Beads of Joy 04-30-10
The Spirit - Suffering Like Jesus
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life in The Spirit 5/5
Hello Everyone,
This week has gone by too fast. I hope and pray that you have all gained much personal insight into your own life as each day has passed. Today let us look at our Lord's suffering and how He had a certain patience about it. Patience is yet another fantastic fruit of the Spirit. I also believe patience takes insight and foresight in order to get through the toughest of challenges. Jesus endured long suffering, suffering I believe even the toughest and strongest people of our time would have had a challenge, with having patience to endure. It seems that in today's world many people who suffer tend to be angry and have a temper that flares up often and inevitable God gets blamed for the suffering. That I think is a pretty fair assessment of a portion of those suffering in the world we live in today. How blessed is the person who suffers in whatever capacity and in turn thanks God and offers it all up to Him, embracing the cross they have been given. I realize it's not for everybody, but Jesus set a perfect example for us to observe and understand, from that we should be able to draw strength. At the moment I am not suffering physically, but in the realm of life and the challenges we get put into our faces; I've have to say this past decade has been extremely difficult, in every aspect of our family life, financial, relationship, responsibilities, you name it, pretty much everything. I thank God that my faith is on a solid foundation, and that gives me such strength through everything.
There is a certain transformation that has to take place when the Spirit that dwells inside us is alive. Jesus suffered greatly, there's no denying that. We can look at all the movies portraying His suffering and we can also reflect upon the current days anger and violence that is all throughout the middle-east and we still probably can't grasp the extent of long suffering that Jesus joyfully embraced. I know He wasn't laughing and it wasn't a party for Him when I say "joyfully". But we know that Jesus and the Father are one, Jesus has the ability to call 10,000 legions of angels in a mere thought of words to rescue Him, if He wanted, but He didn't do that. Instead He took it, and He dealt with the pain and humiliation and suffering for many hours. Not one word of complaint, in fact it was just the opposite, He prayed for many along the way (the women of Jerusalem, His Mother, the Pharisees, the guards). And in the end, "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. Could we do that? I don't know, I will say I can, but can I?, especially when I am going through it. I don't know, maybe not. It's easy to say "yes" when we really know will probably never ever suffer like He has.
God by no means wants us to suffer just for the sake of suffering. Please understand that if you are in an abusive relationship, or a situation that you are not even being treated fairly in: physically, emotionally, mentally or in anyway that is outright wrong, reach out for help. There can be no peace and patience found in that. God would rather you out of harms way. I pray that anyone in that situation seeks others for help, or seeks safety elsewhere. The suffering and pain Jesus endured was from our sins; for the most part, the suffering we endure for Jesus is from illnesses or for sharing the gospel, they can all be offered up to Him. I haven't been treated very mean by any means these past 27 years of my life because of my faith, I am grateful for that. But through the years I have been snickered at and have had many an ignorant comment about what I believe. That's Ok, I say, "Thank you Jesus". And just like we have been told on facebook that all "religious" posting are being monitored (whatever that means, talk about profiling), I say bring it on. I have no fear for slander or abuse, it's all done in the name of Jesus. I say this boldly, "NO ONE can or will ever take Jesus away from me, they can't, they have not been given that power. Jesus is in my mind, heart and soul for all eternity. Even if my body was beaten, and burned; in the end, Jesus would still remain in me." Now check out this scripture, and it'll give you strength through these challenging times. "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10
Under normal circumstances the world would respond with frustration, and anger and probably even retaliation; but through the power of the Holy Spirit we find strength. Jesus patiently dealt with His attackers, and all those angry at Him. To sum it all up I probably would reflect on this scripture, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit," 1 Peter 3:18 Jesus showed us plainly that life here on earth is temporal and by holding onto this world, we will miss out on the eternal one with Him. We must trust that God's plan is what we must embrace, I know it's always easier said then done, I agree. "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:15. Ponder these thoughts as the week ends: In our own life, where have we suffered and endured much pain through either an illness or because we shared the gospel? Let's pray for one another, that we have the strength to endure anything thrown at us, and that we offer it all up to our Lord.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Spirit - Lasting Joy
Beads of Joy 04-29-10
The Spirit - Lasting Joy
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life in The Spirit 4/5
Hello Everyone,
This has been such an exciting week. Today I get to share even more about the Joy I always share with everybody. God gives each of us the same Joy I experience. His Joy is deep and lasting, it's only when we put Jesus first in our lives that we truly experience that Joy. But how can we gain this Joy? Remember yesterday I shared the fruits of the Spirit. Well one of those fruits is Joy. If we can find a way in our own lives with the help of the Holy Spirit to spread that Joy, share that Joy, and plant and grow that Joy on our farm; then we (meaning all of us) can also embrace that same overflowing, endlessly abundant Joy in our own lives. I am just wound up with so much Joy to be able to share this with all of you. Now let's try to see how we can develop and build substantial reasons for having such a Joyful life. There are several places in the bible that lead us to the conclusion that we should be excited and filled with Joy, learning all about what we are reading. Case and point, allow me to share a couple scriptures that will indeed fill your hearts with some seriously genuine Joy.
We'll begin with the general thought of what exactly it is that we are seeking out in scripture that will shine the light in our lives. How about knowing that Jesus looks at each of us individually and that He lets us know that our names are in the book of life. Read this and see how exciting this all really is, "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels." Revelations 3:5, and then let us consider how our repentance brings so much Joy, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7. There is so much Joy in scripture, so many enlightening things Jesus shared with His disciples. I also want to reflect on the fact that we can also find Joy in suffering. If we live a life pleasing to God and we suffer and then we offer up that suffering, we have so much to be Joyful for. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4.
Mother Teresa once said, "Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love, joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." Wow, talk about powerful words with so much insight. This life will offer you many ways to obtain pleasure and happiness, but know that they aren't necessarily Joy. True Joy only comes from God through the Holy Spirit, and that Joy is filled with thoughts and reflection on the life that is to come for us. A life that will for all eternity keep us in the presence of God and Jesus. Please allow this Joy to fill your heart, capture it inside your soul, and never ever let it go. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. I don't know how much you have taken notice of my habits and my ways of sharing Jesus. I tend to use so much scripture, and words spoken by saints and the Catechism. In my life that is one huge aspect that builds my Joy, and helps sustain the Joy that is in my life. Everyone might not be able to understand that, but I definitely do.
So many people in this life see pain and suffering as a bad thing. Now please note that I am not saying it is a good thing. But in the perspective of what it represents, it can shadow much Joy to those around that person suffering. "So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." John 11:14-15. Jesus teaches us that even in death, there is life and there is Joy. Nothing must separate us from Him, no pain, no suffering, nothing. Embrace all that keeps your eyes focused on Him. Not everyone we share with will agree with us, but that's ok. We are not here to please man, but rather to please God. Let's look at some really insightful scripture, "Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Romans 8:8, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10, and here's a final thought that says it all, "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," Colassians 1:10
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
The Spirit - Lasting Joy
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life in The Spirit 4/5
Hello Everyone,
This has been such an exciting week. Today I get to share even more about the Joy I always share with everybody. God gives each of us the same Joy I experience. His Joy is deep and lasting, it's only when we put Jesus first in our lives that we truly experience that Joy. But how can we gain this Joy? Remember yesterday I shared the fruits of the Spirit. Well one of those fruits is Joy. If we can find a way in our own lives with the help of the Holy Spirit to spread that Joy, share that Joy, and plant and grow that Joy on our farm; then we (meaning all of us) can also embrace that same overflowing, endlessly abundant Joy in our own lives. I am just wound up with so much Joy to be able to share this with all of you. Now let's try to see how we can develop and build substantial reasons for having such a Joyful life. There are several places in the bible that lead us to the conclusion that we should be excited and filled with Joy, learning all about what we are reading. Case and point, allow me to share a couple scriptures that will indeed fill your hearts with some seriously genuine Joy.
We'll begin with the general thought of what exactly it is that we are seeking out in scripture that will shine the light in our lives. How about knowing that Jesus looks at each of us individually and that He lets us know that our names are in the book of life. Read this and see how exciting this all really is, "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels." Revelations 3:5, and then let us consider how our repentance brings so much Joy, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7. There is so much Joy in scripture, so many enlightening things Jesus shared with His disciples. I also want to reflect on the fact that we can also find Joy in suffering. If we live a life pleasing to God and we suffer and then we offer up that suffering, we have so much to be Joyful for. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4.
Mother Teresa once said, "Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love, joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." Wow, talk about powerful words with so much insight. This life will offer you many ways to obtain pleasure and happiness, but know that they aren't necessarily Joy. True Joy only comes from God through the Holy Spirit, and that Joy is filled with thoughts and reflection on the life that is to come for us. A life that will for all eternity keep us in the presence of God and Jesus. Please allow this Joy to fill your heart, capture it inside your soul, and never ever let it go. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. I don't know how much you have taken notice of my habits and my ways of sharing Jesus. I tend to use so much scripture, and words spoken by saints and the Catechism. In my life that is one huge aspect that builds my Joy, and helps sustain the Joy that is in my life. Everyone might not be able to understand that, but I definitely do.
So many people in this life see pain and suffering as a bad thing. Now please note that I am not saying it is a good thing. But in the perspective of what it represents, it can shadow much Joy to those around that person suffering. "So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." John 11:14-15. Jesus teaches us that even in death, there is life and there is Joy. Nothing must separate us from Him, no pain, no suffering, nothing. Embrace all that keeps your eyes focused on Him. Not everyone we share with will agree with us, but that's ok. We are not here to please man, but rather to please God. Let's look at some really insightful scripture, "Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Romans 8:8, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10, and here's a final thought that says it all, "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," Colassians 1:10
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Spirit - Fruits of The...
Beads of Joy 04-28-10
The Spirit - Fruits of The Spirit
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life in The Spirit 3/5
Hello Everyone,
I pray that everyone is gaining there own personal insights in this weeks reflections and the love that is captured in the Holy Spirit. This week is going by so fast, here we are already at Day 3. Let's begin with a scripture to reflect upon, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. Jesus wants us live a life that is so full and so abundant beyond anything we could possibly imagine, and note that this life isn't only about our eternity with Him; but more immediate to our life, our present one, now. The Holy Spirit that dwells inside each of us has so much fruit for us to pick from. This fruit will help mold our lives and transform our lives into the character and witness God so wants us to be. Let us learn a little fruitology today, Ok I just made up that word. LOL. Sorry I am so thrilled and I feel so blessed to be able to share all this with everyone. But back to the fruit. LOL, think about it in a theological way; all fruit has seeds. And what is the purpose of seeds you ask? Answer: To grow more of its very own fruit of cause. LOL. There is so much JOY when we speak of the Holy Spirit. Today we look at all the spectacular gifts (the fruit) along with the Holy Spirit that we have been given.
Jesus refers to Himself as the vine, and to us as the branches, ""I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5. What is He talking about? Back to my own world of fruitology. LOL, fruit grows from the branches. The vine is the root in which life flows through to the branches so that the fruit can be formed, so it can be picked, so more fruit can grow. So connecting all of that together, we can see that it is very important for us to stay very close to Jesus in order for us to bear fruit. We have to do this in order for us to be able to bear fruit. We have to realize that through all this good we are aiming for, there is something evil that lurks around while we are trying our best to serve God. You know what it is? It's our flesh. Yes our flesh is good and holy, after all God created us in His image. But we must know that there is a battle in this world between the spirit where God lives and the flesh where the world lives. And that battleground is inside each of us.
But I am here to share much good news. We can defeat the flesh by allowing the Holy Spirit to work God's will through us. The fruit of the spirit is jam packed with God's love and wisdom, and it's all there for us to take hold of. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23. I encourage all of us to take some time and evaluate our own lives and see where we truly stand with what fruit we possess and which fruit we want to possess. You may surprise yourself, so many people have so many really inspiring qualities; that until you sit down and evaluate your life you may have never seen them brought into the light. We belong to Jesus, He purchased us on the cross, so our passions and our weaknesses must also be crucified with Him. The work of the flesh will no doubt fight us along the way. Jesus clearly warns us that by doing so, we will not inherit eternal life with Him. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21.
Jesus is very clear. Let us rather store up treasures where none of those sinful acts can enter. Turn and run as fast as you possibly can from all of those detesting acts of sin. Nothing in this life is of any eternal lasting value that will bring us close to Jesus. On the contrary all that will do is send us straight to hell for all eternity, never ever being allowed to be in God's presence ever again. Nothing on this earth is worth losing that over. So instead focus all our attention on the fruit we have been give. There's a saying when people get depressed, they say, "When life gives you lemons make lemonade." That's looking at the positive in the midst of the negative. Well the same holds true if we only see fruit as fruit. I say, "When life gives you fruit that is from God; share it, nurture it, plant it, make your farm one that draws others to Jesus." Be bold, don't be afraid, there's no time in this life for that. Satan's claws will dig into your heart of fear and pull you away from God, offering you immediate pleasure. Do not listen to his lies. Instead start picking and sharing God's fruit with everybody.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
The Spirit - Fruits of The Spirit
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life in The Spirit 3/5
Hello Everyone,
I pray that everyone is gaining there own personal insights in this weeks reflections and the love that is captured in the Holy Spirit. This week is going by so fast, here we are already at Day 3. Let's begin with a scripture to reflect upon, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. Jesus wants us live a life that is so full and so abundant beyond anything we could possibly imagine, and note that this life isn't only about our eternity with Him; but more immediate to our life, our present one, now. The Holy Spirit that dwells inside each of us has so much fruit for us to pick from. This fruit will help mold our lives and transform our lives into the character and witness God so wants us to be. Let us learn a little fruitology today, Ok I just made up that word. LOL. Sorry I am so thrilled and I feel so blessed to be able to share all this with everyone. But back to the fruit. LOL, think about it in a theological way; all fruit has seeds. And what is the purpose of seeds you ask? Answer: To grow more of its very own fruit of cause. LOL. There is so much JOY when we speak of the Holy Spirit. Today we look at all the spectacular gifts (the fruit) along with the Holy Spirit that we have been given.
Jesus refers to Himself as the vine, and to us as the branches, ""I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5. What is He talking about? Back to my own world of fruitology. LOL, fruit grows from the branches. The vine is the root in which life flows through to the branches so that the fruit can be formed, so it can be picked, so more fruit can grow. So connecting all of that together, we can see that it is very important for us to stay very close to Jesus in order for us to bear fruit. We have to do this in order for us to be able to bear fruit. We have to realize that through all this good we are aiming for, there is something evil that lurks around while we are trying our best to serve God. You know what it is? It's our flesh. Yes our flesh is good and holy, after all God created us in His image. But we must know that there is a battle in this world between the spirit where God lives and the flesh where the world lives. And that battleground is inside each of us.
But I am here to share much good news. We can defeat the flesh by allowing the Holy Spirit to work God's will through us. The fruit of the spirit is jam packed with God's love and wisdom, and it's all there for us to take hold of. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23. I encourage all of us to take some time and evaluate our own lives and see where we truly stand with what fruit we possess and which fruit we want to possess. You may surprise yourself, so many people have so many really inspiring qualities; that until you sit down and evaluate your life you may have never seen them brought into the light. We belong to Jesus, He purchased us on the cross, so our passions and our weaknesses must also be crucified with Him. The work of the flesh will no doubt fight us along the way. Jesus clearly warns us that by doing so, we will not inherit eternal life with Him. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21.
Jesus is very clear. Let us rather store up treasures where none of those sinful acts can enter. Turn and run as fast as you possibly can from all of those detesting acts of sin. Nothing in this life is of any eternal lasting value that will bring us close to Jesus. On the contrary all that will do is send us straight to hell for all eternity, never ever being allowed to be in God's presence ever again. Nothing on this earth is worth losing that over. So instead focus all our attention on the fruit we have been give. There's a saying when people get depressed, they say, "When life gives you lemons make lemonade." That's looking at the positive in the midst of the negative. Well the same holds true if we only see fruit as fruit. I say, "When life gives you fruit that is from God; share it, nurture it, plant it, make your farm one that draws others to Jesus." Be bold, don't be afraid, there's no time in this life for that. Satan's claws will dig into your heart of fear and pull you away from God, offering you immediate pleasure. Do not listen to his lies. Instead start picking and sharing God's fruit with everybody.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Spirit - New Life In You
Beads of Joy 04-27-10
The Spirit - New Life In You
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life In The Spirit 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to Tuesday; Day 2 in our Life of the Spirit series. Let us move on and further our knowledge in the New Life that is within us that the Spirit is bringing to life. This is such an exciting topic, I think we could easily spend weeks talking about this, and we probably still would be only scratching the surface. The Holy Spirit that we have been given is essentially a "piece of" or a "part of" God. It is one part of the "holy trinity" and that one part resides inside us. I get goosebumps just thinking how incredibly powerful and loving that is. God's love for us is so tremendous that not only did He sacrifice His only Son; but going even one step further, He has instilled, and He has entrusted, inside each of us, a piece of Himself. Let me share with you a very insightful part of our Catechism. This is so exciting to share, so hold on; this is going to be a light speed experience of JOY. One that you will cherish all of your life. "The mission of the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in the name of the Son (John 14:26) and by the Son "from the Father" (John 15:26), reveals that, with them, the Spirit is one and the same God. "With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified" (Nicene Creed)." CCC#263 Now do you see how exciting this is. I am at that point once again, the point that I tend to get to most everyday, where the Joy inside my heart and soul are constantly overflowing; leading us through a week of some pretty exciting information to share.
I am far from done sharing the treasures and gifts we find in our Catechism. This New Life within us, needs to be fed God's love, and God's word. Just open your heart and soul, and trust in God who loves you. No one else in the world will ever love you like He does. By His grace our Spirit is wiped clean of all offenses towards Him in confession; and by that same Spirit He brings to life inside us His Son. I can't it hold back anymore I have to share this, "Now this is the Catholic faith: We worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity, without either confusing the persons or dividing the substance; for the person of the Father is one, the Son's is another, the Holy Spirit's another; but the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty co-eternal" CCC#266, you see why I have to share all this. Ok one more for now, "Inseparable in what they are, the divine persons are also inseparable in what they do. But within the single divine operation each shows forth what is proper to him in the Trinity, especially in the divine missions of the Son's Incarnation and the gift of the Holy Spirit." CCC#267
We have been so blessed with scripture and the Catechism. Both compliment and reflect one another. Obviously scripture is the inspired word of God, nothing shall be placed above it; but also note that the Catechism has been assembled in such a way that scripture in thee central focus of its foundation, and in the way it has been written it helps us to even more clearly understand scripture. I highly recommend spending some time in the Catechism. The one thing I enjoy so much is how most of the footnotes send you back to scripture. It has become a very exciting part of my own personal bible study, and actually a very exciting part of my daily walk with Jesus. Now you see why I am so excited about our faith all the time. We have inside us, a most precious part of the holy trinity, one that will guide us and help us along the way as we embrace Jesus, and will be there to help us deal with all the challenges we will experience because of doing so. Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your walk with Jesus.
Back in 1983, my heart did not have any desire or love for God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Mother, or anyone else in scripture. I never hated them, I just never saw them as of any importance; I never ever thought anything about my religion, would ever have any effect upon my life. Was I ever wrong about that. Back then I considered myself an atheist, not a practicing one, if there is such a thing. But just a person who didn't believe a God could possibly exist in a world full of anger and hunger. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work inside of us freely. We need to be open to the direction and the choices the Holy Spirit leads us to. Sometimes we won't clearly understand things, sometimes we won't even know how it all came together. But we must trust in God and how truly real the love He has for us is. I challenge everyone of you, to pray that the Holy Spirit inside you, comes alive and helps direct you ever so much closer to Jesus. Your life will never ever be the same ever again. I truly love all of you. We are all God's children, let us embrace one another and help one another get closer to God our Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit that resides in us.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
The Spirit - New Life In You
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life In The Spirit 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to Tuesday; Day 2 in our Life of the Spirit series. Let us move on and further our knowledge in the New Life that is within us that the Spirit is bringing to life. This is such an exciting topic, I think we could easily spend weeks talking about this, and we probably still would be only scratching the surface. The Holy Spirit that we have been given is essentially a "piece of" or a "part of" God. It is one part of the "holy trinity" and that one part resides inside us. I get goosebumps just thinking how incredibly powerful and loving that is. God's love for us is so tremendous that not only did He sacrifice His only Son; but going even one step further, He has instilled, and He has entrusted, inside each of us, a piece of Himself. Let me share with you a very insightful part of our Catechism. This is so exciting to share, so hold on; this is going to be a light speed experience of JOY. One that you will cherish all of your life. "The mission of the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in the name of the Son (John 14:26) and by the Son "from the Father" (John 15:26), reveals that, with them, the Spirit is one and the same God. "With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified" (Nicene Creed)." CCC#263 Now do you see how exciting this is. I am at that point once again, the point that I tend to get to most everyday, where the Joy inside my heart and soul are constantly overflowing; leading us through a week of some pretty exciting information to share.
I am far from done sharing the treasures and gifts we find in our Catechism. This New Life within us, needs to be fed God's love, and God's word. Just open your heart and soul, and trust in God who loves you. No one else in the world will ever love you like He does. By His grace our Spirit is wiped clean of all offenses towards Him in confession; and by that same Spirit He brings to life inside us His Son. I can't it hold back anymore I have to share this, "Now this is the Catholic faith: We worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity, without either confusing the persons or dividing the substance; for the person of the Father is one, the Son's is another, the Holy Spirit's another; but the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty co-eternal" CCC#266, you see why I have to share all this. Ok one more for now, "Inseparable in what they are, the divine persons are also inseparable in what they do. But within the single divine operation each shows forth what is proper to him in the Trinity, especially in the divine missions of the Son's Incarnation and the gift of the Holy Spirit." CCC#267
We have been so blessed with scripture and the Catechism. Both compliment and reflect one another. Obviously scripture is the inspired word of God, nothing shall be placed above it; but also note that the Catechism has been assembled in such a way that scripture in thee central focus of its foundation, and in the way it has been written it helps us to even more clearly understand scripture. I highly recommend spending some time in the Catechism. The one thing I enjoy so much is how most of the footnotes send you back to scripture. It has become a very exciting part of my own personal bible study, and actually a very exciting part of my daily walk with Jesus. Now you see why I am so excited about our faith all the time. We have inside us, a most precious part of the holy trinity, one that will guide us and help us along the way as we embrace Jesus, and will be there to help us deal with all the challenges we will experience because of doing so. Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your walk with Jesus.
Back in 1983, my heart did not have any desire or love for God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Mother, or anyone else in scripture. I never hated them, I just never saw them as of any importance; I never ever thought anything about my religion, would ever have any effect upon my life. Was I ever wrong about that. Back then I considered myself an atheist, not a practicing one, if there is such a thing. But just a person who didn't believe a God could possibly exist in a world full of anger and hunger. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work inside of us freely. We need to be open to the direction and the choices the Holy Spirit leads us to. Sometimes we won't clearly understand things, sometimes we won't even know how it all came together. But we must trust in God and how truly real the love He has for us is. I challenge everyone of you, to pray that the Holy Spirit inside you, comes alive and helps direct you ever so much closer to Jesus. Your life will never ever be the same ever again. I truly love all of you. We are all God's children, let us embrace one another and help one another get closer to God our Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit that resides in us.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Spirit - God's Gift To Us
Beads of Joy 04-26-10
The Spirit - God's Gift To Us
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life In The Spirit 1/5
Hello Everyone,
This week we are going to be focusing on the Life in the Spirit; that is the "Holy Spirit", truly one of the best gifts we have ever received. There is a prayer we pray at Mass, it's called the Nicene Creed in that prayer we pray, "We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets." Do we really live a life that embraces the Holy Spirit as vibrantly as the prayer states? Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26. And in Catechism of the Catholic Church it states, "Through his grace, the Holy Spirit is the first to awaken faith in us and to communicate to us the new life, which is to "know the Father and the one whom he has sent, Jesus Christ." CCC#684. Is the Spirit of God alive inside you? If so, is that Spirit ready to love, honor and cherish our Lord? From my vantage point, this can only be answered in a simple yes or no way. When the Holy Spirit is alive and excited inside you, believe me, you know it.
Can you see the wisdom behind this entire thought? God's wisdom far exceeds anything, anyone can ever imagine. Check this out: God, the Father Almighty who loves us so much, sent His only Son to save us; then once death was defeated, He left us with part of Himself so that we can continue to draw ourselves ever so much closer to Him. Each of us by God's will has been given a most precious gift. Let us see what we can do in our lives to bring this Spirit to life. Do you remember what John The Baptist use to say, "John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." John 3:16. In our spiritual walk with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will play a most significant role. Through prayer, and silence before the Lord and much time spent in scripture; we will grow to know Him whom through God, Jesus has given us, namely the Holy Spirit. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13, this is the same overflowing excitement I constantly feel in my heart and soul every single day.
Throughout scripture we are guided with so much telling us and sharing with us how important the Holy Spirit is in each of our lives. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1 Corinthians 6:19. Now that scripture is probably one of the most exciting, direct statements about the Holy Spirit. The more we grow to learn and experience the power that is in the Holy Spirit, the more we will want Him in our lives. Depending on your version of the bible, there are about ninety seven references to the Holy Spirit; some overlap in the gospels, but for the most part, they all direct us to the importance and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I challenge everyone to awaken that magnificent, exciting, powerful part of God that is within you.
In the midst of my studies, I came across a book written by Rich Cleveland, and he said, "The Acts of The Apostles" has been called the 'gospel of the Holy Spirit'" It says because in Acts, we are shown how vibrant and exciting the church truly is when the Spirit is at work. It has been by the life in the Spirit that the church has been able to grow. Let also look at the gifts that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. Yes the Spirit itself is exciting and it draws us so much closer to Jesus; but even just as exciting as that, know that the Spirit itself bears gifts for us in our lives. I will end with a scripture that will share all the gifts the Holy Spirit has. I hope that this week ahead gives you a whole new insight, a vibrant exciting feeling that awakes the Spirit of God within in. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
The Spirit - God's Gift To Us
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Life In The Spirit 1/5
Hello Everyone,
This week we are going to be focusing on the Life in the Spirit; that is the "Holy Spirit", truly one of the best gifts we have ever received. There is a prayer we pray at Mass, it's called the Nicene Creed in that prayer we pray, "We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets." Do we really live a life that embraces the Holy Spirit as vibrantly as the prayer states? Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26. And in Catechism of the Catholic Church it states, "Through his grace, the Holy Spirit is the first to awaken faith in us and to communicate to us the new life, which is to "know the Father and the one whom he has sent, Jesus Christ." CCC#684. Is the Spirit of God alive inside you? If so, is that Spirit ready to love, honor and cherish our Lord? From my vantage point, this can only be answered in a simple yes or no way. When the Holy Spirit is alive and excited inside you, believe me, you know it.
Can you see the wisdom behind this entire thought? God's wisdom far exceeds anything, anyone can ever imagine. Check this out: God, the Father Almighty who loves us so much, sent His only Son to save us; then once death was defeated, He left us with part of Himself so that we can continue to draw ourselves ever so much closer to Him. Each of us by God's will has been given a most precious gift. Let us see what we can do in our lives to bring this Spirit to life. Do you remember what John The Baptist use to say, "John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." John 3:16. In our spiritual walk with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will play a most significant role. Through prayer, and silence before the Lord and much time spent in scripture; we will grow to know Him whom through God, Jesus has given us, namely the Holy Spirit. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13, this is the same overflowing excitement I constantly feel in my heart and soul every single day.
Throughout scripture we are guided with so much telling us and sharing with us how important the Holy Spirit is in each of our lives. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1 Corinthians 6:19. Now that scripture is probably one of the most exciting, direct statements about the Holy Spirit. The more we grow to learn and experience the power that is in the Holy Spirit, the more we will want Him in our lives. Depending on your version of the bible, there are about ninety seven references to the Holy Spirit; some overlap in the gospels, but for the most part, they all direct us to the importance and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I challenge everyone to awaken that magnificent, exciting, powerful part of God that is within you.
In the midst of my studies, I came across a book written by Rich Cleveland, and he said, "The Acts of The Apostles" has been called the 'gospel of the Holy Spirit'" It says because in Acts, we are shown how vibrant and exciting the church truly is when the Spirit is at work. It has been by the life in the Spirit that the church has been able to grow. Let also look at the gifts that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. Yes the Spirit itself is exciting and it draws us so much closer to Jesus; but even just as exciting as that, know that the Spirit itself bears gifts for us in our lives. I will end with a scripture that will share all the gifts the Holy Spirit has. I hope that this week ahead gives you a whole new insight, a vibrant exciting feeling that awakes the Spirit of God within in. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I And The Father Are One
Beads of Joy 04-25-10
I And The Father Are One
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
The fourth Sunday of Easter has arrived, ta-da. Ok, just sounding off the bell, seeing if everyone is tuned in. What an absolutely powerful gospel we get to reflect upon today. Today we are reading John 10:27-30 (My Sheep Shall Not Perish). Jesus is the Good Shepherd. One thing is certain, we are all in good hands; our lives are safe with Jesus as our shepherd. But we must understand in His protecting us; we are not spared the challenges, the pains, the hurts that will affect us along the way, and we will be expected to carry our own crosses. But one thing is certain; is that should we take on this mission, there will be a place in the Kingdom of God for us. In the end we know who wins, we know who will be banished for all eternity. In the end, the odds will no longer be even, and the evil one will lose. So, now who's team do you want to be on. LOL. Yes we will suffer from time to time, we will have illnesses; we will be ridiculed, we will be hated, but in the end, Jesus' out stretched arms will lead us to Heaven. Verse 30 states, "I and the Father are one." Further supporting the power of the Trinity that is instilled the Son.
St. Caesarius of Arles said something that is very much on the mark with today's gospel, "God never deserts a man, unless He is deserted by that man first. For even if a man shall have committed grievous sins once, twice, and a third time, God still looks for him, "so that he may be converted and live." The love Jesus has for us is tremendous. This is not only a teaching about love, we also learn that He wants us to be more like Him, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16. I mean that, we really must feel that way and be like Him, don't even waste your time just saying that; if you are going to say that, then mean it. I am no saint, I am so unworthy before my Lord. I hate my sins, I hate my habits that distract me from Jesus; I am so imperfect before my God. But I say this with all my heart, with all my soul, with ever fiber of who I am in God, who has made me to be the person I am now. If saving anothers life meant sacrificing my own, so be it, I will do it gladly, even for my worst enemy. Remember Jesus not only took our place for our sins, but He also took Barabbas's' place.
All we have to do, is be loyal to Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him. Jesus died for me and for you. I don't know anyones personal life or past, like I do my own, but I will say that I am not happy with mine. On my walk with my Lord, I have sinned horribly over and over again, further hurting Him and digging those nails ever so much deeper into Him. We all know sin, it's that stubborn selfish streak of unGodly acts. I have cried and cried and I have begged Jesus to forgive my selfishness, and my worldliness at times. I have spent many many hours through these past 27 years trying to understand how someone (Jesus) can lay down their life in order to save my pathetic one. I must say I don't still fully comprehend it in it's fullest sense, but I do understand that the examples we read about, learn about and pray about; are indeed the very examples we need to understand enough, to embrace and to live in our own lives.
Let us confidently follow the Lord, and in whatever direction He goes, we shall follow Him. He is our shepherd, if we stray He will seek us out, and help us get back on track. Nothing in this life is more important for our lives than to be loyal and faithful to Jesus. Never let anyone or anything send you off spiraling away from Jesus. Satan don't always look so scary or obvious, in fact his greatest trickery is embedding himself into the very things we love and honor that are not Jesus. We are most fortunate to have something very special in our lives that helps us, when we are not sure. Trust in Jesus' very words, "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." John 14:14-21 AMEN, I hope all of you have a fantastic Sunday.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
I And The Father Are One
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
The fourth Sunday of Easter has arrived, ta-da. Ok, just sounding off the bell, seeing if everyone is tuned in. What an absolutely powerful gospel we get to reflect upon today. Today we are reading John 10:27-30 (My Sheep Shall Not Perish). Jesus is the Good Shepherd. One thing is certain, we are all in good hands; our lives are safe with Jesus as our shepherd. But we must understand in His protecting us; we are not spared the challenges, the pains, the hurts that will affect us along the way, and we will be expected to carry our own crosses. But one thing is certain; is that should we take on this mission, there will be a place in the Kingdom of God for us. In the end we know who wins, we know who will be banished for all eternity. In the end, the odds will no longer be even, and the evil one will lose. So, now who's team do you want to be on. LOL. Yes we will suffer from time to time, we will have illnesses; we will be ridiculed, we will be hated, but in the end, Jesus' out stretched arms will lead us to Heaven. Verse 30 states, "I and the Father are one." Further supporting the power of the Trinity that is instilled the Son.
St. Caesarius of Arles said something that is very much on the mark with today's gospel, "God never deserts a man, unless He is deserted by that man first. For even if a man shall have committed grievous sins once, twice, and a third time, God still looks for him, "so that he may be converted and live." The love Jesus has for us is tremendous. This is not only a teaching about love, we also learn that He wants us to be more like Him, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16. I mean that, we really must feel that way and be like Him, don't even waste your time just saying that; if you are going to say that, then mean it. I am no saint, I am so unworthy before my Lord. I hate my sins, I hate my habits that distract me from Jesus; I am so imperfect before my God. But I say this with all my heart, with all my soul, with ever fiber of who I am in God, who has made me to be the person I am now. If saving anothers life meant sacrificing my own, so be it, I will do it gladly, even for my worst enemy. Remember Jesus not only took our place for our sins, but He also took Barabbas's' place.
All we have to do, is be loyal to Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him. Jesus died for me and for you. I don't know anyones personal life or past, like I do my own, but I will say that I am not happy with mine. On my walk with my Lord, I have sinned horribly over and over again, further hurting Him and digging those nails ever so much deeper into Him. We all know sin, it's that stubborn selfish streak of unGodly acts. I have cried and cried and I have begged Jesus to forgive my selfishness, and my worldliness at times. I have spent many many hours through these past 27 years trying to understand how someone (Jesus) can lay down their life in order to save my pathetic one. I must say I don't still fully comprehend it in it's fullest sense, but I do understand that the examples we read about, learn about and pray about; are indeed the very examples we need to understand enough, to embrace and to live in our own lives.
Let us confidently follow the Lord, and in whatever direction He goes, we shall follow Him. He is our shepherd, if we stray He will seek us out, and help us get back on track. Nothing in this life is more important for our lives than to be loyal and faithful to Jesus. Never let anyone or anything send you off spiraling away from Jesus. Satan don't always look so scary or obvious, in fact his greatest trickery is embedding himself into the very things we love and honor that are not Jesus. We are most fortunate to have something very special in our lives that helps us, when we are not sure. Trust in Jesus' very words, "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." John 14:14-21 AMEN, I hope all of you have a fantastic Sunday.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Helen Cashara (my aunt)
Beads of Joy 04-24-10
Dedication Days - Helen Cashara (my aunt)
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Dedication Days
Hello Everyone,
Let me introduce everyone to one of my many favorite aunts. I have been blessed with so many awesome souls in my entire family. But there's one super special thing about my Aunt Helen that I adore, bet y'all couldn't guess what the Rosary man adores about Aunt Helen. Ok, you guessed it, she is an adorer and devout daily soul of the Most Holy Rosary, just like me, but much longer than I have been. She is my Grandma's sister, the who I have blogged a dedication to a week or so ago (Susan and Vincent DePete). The sister my Grandma told me was very special to her. Aunt Helen and my Grandma both played very important roles in my Marian life. Aunt Helen is also my mom's God-Mother. She is a very special Aunt in our family and in my life. My love for her and her saint of a husband Chappy is endless. I have always admired her faith. She is a beacon of faith that is unshakable up in the Catskills, she's always spiritually strong, yet gentle in what she believes; she is always always always, did I say always GIVING of herself and whatever she has to comfort others. When you visited her it was red carpet for everyone.
Growing up we use to spend lots of time at my Aunt Helen and Uncle Chappy's house up in the Catskills. They have three incredible kids, my cousins (Joey, Anthony and Maryanne), Maryanne and Danny Richardson's kids are friends of mine here on Facebook. Growing up everyone was into music: piano, saxophone, trumpet (Joey and Anthony use to have a band, Joey even made a record back then, yes I said a record, remember what that was). And we use to go to the County Fairs and other events in the area, I remember kite flying, apple picking. But the best part that I remember the most, was going to Mass early Sunday morning with all of us (I think it was St Joseph), at their little, friendly, very spiritually friendly church, that was just around the block from their house. I was a kid, this was many years before my 1983 born again experience. I knew I always loved Jesus and our Blessed Mother, I think it's because of my family around who always did.
Please take some time to do like I am. Honor those you love and want so much to share with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Everyone's life should be celebrated in this way. Jesus has blessed all of us with some really special people, people (family and friends) who have been placed in our life for a purpose. Some plant seeds, some live by example, some take us along, some come along with us. The opportunities for us to share Jesus are endless, we get to learn what was special to us from the prior generation; so we share it with the next generation.
If you are reading this Aunt Helen, you mean the world to me. You are such a blessed special sister/aunt in the Lord to me. Your devotion to Our Lord and Our Lady have been forever ingrained in my heart, just like your older sister Susie (my grandma). And know that you are such a blessing to our entire family, you and your hubby are always praised for your faith. You have set a most faithful example for many generations to follow and learn from. I pray that other families have a special person like you to look up to, to follow and to be like.
Today I salute you: AUNT HELEN
My dear precious Aunt of the Rosary.
You are always in my heart and always in my prayers.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Dedication Days - Helen Cashara (my aunt)
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Dedication Days
Hello Everyone,
Let me introduce everyone to one of my many favorite aunts. I have been blessed with so many awesome souls in my entire family. But there's one super special thing about my Aunt Helen that I adore, bet y'all couldn't guess what the Rosary man adores about Aunt Helen. Ok, you guessed it, she is an adorer and devout daily soul of the Most Holy Rosary, just like me, but much longer than I have been. She is my Grandma's sister, the who I have blogged a dedication to a week or so ago (Susan and Vincent DePete). The sister my Grandma told me was very special to her. Aunt Helen and my Grandma both played very important roles in my Marian life. Aunt Helen is also my mom's God-Mother. She is a very special Aunt in our family and in my life. My love for her and her saint of a husband Chappy is endless. I have always admired her faith. She is a beacon of faith that is unshakable up in the Catskills, she's always spiritually strong, yet gentle in what she believes; she is always always always, did I say always GIVING of herself and whatever she has to comfort others. When you visited her it was red carpet for everyone.
Growing up we use to spend lots of time at my Aunt Helen and Uncle Chappy's house up in the Catskills. They have three incredible kids, my cousins (Joey, Anthony and Maryanne), Maryanne and Danny Richardson's kids are friends of mine here on Facebook. Growing up everyone was into music: piano, saxophone, trumpet (Joey and Anthony use to have a band, Joey even made a record back then, yes I said a record, remember what that was). And we use to go to the County Fairs and other events in the area, I remember kite flying, apple picking. But the best part that I remember the most, was going to Mass early Sunday morning with all of us (I think it was St Joseph), at their little, friendly, very spiritually friendly church, that was just around the block from their house. I was a kid, this was many years before my 1983 born again experience. I knew I always loved Jesus and our Blessed Mother, I think it's because of my family around who always did.
Please take some time to do like I am. Honor those you love and want so much to share with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Everyone's life should be celebrated in this way. Jesus has blessed all of us with some really special people, people (family and friends) who have been placed in our life for a purpose. Some plant seeds, some live by example, some take us along, some come along with us. The opportunities for us to share Jesus are endless, we get to learn what was special to us from the prior generation; so we share it with the next generation.
If you are reading this Aunt Helen, you mean the world to me. You are such a blessed special sister/aunt in the Lord to me. Your devotion to Our Lord and Our Lady have been forever ingrained in my heart, just like your older sister Susie (my grandma). And know that you are such a blessing to our entire family, you and your hubby are always praised for your faith. You have set a most faithful example for many generations to follow and learn from. I pray that other families have a special person like you to look up to, to follow and to be like.
Today I salute you: AUNT HELEN
My dear precious Aunt of the Rosary.
You are always in my heart and always in my prayers.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Friday, April 23, 2010
Rosary - Why So Special?
Beads of Joy 04-23-10
Rosary - Why Is It So Special ?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
Contrary to what anyone says, praying the rosary is very soothing, for both the mind and the spirit. Let's face it, it's probably the simplest way to reflect in full perspective to many of the highlights throughout Jesus' life. The Rosary allows us to ponder Joy, a joy that rejoices in Jesus' presence on earth. The Rosary allows us to ponder Light, a light that we see in the adult ministry of our Lord. The Rosary allows us to ponder the sorrow, sorrow that eventually killed our Lord. The Rosary allows us to ponder the most glory the world has ever seen; a glory that raised and honors our dear precious Lord and His Most Beautiful Mother. Now you see why I am so excited about living my life for the Rosary. I am living my life for Jesus. My heart skips a beat every time I really just think of the eternal value life embraces when holding a Rosary.
What I have learned through the years (27 to be exact), is that when you intentionally focus all your prayers; all your energy on these most magnificent highlights of our dear Lord's life, our virtues grow. What brings life? Light. Who is Jesus? The Light of the World, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5. Really look over the Rosary meditations. On Wednesday I shared scripture and fruit for each of the mysteries. These mysteries teach us how we can live a life in full reflection of what our Lord has set forth and taught us through them. Yes we know anyone can just repetitiously recite a prayer and in twenty or thirty minutes you can "say" a rosary. I'm not one for "saying" my rosary. When it comes to the rosary, we need to keep in mind how truly precious it is. How this magnificent prayer fully adores and worships our Lord at ever turn. I hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are getting goose bumps from the thrill of all these spectacular exciting thoughts.
There is no magic formula here in these magnificent mysteries. The prayers we pray, the devotions we incorporate into our life is not meant to change God, on the contrary these prayers are meant to change us. Our prayer life is intended to help us to understand God, and to draw ourselves ever so much closer to Him. Our approach should be one of hope. The words and prayers throughout the Rosary are filled with power and meaning that are beyond a realm that we can immediately understand. It is through time (years), determination (daily prayer), and sincere devotion that our hearts are open to the fruit and intention of every single decade. It is through the Rosary that our prayer life is dynamic and exciting; no other series of meditations and prayers possess so much wisdom and so much love in such a unique way.
So let us rediscover the joy that is en-capsuled in each of those magnificent little beads. The Rosary is a very exciting, fun, insightful way to bring our prayer life to life. There is no doubt we all know how powerful prayer is; and spiritually in our life, prayer is essential. I personally find strength each and every time each day that I pray my Rosary.
Simple Reflections on Prayer
"The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer."
Psalm 6:9
"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer."
Psalm 17:6
"By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life."
Psalm 42:8
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:22
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:2
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:16
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Rosary - Why Is It So Special ?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
Contrary to what anyone says, praying the rosary is very soothing, for both the mind and the spirit. Let's face it, it's probably the simplest way to reflect in full perspective to many of the highlights throughout Jesus' life. The Rosary allows us to ponder Joy, a joy that rejoices in Jesus' presence on earth. The Rosary allows us to ponder Light, a light that we see in the adult ministry of our Lord. The Rosary allows us to ponder the sorrow, sorrow that eventually killed our Lord. The Rosary allows us to ponder the most glory the world has ever seen; a glory that raised and honors our dear precious Lord and His Most Beautiful Mother. Now you see why I am so excited about living my life for the Rosary. I am living my life for Jesus. My heart skips a beat every time I really just think of the eternal value life embraces when holding a Rosary.
What I have learned through the years (27 to be exact), is that when you intentionally focus all your prayers; all your energy on these most magnificent highlights of our dear Lord's life, our virtues grow. What brings life? Light. Who is Jesus? The Light of the World, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5. Really look over the Rosary meditations. On Wednesday I shared scripture and fruit for each of the mysteries. These mysteries teach us how we can live a life in full reflection of what our Lord has set forth and taught us through them. Yes we know anyone can just repetitiously recite a prayer and in twenty or thirty minutes you can "say" a rosary. I'm not one for "saying" my rosary. When it comes to the rosary, we need to keep in mind how truly precious it is. How this magnificent prayer fully adores and worships our Lord at ever turn. I hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are getting goose bumps from the thrill of all these spectacular exciting thoughts.
There is no magic formula here in these magnificent mysteries. The prayers we pray, the devotions we incorporate into our life is not meant to change God, on the contrary these prayers are meant to change us. Our prayer life is intended to help us to understand God, and to draw ourselves ever so much closer to Him. Our approach should be one of hope. The words and prayers throughout the Rosary are filled with power and meaning that are beyond a realm that we can immediately understand. It is through time (years), determination (daily prayer), and sincere devotion that our hearts are open to the fruit and intention of every single decade. It is through the Rosary that our prayer life is dynamic and exciting; no other series of meditations and prayers possess so much wisdom and so much love in such a unique way.
So let us rediscover the joy that is en-capsuled in each of those magnificent little beads. The Rosary is a very exciting, fun, insightful way to bring our prayer life to life. There is no doubt we all know how powerful prayer is; and spiritually in our life, prayer is essential. I personally find strength each and every time each day that I pray my Rosary.
Simple Reflections on Prayer
"The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer."
Psalm 6:9
"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer."
Psalm 17:6
"By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life."
Psalm 42:8
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:22
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:2
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:16
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Rosary - The Hail Mary ?
Beads of Joy 04-22-10
Rosary - What About The Hail Mary?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
I hope you have enjoyed this week so far as much as I have. And I pray that you are beginning to see in words, understand in scripture, and feel in your heart a personal desire to devote time each day praying the Rosary. We'll start today's refection with Our Blessed Mother's very own words found in scripture, often times called "Mary's Song", but more commonly called,
"The Canticle of Mary". Luke 1:46-55
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Jesus is always at the center of all our prayers. And even today as we look at the "Hail Mary", it is the, "blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus" part that draws us directly to Jesus. Now let's take a good hard look at the Hail Mary, kinda like St Dominic use to.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with Thee - Gabriel greets Mary saying, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk. 1:28).
Blessed art thou Among Women and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb Jesus- Elizabeth's greeting as she is filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary comes to comfort her. "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Luke 1:41-42
Holy Mary, Mother of God - We abandon ourselves and our own selfishness to join with Mary together to obey God's will. "But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Luke 1:43
Pray for us Sinners, now and at the hour of our Death - Her prayers go directly to Her Son, and we ask her to be with us at the hour of our death to bring us to Her Son.
Just as the disciple John welcomed Our Blessed Mother into his home, as Jesus said to him while He on the cross, "and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." John 19:27. We to welcome her into our homes. We become united with her, in the hope, she has in her Son. We ask her to be "Our Mother".
Here are just a couple excerpts from The Catechism of The Catholic Church, that speak of Our Blessed Mother.
2679 Mary is the perfect Orans (prayer), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus' mother into our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. the prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.
2682 Because of Mary's singular cooperation with the action of the Holy Spirit, the Church loves to pray in communion with the Virgin Mary, to magnify with her the great things the Lord has done for her, and to entrust supplications and praises to her.
2725 Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. the great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in his name. the "spiritual battle" of the Christian's new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer.
She deserves our LOVE, RESPECT and ADORATION.
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Rosary - What About The Hail Mary?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
I hope you have enjoyed this week so far as much as I have. And I pray that you are beginning to see in words, understand in scripture, and feel in your heart a personal desire to devote time each day praying the Rosary. We'll start today's refection with Our Blessed Mother's very own words found in scripture, often times called "Mary's Song", but more commonly called,
"The Canticle of Mary". Luke 1:46-55
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Jesus is always at the center of all our prayers. And even today as we look at the "Hail Mary", it is the, "blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus" part that draws us directly to Jesus. Now let's take a good hard look at the Hail Mary, kinda like St Dominic use to.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with Thee - Gabriel greets Mary saying, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk. 1:28).
Blessed art thou Among Women and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb Jesus- Elizabeth's greeting as she is filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary comes to comfort her. "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Luke 1:41-42
Holy Mary, Mother of God - We abandon ourselves and our own selfishness to join with Mary together to obey God's will. "But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Luke 1:43
Pray for us Sinners, now and at the hour of our Death - Her prayers go directly to Her Son, and we ask her to be with us at the hour of our death to bring us to Her Son.
Just as the disciple John welcomed Our Blessed Mother into his home, as Jesus said to him while He on the cross, "and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." John 19:27. We to welcome her into our homes. We become united with her, in the hope, she has in her Son. We ask her to be "Our Mother".
Here are just a couple excerpts from The Catechism of The Catholic Church, that speak of Our Blessed Mother.
2679 Mary is the perfect Orans (prayer), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus' mother into our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. the prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.
2682 Because of Mary's singular cooperation with the action of the Holy Spirit, the Church loves to pray in communion with the Virgin Mary, to magnify with her the great things the Lord has done for her, and to entrust supplications and praises to her.
2725 Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. the great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in his name. the "spiritual battle" of the Christian's new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer.
She deserves our LOVE, RESPECT and ADORATION.
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Rosary - What Part's Biblical?
Beads of Joy 04-21-10Rosary - What Part Of It Is Biblical?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
So you ask; what part of the rosary is in the bible? That's simple, read on and you see that the Rosary is all about Jesus' life. I'll start with all the mysteries and show you how they all link to scripture. Throughout the years the Rosary has been on of the most powerful defenses against evil. We all know that no matter what is going on in this world; or how much the world tries to attack: The Roman Catholics (our people), The Pope (successor of St. Peter), our Beliefs, our Tradition, our Bible (God's Word), and our Judeo-Christian American heritage. Regardless of who attacks these pillars of our faith, or even deny's them, they are of no affect on them. In the end, we know how it will end, and the Church wins. Stay loyal and strong in your belief, don't let anyone intimidate you; it's their fear of thee truth that make them act like they do.
(The image on the upper right is a 20 decade rosary)
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation- Luke 1:26-38
The Fruit of this mystery - Humility
2. The Visitation- Luke 1:41-42
The Fruit of this mystery - Love of Neighbor
3. The Birth of Jesus- Luke 2:1-20
The Fruit of this mystery - Embrace Poverty
4. Presentation of Jesus- Luke 2:22-23
The Fruit of this mystery - Obedience to the Law
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple- Luke 2:41-52
The Fruit of this mystery - Joy in Finding Jesus
The Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus- Matthew 3:1-17
The Fruit of this mystery - Open to the Holy Spirit
2. The Wedding at Cana- Luke 2:1-11
The Fruit of this mystery - Mary Directs Us To Jesus
3. Jesus Proclaiming The Kingdom- Matthew 10:7-8
The Fruit of this mystery - Trusting In God
4. Transfiguration of Jesus- Matthew 17:1-9
The Fruit of this mystery - Pure Desire To Be Holy
5. Institution of the Eucharist- Luke 22:19-20
The Fruit of this mystery - Adoration of Jesus
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony In The Garden - Mark 14:35-39
The Fruit of this mystery - Sad for our sins
2. Scourging At The Pillar - Mark 15:15
The Fruit of this mystery - Purity
3. Crowning With Thorns - Matthew 27:28-30
The Fruit of this mystery - Courage
4. Carrying Of The Cross - Mark 15:20
The Fruit of this mystery - Patience
5. The Crucifixion - Mark 15:21-25
The Fruit of this mystery - Perseverance
The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Ressurrection - Matthew 27:60-28:9
The Fruit of this mystery - Faith
2. The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven - Mark 16:19
The Fruit of this mystery - Hope
3. Descent of The Holy Spirit - Acts 2:1-8
The Fruit of this mystery - Love For God
4. Mary's Assumption Into Heaven - Luke 1:46-50
The Fruit of this mystery - Grace For a Happy Death
5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven - Judith 15:9-10
The Fruit of this mystery - Trust in Mary's Intercession
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Rosary - What's It All Mean?
Beads of Joy 04-20-10
Rosary - What Do Our Prayers Mean ?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
Everyone at some point and time usually asks how biblical our prayers are, or our devotion is. Well between today and tomorrow I hope to have much of that answered. Of cause our prayers, and the rosary are biblical, we don't just make this stuff up. We honor an Almighty God, the one and only God who loves us so much. Let's look at the "Lord's Prayer" known as the "Our Father". I would that many of you already know that this is a prayer that Jesus himself taught the disciples. That can be found in Matthew 6:9-13, it's almost pretty much verbatim to the scripture. St. Thomas Aquinas called the Our Father, "The most perfect prayer." Today I present to you The Our Father. The whole prayer is scripture, the whole prayer came personally from Jesus, the whole prayer is one of the two most dominate prayers in praying the Holy Rosary. Know this, if God did not want the Rosary to exist, then by His will they would not have, these past nine plus centuries.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, 2765 "The traditional expression "The Lord's Prayer" - oratio Dominica - means that the prayer to our Father is taught and given to us by the Lord Jesus. the prayer that comes to us from Jesus is truly unique: it is "of the Lord." On the one hand, in the words of this prayer the only Son gives us the words the Father gave him: he is the master of our prayer. On the other, as Word incarnate, he knows in his human heart the needs of his human brothers and sisters and reveals them to us: he is the model of our prayer."
-Our Father Who Art In Heaven
Is rightly understood to mean that God is in the hearts of the just, as in his holy temple. At the same time, it means that those who pray should desire the one they invoke to dwell in them. ""Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5
-Hallowed Be Thy Name
For God to be fully and completely be recognized as Holy, the Almighty, the Only God. ""I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted." Exodus 15:1, "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself," Hebrews 6:13.
-Thy Kingdom Come
Better known as "Marana tha" which means that our spirit cries with the bride "Come, Lord Jesus", "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," Romans 14:17, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-23
-Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven
"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will," Ephesians 1:9-11
-Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
"that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:45, "These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time." Psalm 104:27
-And Forgive Us Our Trespasses
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
It is said that this statement in and of itself is astonishing. The request comes in response to us first forgiving others, before we can be forgiven. "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" Ephesians 1:7, "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" Mark 11:25
-And Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Sin is caused by us allowing it. Our free will sometimes mislead us, we must ask God to "lead us not" help us direct ourselves away from sin. "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" James 1:13, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
-But Deliver Us From Evil
This verse says it all. "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Wednesday's Blog: Rosary - What Part of it is Biblical? (all the mysteries are linked to the bible)
Rosary - What Do Our Prayers Mean ?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
Everyone at some point and time usually asks how biblical our prayers are, or our devotion is. Well between today and tomorrow I hope to have much of that answered. Of cause our prayers, and the rosary are biblical, we don't just make this stuff up. We honor an Almighty God, the one and only God who loves us so much. Let's look at the "Lord's Prayer" known as the "Our Father". I would that many of you already know that this is a prayer that Jesus himself taught the disciples. That can be found in Matthew 6:9-13, it's almost pretty much verbatim to the scripture. St. Thomas Aquinas called the Our Father, "The most perfect prayer." Today I present to you The Our Father. The whole prayer is scripture, the whole prayer came personally from Jesus, the whole prayer is one of the two most dominate prayers in praying the Holy Rosary. Know this, if God did not want the Rosary to exist, then by His will they would not have, these past nine plus centuries.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, 2765 "The traditional expression "The Lord's Prayer" - oratio Dominica - means that the prayer to our Father is taught and given to us by the Lord Jesus. the prayer that comes to us from Jesus is truly unique: it is "of the Lord." On the one hand, in the words of this prayer the only Son gives us the words the Father gave him: he is the master of our prayer. On the other, as Word incarnate, he knows in his human heart the needs of his human brothers and sisters and reveals them to us: he is the model of our prayer."
-Our Father Who Art In Heaven
Is rightly understood to mean that God is in the hearts of the just, as in his holy temple. At the same time, it means that those who pray should desire the one they invoke to dwell in them. ""Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5
-Hallowed Be Thy Name
For God to be fully and completely be recognized as Holy, the Almighty, the Only God. ""I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted." Exodus 15:1, "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself," Hebrews 6:13.
-Thy Kingdom Come
Better known as "Marana tha" which means that our spirit cries with the bride "Come, Lord Jesus", "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," Romans 14:17, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-23
-Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven
"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will," Ephesians 1:9-11
-Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
"that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:45, "These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time." Psalm 104:27
-And Forgive Us Our Trespasses
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
It is said that this statement in and of itself is astonishing. The request comes in response to us first forgiving others, before we can be forgiven. "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" Ephesians 1:7, "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" Mark 11:25
-And Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Sin is caused by us allowing it. Our free will sometimes mislead us, we must ask God to "lead us not" help us direct ourselves away from sin. "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" James 1:13, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
-But Deliver Us From Evil
This verse says it all. "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Wednesday's Blog: Rosary - What Part of it is Biblical? (all the mysteries are linked to the bible)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Rosary - When & How Did It
Beads of Joy 04-19-10
Rosary - When & How Did It Begin?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
This will be a very exciting week, of learning and seeing why us Roman Catholics love and adore our Blessed Mother so much through her intercession with the Rosary. You'll also better understand what it is exactly that we see in those little precious beads. The year was 1214 when the Rosary as we know it today was presented, for the full purpose of converting sinners. Even before the actual beads were on a string, they use to count pebbles. All of what we have learned came from St. Dominic. Upon seeing the weight of the sins of the Albigensian people; he withdrew into the forest where he prayed three days and three nights. It was during those three days and nights, that all he did was cry, he only wanted to do harsh penance to take on the burdens of the sin of the Albigensian people. He did not want God's anger to come down on them. He was so seriously into this experience, that he ended up in a coma. It was then that our Lady appeared to him, she said, "Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?" Dominic was taken for a moment and said, "Oh, my Lady, you know far better than I do, because next to you Son Jesus Christ you have always been the chief instrument of our salvation." Our Lady then said, "I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the principal weapon has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation-stone of the New Testament. Therefore, if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Psalter."
Please keep in mind that my explanation throughout the week will be the shorter version of all this; but I will be touching on the most important parts, there is so much history to share about the Rosary. The truest history about the Rosary is that it literally evolved through the centuries. This week I really want everyone to have a new love and understanding of the Rosary. St Dominic gave his live to spreading the joy of the Rosary to all. He did it till the day he died. I pray that I could be half the man he was in presenting the Rosary to all people. But lets back up the story a moment. St Dominic's illness has taken its toll on him, our Blessed Mother appeared with five maidens and raised him, saying, "Therefore if you will preach successfully, preach my psalter." Dominic was fully restored and ready to begin his ministry.
It's been said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit and directed by Our Blessed Mother. The life he lived is so inspiring and special, how wonderful it must have been to share the excitement and joy of the rosary with everybody like he did. One day our Lady appeared to him, and said, "Dominic, even though what you have planned to say may be very good, I am bringing you a much better sermon." It was on a the Feast Day of St John, when this happened. But after our Lady approached him, he never mentioned the holy day. But in his wisdom and the direction of Our Lady, he told everyone he wanted to speak to them in the simplest of terms. And so he began to preach the "Rosary" and he also began to explain the Hail Mary, word for word. He used the simplest of terms. Which I hope to do before the week is over in these blogs. We need to be focused on the meaning of our prayers. It's not about repetition at all, if you really understand what you are saying. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once taught about this repetition. A woman asked him, why would God want to hear someone say the same prayer over and over again. He responded, "Who is the man next to you?" she said her fiancee, so he asked, "Did you tell him today that you loved him?" she said yes, he said "Did you tell him yesterday that you love him?" she said yes, he said, "Well then is he not tired of hearing you say that?" She said, no. (here's the wisdom) He responded, "Then why would God be tired of hearing us tell Him that we love Him over and over again."
It was Blessed Alan who spoke of many occasions about how Our Lord and Our Lady spoke to St Dominic, and urged him to preach the Rosary in order to wipe out sin and convert many. It has been said that Jesus appeared to him and said, "Dominic, I rejoice to see that you are not relying on your own wisdom and that, rather than seek the empty praise of men, you are working with great humility for the salvation of souls." In 1460 Blessed Alan re-established the devotion using the same 150 Hail Mary's. I hope all of this don't seem confusing, but the gist of it is. Through St Dominic, Our Lady and Our Lord brought to him the Rosary to bring to us also. Does that make sense. Later on Pope John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries, what a blessing to fill in the gaps of Jesus' life.
What A Gift?
Our Lord knew what we needed
His Mother would say yes again,
Those precious beads of love to share
Will help us in from the depths of our sin.
The Rosary is precious for us to know
To embrace our Lord's life events,
To love Him, to honor Him, it's all about Him
Let's pray the rosary with love as we repent.
Our hearts embrace them beads of joy
The ones who honor the Lord to the core,
He is the only one I love so much
And His Blessed Mother I so much adore.
So, What is the Rosary? It's a Catholic Prayer based on the bible, that is focused on the life of Jesus and that of His Most Blessed Mother. I'm not trying to convince you, just pure fact. I am already firm in what I believe. I am a cradle Catholic, so this is in my heart, soul, mind and blood.
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Tuesday's Blog: Rosary - What Do Our Prayers Mean? (The Our Father explained)
Rosary - When & How Did It Begin?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Understanding The Rosary
Hello Everyone,
This will be a very exciting week, of learning and seeing why us Roman Catholics love and adore our Blessed Mother so much through her intercession with the Rosary. You'll also better understand what it is exactly that we see in those little precious beads. The year was 1214 when the Rosary as we know it today was presented, for the full purpose of converting sinners. Even before the actual beads were on a string, they use to count pebbles. All of what we have learned came from St. Dominic. Upon seeing the weight of the sins of the Albigensian people; he withdrew into the forest where he prayed three days and three nights. It was during those three days and nights, that all he did was cry, he only wanted to do harsh penance to take on the burdens of the sin of the Albigensian people. He did not want God's anger to come down on them. He was so seriously into this experience, that he ended up in a coma. It was then that our Lady appeared to him, she said, "Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?" Dominic was taken for a moment and said, "Oh, my Lady, you know far better than I do, because next to you Son Jesus Christ you have always been the chief instrument of our salvation." Our Lady then said, "I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the principal weapon has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation-stone of the New Testament. Therefore, if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Psalter."
Please keep in mind that my explanation throughout the week will be the shorter version of all this; but I will be touching on the most important parts, there is so much history to share about the Rosary. The truest history about the Rosary is that it literally evolved through the centuries. This week I really want everyone to have a new love and understanding of the Rosary. St Dominic gave his live to spreading the joy of the Rosary to all. He did it till the day he died. I pray that I could be half the man he was in presenting the Rosary to all people. But lets back up the story a moment. St Dominic's illness has taken its toll on him, our Blessed Mother appeared with five maidens and raised him, saying, "Therefore if you will preach successfully, preach my psalter." Dominic was fully restored and ready to begin his ministry.
It's been said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit and directed by Our Blessed Mother. The life he lived is so inspiring and special, how wonderful it must have been to share the excitement and joy of the rosary with everybody like he did. One day our Lady appeared to him, and said, "Dominic, even though what you have planned to say may be very good, I am bringing you a much better sermon." It was on a the Feast Day of St John, when this happened. But after our Lady approached him, he never mentioned the holy day. But in his wisdom and the direction of Our Lady, he told everyone he wanted to speak to them in the simplest of terms. And so he began to preach the "Rosary" and he also began to explain the Hail Mary, word for word. He used the simplest of terms. Which I hope to do before the week is over in these blogs. We need to be focused on the meaning of our prayers. It's not about repetition at all, if you really understand what you are saying. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once taught about this repetition. A woman asked him, why would God want to hear someone say the same prayer over and over again. He responded, "Who is the man next to you?" she said her fiancee, so he asked, "Did you tell him today that you loved him?" she said yes, he said "Did you tell him yesterday that you love him?" she said yes, he said, "Well then is he not tired of hearing you say that?" She said, no. (here's the wisdom) He responded, "Then why would God be tired of hearing us tell Him that we love Him over and over again."
It was Blessed Alan who spoke of many occasions about how Our Lord and Our Lady spoke to St Dominic, and urged him to preach the Rosary in order to wipe out sin and convert many. It has been said that Jesus appeared to him and said, "Dominic, I rejoice to see that you are not relying on your own wisdom and that, rather than seek the empty praise of men, you are working with great humility for the salvation of souls." In 1460 Blessed Alan re-established the devotion using the same 150 Hail Mary's. I hope all of this don't seem confusing, but the gist of it is. Through St Dominic, Our Lady and Our Lord brought to him the Rosary to bring to us also. Does that make sense. Later on Pope John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries, what a blessing to fill in the gaps of Jesus' life.
What A Gift?
Our Lord knew what we needed
His Mother would say yes again,
Those precious beads of love to share
Will help us in from the depths of our sin.
The Rosary is precious for us to know
To embrace our Lord's life events,
To love Him, to honor Him, it's all about Him
Let's pray the rosary with love as we repent.
Our hearts embrace them beads of joy
The ones who honor the Lord to the core,
He is the only one I love so much
And His Blessed Mother I so much adore.
So, What is the Rosary? It's a Catholic Prayer based on the bible, that is focused on the life of Jesus and that of His Most Blessed Mother. I'm not trying to convince you, just pure fact. I am already firm in what I believe. I am a cradle Catholic, so this is in my heart, soul, mind and blood.
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERYDAY...
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Tuesday's Blog: Rosary - What Do Our Prayers Mean? (The Our Father explained)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Third Time Jesus Appeared
Beads of Joy 04-18-10
Third Time Jesus Appeared
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
Another absolutely spectacular Lord's Day to celebrate. I wish everyday could be Sunday. Those fortunate enough to go to daily Mass, experience that. I remember when I use to go every single day, oh how I miss that; maybe one day soon I can return to that faithful joy of being at daily Mass again. Today's gospel is John 21:1-19 (Jesus and The Miraculous Catch of Fish). For He has risen and continues performing some really incredible miracles. Today's gospel has me thinking: Are we like Peter? When we are experiencing challenges and trials in our lives; do we leap out and run directly to our Lord? That must have been so exciting to see the joy and excitement in Peter. Peter's love for our Lord is also something we can learn by. Though he may have denied Jesus three times, he repented and knew he did wrong and after that stayed loyal and strong sharing Jesus' ministry. Let's take the time to ponder this: Do we really recognize Jesus in our own lives? Do we think of His presence as a vision? or the real thing? Do we believe that He is there for each of us individually when we are in need of His help and guidance? How do we respond to His presence?
Some of those questions maybe impossible to answer honestly; without making it seem like we almost maybe don't believe like we thought we should. I am a very simple person, so therefore I have a very simple thought pattern in my everyday life. Think like this: Jesus is in ALL things. God created ALL things. Jesus knows ALL things. Do you follow me? I think that way in ALL things when it comes to Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit. So in my everyday life, just like I spoke about last Thursday about being ALERT when it came to temptation and the subtitles of sin. We need to also be ALERT to the blessings and presence of God in our life. We really need to recognize that in ALL things, He is ever present with us. I see Him in everything I experience, check this out: The light turns green as I approach it, I say: Thank You Jesus. There's only one box of oreo's left on the shelf in Wal-Mart, I say: Thank You Jesus. I get sent home early from work and don't even get to do my forty hours, I say: Thank You Jesus. I go into my closet and grab a shirt I like, and I find it, I say: Thank You Jesus. I get in my truck and drive through the night, I say: Thank You Jesus. I sit here and type and share Jesus with everyone I love and care about, I say: Thank You Jesus. Every single aspect of my life I am thankful for.
It is our sinful nature, our guilt, our pride that keeps us away from God. He has loved us first with a generosity of unconditional love that is unmatched. Let us open our hearts so that He can transform our lives to magnify His love. We need to be at His disposal. I know some may say, No! Jesus bought us for a price, and then he rose from that horrible death. Now we must live a sacrificial life honoring Him. Even if we spent every single second we are on this planet, from birth to death; we still could never thank Him, or love Him enough as He has loved us. So don't hesitate another second, get right on this and live your entire life for Him. Nothing you do should ever exclude Him. We have to be willing to serve Him, no matter what the cost will be. Will we lose friends and family who may think we are Jesus freaks or wasting our life on "religion". The answer is YES. But that's ok, we will love those people even more by praying for them faithfully everyday. Our lives are lived best when we use them to serve Jesus everyday.
Like Peter, we must tell Jesus as often as we possible can, everyday and throughout the day, "You know I love you." And like Jesus told Peter, "and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." v.18. We maybe led in a direction we feel unqualified for, unwelcome, unwanted, or even scared. In our prayers and our obedience to God; we must ask Him to guide us and to be with us. He is faithful and He does stand by our side through all things. Our hope will be fresh and new each day, filling our hearts and soul with so much joy, that we will not be able to contain it. I always speak of this joy, I know. You to can have that super sweet happy feeling of His love inside you at all times. And best of all, once you are filled with this Joy, the overflowing feeling of it never ever ever ever goes away; there's always something joyous to look forward to. LOL
I LOVE ALL OF YOU VERY MUCH..
Especially those who detest me and my faith, I love you even more.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Third Time Jesus Appeared
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
Another absolutely spectacular Lord's Day to celebrate. I wish everyday could be Sunday. Those fortunate enough to go to daily Mass, experience that. I remember when I use to go every single day, oh how I miss that; maybe one day soon I can return to that faithful joy of being at daily Mass again. Today's gospel is John 21:1-19 (Jesus and The Miraculous Catch of Fish). For He has risen and continues performing some really incredible miracles. Today's gospel has me thinking: Are we like Peter? When we are experiencing challenges and trials in our lives; do we leap out and run directly to our Lord? That must have been so exciting to see the joy and excitement in Peter. Peter's love for our Lord is also something we can learn by. Though he may have denied Jesus three times, he repented and knew he did wrong and after that stayed loyal and strong sharing Jesus' ministry. Let's take the time to ponder this: Do we really recognize Jesus in our own lives? Do we think of His presence as a vision? or the real thing? Do we believe that He is there for each of us individually when we are in need of His help and guidance? How do we respond to His presence?
Some of those questions maybe impossible to answer honestly; without making it seem like we almost maybe don't believe like we thought we should. I am a very simple person, so therefore I have a very simple thought pattern in my everyday life. Think like this: Jesus is in ALL things. God created ALL things. Jesus knows ALL things. Do you follow me? I think that way in ALL things when it comes to Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit. So in my everyday life, just like I spoke about last Thursday about being ALERT when it came to temptation and the subtitles of sin. We need to also be ALERT to the blessings and presence of God in our life. We really need to recognize that in ALL things, He is ever present with us. I see Him in everything I experience, check this out: The light turns green as I approach it, I say: Thank You Jesus. There's only one box of oreo's left on the shelf in Wal-Mart, I say: Thank You Jesus. I get sent home early from work and don't even get to do my forty hours, I say: Thank You Jesus. I go into my closet and grab a shirt I like, and I find it, I say: Thank You Jesus. I get in my truck and drive through the night, I say: Thank You Jesus. I sit here and type and share Jesus with everyone I love and care about, I say: Thank You Jesus. Every single aspect of my life I am thankful for.
It is our sinful nature, our guilt, our pride that keeps us away from God. He has loved us first with a generosity of unconditional love that is unmatched. Let us open our hearts so that He can transform our lives to magnify His love. We need to be at His disposal. I know some may say, No! Jesus bought us for a price, and then he rose from that horrible death. Now we must live a sacrificial life honoring Him. Even if we spent every single second we are on this planet, from birth to death; we still could never thank Him, or love Him enough as He has loved us. So don't hesitate another second, get right on this and live your entire life for Him. Nothing you do should ever exclude Him. We have to be willing to serve Him, no matter what the cost will be. Will we lose friends and family who may think we are Jesus freaks or wasting our life on "religion". The answer is YES. But that's ok, we will love those people even more by praying for them faithfully everyday. Our lives are lived best when we use them to serve Jesus everyday.
Like Peter, we must tell Jesus as often as we possible can, everyday and throughout the day, "You know I love you." And like Jesus told Peter, "and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." v.18. We maybe led in a direction we feel unqualified for, unwelcome, unwanted, or even scared. In our prayers and our obedience to God; we must ask Him to guide us and to be with us. He is faithful and He does stand by our side through all things. Our hope will be fresh and new each day, filling our hearts and soul with so much joy, that we will not be able to contain it. I always speak of this joy, I know. You to can have that super sweet happy feeling of His love inside you at all times. And best of all, once you are filled with this Joy, the overflowing feeling of it never ever ever ever goes away; there's always something joyous to look forward to. LOL
I LOVE ALL OF YOU VERY MUCH..
Especially those who detest me and my faith, I love you even more.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sarah Ann - My Pickles
Beads of Joy 04-17-10
Dedication Days - Sarah Ann, My Pickles
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Dedication Days
Hello Everyone,
This young lady don't always need an introduction; most everybody who knows me know my daughter Sarah Ann. I was originally going to honor my immediate family a little later into these Dedication Days. But after these past few days of listening to a very powerful dads and daughter talks on Focus on The Family, I knew the time for Sarah was now. Obviously as stated, she is my daughter, my only daughter who is amongst and directly in the center of four brothers. Yes Sarah has her hands full indeed, and Yes as you guessed she is daddies little girl. I am wrapped around her little pinkie and a her bright smile. Back when Sarah was born on 12/14/92, Chrissy and I were both in glory to see a little girl appear on the scene after already having two sons. Not too much long after Sarah Ann's birth I gave a very special name, a name to this day I still call her. Sarah Ann is my "Pickles", and for the most part, no one really ever asked how I came up with that. But lately she and others have been curious. So here is the shorty to the long version. Sarah is very special to me, so I wanted her to understand my insanity in ways I think best, with my stomach. LOL. You can stop laughing now. Ok, see on a hamburger (vege burger for me) what's the best part of it? The Pickles of cause. All hamburgers are the same, until you add the pickles, and then WHAM, the sandwich becomes very special. To me.. LOL
Sometimes I think, she thinks, she doesn't get all the attention, I think that she thinks she deserves. (Wow, I almost couldn't follow that myself. lol). But, on the contrary I think sometimes she gets way more than everyone else in our house and in our family. Back when she was a toddler and we were living in the center of the town of Milford. She was in preschool and her brothers were in Delaware Valley Elementary School. Well because of Sarah's very long (never cut) very bleach blond beautiful hair; everyone in Milford, and Delaware Valley School knew Sarah. No matter where we went, we'd hear kids yell, "Hello SARAH DACEY", and did she ever eat up all that attention, what a ham she can be. Of cause another quality Sarah has, is a super special one that is one of being extremely out going. She takes after me. She initiates friendships and strangers (those who aren't her friends yet) like I do; she usually gives a hardy "hello" of "hi" and it's always accompanied by a huge, very happy smile. Her smiles are contagious. And what's really cool, is that they are even contagious back to her. If she gets mad, and who would ever think a 17 year old girl in a house of four brothers could ever get mad. LOL. Well my secret weapon to help break down that wall is, smile and smile and smile at her. Eventually she says "stop" in a laughing voice and, then all of a sudden she is smiling, and then I usually get a hug. Very cool. It's my secret weapon to help break her from an angry stressful moment, to a happy go lucky one. Please don't tell her.
I'm not done yet, so much to share, so much to tell everyone. Just a quick note about her grades. Incredible !! In the past when she was younger, she had some challenges in reading and math. So we got her involved with some programs to assist her and at home Chrissy and I helped her with her reading and math skills one on one every night. She wasn't happy doing all this school work beyond her usual homework, so she'd give us a hard time. But she did what we asked. And in time she became very smart. A true quality that she has worked very hard for and achieved indeed. Now her grades shine, and it sometimes appears that she doesn't even have to study as much and as hard as she use to. But from time to time she'd tell everyone, "I'm going up to my room to study for a test I have tomorrow." That way no one would bother her. And the next day or two she'd be telling me, "Daddy I got a 95" or something to that effect. I am so proud of her being so super smart, and having the smarts to be so concerned about doing well in school, all Sarah's teachers love her. They always have thee best comments about her friendly, helpful attitude in class. And now Sarah often helps her two youngest brothers with their homework's from time to time.
Now here's a special blessed quality that I know our Blessed Mother and our Dear Lord receive full credit for. Sarah loves Jesus so very much. She isn't all rah rah rah, get on the blog train like her daddy yet. I am trying to encourage her writing ability, she is really good at her creative writing skills, maybe one day she'll have a blog to share. But me and Fr. Mullally see her devout faithful ways every Sunday. I sometimes really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit around her when I see her praying at Mass. And I can see she is getting like me, Sarah really knows the Mass and she follows it well; and she participates fully singing and praying. I feel so blessed that I have such a beautiful precious young lady worshiping with me every Sunday. I am so proud of her, and I love her so much. No matter what she ever does, any challenges or bad decisions she ever makes, I shall always love her, comfort her and take care of her. She's my little girl, she'll always be precious in my eye, till the day I die, period. On a laughable note: I told her, "In another 35 years when you go on your first date, I'll have to do a background check and a full DNA test on this guy. Then after a full years of investigation we'll vote on whether or not you guys can go out." LOL. She's like, WHAT !!!!. Just kidding, but nobody better hurt her, or I will be there worst nightmare, and that's putting it very mild and Christian like. LOL, but meeting a nice Christian boy at St. Patrick's now that's what I'm talking about.
Today I salute you: SARAH ANN DACEY
My dear precious Pickles !!!!
Unconditional Love To All that I love !!!!
I love you with all my heart.
And Yes I love your brothers just as much as I love you.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Dedication Days - Sarah Ann, My Pickles
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Dedication Days
Hello Everyone,
This young lady don't always need an introduction; most everybody who knows me know my daughter Sarah Ann. I was originally going to honor my immediate family a little later into these Dedication Days. But after these past few days of listening to a very powerful dads and daughter talks on Focus on The Family, I knew the time for Sarah was now. Obviously as stated, she is my daughter, my only daughter who is amongst and directly in the center of four brothers. Yes Sarah has her hands full indeed, and Yes as you guessed she is daddies little girl. I am wrapped around her little pinkie and a her bright smile. Back when Sarah was born on 12/14/92, Chrissy and I were both in glory to see a little girl appear on the scene after already having two sons. Not too much long after Sarah Ann's birth I gave a very special name, a name to this day I still call her. Sarah Ann is my "Pickles", and for the most part, no one really ever asked how I came up with that. But lately she and others have been curious. So here is the shorty to the long version. Sarah is very special to me, so I wanted her to understand my insanity in ways I think best, with my stomach. LOL. You can stop laughing now. Ok, see on a hamburger (vege burger for me) what's the best part of it? The Pickles of cause. All hamburgers are the same, until you add the pickles, and then WHAM, the sandwich becomes very special. To me.. LOL
Sometimes I think, she thinks, she doesn't get all the attention, I think that she thinks she deserves. (Wow, I almost couldn't follow that myself. lol). But, on the contrary I think sometimes she gets way more than everyone else in our house and in our family. Back when she was a toddler and we were living in the center of the town of Milford. She was in preschool and her brothers were in Delaware Valley Elementary School. Well because of Sarah's very long (never cut) very bleach blond beautiful hair; everyone in Milford, and Delaware Valley School knew Sarah. No matter where we went, we'd hear kids yell, "Hello SARAH DACEY", and did she ever eat up all that attention, what a ham she can be. Of cause another quality Sarah has, is a super special one that is one of being extremely out going. She takes after me. She initiates friendships and strangers (those who aren't her friends yet) like I do; she usually gives a hardy "hello" of "hi" and it's always accompanied by a huge, very happy smile. Her smiles are contagious. And what's really cool, is that they are even contagious back to her. If she gets mad, and who would ever think a 17 year old girl in a house of four brothers could ever get mad. LOL. Well my secret weapon to help break down that wall is, smile and smile and smile at her. Eventually she says "stop" in a laughing voice and, then all of a sudden she is smiling, and then I usually get a hug. Very cool. It's my secret weapon to help break her from an angry stressful moment, to a happy go lucky one. Please don't tell her.
I'm not done yet, so much to share, so much to tell everyone. Just a quick note about her grades. Incredible !! In the past when she was younger, she had some challenges in reading and math. So we got her involved with some programs to assist her and at home Chrissy and I helped her with her reading and math skills one on one every night. She wasn't happy doing all this school work beyond her usual homework, so she'd give us a hard time. But she did what we asked. And in time she became very smart. A true quality that she has worked very hard for and achieved indeed. Now her grades shine, and it sometimes appears that she doesn't even have to study as much and as hard as she use to. But from time to time she'd tell everyone, "I'm going up to my room to study for a test I have tomorrow." That way no one would bother her. And the next day or two she'd be telling me, "Daddy I got a 95" or something to that effect. I am so proud of her being so super smart, and having the smarts to be so concerned about doing well in school, all Sarah's teachers love her. They always have thee best comments about her friendly, helpful attitude in class. And now Sarah often helps her two youngest brothers with their homework's from time to time.
Now here's a special blessed quality that I know our Blessed Mother and our Dear Lord receive full credit for. Sarah loves Jesus so very much. She isn't all rah rah rah, get on the blog train like her daddy yet
Today I salute you: SARAH ANN DACEY
My dear precious Pickles !!!!
Unconditional Love To All that I love !!!!
I love you with all my heart.
And Yes I love your brothers just as much as I love you.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Friday, April 16, 2010
Suffering Has Saved Many
Beads of Joy 04-16-10
Suffering Has Saved Many
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
There are many who often wonder why Christians for example embrace pain and suffering. It's actually a really simple thing to understand once you understand the wisdom in it. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "Though pain never turns into a pleasure, a pleasure can turn into a pain." Think about that. You can see that transition is so true. Tickling for example can be fun, but if overdone it becomes annoying and it almost hurts. Same with some addictions many of us have. Some of the carnal ones that begin with pleasures of sorts, but when seen in God's eye they are sin, and sin only separates us from God creating pain. Another way we can see it is like this; how many people on their death beds who were put there by the pleasures of alcohol, wild living, drug usage, and so many other things. And at the end of that long or short ride of pleasure they are knee deep in pain and suffering and maybe even dealing with the possibilities of dying at any moment. It is then that so many begin to realize the true value of their life; they see that it is fragile, limited and our actions will indeed determine our future. So many turn to God at that point.
Another insight to all this is best understood by keeping our sights fixed on the next life we are going to be with Jesus after we leave this world, again Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "The Divine Plan is to have real joys in the next life." So our suffering here is but temporary. Now we do know that suffering doesn't always have to be only physical; we can have emotional suffering, mental suffering. Our bodies can experience so much on so many different levels. We need to be in the humility of our hearts to find the joy in having a life of suffering and pain. I will say that for many years we as a family have been faced with many endless, almost relentless attacks from satan on our family. Ever single turn we made, every single step we took, there was a battle for survival. We never gave up, but I can say that I at least began to take it for what it was worth. I know that in all things Jesus has His plan for us in our lives; it doesn't matter what we see or think, for He has the plan, we just need to trust in His will for us. I told my dear friend Al Picogna, I surrender to the suffering and I offer it all up for God's glory. I will allow it to defeat me, so that in that defeat I offer it all up to God's glory, and that turned it around for my defeat against it.
It is said by the American Poet, Franz Werfel "Sickness invites us to heaven or to hell." You see it is because our pain draws us back into ourselves our focus is no longer outside ourselves; and by doing so we will either become so focused on our own selfishness that nothing else will matter and we will be in hell, or it will turn us over to God and heaven will be our destiny. There is much to think about when we are are suffering. Jesus immediately recognized the eternal value of suffering. Let's take a look at John's gospel, "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3. We must embrace the pain and suffering, I know it's always so easy to tell people to do that; but we need to in order that we, you, us, might have the work of God shine through us.
The Question many ask though it's simple is, "What did I do to deserve this?" Why is it we first arrogantly blame God, when instead we should be praying for and thanking God for this suffering. We sometimes in our lives need to be knocked off our horse and land straight on our face in order for us to wake up. Yes it will hurt, but in the end we will realize that we can't control the horse like we thought we could, so we gain a different respect the next time, and heed caution in times of danger we are well aware of that can come. We must be grateful for our suffering, always seek out answers in God's word, "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16. I pray that all of us in our own personal sufferings can find a place to love, honor and worship Jesus in thanksgiving for such a blessing.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Suffering Has Saved Many
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
There are many who often wonder why Christians for example embrace pain and suffering. It's actually a really simple thing to understand once you understand the wisdom in it. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "Though pain never turns into a pleasure, a pleasure can turn into a pain." Think about that. You can see that transition is so true. Tickling for example can be fun, but if overdone it becomes annoying and it almost hurts. Same with some addictions many of us have. Some of the carnal ones that begin with pleasures of sorts, but when seen in God's eye they are sin, and sin only separates us from God creating pain. Another way we can see it is like this; how many people on their death beds who were put there by the pleasures of alcohol, wild living, drug usage, and so many other things. And at the end of that long or short ride of pleasure they are knee deep in pain and suffering and maybe even dealing with the possibilities of dying at any moment. It is then that so many begin to realize the true value of their life; they see that it is fragile, limited and our actions will indeed determine our future. So many turn to God at that point.
Another insight to all this is best understood by keeping our sights fixed on the next life we are going to be with Jesus after we leave this world, again Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "The Divine Plan is to have real joys in the next life." So our suffering here is but temporary. Now we do know that suffering doesn't always have to be only physical; we can have emotional suffering, mental suffering. Our bodies can experience so much on so many different levels. We need to be in the humility of our hearts to find the joy in having a life of suffering and pain. I will say that for many years we as a family have been faced with many endless, almost relentless attacks from satan on our family. Ever single turn we made, every single step we took, there was a battle for survival. We never gave up, but I can say that I at least began to take it for what it was worth. I know that in all things Jesus has His plan for us in our lives; it doesn't matter what we see or think, for He has the plan, we just need to trust in His will for us. I told my dear friend Al Picogna, I surrender to the suffering and I offer it all up for God's glory. I will allow it to defeat me, so that in that defeat I offer it all up to God's glory, and that turned it around for my defeat against it.
It is said by the American Poet, Franz Werfel "Sickness invites us to heaven or to hell." You see it is because our pain draws us back into ourselves our focus is no longer outside ourselves; and by doing so we will either become so focused on our own selfishness that nothing else will matter and we will be in hell, or it will turn us over to God and heaven will be our destiny. There is much to think about when we are are suffering. Jesus immediately recognized the eternal value of suffering. Let's take a look at John's gospel, "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3. We must embrace the pain and suffering, I know it's always so easy to tell people to do that; but we need to in order that we, you, us, might have the work of God shine through us.
The Question many ask though it's simple is, "What did I do to deserve this?" Why is it we first arrogantly blame God, when instead we should be praying for and thanking God for this suffering. We sometimes in our lives need to be knocked off our horse and land straight on our face in order for us to wake up. Yes it will hurt, but in the end we will realize that we can't control the horse like we thought we could, so we gain a different respect the next time, and heed caution in times of danger we are well aware of that can come. We must be grateful for our suffering, always seek out answers in God's word, "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16. I pray that all of us in our own personal sufferings can find a place to love, honor and worship Jesus in thanksgiving for such a blessing.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Thursday, April 15, 2010
A Very Clever Strategy
Beads of Joy 04-15-10
A Very Clever Strategy
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
Many may think that they are smarter, quicker, and even more intelligent than satan. And yet all of us still sin regardless of how smart we may think we are, why is that? One thing many don't understand about satan is this; the enemy always knows when we are weakest. A most clever strategy to attack and to offer temptations; when we are the weakest and most vulnerable to give in. He is as destructive and as horrible as he is because he does plan and plot to destroy us everyday; plus he hates and despises God and Jesus. So our faith only angers him more. Remember this, satan never sleeps, and he only seeks to draw us away fom God, even just instilling doubt into our hearts is enough to keep us from God. It is said that satan intently sits and stares down at our armor waiting; patiently waiting for that slight open space, waiting for that opportunity to jab us with his claws. Satan will appear in ways that will deceive us even more unless we stay alert, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14, we must stay alert.
Let us keep in mind that dealing with temptation is critically connected to how we deal with sin. I see it this way, if we are not so attentive and aware of the subtleties of temptation; then we will be that way with the sin that will follow. Everything about satan is evil; he does not follow any rules, and he has no concerns for our well being. His only concern is to deceive, mislead and to destroy us; and to do whatever it'll take to keep us from Jesus. God sent His only Son with a purpose, "He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." 1 John 3:8. We must know the enemy, we must know how he gets things done to destroy us, we must be prepared at all times. I believe our first line of defense is awareness. We must know when he places those subtle harmless looks, thoughts, ideas, or anything that will destroy us in front of us. Not one person in this world is shielded from the taunting satan will do to everyone of us. Remember even Jesus was tempted three times by satan in the hopes to mislead and destroy God's Son. Stay alert, that's the best advise in the world we live in.
Selfishness and pride and instant gratification are extremely useful tools, that the devil uses against us often. He will be relentless and he will persist. Satan more than anybody knows the power that is in the cross. He knows he must keep us from embracing the pain and suffering we will endure along the way. He wants us to collapse inside, he wants us to seek comfort and pleasure. Sometimes it only takes, one look, one word, one glance and BAM we are hooked; and we are about to be reeled into the clutches of satan to be devoured by him. We must stay alert at all times, never putting our guard down. The slightest flinch of our weakness appearing is all it'll take for satan and he'll send out his sword of deception and trap and destroy us. But there is joy in all this, for God's word says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3
Don't be scared of temptation, it'll happen daily in all our lives regardless, instead be alert and ready at every turn for it to come full force at you. We can easily be blinded by our own selfish desires thinking they are harmless; that is all part of the deceit. Satan knows once you're hooked and you've convinced yourself that it's not all that bad; then he's got you. And an important side note is, please don't try to be so brazen that you want to walk on the edge of the cliff thinking, "Oh how clever I am, I can easily defeat satan in his evil ways." You are a fool if you believe you will not fall off the cliff and straight into the arms of your sin, the temptation and the subtleties of that temptation, the look, the word, the glance. But there is hope, in what we are tempted by, we should and could handle it by God's grace, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Resist and flee, RUN, and do not look back.
The message today is clear: Be Alert
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
A Very Clever Strategy
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
Many may think that they are smarter, quicker, and even more intelligent than satan. And yet all of us still sin regardless of how smart we may think we are, why is that? One thing many don't understand about satan is this; the enemy always knows when we are weakest. A most clever strategy to attack and to offer temptations; when we are the weakest and most vulnerable to give in. He is as destructive and as horrible as he is because he does plan and plot to destroy us everyday; plus he hates and despises God and Jesus. So our faith only angers him more. Remember this, satan never sleeps, and he only seeks to draw us away fom God, even just instilling doubt into our hearts is enough to keep us from God. It is said that satan intently sits and stares down at our armor waiting; patiently waiting for that slight open space, waiting for that opportunity to jab us with his claws. Satan will appear in ways that will deceive us even more unless we stay alert, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14, we must stay alert.
Let us keep in mind that dealing with temptation is critically connected to how we deal with sin. I see it this way, if we are not so attentive and aware of the subtleties of temptation; then we will be that way with the sin that will follow. Everything about satan is evil; he does not follow any rules, and he has no concerns for our well being. His only concern is to deceive, mislead and to destroy us; and to do whatever it'll take to keep us from Jesus. God sent His only Son with a purpose, "He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." 1 John 3:8. We must know the enemy, we must know how he gets things done to destroy us, we must be prepared at all times. I believe our first line of defense is awareness. We must know when he places those subtle harmless looks, thoughts, ideas, or anything that will destroy us in front of us. Not one person in this world is shielded from the taunting satan will do to everyone of us. Remember even Jesus was tempted three times by satan in the hopes to mislead and destroy God's Son. Stay alert, that's the best advise in the world we live in.
Selfishness and pride and instant gratification are extremely useful tools, that the devil uses against us often. He will be relentless and he will persist. Satan more than anybody knows the power that is in the cross. He knows he must keep us from embracing the pain and suffering we will endure along the way. He wants us to collapse inside, he wants us to seek comfort and pleasure. Sometimes it only takes, one look, one word, one glance and BAM we are hooked; and we are about to be reeled into the clutches of satan to be devoured by him. We must stay alert at all times, never putting our guard down. The slightest flinch of our weakness appearing is all it'll take for satan and he'll send out his sword of deception and trap and destroy us. But there is joy in all this, for God's word says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3
Don't be scared of temptation, it'll happen daily in all our lives regardless, instead be alert and ready at every turn for it to come full force at you. We can easily be blinded by our own selfish desires thinking they are harmless; that is all part of the deceit. Satan knows once you're hooked and you've convinced yourself that it's not all that bad; then he's got you. And an important side note is, please don't try to be so brazen that you want to walk on the edge of the cliff thinking, "Oh how clever I am, I can easily defeat satan in his evil ways." You are a fool if you believe you will not fall off the cliff and straight into the arms of your sin, the temptation and the subtleties of that temptation, the look, the word, the glance. But there is hope, in what we are tempted by, we should and could handle it by God's grace, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Resist and flee, RUN, and do not look back.
The message today is clear: Be Alert
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Light Came Into The World
Beads of Joy 04-14-10
Light Came Into The World
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
This has been a week of understanding our born again life in Jesus. Today's gospel has one of the most popular verses in scripture. Today we are reading and reflecting on John 3:16-21 (The Measure of God's Love). "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. What do we love in this life? Can we ever love God so much as He has loved us? There is so much to think about. Questions race through my head as I read on here. Does God take absolute first place in our lives? Is God's act of love so touching in our lives that we can't help but love His Son? or Do we feel like we may have been forced in this choice because of what God has done, by our guilt? God has a purpose for everything He does for us, but in this act of love, it was purely His love for us that led to this. I do not know the heart and mind of God, but scripture says, "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well." 1 John 5:1.
How can we incorporate such a meaningful way to live our lives? If God has offered up His Son, and Jesus willingly died for our sins; what then in this life can we do in return to show our love for God the Father and God the Son. I think a life lived like the life that was given for us, is a great place to start, God the Father and Jesus the Son were humble and sacrificial in their love for us, sinners. Our lives need not be centered on ourselves, but rather on the hearts of others, doing all we can to help one another; that along with a foundation of deep, sincere, devout love for God the Father and Jesus the Son would truly make for a life full of Joy. Can we place Jesus first in our life? Would we willingly do all we had to do, to make sure our love for Him took precedence in all the choices we made? Still so many questions, so many thoughts, hoping and praying that so many of us do just that; put Jesus first and foremost in your ever thought.
Let us look at some very inspiring, uplifting scriptures. I really hope and pray that you spend time in God's Word. It is through God's Word that the Joy inside my pours out of my heart onto these blogs. Please take the time to read, meditate, and pray using the word of God as your guide. Enjoy these scriptures:"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:38-40. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16
God Loves Us Indeed.
For God knows our hearts
He is the creator of us all,
He molded our minds and knows
Why Jesus had to take the fall.
His Son was the sacrifice
Because of His love,
He hung on a cross and died
And then was raised above.
No one ever loved us
Like God the Father has shown,
My life my love my focus
I surrender so now He can own.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Light Came Into The World
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
This has been a week of understanding our born again life in Jesus. Today's gospel has one of the most popular verses in scripture. Today we are reading and reflecting on John 3:16-21 (The Measure of God's Love). "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. What do we love in this life? Can we ever love God so much as He has loved us? There is so much to think about. Questions race through my head as I read on here. Does God take absolute first place in our lives? Is God's act of love so touching in our lives that we can't help but love His Son? or Do we feel like we may have been forced in this choice because of what God has done, by our guilt? God has a purpose for everything He does for us, but in this act of love, it was purely His love for us that led to this. I do not know the heart and mind of God, but scripture says, "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well." 1 John 5:1.
How can we incorporate such a meaningful way to live our lives? If God has offered up His Son, and Jesus willingly died for our sins; what then in this life can we do in return to show our love for God the Father and God the Son. I think a life lived like the life that was given for us, is a great place to start, God the Father and Jesus the Son were humble and sacrificial in their love for us, sinners. Our lives need not be centered on ourselves, but rather on the hearts of others, doing all we can to help one another; that along with a foundation of deep, sincere, devout love for God the Father and Jesus the Son would truly make for a life full of Joy. Can we place Jesus first in our life? Would we willingly do all we had to do, to make sure our love for Him took precedence in all the choices we made? Still so many questions, so many thoughts, hoping and praying that so many of us do just that; put Jesus first and foremost in your ever thought.
Let us look at some very inspiring, uplifting scriptures. I really hope and pray that you spend time in God's Word. It is through God's Word that the Joy inside my pours out of my heart onto these blogs. Please take the time to read, meditate, and pray using the word of God as your guide. Enjoy these scriptures:"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:38-40. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16
God Loves Us Indeed.
For God knows our hearts
He is the creator of us all,
He molded our minds and knows
Why Jesus had to take the fall.
His Son was the sacrifice
Because of His love,
He hung on a cross and died
And then was raised above.
No one ever loved us
Like God the Father has shown,
My life my love my focus
I surrender so now He can own.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Power of The Cross
Beads of Joy 04-13-10
The Power of The Cross
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
How can anyone be expected to show love for us when we constantly reject them and spit in their face? Yes that was a hard sentence to begin this with, but truthful to the heart when you think about it. Jesus died for us, He took on every single sin, every single burden, including a humiliating painful death; and He took it from us, so that through Him we might attain eternal life. My friends, Jesus Christ LOVES us so much. The power that is on that cross is beyond the power of anything, and everyone in this entire world. Almighty God has placed His only Son on a cross to save us, why would anybody do that? It's because He loves us so much. God who is love, who is life, who creates life, who has made male and female in His own image; took His only Son and had Him beaten almost to death, then humiliated and spit upon in order to save all of us from our death; so that we can be with Him for all eternity. It is through Jesus' death on that cross that we can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We must do all we can in this life to make sure to the best of our ability, that we indeed spend eternity with Him. A huge price has been paid for our salvation. A man, a man of God was put in our place, to die for us.
The world we live in will deceive us, it will mislead us; it will do all it can make sure that we do not spend eternity in Heaven. We must love Jesus before we can love or even forgive anyone else in our lives. This life was never meant to be lived so freely, so safe that getting to Heaven would be such a breeze. On the contrary, satan has been given power of the earth and he has become a master of deceit and destruction. He will make us not believe things that we question. Think of satan as a parasite. Yes a parasite, very small, very unnoticed, yet very destructive over time. Little by little we have doubts, we have questions, we're not sure, life seems like it's going to go one forever. We can always ask for forgiveness, we're not hurting anybody, and we can go on and on. Time to remove the parasites, the poison, the lies; and it's time to stay true to God. It's not going to be easy, we will suffer with Jesus, we will at times feel uncomfortable. But in time and with God's grace we will prevail and we will defeat all that is evil while we are here.
We need to know that our addicts are the devil's greatest weapon against us, along with our attitude that we carry with them. Many people think, myself included, "I'm not hurting anybody, and besides it's not a public thing, I'm home." Meanwhile our lives, our souls, our hearts, and our families are being destroyed from within. Seeds of lies and deceit are filling us with all the acceptable reasons and excuses we give ourselves so that we can continue sinning. Yesterday's gospel is part of today's. How can we be reborn when we are old? How is that possible? How can we change? How can we be any different than the person we have always been? How Lord ??!!! What must I do to inherit eternal life? If I am to be reborn, what should be my first step, how do I know I am reborn in the spirit? My heart and soul scream up to Heaven in a crying, sobbing voice, begging Jesus to guide me, to show me, to almost carry me. I can't do this alone, I am so weak, and my weakness comes from my inability to stop my addiction. Satan has me in a strangle hold and he keeps stabbing and jabbing my heart with his anger towards God. Please Lord, help me break free from this bondage, help me never be squeezed in the hands of satan ever again.
It is only by your love for me Lord that I can break free from this pain. It is only by your death, a horrible, painful, humiliating death on a cross that I will be set free from the strong hold of such an evil being as satan. It is only by my love given back to you and telling and showing others how much I love you. It is only by my humiliation on my knees before the cross begging for your forgiveness of the horrible pain I have inflicted upon you with my sins. I must die to my old self, I must never return to that old wretched miserable, sinful person, I once was. I must turn away and never return to the vomit of my life. Jesus you alone, no one else must remain my only central focus, nothing can or should ever come before you. We all know that life doesn't always make sense. Each day we experience, pain, suffering, joy, loneliness, happiness, no understanding as to why. Then we look around and we see Jesus and in many ways it all makes sense. We must look at Him first, then everything else makes sense. There is so much power in the cross. Don't be afraid to embrace your cross.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
The Power of The Cross
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
How can anyone be expected to show love for us when we constantly reject them and spit in their face? Yes that was a hard sentence to begin this with, but truthful to the heart when you think about it. Jesus died for us, He took on every single sin, every single burden, including a humiliating painful death; and He took it from us, so that through Him we might attain eternal life. My friends, Jesus Christ LOVES us so much. The power that is on that cross is beyond the power of anything, and everyone in this entire world. Almighty God has placed His only Son on a cross to save us, why would anybody do that? It's because He loves us so much. God who is love, who is life, who creates life, who has made male and female in His own image; took His only Son and had Him beaten almost to death, then humiliated and spit upon in order to save all of us from our death; so that we can be with Him for all eternity. It is through Jesus' death on that cross that we can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We must do all we can in this life to make sure to the best of our ability, that we indeed spend eternity with Him. A huge price has been paid for our salvation. A man, a man of God was put in our place, to die for us.
The world we live in will deceive us, it will mislead us; it will do all it can make sure that we do not spend eternity in Heaven. We must love Jesus before we can love or even forgive anyone else in our lives. This life was never meant to be lived so freely, so safe that getting to Heaven would be such a breeze. On the contrary, satan has been given power of the earth and he has become a master of deceit and destruction. He will make us not believe things that we question. Think of satan as a parasite. Yes a parasite, very small, very unnoticed, yet very destructive over time. Little by little we have doubts, we have questions, we're not sure, life seems like it's going to go one forever. We can always ask for forgiveness, we're not hurting anybody, and we can go on and on. Time to remove the parasites, the poison, the lies; and it's time to stay true to God. It's not going to be easy, we will suffer with Jesus, we will at times feel uncomfortable. But in time and with God's grace we will prevail and we will defeat all that is evil while we are here.
We need to know that our addicts are the devil's greatest weapon against us, along with our attitude that we carry with them. Many people think, myself included, "I'm not hurting anybody, and besides it's not a public thing, I'm home." Meanwhile our lives, our souls, our hearts, and our families are being destroyed from within. Seeds of lies and deceit are filling us with all the acceptable reasons and excuses we give ourselves so that we can continue sinning. Yesterday's gospel is part of today's. How can we be reborn when we are old? How is that possible? How can we change? How can we be any different than the person we have always been? How Lord ??!!! What must I do to inherit eternal life? If I am to be reborn, what should be my first step, how do I know I am reborn in the spirit? My heart and soul scream up to Heaven in a crying, sobbing voice, begging Jesus to guide me, to show me, to almost carry me. I can't do this alone, I am so weak, and my weakness comes from my inability to stop my addiction. Satan has me in a strangle hold and he keeps stabbing and jabbing my heart with his anger towards God. Please Lord, help me break free from this bondage, help me never be squeezed in the hands of satan ever again.
It is only by your love for me Lord that I can break free from this pain. It is only by your death, a horrible, painful, humiliating death on a cross that I will be set free from the strong hold of such an evil being as satan. It is only by my love given back to you and telling and showing others how much I love you. It is only by my humiliation on my knees before the cross begging for your forgiveness of the horrible pain I have inflicted upon you with my sins. I must die to my old self, I must never return to that old wretched miserable, sinful person, I once was. I must turn away and never return to the vomit of my life. Jesus you alone, no one else must remain my only central focus, nothing can or should ever come before you. We all know that life doesn't always make sense. Each day we experience, pain, suffering, joy, loneliness, happiness, no understanding as to why. Then we look around and we see Jesus and in many ways it all makes sense. We must look at Him first, then everything else makes sense. There is so much power in the cross. Don't be afraid to embrace your cross.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
Monday, April 12, 2010
You Must Be Born A New
Beads of Joy 04-12-10
You Must Be Born A New
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
What a absolutely exciting gospel today is. It is in this gospel reading that Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews questions Jesus. Today we are reading John 3:1-8 (Nicodemus Questions Jesus). Even though Nicodemus was from the opposing side of Jesus' teaching and tended to stay on the side of the Pharisees; there was something about Jesus that Nicodemus was drawn to. He could not grasp this new birth in the spirit, he wanted to understand, but could not. He also tried to make sure Jesus would get a fair trial, and he also helped bury Jesus with some sort of dignity. I guess we might say, he was one of the first defenders of our Lord. So much wisdom is in the "born again" thought as to how Jesus was explaining all this to Nicodemus. We need to be students of Jesus like Nicodemus was so trying to be. I think if time was there and Jesus was only imprisoned, Nicodemus in the long run would have defended Jesus more openly. But then in God's will Jesus had to die, so the timing was set perfect in God's will, not our own earthly compassionate one.
Born again in the Spirit. Now how do you see that statement in your own life? We all must experience it in some form, in order for us to be able to claim it in our own lives. It doesn't have to be dramatic, or anything super natural. Sometimes just the experience of having our eyes wide open, to what Jesus Christ has done for us through his death, is enough to change us and draw us closer to Him. This new birth isn't like putting on a new shirt, or changing our hair color; this all goes way beyond all that. This new birth means, "I don't even recognize me anymore." in a good way. Our old ways, our sinful habits that offend our Lord, our disrespect for Him on Sunday by making no time to be with Him, all that is gone. The new you only wants to love Him, honor Him and serve Him, and you will think about Him constantly. I don't know what true born again means by their definition; but as for me I can say my whole life got turned upside down and I openly, very willingly embraced it, and I was and am who I am today because of it. The old me is gone, done, buried and dead forever. The new me is born with Jesus at the center of my every thought, my every action.
It is through this very experience that my life has embraced the Joy that God has pumped into my life, my heart and my soul and straight into my blood stream. A joy that only God can give anyone who will openly receive Him. On a personal note about the "change" I have experienced is mind boggling. I do mean that "mind boggling", I never got trapped in a worldly life of drinking, or drugs or anything that would physically hurt me or those I love; but before Jesus, that B.C. part of my life. The B.C. for me was the Before Christ years. Jesus was there, He always was, I just never seen Him. I never realized He was there till I got past the B.C. part of my life and I looked back. Sometimes the most important things, the most important people, the most important facts, stare us right in the face and we don't flinch because we don't see it. Maybe it's because we don't know what to look for, or we just don't know we are suppose to be looking for it. I don't know, either way, in my life, it wasn't until I allowed my old self to die; so that the new me in Christ was able to come to life, and lead me to Jesus. To be truly born again, we must die to that old self we are before we embrace Jesus.
All things are possible my friends. Like I was starting to say, I am grateful that I was never got into anything that would physically kill me. But in all honesty, my desires and my habits revolved around myself, way more than I care to admit. Talk about being arrogant and proud, that was me. Yes I was kind, and friendly, even respectful, but all I use to think about was my own success. My own pride, and how was I going to look before everyone only mattered; my clothes needed to look new, and my cars had to be sharp, and of cause my pockets had to always be filled with cash to flash. A lot of it was phony, a lot of it was a show so that I got the respect and the wows I urned for. That sounds crazy I know, but let me tell you, pride demands a lot of praise every single day. I use to wash and clean my car every day (I use to be at my dads shop most everyday, so I could, many use to tell me I was crazy obsessed with it). Those cars of the past, meant a lot to me, they were an extension of my pride. This is sick I know. But see how we need to be born again, out with the old me and in with the new me. I pray that you experience that true born again feeling that wipes the slate clean in your life and before God; giving you a super fresh feeling of wanting and desiring only to love Him, honor Him and to serve Him for the rest of your life.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
You Must Be Born A New
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,
What a absolutely exciting gospel today is. It is in this gospel reading that Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews questions Jesus. Today we are reading John 3:1-8 (Nicodemus Questions Jesus). Even though Nicodemus was from the opposing side of Jesus' teaching and tended to stay on the side of the Pharisees; there was something about Jesus that Nicodemus was drawn to. He could not grasp this new birth in the spirit, he wanted to understand, but could not. He also tried to make sure Jesus would get a fair trial, and he also helped bury Jesus with some sort of dignity. I guess we might say, he was one of the first defenders of our Lord. So much wisdom is in the "born again" thought as to how Jesus was explaining all this to Nicodemus. We need to be students of Jesus like Nicodemus was so trying to be. I think if time was there and Jesus was only imprisoned, Nicodemus in the long run would have defended Jesus more openly. But then in God's will Jesus had to die, so the timing was set perfect in God's will, not our own earthly compassionate one.
Born again in the Spirit. Now how do you see that statement in your own life? We all must experience it in some form, in order for us to be able to claim it in our own lives. It doesn't have to be dramatic, or anything super natural. Sometimes just the experience of having our eyes wide open, to what Jesus Christ has done for us through his death, is enough to change us and draw us closer to Him. This new birth isn't like putting on a new shirt, or changing our hair color; this all goes way beyond all that. This new birth means, "I don't even recognize me anymore." in a good way. Our old ways, our sinful habits that offend our Lord, our disrespect for Him on Sunday by making no time to be with Him, all that is gone. The new you only wants to love Him, honor Him and serve Him, and you will think about Him constantly. I don't know what true born again means by their definition; but as for me I can say my whole life got turned upside down and I openly, very willingly embraced it, and I was and am who I am today because of it. The old me is gone, done, buried and dead forever. The new me is born with Jesus at the center of my every thought, my every action.
It is through this very experience that my life has embraced the Joy that God has pumped into my life, my heart and my soul and straight into my blood stream. A joy that only God can give anyone who will openly receive Him. On a personal note about the "change" I have experienced is mind boggling. I do mean that "mind boggling", I never got trapped in a worldly life of drinking, or drugs or anything that would physically hurt me or those I love; but before Jesus, that B.C. part of my life. The B.C. for me was the Before Christ years. Jesus was there, He always was, I just never seen Him. I never realized He was there till I got past the B.C. part of my life and I looked back. Sometimes the most important things, the most important people, the most important facts, stare us right in the face and we don't flinch because we don't see it. Maybe it's because we don't know what to look for, or we just don't know we are suppose to be looking for it. I don't know, either way, in my life, it wasn't until I allowed my old self to die; so that the new me in Christ was able to come to life, and lead me to Jesus. To be truly born again, we must die to that old self we are before we embrace Jesus.
All things are possible my friends. Like I was starting to say, I am grateful that I was never got into anything that would physically kill me. But in all honesty, my desires and my habits revolved around myself, way more than I care to admit. Talk about being arrogant and proud, that was me. Yes I was kind, and friendly, even respectful, but all I use to think about was my own success. My own pride, and how was I going to look before everyone only mattered; my clothes needed to look new, and my cars had to be sharp, and of cause my pockets had to always be filled with cash to flash. A lot of it was phony, a lot of it was a show so that I got the respect and the wows I urned for. That sounds crazy I know, but let me tell you, pride demands a lot of praise every single day. I use to wash and clean my car every day (I use to be at my dads shop most everyday, so I could, many use to tell me I was crazy obsessed with it). Those cars of the past, meant a lot to me, they were an extension of my pride. This is sick I know. But see how we need to be born again, out with the old me and in with the new me. I pray that you experience that true born again feeling that wipes the slate clean in your life and before God; giving you a super fresh feeling of wanting and desiring only to love Him, honor Him and to serve Him for the rest of your life.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO
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