister or brother-in-law to come pick them up.
Around the house…
… the kitchen is a disaster area & needs a good tidy & clean.
One of my favourite things...
… photographing roses.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Shopping for an anniversary gift for a friend; Heading off to Ballarat for the day tomorrow; a doctors appointment Wed morning; organise the next lot of paerwork ready to enter.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
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Today is Defending Conscience and Protecting Life Sunday.
The following prayer is Published by the Respect Life Office
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Please join us in prayer ….
Heavenly Father, Source of all life,
we know that even in our darkest moments
you are with us.
We pray that you will give us
new life and renewed courage
so people of life will continue to grow in love.
Awaken in us all
a new reverence and respect for all life,
especially for those yet to be born into the world.
Help us to encourage and support
all Mothers and Fathers,
particularly those facing difficult pregnancies.
Move the hearts of all our politicians to protect
the weakest and most defenceless entrusted
to their care, especially unborn children.
Guide and protect all those in the caring professions;
grant them your wisdom and peace
as we work together with all people of good will
to build a new civilisation of truth and love.
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When Jesus saw his mother,
and the disciple whom he loved standing near,
he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”
Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”
And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Gospel of John 19:26-27
I love this passage of scripture. Here is our Lord, in excruciating pain while on the cross – He does not focus on His suffering but on the needs of others. Jesus looks after the needs of the beloved disciple John and of His Mother…… but this moment is not only for the two standing at the foot of the cross but for all disciples – and it is at this moment that Mary becomes mother of all disciples of Jesus….. she is Our Mother too.
Isn’t it wonderful that here on Mother’s Day, we too as mothers, can turn to our Lovely Lady of love and mercy and ask her to intercede for us for our needs and the needs of all her children on earth.
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Something About Mary is being hosted by JMJ at Totus Tuus Family
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Praying for all mothers around the world. May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May he grant you your heart’s desires and fill you with His joy.
‘Maternal Admiration’, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau.
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Mary our Mother, Queen of Peace,
Pray for us.
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FOR TODAY…
Outside my window…
… Zac is looking intently to see if there’s a treat on the way. It’s not something he gets every day but most days he is given a doggie biscuit….. of course, Zac is a little pooch – a cross between a pug & shii-tzu.
I am thinking…
… of the work that needs doing before the weekend arrives.
I am thankful for…
… my cousin who will give me a helping hand with the garage … the never ending saga to this much needed, overdue make over.
From the learning rooms…
… if you skip your time with the Lord for one day – He notices; if you skip your time with the Lord the next day – You notice it; if you skip your time with the Lord the third time – Everyone notices. Precious moments in prayer or quiet time with Jesus can’t be left out of our day – it’s our source of strength & grace to do or handle anything that life throws our way.
From the kitchen…
… left over meatballs are just as delicious in a toasted sandwich as on a plate of pasta.
I am wearing…
… navy track pants and a red, long sleeve t-shirt; black socks and thongs …. what a sight, lol….
I am creating
… a new posting idea for one of my other blogs.
I am praying for…
… the pro-life youth movement in Victoria. They’re young and keen and want to see an abortion free State.
I am going…
… to take my son shopping shortly – a few birthday presents to buy.
I am reading…
… the latest edition of Country Home Ideas magazine…. so many gorgeous decor ideas.
I am hoping…
… to return to my creative work very, very soon. It’s been way too long since I was able to paint creatively.
I am hearing…
… nothing but the low hum of my computer. It’s amazing really – not usually that quiet around here.
Around the house…
… the ironing pile is down to almost nil …. WaaHooo ……..sigh, but another load of washing to put out, lol.
One of my favourite things...
… enjoying a good cup of excellent coffee and cake with a friend.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
…. I need to paint a section of the brick, interior garage wall in preparation for the work to be done this coming weekend; Joining my newly found walking group for the weekly walk; attending Holy Hour at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Saying Grace – BBQ night at the Apollo Bay homeschoolers (& ex-homeschoolers) camp. Not everyone is in this photo but I just had to take the opportunity for this photo.
If you would like to join in, please visit Peggy, who hosts The Simple Woman’s Daybook, and also check out other Daybook entries.
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