Saturday, July 29, 2017

Second Chance - Part 1

TO my ABBA Father, To my sweet Jesus and the Spirit of God, all Glory be.
Mama Mary, thank you with and from my heart. I love you mama.

Dedication: Thank You God for my parents, my brothers, my cousins, my entire family line. 
Thank You for and to all my Saints. Thank You for my Guardian-Angel and all the Angels of the world. 
Thank you my Arch-Angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
My heartfelt gratitude to My very own PIO. I love you with my whole heart. I love you, Pope Paul VI. I love you St. Jude and I love you my very own Raphael.

Thank You God for all the Priests & nuns (all orders). Thank You for both our Popes, Thank You for our Bishops and for our Cardinals. 
Thank You God for the whole world. I pray for all of them and Your unfailing love and mercy on all of them and me.




My People,

Good Morning! Holy Mighty God! Good Morning to each and every one! It’s a beautiful day. Love is a beautiful song no matter what the lyrics are, the heart must sing. 


Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’


Love is a dream and Only LOVE can in a moment touch Eternity. This is to Second Chance.... and to LOVE. When you love somebody, you love them forever and no matter what there are no conditions.  
As the wind goes through the valley
and the road is to the sea
oh my heart it feels much better
cause sweet love has come to me

as I walk o'er to the mountain
oh my mind just wants to dance
my heart it feels much better
'cause we have a second chance

As the wind goes through the valley
and the road is to the sea
oh my heart it feels much better
cause sweet love has come to me






When we go through times of suffering, the problems always look bigger than they are.

  • We need to magnify God. God is bigger than all the problems put together.
  • We serve a SUPERNATURAL GOD!
Remember: All the forces of darkness can’t stop God. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. God’s grace is bigger than any challenge or setback.

REMEMBER-Remember: And God moves ‘Suddenly’.




Day 14th June, 2015. Fr. William gave us this fact of the Chinese Bamboo tree in His homily. This is a repeat – one I love to retell, and one that does good to remember. When you pray and don't see the answers coming, please remember the Chinese Bamboo Tree.

The CHINESE BAMBOO TREE when planted, watered, and nurtured for an entire growing season doesn't grow outwardly. Then, after the second year the tree still hasn't sprouted. So it goes for four solid years. The farmer has nothing to show for all of his labour.
In the fifth year the seed finally sprouts and the bamboo tree grows up to 90 feet in just one growing season!
The tree was dormant for four years. During the years the tree was developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year. The same principle is true for people. In the time that God takes to for the answer to reach us, we are being exposed to the trying circumstances that build the inner character and to teach us to believe and see with the eyes of faith. What it does, is it makes us people that walk in belief with God. The people who will wait being calm amidst the storm.
Had the farmer dug up his little seed every year to see if it was growing, he would have stunted the tree's growth as surely as a caterpillar is doomed to a life on the ground if it is freed from its struggle inside a cocoon prematurely. The struggle in the cocoon is what gives the future butterfly the wing power to fly.
Unfortunately, we live in a restless world a world that has forgotten the essence and beauty to the word ‘wait.’
And, Suddenly! But never on our time and count if you must, will I still say things work out best, when we work on and In God’s Time.  

When times are the most difficult and one is at the lowest point, it does not help. And the worst is when one sees no way out. When you feel that God is at a distance that is when you say out loud I know that I know that I know that God is in control. And maybe you have waited for a long time, and maybe you have yet to see the break of dawn, so this is what I do-what I know best, I wait for God to move and you will find HIM in the SUDDENLY...
When we go through times of trouble, when we look at life and the heartaches that come with the day, may we be filled with the knowing that God is here and now? 




PRAISE is an attitude of the heart. Praise precedes victory!
Faith is a total surrender of oneself into God’s care. If one is always looking at their problems — one will become consumed by them. As powerful as our imaginations can be, God is able to do so much more than we can ever imagine.
When we pray let us come in confidence to ASK, BELIEVE and RECEIVE — and then allow God to do what only GOD CAN!


Whisper the prayer that seems impossible, something that is not achievable on our own. God meets us at the level of our faith. When we dare to ask God to do the Impossible, we will be amazed at what He will do. Amen.


NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for GOD!
We are closest to our victory when we face the greatest opposition. When things get difficult, quitting should never be a choice, just because we are afraid of being hurt. We need to fight the good fight of faith. We will face challenges all the time. God never lets any of our struggles go wasted. Every bit is its own reward. Even Gold is tested in the scorching fire.

My brother and I could speak just about anything and never worry about not being understood between the two of us. We were never perfect, we had our fights. I would calm down within minutes and my brother, it would take him days. But then we would be as if the fight never happened, of course we would talk about it and come to some understanding. I miss him very much and sometimes even more. 
My brother, who is now with the Lord, once said to me, ‘Nothing is impossible, it’s just a matter of being difficult or too difficult.’ And it is difficult.

We are meant to overcome each and every obstacle in life. That means no one can ever be a hindrance to us. We, serve a God, the strongest, the only most powerful force in the whole world.

The Bible - It is a promise come true. And there are so many times, that we fall short on believing. 



Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Genesis 18:14

Abraham and Sarah were way past child-bearing years. Both were in their 90’s. At the time appointed the Lord told Sarah, she would have a son. Almost teasingly, the Lord answer’s Sarah’s laughter from outside the tent, asking a simple question “Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?” (Wonderful implies - too hard or impossible)
The words are to encourage Sarah’s faith in the divine promise. Sarah bore a son Isaac within the year the LORD had promised. We need to move beyond our doubts, and trust that nothing is too wonderful for our God who loves us.


For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 Gabriel (the Archangel) sent by God to announce to Mary, that she was to conceive Jesus. Mary said, ‘how can this be?’ If there is something standing in the way of God’s doing the thing that He needs to do in our life, then yes God can and will overrule the forces of nature.
We are all tempted to think that our situation is too complex for God to work His solution on our behalf. But our challenge comes from God’s own heart to us……………
IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?”
He will not and He cannot suffer His faithfulness to fail. If you have that nagging question, “Is anything too hard for God?” Remember: He can do anything but fail.
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: He cannot deny himself. II Timothy 2:13
That means He keeps on believing. He believes for you and me when we can’t believe. Amen.

With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 

Abraham believed in God against all hope and he obeyed. He knew that God would deliver what God had promised. And God DID!!!! 



Our faith is not meant to get us out of a painful situation. It is meant to reveal God’s faithfulness to us in the midst of our troubles. God does at times change our trying circumstances. But more often, He doesn’t because He wants to change us. Understand this that God will let us grow in the situation. He will never abandon us. But He will let His grace fill us.



Only in the midst of our crisis can we fully experience God’s power. The order was passed that anyone who would not bow down to the king’s idol would be thrown into a fiery furnace. This was the case with the three Hebrew young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused.
The furnace was heated seven times more than customary. The King ordered some of the strongest guards to bind and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. The raging flames killed the men who lifted them.
The three young men walked around in the midst of the flames, singing praises to the Lord. Their attitude was one of supreme confidence. They weren’t complaining. They were at peace. They knew they served a Mighty God. They were thrown into the furnace of fire and they came out without even the smell of smoke on them!

When, God places you in a situation, He knows the outcome. Walk with Faith into the Fire?

If they had suddenly been pulled out of their circumstances, the Lord’s mighty works would not have been known before the ungodly.  

I BELIEVE! This is my motto: I’VE COME TOO FAR TO STOP NOW!

The greatest of miracles are witnessed not when God ends our trials. But the most important part of the miracle is when our faith is expressed. God will remain faithful to us through our hard times. If God makes a promise, He will deliver. God is not a liar. It may take a day, a week, a month, couple of months, a year or sometimes a lot many years. But God is always faithful. And I know, that I know, that I know, that I know…..
We need to have faith like Abraham and glorify God in the toughest situations in our life, because He Who has promised is faithful!


Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20 

All wisdom is God!


One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the more closer we get to God, the more powerful our lives will be. When we get to know the Love of Jesus that moment changes everything. 

We may pray for God to change our circumstances, but we need to be able to face the fact that He wants to change us—regardless of the circumstances. Through days of uncertainty, moments of discouragement it won’t be easy – PUSH through. If God has promised us something even if we can’t see how or when it is going to come to pass. It definitely will. 

I am nothing — but the one thing I can do, that no one can stop, is choose to seek God every day. Keep God first place.
Often, when we pray, we expect the results on our terms and conditions. God takes the time to answer the prayers, because at that moment God is moulding us to be the people God wants us to be. If we have to reach to the next level of blessings, we need to be prepared for living the next level.



PSALMS - HELP US PRAY.   
Fr. Ashlyn explained on the 1st of July
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples’" Luke 11:1 ‘The Our Father’
Jesus seemed to be able to pray at any time and place. The disciples wanted to be able to talk to God just the way Jesus did.                                                             
Psalms are the work of David, whom God called "a man after my own heart." David was Israel’s greatest king. He made mistakes, but David loved God, and in the moments of despair he continued talking to God. David was not afraid to express himself — fear, frustration, anger etc. In the Psalms, David poured out his heart to God. He found strength and comfort in God.
  • Come to God with reverence, and sing to Him a song of praise. Be filled with hope and enthusiasm. When in trouble ask God for help. We should not be afraid to tell God what’s on our mind. And like David, we can urge God to intervene in our life.
  • After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David had her husband Uriah killed in the battle. But when David recognized his sin, he went to God in humility and repentance, asking for forgiveness. In the same way, we should admit our sins to God.
  • Prayer is - sharing our most intimate thoughts with God. Be open and honest. Be willing and prepared to wait for God’s answer in God’s time. ...there was given me a thorn in my flesh...to torment me" 2 Corinthians 12:7. Paul explained:"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’"(v.8-9) We don’t know what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, but it hindered him and he asked God to remove it. God refused. Paul acknowledged that this "thorn" kept him humble. It reminded him of his daily need for contact with God.
  • God will never forsake those who trust Him.
                                                   
27th June, 2017 – Tuesday.
Prayer Service at St. Josephs.
A lady came and gave her testimony. She was suffering Cancer for nearly 8 years. Of which 3-4 times it came back. I did not completely understand her explanation. But I remember her clearly saying that she is now completely cured of the Cancer. She thanked Fr. Ashlyn for his prayers and healing touch.
Thank You, Abba Father.
Thank You, Jesus.
Thank You, Holy Spirit.



Day 01st July 2017 –First Saturday-Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Fr. Ashlyn’s Birthday.
Fr. Ashlyn, gave us the below – quotes from the Bible and Luke 11:1 (Prayer-as explained by Fr. Ashlyn and mentioned above)

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:5
 
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6
 
“And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7
 
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8
 
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25
 
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day. Matthew 6:34
pray constantly,
Thessalonians 5:17  





Day 04th July, 2017 – Tuesday.
Prayer Service at St. Josephs.
Psalms 26:2-3, 9-12
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee. Sweep me not away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, men in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the LORD.
Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus and the great storm.
06:45 – Fr. Reuben.
07:30 – Fr. Daniel


Prayer service at St. Joseph’s 03:30 – 06:15
Fr. Ashlyn & Fr. Francis & Sister Cynthia
Sister spoke beautifully on the Gospel for the chapters on Matthew 8:23-27 I loved the way Sister Cynthia spoke. It was simple and beautiful to hear and a strong message on faith.
Thank You, Abba Father.
Thank You, Jesus.
Thank You, Holy Spirit.



Day 06th July, 2017 - 07:30 St, Vincent De Paul - Fr. Xavier.

Day 08th July, 2017 – Saturday. My Brothers Birthday.


Day 05th July, 2017 – Wednesday.
Psalms 34:7-13
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the LORD is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him! O fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is there who desires life, and covets many days, that he may enjoy good?
06:45 – Fr. Reuben.
07:30 – Fr. Daniel
 
Day 12th July, 2017 – Wednesday.
My Cousins Birthday.
07:30 – Fr. Daniel & 08:00 – Fr. Alvaro


Day 14th July, 2017 – Friday.
My Moms Birthday.


Day 11th July, 2017 & 18th July, 2017 – Tuesday.
Prayer Service at St. Josephs.
Sr. Cynthia, I just love the explanation to the Gospel.
Fr. Francis comes from quiet a distance and I was amazed. The love of Jesus.


Day 20th July, 2017 - A day for the word ‘Second Chance’
It was in everything I saw, read or heard.


Day 21st July, 2017
07:30 – St. Vincent De Paul Church. Fr. Xavier.
In obedience to The Holy Spirit. I was very sick and could not even walk and it rained heavily and the Holy Spirit spoke to me through I think the entire way, in a way bringing me to walk safely home. I came and just slept. Thank You, Holy Spirit, I love You and please don't ever leave me not even for the tiniest fraction of a second or millisecond. You are my every desire.



Day 22nd July, 2017.
07:30 – Fr. Reuben
Fr. Reuben spoke the words ‘Second Chance.’ That was the moment I knew, this is my title.
Thank You, Abba Father.
Thank You, Jesus.
Thank You, Holy Spirit.



Day 23rd July, 2017.
10:15 – Fr. Reuben



Day 25th July, 2017 – St. Joseph’s prayer service.
Sr. Cynthia, is absolutely, absolutely wonderful in explaining the Gospel. I just wait for her to speak. There is a honesty that you would love to hear but it is rarely spoken these days. The words she speaks it is music to my ears. See Sr. speaks and her actions follow her words. And I have been a witness to the times that I have heard her. Thank You, God.
At the end of the prayer service I just whispered my thanks to Jesus. 

Just when I am praying, Aline comes and taps on my shoulder and tells me that a lady wanted to meet with me. I asked her what is this with regards to? She asked me what time mass do I come for and I told her that I have not been coming for mass for quiet some time now. She wanted to know why? (and it was a demand) and I told her 'just like that.' Honestly I was praying and I did not remember. Then she told me - this lady wanted to come for the 1st Saturday and I know that Aline told her, 'don't worry, Anita is there, you can go along with her.' I told her I am not sure if I will be going for the 1st Saturday. If I go, I go. Right now I am not sure and I don't think I want company. I don't want to be mean but sometimes one needs to speak. Don't worry I speak a lot. But most of the times I don't want to hurt a person and I keep quiet and I am learning that is not right. People don't understand your quietness always. Sometimes one needs to say what is on ones mind. 
Last time a man from Mt. Carmel's thrice approached me for the same reason asking if we can travel together and three times I have given different reasons but all the time stating one thing I will be going but I am not sure of the time and how.
I need to learn to say a yes when needed and I have to learn to politely say no. I am learning.

I have always noticed that when I am praying, people are more worried of their agendas. They are restless and I want to tell them, don't worry I am praying for you too. 

When I pray I forget everything about myself. There are no thoughts. Sometimes I don't know what the other person is asking me. Jesus lets me rest in Him. He shields me and I fall to slumber in His arms, in His Heart, I am at rest.



Day 26th July, 2017 – St. Joachim & St. Anne feast.
Feast of St. Ann's my parish in Managalore.



Day 27th July, 2017 – I have just completed my entire letter at 03:16 am. And I look at the time and I understand that if I had to explain 'Second Chance' in a sentence or two, it would definitely be
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Also one of the quotes, Fr. Ashlyn asked us to take down during the retreat.




CONCLUSION:


Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Abraham didn't let doubtful thoughts cause him to waver in his resolve. Praise makes us stable; it makes us strong.  
STEP 1: Wake up every morning and sing like the Sparrows a song of praise. (my favourite birds)
STEP 2: Thank God, for today.
 


Take a step of faith. Be as bold as you can be because there is no dream too big. Walk with God and watch the impossible become possible! Go deep with the Spirit of God and watch the dreams we dream come ALIVE.....
Dream a little dream. Take now, that leap of faith. Put action behind what you believe.


I believe the main thing that changes us, is to know God’s love for us. Love can soften the hardest of hearts, but without love, hearts become hard and unhappy.
I hope for us to see our long-standing dream fulfilled. I hope for us to overcome every obstacle and to say It out loud ‘I CAN in the Holy Mighty name of JESUS.’
Philippians 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Paul declared, “Through Christ, yes, I can.”
We can accomplish anything. Remember we have God imprinted on us. Therefore, this moment on we have to remember that we have the identity of God in each one of us.

WE ARE BORN TO CONQUER AND CONQUER WE WILL.

We have to believe that God always has the best intentions for us. He wants us to succeed. He places the dreams in our hearts. And He provides us with all the means to achieve the dream. When we believe we will see our fondest dreams come true.
At the backend there will be the softest music playing. It will be a night of sweet magic. Every piece will fit so perfectly and you will see the Hand of God in everything around. And in the deepest of your heart, you will know the time has come. God will orchestrate everything to perfection. As we look in wonder and are amazed by His awesomeness, we will move to a whole new level and a whole new world.
Its best, when we don’t have all the answers. Cherish the moments, and when you see the answers you will have walked into the Light of LOVE.



To be continued ......  Part 2 (please click  the link below)



Second Chance - Part 2 







With all my Love,
For Love Prevails!
AnitA.






PRAYER: Abba, Father, keep me obedient and always faithful. Remember, this your servant.

Mama Mary keep me humble, I pray. Amen.



Prayer for the souls in PURGATORY:- Our Lord dictated the following prayer to St. Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.


"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."


Second Chance - Part 2



Day 1 of RETREAT: 14th July 2017.

Dedication: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Retreat: Hope Centre – Amboli
(Speaker: Fr. Ashlyn)
The theme: Contemplative Thinking.
  • We begin at 9:00 am. I was at the place at 08:05 not knowing the time. This is my first Retreat and my very first day.
  • We are always thinking hence it is crucial to become aware of what we think.
  • We think even when in sleep.
  • We must become interested in the process of thinking. Observing what happens each and every time we become aware of a thought.
  • We must think in silence.
Once we begin to see things – we will see them for what they really are fear and confusion etc. One is then able to detach and live more from a place of joy, compassion, and The Wisdom of God.

We had the Eucharistic Adoration during which Fr. Ashlyn told us to think and become more aware.
We were told to write down all our thoughts, especially the ones that trouble us. We were asked to invite Jesus into our thoughts and ask Jesus to heal us as we become more aware with our process of thoughts. And we were told to write them down in a book. We were to bring the book with us when our name is called out. Time mentioned for the talk was 10 minutes. And Fr. Ashlyn mentioned that it could go even up to 15 minutes on day 2. Even before Fr. Ashlyn could mention to write down our thoughts I had already written this.
 
'Life is full of surprises. As Fr. Ashlyn has told us to become aware I see myself standing by the window. I look at the greenery around me and the pretty white flowers.
Every 1st Saturday when we stand below the tree I have never thought about which tree is the one giving me shade. Today I got the room 204 (I share with 2 other roommates). And as I get to the passageway and I gaze at the tree I come to know it’s the Chikoo tree (reminds me of the tree my grandmother had planted in Mangalore). Only when I come to the ground floor do I realize that on all the other Saturdays it never dawned on me to come to even want to know under whose shade I stand. It’s raining heavy and I feel God’s wonderfulness around me. I am at Peace. I find this is what God desires of me to feel His presence, His awesomeness in everything I do. And I love Him so. I have to rise through my hurt to understand the love of Christ. I stand under the shade of God.' 

This is what I wrote prior to everything that Fr. Ashlyn told us. Fr. Ashlyn asked us to write down our problems whatever comes to mind in the presence of Jesus. Jesus strictly asked me to not write anything. I obeyed.
But when Fr. Ashlyn made the announcement that everyone has to write I was terrified, because I was in obedience to Jesus and I had not written anything. I did not want to disobey Fr. Ashlyn either. How do I explain myself? 

And in obedience to Fr. Ashlyn, Jesus reminded what I had written just some moments back and to take it to Fr. Ashlyn. Praise God!

We prayed the Rosary together.



07:00 p.m Fr. Ashlyn & Fr. Samuel.
Mark 4:35-41 Gospel:  
JESUS AMIDST THE STORM. There is a sudden storm in the lake. Jesus was asleep. This is also a reminder that Jesus had His complete faith in His Father.

The fishing boat is about to drown. The disciples were experienced fishermen, who had been on the lake in storms before. But now they are afraid. This indicates the severity of this storm. There is fear and chaos in the boat. “Lord, save us” was an urgent request.
Jesus rebuked their weak faith. Their request shows that they had faith that He could save them. But they were in a panic. He did not rebuke them for waking Him to ask Him to save them, but for waking Him in fear. The circumstances of the storm terrified them and they thought they were going to drown. The question, “Why are you afraid?” is meant to tell them that since He was there they had nothing to fear.

Then, after this Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and they became calm. Jesus demonstrated that He has the power of Heaven at His command. He might truly be a man, but He is also clearly the “Son of Man”. This was the Messiah, the Son of God and ‘Nothing is impossible for Him’.

This being only a storm, is a symptom of something else about nature. Jesus command was not only to calm the storm on the sea, but also to calm their {and our} fears. Fr. Ashlyn during the Eucharistic Adoration asked us to invite Jesus into the troubled areas of our life and ask Jesus to heal our wounds. (When Jesus is at the helm of the boat we need not be afraid. Jesus will steer us through all troubles. Jesus is with us always). Jesus had rebuked His disciple’s faith in order to show a weakness that He alone could resolve.

Their response is amazement! Here is a man having dominion over the earth and the sea. Jesus calmed the storm even though they had “little faith.”
Look for Jesus in the storm and let Him fill you and me with the peace that comes from knowing He is here.

Explained as homily by Fr. Ashlyn and also during the Bible study.




Reading: 
JOSEPH AND BROTHERS. 
Joseph was the first son born to Jacob through Rachel, and therefore, he was his father’s favourite son. This favouritism caused Joseph to be hated by his brothers. Favouritism is everywhere and sometimes it can get to our head.
The worst he could do was tell them his dreams which seemed to indicate that Joseph’s older brothers would be his servants, and it only made them hate him more. He believed what the Lord had spoken, and he immediately announced it to his family. This hatred made his brothers end up throwing him into a pit and then selling him to the traders headed to Egypt. Jacob’s sons used goat’s blood on Joseph’s robes to deceive their father of his death.

Joseph finds himself as the slave in the household of Potiphar. Joseph’s master soon appointed him manager over his entire house. The master’s wife began to solicit him to lie with her, but Joseph refused. Potiphar’s wife persisted in her seduction of Joseph. He was falsely accused of attempting to rape his master’s wife and was sentenced to jail on false accusations? But Joseph was a righteous man and he trusted God.

Joseph interprets the dreams of two other prisoners. After this he asks the butler to remember him with Pharaoh so that he may gain release from prison.
Pharaoh has a dream that cannot be interpreted by any of his wise man and magicians. Pharaoh sends for Joseph to give him an interpretation of his dream. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream that there will be seven years of plenty, and seven of famine, and that Egypt should prepare by storing up food for the lean years that were coming.
This proposal seemed good to Pharaoh. Joseph is then elevated to the ranks of the second most powerful man in the whole of Egypt.

Famine has struck the land of Canaan, and Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph now begins to see the plan that God has put in place, a plan to save.
This bowing down fulfilled Joseph’s dreams, the same dreams that got him thrown in a pit in the first place. It was the dream that angered his brothers that led to him being sold into slavery that led to him being accused of attempted rape and thrown in jail, then to the palace of Pharaoh, and now as governor of all Egypt. A long journey, God’s plan for Joseph was ready to bear fruit, but only if Joseph cooperated. 


Joseph calls his brothers spies and has them all thrown in jail. While pretending to need an interpreter, he overhears their remorse for how they treated their brother. Joseph is moved to tears. Joseph holds Simeon hostage. The other nine brothers return to Jacob and tell him that they must return to Egypt with Benjamin, but Jacob is unwilling to risk his youngest son. Jacob and his family run out of food and after much convincing sends Benjamin to Egypt. 

When they tried to return to Canaan Joseph has Benjamin arrested for stealing. After listening to Judah’s insistence to take the place for his younger brother, Joseph can’t take it anymore and reveals himself to his brothers.
They had sold him into slavery 17 years earlier. Joseph understands that he was put into the position he’s in for this moment. God preordained this exact moment. Joseph has forgiven his brothers and he tells them not to be angry with themselves because this was all in God’s plan.

SUMMARY:
  • Joseph knew his dreams were God’s purpose and plan for his life.
  • To know his brothers hated him-that they would sell him out?
  • To be 17 - To never waver. Joseph kept his eyes on God, and He used Joseph greatly. What an encouragement to all of us.
  • Sometimes some of our fiercest opposition will come from those close to us. It did for Joseph.
  • Joseph understood that what God had spoken to him and declared about him was true no matter what the circumstances indicated.
  • True prosperity is in knowing that God is with us, that His vision is alive in our heart. It is God’s favor, anointing, and power that work in our life.
  • Serve with praise and thankfulness, knowing that God will complete what He has begun in our life.
  • Joseph lived a God-dependent life, and he lived it in the midst of great adversity.
  • Promotion had truly come from God. Its 17 years after the time that his purpose was revealed and before it was fulfilled. It’s easier to be impatient. But don’t give up and don’t give in.
  • Joseph remained dependent on God, and he never lost his way in the midst of such power and wealth.
  • Joseph had 9 years in power before his brothers came to Egypt seeking help. He could have got impatient; he could have done just about anything.
  • If we seek to do Gods will then everything will work out. God brought the dream to fulfilment!
  • We have to remember each of us is created with a Divine Purpose in Will! God Speaks, LISTEN!
Explained as homily by Fr. Ashlyn and also during the Bible study.
After the mass – we had the Eucharistic Adoration till 10:00 (I am not sure of the time).
I had the most troubled day and considering this was my first Retreat-1st day, thank God, God made me make it through.

Day 2 of RETREAT: 15th July 2017.

We begin at 6:00 a.m. with The Eucharistic Adoration. We pray the Rosary with the first 2-3 decades and then the other 2 decades are said as the day proceeds.
Fr. Ashlyn began with the topic King Baby and how KB wants everything and how the KB is in each one of us.
Babies love the warmth, security, comfort of the womb. Babies have all their primary needs taken care of. Babies cry as a demand for food, attention, care and expect to get it to feel secure. Once into adulthood, most of the KB mentality is replaced. However, some people tend to overgrow physically while sticking to the selfish notion of the ‘King Baby'. Big Babies want someone for them at all times.

KING BABY is:
  • Their needs come first with no concern for others
  • My way ....
  • Extreme EGO/PRIDE and ANGER.
  • Dependency on others
  • Feeling misjudged and unappreciated
  • Superiority that act as a cover for insecurity
  • Jumping to conclusions



Fr. Ashlyn spoke on COMMUNICATION. And I wanted to ask Fr. Ashlyn on Compassion, but it remained unsaid... I have added it here, Fr. Ashlyn had stressed on this point during the Bible study, this is what I wanted to ask, because nobody thought about compassion with regards to communication, but it is important. Communication is between 2 or more people. The modes of communication are:- 

Verbal communication is dependent on our tone. The words we speak, how we speak - are used to convey a message to the person across. In verbal communication the person may be face/face or maybe miles away, thus words are of the utmost importance. The tone must be a happy one.

Non-verbal communication Choose your words very carefully. Words when read remain in memory far longer than when we speak. When we write we think, when we speak we don’t think as much. Hence be very careful with words. Sign language is a part of non-verbal communication. 

Listening The most important aspect of any communication is to listen. To me this is the most crucial aspect of any communication. When you listen to a person – when you actually listen you have opened a Gateway of communication that is beyond the Stars. There are people I may have never spoken with. But when they open up I never ask them anything they don’t want to tell.
I listen to them when they have not spoken.

Understand If you do not carry any agendas on you I promise you this-you will understand what the person is trying to speak, when they don’t speak at all. Actually to listen and to understand is a handshake because I repeat both go hand in hand.

Emotions They play a big role in all modes of communication. When sad, hurt or angry, the best thing to do is avoid all means of communication for or till the time that one can be calm. Because the words we use will in more than one way speak of the mindset that we were in at the time of communicating.

Compassion At the grave of Lazarus, Jesus wept. The apostle Paul said, "Weep with those who weep." The scribes and pharisees were proud and corrupt; they despised the common people, but Jesus had compassion on them, and He taught and loved them.
I can let the bad that people do affect me and I can get bitter or I could let those experiences that people throw on me teach me so that I could learn and with God's grace get to be better. And most important in this journey to life is to be like Jesus, to have compassion at all times especially on people who do the wrong to you. Don't worry, my sweet person everything will come in time.
Just remember in your encounter today with a person, you don't really know what that person has been through. That person could have faced something that we know nothing about. So please be the face of Jesus to this person who needs you. Do that and you will have understood compassion. It's not the big things we have to do, but it is usually the small things that we think are insignificant are actually a gigantic leap. Tread carefully!



Gospel John 20:24-28 - JESUS APPEARS TO THOMAS.
“Doubting Thomas” doubted the other disciples, when they told him that Jesus was alive (the resurrection)!
Thomas said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
 


Thomas great courageous words, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

On Easter Sunday Jesus was raised from the dead

  • When all the disciples were in a locked room together, Jesus appeared to them. Jesus said “Peace be with you.” He showed them His hands and His side? The Disciples were overjoyed when they saw Him. Thomas missed seeing Jesus. The Disciples tried to tell Thomas about it later. Thomas doubted what they said.
  • The next Sunday Jesus appeared to His Disciples again
  • This time Thomas was there too!
  • Jesus showed Thomas His hands and His side
  • Jesus told Thomas, “Stop doubting, and believe.”
  • Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus wounds are essential for believing that God is love, mercy and faithfulness.


God is LOVE! Forgiving requires calling forth the strongest love contained within the human soul. 

The Lord orders JONAH to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jonah did not want to go because he was afraid that if he did go with his message they would believe and repent. But Jonah ran the other way, he found it hard to digest that God was going to bless his enemies.
Jonah flees in the opposite direction and boards a ship in Tarshish. In his disobedience Jonah was determined to go as far as he possibly could go. 

Just after the ship leaves, a great storm arises. Jonah is asleep and God commands the sea to rage. The storm is dark, violent, and deadly. Only when it appears that all is lost does he confess his identity and asks to be hurled into the ocean so that the ocean will cease raging. A sacrifice to save others, Jonah must believe that the ship is in danger of breaking up and that the mens' lives will be saved if his is lost at sea. 
Instead of drowning, Jonah is swallowed whole by a fish. For three days, Jonah is in the belly of the fish. Jonah concludes that "Deliverance is the Lord's!" God forgives Jonah and he is blown by the winds back to the land.
After Jonah is released, he obeys God's second command and goes to Nineveh. Nineveh was well known for its violence. Yet Nineveh represents a second chance to hear and obey the Lord. The people and their king repent. God decides to save them from destruction. But Jonah is not pleased with the outcome. God forgives everyone. 

Jonah paid the full fare and did not get to the end of his journey.



Moses was conceived during a time of great persecution by the Egyptians, a time in which the young male children were being thrown into the river to die. When Moses was born, his mother hid him for 3 months. She made a little boat of bulrushes and placed Moses in it and set it in the reeds by the river's brink. Then she stationed Moses' sister, Miriam, at a distance to watch. She trusted the matter to God, allowing Him to do as He wished with her and the child.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to the river and when she saw the basket in the water she sent her maids to fetch it. When it was opened she saw the baby. He was crying. This so touched her that she determined to raise him. But obviously the child needed a nurse.
Miriam, who had been watching from a distance, came forward and asked "Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women, to nurse the child for you?" "Go," said the princess.

At this point Moses’ mother would have done anything to keep him. Instead Pharaoh's daughter gave her the child, declaring, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages" Exodus 2:9  The point is Moses mother went God's way-she did God's will. God paid the fare, and she got everything.
When you run away from the Lord you never get to where you are going, and you always pay your own fare (could be anything other than money). But when you go the Lord's way you always get to where you are going, and He pays the fare. 
When God calls you, when it is His will, all you have to do is just show up. That's it! Simple isn't it?

To be continued ......  Part 3 (please click  the link below)