Sometimes, it seems that everybody but you lives a charmed life. Your friends have their adult children living near by; yours are scattered all over the country. Others are healthy and productive; your asthma and arthritis make it a challenge just to get through some days. So many people talk about the great cruises they’ve taken; your budget doesn’t allow for such luxuries. It’s seductive, to easily fall into the “poor-me” syndrome.
Yet, this morning a startling red cardinal visited your feeder, a lovely birthday card from your sister came in the mail and you have a new flavor of tea to sample with your breakfast. Here’s a saying I came across many years ago: Gather the crumbs of happiness to make a loaf of contentment. Accept what is, and find God’s gift and grace hidden there. Experience the joy of God’s love. You, too, live a charmed life!
Jennifer, as someone who is in cooking school that is wonderful but has its ups and downs, I absolutely loved the thought of “Gather the crumbs of happiness to make a loaf of contentment.” Such a beautiful and meaningful reflection for all of us. Lingering in the compare and despair mode is not a healthy place to be. Better to make that loaf!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Jennifer, thank you for this wonderful devotional today. It had my name written all over it. I can sometimes get depressed when I measure what I don’t have compared to friends and relatives. But when I focus more on the many blessings that I have received, my spirits are lifted. Have a blessed weekend LFF.
Amen!! I am always grateful each morning that I awaken. I also try to be grateful that I can feel the pain in my back from a wrenched muscle. My nephew, Rick, died last evening. He died a peaceful death & may he rest in peace. He was only a few years younger than me.
I'm sorry. May you be comforted by your memories and the love that you shared with him. May God's peace and love be with you!
Thank you Jennifer! I'm grateful that God used you to send me a beautiful message. Blessings on your day.
Thank you Jennifer for such a beautiful uplifting reflection❤️When I saw this beautiful cardinal, I had to smile and knew my day was starting off happily❤️
Jennifer thank you for these words of reflection and kindness. LFF is one of my daily blessings thank you everyone. My daily grounding :) Blessings to all the LFF especially those going through hard times, Vicky G and Garrett, Kim, Craig, Debbie and Anna, Terry and Amy, Christine, Joanne and all the LFF family that aren't comfortable responding to comments that are out there in faith. May we all go out and spread Gods love through all the world.
Amen
AMEN!
Amen. :)
Jennifer thank you for the gentle words, they apply to me each day. Amen!
*** How and why can I be content? Hebrews 13:5, “(How) Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for (Why) He has said, “I (Jesus) will never leave you nor forsake you.” *** Contentment sounds like this in Hebrews 13:6, “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” *** My contentment is not based on anything I do but on Jesus’ attribute of ‘immutable’ in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” ******* My favorite Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of His Name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head. My cup runs over. I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever!” Amen ❤️✝️❤️
“Daily devotional nurtures Living Failth”: a two page article appeared in the weekly Catholic newspaper, The St.Louis Review, February 3-9. “40 years of bringing Scripture reflections to readers”.
Amen.☮️
Amen... thank you Lord for all you have granted me
Thank You Father for all the gifts and protection you have given me and my family. Keep us safe and let us know that you are in charge and we are not.
An extra special devotion today, Jennifer. Sometimes it's nice to put life in its proper perspective.
A wonderful perspective to start the day.
“Lord, I am grateful for all you have given me this day!“. Amen
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
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This spoke to my heart today. Counting our blessings is something we often forget to do, but it is essential for true happiness. Thank you Jennifer for this wonderful reminder.