Run With Perseverance

Our life can be a long and sometimes difficult race. We often grow weary and are in great need of rest. But this race is not like any we have ever run. We do not compete against the other runners, nor do we all even run the same course. We run the race marked out by our Heavenly Father; and yet, we ALL must strive toward the same finish line.

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Perseverance means "to persist in spite of opposition or discouragement." But the original Greek includes the idea of patience and a determined endurance. We are therefore being told to patiently run the race, and to keep on running with determination and endurance, in spite of opposition or discouragement. What a wonderful picture!

Hindrances to our race can be represented by weeds which try to wrap around our legs and slow us down. This "sin that so easily entangles" can often be difficult to even recognize. We may be running a clear path without a hint of weeds; everything has been going well and we feel immune to the temptations of this world. But without our eyes fixed on Jesus - without our heart fully trusting Him for every step - our path can become covered before we even realize there is a problem.

We must maintain an acute awareness of the condition of our path. Weeds are not acceptable and must be cleared away (the word of God and prayer is an excellent weed killer!). There are no circumstances where weeds add beneficial "flavor" or excitement - they ALWAYS hinder!!

Please remember that our race is a long marathon, not a quick sprint. In order to persevere, we must prepare for many hills and valleys (and weeds) along the way. We must develop a burning desire to one day boldly say; "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus endured the cross (finished the race) because of "the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2). And if we will keep our eyes on Jesus as our eternal joy, we "will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3).

No matter what this day may bring, we must persist with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus until we hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant....Come and share your Master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23). Some days we may only be able to take small baby steps, but still we must continue and run with the sole purpose of bringing Him glory and honor in ALL we do. Our race can be filled with joy and peace, but we must commit to a life of absolute trust and run with perseverance!

At Rotondo Italy

http://gdwm.org/

It is Saturday

Thank you God our loving Father for this beautiful day. Today the church celebrate the Visitation of Blessed Virgin Mother Mary , it remain me that I must learn from Mother Mary that I have to help others who are in need of my help.

Share the Joy with others!

Happy Sunday

Start sunday with Pete go for mass at 9 am, I have RCIA ,today is my sharing with the catechumens, with few of the sponsors went for pilgrimage in K L for feast of St Jude, we have a smaller group today,but it turn out good.
Today gospel is about the pharisee and the tax collector, it about humility....

lovely bear

friendly lion

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

I have two goddaughters this Easter, Elisabeth and Magdalene, they are baptised on Easter vigil 30/3/2013.Praise the Lord!

Happy Easter

Elisabeth Nittaya

Magdalene

Thought of the day

• We never know the effects of kindness and goodness. Even something good done for a person years ago can still be well remembered. Somewhere like water having its effect wherever it flows, our goodness always gives life, even in the future. A cup of cold water given in the name of God is not forgotten by God. These are the unremembered acts of kindness and of love. In the small things we show our love, which may be the strongest part of any love.

Conversation requires talking and listening. As I talk to Jesus may I also learn to be still and listen. I picture the gentleness in his eyes and the smile full of love as he gazes on me. I can be totally honest with Jesus as I tell him of my worries and my cares. I will open up my heart to him as I tell him of my fears and my doubts. I will ask him to help me to place myself fully in his care, to abandon myself to him, knowing that he always wants what is best for me.

Blessing

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Daily Blessing

If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint. And if you wish to become a great saint, entreat Him yourself to give you much opportunity for suffering; for there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for His own great sacrifice of boundless charity.
- Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Live God

Look back and thank God.
Look forward and trust God.
Look around and serve God.
Look within and find God!"

"I asked God, 'How do I get the best out of life?'
God said, 'Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear!'"

"Without God, our week is: Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday and Sinday.
So, allow Him to be with you every day!"

"Life is short, so forgive quickly.
Believe slowly.
Love truly.
Laugh uncontrollably.
Never regret anything that makes you happy.
And have a wonderful journey!!!"

Daily Blessing

In all that you undertake, direct yourself, not only with your understanding, but particularly pay attention to the voice of your heart. - Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Daily Blessing

There are moments in life of special importance such as when the Lord shows us the way to be followed and then leaves it up to our will to respond.
- Blessed Margarita de Maturana (1884-1934)